*Takes place right after Revenge of the Sith, where Obi-wan is on his way to Tatooine with baby Luke Skywalker*

The boy—Luke, was his name—was strong in the Force.

Obi-wan wasn't sure why this was such an enigma to him; the boy, even at only a week old, was so, so clearly Anakin's son. From the fluffy tufts of gold upon his head to the round, bright blue eyes, little Luke Skywalker looked exactly how Obi-wan imagined Anakin looked as a baby. But his presence in the Force ... Obi-wan closed his eyes, holding the child to his chest as tight as he dared. It was so similar to Anakin's, so similar that it was painful, especially after having just killed lost him. It was just as strong, just as alluring, yet Luke felt so much brighter, warmer, where Anakin was an exquisite but dangerous storm. Perhaps it was because an infant was the purest of all life forms, perhaps it was simply Luke himself.

Whatever the case, the aura was so intoxicating, Obi-wan feared it. Feared how enamored he was by Luke after only having the infant for a week. Feared that the boy's light would be diminished by him by the dark times ahead. Feared that he, Obi-wan Kenobi, Jedi Master, had formed a dangerous attachment to the child in his arms.

Obi-wan glanced out the window of the Alderaanian craft, courtesy of Senator Organa, at the dashing stars of hyperspace. How quickly they moved, these stars that had existed since the dawn of the galaxy, their light forgotten as quickly as they passed. So much like the Jedi—great men and women who had devoted their lives to the greater good, only to be wiped out and forgotten without a trace.

Luke wriggled in his arms, pulling Obi-wan from his thoughts. The boy yawned widely as those bright eyes opened and focused on Obi-wan.

They stared at each other for a long moment. Those eyes ... they were identical to Anakin's, but there was something else. Something softer in nature, but just as intense. It was as though Luke were looking directly into Obi-wan's soul, able to see right through every wall and barrier, every flaw and strength.

Luke's mouth slowly formed into a toothless grin, brighter than any star.

Emotion, yet peace.

Obi-wan couldn't help but grin back, his heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. The boy crooned at him, reaching up to curl his fist against Obi-wan's chin.

Ignorance, yet knowledge.

Obi-wan's vision began to blur, his chest tight with emotions he could not name. He gently stroked Luke's tiny hand, which latched onto his pointer finger in a surprisingly strong grip.

Passion, yet serenity.

Obi-wan could not stop the tears from falling, even if he tried. He knew it was unbecoming of a Jedi to have such little control of his emotions, had even lectured Anakin time and time again for it, but the Force felt so light right now, lighter than it had been for a long time, and lighter than it should be in such a dark time.

Chaos, yet harmony.

But the Jedi were no more. He could no longer be Obi-wan Kenobi, even though he had survived the purge. If the Jedi were the stars of hyperspace, so quickly passed by, then what did that make him? What did that make Luke?

"The Force is very strong with you, young one," whispered Obi-wan roughly. "The Order would have been so lucky to have you. I just know it."

Luke crooned at him again as though in response. Obi-wan stroked the back of Luke's soft, tiny hand with his thumb. "Perhaps they wouldn't have deserved you in life. Perhaps ... perhaps they were meant to follow you in death."

Death, yet the Force.

"The journey will be tough," continued Obi-wan, tears still falling into his beard, "but I promise you, little one, that I will do everything in my power to help you. I will not fail you. Never again."

Luke babbled back as though he understood, and the soft light in his eyes seemed to grow brighter with his Force presence. And suddenly, Obi-wan realized what it was.

Hope.