A Father's Love

[sexystarwarslover]

that was so beautiful, write more, love it

[arie]

Chapter 15

He watched as her sleeping figure awakened, her tired brown eyes opening slowly and focusing on him, as he sat at the foot of the bed.

“Good morning.” She murmured.

He laughed. “Morning? Padmé it’s nearly dinnertime!”

Her eyes jerked open, and she was suddenly wide awake. “Dinner! Oh Anakin, why didn’t you wake me up?”

She got up and hurried for the fresher, grabbing a dress from her things.

“I thought about it, but so just looked so peaceful... in all seriousness, Padmé, I know you needed to rest, you’ve had quite the time.”

“But Anakin...” she came out, dressed in record time in claret gown starred with sparkles. Her eyes looked sad now. “I want to spend as much time with my children as I can. I can rest however much I need when I go back.”

Her voice was so tender, so calm, but Anakin sensed her melancholy. He approached her and gave her a hug. “Oh, Padmé, darling, I’m sorry. Truly I am.”

“I know...” she whispered. “Anakin.” She said, changing the subject. “I’ve been wondering, if the Sith needed the device’s technology to work for them, why did they give it back to us, fully functional, instead of...well trashing it?”

“I thought about that too. I think the Sith are challenging us.”

“What do you mean?”

“They want us to put up a fight.”

“Oh, Anakin.” She exclaimed, clutching his tunic. “I’m so worried.”

Anakin did not want to see tears well in Padmé’s eyes again. “I’m sorry, love. I didn’t mean to scare you. But don’t worry, I assure you, if it’s a fight the sith want, it’s a fight they’ll get.”

She sighed.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.” Padmé stated.

The hairy figure of Chewbacca appeared in the doorway. He roared.

“I think the dinner guests are congregating in the ballroom now. We’ll be right down, Chewy.” Anakin said to his retreating form.

Padmé gave him a puzzled look. “Ballroom? Is this a fancy occasion?”

“Leia’s having an elegant dinner in honor of her engagement.”

Padmé beamed. “That’s great! Anakin, maybe I should put on something more formal...”

“You look dazzling.” Anakin assured her, and the two stepped out of the room.

Padmé laughed as her stomach growled. “I’m famished.”

“I’m sure you are.” Anakin said, chuckling as well.

----------

“And so, that’s the story of my life. Smuggling, Chewbacca, and then I’m thrust into a whole new world by this laserbrain Luke and an old wizard named Kenobi, and then I met Leia, who made quite the impression.” Han said jubilantly. Anakin noticed Obi-Wan hide his reaction, but inside, Obi-Wan was most likely laughing heartily.

Leia giggled.

Luke did as well, and raised his glass. “A toast. To the newly-engaged Han and Leia.”

Everyone raised their glasses of Corellian spiced ale.

“So, who’s next? Someone’s gotta tell us a story now, I’m done.” Han said, looking around.

Padmé graciously volunteered. “I will. Would you guys like to hear about when I met Skye?”

Anakin raised an eyebrow, and Han laughed aloud.

Leia nodded. “Yes, please.”

Padmé smiled at Anakin’s confusion and began. “Well, my ship needed repairs, and I was forced to land on Tatooine. Skye was there, in one of the shops. Upon my entrance, he sat and watched me curiously, wiping some spare part, perhaps an engine or something. Anyways, he finally spoke.”

“What did he say?” Leia asked.

“He asked me if I was an angel.”

Mara Jade and Leia’s mouths cracked into smiles, and Han chuckled. He winked at Anakin. “You knew what you were doing, Skye.”

Anakin laughed too. “I was serious. There were deep space pilots on Tatooine that I would talk to all the time, when I wasn’t working. They told me that on the moon of Iego, there were angels, which they described as the most beautiful creatures in the universe.”

“He told me that much.” Padmé continued, “And do you know what I called him? I told him that he was a funny little boy.”

Everyone laughed again.

The dinner maintained this cheerful nature, and afterward, the group gathered in the lounge, chatting and laughing into the night.

“And so then, Han says, ‘I’m a nice man’ and I’m thinking, ‘Yeah, right’” Leia said happily.

Padmé giggled. “That’s men, Leia.”

“Okay, I have a challenge.” Leia said teasingly, noticing the scandalized looks on the men in the room’s faces. “Describe men in one word.”

Mara’s eyes lit up. “Handsome.”

“Of course, but not all men are handsome.” Han thought to point out.

“Arrogant.” Leia stated simply.

Padmé smiled. “Stubborn.”

“Hey!” Han protested. “Leia’s worse than me there!”

Leia frowned. “Whatever.”

Luke spoke up. “Oh yeah? Ladies, we men don’t go down without a fight. Men in the room, describe women in one word.”

“Power hungry.” Han said.

“Argumentative.” Anakin added. Padmé slapped his shoulder in mock offense, but smiled.

“Needy.” Han said, after a little thought.

“Loud.” Luke said.

“Bossy.” Han supplemented.

Anakin looked at Padmé. “Devious.”

“Ohhhh. Good one, Skye.” Luke said, throwing him a grin.

“Devious? I beg your pardon, Commander Nairn, but is this me you speak of?” Padmé said, her face flushed from laughter.

“Yes.”

“I’m devious?”

“In an alluring sort of way. You’re seductive and cunning.”

The men all laughed, and soon the ladies joined in too.

Then, Leia changed the subject. “I love your hair, Padmé. It looks beautiful tonight. Can you show me how to do my hair like that?”

Padmé brushed her curls absent-mindedly and fingered the wrapped style she had fashioned. “Of course, Leia. Though I adore your double-bun hairstyle. Did you know that was derived from Naboo?”

“Really? I didn’t know that. I just started putting my hair like that, and it became a habit. But now that I think about it, I believe that I was told that Senator Amidala from Naboo used to wear that style during her term.”

Padmé delicately eased the comment into her mind. “Really? Who told you that?”

“My father, Bail Organa. I was adopted, you see, and I think whoever Senator Amidala was, my father knew her well.”

“Oh.” Padmé said.

“I guess when I say ‘my father’, that isn’t biologically correct, but he was actually the only father figure I knew as a girl. He and Mother raised me until Mother died when I was little, and then he did the rest himself.”

“Were you ever told anything about your biological parents?” Padmé asked. Anakin wrapped and arm around her idly and settled into the chair.

“No, not really. Luke and I didn’t even know we were related until Master yoda told him.”

“It wasn’t too surprising though.” Luke put in.

Anakin felt himself start to doze off, but even though his eyes were closed, he unconsciously listened to every word of the girls’ conversation.

“No, it wasn’t.”

Han was asleep next to Leia.

Luke piped up slowly, hesitantly gazing at Padmé. “I originally had no memory of my real mother, but Leia says she did.”

“I don’t remember exactly what she looked like, but in my dreams, she was beautiful. She probably looked like Luke or me. She was always very kind, and she spoke to me. But she always looked...sad.”

Anakin let his arm squeeze Padmé’s as Padmé shuddered slightly, feigning new interest. She knew this.

Luke spoke for Leia then, knowing it was hard for her. “We also found out that Darth Vader was our true father, but as much of a monster as he seemed, he saved my life, and was a great man.”

Leia nodded. “It was good of him to save you.”

Padmé nodded too. “Naboo’s pretty far from the Core, but we’d experienced him briefly.”

“Our father wasn’t really Darth Vader but Anakin Skywalker. He died a hero.” Luke said.

“I agree that without him, Luke would be dead right now...” Leia murmured, but she closed her eyes, and Padmé quickly changed the subject.

“Well, it’s getting late.”

“Yeah.” Leia said, and turned, shaking Han’s shoulder. “Han, let’s go to bed. You don’t want to sleep on this chair do you, nerfherder?”

He woke up and smiled. “Not really, Princess. Let’s go.”

They got up, and Luke and Mara followed.

Padmé and Anakin remained. As soon as all was silent, Padmé burst into tears.

Anakin hugged her close. “Padmé...shhh...its okay.”

“Anakin.” She choked. “She remembers...”

“Remembers what?”

“When she was...little I...I went into her dream...just to tell her that I loved her and was watching her.”

Anakin nodded. “And?”

“I don’t know. I just feel so... so overwhelmed and happy.”

“Come on. Let’s go back to the room.”

-------

“I’m not tired yet.” Padmé stated, though she had dressed in her nightclothes, she sat up, awake.

“I wouldn’t imagine that you would be.” Anakin said. He lay beside her, stroking her back lovingly.

“Anakin...did you mean it when you said I would go to Leia’s wedding?”

“Yes.” He stated firmly.

She nodded, and smiled as Anakin’s hand worked over her back muscles. “Oh, Ani, that feels amazing...”

Anakin laughed. “Good.”

She rested her head on his chest and the two dozed off.

------

“You do realize that she will not come back to you, Anakin. She is mine. She will suffer, unless you do what I ask.”

Anakin felt his heart sear with worry. “Don’t hurt her...please...what do you want from me?”

Yellow eyes.

“I want you, Anakin. Your power. If not you, than her. One of you will take a rightful place at my side and once again... the galaxy will be right again.”

“No. It was wrong when you were here! You destroyed everything!”

“Actually I believe you did. It was all your fault. You killed the Jedi at the Temple, you murdered the separatists, you paved my path, and you killed your beloved wife, Lord Vader.”

“Do not,” he spat. “Call me that. Ever.”

“Yes, your anger...it makes you invincible.”

“You won’t get away with this... you will meet your destiny, as was meant to happen.”

“Oh, but I think I will get away with it, Anakin. That is, if you wish for you daughter to survive.”

An evil cackle.

“Don’t you even touch her! This is between you and me!”

“I agree. But I need her. Come and get her, Anakin. If you come, I will release her. But you will not return. You will remain with me and the galaxy will belong to us.”

“No...” Swirling pain, ripping at his entire body...

“Anakin! Anakin, please!” Obi-Wan said into his ear.

Anakin jolted, gasping for breath. Obi-Wan stood before him, concern written all over his face. Padmé was at his side in an instant. “Ani!”

Anakin didn’t speak.

He absently observed that he had fallen off the bed completely.

“What happened?” he managed to whisper.

“You were...shaking. You were in pain...” Padmé quivered. “I ran to get Obi-Wan. You scared me...”

“Your shields were up, so I didn’t sense it.” Obi-Wan stated. “Was it a nightmare?”

Anakin gulped and nodded.

Padmé gasped. “But you haven’t had one since...”

“I know.” Anakin struggled for breath, “It was terrible...”

“Can you stand?” Obi-wan asked.

Anakin slowly rose to his feet, Padmé aiding him.

Then screams suddenly echoed through his head. No! Who are you? What do you want with me? Please...Master!

“What was your dream about?” Obi-Wan asked.

Anakin didn’t reply. He was already out the door, forgetting his previous state. He ignited his lightsaber, then heard another ignite behind him in the hallway. He knew it was Luke.

He sensed confusion from Obi-Wan, whom he guessed intended to follow him.

Shock and worry from Padmé.

He threw open the door to Leia’s quarters.

Leia cowered in a corner; the ruins of her lightsaber several yards from her, and over her stood a hooded dark figure.

In the Force, the room stank of the Dark Side.

He brandished his saber at the figure. “Step away from her.”

Luke was at his side, and he followed suit.

A wicked snort. Then, the figure turned to face them.

“Get away from my sister! I mean it!” Luke growled.

Anakin absently noticed Han’s unconscious form lying beside the bed.

Obscured by the hood, the figure looked at the two Jedi. He gestured his hand at Leia, and Leia’s head fell to its side as she dropped out of awareness.

Anakin winced. Luke scowled menacingly. “Who are you?”

The man removed his hood, and smiled wickedly. “Why, Anakin Skywalker. I would say I’m happy to see you, but honestly, I’ll only be happy when this is over...and you lie on the floor, the life gone from your pathetic Jedi body.”

Obi-Wan appeared in the doorway, his eyes widening.

“And Kenobi? Oh, this will be a pleasure...”

[sexystarwarslover]

that was so cool, and so beautiful, please don't give up, i want more, don't leave it how you did, please write more, this is a great story

[arie]

Chapter 16 (Author's Note: Leia and company will not know who Skye is for quite awhile.. that is the main premise of the story, after all!)

Anakin watched his former Master disguise his reaction, and Obi-Wan swiftly ignited his lightsaber.

“I should have known it was you all along.” he remarked. “Always quick to move against the Jedi.”

“If you are a threat to the Jedi Order, then you will be destroyed!” Luke announced firmly, but Anakin sensed his unease.

“The Jedi Order shall remain dead, boy. As it should.” A flash of a crimson blade.

“You stole the technology.” Luke stated calmly, for Anakin and Obi-Wan had talked to him through the Force about the current predicament.

“Not me personally, no. That would’ve been another among our ranks.”

“It doesn’t matter!” Anakin spoke at last. “You are as good as dead for coming here tonight. But as Obi-Wan said, I’m not sure why I’m so surprised to see you, for you always liked to toy with your former allies.”

“You Jedi scum mean nothing to me now! I have become more powerful than all of the Jedi combined with the Dark Side.”

“You’ve also inflated your ego.” Obi-Wan commented.

“Power. So important it seems to the lonely heart of a Sith, but I have learned that true power cannot be earned by the ways of the Sith.” Anakin stated boldly.

“Alas, now the mighty ‘Chosen One’ is lecturing me. I assure you, Skywalker, you will pay for all you have done to the Sith.”

“Revenge is never justified, Dooku.” Anakin frowned as he spoke.

Beside Anakin, Luke tensed.

“Speak you so nastily of the Dark Side, Anakin?” Darth Tyranus said with a twisted grin. “Not long ago, you too were enveloped in its glorious embrace.”

“Glorious? The Dark Side squeezed the life out of me, Dooku. It didn’t embrace me, it strangled me.”

“Ah yes, but you were foolish, and you gave up all that power. I, however, have much more wisdom.”

“That’s good.” Luke told him. “Because you will need wisdom to get yourself out of this one.”

Dooku smirked at Luke. “The son of Skywalker. Nice to meet you, young man. I’m sorry that I shall have to dispose of you so soon after meeting you.”

“Are you?” Luke said back. “I may not know much about you, Count, but I have seen what the Dark Side can do, and I assure you, my father, Ben and I will fight until the breath has left us.”

“That’s the idea.” Dooku said wickedly, and he swung his blade at Anakin.

Anakin parried his fast-coming strikes, Dooku’s hatred for him swallowing him up. Obi-Wan and Luke attempted to draw Dooku away, lunging toward his weak spots.

The spacious quarters had become the zone of a vicious duel.

The three Jedi seemed to have the upper hand in the beginning, their three-against-one advantage paying off.

Anakin fought Dooku hard, trying to wear the weary Sith lord out. Dooku only grinned menacingly at him.

“The Hero With No Fear. I’m so happy that I can once again cross blades with you.”

“Really? Well, by the end of this, you’ll be sorry.”

“Is that what you think? Oh, you Jedi are stupider than I thought. I was keen on coming back first, Anakin, because I am eager to avenge the events that took place years ago, on the Invisible Hand...”

--------

Leia slowly opened her eyes, but she could hardly see. Memories flooded back to her, and she tried to rise, but her body wouldn’t obey. Out of the corner of her eyes, the remains of her lightsaber lay, charred and broken. She almost cried out in confusion. What is going on?

Then, she remembered everything. And she heard noises.

She lifted her head a little, her gaze shifting to the far most area of the room. It was an explosion of color.

Blue...green...red. Were those... lightsabers?

She blinked and her mind spun, as the dizziness overtook her and she sank back into the void.

