Leia led them up the rocky mountain, their steps quick as they followed the coordinates indicated on the map. Finally, they stood before a towering wall of solid rock that was part of the mountain.

"It says it should be right here," Leia said, her voice filled with uncertainty. "There's no Jedi emblem or anything like that. I don't understand."

Anakin, recalling his knowledge of ancient shelters and their hidden designs, stepped closer. "Some shelters were deliberately kept extra hidden for safety reasons," he explained. "This could very well be it. We just have to find the right thing to press." He pressed his hands on the wall, feeling for any subtle indentations or mechanisms.

As his hands explored the rough surface, Anakin's fingers brushed over a small, concealed button. He pressed it, and suddenly, the rock face began to shift and rumble. Slowly, a hidden doorway revealed itself, sliding open to unveil a dark passage.

Leia's eyes widened in amazement.

"You found it!" she exclaimed, her admiration for Anakin evident in her gaze.

Anakin nodded, his expression serious.

"Let's hurry inside. That fiend could be closer than we think."

They entered the place and were surprised to find the interior was not that of a shelter but entirely different.

Anakin and Leia found themselves in the entrance of an ancient Jedi temple, hidden away from the world, its secrets preserved through countless ages.

The interior, though compact, was rich with history. Intricate carvings adorned the stone walls, depicting scenes from long-forgotten battles and revered Jedi masters. Flickering torches cast dancing shadows, illuminating the chamber in a warm, golden glow. The air was heavy with the scent of past incense, lingering from the countless ceremonies that had taken place within these hallowed halls.

Anakin's eyes widened in awe as he took in the surroundings, his breath catching at the sight of the temple's interior.

"It's an old Jedi temple," he breathed, his voice tinged with reverence. "Small, but still a temple, nonetheless."

The princess could feel something invisible had covered her thickly the moment she had entered the place.

"What is that? That feeling? Do you feel it too?" Leia asked.

"The Force," Anakin replied, his voice carrying the weight of Jedi wisdom. "The presence is strong in this place. It's the energy that binds the galaxy together, the essence of all life. The dark side and the light side are both here. You must stay close to me to keep safe from the dark side. Right now all I sense is the light."

Leia nodded, her brows furrowing in concentration as she tried to comprehend the profound sensation enveloping them.

"But the map said it was a shelter. I don't understand," she said, her voice filled with genuine confusion. "Unless I read it wrong."

Anakin placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"No. I think you probably read it perfectly, Leia. That map saying this place was a shelter was probably one of the incidents where lying out of necessity is shown. Probably intended to keep this place safe for anyone who'd want to destroy it."

A troubled furrow marred Anakin's brow, the echo of his recent encounter with the Sith tormenting his thoughts. The cryptic words the Sith had said lingered, haunting his mind like a ghostly whisper.

Was the Sith trying to sow seeds of doubt within him? If so, the sinister plan was succeeding, and Anakin couldn't shake the nagging uncertain meaning of his words.

And why, he pondered in the depths of his soul, did the Force steer him away from striking down the Sith when the chance presented itself?

What grand design was at play, guiding his actions on this mysterious journey?

Leia, perceptive as ever, sensed his inner turmoil. Her hand rested gently on his shoulder, a grounding touch in the midst of his stormy thoughts.

"What is it, Anakin?" her voice was soft, filled with genuine concern, mirroring the worry in her eyes.

"I... I just don't understand," he confessed, his words laden with the weight of his confusion, bared vulnerability giving voice to his inner turmoil. "Why am I being guided away from killing him? That Sith? What is my purpose here, in the grand design of the Force, other than protecting you?"

His frustration and bewilderment hung in the air.

Leia couldn't help but emit a short, wry laugh, her agreement echoing Anakin's sentiments. The lingering question marks surrounding their encounters with the Sith clouded both their minds, creating a puzzle neither of them could solve.

"Your guess is as good as mine, Jedi," she said, her tone laced with a mix of amusement and uncertainty. "Beats me, but I'm glad I have you around."

Her words carried a subtle undercurrent of gratitude for his presence, a silent acknowledgment of the comfort she found in his companionship.

Yet, within the recesses of her mind, a voice whispered, urging her to delve deeper into the mysteries of their situation. It was an insistent voice, one that seemed to resonate from the very essence of her being, guiding her thoughts toward the frightening Sith they had narrowly escaped.

To help you face him alone.

