❀ ❀ ❀

THE NEXT MORNING Apolla walked out of Anakin's step-father's place to see Anakin carrying a body.

"Oh, no..." Apolla mumbled, running over to Anakin.

Anakin saw Apolla and started to tear up "Pollie, I couldn't save her."

"It's not your fault." Apolla cupped his face.

He kissed her head and sniffed "I know, but I feel like I failed her."

Apolla shook her head and stroked his cheek "No, sweetie."

He nodded and walked past the others, walking inside. Anakin placed her down then went to the shed. Apolla made something for Anakin then followed him. When she got there he was fixing something.

Anakin sniffed "The shifter broke. Life seems so much simpler when you're fixing things. I'm good at fixing things. Always was. But I couldn't...why'd she have to die? Why couldn't I save her? I know I could have!"

Apolla walked over to him and said "I know what you're going through, Ani. I lost my father when I was 12, the only parent who actually thought I had a chance. The world works in mysterious ways, there was no way to cheat her death."

He cupped her face after turning around "I just wish I could be the most powerful Jedi ever..."

She looked into his eyes "I know, Anakin, but you're not, at least not yet."

He kissed her head and sighed, grabbing a part he was fixing he tossed it to the wall "It's all Obi-Wan's fault...he's holding me back!"

Apolla shushed him and slowly sat down with him. He started crying and held onto her.

She sniffed and kissed his head "Ani, breathe..."

He sniffed and rested his head on her arm. "Ani, it's okay.."

She whispered, rocking them back and forth.

"I killed them, Pollie. I killed them all. They're dead. Every single one of them. And not just the men, but the women and the children too. They're like animals and I slaughtered them like animals! I hate them!" Anakin cried into her.

She stroked his hair and sighed "Your pain, that's normal, you're not alone and you're not wrong to feel this way, Ani."

He looked at her and leaned up a bit. She kissed him, softly. He sat up then kissed back, grabbing her by the waist. He placed her in his lap. She took off her Jedi attire.

He did too.

❀ ❀ ❀

AFTER A FEW Hours, Anakin and Apolla met up with Padmé and Helios to say goodbye to Shmi along with Cliegg, Beru, and Owen.

"I know wherever you are it's become a better place. You were the most loving partner a man could ever have. Good bye, my darling wife. And thank you." Cliegg said to Shmi's headstone.

Anakin let go of Apolla's hand then knelt down in front of the headstone.

Anakin grabbed some sand then said "I wasn't strong enough to save you, mom. I wasn't strong enough. But I promise I won't fail again. I miss you so much."

They then heard R2-D2 beeping.

"R2? What are you doing here?" Padmé asked the droid.

"It seems that he is carrying a message from an Obi-Wan Kenobi. Hmm. Master Ani, do those names mean anything to you?" 3PO asked his former maker.

He nodded as Apolla, Helios, Padmé, and himself went back to the ship. Anakin turned on the message. The four of them got situated as Obi-Wan appeared in front of them. Apolla transmitted the message to the council.

"I have tracked the bounty hunter, Jango Fett, to the droid foundries on Geonosis. The Trade Fedaration is to take delivery of a droid army here, and it is clear that Viceroy Gunray is behind the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala and Queen Minerva. Queen Minerva is now safe on Coruscant, I presume." Obi-Wan started which caused the younger Phoenix's head to snap up at that.

Apolla placed her hand on his shoulder. Helios looked at her and sighed.

"The Commerce Guilds and the Corporate Alliance have both pledged their armies to Count Dooku and are forming a...wait...wait.." Obi-Wan was cut off by droids.

He tried to fight them off, but to no avail.

Apolla covered her mouth "No.."

Anakin rubbed her back.

"More happening on Geonosis, I feel, than has been revealed." Master Yoda looked at Apolla's former master.

"I agree. Anakin, Apolla, we will deal with Count Dooku. The more important thing is to stay where you are. Protect the senator at all costs. That is your first priority." Master Windu said to them.

"What about Minerva?" Helios questioned.

"She's here, we have her protected in a room, she will be safe." Master Windu reassured.

Helios nodded.

"Yes, Master." Apolla bowed.

"Understood, Master." Anakin looked away.