------

Dooku kicked Anakin between the ribs, catching him off guard. It was a lucky strike, for Anakin hit the ground, hard.

His chest seared in pain as he felt the traces of his blaster wounds reopening.

He winced, but managed to get back up and reenter the fight, just as Obi-Wan was blocking a clout of Sith lightening. Luke visibly cringed, and thrust his green saber into Dooku’s side, a little above his hip.

The Dark Lord howled in pain and retaliated angrily, swiping swiftly at Luke and Luke hurried to parry the oncoming red lightsaber.

He successfully blocked the first attack, but the second wave took him by surprise and Dooku didn’t hesitate to deliver a crippling Force-push, sending Luke crashing into the wall.

He moaned stiffly, and then fell silent.

Anakin glared at Dooku. “You are going to wish you hadn’t done that either.”

Obi-Wan panted, and the two Jedi, reunited and fighting the Sith together once more, sank into the fight, becoming absorbed in the Force and falling completely into sync with its currents.

It was almost just like old times. The inseparable duo. The Jedi heroes. They fought expertly, their tactics either mirroring or complimenting each other.

Anakin watched Dooku grow desperate.

He kicked Obi-Wan, sending the Jedi Master to the floor. Anakin snarled and strengthened his attack, letting the power of his love overtake him.

Dooku shook his head. “It’s not enough, Skywalker. Only your rage will defeat me. Surely you realize this. When you renounced the Sith and betrayed Lord Sidious, you made a horrible mistake. And now, you will pay dearly for that. ”

“Did you come here to talk or to fight?”

Dooku grimaced, the pain in his wound intensifying.

Anakin took this to his advantage, and used the Force to throw Dooku against the wall.

He towered above him. “The true mistake, Dooku, was joining the Sith in the first place. Because of that choice, I lost everything. And I won’t let you keep me from the chance of getting it all back.”

Dooku lay crumpled on the ground. Obi-Wan, who had rejoined Anakin, brandished his saber at Dooku, following Anakin’s lead.

Dooku was beaten. Or so it seemed.

He smiled, and twitched his fingers. The roof above the two Jedi Masters creaked under pressure, and before either of them could move, pieces of durasteel, wood and plaster rained upon them, the brunt of it falling upon Anakin.

Anakin couldn’t restrain a cry of pain as a piece of the steel lanced through his vulnerable wounded area of skin, and blood began to seep into the folds of his tunic.

Obi-Wan had dodged most of it, and Dooku saw this. Dooku, suddenly fully upright, snatched Obi-Wan by the collar and began Force-choking him cruelly.

Anakin pushed the debris off, ready to help Obi-Wan, but as he leapt toward his former Master, a green saber hummed to life and in a whiz of speed, was flung across the room and sank into Dooku’s chest.

Dooku’s eyes filled with alarm.

Luke stood calmly coming over to regain his weapon as Dooku fell to his knees in agony.

But the young Jedi underestimated the Dark lord. Dooku, in a last feeble swing, weakly slashed the susceptible Luke, gouging the boy’s shoulder. Then, he fell to the ground, still.

Luke screamed in pain, but remained standing. He turned to Anakin, eyes full of unreadable emotion, and Anakin rushed over.

Sensing the danger was gone, Anakin examined Luke’s wound. “You’ll be all right.”

“Yes, I know I will.” Luke whispered, his eyes still upon Dooku. “Now.”

Luke bent down and shook Obi-Wan’s shoulder, while Anakin grabbed Han.

“Han!” Anakin said, turning him over.

Han groaned, and opened his eyes. “Wha-what happened?” Then he shot up. “Leia! Leia where are you, are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” A sweet voice called, and Anakin sighed in relief as Leia sat up slowly, her brown eyes fluttering open.

Han rushed to her, pulled her up.

“Who was that?” Han asked, holding Leia close.

“Count Dooku, also known as Darth Tyranus.” Obi-Wan said calmly, regaining his breath. Anakin was relieved to find that he was unhurt as well. “He was the Dark Lord who cut off Skye’s right arm.”

Luke, knowing that he was a Sith from the past, remained silent.

Han gave Obi-Wan a fleeting glance. “Are there more?”

Obi-Wan shrugged helplessly. “It’s quite possible...I...”

He was cut off by the arrival of a medical team, and Padmé, who barreled into the room.

She clutched Anakin tightly. “I knew something was wrong, and I followed you...I saw you, Luke, and Ben fighting...and I was scared, I feared the worst...so I brought a medical unit.”

A droid began cleaning Luke’s gash, and Padmé winced a little at the sight, but Anakin could tell she was happy to see Obi-Wan, Han, and Leia all up and okay.

She was astonished, however to see the crimson stain on Anakin’s tunic. “Oh Force, your blaster wound reopened!” She expertly pressed a hand to Anakin’s chest to stem the flow.

Anakin leaned down and kissed her. “It’s okay, angel. Just a little blood.”

Padmé nodded, but concern swelled around her and she waved a droid over to give her bacta and bandages.

Leia hugged Han close. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“You too, Princess.” he replied honestly. “That was terrifying. And I’m a veteran of that word...I mean, you all should have seen Leia that one time when I called her hot in front of Ackbar! She was furious!”

His attempt at lightening the mood was successful. Everyone chuckled a little.

---------

Cleaned up and recovered, about a week later, Padmé and Anakin sat in Skye Nairn’s quarters. Anakin was holding his wife tenderly, whispering in hushed tones, and Padmé was weeping endlessly into his cloak. Both of them watched a disconsolate Luke leave the room.

“I’m sorry... oh, Angel...I’m so sorry it has to be this way...” Anakin purred sympathetically.

Padmé sniffled. Her reply was muffled by the fabric of the black garment.

“I know... but I promised you remember? You will see them both again...you will see Leia married...”

Padmé lifted her head finally and gazed into Anakin’s eyes. She stoked the new bandage upon his chest and murmured. “I understand everything, love...I just wish...”

“That you could stay.”

Padmé nodded, gulped and sat upright, swallowing her emotion and stopping the tears a little.

“I’m...I’m ready.” She said brokenly.

“Ready for what?” Both Anakin and Padmé looked up to see a worried Leia staring at the two. Then Leia looked embarrassed. “Sorry. The door was ajar...and I heard you crying...”

Anakin was happy that she hadn’t heard anything dangerous. “It’s fine, Leia.”

Padmé got up, grasping one of her bags, and the tears continued to stream down her face, even though she’d tried to calm them. “I’m sorry that it is so soon, Leia...but with...with recent events...Skye and I have decided that it would be safer for me to go home.”

Leia looked crestfallen. “Oh, that’s a shame...I mean, I agree that it is safer for you, but I...I don’t want you to leave.”

Padmé swallowed again, and Anakin caught a glimpse of her thoughts as his wife received flashes of the last week, Padmé and Leia chatting happily and doing each other’s hair, Padmé and Luke sharing refreshment in the dining hall...

Anakin put an arm around Padmé as Padmé replied solemnly. “Thanks, Leia. I’ll be back...for the wedding.”

Anakin smiled and led her out of the room. Leia waved goodbye, and Han, in the hallway, saw the bags and Padmé’s tears.

“Heading off?” he questioned, taking his place at Leia’s side and giving Padmé a quick hug. “All right, Miss Nairn. We’ll see you around.”

“Please Han... call me Padmé.”

“Okay...Padmé.” Han said awkwardly.

Padmé smiled through her tears and whispered to him as she eyed the glowing couple, “Take care of her, Han. She’s a remarkable woman.”

Leia beamed, and Padmé took Anakin’s arm and began to walk away, for Anakin knew she thought if she stayed any longer, she wouldn’t be able to leave.

They disappeared into the hangar bay as planned, where Padmé would depart in her Nubian starship before her journey through the portal.

Anakin kissed her again, and Padmé wrapped her arms around him.

She smiled a little. “Take care of yourself, Anakin.” She seemed relived at calling him his true name, being that the bay was empty.

“I will. And I will take good care of our children as well.” Anakin promised. He was incessantly sorrowed to see his wife leave.

“I understand now, Ani. This is your fight, not mine. It has been a privilege, and a pleasure... but it is truly...time for me to go.”

Padmé sniffed, and reluctantly broke away from her husband, stepping up the ramp. She paused at the top before shutting the hatch.

Her eyes glazed with tears, she gazed, wordlessly conveying her love for him.

Anakin mirrored her.

Then, she broke into sobs and the hatch closed. She waved quickly out the viewport and Anakin waved back, feeling her love and confidence in him shimmer brightly.

She knew he’d succeed. He knew it too. He had to.

And yet, as the Nubian starcraft began to shrink into the stars, Anakin couldn’t help but feel as if a part of him had been ripped away.

It’s for the best... He thought, knowing that seeing Padmé hurt by the Sith would be unbearable, and that her willingly leaving via the portal was more tolerable.

He sighed despite this knowledge, and ignored the searing pain in his heart as he awaited the complete disappearance of his wife’s vessel before silently creeping back toward his room.

[sexystarwarslover]

wow that was so beautiful i was getting really sad, please rite more, it is really good

[arie]

CHAPTER 17

Darkness.

The room was shrouded by it, completely drowned by black sheets of shadow hanging still in the air.

Silence.

Cold...so cold...

Then a breath, a moan...

Dead. Must be. Have to be. But no...

Leia is sobbing, her cries intensifying. A black shadow comes to life, gripping at her, and him... coming to life, ripping away at the souls of father and daughter.

Evil cackling, light fading, then... nothing.

The Force is welcomed, once again, into a deathly cold embrace, and all is disarray...

Anakin awoke, breathing hard, clutching desperately at the vacated side of the bed once occupied by Padmé. His fingers closed around air, and his own bedspread, and he frowned, wanting to groan in frustration. It had been a week. Too long since she’d left. He missed her terribly.

He sighed piercingly and slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes, and smoothing the rumpled bedspread. There would be no sleeping again now.

He was tired, but he knew that if he tried, he either wouldn’t be able to fall asleep, or his slumber would be haunted by voices, shadows...

He shivered. The dreams were back. After so long. He couldn’t fathom why. Were they warnings? Was he being tested by the Force?

He couldn’t be sure. But he was unnerved by their sudden return, as was Obi-Wan. His former Master, disturbed greatly by recent events, was more stubborn than Anakin could ever have guessed, and had insisted on staying a little while longer. He feared for the safety of Anakin, Luke, Leia, Han... but at the same time, Anakin’s former Master knew that soon, the time would be right, and agreed with Padmé that it was Anakin’s fight, not his, nor hers.

This put a lot of responsibility upon Anakin’s shoulders. Not that he wasn’t used to it by now; he could distinctly remember being weighed down at the Temple about the prophecy and being the Chosen One.

As the fever of the nightmare began to slip away, Anakin couldn’t shake a feeling of unease. Something was about to happen, something bad.

He got up; fully intending to slip on a fresh tunic instead of his thin nightshirt he had fallen asleep wearing.

Reaching into the Force, he could tell that Obi-Wan was fast asleep, not distressed at all. Anakin knew this was because his shields had been up yet again. With a sigh, he realized putting his shields up at night was old habit, being that he never spent nights at the Temple during his secret marriage... and being that Darth Vader’s mind was haunted by his past at night, something the Emperor never knew.

Sensing that Obi-Wan was sound asleep brought a small wave of jealousy to Anakin. Does he even know how lucky he is?

“Master?” a soft voice inquired. Anakin looked up, his eyes quickly adjusting to the darkened room and falling upon Leia, standing in the doorway. She was not still in her nightdress, clad in a simple dress now and she looked wide awake. Her hair spilled upon her shoulders freely, framing her face, which was wrought with concern.

“Leia.” he stated, acknowledging her presence. “Come in.”

Leia obliged, perching herself delicately upon Anakin’s bed. He stood in the center of the room, gazing at her.

“Is something wrong?”

Leia shook her head vigorously.

“Do you need to talk to me? Is something on your mind? Bothering you?” These had been the only reasons Leia had come to him so discreetly before...

She shook her head again, though, and blinked sympathetically at him. He let the Force wrap around her, analyzing her Force signature. He sensed the usual love, fear...and was that... worry?

“Actually,” Leia said slowly, seemingly searching him as well. “I was kind of worried about you. Are you okay?”

Anakin, shields down, felt Leia probe him gently as he rummaged through his drawer for a tunic. She only touched his mind, not prying deeper, but Anakin felt her pick up on the fading remnants of his sudden arousal from sleep.

Still, Anakin turned to her and asked. “What do you mean?”

“I sensed... I sensed something.” His perceptive daughter answered, but Anakin could sense some uncertainty behind the statement.

“From me?” he asked her, surprised. Surely she couldn’t have sensed his distress? Even Obi-Wan couldn’t have sensed that... his shields were up. Was their bond really that strong?

“Yes.” Leia said.

Anakin sighed, as he found the tunic he’d been looking for and unbuttoned his current one. “I’ll admit Leia, I’ve been better.”

“Mmmm.” She observed him quietly. “Me too. I suppose we all have been, but that Sith attacking us kind of threw us off course.”

Anakin nodded. He folded up his old tunic and placed it in his pile of laundry. Padmé had made sure that was neat before she’d left.

Leia winced at little as she caught sight of the exposed abrasions on his chest, but Anakin threw on his new tunic and sat lightly beside her. Reading her thoughts, he told her, “I’m fine. They’re healing up nicely; Dooku just slowed the process a bit. I’ve seen much worse.”

Leia seemed to assent silently, but whispered. “You’ll probably have some scarring though.”

“Great.” Anakin said. “More to add to my collection.” He laughed almost noiselessly.

The corner of Leia’s mouth twitched a little as her eyes fell upon the long red scar that ran across Anakin’s eye.

“Do you mind me asking...?”

“How I got this?” Anakin fingered the mark idly. “Another agent of the Sith, not really an apprentice, but a servant of the Dark Side, ambushed me near my home, threatening to kill Padmé. As you can imagine, a duel followed, and she gave me this.” Anakin, once again, silently praised himself for telling the truth.

“She fought with a lightsaber, though, right?” Leia asked. Anakin nodded.

She smiled slightly. “You sure have seen a lot of action.”

“Well, more than Padmé would like, anyway.”

Leia looked at him. “I’ve been wondering... when I was a child, back on Alderaan, I studied lots of history, and the name Count Dooku seems familiar. I think someone of that name fought with the Separatists.”

Anakin was very relieved that he and Obi-Wan had considered this response.

“Could this Count Dooku be of some relation of that one? Perhaps a son or grandson?” Leia wondered aloud to Anakin.

Anakin shook his head. “I don’t know anything about Count Dooku’s relatives.” He liked that answer too.

Leia looked dubious. “Master... is there a way that the Sith that attacked us could have been the real Dooku from my books about the Clone Wars? Is there some way, that after death... instead of eternally becoming the Force spirit, you could... re-manifest yourself into living form?”

Anakin marveled at her ingenuity. Obi-Wan had also considered this with him during one of their meditations, but he hadn’t expected her to ask so soon, which caught him a little off guard.

He paused a moment, formulating a reply. Then he said, “Perhaps. But if there is, it is probably a very risky not to mention complicated process.”

Leia considered his answer. “Well, surely the Sith warriors are intelligent?”

“No doubt. Surly, arrogant, and hate-filled, but very intellectual.” Anakin grinned.

Leia brushed her hair behind her ear. Then she looked him directly in the eye. “So how long have you been having nightmares?”

Anakin bristled with surprise, but hid it well. He found himself in awe, once more, at Leia’s insight. “I started having them the night of the attack and have had them every night since.”

Leia pursed her lips. “I’ve had none since that one, awhile ago...”

Anakin sighed. “I’m glad of that. They are a burden upon tired souls.”