Such a suggestion must be a trick of the dark side. She reasoned.

She figured perhaps some of the dark side in the temple had reached her mind.

Leia shook her head, attempting to dispel the absurd notion.

Anakin's eyes, previously lost in thought and glued to the floor, suddenly widened as he noticed the intricate artwork displayed on the ground beneath them, along with ancient Jedi writings etched into the stone.

"Hey, look," he said, his voice filled with awe and excitement, gesturing with his hand toward the artwork.

Leia followed his gaze, her eyes widening in wonder as she took in the detailed images and the elegant Jedi script interwoven with the designs.

"The artwork on the ground acts as a guide," Anakin explained, his tone resonating with reverence. "One side shows the path for training, where a Jedi can face both the light side and the dark side of the Force. The other path leads to where one can rest and be fed in the temple, a place for the Jedi's home."

He took a few steps and leaned down, his finger tracing the ancient Jedi writings pointing to the training area, his voice steady as he translated the words for Leia.

"It says, 'A Jedi must learn to resist the dark side and face it when necessary. Only by confronting the temptations of weakness can one truly embrace the light."

Leia nodded, taking in the meaning behind the words.

"So, it's about facing one's own darkness, own fears, and overcoming them. Only then can someone truly become a Jedi?"

"Yes, that's exactly it," Anakin replied, his eyes filled with conviction. He stood up, a glimmer of determination in his gaze. "Facing the shadows. What do you say? Join me as I face mine? I know we're safe now from that Sith. There's no way he'll find us here."

Anakin extended his hand, a genuine smile gracing his lips. Leia met his eyes and took his hand without hesitation, her grip firm and resolute.

"As long as you don't ask me to face mine," She joked, trying to lighten the moment amidst the seriousness of their surroundings.

Together, hand in hand, they continued their journey. Anakin led the way, his steps purposeful, and Leia followed closely behind him, her trust in him unwavering. They entered a vast chamber where the ground was a canvas of black and light swirls, one side bathed in brilliant light and the other shrouded in impenetrable darkness. The room seemed to hum with the power of the Force, and Leia felt a mixture of awe and reverance.

After reading the ancient Jedi writing on the ground, Anakin turned to Leia, his face filled with eager anticipation.

"It's just as I thought," Anakin said with a smile, his eyes shining with excitement.

"The markings on the ground indicate where the light side and the dark side are. The whiter the light side is depicted, the thicker the presence of the light side."

Leia nodded in understanding, piecing the information together.

"And the darker the dark side of the floor is, the stronger the presence of the dark side there?"

"Exactly," Anakin confirmed, pleased with Leia's quick grasp of the concept. "Thankfully, there is that large path on the ground between either side where observers won't be affected by the light or dark side. You can sit or stand there to watch me train if you'd like."

Leia's unease deepened as she looked at Anakin, her concern etched across her face.

"But Anakin, you seem so eager to face the dark side, to confront whatever challenges it throws at you. Aren't you afraid of what you might see? Or what I might see? I wouldn't want anyone to witness the things I've got hidden away in my closet," Leia said, her voice tinged with worry.

Anakin's grin softened, understanding her concerns. He reached out and gently touched her shoulder.

"M'lady, I assure you, I only plan to tread where the dark side is a mere fraction of its power. I wouldn't dare expose you to anything hideous or dangerous. The challenges I'll face there should be nothing too difficult for me to handle."

Anakin bore the weight of guilt in his heart, haunted by certain deeds he had committed and the times he had succumbed to the dark side. His eagerness to confront the darkness stemmed from a desperate need to fortify himself against his own weaknesses, hoping to prevent further stains on his conscience.

Leia let out a relieved breath at Anakin's words. He took a few steps, approaching the path devoid of the distinct markings of the light and dark side. With a warm look, he invited her to join him, and Leia followed willingly. Anakin halted in the space where the influence of both the light and dark side was the least potent should he step on either side.

"Let's see what happens when I step into the light side first, shall we?" Anakin asked Leia, glancing over his shoulder with a playful smirk.

"Should be interesting," Leia mused, her eyes reflecting the same curiosity that danced in Anakin's.

Taking a serious step, Anakin entered the light side. The Force enveloped him, revealing a vision of his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, standing before him, a smile gracing his features as he gently placed his hands on Anakin's shoulders.

Anakin turned to Leia, his eyes alight with the spiritual encounter.

