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A homestead was seen in the distance as Anakin piloted the ship closer. The homestead was just outside the city of Mos Eisley. Watto's directions were easy to follow and it was late afternoon by the time you and Anakin landed the ship. You got up and clipped your lightsaber to the back of your skirt and put back up your hood. Anakin checked to make sure his lightsaber was on his belt before turning to you to see if you were ready. You nodded your head and wordlessly, you both left the ship with Artoo not too far behind.

"Stay with the ship, Artoo." you ordered the droid. He beeped in response before turning around and heading back to the ship. You and Anakin made your way to the homestead when you both caught the attention of the droid that was tending to another droid.

"Oh! Hello. How might I be of service? I am C-" the droid said.

"Threepio?" Anakin asked as you felt him get happy. You smiled widely as you recognized the droid.

"Oh, um--" Threepio said as he tried to figure out who you both were. "The maker!" Threepio exclaimed happily when he realized. "Master Anakin! I knew you would return, I knew you would! And this must be Miss ____!"

"Hello, Threepio." you greeted happily.

"Bless my circuits! I'm so pleased to see you both." Threepio replied. The protocol droid was covered in old metal, but was functioning very well.

"I've come to see my mother." Anakin informed Threepio. Threepio suddenly got uncomfortable as he thought about his response.

"I think... I think perhaps we'd better go indoors." Threepio answered before leading the way. Anakin's heart dropped at the response as you both followed the droid.

Something is wrong. I knew it.

Anakin said to you as you grabbed his arm and gave him a comforting squeeze. He was curious and wanted to find out what is wrong with his mother, but you felt and sensed the growing fear of what it is. Anakin didn't say anything else as you both followed Threepio into the sunken courtyard. There was a young, stocky man with a petite blonde girl next to him. Both were very quiet and had practical air around them, perfect for their farm life.

"Master Owen, might I present two most important visitors." Threepio announced as the couple approached you three.

"I'm Anakin Skywalker." Anakin introduced himself.

"Owen Lars." Owen replied as he fiddled with the tools in his hand. He definitely was surprised and unprepared to meet Anakin. "Uh, this is my girlfriend, Beru."

"Hello." Beru greeted kindly, yet quietly.

"I'm ____." you said.

"I guess I'm your stepbrother." Owen said awkwardly. "I had a feeling you might show up someday."

"Is my mother here?" Anakin questioned, getting right to the point. He couldn't waste anymore time on being polite. He needed to find his mother.

"No, she's not." a new voice said as you turned to see an older man in a small floating chair. One leg was heavily bandaged and the other was missing. He stuck out a hand to Anakin. Anakin shook his hand as he introduced himself. "Cliegg Lars. Shmi is my wife. We should go inside, we have a lot to talk about."

~

Everyone was siding around the dining table in the Lars' small, yet welcoming kitchen. You sat on the right side of Anakin while Owen and Beru sat across from you both. Cliegg sat at the head of the table next to Anakin and Owen. Beru excused herself to get drinks for everyone. You stood up and took off your robe, the Tatooine heat was getting to you.

"Your mother had gone out early, like she always did, to pick mushrooms that grow on the vaporators." Cliegg began to explain. "From the tracks, she was about halfway home when they took her. Those Tuskens walk like men, but they're vicious, mindless monsters. Thirty of us went out after her. Four of us came back. I'd be with them... only after I lost my leg I just couldn't ride any more... until I heal."

You felt Anakin's mind shut off at hearing Cliegg's story and his body turned cold from fear. Anakin shifted uncomfortably as he grabbed your hand under the table. You didn't say anything or pulled your hand away as he gave it a tight squeeze. Your heart broke for him as he held onto your hand tightly for comfort. He looked over at your shocked, but sympathetic face before looking at Cliegg, who had a hopeless, grief stuck face.

Tusken Raiders were ruthless, vicious beings. Even the thieves, smugglers, and other lowlifers on Tatooine were fearful of Tusken Raiders. After all, they tortured people for fun and laughs. And they had Anakin's mother. You watched as Anakin fought away tears. The nightmares he was having and you witnessed were true.

"This isn't the way I wanted to meet you, son. This isn't how your mother and I planned it. I don't want to give up on her, but she has been gone for a month. There's little hope she's lasted this long." Cliegg said grimly. Anakin didn't say anything as he abruptly stood up and let go of your hand.

"Where are you going?" Owen asked.

"To find my mother." Anakin replied.

"Anakin.." you said as Cliegg spoke before you could.

"Your mother's dead, son. Accept it."

"I can feel her pain, and I will find her." Anakin said sharply. You could feel her pain as well, but you could also feel the life force slowly leaving her from Anakin through the Force Bond.

"Take my speeder bike." Owen spoke out. There was a distant warmth from Owen and you and Anakin were grateful that he at least understood.

"I know she's alive." Anakin said before walking out of the kitchen. You stood up and started to follow him out. You turned back to Owen.

"Thank you." you said to him. Owen only gave you a sympathetic smile and a nod of his head. You turned back around and rushed out of the homestead. You found Anakin standing right outside it, looking across the desert.

"You're gonna have to stay here." Anakin said to you before you could say anything to him. "These are good people, ____. I'm sure you know that too. You'll be safe."

You wanted to protest and argue that you should go along with him. You weren't going to convince him to not go. You knew he couldn't stay here and not do anything. You at least wanted to accompany him on this. But you saw the pleading look in his eyes and him begging you through the Force.

"Anakin..." was all you could say before you wrapped your arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. Anakin leaned down and wrapped his arms around your waist. Your warm embrace cracked the ice that was surrounding his heart. Anakin wanted to smile at your comfort, but he couldn't bring himself to. You both slowly pulled away from each other as Anakin rested his forehead against yours before fully pulling away.

"I won't be long." Anakin said. You nodded your head in response as you watched Anakin get onto the speeder bike. He started the engine and took off. You watched him until you couldn't see him any longer.