The Queen and the Sith

Prologue: The Sith

At the Boonta Eve Classic, young Anakin Skywalker, often called Ani by his mother and close friends, crossed the finish line, hearing his name, "It's Skywalker!" he quickly parked and lunged out of his podracer. Anakin could hardly believe it, he had done it, and he had helped Qui-Gon and Padme. They would leave here, the thought saddened him as Qui-Gon and Padme approached him along with his mother.

"You did it, Anakin," Padme stated triumphant smile lighting up her face. Anakin decided at the tender age of nine, that he would do anything to see that smile on her face. He turned as his mother enveloped him in a hug.

"You have brought hope to those who had none. I'm so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom," he replied, returning her smile as he turned to Qui-Gon.

"You were right about their greed," Qui-Gon was saying to his mother.

"What do you mean?" he asked Qui-Gon.

"Go ahead. Collect your winnings. I'm going to bring along my padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi to meet you."

"Why?" he asked.

"Everything will soon be explained. Trust the Force, Ani." Anakin nodded but he felt a chill sweep over him. He turned to chat with Padme.

"What's Naboo like?" he asked her. He turned to listen to the Queen's struggle with the Trade Federation. She was interrupted by Watto as he came to collect Anakin.

"I'm sorry, but I need you to come with me? You have been purchased?"

"Purchased?" Padme asked. "Qui-Gon?" she asked. Watto turned to her.

"No, it wasn't one of your companions, milady, but a man who calls himself Sidious. He has purchased both Anakin and his mother. Come along, Ani."

"Wait, Watto, please. Let me say good-bye to Padme."

"You have two minutes. I don't wish to keep this Sidious waiting."

Anakin smiled at Watto, before turning to Padme. "I want you to have this," he stated thrusting a small bone-like item into her hand.

"What is it?"

"It's a japor snippet, so you will never forget me."

"Oh, Ani, I could never forget you."

"It's for good luck. Please take it."

"Oh, Anakin, what's going to happen to you?"

"I've been bought and sold before Padme, someday, I'll win my freedom and I'll see you again. I promise," he added assuring her.

"Ani-"

"Anakin, let's go."

"Coming!" he added watching her until he could no longer see her. He turned and watched as Watto deactivated his chip and attached a dog collar around his neck.

"I'm sorry, Anakin," he said sadly. Anakin nodded. This was different. A few standard minutes later an older gentleman arrived taking the collar into his hand wrapping the cord around his fingers as he jerked causing shocks to go through his body as the collar cut into his skin, he had no choice but to follow limply, barely noticing the cages that followed him as he was led to a huge starship, he thought he saw Qui-Gon fighting a huge black blob but it was hard to make out and he thought he heard his name but all he heard before he succumbed to the darkness was how the Jedi had abandoned him and deserved to pay for their traitorous acts.

When Anakin next awoke, he saw his mother with her hands tied together in front of him. He fought through the drugs that were in his system to get to his mother.

"No, Ani, please, stay back!" she pleaded, but he ignored her, mindlessly reaching forward as a fresh wave of shock racked his body. He had to free her.

"Welcome, Vader," he heard and he lifted his head off the cold floor to look at the old gentleman he barely remembered from the night before.

"Who's Vader?" he whispered hoarsely.

"You are my apprentice."

"Apprentice? Is that better than being a slave?" he whispered gathering his strength to look at him.

"Immensely. You will have unlimited power, power to come and go, power to make sentiments' cower in your very presence!"

"What must I do master?"

"You must obey me."

"I've been doing that my entire life."

"If you accept I will release your mother."

"I accept."

"You must pledge yourself to me."

"I will do whatever you ask, Master."

"Ani! Please."

"Mom will be safe. She will never be sold again, or beat?"

"As long as you follow me without question."

"Then I pledge myself to your teachings, Master." With a move of Sidious's hand his mother slumped down rubbing her wrists.