Part 3 - The Sith Returns

[adea]

Prologue


“Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me”
The Sith Code


War! The Republic struggles as more and more planets fall under Darth Krayt’s control. Chancellor Amidala declares a state of emergency as mid-rim systems begin to withdraw from the Republic, and join the new Sith Empire. For three years, the Jedi have fought on many worlds, battling the many armies of Dark Jedi, Rakghoul mutants and Sith loyalists. Beings from all over the Galaxy are being drafted in to aid the already overwhelmed Jedi. Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker leads the armies in some of the greatest battles the galaxy has ever seen. Luke Skywalker, now a knight, proves himself worthy of recognition in the Jedi archives, as he saves countless worlds from Sith control....

[adea]

Chapter 1 – Heroes of the War


‘Dad, the Rakghouls are retreating!’ called Luke over his commlink, steering his starfighter left.

‘Yeah i see them son, take the gold squadron to that starship, stop it from taking off, I’ll deal with the one in the air’ replied Anakin.

‘Yes Master Skywalker’ laughed Luke, ‘Gold Squadron, you heard him, move out!’

Luke led the squadron towards the Sith starship, dodging the onslaught of the Sith starfighters.

‘Aim above the fuel cells’ he called, as his team opened fire. The starship exploded in a great ball of red and orange. Above them, a second starship exploded, crashing to the ground. Through the cheers of the squadrons, Anakin called Luke to land.

Climbing out of his starfighter, Anakin rushed to embrace his son. Luke had become quite the hero as a result of battles like this one, and Anakin had never been prouder.

‘We make quite a team’ laughed Anakin, putting an arm around Luke’s shoulders.

‘Yes, you’re very lucky to fight alongside someone as talented as me’ smirked Luke. Anakin rolled his eyes.

‘I am your father, and a Master young one and you will show me some respect’ Anakin mock-scolded. Arien cringed.

‘Yeah, but you’re not my master, so....no’ laughed Luke. Anakin raised an eyebrow to his son in mock anger, then laughed.

‘Come on, let’s get home before they send us out again, I’m sure your dying to see Arien’ winked Anakin. Luke pulled a face of disgust.

‘Dad, don’t ever say that again...it’s creepy’ said Luke, shaking his head. Anakin smirked.

‘Well maybe you’d rather i talked about your mother....’ he began, but Luke had already taken flight, leaving Anakin doubled over laughing.



Arien and Obi Wan were about to enter hyperspace, after defeating a rather nasty Rakghoul army on Ansion. Battle worn and exhausted, they entered the resting room on their Republican Starship, the Highflyer.

‘Hold still, do want me to leave you with a chunk out of your arm’ scolded Arien, as Obi Wan squirmed under the athelos she was administering, ‘Your such a girl, what would Dormé think if she saw you acting like this’ she added.

‘She’d be sympathetic my friend, it wouldn’t be so bad if you were a little gentler’ retorted Obi Wan, wincing as Arien rather harshly pressed more paste into the wound.

‘There, all done’ she smiled brightly, straightening up. As she did so, her face drained of all colour.

‘Arien...are you okay’ Obi Wan asked concernedly. Arien nodded her head, then ran from the room, covering her mouth. Obi Wan raised his eyebrows.

‘I didn’t know she got space sick’ he laughed, settling back onto his bunk.



Padmé Amidala waited nervously in the main hangar of the Jedi Temple. Around her, starships and starfighters landed and took off, as the Jedi and Republic Army battled to maintain control of the galaxy, and counter-attack the increasing threats of the new Sith Order. Wringing her hands, she gasped as a large starship, the flagship of the entire fleet, landed. She breathed a sigh of relief as her husband and son jumped down from the ramp.

‘Home safe’ she breathed. Anakin spotted her in the crowd, and sped towards her, lifting her into the air.

‘Oh Anakin, thank goodness your both alright’ she gasped, her eyes watering up.

‘I told you I’d be back soon’ he replied, kissing her deeply. Padmé drew back from Anakin, and turned to her son.

‘Oh my baby, i was so worried’ she cried, hugging him tightly.

‘Mom...Mom please, this is a little embarrassing’ he squirmed, fighting off her kisses.

‘But your her baby’ came a mocking voice from behind him, ‘I’m sure Arien would find it sweet’.

‘Shut up Leia’ spat Luke, his face reddening. Leia rolled her eyes, and embraced her brother.

‘I knew you’d be okay, but Mom wouldn’t hear it, she kept going on about how you’re just a young boy, and you shouldn’t be on the front line’ Leia laughed. Luke chuckled.


To their left, a second starship was landing, a great crowd forming around them. The battle on Ansion had been highly publicised, mostly due to the split in Ansion’s ruling council. Luke ran towards the ship, craning his neck to see the crew exiting. He felt warm relief spread through him, as he saw who he was looking for. Arien, dressed in a floaty mid-night blue gown, descended the ramp, followed by a rather bruised Obi Wan.

Luke broke into a run, laughing. A gathered Arien up and spun her around, kissing her deeply.

‘I was so worried, the battle was all over the holonet’ he breathed, placing Arien back on the ground.

‘I’m fine, though Obi Wan had a rather nasty accident’ giggled Arien, as Obi Wan pushed his way past reporters scowling.

‘Honestly, the way they’re talking, it sounds like they’re enjoying this war’ he spat, rubbing his arm.

Anakin, Padme and Leia made their way to where Luke and the others were standing.

‘Good to see you two still in one piece’ laughed Anakin, hugging Arien.

‘As if any harm could come to us’ smirked Obi Wan, embracing his brother, ‘We better get a move on, the council will be expecting a report’.

‘Come on Arien’ called Anakin. Arien turned back to Luke, nestling into his chest.

‘I’ll see you at home, okay?’ she said brightly, before turning to follow Anakin and Obi Wan. Luke nodded, and watched her retreat into the temple.

‘Come on’ smiled Padme, ‘Let's go get you cleaned up’.

[adea]

Chapter 2 – A Secret to Hide


‘Masters, good to see you all, alive and well’ started Yoda, as the Jedi took their seats.

‘Yes, though i must say, we don’t seem to be making a lot of progress...we still haven’t found Krayt’s main base’ replied Obi Wan.

‘Hidden well, it is, many search parties, i have issued’ answered Yoda calmly.

‘What of the senate, have any more systems withdrew from the Republic?’ asked Arien.

‘Chancellors Organa and Amidala have reported several mid-rim systems have removed themselves, the Sith now control wild space, much of the outer rim and several mid rim systems’ replied Shaak Ti sombrely.

‘Maybe his base is in wild space? We could go there, look around’ said Anakin thoughtfully.

‘That would take months, even with hyper drives....no i think the base is closer than we think’ replied Ood Bnar.

‘Very well, discuss this further, tomorrow, we will’ said Yoda, rubbing his chin, ‘council adjourned’.


Arien left the temple, exhausted from the recent events. However she did not go straight home, there was someone she needed to see urgently.

‘Hello, could i please speak to Chancellor Amidala?’ she asked Padmé’s aide, as she reached her office. The aide pressed the intercom, informing Padmé of Arien’s arrival.

‘Go on in’, smiled the aide. Arien nodded, and entered the office.

‘Hello Arien, what can i do for you’ smiled Padmé, closing her data pad. Arien took a deep breath.

‘Padmé...umm...i was wondering if you could come to the medi centre with me’ Arien answered quietly. Padmé inhaled sharply.

‘What is it? Are you injured, why didn’t you go as soon as you landed’ she gasped, quickly getting to her feet. Arien shifted nervously.

‘No no, it’s nothing like that...its...i....’ Arien began, a look of terror crossing her face. Padmé walked towards her.

‘Arien, what is it?’ she asked concernedly. Arien closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath.

‘I....think i might be....pregnant’ she finished, hanging her head. Padmé’s eyes widened.

‘Oh Arien...that’s wonderful’ she cried, hugging her. Arien smiled sheepishly. Padmé frowned slightly.

‘You don’t seem too happy about it’ she said.

‘Well...i am, it’s just...to bring a child into a Galaxy when we’re at war....the Jedi can’t afford to lose anymore Jedi’ she whispered. Padmé studied her closely, whilst Arien continued.

‘That’s why....if i am...you can’t tell anyone, i won’t be giving up my duties straight away’. Padmé gasped.

‘NO! Arien you can’t continue to fight if you are, it’s too dangerous’ she pleaded, but Arien shook her head.

‘Padmé please, don’t tell anyone, especially Luke, not until the time is right’. Padmé turned away, her heart grieving. This war was tearing everyone apart.


