3.1k words
The beginning is going to seem a little confusing, but I swear, it will make sense by the end.
༻✦༺

3rd Person POV
The clones fired on Cal's command, and Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka defended themselves by quickly deflecting their shots; aiming them back in the clones direction. Reluctantly killing a few, while others dodge the comebacks; just as (y/n) taught them that day in the training room over a year ago.

Cal lunged forward with a threatening glow in his amber eyes, and engaged in a battle with both Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka. And while he was distracted with them, Anakin made his way through the clones; striking them down, and killing them.

He didn't want to kill them, thats one reason why he always chose to run instead of fight. He knew they had no choice, but he believed that if he didn't take them out now, they would be able to aid Cal in killing Obi-Wan and Ahsoka.

He wasn't afraid for his own life, he knew that Lilith had given strict orders for him to be brought to her alive. But he couldn't let anything happen to the only family he has left.

But what Anakin didn't know, is that this all was just for show. Cal knew very well that the clones were no real match for these three, and he knew he himself couldn't take all three at once; especially Anakin Skywalker. He could try, but even Lilith advised against it, which is when plan B was established. You see, Cal wasn't actually distracted, he was well aware of everything going on around him; the clones were meant to be sacrificed, he needed Anakin to believe that he was winning.

Cal twisted his blade above his head, and brought it down vertically towards Obi-Wan, who backed away just in time for it not to injure him. Instead, it burned through his beard, singeing the auburn hairs. Cal then sensed Ahsoka coming up from behind him, so he force pushed Obi-Wan a few feet away, and his old friend twirled in the air; landing in the sand face-first.

Ahsoka leapt behind Cal, believing she was getting the upper hand, and she prepared to attack with tears in her eyes. But her former love already knew she was coming, and he slowly turned to side-eyed her as she came closer to him.

He spun around and clashed his red blade with her green ones, and immediately lifted his leg to kick her aggressively in the stomach. Ahsoka groaned in pain from the strong impact, and fell backwards; landing roughly in the sand.

"What a rookie move, I figured your master would teach you better." He glared down at her; raising his weapon towards her neck, just as he did that day in the temple.

That day he wasn't able to kill her, and even now, even though he promised Lilith it's something he'd be able to do; he doubt he could have. But luckily, that's not what is expected of him right now.

Anakin's POV
I took out the last clone that was out here, and paused to catch up on my breathing before looking at the ship that was still closed with Max inside. I was about to go to it, curiosity was getting to me. But the ship suddenly roared to life, and lifted from the ground; taking off and leaving Cal behind, "What the fuck?" I mumbled in confusion; why the hell would he leave without him?

"What a rookie move, I figured your master would teach you better."

My attention was taken away from the strange occurrence, and I glanced over to see Ahsoka with Cal standing over her. Obi-Wan was also laying unconscious a few feet away, unable to come to her aid.

"Ahsoka!" I shouted as I instinctively waved my hand, and used the force to throw Cal away from her. He flew backwards, and landed roughly in the sand with a loud groan.

I ran in that direction, and Ahsoka was already on her feet; kicking Cal's weapon away from him while she held her own down in his direction, "We told you that you wouldn't win." She told him with tears brimming her eyes.

Ha stared at up her, looking completely unbothered by his loss, "Oops." He uttered, "What are you going to do to me now, kill me?" The corner of his lips tugged into a smirk.

"I should after all that you've done," She tightened her grip on her weapons. Her hands were visibly shaking as she attempted to keep herself from breaking down.

I placed my hand on her shoulder, and slowly moved her away from, "I'll take care of this, go check on Obi-Wan." I held my weapon down towards Cal, his humored gaze left hers and met mine.

"But-" She tried to protest, but I didn't let her.

"Now snips." I demanded without taking my eyes away from Cal, and she reluctantly sighed before walking away.

He chuckled when she was no longer near us, "And how about you Skywalker, are you going to kill me?"

I sighed, "I don't know if you've really given me any other choice Cal."

His yellow eyes still held no fear, even after I admitted to debating on actually killing him; not that I want to, "Lilith will hate you." He uttered, lifting himself up into a sitting position. His gaze staring down my blade.

I blinked my tears away that were trying to break free, "She already hates me."

"True," He shrugged nonchalantly, "But you know who else will hate you? Ahsoka." He smiled, placing his hands in the sand, and gently picking at the grains. I kept my gaze on his hands to make sure he wasn't gonna go for his weapon again, "She might try and hide it, but to her, you will just be the man who killed her first love. Do you really want that?" He asked; tilting his head tauntingly, and throwing sand over my shoes.

