A/N:
Thanks for the reviews guys. I'm sorry for delaying like this, but I managed to get the flu and I was bedridden for a few days. Actually, I still am. I just realized I have a netbook I can use for writing. (Yes, my brain is running on backup power.)
leyte: He knows that Sidious is Dooku's Master, but not that he's Chancellor Palpatine. It will be revealed in the ROTS and post ROTS section of the story.
Young at Heart21: Say nothing, I will. Read the post you should, prove enlightening it may be.
Coruscant, Jedi Temple
"I have to admit that without the clones," Obi-Wan spoke up as he looked out the window of the Grand Jedi Temple, "It would not have been a victory,"
Yoda looked up at him, with an astonished expression on his face, "Victory?" he asks, "Victory you say? - Master Obi Wan, not victory. The shroud of the Dark side has fallen, begun the Clone War has."
"Yes, Master Yoda is correct," Windu agreed, "With the Force so clouded, it is impossible to see what the future will bring. Nonetheless, the Jedi has served the Republic since its founding, we will not back down now. The Sith must be dealt with. And fast. Be wary Obi-Wan, the Sith are master manipulators. Wherever this war brings us, we must be ready."
"Hmm," Yoda said as he hobbled over to them, "Master Windu speaks the truth, he does. His plan, a good one it is. But you know better, do you not Master Obi-Wan?"
"Master?" Obi-Wan inquired.
"You thoughts betray you, Obi-Wan. Of the young Sith you think of. Believe you can reach him you do. Believe he would be a powerful ally, you do."
Windu turned toward Kenobi with an icy glare, "Master Kenobi?"
He stared at the two masters before him and sighed, "Masters. Ten years ago, I stood before the council and requested permission to find and train a young boy by the name of Anakin Skywalker."
"The boy Master Jinn found, correct?" Windu asked.
"Yes, Master. I located him a few days ago on Geonosis. Senator Amidala and I had been fighting Count Dooku for several minutes when he appeared."
"Joined your fight against Count Dooku he did. Found it strange for a Sith to turn on another, did you not?" Yoda asked, "The apprentice, betrays the master, he always does. The way of the Sith, this is. Young Skywalker did this not out of goodness, Master Kenobi. An agenda, they always have. Deceit, lies and mistrust are their ways. But certain you are of your actions to release him, you are."
Obi-Wan almost squirmed under the scrutinizing gazes of the two masters, "I gave my word to Qui-Gon I would train the boy, Masters. He may not need that now. But he needs guidance. He said he had renounced the Dark side, and I sensed no deceit within him. But I am worried."
"Once you start down the Dark path, forever it will dominate your destiny, Obi-Wan."
"I know, Master Yoda," Kenobi sighed, "He harbors much hate and resentment towards the Jedi. But I do not believe that he is dangerous towards us-"
"I can vouch for that, Master," Siri Tachi said walking into the chamber, "Forgive the intrusion."
"No apologies necessary, Knight Tachi. Value you opinion, we do."
"Thank you Master Yoda. Master Windu. Obi-Wan." she bowed, "I felt like I had to explain my actions, regarding my absence three weeks ago."
"Were not discussing your infraction, Knight Tachi." Windu said, "We will discuss you reasons for abandoning your post at a later time. We are discussing a rather sensitive topic at the moment."
Siri nodded, "Indeed. I am aware that you are discussing Darth Vader. That is why I came. I have worked with Vader on several occasions."
"I beg your pardon?" Windu looked at her, horrified, "You had dealings with this Sith you call Darth Vader?"
"Anakin Skywalker," Obi-Wan interjected.
"No, Obi-Wan," She corrected, "Anakin Skywalker is dead. He will never return. I am certain of it. But that doesn't mean there is no hope for Vader. When I first met him approximately four years ago, I sense the good in him. They weren't able to destroy the good in him. When he refused Dooku's orders and spared me, he became Anakin Skywalker once again. Masters. There is hope for him, I'm certain of it."