Leia smiled somatically. “Do you ever get back to sleep?”

“Rarely. But I was once accustomed to such a cycle, and I will find myself falling into it again soon enough.”

“Many a sleepless night for you, I see. I’m grateful that I haven’t had one since...” she broke off, her eyes upon him once again.

Anakin decided to change the subject. “You may not be having nightmares, but I can tell that you’ve had a lot on your mind lately.”

Leia sighed a little, and Anakin sank deeply into the Force, reading the sinuous strands that connected to her.

Leia looked like she was about to cry. “I’m worried. I can’t help it. Call it selfish, but I constantly worry about losing the people I care about. And this latest threat hasn’t helped any.”

Anakin cringed inwardly as he heard the dragon hissing mentally within his daughter. All things die, Leia. They will die, you know. Even stars burn out.

He replied softly, placing a supportive hand upon her shoulder. “I understand, Leia. You are a very compassionate woman, an admirable trait, though sometimes quite a burden.”

“I can’t help but think that I could lose Han... and we’re about to get married...”

“You won’t lose him, Leia.” Anakin assured her. “And if it makes you feel any better, Padmé and I were caught in a life-and-death situation immediately before our wedding, and we made it out more or less okay.”

“More or less? What situation?” Leia asked curiously.

“I won’t go into the details, but Ben needed rescuing from a group of foul beings, including Dooku, who had captured him and illegally sentenced him to death. Padmé and I went to try and break him free from their grasp, but we were caught and convicted of espionage for our actions. Dooku knew we could only have come to mess up his plans, so he made sure we were sentenced to death as well. Padmé and I were led into a vicious sort of stadium, where spectators would watch us torn apart by beasts. We were chained to pillars, as well as Ben. Luckily, we were able to free ourselves and take control of the situation as our backup began to arrive.” Anakin smiled reflectively. “But we paid a small price. Padmé suffered several large slashes to the back from a nexu’s claws, Ben received a couple glancing lightsaber blows, and I lost my arm.” He indicated his right arm, suddenly missing his state before his journey through the portal, when his arm had been flesh.

Leia’s eyes were wide. “Wow.”

Anakin grinned. “Shortly afterward, Padmé and I were married.”

Leia looked at her feet blankly. “Perhaps this is why I joined the Jedi. They have such interesting lives.”

Anakin laughed aloud. “We sure do.”

They simply sat together for awhile, each enjoying the others company.

After discussing random topics until light began to fill Anakin’s room, Anakin looked at Leia conclusively. “Do you feel better?”

Leia sighed quietly. “I suppose a little. But I still worry about everyone. I love you all so much.”

She turned to Anakin, sweeping him into an unexpected hug. “I love you, Master. You know that right?”

Anakin stroked her back and replied, “Of course, Leia. I love you too.”

Leia squeezed him tight. “I’m so glad we crossed paths. If I even think about what my life would have been without meeting you, without all that you’ve done, I don’t know what to say. It’s amazing how attached I’ve become to you.”

Anakin nodded silently as she released him, smiling wholly up at his face. He blinked then replied. “Thank you, Leia... I...” But he was at a loss for words. He knew inside that everything Leia had said was exactly what he’d been thinking. He was endlessly grateful to be here, he didn’t like to think of life without his daughter, and he’d become very attached to her over their time together.

She silenced him with a little giggle. “Oh no, I’ve rendered my Master speechless. Leia to Skye! Come in Skye!”

Anakin chuckled at her wit, and was about to say something, when an incessant wailing began to fill his ears. The base came to life as klaxons blared loudly and red lights fixed to the hall ceilings flashed urgently.

“An alert?” Leia asked.

Anakin was filled with a sudden dread.

Leia looked perplexed and worried. “I have to find Han.”

The hallways burst into activity as everyone hurried toward the bridge and the control room.

Something was happening. Something big.

Anakin grabbed his black cloak and joined the sea of hastening individuals, anxious to see what was about to happen.

He was a little disappointed to find the miscellany from his encounter with Leia being replaced by even more blaring, this time, from the Force.

The commotion overtook him, and suddenly, it was only a vivid memory, one he’d never forget.

[sexystarwarslover]

ohhhhh, please write more quickly, this is good, i want to know what happens. i like the retelling of the arena and the past very good!

[arie]

Chapter 18

Anakin stood in the control room, waiting next to an expectant Leia and a rather grouchy Han Solo. Around them, Rebel officers buzzed about, milling in confusion.

“Can’t a guy get some shut-eye around here without being blinded and losing their hearing because of some alert?” Han said moodily, rubbing his eyes.

Anakin suppressed a laugh, while Leia frowned at him. “Han, this could be really important!”

“Fat chance, Princess. I wouldn’t be surprised if Mothma called an alert because she could hear Ackbar snoring from her room or something.”

Leia put her hands on her hips. “Han Solo...”

Han shielded himself. “All right, all right... I didn’t mean it; I’m just tired is all.”

Obi-Wan smiled at them as he approached. “The only thing I’m tired of is you two arguing.”

Anakin sighed. “Decide to come out of your room, finally?”

Obi-Wan glanced at a chrono on the wall. “It’s not that late, Skye. Late for you, but you get up before everyone. Almost makes me wonder if sometimes you’re going to do something... while I’m sleeping.”

Anakin laughed softly. Then Obi-Wan looked serious. “What’s keeping you up? Are you having more nightmares?”

Leia and Han were still arguing, so they were able to branch off into a separate conversation.

“Yes, Master. I’m not sure why but...”

“Same ones?”

“Sometimes. Other times they are different.”

“The Force feels frigid now, something serious is happening.”

“Do you think Sidious has already come through?”

“No. Well, in all honesty, there’s no way to be sure, but I don’t think he’s here yet.”

“Well, something’s going on, that’s for sure.”

“Trouble finds us wherever we go, it seems.”

“Probably because most of the time we enjoy getting into it.” Anakin mused, but then, Admiral Ackbar emerged from a sliding door, stepping briskly into the largest room of the base. His face looked grim as all grew silent; the crowd ready to hear what he had to say.

Ackbar cleared his throat and said. “We are sorry to disturb everyone during these early morning hours, but times continue darkening and something peculiar has drawn our attention. A lone unidentified craft, of odd design has roved upon our grounds, shooting down most of the security cam droids bolted to the exterior. It has caused minor damage to the base’s east wing, causing residents in the area to be disturbed from routine. We remain unsure of its intentions, but it has retreated into the atmosphere, and we intend to find out.”

Obi-Wan and Anakin exchanged looks.

Mon Mothma stepped up beside Ackbar and said crisply. “We would like the following people to dock abroad the class cruiser Valiance #21174: Commander Herry Grend, General Luke Skywalker, Commander Dane Kin, Commander Rollad Frant, Commander Han Solo, Commander Skye Nairn...”

Several more names were called as Luke appeared nearby, beckoning. Han bid Leia farewell and followed Anakin down the hall, joining the other previously called Rebel Commanders. Chewy roared loudly at Han as if assuring him that he’d take good care of Leia, provoking chuckles form the group despite their predicament.

They quickly boarded the gigantic cruiser.

Each person was nervous, all of them taking seats in the briefing room, each one whispering conspicuously with another.

Han took a seat next to Anakin. “Weird, huh? Some random ship comes and attacks.” Then his face took on a look that conveyed both nervousness and thought. “You don’t think it’s another one of those Sith warriors you guys have been worrying about, do you?”

Anakin shook his head. “I don’t know, Han.”

The ship growled under them as it began to life into the sky. They were moving.

They climbed higher and higher, into the first reaches of the atmosphere.

Herry Grend, on Anakin’s other side, tapped him. Anakin turned. His face was pale and he looked ill.

“Herry? You okay?”

Herry gulped. “Don’t you know where we are?”

Anakin felt an icy jolt in the Force. He blinked.

Herry looked around, and then hissed, “Korriban... we’re about 5 parsecs to Korriban.”

Anakin was overwhelmed with horror. “But..”

Han looked confused. “What? Korriban? Never heard of it.” He then glanced at Anakin. “You okay Skye? You look worse than Herry.”

Anakin’s blanched face stared at Herry, his eyes blank. Herry continued. “Solo, you’ve never heard the stories? The Sith, sworn enemies of the Old Republic’s Jedi Order... that’s their place... their secret realm, of sorts. Not many innocents have dared to set foot on that planet. And none have ever come back alive.”

Luke, who had just pulled up a seat, looked suddenly bewildered.

Han shuddered.

Anakin let some tension flow out of him. “But... it’s been dormant since the death of the Emperor!” The horrors that could be let loose if the Sith have revisited that place...

Herry nodded. “Yes, sure, since the Emperor, the last of the Sith, was revealed and shocked the galaxy upon his dark death, nothing has happened there. But that pilot...rumor has it, it came from Korriban.”

Obi-Wan, a little flustered approached them. “They invited me along, apparently they are that desperate for pilots.”

Anakin laughed weakly.

Obi-Wan’s eyes fell upon them. “Skye. Korriban grows closer every second. Ackbar’s coming down here from the bridge in a bit. Mothma’s leading everyone else at the base out. They’re all uneasy.”

“Evacuation?” Han asked.

“Well, technically, we were attacked.” Obi-Wan stated ruefully. Obi-Wan took a seat next to Han and sighed. “This isn’t looking good.”

As if on cue, Ackbar came into the room, looking even more nervous. His large, glassy eyes flitted through the room.

“May I have everyone’s attention?” He croaked. “Though the threat is believed to be dwindling, Senator Mothma is moving all personnel out of the base. Damage to the eats wing is near beyond repair.” He took a breath. “We are sending you all, the best pilots of the Rebellion to seek out the craft that virtually destroyed a quarter of our base. After this is dealt with, we are instructed to go to Yavin 4, meeting the others in the other base.”

Herry raised his hand. “Admiral, do we have a visual of the ship?”

Ackbar punched a code into the holoscreen on the wall, and an image appeared.

Both Obi-Wan and Anakin gasped silently and looked at each other. They knew who was flying the ship... Asajj Ventress.

Han inquired, “Are we being instructed to eliminate the craft, Admiral?”

Ackbar sighed. “It will most likely come to that, yes.”

Anakin spoke up. “With all due respect, Admiral, under the circumstances, it is highly likely that said pilot is leading us into a trap.”

“I agree.” Obi-Wan stated. “We must exercise caution.”

“Certainly.” Ackbar said. “You may adjourn in the docking bay. Good luck to you all.”

“In my experience there’s no such thing as luck.” Obi-Wan muttered quietly as Ackbar left the room.

Anakin, Obi-Wan, Herry, Luke, and Han all headed out to get suited up. Donning flight suits, jackets, helmets and comlinks they found X-wing fighters polished and ready for them in the docking bay.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” Obi-Wan said aloud as he claimed the fighter next to Anakin’s.

Anakin grinned at him. “Oh that’s right. You don’t like flying.”

Obi-Wan looked a little on edge. “I’m just afraid that I’ll be more of a burden than an asset up there.”

Anakin smiled. “You don’t give yourself nearly enough credit. You’re a fine pilot.”

“That’s Tan Skywalker talking.” Obi-Wan said through the Force.

“You’re just jealous that achieved that rank.” Anakin teased.

“A seldom earned and rare title, to be sure. But don’t think I can’t kick your Tanned butt at other things, my former apprentice.”

“Like what?”

“Umm... meditation. I’m much more calmed and focused when I do it.”

Anakin replied mentally. “You’re much more boring, you mean. I never did like meditation that much.”

Anakin and Obi-Wan enjoyed this banter back and forth. It was almost like old days...

---------

Later on, the squadron formed up, an elite group of about sixteen or seventeen different talented pilots. They swooped effortlessly through the atmosphere, closing in on unusual-loooking one-manned spacecraft.

But only Obi-Wan and Anakin knew that the one-manned craft was in fact being piloted by a woman.

A deadly, uncanny woman with the Force as her ally.

Anakin’s hands tightened, squeezing the controls and thrusting his X-wing forward.

Blood pounded in his ears as he felt, once again, the glory of flight. Ventress’ ships swerved and spun guiding them out of the atmosphere and into free space.

Then, Anakin’s joy was replaced by a cold, clammy darkness creeping into his senses as the Force grew frostier and frostier the closer nearer they came to Korriban.

The Force screamed alarmingly at Anakin. Obi-Wan... he needed to talk to Obi-Wan.

Urgency filled him, but he wouldn’t risk being overheard on the comlink, so he hurried connected to his former Master through the Force and said quickly, “Master, do you feel it?”

“I do, Anakin. There is more to this than Ventress. The Dark Side is very strong here.”

“Obi-Wan, something horribly wrong is about to happen, I can feel it.”

“Now, calm down, Anakin. We don’t now what will happen, the Force is ever-changing.”

“Obi-Wan, this isn’t like one of my nightmares and I’m not your padawan learner. I can feel immense danger and it is very real.”

“I’m sorry, Anakin. I know that you have a huge connection to the Force and you may sense more than me. I didn’t mean to sound like I was scolding you, because I’m not. But please, try to calm down a bit until we figure this out.”

Anakin nodded inwardly. “Yes, Master.”

“How many times must I tell you not to call me that?” A laugh was heard. “You’re a Master now too.”

“Sorry, Master.” Anakin replied. “Old habits die hard.”

Obi-Wan had succeeded in lightening the load of darkness Anakin felt, replacing the brunt of his senses with reminiscent repartee.

But his stomach seemed to plummet as he saw hulking shapes up ahead, and Ventress’ craft heading straight toward them.

“It was a trap.” Luke murmured over the comlink.

“Retreat! Retreat!” Herry called out anxiously.

“You were right, Anakin.”

Anakin gripped the ship’s yoke hard as many fighters around them attempted to flee.

Shots were fired and Herry’s fighter, along with several others, were blasted into nothingness.

Anakin closed his eyes, breathing hard. “Negative. It’s too late.” It’s too late.

And the remainder of the squadron braced themselves as the colossal masses that were five Imperial Super Star Destroyers floated ominously toward them.

[sexystarwarslover]

oh that was a surprising chapter, please update quickly, i want to see what happens, this is a really good story

[arie]

Chapter 19

The battle was mounting.

The pilots expressed their urgent shock aloud, but followed Anakin’s lead and plunged into the midst of the battle, even though they were clearly doomed.

As Anakin deftly scaled the underbelly of one of the Star Destroyers, Obi-Wan spoke to him through the Force, clearly very worried.

“Anakin. Something big is happening abroad one of these.”

“I know. Ventress docked in that one, just ahead.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“I’m going in.”

“Anakin! You must be mad. You’ll never get in.”

“Oh, I think I will.”

Anakin generously pounded the exterior of said ship ferociously. Proton torpedoes ripped apart the exterior, and several other members of the Squadron covered him, blasting any attempt at defense out of the sky.

Obi-Wan sighed warily, but followed Anakin’s lead.

After some time, a hole was blasted in the side of the ship, just big enough for an X-wing to fit through.

Anakin simply skimmed lightly into the Star Destroyers, Obi-Wan tailing him.

They landed in the hangar bay, conveniently right below their makeshift doorway.

Anakin flipped out of the cockpit, and landed with a cold thump upon the durasteel flooring. His saber ignited, he glided about, easily disposing of the guards swarming about him.

Obi-Wan approached. “Former Imperials?”

“Perhaps. I can sense Ventress’ presence...” Anakin broke off lamely, as another X-wing descended into the bay.

The cockpit lifted and Luke Skywalker emerged.

He jogged toward them.

“Luke!” Obi-Wan exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

Luke smiled. “I saw your plan as it was carried out. I’m going to help; I can’t let you do this alone.”