I inhaled and exhaled through my nose, he was right. And I knew that because about six months ago; a plan was suggested that involved Obi-Wan killing Lilith, since they knew that I wouldn't be able to do it myself. But it's not something we ever went through with because I knew that if he was the one to kill her, no matter what she's done, I would never look at him the same.

"Well, I guess we'll figure something else out then," I stepped towards him, and placed my fingers on his temple. He smiled, before his eyes fluttered closed, and he fell into unconsciousness; his head landing in the soft sand. I sighed, and glanced over to Ahsoka who was hovering over Obi-Wan, "Is he okay?" I asked with worry, loud enough for her to hear.

She nodded without looking at me, "Yeah, but he needs some attention, his head hit a rock when he landed." She sighed, and slowly looked up to Cal's unconscious body on the floor, her eyes darted to me quickly, "Did you-"

"No," I shook my head; retracting my blade and placing it on my belt, "He's just sleeping." I assured, and she quietly sighed with relief; it appears I made the right choice. I bent down, and picked up Cal, "I'm going to go and lock him up on the ship, I'll be back for Obi-Wan."

She nodded, "What are we going to do with him?" She asked; keeping her gaze on Cal.

I sighed with a head shake, "I have no idea, I just couldn't bring myself to kill him."

Her eyes drifted up to mine, "Thank you."

I smile sadly with a nod, "I'll be back."

༻✦༺

After carrying both Cal and Obi-Wan to the ship, and cleaning up the dead bodies, I said my goodbyes to Beru and Owen; apologizing profusely for everything that happened. Beru wasn't upset with me in the slightest, it was only Owen who held a bit of disdain. But they both told me they love me, and I bid them farewell; for good.

I stepped onto my ship, and brought it to life; closing the ramp behind me, "Now where do we go?" Ahsoka asked; coming up next to me and resting her head on my shoulder.

I sighed; flicking a few buttons to bring the ship up from the ground, "Space for now, we have enough fuel, oxygen, and food to last us a couple of days, then we'll stop somewhere to replenish."

She took her head off of my shoulder, "I'm gonna go see if he's hungry before I tend to Obi-Wan."

I turned and grabbed her arm to stop her from leaving for a moment, "Don't worry about Obi-Wan, I'll do it when we get a good distance away from here. But," I stared down into her eager blue eyes. I wanted to tell her to stay away from him for her own good, but I knew she wouldn't listen, so I didn't bother, "Just be careful when you talk to him, and try to remember that that's not the Cal you knew, and don't let him get into your head. Remember what I taught you about the Sith."

She nodded; glancing down at the floor as she shuffled her feet along the metal nervously, "I know, I'll be fine I promise."

"Alright snips, come get me if you need me." I turned away from her, and began to pilot the ship; aiming it straight towards the outer space.

Ahsoka's POV
I pressed the button to open the door to the small room where we were holding Cal. He was sitting on a chair with force restraints holding down both of his wrists to the arm rests, and normal restraints on his ankles. He slowly looked up with glowing amber eyes when he heard the door open, then he smiled, "Hey Starlight."

"Okay fine, last one, 'Starlight'." He smiled sweetly when the word left his lips, making me believe he had that one in his mind the entire time.

"I don't hate it." I shrugged to act nonchalant.

"It's perfect for you, because in my eyes, you shine more beautiful than any star."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, and suppressed my pain over the sound of hearing that nickname again, "Are you hungry?" I showed him the food and water in my hands.

His eyes flickered to them, and he nodded, "Starved." He responded, glancing back up to me with a familiar smile.

I don't know why I chose to do this, I could have asked Anakin to do it; but I guess I just wanted to torture myself by being near him again. Also, he seemed completely unbothered for someone who just became our prisoner. Perhaps it's because he knows that we don't have it in us to kill him, it's a weakness we have; we're too good.

I slowly stepped forward, and placed the straw in his mouth for him to drink the water, he gladly accepted; his eyes never leaving mine, "So how has life been on the run?" He asked to make small talk; backing away from the drink, and leaning into the chair.

"Hell," I snorted; setting the cup down on a small table next to me, "How has life been with Sidious?" I asked back; malice was in my tone at the mention of that horrendous name.

His smile instantly fell, and he broke his eye contact from me, "He's not around much, it's just me and Lilith mostly—thankfully." He whispered the last part so low that I almost missed it, but I know that's what I heard.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked curiously.

His eyes moved back over to me, and he glanced to the food, "I'll take that biscuit now."

I raised the biscuit to his mouth, and he took a bite, "Does he hurt you?" I asked the first question that came to mind.

He shook his head while he chewed, then he swallowed, "No, not me."

My chest tightened when I came to the conclusion of who he meant, "He hurts her then."

He didn't respond, he only nudged his head towards the food so I could continue feeding him. But I knew his silence was a 'yes' and despite all she's done, it hurt knowing that she was suffering even now.