Anakin explained, "It's my master, Obi-Wan. The Force is showing him to me."

Leia smiled, feeling the weight of the moment. She had heard so much about Obi-Wan from Anakin, his reverence for his Master evident in his stories.

Anakin couldn't help but smile at the vision of his master, despite knowing it wasn't truly him. It was just comforting to see his friend's face again after so long without. The Force projection of Obi-Wan spoke with a calm authority. "Believe in yourself, Anakin. You have the strength within you to accomplish your task on this planet, my friend."

Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Anakin took a step back, finding comfort in the Force's words and guidance.

Leia's eyes had grown wide at the words of the Force given to Anakin. Her want and need for guidance and assistance from the Force, as well as a desire to learn more about herself, filled her to the brim, motivating her to do what she did next.

"My turn," Leia said, surprising the Jedi before she stepped into the light side of the ground, the shades much lighter than where Anakin had once stood.

Immediately, Leia was greeted with the sight of the man she loved, thanks to the Force. Han Solo stood there, his trademark smirk playing on his lips as he looked at her with affection in his eyes.

"Oh, Anakin! It's him! It's Han!" Leia beamed, her heart soaring at the sight of her beloved. She glanced at Anakin, who smiled back at her, genuinely happy to see her joy and to know what the man Leia loved looked like.

"See? I told you he was handsome," Leia said playfully to Anakin, her tone filled with affectionate teasing. In that moment, the weight of their shared struggles seemed to lighten, if only for a moment, as the Force offered them a glimpse of the ones they cared about.

"Hey there, beautiful," the Force projection of Han Solo said, his voice carrying an uncanny resemblance to the real Han. He gently took Leia's hands, holding them close to his heart, which caused a charming blush to spread across Leia's cheeks. "I know we'll see each other again, sweetheart. Just keep prayin' to the Force and you will."

Leaning in, the Force projection of Han Solo aimed for a kiss, and Leia braced herself for the encounter. However, before their lips could meet, Anakin's parental instincts took over. Protectiveness surged within him, a feeling he couldn't suppress.

Anakin dashed forward, swiftly grabbing Leia by the shoulders and pulling her away from the approaching Force projection. With a firm grip, he led her back to the pathway.

Leia blinked in surprise, her confusion and frustration evident in her gaze as she looked at Anakin. His actions had taken her off guard, and she couldn't comprehend why he had intervened.

"Hold on one second, little lady," Anakin scolded, his voice firm with her.

"That's quite enough." He growled at the form of Force Han Solo, his eyes lingering on the vanishing image with a mixture of offense and irritation.

"Anakin, what are you—why did you just do that?" Leia asked, her voice laced with frustration. She couldn't shake off her offense at having her moment interrupted.

Anakin turned to Leia, his expression serious.

"How much older is he than you?" he questioned, his tone laden with concern and an unusual protectiveness.

It was a question Leia hadn't expected.

Leia gawked at Anakin, her initial annoyance giving way to amusement.

"Well, you're forgetting I don't know and besides, I don't see why that is your concern. I'm a grown woman and you're not my father, Skywalker," Leia said, crossing her arms defiantly. There was a hint of a blush on her cheeks, but her voice carried a slight laugh, indicating that she found the situation more amusing than anything else.

Her words seemed to slap some sense into Anakin.

She was right.

Why did he care so much?

Why was he suddenly so protective of Leia?

Shame and embarrassment washed over him for his actions, though the protective instinct still lingered.

"You're right. I'm sorry," he said, his voice laced with regret. "I don't know what's come over me." Anakin looked down, unable to meet Leia's eyes, feeling a strange mix of emotions within him.

Leia sighed, feeling the tension dissipate as she saw Anakin's regret etched across his face.

"It's fine," she said softly, her anger fading away.

"Maybe this place, being so charged with the Force, makes us think or do strange things sometimes. I had a weird thought earlier in this temple." She hesitated for a moment before continuing, "I'm going to go sit down and think about what the Force just showed me. Maybe I'll get some more memories back."

Before Anakin could speak, Princess Leia turned her back on him, her footsteps carrying her farther down the path as she sought solace in the quiet corners of her mind.

Anakin, wrestling with his shame and confusion about what he had done to her, stepped onto the dark side of the floor. As he did, a sinister Force projection of Count Dooku materialized before him.