Anakin returned to his apartment later that night, finding Padmé sitting alone on the couch. He smiled, and walked towards her.

‘Padmé’ he breathed. Padmé jumped, then realising who it was, smiled wearily.

‘Anakin, i was beginning to wonder where you’d got to’. Anakin paused, sensing something was wrong.

‘Padmé, are you alright, you seem troubled’ he asked, sitting next to her.

‘Oh I’m fine’ smiled Padmé, ‘just tired...’ Padmé stared out of the window and sighed.
‘Anakin, there’s something you should know’.



Arien entered the apartment she and Luke shared, wiping the tears from her eyes. What am i going to do, she thought. How long before i begin to show? Will i be able to hide it? She sighed wearily, then forced herself to smile as Luke came to greet her.

‘Arien, where’ve you been?’ he asked, kissing her. Arien looked at the ground.

‘There were some things i needed to look over in the archives, nothing important’ she added, sensing Luke was about to ask. Luke frowned a little, then smiled.

‘Come on, Ethril made us some dinner’ he said, leading Arien to the dining room. Arien nodded, pushing the baby as far from consciousness as possible.

[adea]

Chapter 3 – Frustration


Anakin awoke suddenly to the frantic bleeping of his comm. link. Groaning, he rolled out of bed, and answered it.

‘What is it Obi Wan’ he asked sleepily.

‘Chancellor Organa, he’s been taken’ shouted Obi Wan over the din in the temple, ‘Get to the temple, we’re going to rescue him.....we’ve found the Sith base’. Anakin stood, horrified.

‘Padmé!’.


Anakin arrived at the temple, where Obi Wan, Arien and Luke were waiting.

‘Where’s the base?’ he called, as he ran towards them.

‘It's not on land, they’re using a massive space station not far from here, come on, we have to leave now’ shouted Obi Wan, climbing onto the ship. Arien followed, as did Luke.

‘Luke, what do you think you’re doing?’ scolded Anakin. Luke frowned.

‘Going to rescue the Chancellor....obviously’ he replied, shaking his head.

‘You’re not going anywhere near that space station, it’s too dangerous’ said Anakin, disbelief across his face. Luke scowled.

‘What do you mean, I’m a Jedi Knight! You can’t make me stay’ he spat, moving closer to the ship. Anakin grabbed his arm, dragging him back.

‘Get off me’ thundered Luke, his anger rising rapidly.

‘Anakin, we have to go....now!’ called Arien. Anakin turned to his son.

‘This is too dangerous, you must understand’ he told Luke, before running into the ship. Luke glared at his father, his breathing heavy and full of anger. He watched the ship take off, followed by several larger ships, containing troops.

‘You still think I’m a little boy....ill prove you wrong...father’ spat Luke, before turning away from the retreating ships.

[adea]

Chapter 4 – Rescue Mission


The ship containing the Jedi entered space, where a full on battle had already begun. All around them, republic and Sith pilots blasted each other into oblivion. The troops around the Jedi ship deployed smaller starfighters, and began to cover the Jedi, as they departed in a small ship, heading towards the immense space station.

‘The station is retreating’ called Arien, pressing several switches on the control board, ‘We haven’t got much time, are you sure the Chancellor is on there?’

‘Positive, we need to get the shields down before we can get in, ant ideas?’ asked Obi Wan, turning to Anakin. Anakin paused, deep in thought.

‘If we knock out the shield on that entrance there, we should be able to get in’ he finally mused.

‘And what about getting out?’ said Obi Wan, raising an eyebrow.

‘That’s the tricky part’ replied Anakin, frowning.

‘Guys, i hate to rush you but we’re seriously running out of time’ shouted Arien, as a nearby blast rocked the ship.

‘Ok ok, let’s just get inside, we’ll figure something out there’ called Anakin.


Arien steered the ship towards the space station, dodging several oncoming Sith attacks. Nearing the station, Anakin took the controls and fired several lasers at the control panel near the shielded entrance. The hazy shield flickered, then disappeared.

‘We’re in’ called Anakin.


They landed in the main hangar and exited the ship, we’re they were immediately met by a troop of Rakghouls. The creatures were disgusting. Greyish, slimy skin covered their bodies from head to three toed foot. Their faces were squashed and contorted, and their eyes gleaming red. However, although they were menacing, the Rakghouls were no match for three Jedi Masters, and short work was made of them.

‘What now?’ asked Arien.

‘No doubt he’s being kept in the main control room, we’ll go through the air vents, it’ll be quicker that way’ replied Obi Wan.

‘And if they realise we’re here?’ Arien inquired.

‘Let's just hope that doesn’t happen’ mused Anakin, climbing into the vent.


The three Jedi made their way through the maze of air vents, twisting, turning, climbing and sliding, until finally, they were above the control room.

‘There he is’ whispered Obi Wan, pointing at an aged man bound to a chair, clearly unconscious. The three Jedi opened the grate they were looking through, and jumped into the room. Arien rushed to Bail, whilst Anakin and Obi Wan searched the room. It was completely empty.

‘He’s still alive’ called Arien, ‘We need to get him back to the ship’. Anakin nodded, but something didn’t feel right, it shouldn’t have been this easy.

‘Arien, can you carry him back through the vent?’ asked Obi Wan, releasing Bail from the chains that bound him to the chair.

‘I think so’ Arien winced, as she lifted Bail up, putting his arm around his neck. Anakin walked over to the pair.

‘Get him to the ship, and get back to Coruscant’ he ordered, helping adjust Bail’s position. Arien snapped her head towards him.

‘What! You can’t expect me to just leave you two’ she exclaimed, struggling slightly under Bail’s weight.

‘I do. It’s him we came for, get back to Coruscant, we’ll follow you’ he replied calmly. Arien mouthed wordlessly at Anakin, who shook his head.

‘And why can’t you just come with me’ she spat, eyebrows raised.

‘Because something’s wrong, this was far too easy, at least i we stay we can give you a heads start’ replied Anakin, turning away to inspect the room further. Arien sighed impatiently.

‘And what exactly are you going to fly home?’ she asked, trying and failing to follow him.

‘We’ll find something’ smirked Obi Wan, ‘come on, let’s get him into the vent’. Arien opened her mouth to protest, but Obi Wan had already begun dragging Bail towards the vent.

‘Men’ spat Arien.


Once Bail and Arien were in the vent, Obi wan, using the force, closed the grate.

‘At least be careful, and call me if anything goes wrong’ Arien pleaded through the gap in the grate.

‘We will’ reassured Obi Wan, ‘now go, quick!’
Arien nodded, and began dragging Bail back the way they came.

‘What do you think? A trap?’ asked Obi Wan, joining Anakin. He turned to face him.

‘I don’t know, i...’ Anakin stopped, like a dog catching the scent of a rabbit.

‘You feel that?’ he whispered. Obi Wan nodded. The pair ignited their lightsabers, as footsteps began to grow louder and louder.


Arien was having difficulty manoeuvring herself and Bail through the narrow ventilation pipes.

‘Why they told me to go, I’m not exactly strong’ she muttered, pulling Bail up over a ledge. He began to stir.

‘Kaima’ she whispered, sending Bail into a deep sleep.

‘This really sucks’ she mumbled angrily, returning to the task of dragging Bail to their ship.



The door to the control room opened slowly, revealing three people dressed in hooded black cloaks. Anakin and Obi Wan watched as two of the people walked forward, the third remained by the door. One of the two moving forward lowered his hood.

Krayt.


‘Welcome, my old Jedi friends. I see your admiring the flagship of my fleet’ smirked Krayt, waving his hand. Anakin steadied his breathing, thankfully remaining calm.

‘We weren’t admiring Krayt, believe me’ spat Anakin. Krayt chuckled menacingly. He glanced at the empty chair previously filled by Bail.

‘I see you’ve taken my guest, rude of you, though i am willing to forgive you’ snarled Krayt. Obi Wan rolled his eyes.

‘And how will you do that, a Sith knows no forgiveness, they’re too selfish for that’ remarked Obi Wan, raising an eyebrow.

‘If your Chancellors are willing to accept my offer, we can end this war now. Work together, to build a new, greater empire’ replied Krayt, a menacing smile flashing across his face.

‘We will never accept the offer of a Sith...never’ snarled Anakin, readying his sabre. Obi Wan followed suit.

‘Foolish of you, we could build a great empire...together’ growled Krayt, ‘yet as always, the Jedi choose the hard way’. Krayt signalled to his companions. They lowered their hoods. Obi Wan gasped.


Arien reached the end of the vent unhindered by the enemy.

‘Thank god’ she sighed. Luckily, the exit was close to the ground, so Bail could be pushed through. She straightened up, after getting out. She heard several clicks.