“I beg to differ. You most certainly can.” Anakin stated.

“And sacrifice my father and mentor? I thought you knew me better.”

Anakin couldn’t help but smile. Obi-Wan grinned too. “That sounded a lot like something your father would have said.”

Anakin added seriously. “But please, be careful, Luke. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

Luke nodded. “Of course.”

They began to trudge through the hallways, neatly relieving them of any Imperial resistance.

“I have to say, Father, that was a nicely crafted opening back there.” Luke said teasingly.

Obi-Wan thought to point out, “Well, it’s not like they would have just opened it up and let us in.”

“True.” Luke said. “It’s pretty lucky that the landing area was right there, though.”

Obi-Wan chuckled. “Luke, how many times do I have to say it? There’s no such thing as luck!”

Anakin remained silent. “It’s pretty lucky that the landing area was right there, though...”

Well, I am quite enlightened as to the inner layout of Imperial spacecraft... something I’m not proud of.

Obi-Wan noticed Anakin’s silence as they turned another corner. He was about to say something else, when a Force signature blared upon his senses.

“Ventress. I sense her too.”

“Who’s Ventress?” Luke asked.

“A woman with the power of the Dark Side.” Obi-Wan told him. “Uncannily devious and quite menacing.”

“Oh.” Luke said lightly. “From your time, huh? Is she a good duelist?”

Obi-Wan nodded. “Your father and I dueled her many, many times.”

“And she was generous enough to give me this.” Anakin said, finally speaking, though sarcastically. He pointed at the scar on his face.

Luke’s eyes widened. “Well, I do feel the Dark Side here...”

They continued, following their senses to the source of the sinister pulses in the Force, using the quickest way possible, while avoiding too many entanglements.

Running into three armored guards, three lightsabers ignited and one by one, each guard was defeated in flashes of light and sound.

Luke panted a little after bringing down a guard. “So, Father, why did Ventress give you the scar?”

“Put simply, Luke, she was out to get me. Hired to obliterate me actually.”

“Wow.” Luke said. “An assassin?”

“Deadly.” Anakin said impassively. Then he stopped, mid-step. “That one.” He pointed at a door several yards away.

“Are you sure?” Obi-Wan said, reaching out into the Force.

“Yes.” Anakin said bleakly. “Okay, let’s try to go in unnoticed. Maybe we’ll catch something... interesting. Something of value.”

Luke whispered, “What do you mean?”

Anakin shrugged. “Just follow my lead. Come with me, son.”

Obi-Wan frowned. “How do we sneak in?”

Anakin gestured to a vent beside the door. Then tried to let the Force show him the interior of the room, to no avail.

Before his eyes, a dull, silhouetted, shadowy outline of the room appeared. He tried several more times, with no other result.

“Anakin?” Obi-Wan asked uncertainly.

“I was trying to obtain some sort of warning as to what’s in there...”

“And?”

“I can’t.”

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, stretching his senses. “I can’t either.” He said after a few minutes.

Luke looked from Obi-Wan to Anakin. “What does this mean?”

Anakin eyed the door and replied. “The Dark Side, Luke. It’s so strong, it’s clouding our vision.”

Luke looked apprehensive. “So now what?”

Anakin’s eyes hardened and he opened the vent. “I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Luke’s face lit up at the prospect of an adventure with his father and Obi-Wan. “Let’s go then.”

-----

The three Jedi crouched behind what appeared to be a group of large generators, peering cautiously out at the room.

It was dingy and eerie. To the left, a control console emitted small chirps and beeps and light flashed. To the right, more generators sat, and in the center, a large circular hoop was glowing red and swirling with darkness.

“Anakin...” Obi-Wan hissed, eyes not leaving the eddy of darkness.

“I know.” Anakin croaked quietly. “The portal.”

Luke almost gasped aloud, but swallowed it hastily. “You mean...”

He was cut off by the movement of a shadow from the edge of the room.

The darkness crept out, slinking toward the console.

Her robes fell lightly against her slender form, her white skin tinged with the glow from the portal. She grinned evilly, letting herself sink into the churning mass of the Dark Side, and flipped a lever slowly, breathing in the satisfying new power.

Anakin and Obi-Wan glanced nervously at each other, feeling the darkness spike ominously at Ventress’ new, more powerful form’s presence, and the portal emanation of shadowy, invisible waves of power.

Luke tensed. He also felt the Dark Side grow stronger.

Ventress cackled mildly as she pressed a sequence of buttons. She then stood before the portal, arms raised.

She waved her hands bringing forth more power. The portal spit and whipped out a hurricane of power. Winds of darkness sprang out at Ventress, which she absorbed easily.

Then, the cyclone took form. The Jedi watched anxiously as the reddish haze developed into a blackened figure, slowly forcing its way from the portal.

Ventress suddenly cut off the gust, and the portal fell stiller. She waited, seemingly holding her breath.

The figure materialized, causing Obi-Wan to gasp through the Force.

A dark, cold grin upon his face, Darth Maul acknowledged Ventress’ presence. “Asajj.” he purred.

“I have heard much about you, Lord Maul. How nice of you to join us.”

His lips curled over his teeth as he smiled wickedly. “It is my pleasure.”

Ventress turned abruptly and called out, “You Jedi can come out now! You been piteously trying to conceal your presence for too long.” She paused, as across the room, three blades, two blue, and one green, spouted. “Though I must admit, I’m delighted that you were able to witness our little... spectacle.”

Maul laughed ruthlessly. “Who is it? What pitiful foe shall we cut down first?”

Ventress’ eyes glinted as she responded. “I do hope it’s that Organa girl. The daughter of Skywalker... how I’d love to stand above her dead body.”

“You’ll have to stand above mine first then.” Luke said, emerging from the shadows, his brows knitted angrily.

“What is this?” Maul said, with honest surprise.

“The son of Skywalker, Lord Maul. He was discreetly married, you see. I trust you remember Senator Amidala? Or, as you might remember her... Queen Amidala?”

“I do.” Maul snarled.

Luke flicked his blade to the side. “Do not speak of my mother.”

Another figure came out of the shadows. With a flip, Obi-Wan landed purposefully beside Luke, his eyes growling in distaste.

“Kenobi.” Maul spat contemptuously. Obi-Wan didn’t answer, but felt the past nudge him.

Ventress meanwhile eyed Luke’s face, which did not disguise his rage. Luke seemed to realize this, and calmed himself.

Anakin stepped out, eyes upon the two vengeful opponents.

“Ah, yes. There he is now. The so-called ‘Chosen One,’ or as Lord Sidious had informed me... a traitor.” Maul glared at Anakin.

Anakin took note of his son’s mastery over himself and took his place on the opposite side of Obi-Wan.

Ventress cooed delicately, darkness seeping into her tone. “The former Lord Vader.”

“You will never address me in that way again.” Anakin said, taking a step forward.

Maul seemed to jolt in surprise. “Ah yes, the anger is in him. Quelled by his pathetic attachments, yet strong. He would indeed be a remarkable Sith.”

“I will not turn. It was a mistake to join you, one I suspect I will forever punish myself for.” Anakin said calmly.

“He’s right. This one’s too foolishly glued to the Light.” Ventress told Maul. “Which is why Lord Sidious now has eyes on his daughter.”

Anakin bristled, as Ventress called two gleaming silver hilts to her bony fingers, and ignited two blood red Sith blades.

Maul laughed again and pulled out a shiny, double-bladed, red lightsaber.

The Jedi prepared to strike.

Ventress smiled at Anakin over the glow of the sabers. “You have already lost, Skywalker. The Sith will reign again, and all who oppose us will be eliminated.”

Anakin smiled back, sinking into the Force as Obi-Wan and Luke set up to attack Maul. He replied determinedly, “I’m afraid I cannot let that happen.”

And the Force seemed to erupt into a mêlée as blades clashed simultaneously and the battle began.

----

Obi-Wan and Luke backed Maul into a corner, but he smiled listlessly and flipped over them, nearly catching Obi-Wan off balance and swiping across his back.

Luke parried several blows, and then took a daring swing at Maul’s head.

Maul ducked, and kicked Luke square between the ribs.

Luke grunted and fell to the ground.

Obi-Wan retaliated as Luke picked himself up.

Maul grimaced mockingly. “You cannot defeat me this time, Kenobi. I am stronger and wiser now then I was that day on Naboo.”

“Really? So am I, come to think of it.” Obi-Wan replied with a sweet, yet slmost nasty smile.

Luke rejoined the fight and Maul’s laughter rang through the room...

-----

Ventress pressed her blades against Anakin’s, forcing him to his knees. “What’s the matter, Skywalker? Tiring on me already? You haven’t changed a bit.”

Anakin’s wrists groaned as he gritted his teeth, biting back a malevolent reply.

Ventress’ vicious fighting had been evenly matched by his own, until she had caught him off guard and compelled him into a malicious grapple.

Desperately, Anakin managed to kick one of his legs out and was satisfied to feel the pressure lifted from him as Ventress fell, quite unceremoniously to the floor.

Anakin rose, feeling his strength returning and Ventress rapidly whipped upward, clashing one of the blades with Anakin’s.

They moved through the chamber, flashing blades meeting each other in a peculiar sort of dance.

The heat of battle overtook them, and they sunk deep into concentration...

------

Maul continued to cackle in amusement as the two Jedi banged their blades against his in an effort to slow him down.

Luke’s teeth gnashed as his green saber swung toward Maul, glancing a blow to his right arm.

Maul cried out, growling more in frustration and anger than in pain.

Obi-Wan used this opportunity to deliver a staggering Force-kick into Maul’s side, sending him careening into one of the generators.

The impact dented the mechanism and sparks flew everywhere. Wires were exposed, and the portal seemed to dim.

Obi-Wan caught on to what had just happened quickly. Anakin! The generators!

Maul leapt up and roared in resentment, the sheer force of it nearly toppling some of the duraplaster ceiling above them...

------

Ventress’ attacks grew futile as the utter power rolled off of Anakin in waves. He had heard his former Master’s call and had forced Ventress into the back end of their side of the room.

He swiped at her side, narrowly missing her right arm and gouging a crisp line through one of the generators.

Smoke poured out of the machine, and Ventress scowled at Anakin.

She lunged, her timing perfect. Anakin felt his body hit the wall across the room as Ventress flung him carelessly.

He rose to his feet, ignoring the throbbing in his muscles...

------

An epic battle.

Three Jedi. Two Sith.

Ventress: a distasteful foe, merciless duelist and hate-filled creature.

Maul: a dark specter with increased power and skill.

Obi-Wan: master of simplicity, practiced in the art of sword fighting.

Anakin: the most powerful Jedi ever known, his style of fighting less stylized and more choppy, wild and unpredictable.

Luke: a newer student of the Force, but undoubtedly powerful and talented. A slight echo of his father.

Blades crashed against one another in a battle that would decide the future...

Light vs. Dark. A fight for survival.

-----

The battle had increased its intensity, and though it had stretched over quite a period of time, Obi-Wan found it quite easy to avoid noticing how drained he was.

Beside him, Luke fought bravely, making Obi-Wan smile.

Together, they brought Maul into a desperate situation...

While across the room, Anakin was awarding Ventress similar instance. Ventress was clearly flustered by Anakin’s sheer power and adroit abilities in the Force.

In an instant, Anakin leapt atop the portal, slashing at it without hesitation. Ventress screamed. "NOOOO! Get away from there!"

Anakin ignored her, jumping over to the console and promptly destroying it. The sparking, dying power of the generators, the ruined console, and the damaged portal meant only one thing.

"Looks like no more Sith disease can spread." Anakin noted.

Ventress looked beside herself with anger. She was about to retort, but instead flew at Anakin, clearly intedning to wipe him out.

But Anakin saw what was coming.

Hegrinned as he knocked one of the sabers from her grip and drove his blue blade into Ventress’ flesh.

The end was near.

-----

Maul was hopelessly outwitted. He had been winning... giving the Jedi a hard time... beating them! But now... cornered, weakened, and frustrated, he slashed angrily at the oncoming blades, but missed.

The blue blade seared across his chest and cut neatly through the hilt of his double-bladed lightsaber.

He screamed and kicked at the Jedi with the last of his strength reserves.

The green blade swiped downward, cutting off his left arm at the elbow.

With a snarl, he flung a fraught Force-push at them, toppling them both.

With the remains of his diminished power and sickeningly mutilated lightsaber, he sunk the blade into the boy, Skywalker’s son. He hardly aimed, just struck. He didn’t care that he was dying. He knew it. But he made sure to deliver a painful wound to the Jedi first.

Luke shouted in pain as the red beam of energy dug into his shoulder.

Maul grinned weakly. At least now, I’ve likely finished him off...

He swung around as fast as his injured body would allow, only to have a blue blade carve into his chest, instantly searing through his vital organs.

Darth Maul fell, the blackness taking him, once again...

------

Anakin and Ventress’ ferocious duel paused.

Anakin felt a burst of pain from his bond with Luke...

Ventress felt the life Force of Maul winked out.

After a brief hiatus, Anakin’s eyes met Ventress’ locking into her inhuman stare.

“Your pitiable friends may have finished off Lord Maul, but you will never defeat the darkness, Skywalker. It is everywhere. It reigns above all. It lives within me, and... within you...”

Anakin glowered at her. “Not any more. The pureness of the Light shall triumph over the dark, because we have one thing that the Sith will never have...”

Their blades met in a wash of color and their brutal strikes were matched. They stepped, mirroring each other unconsciously.

Ventress sneered. “What is that?”

“Love.” Anakin answered simply. His blue blade tore through the fabric of her draping robes that protected her arm and she growled as a glowing red mark was burned through her skin. This, combined with Anakin’s stab to her abdomen earlier, caused her strength to falter.

“Your love makes you weak, Skywalker.” She hissed feebly.

“So you say. But I have learned otherwise.”

She growled again and swept her blade in his direction, but Anakin was quicker. He slashed quickly, in defense.

Ventress’ head rolled off of her neck, her still body crumpling to the ground.

Anakin stood above her, letting his fatigue shine through. He panted, breathing hard after the duel. He was spent.

“Anakin!” Obi-Wan called urgently.

And Anakin nearly tripped over his own feet as he rushed to his son’s side.

Luke’s unconscious body lay on the ground, a hole burned through his body.

Obi-Wan knelt beside him. “It’s not that huge of a threat to his life, being that its his shoulder, and the blade missed any critical organs or arteries... but he needs medical attention, and soon.”

Anakin knew he was right. He hastily brought his son into his arms and followed Obi-Wan out.

-------

Somehow, despite the odds, the small X-wing squadron, backed up eventually by several large Rebel cruisers, drove the Imperial Star Destroyers off.

They retreated to Korriban, and the pilots were quite joyous.

Too joyous, enveloped in celebration to notice a stray X-wing following them.

They hurried toward the base, knowing whatever was happening on Korriban spelled trouble.

But at that moment, all that mattered, was VICTORY.

Leia welcomed Han into her arms, a relieved smile gracing her face. She kissed him, but then inquired as to the location of Luke, Skye, and Ben.

Han shook his head sadly, and told her. “They didn’t come back. No one’s sure what happened to them.”

Leia’s beautiful face crumpled and a tear ran down her face.

But she was soon distracted, as she caught sight of a lone X-wing fighter outside the viewport.

“Look, Han!”

Han turned and was stupefied. “Is it them? They made it?”

“Hurry!”

They were in the docking bay of the new base in record time. The cockpit popped open, and Leia was excited to see a tired-looking Ben Nairn hop out.

But her heart sank when her Master appeared, also looking weary, the limp figure of her brother in his arms.

“Luke!” she cried.