"They'll never get there in time to save him. They have to come half way across the galaxy." Padmé started.

Apolla pushed a button on the ship and said "Geonosis is less than a parsec away." 

"If he's still alive." Anakin and Helios said in unison.

"Ani, Helios, are you just gonna sit here and let him die?" Apolla questioned in disbelief.

"Obi-Wan's your friend, your ment..." Padmé said but got cut off by Anakin.

"Obi-Wan's like my father! But you heard Master Windu. He gave Apolla and I strict orders to stay here!" Anakin yelled at her.

"He gave you both strict orders to protect me while Obi-Wan was to protect Minerva, at least she's now safe with Master Windu, and I'm going to help Obi-Wan. If you plan to protect me, you'll just have to come along." Padmé told him. 

Anakin and Apolla sat in the front while Helios and Padmé sat behind them with the droids. They were off. Apolla turned to look behind her to see her best friend and brother asleep.

"You don't look so good, you okay?" Anakin questioned.

Apolla sighed "I love Obi-Wan too much to lose him."

Anakin rubbed her hand softly "He'll be safe."

She nodded "Helios' like me, wanting to protect the people we love."

He smiled softly "You're a good sister to him. I wish I had siblings."

"I mean, by marriage, Owen is your brother." Apolla chuckled.

"Yeah, by marriage, Pollie." He smirked.

She giggled and shook her head. When they got there Anakin landed the ship. They all stood up.

Padmé grabbed her sweater and said "Look what ever happens out there follow my lead. I'm not interested in getting into a war here. As a member of the senate, maybe I could find a diplomatic solution to this mess."

Helios rolled his eyes and followed her "Alright, your worship."

Anakin grabbed Apolla's wrist then turned her around, pecking her lips.

She pecked back "Be mindful, Ani."

"I know, darling." He winked as they followed Helios and Padmé.

Helios opened the door. They all walked inside. As they walked down the hallway they noticed creatures coming out.

"Wait." Apolla and Anakin said, having their arms blocking Padmé and Helios.

The creatures came out and Apolla, Helios, and Anakin activated their sabers.

"Is that mom's?" Apolla asked.

Helios nodded as he attacked the creatures with his older sister. Padmé ran off. Anakin, Apolla, and Helios fended off the creatures then ran with Padmé as the doors opened. The walkway closed and Padmé fell with Apolla.

"No!" Helios and Anakin exclaimed.

Apolla grabbed Padmé's hand "Stay close to me."

Padmé nodded and held onto her. Anakin and Helios jumped after them. Apolla and Padmé ran trying to get to safety. A creature came after Padmé, but Apolla chopped off its head.

"Thank you." She breathed out.

"I might not be your handmaiden anymore, but I swore to you that I'd protect you at any cost." Apolla looked at her.

Padmé smiled "I respect you for that."

They then fell into a bucket. Apolla held her hand.

"We're gonna be okay, we're gonna be okay." Padmé reassured herself.

Helios and Anakin fought off the creatures.

"I hope my sister didn't do anything stupid." Helios breathed out.

"No, she'll definitely raise hell when it comes to protecting us." Anakin chuckled.

"She's lucky to have you." He smiled at the Jedi.

"I'm lucky to have her." Anakin corrected as they kept fending off the creatures.

Anakin and Helios both got hit. Anakin got caught in some machine. Helios tried to help him out.

"Find Padmé and Apolla. I got this!" Anakin yelled at him.

Helios nodded and went to find his sister and Padmé. 

❀ ❀ ❀

AFTER TRYING TO Get out of the bucket they were in, Padmé and Apolla tumbled out in front of Helios.

Helios helped his sister and Padmé up "Thank God, you're okay."

"Where's Anakin?" Apolla panicked. The creatures cornered the trio.

Apolla put her saber away and sighed. The trio were then taken away.

Apolla sighed "This is not how I wanted to go."

Apolla was chained next to Anakin in a chariot.

"At least we'll die together." Anakin smirked.

Apolla rolled her eyes "Whatever, Skywalker."

He kissed her cheek "It'll be okay."

Apolla nodded as they waited to be whisked away to their deaths. Apolla feared something may happen.

"Man, I hope we don't die tonight." Apolla thought to herself.