‘Great’ she spat. Several Rakghoul and Sith loyalist fighters surrounded her, blasters aimed and ready to fire.

‘Stop Jedi’ one of the loyalists ordered. Arien rolled her eyes.

‘I’m afraid i can’t do that, this man is in need of healers, please excuse me whilst i return to my ship’ she replied calmly. Using the force, she decided to lift Bail, and float him to the ship, making it easier for her.

‘Shoot her’ ordered the loyalist. Arien rolled her eyes again. Why they have to make it so difficult, she thought impatiently.

The enemy opened fire. Arien quickly withdrew her lightsaber, deflecting the blaster shots, several of them rebounding off their shooters. The Rakghouls stumbled back, caught off guard. Arien jumped forward, cutting down three Rakghouls in the process.

‘Don’t let them get away’ cried a loyalist, as Arien killed several more. It didn’t take her long to clear her path. She turned back to Bail, who was still out cold.

‘I really need a vacation’ she muttered, using the force to raise Bail several inches from the ground.


‘You...you’re both...Jedi!’ exclaimed Obi Wan, as he recognised the two assassins, they were two Padawans, both of whom disappeared over three years ago. The assassins said nothing, unsheathing their sabres. Behind them, several more Sith fighters joined them.

‘Well this was a good idea’ spat Obi Wan. Anakin smiled sheepishly.

‘I don’t think i thought this through’ he mused.

‘Oh...you think!’ exclaimed Obi Wan angrily. The Sith closed in.


Arien lowered herself into the pilot’s chair, ready for takeoff. She felt unease in the force.

‘Oh for force’s sake, i just want to go home!’ she cried. She took off, not heading for Coruscant. She exited the hangar, and once outside the Sith starship, brought the ship around, heading for the window of the control room.



‘So...uh...I’ll take those six...and...those seven are yours’ laughed Anakin nervously. Obi Wan glared at Anakin, shaking his head.

‘You lose Jedi’ growled Krayt. He turned to his companions.

‘Attack them’ he ordered.


A great crash sounded behind them, as Anakin and Obi wan threw themselves to the ground, grabbing onto a chair secured to the ground. The air around them was sucked towards the now broken window. Several Sith assassins flew past them, flying into space.

‘What the Sith is going on?!’ thundered Obi Wan over the din. Anakin struggled to turn his head towards the window, and laughed.

‘What is so funny’ shouted Obi Wan angrily. He turned his head, and saw Arien slowly manoeuvring their ship towards them.


Krayt fought to get to the door, pushing all those blocking his path out of their way, and to their doom. He cursed loudly, as he saw Arien lower the ramp on their ship, and Anakin and Obi Wan slowly moving towards it, careful not to let go. One they were inside, the ship took off towards Coruscant. Krayt screamed in frustration, dragging himself through the door.


Anakin and Obi Wan stumbled into the control room of their small ship, where Arien was flying them home.

‘That was....genius’ gasped Anakin through breaths. Arien rolled her eyes.

‘I’m beginning to get sick of saving you two all the time’ she laughed, steering the ship left, and away from all the commotion.

‘Looks like thet're retreating’ acknowledged Obi Wan with a smile.

‘They’ll be back’ replied Anakin darkly, ‘but at least Bail’s safe’. He turned, and laughed when he realised he was snoring.

‘You put him to sleep?’ smirked Anakin.

‘Yes, and I’ll do the same to you if you don’t be quiet’ Arien replied impatiently, the other two laughing. Anakin sighed, sitting down. Now that it was all over, another pressing matter needed to be dealt with.

‘Arien, there’s something we need to discuss’ he said politely.

‘Oh....and what would that be?’ replied Arien, switching the autopilot on, and turning to Anakin. Obi wan sat up a little straighter, intrigued.

‘Something Padme mentioned last night’ he replied, waiting for a reaction. Arien blinked, then turned away.

‘I told her not to say anything’ she muttered.

‘She told me out of concern for you, she didn’t know what to do, you’re in a dangerous situation here’ Anakin replied seriously, moving towards her.

‘Would somebody like to explain what’s going on’ called Obi Wan impatiently. Arien sighed.

‘It seems Anakin does not like the fact I’m still on the front line even though I’m....’ she paused, not really wanting to reveal her secret.

‘Even though you’re what?’ asked Obi Wan, looking from Anakin to Arien. Arien turned to face him.

‘Even though I’m pregnant’.


Obi Wan stared at Arien, wide eyed.
‘Arien that’s wonderful..that’s....wait....what the Sith are you playing at’ he said angrily. Arien rolled her eyes again.

‘You can’t be going on missions in your condition, it’s too dangerous’ added Anakin, angry himself.

‘If I’m not mistaken, i think i just saved the both of you in my condition’ she retorted sarcastically. Before either could retaliate, Arien held up her hand.

‘I’ve made my decision; i will continue to serve the Jedi until i physically can’t. We’re stretched thin enough, we can’t afford to lose anymore’ she said, a note of finality in her voice. The two Jedi bowed their heads, not knowing what to say.

‘I know it’s dangerous, but it’s my choice, and please don’t tell the council, or anyone....especially Luke’ she continued. The other two nodded, though not agreeing with her actions.

‘Good’ she smiled brightly. ‘Now let’s go home’.

[adea]

Chapter 5 – Weary Lives


‘Anakin....oh thank the force...Anakin’ came a woman’s joyful cry. Anakin beamed as he helped Bail down the ramp. Padmé threw herself into Anakin’s arms, weeping with relief. She turned from her husband.

‘Bail, thank the gods your safe, i was so...so’ Padmé couldn’t finish her sentence, too overcome by emotion.

‘I’m fine Padmé, i have Anakin, Obi Wan and Arien to thank for that’ croaked Bail, smiling wearily.

‘Well, mostly Arien’ laughed Obi Wan, as Dormé launched herself at him, almost knocking him off balance.

‘What do you mean?’ asked Padmé, frowning.

‘We’ll tell you inside’ smiled Anakin. Arien jumped down from the ship.

‘Chancellor Organa, are you sure your alright?’ asked Arien, a bunch of dark green herbs dotted with tiny white flowers in her hand.

‘Yes Master Elendir, I’m fine, thanks to you three’ smiled Bail weakly, ‘I’m afraid i must leave now’. He bowed, then was lead into the senate apartment building by several aides.

Arien stood on her toes, stretching to see if Luke was here.

‘Padmé, where’s Luke?’ she asked, slightly worried.

‘I....i don’t know, i thought he’d be here to greet you’ replied Padmé, bemused.

‘Probably sulking in the temple no doubt’ laughed Leia, ‘he really didn’t take being left behind too good’. Arien glanced nervously at Anakin, he seemed to be thinking the same thing.

‘I'll go find him’ sighed Arien, ‘he needs to understand, it’s too dangerous’. Luckily for Obi Wan, Arien didn’t see him roll his eyes.


Luke sat in deep meditation in the room of a thousand fountains, allowing the force to wash over him, letting it calm him. It didn’t work. His anger was still pulsing through him as strong as before. He stood up, punching the nearest tree. He sensed a familiar presence.

‘Oh...crap...Arien?’ he called. Arien emerged from behind a tree, not looking very happy.

‘Arien, I’m so sorry, i forgot, it’s just....i’ he stammered, Arien held her hand up.

‘I know your angry Luke, but don’t you see your father only ordered you to stay behind to protect you? You should be grateful for having such a caring parent, not angry’ scolded Arien. Luke frowned.

‘It's all fine you saying that, they never leave you behind!’ he spat, turning away from her. Arien’s eyes narrowed.

‘Luke Skywalker, will quit huffing and for the love of the force will please grow up!’ Luke turned to protest, but was silenced by the look on Arien’s face.

‘We are at war, Luke. And you’re angry for being left out of something that could have killed you? How ungrateful are you, you were spared! Not left behind! Your father has sent you on many dangerous missions, but this was the most dangerous by far. We just barely escaped, and we’re masters!’ she ranted, it was all she could do not to slap Luke. She had to remind herself he was 20, still young, and clearly not mature at all.

‘Luke i know it must be frustrating, and i understand why you’d be a little angry, but to sulk like this, and completely disrespect your father, it’s not the Jedi way’ she said, her voice a little less harsh and little more soothing. Luke shifted nervously, not daring to look at his wife.

‘I know...I’m sorry’ he mumbled, staring intensely at the grass. Arien sighed, and moved to hug him. Luke wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on the top of her head.

‘Just, please, try to control your emotions....anger is not a good thing’ breathed Arien.

