That night I slept soundly, wrapped in an old tunic of Cody's. I dreamt of my childhood, when Ryloth had been my entire galaxy and life had been simple. So simple. Back when I had no knowledge of the battle between the Light and the Dark and the Force had guided my steps from afar. Scenes from when I was little drifted lazily across my closed lids, and for once, no nightmares plagued my sleep.

A gentle hand shook me awake. I blinked sleepily, Cody coming into view.

"Hey, sleepy head. We're here." He lft the room as I rolled out of the bed, Cody's shirt skimming the top of my knees.

I squirmed uncomfortably into the sandy clothes I had discarded in a heap as a slither of fear shot through my heart. I hadn't seen my family in almost nine years. I've changed so much since then that I  barely even recognize myself anymore. Out of habit, I clipped the crimson lightsaber to my belt and then hesitated, hand hovering over the handle. I couldn't bring this with me. I ripped it from my belt and shoved it under the mattress, rearranging the blankets to hide the lump.

I then quietly shut the door to the room and joined Cody in the cockpit. I gazed out in wonder, seeing my home planet for the first time in so many years. Cody dipped the ship into the atmosphere as I gripped the back of the co-pilot seat, knuckles white. Cody glanced at me and offered a smile.

"Don't be nervous Sky. They're still your family. They still love you," he hesitated, a flush crawling up his neck. I looked at him. His mouth hung open as if he had more to say. I looked at him, an eyebrow raised.

"What?" He shook his head and focused his gaze on Ryloth. I frowned and stared at him until a jolt rocked the ship. We were here. Cody stood up and offered me his hand.

"Come on Sky. Let's take you home." I laced my fingers with his and together we walked out into the sunlight. As we set foot onto the planet I hasn't seen in years. nostalgia hit like a tidal wave. Tears welled in my eyes as I laid eyes on home. The house hadn't changed at all since that fateful day when Vader had arrived.

Home was a low, squat building with a cobblestone foundation with wooden walls topped with a thatched roof with two windows shadowed by hand spun curtains. A corner twitched as we stepped towards the door. I swallowed and let go of Cody's hand, palms now slick with sweat. The door creaked open and my mom, Ilea, grinned broadly.

"Cody! Welcome back. What can I do for you?" She glanced past him and her jaw dropped as her eyes locked onto me.

"Skylar? Is it really you?" I took a step forward, unsure of my place. Ilea rushed forward and embraced me tightly, throwing so many lost years into her hug. I burst into tears as she began to stroke my hair like she had when I was a little girl. Longing swept through me as I snuggled deeper into the arms of the only mother I had ever known.

"Oh, my little Sky," she whispered as she stood back, eyes drinking in my appearance. "Look at how beautiful you are!" I smiled and blushed as she tugged me towards the house. "The girls will be overjoyed to see you and your father-" Her voice trailed off, grief twisting the Force around her. I stumbled and her grip tightened on my hand.

"Dad? Is he okay? My voice rose in pitch. Ilea leaned close and tenderly tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.

"No, sweetheart, he isn't okay. He's very ill and had been for some time." Sorrow tore at my heart as we walked inside. A low snore rose from the door to our left. The door creaked open and my sisters, Lynn Me and Kola, stepped out.

"He just fell asleep, mom. He's really not doing to- Skylar?" Lynn Me stopped dead in her tracks at the sight of me and Kola walked into her. Kola looked up and pressed and hand to her mouth. She then darted forward and crushed me in a hug, my shoulder muffling her squeals of joy. Lynn Me snapped out of her shock and wrapped her arms around the both of us. We laughed as tears rolled down our faces.

"Skylar?" a thin, shaky voice coughed. Kruss stood at the door, a robe wrapped around his frail form.

"Daddy?" I untangled myself from my sister's grasp and gently wrapped him in my arms. The strength in his arms around my waist was a stark contrast to his frail appearance. His frame shook as he cried silently, his arms tightening around me. I began to cry as well, and together we mourned the time we had missed out on as a family. A cough racked his body and he sagged against me. Using the Force, I helped him limp to his room where I knelt beside his bed, holding his hand.

I sensed motion behind me as Cody, my mom and my sisters came in behind me. My eyes swept over his face, noticing the tiredness shining from the skin and the jagged white scar running from his forehead, skirting his left eye and ending on his chin. I traced it lightly, a worried frown creasing my forehead as I noted a feverish heat to his very pale green skin.

"Who did this to you?" He coughed again, pain flaring in his eyes.

"Jabba," he rasped and Kola handed him a flask of water.

"Why?" A fierce smile curled his lips.

"I wouldn't bend to his will. I never did, no matter what he did to me." My hand tightened on his as anger coursed through my veins.

"What else did he do to you?" He shrugged.

"The torture was the worst. That's all I was there for. You see, I couldn't dance like your mother and sisters, and I refused to be a bounty hunter so I was his "entertainment" when he grew tired of the music and dancing." Another cough tore through his body and he paled, sweat shining on his brow. "Without Cody, we wouldn't had lasted much longer. But what about you darling? Why are you here?"

"Cody brought me home. Obi-Wan and I have been separated for a while and I thought Cody had died. Then something big happened. Vader was behind it."

"Is Obi-Wan alright?" I shrugged.

"I don't know."

"Where's your lightsaber Sky?" Kola asked excitedly. I touched my belt and feigned confusion.

"I don't know! I must have lost it somewhere." I felt Cody's eyes on me and I saw suspicion flicker through them. I turned my attention back to my dad.

"What about the cloak we gave you just before you left?" I thought back to where I had left seen it.

"It's safe on my ship." I had left the cloak in my quarters aboard the Death Star, the only item I had remaining from my life with them. A low moan rose from my dad's lips. I faced him again, panic rising in my throat as his eyes closed, skin almost white and his grip slacking.

"Dad?" I whispered, squeezing his hand. His eyes fluttered and the Force moved sluggishly around him. "Daddy, don't give up on me. Look at me. Don't leave! I still need you!" The tears came thick and fast as Ilea stood next to me and pressed her lips to his, crying softly.

"I love you sweetheart. Always remember that. You are my sun and moon, my everything. You are my first and only love. Be strong." She nodded, and Lynn stood next to me.

"My beloved first born. I was overjoyed when you were born. I love you so much. Take care of your mom and sisters for me, okay?" She kissed his cheek and stepped back, allowing Kola to take her place. He smiled gently.

"Ah, my little one. Always getting into mischief. I love you so much. And yes, I know it was you who crashed the speeder when you were ten. And eleven and twelve. Blaming it on Sky." He smiled and she laughed, tears clogging her throat. "Be strong my little one."

"Skylar, my little Jedi. Remember that you are destined for great things, my darling. Always remember that I love you." I nodded, tears streaking down my face.

"And Cody, you are the son I never had. Take care of my family." Cody nodded, tears shining in his eyes. Kruss smiled at us, eyes wet, as he took his final breath.

"Dad? Daddy?" I asked, shaking his shoulder. "No, please. Please don't leave me." Ilea wrapped her arms around Lynn Me and Kola, sobbing. An arm wrapped around my shoulders and drew me away from the bed.

"Shh, darling. It's going to be okay. I'm here for you." Cody brushed his lips across my hair before covering my dad with a sheet. I crawled into his arms and sobbed as he wrapped his other arm around my mom, holding our family together.

"Oh daddy," I whispered. "What are we going to do without you?"

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A/n

Sorry for missing two weeks. I've been very busy with school, but I promise that updates will be regular after this week. May the Force be with you! <3