"So, was it worth it?" I changed the subject, and his brows furrowed, and he tilted his head; urging me to elaborate, "Leaving me behind for that life; was it worth it?"

He inhaled and exhaled loudly, "I didn't leave you," He responded in a growl, "I gave you a choice, just as Lilith gave one to Skywalker, and you both walked away."

"You murdered everyone Cal." My eyes watered for what felt like the hundredth time in the past hour, "And you were going to kill a baby in front of me."

He nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face, "And I would do it all again," He did his best to lean closer to me, "And do you know why I would do it again?" He asked with a head tilt; his gaze scanning my face with a pained look in his eyes, "Because I did it for the girl I love, to keep her safe; you just didn't appreciate it." He spat through gritted teeth,

The tears flowed down my cheeks, and I shook my head, "My Cal would never do the things you've done, you're not him. You're just the monster that took him from me." I don't know what I thought I would gain with this meeting, but all I did was break my own heart more. I guess I was hoping to see a glimpse of his old self, but I didn't see that at all.

He chuckled in amusement, "Cal Kestis died the day you left him, you only have yourself to blame for what I've become."

"Enough," A voice spoke sternly from behind me; causing me to jump and turn around to face my Master who appeared angry, "Go get some sleep snips; I need to talk to him."

I didn't even hesitate to listen to him, Sin's words stabbed me straight through the heart. Should I have tried harder? Would it have made a difference if I did? Am I really to blame?

I let him get inside of my head, just as my Master had warned me not to.

Anakin's POV
Ahsoka gave Cal one last hurt filled glance, before turning away solemnly and exiting the room, "Shes always been so fragile." He commented, his gaze fixated on the direction she left in.

"That she has been," I nodded, using the force to pull another chair so I could sit in front of him, "Especially when it comes to Cal Kestis," I sighed; leaning my back into the chair.

His eyes flickered to me, "So, how much of that were you listening to?" He asked with a knowing look.

My eyes darted down to the floor and I bit my bottom lip, "Does he really hurt her?" I asked.

I had listened to quite a bit. Obi-Wan's wound wasn't very severe, and he was already awake and functioning just fine. So I came to check on Ahsoka, only to show up just in time to hear that little snippet of their conversation.

He huffed, "Why the hell do you care? You hurt worst of all." He spat and I slowly looked back up to meet his hate-filled gaze, "She can't even breath on her own anymore; all thanks to you."

I shook my head with furrowed my brows, "What do you mean she can't breath on her own?"

He chuckled, "What; you thought that mask is just for looks? It's there to keep her alive."

As dumb as it sounds, I really did think it was just apart of her looks, but with a deeper meaning; like a new identity or something. I had no idea she was basically fighting for her life every second of every day, "How is it keeping her alive?"

"Filters the air she breathes, her lungs are damaged; normal air is like poison to them." He informed me.

"Can it be fixed?" I questioned leaning forward in the chair. I didn't like the idea of her suffering like that for the rest of her life, I do still love her despite everything, and it breaks my heart to learn this information.

He shook his head, "Not according to Sidious."

I huffed, "And you believe him?" I wouldn't be surprised if he kept a cure hidden just to keep her fragile.

He remained silent as he bit the inside of his cheek, "Do you happen to have the time?" He changed the subject with an innocent smile.

"Three," I responded bluntly, "Now you said that the mask is my fault, how is it my fault?" I can replay that day on Mustafar in my head perfectly, I've seen it in my nightmares plenty of times. So that's how I know that I never once did anything that would cause her lungs to be damaged.

Cal rolled his eyes, "That really shouldn't be your concern right now."

"Then what should be?"

He smiled, "Didn't it just all seem too easy Skywalker? The limited amount of clones, and the barely five minute fight that led to your victory with my capture." He chuckled as he tugged against the force restraints, "Then you did what we knew you would do because you're all weak, you were never going to be able to kill me. So it was known that you would take me aboard your hidden ship; the ship that's been so hard to detect."

I stood up from the chair with a nervous look in my eyes, "What's your plan Cal?"

He shook his head, his smile growing profoundly, "It's not my plan. Tell me Anakin, when you used to get caught on your suicide missions; who came to find you?" He asked rhetorically with a head tilt, "And how did she find you?" His eyes flickered down to a pin that sat on his cloak.

I immediately grabbed it and removed it from his cloak, so I could turn it over and my stomach fell when I saw a flashing green light, "She put a tracker on me." I whispered.

"And if my calculations are correct, she should be here right-" He paused, and the ship shook violently after being hit; making me fly to the side and smack against the wall, "Now."

༻✦༺
Hope you liked it ♥️
༻✦༺