‘I’m so glad your back.....your alright’ smiled Luke, kissing the top of her head. Arien buried her face into his chest; she was growing more weary as each day passed.


Darth Krayt stormed through his new ship, cursing and force choking anything that stood in his way.

‘My Lord, w...we have no n...need for the Chancellor’ stammered Twi’Lek Orn Free Taa.

‘It's not the Chancellor i want!’ thundered Krayt, slamming a nearby Rakghoul into the wall.

‘My Lord...I don’t understand?’ said Taa, truly confused.

‘I want Skywalker, Kenobi and the elf maiden dead....not to mention oh so saintly Yoda....I WANT THEM ALL DEAD! He screamed, causing several droids to crumple to the ground. Taa watched fearfully as Krayt continued his rampage.


‘Anakin, are you alright?’ asked Padmé, watching her husband nervously pace their living room.

‘Mom? Aiden won’t shut up, and i have classes early tomorrow?’ complained Aayla, stepping into her room.

‘Aayla sweetie, your mother and i need privacy, sleep in the guest room’ snapped Anakin, rubbing his forehead. Aayla scowled.

‘I’m going to Leia’s’ she mumbled, flicking her long blonde hair and stalking back into her room.

‘Anakin, what’s troubling you?’ Padmé asked worriedly, pacing her hand gently on Anakin’s arm. Anakin gulped nervously.

‘Do you ever worry that Luke....may have a little too much of me in him?’ he asked quietly. Padmé frowned, then sighed, realising what he meant.

‘If you worried about the way he reacted, that’s normal, he was frustrated...that’s all. This war is getting to us all, like last time....but it’s not going to end like it did last time....i promise you’ she soothed, taking Anakins head in her hands.

‘I know....i just worry....we’re surrounded by so much darkness....sometimes even i feel overwhelmed. And i know the devastation it causes’ mumbled Anakin. Padmé felt her heart breaking, this must be so hard for him.

‘Luke is smart...he may be a bit hot headed, but he knows what is right and wrong, and he has his family to support him’ smiled Padmé. She kissed Anakin lightly on the lips. Anakin sighed.

‘Thank you......for everything....i don’t think i could get through this war if i didn’t have you’ he whispered. Padmé lent into Anakin, embracing him tightly.

‘I'll always be here my love, we’ll get through this’.

‘I know angel....at least i hope’.


The Jedi Masters sat in deep discussion over the recent attacks, situated unsettlingly close to the core worlds.

‘There were reports from Knight Enlak that several Sith starships entered Chandrilla airspace, they were driven away....but Krayt is becoming more daring’ continued Master Shaak Ti, after finishing her report.

There were now only 8 members on the council. 5 were present, Yoda, Anakin, Obi Wan, Arien and Shaak Ti. Drakka Judarrl, a Zabrak female, was holo-imaging from Dantooine. Ood Bnar, a Neti male, was holo-imaging from the cloud city of Bespin, currently having severe attacks from the Sith. Neeja Halcyon was stationed on his home world of Corellia, and had just fought off the last remnants of a Sith attack. Aqinos, Qu Rann, Ylenic It’kla and K’Kruhk, along with many knights and Padawans, had perished in the war.

‘This is getting too much, the Order is stretched thin, fighters are dying every day, the Elven army is on its last legs....i don’t know what we can do other than call up more reserves’ sighed Arien. It had been over a month since Bail’s rescue, and Arien was now being forced to wear baggy Jedi gowns, rather than her usual tight fitting outfits.

When asked about her sudden change of clothing by a rather nosy Senator, Arien merely stated she felt it was more professional, and now she was a mortal, would be ageing like the rest of them, not as fast, but ageing nonetheless. Only Anakin, Obi Wan, and Padmé knew of her pregnancy. Luke was now stationed on Dantooine with Master Judarrl, and hadn’t seen Arien in nearly a month. At four months, Arien would not show for another month, and hopefully would be an active member of the council for a further three, until it became uncomfortable and dangerous for her to be on the front line.

‘Master Yoda, we must send Jedi to Chandrilla in case they return, if we lose Chandrilla, the results would be catastrophic’ demanded Ood Bnar. Several Masters nodded.

‘What about Arien?’ suggested Anakin. Arien scowled at him, knowing he had only suggested this because it was unlikely the Sith would return there.

‘Master Elendir, agree with this, do you?’ asked Yoda, turning his war weary face towards her.

‘Yes Master’ she replied through gritted teeth.

‘We also need reinforces on Aris III in the mid-rim, Sith starfighters were seen scouting the area, i fear invasion’ commented Master Judarrl.

‘Anakin and i will go, we’ve been there before’ replied Obi wan, to nods of agreement from the other Masters.

‘What about the Doldur System, theyve been under attack for almost a week’ asked Anakin.

‘And the Churba System, and Atrig....they’re in desperate need’ Neeja spoke up. The Masters immediately began calling out the names of many systems falling to the Sith. Master Yoda closed his eyes, there was no escape.

‘Enough’ he said quietly. None of the Masters responded.

‘ENOUGH!’ he thundered, in a voice none thought capable of such a small creature.

Silence.

‘If argue we do, lose all sight of what fighting for, we are’ he said calmly. His fellow Masters bowed their heads.

‘We’re truly sorry master Yoda....this war is getting to all of us...’ replied Anakin sombrely.

‘Know this, i do, yet you forget, on our side, the force is’ smiled Yoda.

[adea]

Chapter 6 – Blossoming love


Another two months of constant battling passed. Several more mid-rim systems fell to the Sith, either willingly, or forcibly. Anakin and Obi Wan were returning from Aris III after a lengthy battle involving the deaths of many Republic and Sith warriors.

In the Senate, Chancellor’s Amidala and Organa were at their wits end, unable to cope with the growing amount of planets falling under Sith control.


Padmé returned home after a lengthy day of meetings and discussions.
‘Anakin...Anakin?’ she called, removing her cloak.

‘Oh..Leia, what are you doing here sweetie?’ she asked, hugging her daughter.

‘Dad brought this pilot over, apparently he saved many Jedi on Aris III’ smiled Leia, and waving to her father and a rather handsome young man with very dark hair.

‘Angel, this is Han Solo, a very talented pilot who literally saved my neck’ grinned Anakin.

‘It's very nice to meet you Han’ smiled Padmé, extending her hand. It took Han several moments to register who was talking to him, his attention was focused on the beautiful young girl standing next to him.

‘Wha...oh..yeah, nice to meet you too Chancellor’ he replied, rather half heartedly. Padmé chuckled at the frown on Anakin’s face.

‘Leia shouldn’t you be getting home?’ he asked, as politely as he could.

‘What? Ah yeah, sure, I’ll go now’ she smiled, turning to hug her mother.

‘I...um...could escort you home mi lady’ said Han, flashing a charming smile. Leia blushed, giggling.

‘No no, i can do that’ insisted Anakin, stepping between his daughter and Han. Padmé shook her head, chuckling.

‘I’m sure Han will get her home safe, thank you Han’ she smiled. Anakin opened his mouth in protest, but quickly realised defeat when Padmé raised her eyebrow. Leia and Han bade goodbye, and left.


‘What do you think you’re doing?’ Anakin cried, as soon as they had departed. Padmé rolled her eyes.

‘She’s not a little girl anymore Ani, she has to grow up. I mean, you had no problem with Luke getting married’ she smiled brightly, proceeding to get ready for bed.

‘Luke married my best friend and a Jedi Master, that’s totally different’ exclaimed Anakin, following his wife. Padmé continued to giggle as they entered their room.

‘How is that different. Leia is almost 21 years old, you were 19 when we got married, she can’t be your little girl forever Ani’ soothed Padmé.

‘I know, i know...but i still don’t like it’ huffed Anakin, as Padmé continued to chuckle.


Luke sat alone on the dismal planet of Dantooine. It was the rainy season, and great sheets of water pounded down upon the makeshift shelters the army had made for themselves.

‘Trust dad to get me the most boring job in the war’ spat Luke, ‘there haven’t even been many attacks!’ Luke ran his hands through his hair, which was getting quite long now. Everyday people remarked on how much he and his father resembled each, this was not a compliment in Luke’s eyes. In the past few months, Luke began to resent his father more and more. Sending him on tedious missions, which had no real benefit on the war.

‘Why would we want Dantooine anyway.....there’s nothing here!’ he grumbled, flicking some mud off his boots. Luke scowled at the dark grey sky, his mind wandering to the only thought that brought him joy.

‘Force i miss you Arien, how long has it been? Two months? Maybe more.....what does it matter, if dad had his own way he’d keep me out here till the wars over’ muttered Luke hatefully. He stood up, intending to go see if anything had come up. He was thrown to the floor.

