Why the old Toydarian couldn't just pack a lunch like everyone else was beyond Anakin. Then again, he was only a slave and was not to question his master's stupidity. As his mother was to remind him over and over again.

It was on this quest for fresh pallies from the market that set Anakin's day on a very different course. He barely noticed her at first, slumped behind one of the stalls as she was. But when he did, everything changed. Her hair hung in strands that covered her face but not the bruises lining her jaw. Anakin's eyes widened as he hesitantly made his way over to her.

"Uh...miss?" he asked softly as he neared the semi-unconscious woman, "Miss? Are you alright?"

She mumbled something in response before groaning and falling silent once more. He bit his lip. Anakin had never been one to walk away from a helpless being - his mother had taught him that. Seeming then like the logical thing to do, he ran home quickly to enlist Shmi's help. And being that he inherited her warm nature, of course, she obliged to help in any way she could. Both were eager to help this foreign traveler who had obviously been in a fight of some kind or perhaps passed out of thirst.

"She's heavy!" Anakin complained to his mother as they lifted the slender brunette clothed in rags.

They slipped behind one of the various shopkeepers' stands then and on to a dusty side road, hoping to stay out of sight.

"De wanga!" they heard Watto shout in the distance, the flapping of his wings nearing.

"Oh, no," Anakin said to his mother, "He'll see her. What are we gonna do? We've got to hide her somehow!"

"Can you get the both of you home safely?" she asked quickly, leaning down to his level.

Anakin nodded, dirty blond bangs falling in his face.

"Good boy. Take the side roads. And whatever you do, Anakin, make sure you aren't seen by anyone. Are we clear?"

Again, the young slave boy nodded and Shmi sent him off on his way. It was harder than he imagined it would be - not only carrying the girl but keeping out of sight of his neighbors as he did. But somehow, he managed it and found his way home. Carefully, he dragged her body over the threshold and instantly pushed the button beside the door to seal it behind them.

Moments later, Shmi arrived home, having escaped from Watto long enough. After water and fresh linens were found and distributed, his mother began the arduous job of cleaning her up. Bruises and cuts covered the strange girl's body including a very deep gash in her arm that was oozing crimson blood. What could have possibly happened to this girl?

The scenarios were endless, though, Shmi knew. Anything could happen to a young girl unaccompanied here in the Outer Rim. She, herself, had had run-ins with some rather nasty thugs on the east side in her youth. A fact of which she constantly reminded Anakin so that he would be very careful out on his own. She loved her son dearly but he was far too reckless for his own good.

"Is she going to be alright?" Anakin whispered softly to his mother from the doorway.

Turning in her seat to face him, she nodded and gave him a warm smile. Placing a finger to her lips briefly, she made her way to him and shut the door behind her.

"Let's leave her to rest now, Ani. Whatever transpired, it took its toll on her. We'll talk more in the morning," Shmi told him gently before placing a sweet kiss to the top of his head, "But you did a good thing today, Ani. The biggest problem in the universe is no one helps each other. I'm so proud of you for caring enough to help out a stranger."

Anakin smiled into the rough-spun wool of his mother's dress, closing his eyes as she hugged him tightly. Their life had its hardships but one thing they would always have is each other.

"I love you, my Ani." Shmi whispered into his hair, never wanting to let her little boy go.

But sooner than she'd like, she knew he would be his own man. Hopefully a free one. A man who could travel this universe and see everything she had not.

However, for now she would enjoy their time together. And enjoy these little moments that was shaping him into a man she could be proud of.