"Tsk, tsk. Such a disappointment you've become, Skywalker. I, just like Qui-Gon, would've recognized the legendary nameless planet you're on far quicker than you did," Dooku sneered. Anakin felt the sharp barb of Dooku's mockery piercing deep into his core, exacerbating the conflict within him.

As Leia continued to walk, her thoughts consumed by her deep affection for Han, she stepped accidentally onto the path of the dark side, marked with a deep dark hue.

In an instant, a terrifying projection emerged before her.

It was him.

The Sith that was after her.

His breathing echoed through the air, heavy and frightening. The menacing figure tightly grabbed her arm, eliciting a terrified scream from her lips.

Leia stood there, her mind and heart in turmoil as the presence of the dark side enveloped her, swiftly flooding her with memories, each one laden with pain and suffering inflicted by the malevolent Force.

In an instant, it all rushed back to her.

She remembered who she was, her true identity: Princess Leia Organa, a leader in the Rebel Alliance, a daughter of Alderaan.

And she remembered him—the dark figure who had haunted her nightmares and chased her relentlessly through the galaxy including on this planet. Darth Vader, the very man who had brought devastation to her life. He had been involved with the destruction of her home planet, taken the lives of her parents, and endangered the man she loved, Han Solo, by encasing him in carbonite before her eyes.

He had even killed her friend Luke's father and cut off Luke's hand!

The seething hatred she felt for Vader nearly consumed her. He was the tormentor who had subjected her to unspeakable suffering, torturing her both physically and emotionally, all the while relishing in her pain.

Leia's mind was filled with the deep, resonating voice of Darth Vader, his words reverberating through her very being in a malicious tone.

"There is more you need to know, princess. Far more."

Leia was then engulfed by a tidal wave of information, her mind flooded with shocking visions. She witnessed the transformation of Anakin Skywalker, the man who had been her close friend and protector on this strange planet, into the Sith Lord Darth Vader. The images unfolded before her eyes, revealing the harrowing journey of a once-heroic Jedi descending into the depths of darkness.

Anakin had acted out of the desperate desire to save his wife and child, unaware that Padmé had been carrying twins. The dark side had revealed to her the truth: those unborn children were actually herself and Luke.

And then the princess saw something else. Something more recent.

She watched who she knew now was her brother face off Vader, saw Luke learning the truth of who the Sith was after he had cut off his hand.

Leia's heart wrenched with a mix of disbelief and horror. The Jedi friend she had made named Anakin was Lord Darth Vader and he was her and Luke's father. The realization struck her, and she grappled with the enormity of what she had witnessed. The hatred she had felt for Vader now felt complex, entangled with the knowledge of the tragedy that had befallen Anakin Skywalker.

The dark side coursed through her heart, filling her with raw rage and added pain in at all that she had learned in the most unspeakable of ways, bringing tears of hatred and betrayal to her eyes.

"Learn the ways of the dark side and get your revenge," Urged the dark side in the princess's mind before she broke free from the grip of the Force projection of Vader and stumbled back and fell. Landing on her behind, she scooted away from the phantom Darth Vader.

"Leia!"

Anakin rushed over to her, having only witnessed her scream in terror and seeing the projection of the Sith that was after her, ignorant of the ordeal she had just experienced.

They were both on the pathway.

Anakin helped her up in concern before Leia could fully process what he was doing.

"You're okay, it was just a vision, it wasn't real," Anakin said soothingly, his voice trembling with concern as he gently rubbed her back. Worry flooded his blue eyes, reflecting the depth of his emotions for her well-being.

Slowly, Leia looked at Anakin, her eyes filled with pain and confusion. She stepped back, away from his touch, as if his presence itself had become a source of torment, shocking the Jedi to his core. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her voice a broken whisper as she muttered, "No... no..."

Anakin, his heart breaking for her, took a step closer, trying to reach out to comfort her once more.

"Leia, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with desperation and fear for her.

But Leia's anguish erupted into anger, a storm of emotions crashing over her. In a sudden surge of rage and grief, she ran towards Anakin, her trembling hands repeatedly striking his chest, each blow echoing her shattered soul.

"You... You bastard!" she cried out, her voice raw with pain, choking back sobs as she accused him, her accusations fueled by the nightmare visions. "It's you! It's you! You killed them all, you did it!"

Anakin looked down at Leia, his hands closing around her fists as he desperately asked, "What are you talking about? Who did I kill?"