‘We’re under attack’ called Master Judarrl. Luke jumped to his feet, unsheathing his lightsaber. He looked towards the source of the blast that had knocked him to the ground. A huge crater now replaced a shelter several pilots had been stationed in. Above him, Sith fighters bombarded the ground, blasting the Republic troops apart.

‘Skywalker, get to a ship!’ shouted Master Judarrl. Moments later, a bomb fired by the Sith silenced her orders. Luke ran from the shelter, heading for the make shift hangar. It was nowhere to be seen. All around him, republic fighters died, screaming for mercy as Sith assassins rained down upon them. Luke turned to run, but found himself falling to the floor. Then there was darkness.


‘So Captain Solo, will you be returning to the war?’ asked Leia, as Han helped her out of hi speeder. Han flashed another charming grin.

‘More than likely, can’t fight this war without great pilots’ he laughed. Leia raised an eyebrow.

‘Well, it’s getting late, goodnight Captain’ she smiled, retreating to her apartment.

‘Wait!’ called Han, running after her. Leia turned, smiling.

‘Maybe...we could go out sometime?’ he asked, slight nerves. Leia paused, considering his proposal.

‘Maybe’ she smiled, then placed a feather light kiss upon his cheek.
Han stood, not quite believing his luck.

‘Maybe....it’s better than no’ he breathed. He turned back to his speeder, a smile never leaving his face.


Arien strolled through the Chandillan house headquarters, ready to meet with Senator Mon Mothma. She entered a large decorative room, light and airy.

‘Master Elendir, it is good to see you again’ smiled Mon, holding out her hand.

‘It is good to see you too Senator’ replied Arien politely. She lowered herself slowly into a chair. At six months, the baby was beginning to show, and starting to feel uncomfortable.

‘Now, as you may notice, the Sith pose no threat here on Chandrilla, i will leave troops here for the meanwhile, but if they are needed elsewhere, I’m afraid they will be recalled’ continued Arien. Mon nodded.

‘I understand, and thank you for staying here as long as you did, it is very much appreciated’ replied Mon. Arien smiled, finally she was going home.


Luke awoke in a darkened room. His head throbbed painfully.

‘What the...’ he croaked, his voice hoarse and dehydrated.

‘Ahhh, Knight Skywalker, you’re finally awake’ came a snarl from the shadows. Luke recognised the voice instantly.

‘Krayt’ he spat, ‘what do you think you’re doing, why am i here’. Krayt cackled drily.

‘You were knocked out in the battle, and a Jedi of your talents should not be left to die out in a field’ replied Krayt softly. Luke suppressed a grin, only Arien ever called him talented. He came back to reality.

‘Why am i still alive, you hate the Jedi’ he retorted.

‘I do not hate the Jedi Luke, i simply don’t agree with your council....i don’t see their ways of thinking as beneficial’ replied Krayt, speaking as if he was a friend to Luke.

‘And yours are?’ snarled Luke, remembering the night on the Rouge Moon, when Arien had been injured. As if reading his mind, Krayt continued to speak.

‘I must apologize for the incident on the moon, it was not right of me to attack your wife’ he said, sounding almost sorry. Almost.
Luke frowned.

‘What do you want with me’ he repeated, sitting up on the bunk he lay on.

‘I have watched you for a long time Luke, a very long time.....you have incredible power....power many of the Jedi Masters can only dream of having’ began Krayt. He paused to see Luke’s reaction.
Luke smirked inwardly. That was the problem with Luke, he’d inherited a little too much cockiness from his father and not enough wisdom from his mother. Krayt read Luke’s mind easily and unnoticed.

‘The Jedi don’t understand your power, do they? They don’t realise that your talents could have ended this war instantly. Instead, they leave you behind, like some pitiful agri-corp....’ continued Krayt. Luke wasn’t listening after this statement, for everything Krayt said was true. They didn’t understand, they held him back.

A small flash of yellow flitted across Luke’s eyes. He turned back into Krayt’s musings.
‘....but things could be different....not all of us are so ignorant to your abilities, some of us recognise your power, and would stop at nothing to see it fulfilled to its full potential’. Luke scowled.

‘I know what your proposing, and the answers no. I may not always agree with the Jedi, but I’ll never become a Sith’ spat Luke. Krayt narrowed his eyes.

‘Very well. Perhaps when you return to Coruscant, my deal will seem....let’s just say....appealing. I’m letting you go now, until we meet again’ bowed Krayt, disappearing from sight. Luke frowned. Two Sith soldiers entered the room, lifting him to his feet.

‘Take your ship back to Coruscant....speak not of this meeting’ one of the hooded creatures hissed.
Luke wasn’t listening. As he was lead to the hangar on whichever planet he was, a million things ran through his head, some of them extremely dangerous thoughts. Luke didn’t notice being placed in his ship, or a hooded figure punching in hyperspace co-ordinations. When he finally arose from his own mind, he was in outer space, on his way home.

[adea]

Chapter 7 – Reunited


‘Oh....oh thank the force...LUKE!’ cried Anakin, as Luke’s starfighter pulled into the temple hangar. Anakin, Padmé, Obi Wan and Leia, all with great looks of relief on their faces sprinted towards him. Luke climbed out of his starfighter, ignoring the calls of his name.

Anakin pulled his son into a fierce embrace, tears getting the better of him.

‘Why didn’t you contact us! Do you have any idea how worried we were?! Arien’s in pieces because of you’ shouted Anakin through his tears.

‘Where is she?’ asked Luke, ignoring his father comment.

‘You didn’t answer me Luke. We scouted Dantooine after we drove off the Sith, where the hell were you’ repeated Anakin, keeping the anger to a bare minimum.

‘I...’ Luke paused, wondering whether or not to tell them of his encounter with Krayt.

‘I...my ship, needed fixing, i stopped by Dathomir to get it fixed, where’s Arien?’ he repeated, a little more forcefully.

‘She’s back at the apartment, and in no fit state for you to be running off unchecked’ scolded Leia. Luke narrowed his eyes.

‘What do you mean no fit state...did something happen on Chandrilla?’ he cried fearfully.

‘No...no she’s fine, though you’d better go there now...there’s some things you two need to discuss’ replied Padmé, scowling at her daughter. Luke nodded, and climbed back into his ship.

‘Report to the council tomorrow morning, okay?’ called Anakin. Luke nodded again, and took off.
Anakin shuddered, something was different about Luke.


Arien paced her living area, her face still tearstained. She clutched her ever swelling stomach as a fresh wave of tears threatened to consume her. Where was he? Was he ok? Was he....dare she think it....dead? Arien stopped dead, hearing a familiar sound growing louder, then stopping.

‘Thank the force’ she breathed, walking as fast as her condition would allow her. Luke jumped out of his speeder, rushing towards the figure of his wife.
He skidded to halt.

‘What the...’ he gasped. Arien, wearing only a light lilac nightgown slowed to a halt. She closed her eyes, realising that her bump was clearly visible through the clingy material.

‘Luke....we need to talk’ she said quietly, motioning for him to sit down. Luke stumbled towards the couch, dropping into it, his eyes never leaving Arien’s stomach.

‘Wh...what....when....’ he stammered, a look of pure horror sweeping his face. Arien took a deep breath.

‘Let me explain everything before you ask questions’ she soothed. Luke nodded dumbly.

‘After we rescued the Chancellor, i realised something was wrong, id been throwing up for weeks, so Padmé took me to the medi centre...’ she began.

‘Mom knew!’ cried Luke.

‘Yes’ replied Arien softly, ‘anyway, i went to the medi-centre, and they told me i was three months pregnant....and...Well....that’s about it’ she finished with a nervous smile.

‘So...so your... six months...and....you’ve been out fighting?’ he gasped.

‘Not exactly, the Sith never returned to...’ began Arien brightly.

‘You know what i mean’ spat Luke, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

‘I knew you’d stop me from going on missions, and the Jedi...the Republic need all the help they can get right know’ she replied silently, ‘i know your angry...but...i feel i did the right thing, and since you know, ill inform the council tomorrow’.

‘Yeah...you will’ snapped Luke, but the cold look from Arien stopped him from saying more.

‘So....I’m gonna be...a...a dad’ he asked, trying to believe the words himself.

‘Yes’, smiled Arien, ‘in about 3 months’ she laughed. Luke stared, awestruck at the sight of her stomach. He moved towards her slowly, placing a hand upon the swell. He gasped.

‘He...or she...the force signature is so strong....’ he breathed, tears welling up. Arien smiled lovingly.

‘Just like his dad’.