She and Han hurried over.

“He needs to go the med bay, now.” Obi-Wan told them.

Han looked worriedly down at him.

“He’ll be fine.” Skye seemed to struggle with speaking.

But he sounded confident. With a glance at the wound, she knew he was right. Luke would heal up nicely.

“What happened?” Leia asked, as they ran as fast as possible down the corridor.

“I’ll explain... once... Luke gets settled in.” Skye answered her breathlessly.

Both he and Ben looked fit to collapse right then, but they didn’t.

They whisked Luke into the med bay, where a droid quickly directed them to a room. Luke began to receive treatment as Han and Ben watched quietly nearby.

Meanwhile, Leia, convinced that Luke wasn’t seriously injured, followed her Master to another room, where they sat and got to talking.

[arie]

Chapter 20

Leia had listened carefully through her Master’s explanation. She understood it, true enough, but she sensed an odd sort of longing emanating off of Skye, a blinking pulse of distress. Something he could try to conceal, but Leia, out of newfound strength in the Force, and through their close-knit bond, could see right through his disguise.

Something he could try to conceal. But he wasn’t.

In fact, he seemed to be making it rather obvious.

Her Master wanted to tell her something. Something important. What it was... she couldn’t fathom.

Leia sighed, and gently nudged the door to the med bay room open. Luke was sitting up, propped up by multiple pillows. He smiled at her, and she had no trouble smiling back, seeing that he was in great condition after his ordeal. His shoulder was properly dressed, treated and bandaged, and much to everyone’s relief, Ben had been right earlier. Luke’s injury was not bad at all, really. But the healers had informed him that he would have to take it easy and rest for several weeks. Luke was none too pleased about this decree, but he assented with reluctance.

His first question was: “Have you talked to Skye?”

Leia nodded. “A few minutes ago. He told me about your fight.”

Luke smiled. “Good, because I’m sort of tired of retelling the story to everyone. Han and Mara... Mara brought Threepio over from the base by the way, if you had wondered. He was down with Artoo while Artoo was just out of the oil bath... they’re both fine.”

“That’s good. Where are they?”

“I think they’re probably with Han.”

“Oh great, I’m sure Han was very excited to see Threepio.”

Luke laughed almost soundlessly.

“How do you feel?” Leia asked. It was protocol, after all, if a patient was in a sick bay to ask.

Luke grinned. “I’m fine. The healers say I am lucky... but Ben would say that there is no such thing as luck.”

“He would?” Leia asked softly, pulling up a chair beside the bed.

“Yeah. But I don’t know. I guess I’d like to believe that there is such a thing as fortune, perhaps the child in me insists it.”

Leia nodded slowly. “Maybe luck in itself isn’t really luck at all, but the Force granting you salvation.”

Luke’s eyebrows arched with interest. He looked at Leia. “When did you become so wise, Leia?”

Leia sighed. “Maybe that wisdom was somewhere within me all along, and I just failed to show it. Luke... I’m sorry.”

Luke’s eyes clouded with confusion as he gazed at her quizzically. “Sorry for what, Leia? What do you mean?”

“I’ve been selfish and immature. I’ve been horrible to you, and I can’t believe it looking back on it now. Luke, I am your sister. I should’ve cared more about you; I should have been there for you!” Leia resisted let the tears fall. “Ever since what happened on the Death Star... Luke, I know you’ve suffered... and I just sat there and let you suffer. I didn’t console you. I was self-centered then, and I was only caring about my own troubles. Like the stupid little girl I was.”

Luke sat openmouthed. He licked his lips and said softly. “Leia... please. I understand why you didn’t act... you were suffering too. You were fighting with a monster within you, and I believe, to an extent, you still are.”

“But Luke... I could have at least tried to console you!”

“I didn’t expect you to. You haven’t hurt me and you have nothing to apologize for.”

Leia swallowed and looked at her feet. “You may not think so, Luke, but I do.”

Luke reached over and laid his hand on top of hers. “Why do you torture yourself, sister?”

Leia looked up at him for a fraction of a second before turning away. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“You do. And I had thought that you were beginning to quell your sorrow... I thought that you were happy again, with Han and with...”

“With Skye?” Leia said almost bitterly. “Luke, I have been happy. You, Han and Skye... it’s been amazing, but I...”

“What?”

“Luke, Han loves me unconditionally. He doesn’t care about my faults. And you... you’re my brother. In some ways, you share those faults right alongside me...”

“But...?” Luke seemed lost as to where his sister was leading him.

“All of my friends... and Skye... if they knew who I really was... they’d hate me.”

Luke gasped aloud. “No, they wouldn’t! Leia why are you thinking this way?”

“Remember, you told me to try to accept everything I’d learned? Remember, after Vader died, you told me to move on and realize that I couldn’t wallow in my hatred? Luke, I tried... I tired so hard... and I don’t hate... hate him anymore. I truly don’t. That much is behind me. But I’m afraid. I’m... ashamed.”

“Ashamed of who you are?” Luke asked her. “But why, Leia? You should be proud. You are the daughter of Anakin Skywalker, hero of the Clone Wars, one of the greatest Jedi ever to live.”

“But that’s just the thing, Luke. I’m not his daughter. The biological father I knew was Vader. I never got to know him, so in truth, he wasn’t my father. Bail Organa...”

Luke looked conflicted. Hurt, yet understanding. And there was something else... “Yes, Leia... I know. You’ve told me many times. Bail Organa was the only father you will ever love.”

The look on Luke’s face caused Leia to feel like a part of her heart had shattered. “No! Luke... there’s something... something I never told you. All during my childhood, I loved Bail Organa as a father... I called him Daddy, I felt safe around him, and he was always there for me, like Vader couldn’t be. But there was always something... something missing... and when I was old enough, when they told me I had been adopted... Luke, I knew. I already knew.”

Leia finally met her brother’s eyes. They shone with a new light and... was that the traces of a smile on his face?

“Leia... I... you have come such a long way.” Luke said helplessly. “I’m proud of you.”

Leia dared to let a smile show. “Thanks, Luke.”

Luke grinned wholly and then looked thoughtful. “And now I sense that you need some time to yourself. You are hungry.”

Leia felt her stomach growl softly and she giggled a little. “Very perceptive, Luke.”

Luke closed his eyes. “Go on and grab a bite to eat. I’m fine here and you know it. Besides, I’m supposed to be napping anyway.”

Leia nodded and rose. “Goodbye Luke.”

Luke yawned and nodded, lowering himself into his pillows.

--------

Anakin, sitting, casually fiddling with the again busted control console of the Millennium Falcon, suddenly stood up. His heart was filled with an abrupt lurch of sorrow, a dull ache pulsing within him. Then, his head began to screech with warnings of the Force, and unexpectedly, he felt a little queasy...

He dropped the hydrospanner, causing a loud clang to erupt and echo through the ship.

Han, down below, heard the sudden noise above him and looked up. He turned to the two droids behind him, one of which had nearly successfully chatted his ears off and was beginning to give him a pounding headache.

Grateful for the chance to get rid of him, he barked, “Threepio, go up there and check on Skye. Make sure he hasn’t killed himself with those tools.” He chuckled to himself.

Threepio stopped mid-sentence. “Why, of course, Captain Solo. I, after all, am always ready to serve.”

“Serve as what? Target practice?” Han growled softly, letting his fingers stroke his holster where his blaster resided.

Threepio’s shiny body jolted as he walked, and he turned again. “What was that, Captain Solo? I’m sorry; I do believe my auditory sensors are in need of a tune-up.”

“Nothing, Threepio.” Han said, yanking several colorful wires out of the damaged power box beside him. Let Goldenrod talk it up with Skye... he thought, with a devilish grin. I mean... Skye hasn’t met him yet; I should give them a chance to... get acquainted.

Threepio wandered up toward the room where Skye was.

“Excuse me, Commander Nairn. I have been sent by Captain Solo to make sure that you are faring nicely up here.”

Anakin, from his now seated position, leaning against the wall, looked up at the shining golden droid standing in the doorway. His mouth hung open slightly as he stared, the queasy feeling leaving him as soon as it came.

“Hello, Sir. I am See Threepio, human cyborgs relations.”

The corners of Anakin’s mouth twitched into a smile. “Hello there, Threepio.”

Threepio looked a little taken aback by the friendly greeting. “Are you quite alright up here, Commander?”

Anakin grinned. “I am fine, thanks.”

Threepio cocked his metal head to the side a little. “That’s just wonderful, Sir. I am pleased to hear it.”

Threepio called down to Han. “Captain Solo, Sir, Commander Nairn is doing quite well.”

Han’s muffled reply was a rapid, “Okay, why don’t you just stay up there and talk with him for awhile, you...” followed by several indistinctive noises that sounded suspiciously like colorful curse words.

Anakin laughed aloud.

“I beg your pardon, Commander Nairn, but what is so amusing?”

“Oh, nothing.”

“Well, I have been instructed by Captain Solo to remain up here with you, Sir.”

Anakin, quite entertained by the appearance of his droid, just smiled. “So I heard.” Padmé had told him that Threepio’s memory had been wiped, so he was not surprised at all that Threepio didn’t recognize him. “So, Threepio, tell me about yourself.”

Threepio’s photoreceptors eyed Anakin in the greatest amount of wonder a droid could assume. “I am fluent in over six million forms of communication...”

Anakin nodded. Han, meanwhile, overhearing their conversation, yelled up to Anakin. “You must be crazy; you have no idea what you are getting yourself into!” Then, more quietly, he said, “Artoo, maybe you should go up there and do a scan of Skye’s head. Something’s not right in there.”

Artoo beeped loudly and defiantly, his reply translating to I’d rather not get into that.

Anakin laughed again at Artoo’s wit. The little astromech, perhaps bored with Han’s activities below, rolled up alongside Threepio anyway.

A shrill bloooppp greeted Anakin. Then, the droid cruised happily over to where Anakin was seated.

“Ah yes, and it is my pleasure to introduce my counterpart, Artoo Detoo.”

Anakin nodded. “We have already met, Threepio.”

A simple “oh” escaped Threepio vocabulator.

Artoo blatted at Threepio in an almost annoyed tone. You have already met him too.

“Yes, several moments ago, you impudent oilcan. There is no need to be so chiding.”

No, you knew him before, you don’t remember.

“Artoo Detoo, how could such a thing escape my memory?”

You mean the memory that was erased years ago?

“I say! My memory was not erased.”

It was. This is your maker.

“The maker!” Threepio screeched. “Artoo! What has gotten into you?”

It is only the truth.

Anakin looked at Threepio. Threepio asked, “How can that be?”

Anakin shook his head. “I am your maker, Artoo is correct there, but I’m astonished that you are in the possession of Leia Organa.”

That was the truth. Whether pure coincidence or will of the Force, his droids belonged to his children. And it was quite amazing.

“If that is the case, I am quite sorry, Master Skye for my behavior. Surely you will reduce me to scrap...”

“That would be nice.” said Han, stepping into the room. “What all this, Threepio? Did I hear you call Skye ‘Master’?”

“He’s my droid, Han.” Anakin said calmly. “I made him with my own two hands.”

Han smirked. “You’re joking right?”

Anakin just looked at Han.

“You’re not joking.”

Anakin nodded.

Han sat down. “Well, Skye, you’ve really surpassed my impression of you. How did you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Squeeze so much irritating little things into one protocol droid.”

Anakin chuckled. “What can I say? I told you times before that I was known for being able to build anything.”

“Anything, huh?” Han mused. “Well, I only wish you’d decided to build anything but that.” And he pointed at Threepio.

At that moment, Leia’s voice rang out from the bay. “Hello? Are you guys up there?”

Han yelled back. “Yeah, how’d ya know?”

Leia’s laugh was audible, but kind of half-hearted. She appeared in the doorway.

Anakin observed her silently. She seemed a little more gloomy than usual, but not gloomy enough to notice if you weren’t looking very very hard.

“I was just about to head over to mess hall for dinner. You wanna come?”

“Of course.” Han said, rising and kissing her cheek. Leia smiled.

Anakin stood up.

Threepio and Artoo followed them out, just as Leia was saying. “I have someone here at this base I want you to meet, Master.”

“Who’s that?” Anakin said, curious.

“Pooja Naberrie.”

[sexystarwarslover]

ah man i was getting into that, please do more, this is getting really interesting. i love this story

[arie]

Chapter 21

Anakin’s face contorted for a fraction of a second, then he looked into Leia’s eyes. Your cousin... he thought after assuring his mind shields were up. “I look forward to meeting her, then,” he managed to say. “Is she a friend of yours?”

Leia smiled brightly. “Oh yes. Pooja has been one of my closest friends since we met in the Imperial Senate. She’s from Naboo, like you and Padmé ”

So Pooja went on to become a Senator... following the footsteps of her aunt.

Outwardly, Anakin nodded dully.

Leia looked almost remorseful for a minute. “But she’s only just recovered from a huge loss; she may still be a little fragile.”

Anakin was suddenly very interested and slightly nervous. “Why? What happened?”

Leia looked at her feet as they walked. Noises sounded all around them, ships alighting and departing, in the bay they were in and in the one directly next to them.

“Her parents were murdered.” Leia said quietly.

Anakin felt something stab into his heart. He waited a moment before regaining the ability to speak. “Who?”

“They still haven’t found who did it.” Leia said, looking miserable. “We’ve managed to cheer her up a bit, but she’s still a little gloomy sometimes...”

Anakin idly wondered outside of his shock if Leia had been visiting with Pooja earlier, for she herself didn’t look as happy as usual when she’d come to get them...

A thought struck him. Oh, what will Padmé do when she finds out?

He squeezed his eyes shut. “Did this happen recently?”

Leia looked at him. “Three weeks ago.”

Anakin distractedly counted the amount of time he’d been with his daughter. Four months...

And he thought of something else... which made him feel sick.

Han started a more cheerful conversation with Leia, but Anakin only picked up bits and pieces of an animated discussion about Threepio’s origins. He felt like he was in a different place altogether. In a different mindset, that was for sure.

“You built Threepio? “ Leia asked him, astonished.

Anakin didn’t answer. A sickeningly sharp wave of heat coursed through his body that was completely unrelated to the news he’d just received. He paused a moment, before regaining his awareness of what was being asked and gave Leia a little smile.

“Yeah... when I was a child. I built him to help my mother.”

“Oh.” Leia said simply, seemingly dropping the subject, assuming the topic Anakin’s mother was still a little hard for him to discuss.

He gulped, as he felt another lurch in the Force, this time from his former Master.

“Obi-Wan?”

“Anakin... I need you to come next door to Docking Bay 64... I-I’m leaving.”

“Leaving? Why?”

“Yoda has called me back, as has the Force. I am no longer needed here. The portal has been destroyed, Anakin.”

“That doesn’t mean the danger is passed...”

“I know, but Anakin... your place is here. You belong here. It’s time for me to go back. Come over to say... goodbye.”

Anakin hesitated a moment before saying. “Master, have you sensed... or rather felt anything peculiar lately?”

“No. Why have you?”

“I’m not sure... but something...”

“Anakin, perhaps it is merely the Force reminding you that your time to leave is also rapidly approaching...”

“I know that... it could be... I don’t know...” Anakin said helplessly.

“Please just come over here so I can bid you farewell, old friend.”

“I’m on my way.”

Anakin snapped back to his stride alongside Han just as Han’s hand slipped onto his shoulder. “Hey...you okay? You seem... I dunno, kinda distant.”

Anakin looked at his daughter and her fiancé. “That was my brother. He’s going home and wants me to come and say goodbye.”

Leia jumped in surprise. “Oh! You want me to come too?”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to make a fuss. I’ll tell him you said goodbye.”