Leia stared up at him, her eyes no longer the familiar brown, but a sickly shade of yellow, tainted by the dark side's rage.

"Leia, get a hold of yourself!" Anakin's voice cracked with fear as he screamed, his hands gripping her shoulders, shaking her in an attempt to snap her back to reality.

His actions seemed to jolt her back from the precipice of darkness.

Leia blinked rapidly, her tear-streaked eyes now red from both anguish and the exertion of her emotional storm. She looked up at Anakin, her hate-filled gaze also carried with it a world of pain and betrayal.

Anakin stood there, speechless, as Leia's eyes bore into him like sharp daggers, each glance feeling like a stab to his heart. The pain he felt in that moment made him aware of his love for her, a love that extended beyond mere duty or friendship, akin to the love he held for his own family and Obi-Wan.

His gaze, filled with a mixture of pain and affection, bore into her eyes, silently pleading for understanding. He knew she couldn't speak, her emotions too overwhelming, too raw. The silence between them was suffocating, and Anakin couldn't bear it any longer.

"Please, Leia," he whispered, his voice cracked and filled with a desperate longing. He gently reached out, his hand trembling, and placed it on the side of her face, as if to anchor himself in this turbulent storm of emotions. "Let me in. Let me understand. Allow me to enter your mind with the Force."

Leia's glare softened slightly, her eyes flickering with a myriad of emotions. For a moment, it seemed like she might push him away, but then something shifted within her. With a harsh and malice swing, she opened the gates of her mind, allowing him entry into the maelstrom of her thoughts and feelings. Anakin hesitated for a fraction of a second before diving in, ready to face whatever demons lay within her mind.

Anakin delved into Leia's shattered mind, experiencing the horrors she had witnessed, and learning the unbearable truths.

He saw the monstrous path he would tread—a path of darkness, murder, and unimaginable pain.

He witnessed her planet's catastrophic demise, the back of her fragile form pressed against him.

He watched as he tortured her, inflicting anguish in the quest for answers.

Mutilate his own son.

Then, whether by accident or the desperate will of Leia, he glimpsed the countless sleepless nights his daughter endured because of him. Nights where she stayed up late, waiting until she knew she could be alone, allowing herself to sob and collapse onto the floor, free from the need to be strong for her friends or the galaxy in those moments.

The river of information came to a halt, Leia sealing the doors to her mind.

Tears streamed down Anakin's face as he whispered, "What have I done?"

His eyes were filled with horror and sorrow, realizing the immense pain and suffering his future self had caused to her and others.

He released Leia from his grip, and she fled from him, desperate to escape the man who had just shattered her heart.

Anakin fell to his knees, his sobs muffled by his arm as he thought about how he had killed his own wife.

But amidst his anguish, the reminder of the imminent danger outside pierced through his grief. The mechanical breathing of his future self echoed in his ears, a haunting reminder of the darkness he was destined to become.

Anakin's heart raced with fear as he sensed Leia's running with the intent to flee from the temple.

"Leia!" he called after her, sprinting with the aid of the Force to catch up with her.

He reached out and grabbed her by the arm, turning her to face him.

"Let me go. I don't want anything to do with you! I don't even want to breathe the same air as you!" the princess spat, struggling to break free from his grip.

"He's out there! You can't!" Anakin shouted urgently, his worry evident.

Leia narrowed her eyes at her father, her anger undiminished.

"Don't you mean you're out there? Ha! So what if he is!? Let him kill me. See if I care! The Force seems to find it amusing to keep me around you in some form or fashion, so I say just let your future self send me out of this life and into the next. I know, sure as Sith hell, you won't be following where I'm going."

Her words landed like a physical blow, and Anakin involuntarily released his grip in shock. She turned her back on him, her steps purposeful as she began to walk away.

"Do you think your brother would like to know you're gone? Or how about Captain Solo?" Anakin's voice reverberated through the air, laden with desperation. "Do you think he would be pleased to know if he escapes his carbonite prison one day, that the woman he loves has been killed by the man who ordered him imprisoned?" he called out, his words echoing in the empty space.

Leia stopped dead in her tracks, her back stiffening.

Anakin walked over to her, his steps heavy with the weight of his actions. His hand, now trembling, gently found its place on her shoulder as he stood before her, his eyes brimming with tears.

Flashes of memories flooded his mind - moments when he had tenderly placed his hand on Padmé's swollen stomach, speaking softly to the baby growing within. He had hurt her, his own daughter, in ways he could barely comprehend.