"Then why do you say that he's dead? I admit, I had only a limited time to interact with him, so I will defer to your judgment. But you said it yourself, he became Skywalker again." Kenobi shot back.
"He was born as Skywalker." Siri explained, "Became Vader under Dooku's tutelage and he became Skywalker again when he spared me and renounced the Dark side. But Anakin Skywalker died one final time when Dooku murdered his daughter. The progress he made during those four years died with Eliaé. Even if he's able to rid himself of the darkness completely, which I have no doubt he's capable of, I can tell you for certain that he will remain Vader for the rest of his life."
"Daughter, you say? A daughter, Vader had?" Yoda inquired, stunned by the news. A quick glance at Obi-Wan revealed that he already knew this, but for some reason had kept silent.
"Yes, Master." Siri said, "A girl, Eliaé."
"What of the mother?" Windu interjected.
"She wasn't his biological daughter, Master. I believe Eliaé's mother was killed by Dooku when he kidnapped her. And Vader was the closest thing she had to father. Neither of them were very forthcoming with information about their past. I know Eliaé was originally from Naboo. And that aside from her uncle, who Vader was unable to locate, she had nobody else. I know very little of Anakin's past. Other than the fact that he was raised on Tatooine until the age of nine when he was kidnapped by Dooku. I can compile everything I know about them into a report, Masters."
"Good idea, I will do the same." Obi-Wan agreed.
Yoda turned towards Obi-Wan with a glare, "Reveal your plans, you will, Master Obi-Wan."
"I wish to train and guide him," Obi-Wan said, "Qui Gon was certain that Anakin was the Chosen One. If he was correct, we need him. I know that this isn't common-"
"It's never happened in the history of the Jedi!" Windu snapped, "You want to take a Sith as your Padawan!"
Obi-Wan sighed, "Anakin is not a Sith! I gave Qui Gon my word, Master. I will train him. Without the Council's approval if I must. I won't let him stay in Darkness, Master."
"Hmm," Yoda said walking over to him, "Walking a dangerous path, you are, Master Obi-Wan. Qui Gon's defiance I sense in you. Need that, you do not. Accept this lightly, the Council does not. Permission you have. But your responsibility he shall be." He said and left. Windu sent him an icy glare but stayed silent as he followed.
"That went rather well, don't you think?" Siri quipped as Obi-Wan turned towards her.
He locked eyes with her and sighed, "Why do I have the terrible feeling that I just signed my own resignation form?" he asked taking a seat near the window.
"Don't be ridiculous, Obi-Wan." Siri looked back as she walked towards the door. "The Jedi Order doesn't have resignation forms."
"Thank you, Siri. You always know what to say to make me feel better." he replied, clearly annoyed, "Somehow, I have the feeling he's going to be the death of me one day…"
Naberrie Estate, Naboo
"I must say, Mé," Sola teased, "This is the first time you've brought a drugged boyfriend home with you."
"Hey! He's not my boyfriend! And he's not drugged, he's sed-" she was cut off by her father walking into the kitchen.
"And here I thought," Ruwee said smiling, "I would have to watch out for my daughter. I'd say it's the boys who have to watch out."
"Ruwee!" Jobal chastised her husband, "Our dear daughter is a grown woman, a former Queen and a Galactic Senator, and she can do whatever she wants."
"And whoever she wants," Sola piped up.
"Mother! Sola!" Padmé cut in, "I can't believe it. My own family ganging up on me! Incredible."
"Now, now. You might want to give the poor woman some slack,"
"Thank you Darred," she said revealedand smiled "I appreci-"
"We all know she's married to politics," he continued with a hint of a smile.
"I am not!" Padmé shot back, horrified, "Besides, even if I am. It's none of your business." She pointed out with a defiant tone.
"Yeah, yeah. Keep telling yourself that, my dear," Jobal said smiling, "But you must admit, he is quite handsome."
"Jobal! Mother!" Ruwee and Padme scolded her in unison. In response, she merely smiled and continued eating.