Han shook his head. “Sorry, I just still haven’t gotten used to you guys making comm calls through the Force...”

Anakin laughed soundlessly. Then a chiming in the Force caught his attention. “I’ll... uh... I’ll meet you two lovebirds in the mess hall. I need to go see him off.”

Han looked at him pointedly. “Oh, I’ll get you back for that ‘lovebirds’ comment, Skye.”

“I have no doubt you will, Han.”

Then that eerie queasy feeling passed through him again and he closed his eyes.

“Master?” Leia questioned.

“It’s fine. Just go. I’ll come in afterward to meet Pooja.”

Leia looked at him curiously before Han pulled her into the corridor, slipping his hand into hers and beginning to start a hushed conversation.

Chewbacca suddenly emerged from underside of the Falcon, rawling loudly to get their attention.

Han laughed. “C’mon Chewie, we all know how big an appetite you Wookiees have.”

Anakin waited until he could no longer hear the words of his companions, and the last bit of Leia’s gown disappeared around the corner with a swish. Then, he began to walk toward the hold.

He stepped slowly through the hold, trying desperately to ignore the odd sensations that continued to wash over him. His head ached slightly, and sweltering hot shivers ran through him.

The Force was panicking.

Does this have something to do with Leia? Is danger on the way? Why is this happening?

Anakin did not know the answers to any of his questions, but he knew there was something wrong.

Entering the bay, he saw Obi-Wan’s craft, and his Master standing at the ramp, gazing in his direction.

“Obi-Wan.”

“Anakin, I wish you luck from here on out. Now it’s your time to take fate in your hands.”

“I’ll miss you... but I understand.” Anakin replied somewhat shakily, now standing at Obi-Wan’s side.

“Anakin... are you alright?” Obi-Wan examined him. “You seem very on edge.”

Anakin looked Obi-Wan in the eyes. “It’s just... I-I just found out that my sister-in-law and her husband were murdered...”

Obi-Wan’s eyes widened. “Padmé’s sister?”

“Yeah. Sola and Darred.”

“Oh, Anakin... I’m so sorry...”

“No, I’m worried about Padmé...”

“Well, surely she already knows? I mean... she is... you know...”

“You’re probably right.” Anakin admitted. “She’s probably with them right now.”

Obi-Wan just gave Anakin a wordless reply with his eyes before laughing softly.

“What is it? Master...”

“Nothing, nothing, Anakin. Take care of yourself, all right?” Obi-Wan gave him a pat on the shoulder. Anakin pulled him into a brotherly hug.

“It won’t be long now... soon it will be time for her to know the truth.” Anakin whispered.

“Then I shall trust in the will of the Force to carry you and your children in the right direction.” Obi-Wan replied wisely.

“They wanted to say goodbye.” Anakin said quietly, as another queasy sensation overtook him. “I...”

“Anakin?”

“It’s nothing.” Anakin said quickly, flashing a grin at Obi-Wan. “Goodbye, my brother.”

Obi-Wan eyed him for a moment before nodding. “Goodbye, Anakin. May the Force be with you.”

“And with you.” Anakin recited.

Obi-Wan looked into Anakin’s eyes for a another few second before ascending the ramp to his ship. At the top, he waved solemnly before closing the hatch.

Anakin waited long after the last rumbles of the ship’s engine were fading from his ears and he could no longer see the star cruiser.

He sighed quietly to himself then ducked into a small control room along the nearest wall, feeling the sudden need to sit.

He rubbed his temples, and then shivered a moment, trying to calm the tumult within him.

He leaned back into the chair, thinking of Leia. The Force was telling him that his time was nearly finished... Leia would have to know...

Is she ready? How will she react?

Anakin knew that Leia had changed much since he’d first met her on that day at the base... she’d learned to control her emotion, and learned the ways of the Force...

A pulse within the Force jolted him from thought.

“Anakin...” a sweet voice called to him, and he sat up a little.

“Padmé...” Anakin grasped the strands of the Force that bonded him to his wife, letting her presence seep into the corners of his perception. “I knew it was you...”

“Oh, my love, I’ve missed you.” Padmé whispered longingly into the wind.

“I’ve missed you terribly.” Anakin said truthfully. Then hesitantly, he began. “Padmé, Sola and Darred...”

“I know.” Her voice sounded sad. “Ani, they don’t even remember... they don’t know who...” She paused. “They’re here, with me now.”

“Obi-Wan thought they would be. I panicked...”

“Of course you did.” A melancholy laugh. “And to think, I used to think you never worried.”

Anakin smiled as he felt the presence of his wife shining brightly through him. Then, his senses picked up on something else...

“Padmé, I sense you are... close. What is happening?” he asked in confusion.

“Oh, Anakin. I’d forgotten how hard it was to sneak up on a Jedi.”

Anakin dropped the Force connection immediately and glanced up, in disbelief.

There, in the doorway to the room, stood Padmé, her brown curls hanging loose upon her shoulders and on her face she wore a beautiful smile.

“Padmé.” Anakin breathed the name. He started to rise from the chair, but it made little difference.

Padmé was in his arms in an instant. “Ani...” she murmured. “I’ve been worried sick...”

“Shhhh...” Anakin hushed her. “Padmé, we’re all okay... Luke is...”

Padmé looked up. “Yoda sensed it through the Force. Is he okay?”

“Yes. He’ll be fine; he just needs time to recover...” He broke off and sunk into her embrace, letting her lips crash upon his.

Padmé looked down at Anakin’s tunic front. “No bandage, are you healed?”

Anakin laughed. “You’re one to talk, my dear, about worrying. Yes, I’m all healed now... there’s some scarring, though...”

“Mmmm...” Padmé hugged him close.

Anakin settled back into the chair. “Padmé, not that I’m not excited to see you...”

Padmé laughed. “Saying that would be a lie, Anakin Skywalker, and you know it.”

Anakin chuckled softly. “Well, I was sort of curious... what are you doing here?”

Padmé’s chocolate brown curls brushed his shoulders as she pulled back to look into his eyes. “Well, the portal is destroyed, so Yoda thought...”

“Just because it’s gone doesn’t mean there isn’t danger...” Anakin cut her off.

“Yes, of course, Ani.” Padmé agreed, “But I missed you... and Yoda said the Force willed me to visit...”

“For how long?” Anakin inquired.

“A few days...” Padmé said, barely audible.

Anakin just smiled. “I don’t mind, I’m happy to see you... I need you.”

“Yoda said that too...”

“He did?” Anakin said, surprised.

“Yeah...” Padmé said, then he looked at his face and burst into giggles. “Why so surprised, Anakin?”

“Oh, I dunno...” Anakin muttered. “I just doesn’t sound very... well, Yoda-ish.”

Padmé laughed again. “Obi-Wan left, right before me?”

“Yeah.”

Padmé smiled mischievously. “We planned that. I landed in the other bay while he distracted you...”

Anakin pretended to be offended. “I KNEW he was up to something! He had that I-know-something-you-don’t-know look on his face...”

Padmé smiled and stood up. “So...”

Anakin suddenly remembered everything. “Padmé... holy Force... I have to go to the mess hall and...”

Padmé looked at him. “And?”

“Pooja’s there. Leia was planning on introducing me to Pooja.”

Padmé grinned, then said quietly. “Surely Pooja will recognize me...”

Anakin looked thoughtful. “Padmé... what if you tell her your funeral was a fake?”

“I’d hate to lie to my niece.” Padmé said sorrowfully.

“Padmé, soon they will be able to know everything... and I know Pooja will understand...” Anakin stopped, then continued always bitterly. “It’s not like you even did anything wrong...”

“Ani...”

“Padmé, it’s the only way you can see Pooja.”

Padmé had been ready to scold Anakin for being hard on himself, but she nodded, then sighed. “You’re right. It’ll be a bit of a shock, though.”

Anakin smiled at her and rose, taking her hand in his. “Padmé, it’s not like I’m expecting anything different from Leia.”

-----------

Leia sat, digging into the citrus snow cake. Between bites, she turned to Han. “This is amazing.”

Han’s mouth was so full, he tried to answer, but he nearly choked.

“Chew and swallow, nerfherder. Don’t they teach that at least before you get your pilot’s license?”

Han swallowed and laughed. “Nerfherder? I thought we were done with that...”

“Never.”

Han stuck out his lower lip. “But I thought it was used to express your annoyance with me...”

Leia giggled. “No, Han, it was always a term of endearment.”

Han’s eyebrows shot up. “Really?” Then he chuckled. “Well, Your Worship, I love you too.”

“Was that a term of endearment?” Leia asked, trying not to laugh.

Han nodded. “Sure.” He leaned in and kissed her. “And I can think of a couple more...”

Leia and Han broke apart as they heard someone clearing their throat. Leia looked up to see Skye, who looked like he was trying to restrain a teasing comment. Next to him, a woman dressed in an elegant red dress smiled.

“Padmé!” Leia exclaimed. “What a surprise!”

“Yeah, it’s good to see you.” Han added.

Padmé beamed. “Hello, you two.”

Leia motioned to some empty chairs. “Here, sit. There’s lots of leftovers... even Han here... the bantha that he is... couldn’t finish all this food.”

Han pouted. “Princess...”

Leia laughed cheerily. “Oh Han, you take everything WAY too seriously.”

Padmé and Anakin grabbed plates and started eating. Anakin could tell that Padmé was just happy to be with Leia again.

“So, how long you here for?” Han asked her.

“Only a few days... I just missed Skye...” Padmé grinned at him. “But I’ll come back, of course... for the wedding.”

“Good, because we definitely want you there!” Leia said brightly.

A few minutes later, Padmé excused herself for the restroom, but Anakin knew something was up. He glanced at her anxiously, but she just gave him a reassuring smile. There was truth to that smile. Everything will be fine... I just need some time... I’ll meet you back in the room.

Yes, love.

Anakin stayed for more in-depths conversations, before finally, Leia stood up. “Well, Skye... if you don’t mind, I’d like to take you to Pooja’s room now.”

Anakin stood up. “Of course. Lead the way.”

Han pecked her cheek and mumbled something about being in his room. Leia smiled. “Okay.”

--------

Leia rapped three times upon the door. “Pooja?”

A petite woman appeared at the doorway. “Leia! Come on in!” She opened the door wider, and then walked over to her dresser, straightening some objects.

“How are you doing?” Leia asked tentatively.

Pooja’s eyes were downcast, but she gave her a small smile. “I’m okay...”

She then looked over at Anakin, who had stayed politely silent.

Leia instantly took control of the situation. “Pooja, this is my Master, Skye Nairn.”

Anakin bowed reverentially.

Pooja gazed at him for a moment. “You look familiar...”

Anakin smiled. “Perhaps we me back on Naboo...”

Pooja looked thoughtful. “Maybe.”

Leia looked between the two of them. “Well, I have to go back and find Han...”

“Goodnight, Leia.” Pooja said, her eyes still on Anakin. Leia looked awkwardly at the two of them before saying. “Goodnight, Master.”

Anakin nodded. “Sweet dreams, Leia.”

Leia left the room.

Pooja spoke. “Leia won’t stop talking about you... or her Jedi training...”

Anakin laughed. “Really? Well she is quite a student.”

Pooja grinned, then cocked her hair to the side, her hair brushing her shoulder. “I know you... you’re...”

Anakin smiled. “Perhaps all will become known in time, Pooja.” He then reached into the Force. Padmé?

“Yes, Ani?”

“Come to Room 47... I’m going to tell Pooja...” He was scared to, he knew, scared to confront such a thing... he was immensely glad Padmé would be there.

He might be facing an uncomfortable brush with the past...

There was a pause. “I’m on my way.”

Anakin opened his eyes.

“What did you just do?” Pooja asked curiously.

“I called my wife to come and see you. I’m sure you’ll be interested to meet her as well.”

Pooja smiled. “Yes... I love to.”

Padmé wasted no time in arriving. Soon, there was a soft tap at the door.

“Come in.” Pooja stated softly.

Padmé appeared in the doorway, looking quite nervous. When Pooja’s eyes rested upon her, Padmé’s lips twitched into a little smile.

Pooja’s eyes were huge and her mouth hung open. She croaked weakly, “A-Aunt Padmé?”

Padmé took a few steps before pulling her into a warm embrace. “Pooja, little Pooja.”

Pooja withdrew herself, still gaping. “But I- how? I-we went to your funeral... it was all over the Holonet...”

“Shhhh...” Padmé whispered. “Pooja, dear, it’s okay. I’m fine.”

“I-I thought you were dead...”

“Pooja, there are many complex things going on here you must try to understand...”

Pooja nodded and swallowed, before hugging her aunt again. “I missed you.”

Padmé closed her eyes, several tears falling down her face. “Little Pooja didn’t grow up to be a tusk cat trainer, huh? Or an astromech?”

“I was a young girl, Aunt Padmé.” Pooja pronounced the name as if it were foreign to her.

Padmé laughed. “In my eyes you still are. And you grew up to be a Senator, darling! I’m so proud of you!”

Pooja gazed into Padmé’s eyes. “I still don’t understand...”

Padmé walked over to the bed and patted the side of it softly. “Sit, and my husband and I will tell you everything.”

Pooja sat, before turning to look at Anakin, who had watched the tearful reunion, even though it pained him.

“You... you’re that Jedi... the one that was protecting Aunt Padmé... Anakin Skywalker. I knew I had met you before.”

Anakin nodded and took a seat next to his wife.

“How can this be?” Pooja asked, bewildered. Tears tracks marred her face and her breaths were rapid and shocked. “You’re both dead... Aunt Padmé, you were killed during the Jedi Rebellion on Coruscant... and you; you died too, during the Purge...”

“Pooja.” Padmé said softly. “I am not dead, but I am not living.”

“I d-d-don’t understand.” Pooja said, voice cracking.

“There is no death, there is only the Force.” Anakin recited.

Pooja glanced at him, before turning away, fresh tears falling down her paled cheeks.

“Darling...” Padmé took Pooja’s shoulders and pulled her closer. “I’m sorry, but we have to tell you this, it’s important.”

“You’re dead... but you’re here... in front of me?”

“Yes. But I’ll be going home soon. Where I belong. My time in the land of the living is complete, sweetheart. We all fulfill life’s needs before we retreat to stay within the Force... and only come back when necessary.”

Pooja croaked. “Mom and Dad are dead...”

Padmé placed her chin on top of her niece’s head. “Yes, I know. They’re fine... they’re happy, dearest... I saw them. They miss you and Ryoo.”

Pooja’s tears flowed freely. “Why does Leia call you Skye Nairn?” her eyes landed warily upon Anakin.

Anakin sighed. “Because if she knew who I was, the situation would be quite complicated, and I couldn’t do what I need to before I too return with Padmé.”

Padmé saw the wariness in Pooja’s gaze. “Surely you understand now, Pooja, that the Jedi never betrayed the Republic? Surely you know it was Palpatine’s plan to make it appear so?”

Pooja nodded slowly. “The Jedi aren’t to blame...”

“You’re’ right.” Anakin said softly, and then he stood up. “I am.” And before either woman could say a word, he bolted from the room.

Pooja looked at Padmé’s worried face. “What did he mean...?”

“Pooja, promise me something.”

“Anything, Aunt Padmé.”

“Promise you won’t tell Leia about who I really am or who Anakin really is.”

Pooja looked confused. “But I...”

“Please, Pooja.”

“Okay, but I don’t understand.”

“Pooja, Leia and Luke are my children. Our children.”

Pooja’s jaw dropped. “What? How-? Cousins? Leia and I are...”

“Yes, but she can’t know... not yet.”

