POV: Anakin Skywalker

I've been away for a month, meaning that about four are left...

I stayed on Tatooine for two weeks, retracing the steps of my past. It felt like walking through my childhood as I went to the area where Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan found me. Dread overwhelmed me as I neared the Tusken Raider camp, the exact spot of my mother's death, and then finally, her resting place.

Beru and Owen weren't around, so I hadn't stayed very long. I explored the planet and drank a little. The whole thing was depressing, but I tried to get my mind off of Ahsoka. I keep asking myself if this was a good choice... I was going back to Coruscant. Maybe I could get to know my daughter...

I opened my starfighter's channel to Padme's and waited. "Anakin?"

"That's me."

"Where have you been?"

"Away. Why?"

"Did you hear about the charges against you?"

"I was off-planet. What was said?"

"You took advantage of your under-aged Padawan and impregnated her. Barriss Offee is pressing charges for Ahsoka, since Ahsoka can't do it herself, apparently."

"Barriss is a good friend..." I whispered.

"Anakin... is this all true?"

"Yes."

"They've been looking for you! They're going to put you on trial and probably arrest you!"

"I'll take it as I go. Padme, I made a mistake, hurt my Padawan, and lost everything until her pregnancy has run its course."

"I don't want you anywhere near my daughter!"

"She's mine, too. Why would I do something to her? She's just a child."

"If you think about it, Ahsoka is also 'just a child.' Do not come near us or I'll get you arrested with more charges put against you. Do you understand me?"

"I understand, Padme. I won't go against your wishes."

I turned off my channel and slammed my mechanical fist onto the dashboard. I made my way for the lower parts of the city. I had formed an addiction to drinks while on Tatooine. Two weeks will do that to me, I guess. I walked into the club and immediately sensed Obi-Wan. I should probably just stay away... "Come here," Obi-Wan said. He was facing in my direction. I walked over to him and sat down. "Do you hear news on the Holonet anymore?"

"It's on the Holonet?" I almost shouted.

"Clearly, you don't..." he muttered. "Anakin, I could sense that you and Ahsoka were hiding something. Now, I couldn't get her to tell me anything, but I'm hoping you'll be honest with me."

"Nothing to tell you, Master. You already know the whole story."

He sighed. "I was hoping to hear your version of this. Anakin, I know the truth."

"And what would that be, Master?"

"You and Ahsoka formed an attachment." I closed my eyes. "Anakin, is this the truth?"

"No. Everything that I said before the Council is the truth."

He sighed. "You'll be going to prison, Anakin. Is that what you wanted?"

"No," I sighed. "But it'll keep Ahsoka safe from me if I'm locked up." We drank together a little bit – from his offer that still stood from my rescue. After a few drinks, I decided that it was time to go. I forgot about my starfighter and being intoxicated while flying was a negative, so I left it there. I'd eventually come back for it...

I began my walk through the streets and felt a cool breeze. I pulled up the hood of my robe and continued. "Anakin?"

I turned around and was pushed against a wall. Grey lips pressed against mine and little orange arms wrapped around my neck. "What – What are you doing?" I asked, pulling away.

"What does it look like?"

"It looks like you're trying to get me arrested quicker."

"I missed you, Anakin," she whispered.

"Ahsoka, we can't be seen together. Obi-Wan –"

"I know he's here. I told him the truth."

"He... he didn't believe you. He took my word..."

"Anakin, please tell him the truth. He deserves that much."

"Ahsoka, please. Stop." She kissed me again. I pushed her away. "Stop!"

She looked hurt. "I thought you loved me?"

"You hate me, Ahsoka. You told me so."

"I... I was angry. I didn't mean it."

"It doesn't matter," I began, getting increasingly irritated as the moments passed by. "I have to go before someone recognizes us."

"Where will you go?"

I stopped. "I don't have anywhere to go. I'm not allowed in the temple."

"What about Padme?"

"She won't let me near my daughter."

"I wouldn't do that to you! You have every right to see her!"

I sighed for maybe the tenth time today. She was right, but Padme's words meant more in this case. "She'll arrest me if I go near Shmi." I started to walk away, but she followed. Her hand fit into my mechanical one. I decided that maybe I was being foolish to want her to leave me. I love her and she loves me, but we really can't do this... She wouldn't be allowed to leave the temple if they found out see was seeing me again... "Ahsoka, go back to the temple, all right? Being with me will get you in trouble."

She sighed. "Master Plo is probably looking for me."

"Were you... reassigned to him?" I felt a little jealousy seep into my voice in that moment. And to think that I had been hoping she'd be reassigned...

"No. Master Plo is just taking care of me. He's like a second father to me."

I smiled. "I'm glad he's there for you." And a little jealous...

"Anakin, do you want to know what the baby is when I go back next month?"

"I'd rather be surprised. I think it's a girl."

She giggled. "We'll see in a few months, then. You will be the only person allowed in that room with me when this little one is coming."

"Really?"

"Of course. You are the father, after all."