"That he is," Sola agreed, shooting her husband a dirty look, "But I think he's already taken, my dear. He was mumbling a name when you brought him home. Eliaé, unless I'm mistaken. What do you think Padmé, you know more about him than we do."
"He's not taken." Padmé mumbled. The food on her plate looked incredibly interesting at this point. The omelet had apparently a very nice texture where the cheese had melted into it.
"Nonetheless, do you have any idea who this Eliaé is? You know I love a good mystery," Sola said smiling.
Padmé nodded, forcing a brief smile but remained silent.
"Oh come on, Padmé," Sola teased, "Do we have to drag it out of you? – Hmm… Myself, I'm thinking a redhead. Maybe green eyes? This is hard you know, guessing his type without actually talking to him." she smiled when she noticed the look on Padmé's face, "What, Mé? Are you afraid of a little competition from this Eliaé girl?"
That was it for her. Slamming her plate into the sink, she turned back with a terrible glare, "Eliaé is his daughter, alright? Topic closed, discussion over!" she snapped and returned to her seat.
"I'm sorry, Padmé," Sola said softly, "I didn't want to sound insensitive or something. I just didn't know. You know I was just joking, right?"
"Right," She forced a smile, "Sola, during the last two weeks I been held captive, nearly executed, I fought in the Battle of Geonosis and I went up against a Sith Lord with nothing more than a standard issue Republic blaster rifle. I'm tired and annoyed. Not at you but, the entire galaxy. I know you meant no harm, but you have no idea what you're talking about, alright?"
"We understand, dear," Jobal said, "On another note. Completely forgetting your love life, or lack of." she smiled when Padmé made a face, "It's really none of our business, but I'm sure Ryoo and Pooja would appreciate it if you could bring Eliaé over. Their best friend is spending the week on Coruscant, and they're a bit lonely. How old did you say she was?"
"I didn't," She replied, "And I won't be able to bring Eliaé over. Not from where she is, at least."
"Why not?" Darred asked, "As a Senator, I'm sure you have access to a ship. Where can she possibly be where you can't reach her?"
"Theed National Cemetery." Padmé said flatly, "I contacted Obi-Wan when I heard the name, he checked her name in the database." Her last statement effectively ended the conversation about the girl and they all decided to finish breakfast in silence.
Upstairs, Vader was waking up. Birdsong, he smiled. I love birdsong. It's so soothing. Wait, what? His icy blue eyes opened instinctively, What the hell are birds doing in space! Where the hell am I?
He jumped out of bed and used the Force to search for any dangers nearby. Nothing… He didn't even sense the force signature of the birds sitting outside on the balcony. What the hell happened last night, he looked over to the other side of the bed, at least I didn't sleep with anyone I don't recognize. – Hey! I didn't even drink last night! What the hell is going on? And why do I feel like I've swallowed a crate of death sticks?
He donned his robes. Putting on his black tunic, he noticed the reason of his confusion. He focused his mind on the force inhibitor and a moment later it cluttered to the floor. Even if nothing else Tyrannous said about the Jedi is true, they sure are paranoid. He was definitely not lying about that, he mused and headed towards the door. He let the force guide him towards the cluster of humans he sensed in what he assumed was the kitchen.
Walking down the stairs, a strange sensation of Deja-Vu struck him. The place seemed familiar. Incredibly familiar.
"My dear Senator," He quipped taking a seat at the table, "Where am I?" he asked deciding to not begin the day by shouting.
"Naboo," Amidala smiled,
Naboo? What the hell am I doing on Naboo? He looked around, immediately recognizing the Naberrie Estate. Slowly the darkness came crawling back to him…
"You! You deceitful, sleamo!" he snapped at Amidala, "I should have known you'd participate in the Jedi's scheme. I save you from certain death and you repay me by drugging me and having Kenobi probe my mind when my mental shields are down!"
"I did no such thing!" she snapped back, "And I'm offended that you would think that!"