“Why did he leave?” Pooja asked suddenly, thought she seemed sad that Padmé didn’t want her to tell Leia about their biological connection.

Padmé let the tears fall again. “Anakin is not a bad man, Pooja. I love him, but he continues to torture himself about his sins, even though he is so close to redemption that he can feel the Force telling him so.”

“Sins?” Pooja asked.

Padmé hugged Pooja one last time before replying, “Palpatine destroyed our family... he hurt my Ani more than words can describe... and he tore him away from me... someday I’ll tell you... someday you can know the truth.”

And Padmé stood up and followed in the direction Anakin had gone.

Pooja stared after her aunt for several seconds before walking in a daze back to her dresser. She quickly changed into her nightdress and turned out the light, wondering if perhaps she’d wake up the next day and things would feel different...

She dreamed of her mother, her father... and her aunt Padmé.

----------

Padmé entered the room quietly, as if afraid of what she might find. Cautiously, she peered around the side of the door frame.

Anakin stood, back to her, staring out the dusty window into nothingness.

She came up behind him slowly, but she was careful not to startle him. She was soon right behind him.

He knew she was there... but he didn’t move.

Padmé waited a moment, and then penetrated the silence. “Ani?”

Anakin shifted a little, but remained rooted to the spot. Padmé looked closer. His gaze had averted to the ground, and he still had remained silent.

She noticed that his shoulders were shaking.

“Anakin...” she murmured, finally touching him.

He flinched. “Padmé... I can’t do this.” He finally looked at her. She gasped, for his face looked so lost... so tormented.

“Anakin, don’t do this to yourself...” She whispered, reaching a hand up to trace the tear lines streaking his face.

“What if it doesn’t matter? What if after all I’ve done... Leia still hates me? What then, Padmé?”

“She won’t...”

“Why not? It’s exactly what I deserve.”

“Anakin, don’t talk that way. Please, you’re scaring me... you’ve come such a long way... I thought we’d broken past your guilt...I thought you could see that that wasn’t you... Anakin, it was Vader.”

Anakin pulled Padmé to him suddenly. “I know...” he said into her hair. “I’m sorry, Padmé... I didn’t think seeing Pooja and telling her would be so hard...”

Padmé hugged him. “Neither did I... she’s agreed to keep our secret.”

Anakin nodded.

“But I promised that it wouldn’t be kept much longer...”

“It won’t.” Anakin said, almost flatly. “It’s almost time...”

“Anakin, Leia never hated you... she hated Vader.” Padmé said pointedly reminding him.

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean this won’t be hard for her... and me.” Anakin replied.

“It will.” Padmé said sadly. “But you’ll make it through. I know you will.”

“I have to.” Anakin said, resigning to his fate. “The Force depends on it.”

The couple was silent for a moment before Padmé whispered. “Ani... let’s go to bed... you need rest.”

Anakin agreed silently. He moved to pull off his shirt, but then, the odd sensation of the Force blinking in pain coursed through him and he dropped to his knees.

“ANAKIN!”

He was in a dark room... things were strewn everywhere... broken glass... chairs and tables... a woman he didn’t know lay dead on the ground...

Light. Suddenly a bright light shone.

But then it disappeared as soon as it came.

Another room. An upended bed, and two bodies lying to the side of it. Burn marks scorched into their flesh... their faces stared blankly up at him...

A lightsaber igniting. Then another.

Anakin inhaled loudly, his face paled. Padmé, horrorstruck, was nearly on top of him. “Anakin! What happened? I was so scared... I was about to call the healers!”

Anakin sat up, slowly realizing what his vision meant. “Padmé, Naboo, your home was attacked...”

“What?”

Anakin gulped and blinked several times as his heart rate slowed. “I know who killed Sola and Darred.”

------------

Rooms away, Pooja Naberrie awoke with a start. She had been dreaming...

Suddenly she heard a snap-hiss. Startled, she struggled to let her eyes adjust to the darkness.

Eerie glows from the blade of a lightsaber cast across her bed sheets. A figure she didn’t recognize stood over her.

Eyes... orange eyes glared at her.

Pooja let out a strangled cry.

[arie]

Chapter 22

Padmé’s eyes, full of unshed tears, flitted in fear as she gripped Anakin’s shoulders. “Anakin, what do you mean?”

Anakin’s pallid face turned up to face hers. “I-I saw...” he replied shakily.

But the Force told him of something else. There was an intruder in Pooja’s room.

Anakin rose to his feet. Padmé took the fabric of his tunic in her hands and held him steady. “Ani... what?”

Anakin broke free of her grasp and said quietly. “Oh no...”

Padmé, confused, watched her husband break into a run, flinging open the door and sprinting down the hallway, already igniting his lightsaber. Afraid that something was wrong with Leia again, she took off after him after a few moments.

Anakin, now in the doorway of the room, froze at the sight before him.

Pooja, crying piteously, was backed into the corner, immobilized by her fright. Tears streamed freely down her cheeks, one of which was stained with blood.

Above her, her attacker laughed harshly, and Anakin felt himself stiffen.

The assailant turned abruptly, perhaps at the realization that he was no longer alone with his prey.

“You.” Anakin grimaced inwardly. You picked the wrong time to leave, Obi-Wan.

General Grievous, fearsome as ever, laughed again, his dry laughter subsiding into coughs. “The Hero with No Fear. I would be lying if I said I didn’t look forward to this very moment.”

At that moment, Leia had appeared in the doorway, along with Luke, both of whom had sensed Pooja’s distress as well. After taking in the situation, the twins ignited their lightsabers.

Leia gave Anakin a curious glance upon hearing these words. He knows you, Master? The Hero with No Fear?

Anakin swallowed a lump in his throat. “We shall discuss this later, Leia.” He replied aloud.

Grievous hacked out a sharp threat. “I can assure you, Jedi scum, there will not be a later!”

And with that, General Grievous’ metallic spindly fingers brought forth two more lightsabers. He engaged all four blades, as Pooja choked out a surprised sob.

“Luke, you’re supposed to be in bed.” Anakin reprimanded.

Luke grinned callously. “Oh yeah right, that’s a good one. Did you think I’d miss this? I’m not letting you guys fight this freak alone!”

Leia smiled brightly. “And plus, the healers said he’s recovered remarkably fast!”

Anakin, Luke, and Leia all leapt at the droid general at once.

Padmé, devoid of breath, standing in the doorway, let the tears fall as she watched.

Anakin felt her presence. “Go, Padmé!” He yelled, fearing for her safety.

Padmé reluctantly tore her gaze away from the clashing sabers and took off down the hallway, heading to alert the security team so that her family would have assistance.

Anakin pressed his blue lightsaber forward, meeting each fervent swing of the lightsabers Grievous wielded. Beside him, Luke managed to sever one of the cyborg’s hands.

“You know, I seem to remember the last time we met, Skywalker.” Grievous taunted.

“Luke, you know this creep too?” Leia yelled over the sound of the crashing bars of plasma.

Luke seemed startled by the question. “Ummm...”

General screamed suddenly as Anakin severed one of his hands, sending the pieces of metal and one of the lightsabers with it.

“Nice job, Master!” Leia applauded and aimed for Grievous’ chest plate. The droid roared in fury, sweeping a mechanical arm around and knocking Leia over her feet.

Leia yelped in surprise, and Anakin quickly blocked Grievous from bringing his saber down upon his daughter.

Luke’s confidence seemed to rise at the safety of his sister, and he pressed onward with Anakin as Leia regained her footing. Anakin brought his blade down in a vertical slash and took off another of the General’s hands.

Grievous howled again and thrust his arm’s stump at Anakin, hurling him backward.

Anakin pivoted in midair, turning what would have been a nasty landing into a perfectly-executed back flip, landing on the soles o his Jedi boots with a loud thump.

Leia smiled in awe. She and Luke continued to parry the oncoming sabers as Anakin leapt forward, coming in from overhead.

Grievous, startled, was forced to swing around completely to prevent his head from being taken off by Anakin’s skillful leap. In the process, Leia hurriedly stabbed her blade inward, and an unsuspecting Grievous received a harsh cut through his chest plate.

Grievous’ innards were now exposed.

Anakin slowed, letting his children back the foe into a corner, and then he ran to Pooja’s side.

“Pooja... are you all right?” Anakin knelt down and helped the young woman to her feet.

Pooja struggled to her feet, groaning. “I think so... but I... ahhhhhh...” she moaned in pain, clutching her leg.

Anakin didn’t need the Force to see that Pooja’s leg was broken. “Here, lean on me...” Anakin said, offering her his shoulder. She obliged, wincing.

At that moment, Padmé burst into the room, following by a squadron of Rebel fighters, including Han. The men immediately assessed the situation and rushed to the aid of Luke and Leia.

Padmé cast a quick glance in the direction of her children. Then, eyes wide with alarm, she hastened to join Anakin.

“Pooja, oh stars, darling, what did he do to you?” she said, taking Pooja’s hand.

Pooja grimaced, and Anakin stated. “Her leg’s broken. Padmé, take Pooja to the healer’s ward and get her cleaned up.”

Padmé nodded. “But please, be careful, love.”

Anakin sighed and lifted his niece into his arms, carrying her over the threshold as Padmé followed.

When they reached the doorway, Anakin gently turned her and set her down.

Pooja smiled faintly. “Thank you, Uncle Anakin.” She whispered.

Anakin grinned back, as Padmé moved in to support the injured girl.

When his wife and niece had disappeared, Anakin quickly unsheathed his weapon again and let the Force carry him toward the area where he could see Luke and Leia were in control of the situation.

Grievous, looking quite desperate and flustered, lashed out, swiping several of the Rebel gunman across their chests. They fell immediately.

Han, daring and determined to keep his fiancé safe, jumped forward, sending a blaster bolt into the opened chest plate.

An enraged Grievous, after quickly recovering, swung his lightsaber at the former smuggler. Han jumped back, yelping.

“Point that thing someplace else!” he screamed angrily.

Anakin, coming up from behind, delivered a hard kick into Grievous’ back, knocking one of the two sabers that remained from his grip. Catapulting, he caught it in midair and landed, now armed with two lightsabers.

Luke and Leia, defending Han from the strikes of the last lightsaber, looked tired and relieved that the battle appeared to be on their side. Leia, in a final bold move swung quickly and sliced the hilt in half.

Anakin, angling the blades toward the droid general smirked.

Han, grinning widely, laughed aloud. “Yeah, Skye! You got the right idea! That is a great place to point it!”

Grievous, now quite hopeless, was flung to the ground by the Force-push from Luke. The Jedi moved in, surrounding him.

Anakin held one of the glowing sabers at his throat. “Why did you try to attack Miss Naberrie?”

Grievous hacked and coughed, formulating an answer. “You fool, you think she... was the target!”

“Fine. You wanted me. Well, I’m here. You’ve succeeding in luring me here and you have my full attention.” Anakin brought the blade a little closer.

“And now... you think I care for you, pitiful ‘Chosen One’.” Grievous laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself.” With a wheeze, his gleaming eyes focused on Luke and Leia. “And I’m sure you’re falling for it, right?” His grating breaths evened and then his head swiveled slightly, narrowly avoiding brushing Anakin’s lightsaber. Grievous stared coolly at Anakin. “Everything you’re doing is quite sweet, but of course, its lies. All of it. Attempting to... cover a dark past, as I see it? Well, it won’t work. These young Jedi may be... dim-witted, but if they knew who you really were, they’d strike you down before you could say word in your own defense!”

Anakin was bewildered by this statement, but then his son interjected hotly. “I know who he really is! He’s a good man, much better than many could hope to be! And I hope he knows so, and knows that it would be foolish of him to be insulted by the likes of you!” Luke was absolutely incensed.

“Ahhhhhh.” Grievous almost purred. “And it seems you have a bit of that darkness in you too! Pity it only comes when defending pathetic excuses for Jedi, you could be useful.”

Anakin, not at all amused, allowing his eyes to darken as he said firmly. “Enough. You have said much more than you were invited to, Grievous.”

“Oh, so you do remember me?” Grievous spat. “Go ahead, you scum! Strike me down. It will do you no good!”

Anakin stared into his eyes, anger dissipating slightly. “You don’t honestly think I would be foolish enough to do that, do you?”

Leia, finally speaking, cried out, “You monster! Why did you attack my friend? If you didn’t want her in the first place, why did you hurt her? She was an innocent woman who did nothing wrong!”

Grievous laughed coldly. “Child, didn’t you know? That is the way of the Sith. Just ask your father.”

“My father is dead.” Leia growled. “And you’ll soon join him if you will not cooperate.”

Grievous’ yellow orbs lingered on Anakin for a few long seconds as he replied. “Darth Vader may be dead, but a piece of his dark legacy lives.”

Luke pushed his lightsaber even closer. Anakin could see that he had calmed a bit, but his infuriation was still visible in his face.

Han, silent, held his pistol defensively in the direction of the droid general.

Leia’s brown eyes were conflicted and hurt, but she remained standing there staring steadfast at Grievous, who appeared quite satisfied.

“And no matter what happens, the past cannot be changed. Events cannot be erased, and the Sith live on...”

Leia frowned as Anakin was about to disprove him. But he thought a moment, sadness overwhelming him, because a portion of what the former Separatist leader had said was right. No matter what I do... I can’t change the past.

Grievous seemed to have caught on to the clash in Leia’s eyes and soul. He cooed sickeningly sweetly. “Well, child. Are you going to kill me, or not? Will you take revenge on your dear little friend? Will you bring my life to an end?”

Han’s eyes darted nervously from Leia to Anakin. Luke lowered his lightsaber a little, gazing at Leia’s face.

Leia’s frown deepened and Anakin felt her emotions spike. “Leia...don’t listen to him... don’t, he’s using you...” Anakin tried to coax some of the usual glow from his daughter’s beautiful eyes.

“Shut up, you fool, or I shall have to end yours.” Grievous warned.

“I dare you to try.” Anakin retorted. “At least I’d die fighting for good.”

Grievous looked back and forth between Anakin, Han, Luke and Leia. His eyes rested finally upon Leia and he seemed to resign with a dark grace to a possible impending fate. “Make you choice, child.”

Leia lifted her saber a little. Anakin alarmed, protested. “Leia! No... he’s...”

But he was cut off as a gigantic wind blew up under him, harshly scooping him several inches off the floor, then throwing him nastily to the ground, pushing him along the floorboards and tumbling him into the far wall.

Luke and Han also were lifted, but deposited more kindly. They stood up, brushing themselves seconds after impact.

Grievous, quite pleased, watched Anakin fall limp. He had Leia now... he knew it...

Luke rushed to his father’s side, turning him over. The standing up, he yelled. “How did you do that?”

Leia, in shock, stood rooted to the floor.

The General, obviously thrilled, announced proudly. “That, my friend, was a new power I achieved through passage into the living Force. We all have our hidden talents, boy.”

The super powerful push had stunned Luke. I have never seen something like that possible in someone who wasn’t Force sensitive...

“Not Force-sensitive? Young Skywalker, you shouldn’t believe everything you are told. Those history lessons you probably didn't have are now wrong, young man!”

Luke, eyes wide, yelped. “You’re...”

“The Force is with me, indeed.” Grievous said, almost mockingly. “Didn’t you know that when non-Force sensitives traveled through the portal, they experienced a pleasant side effect? The Force is strong with me!”

Leia looked puzzled. “That portal... the one Master Nairn told me about... gave you Force powers?”

“You’re even stupider that I thought.” Grievous mocked. “Yes, child, it did.”

Luke began to piece it together. That’s how Mother could commune with Father... she’s Force sensitive now... but inexperienced...she has limited power...