[adea]

Chapter 8 – Darkness Rising


‘So after you left Dathomir, why didn’t you contact the council?’ asked Shaak Ti politely. Luke had been summoned to the council about his whereabouts after the attack on Dantooine. Luke shifted nervously.

‘I...I didn’t think to, I’m truly sorry Masters’ he replied quietly. Anakin frowned, he sensed Luke wasn’t sorry at all.

‘All that matters is that you returned safely, something we’re all glad of’ sounded Obi Wan. Several Masters nodded....Anakin did not. He wanted to know where his son had been....something was out of place.

‘Master Elendir, news concerning you, you have for us?’ asked Yoda, turning to Arien.

‘Yes, I’m afraid i can’t continue to be sent onto the front line’ she began, but Yoda waved a wrinkled claw.

‘Because of your pregnancy, already know this, we did, known it for months, leave you are granted’ smiled Yoda. The smile quickly vanished.

‘You knew all along?’ snapped Luke. Anakin narrowed his eyes.

‘Luke, be quiet’ whispered Arien menacingly.

‘No, why didn’t you stop her, instead of sending off risking her life AND my child’s!' fumed Luke.

‘Luke that’s enough, you’re dismissed’ snapped Anakin. Luke mouth wordlessly, muttering something in elvish he’d learned from Arien.

‘Luke!’ she exclaimed in disgust. Luke simply shrugged, and stalked out of the council room.

‘I’m sorry about him Master Yoda, he’s been acting really strange since Dantooine’ Arien apologised. Anakin shook his head.

‘Don’t apologise for anything Arien, it’s not your fault.....something’s changed in him’ replied Anakin sombrely, ‘I’ll talk with him tonight’.


‘What in the name of Sith is up with you!’ roared Anakin. Luke sat quietly on the couch in Anakin and Padmé’s apartment. Around him, Obi Wan, Padmé, Leia and Arien stood nervously, as they watched the argument progress.

‘Speaking to the council in that way....have you no respect!’ continued Anakin, breathing heavily.

‘Anakin calm down, please’ pleaded Padmé. Anakin closed his eyes, his breathing returning to normal.

‘I don’t know what you’re talking, you’d act the same...in fact...YOU did’ retorted Luke.

‘Yes i did, when i was slipping into the dark side...is that what your trying to tell me, your turning to the dark side too, coz that would explain a lot of things’ snapped Anakin, pacing the room.

‘Your accusing me of turning aren’t you’ fumed Luke, his anger rising. Anakin said nothing, continuing to pace.

‘HOW DARE YOU!’ screamed Luke, causing everyone in the room to jump. Anakin stopped, narrowing his eyes.

‘Luke sit back down’ pleaded Padmé.

‘Don’t you start’ spat Luke. Anakin lunged for his son, grabbing him by his collar.

‘Don’t you ever speak to your mother again like that, got it’ he snarled. Luke shook himself free, fuming.

‘Whatever, I’m done here’ he muttered, turning to leave.

‘No you’re not’ demanded Anakin, following his son.

‘Oh, so now you want to include me, but when it s a mission, i don’t even exist!’ thundered Luke, continuing to walk to his speeder, ‘come on Arien’. Arien didn’t moved, horrified by her husband’s actions.

‘Fine’ he spat. Anakin stood, mouthing wordlessly at the accusations his son had just said. Before he could retaliate, Luke was flying away.


Anakin returned to the apartment, where Arien had broke down.

‘Arien, it’s okay’ soothed Padmé, ‘we’ll figure this out’. She turned to her husband, a pained look in her eyes.

‘Maybe you should stay here tonight Arien’ sounded Anakin, ‘give him time to cool off’. Arien nodded, still crying. Leia led her friend to the guest room, whilst Padmé joined her husband and Obi Wan.

‘She shouldn’t be dealing with things like this, it could harm the baby’ sighed Padmé sadly.

‘Something must have happened on Dantooine, I’ve never seen him act like that’ exclaimed Obi Wan, rubbing his beard nervously. Anakin stared out into the stars....the darkness was growing.

[adea]

Chapter 9 – The End is Nigh


Krayt paced his study at the Sith base, plotting his next attack. He needed somewhere that would hit them hard, somewhere close to their hearts....somewhere that would drive Luke to the dark side. Krayt laughed menacingly, as the image of a beautiful purple hazed planet appeared on the screen in front of him.
‘Of course....Valoor’.



King Elladan and his son Prince Caleb returned to Valoor, after months fighting on the front line in several worlds. He felt much happiness, for his daughter had just informed him she was pregnant, yet to bring a child into such a war torn, suffering Galaxy....he sighed, it just wasn’t right.

‘My Lord, Queen Thelweniel contacted our Lady moments ago, more Elven reinforcements are being sent’ stated a palace officer.

‘Good, we could use them’ sighed Elladan, taking a seat in his study.

‘The darkness is growing more powerful as the days wear on, betrayal moves swiftly through our Galaxy....one of our own will betray us’ he lamented.

‘Father, you have foreseen this?’ asked Caleb, taking a seat next to his father. Elladan grimaced.

‘I have felt it, in the force....we will be betrayed by one we call brother....you can see it in the stars, hear it the trees, smell it in the air....it haunts us all, following us like a shadow, consuming us like the darkness that drives it’.

‘What do we do....cant you tell who it is?’ asked Caleb worriedly. Elladan shook his head wearily.

‘The dark side is good at hiding those it knows will aid it most....we will not know until it’s too late’.


Arien entered her apartment early that morning, praying Luke was there. She breathed a sigh of relief as she spotted a dark grey cloak strewn on the floor.

‘Luke?’ she called quietly. She crept to their bedroom door, where she found him sound asleep. She smiled to herself, moving quietly towards him. Luke stirred, sensing her presence.

‘Arien?’ he groaned. His eyes were puffy and red. Arien smiled, stroking his hair gently.

‘Morning’ she whispered. Luke smiled, but the smile quickly vanished as the events of last night came flooding back.

‘Arien i...’ he began.

‘Don’t apologize, this war is frustrating me too, its changing us all’ she whispered, leaning in to kiss him. Luke sat up, rubbing his face wearily.

‘Can i get you anything? Coffee?’ smiled Arien brightly. Luke smiled, shaking his head.

‘No...I guess I’d better go see my dad huh?’

Arien sighed wearily, ‘Yes...i think that would be best’.

Luke kissed her lightly, ‘I love you’, and proceeded to get ready.

‘What’s wrong with you Luke...’ Arien whispered sadly to herself.


Luke nervously walked towards the council room to await his father. Arien decided to take the day off, and Luke inwardly cursed himself, his actions were causing far too much stress for her. Luke stopped dead as his father exited the council room with Obi Wan.

‘I’ll leave you two alone’ muttered Obi Wan, heading away from Anakin. Anakin walked up to Luke, his expression unreadable.

‘Dad, I...’ Luke started, but Anakin waved his hand.

‘Don’t, i know what’s wrong’ he said gravely.

Luke frowned. ‘What do you mean?’

Anakin beckoned his son to a nearby bench, next to a large window with a grand view of Coruscant.

‘I should have known....the signs were all there....but we can help you’ started Anakin. Luke continued to frown.

‘I don’t understand, Dad’ he replied, confused as to what his father was getting at. Anakin sighed, placing a hand upon Luke’s shoulder.

‘You’ve come into contact with the dark side, i sense the conflict in you...I’m not angry....i just want to help you’ he soothed. Luke looked ready to kill.

‘You don’t get it, do you?’ he spat, ‘you think what happened last night is coz I’m turning to the dark side?’ Luke laughed incredulously. ‘You’re a bigger idiot than i thought’.

‘Watch your mouth Luke’ threatened Anakin, ‘if I’m wrong, then enlighten me as to why you were acting like a spoilt Sith last night’. Luke remained quiet. He turned his head to look out over Coruscant, a smirk playing across his handsome features.

‘You know what, never mind....your right! I’m turning to the dark side and you’re the only one who can help me’ laughed Luke sarcastically. Anakin narrowed his eyes.

‘Is that so....then I’m afraid i have no choice....Luke Skywalker, i officially remove you of your Jedi duties until the war is over..’. Luke stared at his father in disbelief.

‘I don’t take chances Luke, and i won’t tolerate your behaviour, you are dismissed’. Anakin rose from his seat, whilst Luke mouthed wordlessly. Anakin took a few steps, then turned.

‘I love you Luke, i really do, but you’ve changed....it’s not safe to have you in the order right now’. And with that, Anakin left. Luke struggled to control his anger, fighting the urge to whip out his lightsaber and strike his father down there and then. His breathing was heavy, his face contorted in fury.