Slowly, he reached out to hold her, but Leia began to struggle, her defenses shattering under the weight of her emotions.

"Don't you dare," she began, her voice quivering.

Anakin froze, his eyes pleading with her.

"Please," he begged, his voice breaking, and Leia, sensing the raw sincerity in his words, found herself stop struggling out of shock. Anakin enveloped her in his arms, holding her close, his tears falling onto her shoulder.

"Oh, my daughter, my sweet little baby girl. What have I done? I'm sorry.," he whispered, his voice choked with sorrow, as he wept into her shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Leia. I'm so sorry for what I did to you, to the galaxy. I wish I could take it all back, every moment of it."

Anakin held Leia close, his tears falling freely as he continued to repeat, "I'm so sorry, Leia. I'm so, so sorry," in a broken, remorseful voice.

His words were punctuated by soft kisses on the top of her head, his trembling hands gently petting her hair.

The weight of his guilt and regret bore down on him, and Anakin couldn't stop himself from weeping.

"I love you, Leia. I've always loved you, even when I didn't know you were my daughter. I'd never want to hurt you. You and Luke are everything to me."

A turbulent storm raged within Leia, a battle between the love she once held for Anakin and the seething hatred bubbling within her. In her heart, conflicting desires fought for dominance. One part of her wanted to snatch Anakin's lightsaber and strike him down where he stood, exacting revenge for the atrocities committed as Darth Vader. The other part, though deeply wounded, hesitated, contemplating the notion of mercy in the face of the newfound knowledge of his tragic transformation.

Anakin sensed the war of emotions raging within Leia, a battle of conflicting feelings.

He looked down at his daughter, his heart heavy with worry.

"Leia," his voice trembled with emotion, "if it weren't for your sensitivity to the Force and the danger it poses to your soul, I would allow you to hold onto your hatred, to let it consume me as punishment for my crimes. But we're not playing a game here."

His eyes, once so full of confidence she was used to seeing, now reflected the pain and shame of a father who had hurt his child and feared for her soul.

"You're walking on a dangerous edge, my daughter. You're toying with powers that can corrupt even the strongest of hearts. You have to choose to let go of the hate the dark side has handed you, not for my sake, but for your own soul, for the people you care about, and for the galaxy. This isn't a trivial matter, Leia. Your decisions right now will echo through your life. Learn from my mistakes."

Leia clenched her teeth, a scream of frustration erupting from her throat. The anger and hatred within her felt so satisfying, so fitting for all that she had endured. Yet, she understood, deep down, that this dark euphoria was nothing but a deceitful poison, a venom that threatened to drown her sanity.

Anakin's words, sharp and true, cut through the chaotic storm inside her. She had learned of the dangers of the dark side's seductive promises from Luke, but hearing them from her father made the truth sting even more. Though the idea of taking counsel from him, especially in this moment, was repulsive.

"Don't cut off your nose to spite your face," Leia hissed fiercely to herself, her voice laced with pain. "Don't let yourself become a puppet of the dark side."

With a scream that echoed her inner turmoil, Leia pushed away what the dark side had gifted her, her heart pounding in her chest. Her eyes, once hard with the shadows of the dark side, slowly returned to their familiar warm shade of brown.

Anakin watched, his own eyes brimming with a mixture of relief and pride

Anakin couldn't contain his relief, and a genuine smile spread across his face. He moved closer to Leia, his arms outstretched, ready to embrace her in a proud hug for the strength she had shown. However, instead of reciprocating the hug, Leia roughly pushed him away, her expression still marked by a mixture of emotions.

"Leia, I—" Anakin began, but she cut him off.

"Just stay away, and leave me alone for a while," she ordered, her voice firm but shaken.

Anakin nodded, his smile fading into a somber understanding while inside he felt his heart crack.

As Leia walked away, her steps echoed with sobriety.

She passed the kitchen area of the temple, a spacious yet cozy place that emanated warmth and comfort. Her gaze swept over it briefly before she continued.

Leia ventured into the sleeping area that had various beds. Her eyes scanned the numerous closets that lined the walls. Each one held a different promise, a unique choice to make. Her fingers brushed against the fabric of various Jedi robes and garments.

With a resigned sigh, she muttered to herself about the lack of fashion sense among the Jedi. It seemed that the color palette of Jedi clothing was limited to shades of black, brown, and white robes. There was little room for personal expression or style.