“The portal excites the midichlorians that exist in every living thing.” Grievous stated, climbing to his feet.

Leia raised her saber again, after casting a worried glance in Anakin’s direction. “You won’t get away with this... I won’t let you harm any other people I love!”

Grievous just laughed again as Luke and Han stepped forward warily. “You love your so-called Master Nairn? Oh, this is just too much.”

“I love him.” Leia said coldly. “And I won’t let you hurt any more of my friends or my fiancé.”

“Congratulations.” Grievous muttered emotionlessly. “Too bad the wedding ceremony will have to be canceled.”

Han, in a new anger, shook his loaded gun at Grievous. “You’re going to regret that, droid boy.”

“Will I?” Grievous said, faking incredulity. He began to slowly inch toward Anakin’s still form. “What can Han Solo, former smuggler and lover of Leia Organa, daughter of Darth Vader possibly do?”

The three opponents followed him, suspicious of his movement.

“And that’s another thing...” Leia began. “How did you know Darth Vader was my father?”

Grievous tried to laughed, but a cough echoed around the room. “That’s funny, Princess. I thought everyone knew that!” Then, more seriously, he added. “Let’s just say, your father and I were previously acquainted.”

Leia glared at him and took a few steps forward.

Grievous, now just above where Anakin lay, chuckled mercilessly. Reaching downward, he continued laughing. “And I do believe you’d be interested to know who your father really is.”

Leia, distressed by his actions, moved forward swiftly. “Don’t you DARE touch him!” she hissed.

Grievous lifted the two lightsabers the fallen Jedi had wielded and ignited them just above Anakin’s chest.

Luke, now equally concerned, was at Leia’s side in an instant.

“Don’t you worry young ones. I will not kill him, no matter how much I want to. The Master wouldn’t approve of this.”

Leia and Luke simultaneously thrust their blades forward and sabers clashed again. They pushed Grievous’ half-hearted strikes hard, and he was forced to press the attack as hard as he could. They managed to shove him into the hallway and continued slashing toward him, working in sync with each other.

Han knelt down, pressing his fingers to the side of Anakin’s neck. He checked his breathing and looked him over for a second before hurrying into the hallway after his fiancé and friend.

But he paused, eyeing the durasteel walls guardedly. Firing shots would risk hitting Leia or Luke, because Grievous was difficult to get a clear shot at, and any stray shots would just hit the walls and bounce around until contacting something more pliable.

And he definitely didn’t want that more malleable object to be his beloved Leia or Luke. Sensing that he was no longer useful in this situation, he set off in the other direction, heading for the healer’s ward.

Grievous screamed triumphantly as he gained the upper hand. “I shall PEEL YOUR FLESH FROM YOU BONES, JEDI!”

Luke grimaced, swinging his blade toward the enemy. “I don’t think so.”

The fight moved down the hallway, and alarms blared through the base, frightened faces watching the battle ensue nervously from behind closed doors and duraglass windows.

Soon, the combating individuals found themselves in one of the small docking bays.

Leia, fully sinking into battle, employed the tactics and styles she had learned from Anakin.

Grievous, noticing this, growled, “You fight like your father, Leia.”

Leia, taking this as insult, glowered at him. “No. I will never be like Vader.”

Grievous cackled mildly. “So sure are you?”

“Yes.” Leia snapped.

Moments later, the General whipped the stump of his arm around and sent Luke sprawling to the floor.

Luke cried out in pain as the rough stump brushed the bandaged remants of his shoulder wound.

"Your screams are like music to my audio receptors!"

Leia, astonished by this intrepid move, took the offensive once more and began to fiercely battle the droid’s swift movements with Force-employed leaps and spins and stunningly skilled swipes.

Luke, standing up, watched his sister for a moment. Wow, Father. She’s grown so much because of you.

He hurried over to join Leia as they worked together, as brother and sister to bring Grievous into a desperate circumstance once again, with no weapons and weakened immensely.

Grievous dodged and swiped at them with icy metallic hands, but it was clear that the battle was won.

Leia, with calm and easy grace, sunk her cerulean saber into Grievous’ chest armor.

The alien cyborg fell to the floor, emitting sparks.

Luke patted his sister on the shoulder after the twins had sheathed their blades. “You did well, Leia.”

Leia smiled back. And suddenly, Luke felt like Leia might be ready to face the truth about her father. Maybe.

--------

Padmé, in quite a state, ran to her unconscious husband’s side, Han following.

“What happened?” she breathed. “Oh my love...”

Han sighed. “It’s a long story, Padmé. But don’t worry too much. He’s going to be fine. He’s just a little roughed up, that’s all.”

Han’s eyes were distant.

Padmé nodded, agreeing. Then she paused. “Han... you okay?”

“Yeah... I’m just worried about...”

“What, nerfherder?” a voice rang through the room. “You don’t think your fiancé can handle herself?”

Han turned, and Leia was in his arms. “Leia...” he said, relieved. “Thank goodness...”

Luke came in behind Leia, clutching his shoulder a little, but smiling. “She did it!”

Padmé didn’t seem to be too surprised that Luke was wincing slightly. “Oh, honestly! Men are impossible! They can never just sit and rest when you want them to.”

“And then, when you want them to do something,” Leia added wickedly. “That’s when they sit and rest!”

Padmé and Leia exchanged looks and giggled, but Padmé soon sobered up as she looked down at Anakin.

Leia knelt down next to him and smiled. “He’ll be fine. C’mon. Let’s take him to the ward. And I’d like to see how Pooja got settled.”

-------

Meanwhile, Anakin, floating in the currents of the Force, received a disturbing message. The sound of an evil laugh and a sinister voice haunted his cataleptic state.

I’m coming... The daughter of the Chosen One will be mine...

The darkness shall triumph once more... and anyone standing in its way shall perish.

[arie]

Chapter 23

The fiery sensations overcame Anakin, as they had been doing, even during the battle with Grievous. He seemed to vacantly recall a point during his unconscious state that the feeling spiked, but now... he couldn’t think straight.

Regaining his vision, Anakin sat up. Surely he’d slept long enough... apparently days of rest were required by the healers... He could hear muffled voices just beyond the duraglass doorframe. Padmé was conversing with one of the healers now. They didn’t appear to be aware that Anakin had awakened.

Rubbing his temples, Anakin tried to concentrate and zero in on a source of this odd sensitivity that seemed to douse his normal senses and nerves. Then, he remembered it. Jolting, he stumbled out of the starchy-sheets and slid onto his feet. As the memory came back to him, a voice called out to him softly, as if from a dream. He recognized the voice instantly... it’s snaking, deceiving, tendrils wrapping about his mind.

It was similar to the times just before his fall, except that the owner of the voice wanted Leia.

No... you can’t have her!

Anakin fought his queasiness and thought momentarily about contacting Obi-Wan and Yoda about this new development.

Grievous... he had to have come through that portal earlier... before it was destroyed... which means Sidious could have got through just as easily.

Just as he was about to take a few steps toward the door, it opened and Padmé appeared. She gasped and ran to him. “Anakin! I didn’t know you were awake.”

Anakin nodded dumbly.

Padmé squeezed him, relief flooding her aura. “Turns out, Han was right. You’re all set. Just a little scraped up, nothing serious.”

Anakin shuddered as another piercing pulse swept through him.

Padmé felt it. “Ani?”

Anakin’s face hardened, his eyes staring into Padmé’s, focusing on the situation at hand. “Where’s Leia?”

Padmé blinked. “She said she needed to think. Went back to her quarters, I think.” Then, her face softened. “Listen, Anakin, I’m leaving first thing tomorrow. It’s about time. I have overstayed.”

Anakin nodded. “All right.”

Padmé’s eyes were full of surprise. “All right? That’s it?” Then she laughed quietly. “I thought you’d be begging for one more day.”

Anakin leaned down and kissed her, then brushed a few curls behind her ear before whispering. “It won’t be long now, Padmé. I don’t have to worry about us being apart much longer. Soon, we’ll be together eternally again, and all will be as it should be.”

Padmé smiled. “You’ve been thinking about what we talked about...” She ran her fingers through his hair. “You don’t feel guilty.”

Anakin looked downward. “Yes I do. I think perhaps I always will, it’s a part of me, Padmé, and Grievous said something that really struck me. He said that no matter what I do now, I cannot start over and erase everything. I knew that going in, of course, but maybe it was just hearing someone else tell me that got me thinking. But I believe that through Leia I have learned to accept my past more and more...”

Padmé hugged him again. Then she faced him, eyes shining with love. “Your redemption is coming, Anakin. Whether you completely believe you deserve it or not. You’re a good person, and you are right. Everything will be set right again in the end...”

She paused resting her head against his chest. “You’ve done brilliantly, Anakin. I know in my heart that Leia loves you.”

“She loves me now.” Anakin stated flatly. “No one can know if she will love me later.”

Padmé sighed silently. “Maybe so, Anakin.” She thought of saying something else, but realizing she’d done almost everything to prepare her husband for the times ahead that she could. She snuggled into him. “I love you so much, Anakin.”

“I love you too.”

Padmé didn’t dare release the embrace a second to early. “I always did, and always will...” She broke off, feeling her husband quaking slightly.

She took a step back, alarmed. Anakin’s eyes were closed, and his face was tensed. But then, he relaxed, and his blue eyes shone in Padmé’s direction. He was breathing heavily, for reasons that Padmé did not know, and he was unknowingly clenching and unclenching his fists.

Before Padmé could utter a word, he spoke. She noticed that his voice suddenly cracked a bit. Suddenly Anakin looked a whole lot smaller and more vulnerable in Padmé’s eyes. He had paled significantly.

“D-did Leia say anything to you before she...?”

“Yes.” Padmé cut him off, still gazing at him inquisitively. “We talked...” Noticing Anakin desire for her to continue, she began to pour out all that he had missed. “She didn’t want to bother you. She came to visit while you were sleeping, but didn’t stay long. She was worried, but the base got thrown into chaos after Grievous and she had to help deal with that...”

Anakin needed no explanation or excuse for Leia not being there. Padmé could see that. She added what she thought Anakin was looking for with a small nervous smile. “She said that a lot of things that Grievous said confused her, and that before you called him by name, she thought he was just another engineered cyborg... she also said that a lot of things...” Padmé gulped. “A lot of things scared her during the battle...” She looked up at him. “Scared her, Ani. She’s so young, afraid, and compassionate... just like you... and...”

He gave her hand a supportive squeeze. “I won’t let it happen, Padmé. I’ve said it thousand times, and I’ll say it a thousand times again. Our daughter will not suffer as I did. I swear to you, I will do anything...”

“I know you will.” Padmé whispered. “Anakin, we also talked... about Vader.”

Anakin didn’t seem at all surprised. He nodded.

“She admitted to me that he was her father... she also told me that she’s forgiven Vader for what he did to her, to Alderaan and the galaxy...” Tears filled Padmé’s eyes. “And do you want to know what else she said, Anakin? Her exact words?”

She didn’t bother to wait for him to reply, for she knew what the answer would have been. Anakin watched her as she told him, though he did seem a little unsettled by her tears.

“She said she thinks that there had to have been good in Vader, and not just because he saved, Luke. She said... that he must’ve been a loving person at one time, and that somehow she knew that he loved her mother...and his babies very much.” Padmé nearly sobbed. “It’s like she’s discovering you, Anakin.”

Anakin rested his chin atop her head, holding her close. He was elated and moved by her words, although they didn’t guarantee what Leia’s reaction to her revelation about him would be. He also sensed something else. “There’s more.”

Padmé sniffed. “She did tell me that she was somewhat afraid to talk about her father with you, and worried about what you might think, even though she cares deeply about you. But when she saw those two lightsabers, ignited above you...”

Anakin, not totally aware of the happenings during the second half of the fight with Grievous, held his breath waiting for his wife to continue.

“She thought it was too late... oh, Ani... she has to know... you have to tell her... you know, don’t you?” she said, reaching up to touch his cheek.

Anakin nodded.

“She’s slipping away... don’t you feel it?” Padmé said, fully the worried mother.

“No.” Anakin said firmly, fighting an internal battle with the peculiar swirling pains engulfing him. “She won’t. I told you, Padmé, I won’t let her.”

“I don’t doubt you, Anakin. I’m just scared for her. And you.”

“We’ll be all right, I promise you. It’s...” he trailed off as the pains increased. The Force twisted and rolled in agony. “Padmé...” he began.

“Leia told me that she wishes she could understand what made her father become Darth Vader. She will know someday, Anakin... but... promise me one more time that she won’t learn it by experiencing it herself!”

“She won’t.” Anakin stated, as firmly as he could manage. “But Padmé... I...”

He stopped there. The Force screamed at him now, and he froze, scarcely daring to breathe. Even if he had tried, the breath would have left him, for he was horrified by what he felt. The rigid bond built between him and Leia shook furiously; lashing and scorching. He heard Leia, felt her anguish, and saw a glimpse of her fear-filled eyes, like a mirror reflecting an image of the past. Darkness poisoned their bond, pungent and stiff... and Anakin felt it all happen. The bond that had formed between father and daughter had become very strong, but now, he felt it thrown into danger.

He recoiled; clutching his chest in what was now physical pain and nausea.

“Anakin?” Padmé’s fearful voice inquired, and he numbly perceived his wife’s hand touch his shoulder. “Ani, what is it? What’s wrong?”

Anakin swallowed and the pain intensified. “Leia.” he croaked. “I have to see Leia... speak to her... where is she?”

“Probably still in her quarters.” Padmé replied. “Anakin, maybe you should wait... suddenly you look awful... something’s wrong.”

“Yes, something IS wrong.” Anakin confirmed, leaning on the bedpost for support. Padmé, seeing this, was startled, and Anakin felt her concern spike. “But it’s not me you should be worried about...”

And with that, Anakin wobbled on his feet a moment before striding shakily toward the door and wrenching it open.

Anakin! Padmé’s voice wafted into his aggrieved senses. Is something wrong with Leia? Is it another attack?

No... it feels terrible... it has to be something much worse... we got lucky in arriving before... I hope we can do it again.

Anakin, I may not be experienced with the Force, but I can sense that you are in distress...

Anakin ignored her protests, for he could also sense that Padmé could feel that he was right. He needed to get to Leia...

His pace quickened, the pain swirling through his torso and limbs. He fought it, pushing toward Leia’s quarters.

He realized it now. All along he had been experiencing an odd sort of vision he’d never encountered before. This one predicted great pain... and darkness in the near future. And the Force revealed only two possible targets: The Chosen One and his daughter.

Anakin hated the existence of the chance of it being the latter. He nearly tumbled into Leia’s door, pounding urgently. “Leia! Leia, open this door!”

No answer.

Anakin! Padmé called again, though she seemed a bit worried now that Leia had not answered the door yet. In bewilderment, she ran down the hall struggling to catch up to her husband.

“LEIA!” Anakin tried once more, before reaching a shaking hand to his utility belt, finding his lightsaber recovered and good as new from the previous battle.

He plunged it into the durasteel, as the Force’s pangs became more and more insistent each second.

Finally the door literally disintegrated before him and he took a step forward.

“Leia?”

But Anakin didn’t move another step.

“Are you going to tell her?” Padmé breathed quietly, finally coming up behind him, her view of the room obstructed by Anakin’s frozen form.

No... no... Anakin thought, in horror.

“No, I’m not going to tell her.” Anakin’s voice was stricken with emotion. “I can’t.” He almost choked on the words. “She’s not here.”

“What?” Padmé felt her heart lurch.

“Padmé, Leia’s gone.”

And for a moment, Anakin and Padmé could only gape in terror at the appearance of the room, Anakin thinking about the great possibility that this time... he was too late.