"Then how did you know of this place?" He asked, "You knew what kinds of memories this house bring back to me and you brought me here anyway!"
"Hey!" Sola shouted, turning towards him, "Don't talk to her like that!"
Vader turned towards the woman, recognizing her instantly, "E chu ta, Sola." He snapped, "This is between Amidala and me, so stay out of it!"
She looked at him, horrified, "How do you know my name?" she demanded.
"You really don't remember me, do you?" he asked, his eyes turning Sith yellow, "Do you remember a seventeen year old boy looking for a certain Padmé Naberrie?"
Sola shook her head, but then she remembered, "You're Anakin Skywalker, aren't you?" she asked, realizing the uncanny resemblance between the two.
"No," Vader said darkly, "That boy is dead." He glared at her, "You have no idea what you have done, do you?" he asked but never let her answer, "I begged you. I begged you to tell me and you kept lying. – If you'll excuse me." he said and turned to leave.
Watching the entire scene, Jobal and Ruwee were too stunned to reply, but upon seeing Vader leave she called after him, "Young man," she scolded, "Are you leaving?"
"Oh, yes," Vader replied, "I need to vent. And I'd rather cut down a few trees than you three."
In the doorway, he turned back towards Sola. He reached into the side pocket of his trousers, retrieved a small holo and tossed it to her, "I figured you're like to have a picture of the girl you helped murder." He said dryly. Moments later, the doors slammed shut.
A few hours later, Padmé, still Senator Amidala to Vader, found him standing out on the balcony meditating. She started walking up to him, but decided to leave him be.
"Don't go," he said upon sensing her intention to leave.
"I don't want to disturb you," she said softly, turning back towards him.
He took a deep breath, "Your presence is soothing." He said looking back at her, "I'm sorry I lashed out on you back there. I knew you have nothing to do with his schemes. In fact, there were no schemes. I have lived my life in paranoia, it's hard to shed such habits. Habits that have saved my life on more occasions that I can count."
She nodded and walked up to him, looking puzzled, "Why did you save my life? You could have just gone after your nemesis." she asked looking out over the morning sunrise.
He sighed, "When I sensed your presence in Dooku's hangar, there was something about you. It was like I had known you my entire life. At the time, I couldn't explain it. But I simply couldn't let you die, even if that meant letting Dooku get away. When I saw his blade strike you down," he traced the scar on her arm with his finger, "it was like a part of me was dying. - I had to meditate to put all the pieces together, but now I know," he smiled at her, "Angel."
"Hello, Ani," she returned the smile and embraced him, "I missed you." She released him and looked up at him, "When you blocked Dooku's lightsaber, I looked into your eyes. Somehow I knew it was you, but I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it until Obi-Wan told me. What happened to you, Anakin?"
"That name no longer holds any meaning to me, Padmé. I'm not that boy you once knew," he sighed, "That's why I waited years with trying to find you. I knew that if you met me after I escaped from Tyrannous, you'd be frightened of me."
"You'd never hurt me, Ani," she smiled, "You wouldn't be able to. I know that and you know that."
"I'm not so sure about that, Padmé," he said an took a few steps away from her, "Back there, I almost slipped-"
"But you didn't." she said.
"Nonetheless," he sighed, "I was very close. I-"
"Shh," she said putting a finger on his lips that he immediately kissed. She smiled in response.
"But, Padmé. I can't believe you're taking this so light-"
Her lips meeting his effectively silenced him. He stood shocked until their lips parted. Wait? What just happened? He asked himself. From somewhere far away he could hear an incredibly familiar voice. One he had heard every day since Dooku had kidnapped him. Qui Gon... 'She kissed you, you bantha.' The old Jedi said chuckling as his blue shimmering form appeared on the veranda of the neighboring house.
"You were saying?" Padmé asked with a mischievous smile.
His eyes bounced between her and Qui Gon, until his shimmering, but smiling form disappeared. Determined to not let the chance slip, he pulled her closer, "Kriff that." he said and kissed her back like there was no tomorrow.