Her mood matched her choice as she reached for a black Jedi robe, its dark hue mirroring the somberness in her heart. It felt appropriate, a reflection of her mourning for the revelations that had shaken her world.

As she selected the garments that went along with the robe, she couldn't help but mentally plead to the Force for the existence of a functioning shower as she approached the room with a bathroom symbol above its door.

To her delight and relief, the bathroom exceeded her expectations. It featured both a bathtub and a spacious shower. Leia's heart soared with gratitude as she clicked on the shower, her silent plea to the Force seemingly answered. The water flowed, a cleansing stream that offered her both physical and emotional relief.

Leia locked the bathroom door behind her and began to undress, shedding her Jedi attire until she stood bare before the shower.

Afterwards, she undid her hair. With a sense of anticipation and relief, she stepped into the inviting cascade of water.

A joyful smile graced her lips as the sensation of the warm water washing over her body filled her with a profound sense of contentment. It had been too long since she'd enjoyed the simple pleasure of a shower. In the shelter she and Anakin had found themselves in, their options had been limited to a bathtub. Now, as the water flowed over her, Leia couldn't help but appreciate the luxury of a proper shower.

The soothing stream of water not only cleansed her physically but also seemed to awaken the emotions that had been suppressed within her. As the tears welled up, she allowed herself to cry, the warm salty droplets mingling with the water from the showerhead. She cried from the revelations that had shaken her, the confusion and anger she'd felt, and the sense of loss that lingered in her heart over the Jedi friend she had made named Anakin.

Leia's mind wandered as she lay on a comfortable bed, her body finally at rest after the intense events that had unfolded. The soft glow of the room's lighting cast a gentle ambiance, and she found herself staring at the ceiling, lost in her thoughts.

"Why me?" she whispered softly to herself, her voice barely audible. "Why wasn't it Luke who was sent here instead? Why did fate choose me to confront our father?"

The weight of responsibility pressed heavily upon her heart.

Leia had always been a strong and capable leader, but this burden was different.

The princess couldn't help but smile as she thought about Luke. Him being her brother was the one positive thing she had discovered in that training room.

She had family again.

However, now that she knew they were siblings, she felt a deep sense of disgust for having kissed her own brother. She realized that the special connection she had always felt with Luke was due to their familial bond, but she hadn't known that at the time.

Luke, you would be so happy to be here. You're the forgiving twin, the one with the heart always ready to forgive. Not me.

A soft knock on the door caught Leia's attention, and she turned her head to see Anakin standing in the doorway. His expression was humble, a tone she had never witnessed on him before.

"I've made dinner. If you're hungry..." he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine concern.

He walked away, leaving his offer of food hanging in the air, waiting for her response.

Like I'd take anything you have to offer me. Leia thought bitterly.

However, her stomach seemed to have a different opinion, growling loudly at the mere thought of food. She hadn't eaten anything yet today.

Her mind drifted to her father, Anakin Skywalker, wondering if she had been in his position.

Would she be able to resist the temptation to sell her soul if it meant saving the ones she loved?

To save Alderaan?

To save Han and Luke?

Leia realized she wasn't entirely sure.

The uncertainty made her heart soften toward her Jedi father.

With a reluctant sigh, she got off the bed and headed for the kitchen, hunger overpowering her resentment for the moment.

As Leia entered the kitchen, she found Anakin washing pots and pans, the tantalizing aroma of something delicious wafting through the air. Clearing her throat, she gathered Anakin's attention. He turned around, his expression shifting from concentration to pleasant surprise upon seeing her there. She noticed his eyes were red from crying, a sight that tugged at her heart despite her lingering resentment.

"So...what did you make?" She asked stiffly, curiosity overtaking her remaining hurt.

"Corellian crabcakes," Anakin replied with a small smile. "Found some frozen mopana crabs in the storage that I breaded and fried up. Served them with pod masher and meiloorun chutney."

Leia's jaw dropped in surprise.

"We have the ingredients for Corellian crabcakes here?"

Anakin chuckled. "This temple is well-stocked. In one of the storage rooms I discovered many conservator units fully stocked with frozen and preserved foods. We have food enough to last over a year if needed."

Relief softened Leia's features at the idea of not having to hunt and forage anymore.

The aroma of the crabcakes was tantalizing and her stomach rumbled loudly in response.