I smiled and kissed her. My hood fell back slightly, as did hers. I heard sirens. I pulled away and saw the Coruscant police coming right for me. "I love you, but I have to go," I said quickly, running off. I put the Force into my step. Being without rank doesn't mean I'm without the Force.

I quickly evaded the police. I heard the Holonet broadcast above me. "Jedi abuser, Anakin Skywalker, has just been spotted in the lower regions of Coruscant with his Padawan. Stay on alert!"

The video of me kissing Ahsoka played. I kissed her, turned to the camera on the cop, and began running. It showed my escape.

Everyone must think I was really trying to take advantage of her...

One month later.

Padme finally let me stay with her. I was going to see my daughter! I drove over to the Senate building and headed for her room. I walked in and Shmi hugged my knees. "Daddy!"

"Hey, kiddo," I said, lifting her up. Padme entered the room and smiled.

"Mommy! Mommy! Daddy's here!" The child was full of energy. I wondered where she got that from...

Padme nodded and waited for me to put her down. "If you do anything –"

"Padme, I swear I won't hurt her." She seemed to relax after I'd been here for a week. I wouldn't hurt my daughter... My comlink began to blink while I was playing with Shmi. I pressed the button, "Skywalk –"

"Anakin, we need you back at the temple immediately."

Obi-Wan sounded frantic. "What's wrong?"

"Ahsoka has been captured by Dooku."

Padme came into the room to hear that last statement. "On my way."

I grabbed my lightsaber and Jedi robes. "Do you have to leave, daddy?"

I looked down at her and then up at Padme. "One of daddy's friends is in trouble. She needs me. Can you protect mommy while I'm gone? You'll be a hero."

"Who, daddy? I'm gonna be a hero? Daddy, can I be the Chosen One like you?"

She looked so cute. "My Padawan, Ahsoka. And yes, definitely. You can be the Chosen One. I'll give you lessons when I come back."

She jumped up and down. "I'm gonna be just like you, daddy! Love you!"

"I love you, too, baby," I whispered. I looked at Padme, who motioned toward the door. I walked over to her and hugged her. "See you later, Padme," I whispered. I turned around, "Bye, Shmi!"

It felt different calling my daughter by my mother's name. I'm kind of glad that Padme did that. I ran to the balcony and jumped off. "Anakin!" Padme screamed.

I landed directly on top of my speeder – safely. I looked up and smiled at her. She could yell at me later... It took a few minutes to get to the temple. Obi-Wan and Windu met me in the landing bay. I could feel Windu's slight hatred for me. "Anakin, last we knew, Dooku was near Mustafar. He may still be there if we hurry."

Windu spoke. "Skywalker, you and Master Kenobi will go to Mustafar."

I nodded and we made our way to a ship. "We still have a lot to talk about, Anakin..."

"I understand."

"They won't let you back in if you do something –"

"Obi-Wan, just leave it alone! You don't understand the hurt and pain I go through every single day. All you know about me is that I'm a terrible person. Well, I'm not! I care about Ahsoka. I truly do."

"I never said you were a terrible person and I know you care about her. She told me that she loves you."

I felt the tears again. I would not let them fall... I looked at Obi-Wan. My voice shook, "I love her to death and I love my child that she is carrying. I never took advantage of her. I'd never hurt her like that. I didn't want her to get in trouble, so I took the fall for us both!"

"Anakin –"

"Expel me!" I yelled. "I don't care! I just... I just want her back..."

"Listen to me. I won't expel you, Anakin. I know how you feel. You and Ahsoka are like Satine and me. I'll keep your secret if you keep mine."

"Really?" I shouldn't have questioned him...

"Certainly. You are like my little brother. I'll protect you. And just so you know, I'm... I'm going to become a father soon, too."

I laughed, "When did you have the time to make this happen?"

"About eight months ago. We –"

"Ah, right. We were on Mandalore then..."

"How far along is Ahsoka?"

"Roughly six months. Master, are you going to be with Satine when she has your..." I didn't know what he was having...

"Daughter. And yes, I'll be with her. Will you be with Ahsoka when she... has your..."

"Do you have a name picked out? Yes, I'll be with her. We decided to be surprised when our little one comes."

"Airi Kenobi. Do you have any names picked out for either gender?"

I paused. "Actually, no. Airi Kenobi sounds beautiful. How about Airi Skywalker?"

He laughed, "No, Anakin. Ask Satine for a list of names. She's brilliant."

We finally got in the ship after it was loaded with clones and artillery. The ship's coordinates were set directly for Mustafar. "I think I'll take you up on your offer," I whispered.

He nodded, "You should."

We just left Coruscant's atmosphere. My comlink began to beep. "Skywalker here."

"Anakin."

"Ahsoka? Are you all right?" My voice went from calm to complete panic.

"Don't come for me."

"What? Why?"

"It's a waste of time. You can't save me."

"I can save you, Ahsoka. I will!"

"No, Anakin. I've chosen to go with the dark side of the Force..."

I felt my jaw drop and all the clear thoughts in my head became scrambled.