‘You’ll regret that Skywalker....believe me....you’ll regret that’ he muttered, his eyes slowly turning yellow.

[adea]

Chapter 10 – Taking Sides


Arien paced her apartment nervously, wondering what had been said between Anakin and Luke. The sun was beginning to set, casting an eerie orange glow into the living area. She sighed, closing her eyes, and rubbing her swollen abdomen.

‘Be still little one, he’ll be fine’ she whispered, as the baby ceased kicking. Arien slowly moved to the couch, Luke’s actions taking a toll on her, adding to her weariness.

‘So this is the life of a mortal....real good idea there Arien’ she mumbled, leaning back on the soft cushions. Her comm. link beeped.

‘Great’ she spat, moving to answer it.

‘Father, it’s good to see you, thank god your all right’ gasped Arien, as the image of Elladan appeared on the screen.

‘Arien, my daughter, are you alone?’ he asked, his tone edged with worry.

Arien frowned. ‘Yes....why?’

Elladan closed his eyes. ‘Arien, i want you to leave Coruscant immediately and come to Valoor’.

‘What...Why?’ asked Arien, ‘is something wrong?’

‘Yes....and no’ he replied sombrely. A bemused expression crossed Arien’s face.

‘I don’t...i don’t understand, either something’s wrong....or it isn’t...father what’s going on?’

Elladan swallowed, a look of pain crossing his face. ‘Arien, something is going to happen...i don’t know what, but something or someone is going to betray us...i want you to come to Valoor, and quickly’, he sounded desperate. Arien heard the front door open.

‘Father, i really don’t know what’s going on, but Luke’s here, I’ll call you tomorrow’ said Arien, reaching to turn the comm. link off. Elladan gasped wide eyed, as he felt waves of darkness ripple through the force.

‘Arien no! Don’t go’ called Elladan.

‘I love you father, goodnight’ replied Arien, ending the link. Elladan felt a shudder run up his spine.

‘My Lord....My Lord!’ called Captain Haldir Hildari, bursting into Elladan’s study.

‘What is it?’ he asked, sensing fear in the young elf.

‘We’re about to be invaded’.



Arien rushed to the entrance room, smiling as she saw Luke.

‘Well...what happened?’ she asked nervously. Luke raised his head.

‘He....relieved me of my duty as a Jedi’ he muttered, his voice laced with resent. Arien brought a hand to her mouth.

‘What...what...why?’ she gasped.

‘He accused me of being a Sith again...he doesn’t trust me...he thinks ill betray him...they all do’ replied Luke simply. Arien stared worriedly at Luke, she felt his anger, but didn’t see it.

‘What are you going to do?’ she asked, almost afraid to hear his answer. Luke strode past her to the window, staring towards the Jedi Temple.

‘We’re leaving’ he replied simply.

‘What!’ Arien frowned, moving towards her husband cautiously.

‘We’re leaving, there is nothing left for us here....my father has made that perfectly clear’ Luke spat, emphasizing the word father with extreme disgust.

‘Luke we can’t just leave...what about your family, friends....for force’s sake we’re about to have a child! What’s gotten into you’ cried Arien in desperation. Luke turned from the window, lowering his hood. Arien gasped, almost screaming....a pair of yellow eyes gleaming in the nearing darkness.

‘Luke...wha...what..’ she backed away, shaking her head.

‘Don’t be afraid Arien, we don’t have to be afraid anymore....no more separations....no more danger....we can have peace and protection from now on’ smiled Luke menacingly, reaching out to touch Arien’s arm.

‘No...’ she breathed, backing into the wall. Luke advanced on her, and placed his hand on her arm.


‘Ahhh, young Skywalker....this is a pleasure’ smirked the holo-image of a hooded figure.

‘Krayt...i...you...were right....they kicked me out’ replied Luke, his head bowed. The hooded figure chuckled menacingly.

‘Yeesss...i knew you’d see reason, they don’t understand you Luke, they don’t trust you Luke....but i do....i can give you power beyond your dreams’ replied Krayt, lowering his hood. Luke shuddered, as the last remnants of light within him disappeared with the setting of the Coruscant sun.

‘Yes...my Master....i will join you’ Luke muttered, his eyes gleaming yellow. Krayt laughed menacingly.

‘You have made a wise decision...rise, Darth Traya’.....


Arien gasped, tears rolling from her eyes.
‘No..’ she breathed in horror. Luke smiled.

‘Why are you frightened my love, i won’t hurt you...but the Jedi will’ he soothed. Arien shook her head, not believing what she’d just seen.

‘What...What have you done’ she cried, unable to stop her tears.

‘I have become more powerful than any Jedi or Sith...together, nothing can stop us my love’ he whispered, truly believing what he was saying. Arien slid along the wall, away from him.

‘Get out’ she breathed, ‘now’ breathed Arien.

'What!' spat Luke, seething.

'I said get out....now!' cried Arien.

'So you're choosing the Jedi over me' snarled Luke, inching closer to her. Arien closed her eyes as the images of what she'd just saw played over mind.

'No...' she whispered. Luke smiled, and extended his hand.

'I'm choosing the Jedi over the Sith' spat Arien, her eyes flashing dangerously, 'Now go!'

‘Your choosing a losing side Jedi’ he spat, his love for her blinded from him by the shroud of the dark side. Luke turned with swiftly, his cape billowing, and left. Arien’s breath was short and ragged. She’d never felt such pain, not even when she felt the deaths of the Jedi during order 66. She moved towards her comm. link, collapsing and crashing into a nearby table. In an instant, she was consumed by pain in her stomach.

‘No...not now’ she cried, sobs wracking her body. She struggled to stand, but a fresh wave of pain drove through her, causing her to scream. Arien closed her eyes, focusing all of her thoughts onto one thing.

‘Anakin....help me....’

[adea]

Chapter 11 - Darkness Prevails


Anakin stopped abruptly, not hearing a word Yoda had said. He ran his hand through his blonde curls, a horrible feeling ripping through his soul.

‘Anakin, are you alright?’ asked Obi Wan concernedly. Anakin frowned, then he heard her.

‘Arien!’ he called, jumping to his feet, and racing from the council room. Obi Wan didn’t need to be told, he jumped out of his seat, and ran after Anakin.


Anakin reached the hangar, jumping into his speeder, quickly joined by Obi Wan.

‘Anakin, what’s wrong?’ called Obi Wan as Anakin started the speeder.

‘Something’s wrong with Arien’ he replied simply, taking off.


Padmé sensed something was terribly wrong with her son, and decided to pay him a visit. As she neared the entrance to his home, she didn’t need to be force sensitive to tell Arien was in grave danger. Padmé burst into the living area, where she saw Arien collapsed on the floor, breathing heavily, and clutching her stomach.

‘Arien....oh gods are you alright’ cried Padmé, rushing to her daughter in law. Arien said nothing, but nodded weakly.

‘Where’s Luke, why isn’t he here’ pleaded Padmé, as she gently helped Arien to the couch. Anakin and Obi Wan suddenly burst through the door, stopping dead.

‘Arien’ breathed Anakin, running to her, ‘What happened!’ Arien continued to take deep, shuddering breaths.

‘Arien?’ asked Padmé gently. Arien opened her eyes, slowly bringing them to Padmé’s.

‘He...he...Sith’ she breathed, before passing out.

‘We have to get her to a medi centre’ ordered Padmé, holding back the tears threatening to overwhelm him. Anakin stood, unmoving. It was true...his son...his best friend, his own flesh and blood....a Sith.



Luke docked with the immense Sith starship, the Destructor, and headed to the bridge. He strode towards a hooded figure, staring at purplish planet below them.

‘Master, i am here, what is your bidding?’ asked Luke, his voice laced with resent and anger. Krayt turned to his new apprentice, smirking.

‘Lead the troops, Valoor will be ours before the sun has risen’ he growled.

'If Arien is there...she'll be spared...won't she?' Luke asked nervously. Krayt put on a smile, and turned.

'Of course Luke, no harm will come to her, as long as she is with us, she is safe', smiled Krayt, 'now go'.

‘As you wish, my Master’ replied Luke, bowing.


Padmé sat nervously in the waiting room, as the doctors examined Arien. Anakin and Obi Wan had been called back to the temple on urgent business. She felt a small tear escape her. She felt darkness consuming her son, powerful waves of anger, resentment and hate were overcoming him. Padmé raised her head as she saw Leia and Han running to her.

‘Mom..Mom what happened?’ called Leia breathlessly. Padmé began to sob profusely.

‘MOM!’ cried Leia, rushing to comfort Padmé, ‘Mom please, what’s going on, where’s Luke?’ Padmé took a deep breath.