Anakin then, as if coming to his senses, quickly rushed to the kitchen table and pulled out a seat.

"Here, please sit down. I'll make you a plate," he said, the nerves evident in his shaking voice.

Leia sat stiffly as Anakin served, then they began eating in silence. Occasionally, Anakin couldn't help but steal glances at his daughter, overcome by emotion.

Leia caught him looking and asked coolly, "What?"

Anakin let out a nervous chuckle.

"It's just that... you look so much like your mother. So much."

Except you're all me inside. He thought as he gazed at her fondly.

.

.

.

Leia rose and began clearing the table, carrying her dishes to the sink. Anakin watched as she started washing up, her movements precise yet hesitant.

After a moment, Leia spoke quietly without turning.

"The meal was...good. Thank you."

Her words echoed with years of proper manners drilled into her as a royal figurehead. But coming from Leia, the gratitude startled Anakin pleasantly.

He smiled gently at her.

"You're welcome."

As Leia continued cleaning, lost in her task, Anakin allowed the smallest swell of joy at this small victory. Providing even a passible dinner for his daughter gave him a glimmer of the simple life he had hoped in her past to give both her and Luke - the life of a family, untouched by darkness or war.

As Leia dried her plate, a movement by the sink caught her eye. A large insect crawled near the spout, prompting a startled scream from Leia.

Anakin jumped at the sound, instantly on alert. Leia backed away from the bug as it took flight towards her. In a flash, Anakin gathered his lightsaber and started it before he sliced the insect cleanly in two.

He quickly deactivated the blade and turned to Leia.

"It's dead, you're safe."

Breathing heavily, Leia clutched her racing heart.

Anakin chuckled quietly at the sight.

Leia shot him a glare.

"What's so funny?"

"You can stare down the darkest horrors in the galaxy," Anakin replied, still smiling. "But a little bug has you screaming like it's the end."

Leia huffed indignantly.

"Oh whatever, Father."

Both froze at that, an embarrassed blush rising on Leia's cheeks.

Leia stood trembling, eyes downcast as the word Father lingered in the air between them.

Anakin gazed at her with sad understanding.

Through the Force, he felt her swirling guilt and shame at the spoken acknowledgment.

She felt like she had betrayed the Organas.

"Leia."

The princess glanced up hesitantly at his gentle tone.

"Through the Force, I sense your turmoil."

Anakin took a tentative step forward.

"You don't need to feel shame for calling me father, child. I am your father, just as Bail Organa is." He offered a small, sad smile.

As Leia contemplated the Jedi who had sired her, she began to recall all the time they had spent together on this mysterious planet. The man before her hadn't committed the crimes she despised Darth Vader for. She had shared more time with the dark lord than she wished and Anakin was not him.

Slowly, the princess found herself surrendering the walls she had built up around her heart for him. She knew that, eventually, she would have to do this sooner or later anyway, thanks to her sensitivity to the Force. The complex emotions that had been waging war within her began to give way to a sense of understanding and acceptance.

Anakin stood there, his eyes widening in near disbelief as he felt the shift in Leia's emotions. The walls of resentment and anger she had built around herself seemed to crumble before his eyes. In their place, he sensed understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness.

She was not a Jedi, yet she had forgiven with a selflessness and grace he wasn't sure he could have managed in her position.

Pride swelled within him, not the arrogant pride of a Jedi Knight, but the humble pride of a father who had witnessed his child's capacity for forgiveness and love. He felt a lump form in his throat, and tears welled up in his eyes, blurring his vision. Anakin reached out, hesitantly placing a hand on Leia's shoulder, a gesture of gratitude and love that words could never express.

Pulling Leia gently into an embrace, Anakin let his tears fall freely.

"Thank you," he said, voice thick with emotion. "I do not deserve your forgiveness, but it means everything to me."

In that moment Anakin was gripped by love for his daughter. Love, and immense pride in the light and purity of her spirit that shone so brightly within her.

Leia had stiffened in surprise when Anakin pulled her into an embrace.

She had not expected it.

Yet as awkward as it felt, there was also an inexplicable sense of...rightness.

Hesitantly, Leia lifted her arms and hugged Anakin back. His embrace was warm, comforting in a way she hadn't experienced since she had last been hugged by her adoptive parents.

As Anakin's tears began to subside, Leia allowed herself to relax into the hug.

She had to admit, if only to herself, it felt...good.

Good not to be an orphan anymore.