‘He...he’s joined the Sith...Leia...he’s joined them’ cried Padmé, succumbing to tears. Leia held her mother, her own tears beginning to fall. How could she not have sensed this. Luke was her twin, the bond they shared was incredible....how could he do this to them.



‘Master Yoda, what’s going on? Why are the Jedi being deployed?’ called Obi Wan, as he and Anakin ran through the hangar. All around them, the Jedi and the Republic army were climbing aboard ships and starfighters, taking off immediately.

‘Master Yoda?!’ shouted Obi Wan again. The diminutive green alien turned his head, pain evident in his eyes.

‘Attacking Valoor, the Sith are....with them....young Skywalker is’.



‘Chancellor Amidala, may we speak with you’ asked a young Doctor, approaching the three worried family members.

‘Yes, how is she?’ asked Padmé worriedly...from the expression on the doctors face, it wasn’t good.

‘Please, sit down’ replied the doctor, motioning to the seats. Padmé sat down slowly, as the doctor continued to speak.

‘I’m afraid Arien is critically ill, i can’t explain it, but I’m sure you can, she’s dying, and upon our tests, a strange substance was found within her’ began the doctor. Padmé held up her hand.

‘Midi Chlorian's’ she answered, but the doctor shook her head.

‘No, we know about those, i don’t quite know how to explain it, but...inside her, everything is turning black, we performed a scan, and it’s as if she’s a shadow....and the baby is showing up as a light’ continued the doctor, almost as confused as Padmé, Leia and Han were.

‘I..I don’t understand doctor...what does this mean?’ breathed Leia, squeezing her mother’s hand.

‘She is dying...and the baby is the only thing keeping her alive....we must induce labour now, if the baby is too survive’ replied the doctor sombrely. Padmé sighed, grieving.

‘May we see her’ she whispered.

‘Of course’, nodded the doctor, ‘this way’.


Padmé stepped cautiously up to Arien’s bed, where she lay, slipping in and out of consciousness.

‘Padmé?’ Arien croaked, wincing. Padmé smiled gently, holding back the tears.

‘Padmé..why...why did he...’ Arien began, tears falling down her cheek.

‘Ssshhh’ soothed Padmé, ‘Arien, the doctors need to deliver the baby now, ok?’ Arien nodded weakly, as the doctor entered the room.

‘We must proceed’ stated the doctor. Padmé nodded.

‘Can i stay with her?’ she asked. The doctor nodded, beckoning her closer.

‘Try and get her to hold on’.



Anakin and the rest of the army landed on Valoor just as Krayt was invading.

‘Alright, as soon as we land, attack, i want ships in the air giving us cover, we can’t let them take Valoor’ called Anakin, jumping down onto the battle field.


Krayt watched, smirking at the battle below.
‘The Jedi have landed, go, Darth Traya.....take your revenge’.


Anakin charged head first into the battle. He struck down several Rakghouls, before turning to Obi Wan.

‘Obi Wan, they’re advancing on the palace, take a troop to the gates’ he cried. Obi Wan nodded, as he and a troop of soldiers headed towards the palace.

‘Anakin! Move’ called Elladan. Anakin ducked as Elladan and his Elven Company fired their arrows, slaying an entire troop of Krayt’s soldiers.



‘Aaaahhhhhhh’.

‘Okay Arien, breath, it’s okay, you’re doing great’ reassured Padmé, as Arien rest for a moment.

‘I...i...cant’ she gasped, tears flowing down her cheeks.

‘Arien, it’s okay, you’re going to be fine, just one more push and your done’ pleaded Padmé. Arien nodded.

‘Luke....Luke should....be....here’ she breathed, readying herself for another contraction. Padmé choked back a sob.

‘Okay Arien, now push!’


Luke stepped onto the battle field, sweeping his lightsaber through Republican soldiers. He spotted his target.

‘Skywalker!’ he spat. Anakin turned, resisting the urge to break down. Luke stood before him, robed in black, his face contorted with fury, his eyes bleeding yellow.

‘Luke...Luke please’ he cried. Luke laughed menacingly.

‘This is where you die’ he smirked, bringing a crimson blade down upon a sapphire one.



‘Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh’. Arien fell back against her pillow, breathing heavily.

‘It's a boy’ announced the doctor. Padmé beamed, as she took the baby, and handed him to Arien.

‘You have a son’ she gushed. Arien sobbed, and looked down at her baby boy.

‘Ben...Anakin...Skywalker....’ she gasped through her sobs. Padmé felt warm tears roll down her face.

‘Oh Arien....Anakin and Obi Wan will be so happy’ smiled Padmé. Arien beamed tiredly at her son. She sighed, her breathing becoming shallow and uneven.

‘Padmé....promise me....take care of him....promise me’ she gasped. Padmé’s eyes widened.

‘What...Arien no!’ she cried. Arien smiled, taking one last look at her son.

‘I....love you...Ben’ she weeped, her eyelids drooping.

‘Arien no! Hang on please’ cried Padmé. Ben began to cry loudly, sensing his mothers demise.

‘He’ll....he’ll come back.....because of Ben....he’ll come back’ whispered Arien. Padmé watched in horror as Arien’s eyes finally closed, releasing her final breath.....


Anakin stopped abruptly, feeling Arien’s death in the force. He brought his eyes to Luke’s. Luke stared at his father, wide eyed.

‘Anakin, retreat!’ cried Obi Wan. Valoor was lost.

‘Luke...come with us!’ pleaded Anakin, reaching out for his son. Luke backed away, shaking his head.

‘Luke please!’ cried Anakin, as Obi Wan dragged him back. He too had felt Arien’s death, the evidence on his tearstained face. Luke felt tears slowly escape his eyes.

‘There’s nothing for me there....she’s gone’ he breathed, his eyes shining intensely yellow. He turned away from his father, as the last republic soldiers climbed aboard their ships, the Sith firing at them continuously.

LUKE NO!’ cried Anakin, as Obi Wan dragged him aboard a ship.

‘Anakin! He’s gone! We have to get out of here!’ thundered Obi Wan, as Anakin broke down in his arms.

[adea]

Epilogue


Arien’s open casket stood in the centre of the Jedi Temple gardens, as dusk set upon Coruscant. She looked so peaceful; her dark hair fanned out around her, a long black gown shrouded her body. Around her, the Jedi, Senators and comrades in battle paid their last respects to the beloved Jedi Master.

Padmé clutched baby Ben close to her, as Anakin held her up. Leia cried silently, leaning against Han, who had recently proposed to her.
Obi Wan stared at the casket, lonely tears falling from his eyes. Master Yoda preceded over the funeral, and slowly brought the torch to the casket. Her body disappeared, becoming one with the force.

‘I...I’m so sorry....i never thought Luke’ began Anakin, turning to Elladan, who was silently crying. Arethal’s grief was beyond tears, she merely stared at the casket her youngest daughters body once laid.

Elladan waved his hand in dismissal.
‘It was her choice....she was happy’ he grieved, ‘what will become of my grandson?’

‘We will take care of him; he will be safe with us’ replied Anakin quietly. For some reason, the tears wouldn’t fall....he almost felt as though she wasn’t really dead. They looked down at the sleeping baby. He was so peaceful, oblivious to the turmoil and despair his parents had faced.



‘YOU SAID WE’D BE TOGETHER....YOU SAID SHE’D BE SAFE’ screamed Luke, sending one of Krayt’s aides crashing into a wall.

‘It is, most unfortunate that she died....i cant help but feel that there is more to this than meets the eye’ mused Krayt.

‘What do you mean’ spat Luke, his breathing ragged and hoarse.

‘The Jedi may have suspected she would join you....and that would be a threat’ continued Krayt, silently smirking.

‘Wha...you think....they killed her’ breathed Luke.

‘I’m sorry my apprentice....i truly am....you will get your revenge, I’ll make sure of it’ reassured Krayt. Luke seethed inwardly.

‘Skywalker will pay for this’ he growled. He stormed from the room, leaving Krayt alone. He chuckled menacingly.

‘Foolish boy....once the Jedi are destroyed....so shall you be.....’



Luke stared out over the now conquered Valoor. Those who did not manage to retreat, were killed instantly. Arien had been the last shimmer of light within him....and it was gone.
Yet Luke didn’t realise, that if he’d only looked to the sky, a particularly bright star, was winking down at him.....




"The night has a thousand eyes,
And the day but one;
Yet the light of the bright world dies,
With the dying sun.
The mind has a thousand eyes,
And the heart but one;
Yet the light of a whole life dies,
When love is done."
Francis William Bourdillon, (1852-1921), English Poet