Many thanks to everyone who reviewed and/or are lurking. Your comments are always very much appreciated.
Musingmiyu: I'm thrilled to read that you are enjoying this story, as well as NC. I truly appreciate it. Thanks for reading!
Lisigirl: Palpy is an evil one. Can't help but admire him sometimes. We'll be seeing everyone else very soon!
Hintafanboy: She's on her way ;).
SW80: Thanks so much. Glad that you like the different plot lines. Thanks for reading!
jaRJaR.Binks: Thanks for reading. As for the parts of random people, everyone in the series is important as they will all have a profound influence on Anakin; for good or bad. But never never, there will be more Anakin & Padme moments coming.
Kates Master: Looks like he's going to give it a try. We'll see her answer shortly. Glad you liked the Anakin & Padme moment. Thanks for reading!
Random Shinobi: There is a certain irony that he is using the Naboo's kelvacyte. However, recall that he is now out of it ;). As for Palpy, who knows how he will fit poor Dahlia in his plans or if she will even comply. Anakin's fate is still undetermined so don't let the catergory descriptions fool you ;). Answering your question about the nexu, it is the creature that attacked Padme during the battle in arena on Geonosis in AotC. It gave her some large scratches across her back if you recall. Thanks so much for reading!
One of Those Girls: Dahlia is definitely not going away anytime soon ;). Thanks for reading!
Orangecountrycruiser2: Thanks for your kind comments about NC. I truly appreciate that. Hope you enjoy this story as well!
Maxtreme225: Well, I have to admit that I love writing evil cliffes so be warned ;). I'm thrilled to hear that you think the characters are staying true to form. I do try my best to keep them recognizable despite all the changes I've implimented. Thanks so much for reading!
Lokigirl: Patience, patience ;)
Nothingfeelsgood: Glad you liked Padme's comments. Thanks so much for reading and hanging with my stories since the beginning!
Quillian: The galaxy was essentially ripe for the picking. The Sith were definitetly paying attention. And yes, Anakin does have some valid concerns about his mother. Hopefully everything will work out ;). Thanks so much for reading!
LetNys: Thanks so much for your comments, as well as also being one of the old faithful. Dahlia will have a profound impact on things to come and I'm sure Palpy has plans for her.
Pokey: Thanks!
Ghostreaper181: Sometimes we are amazed at what Palpy doesn't know. Remember, his over confidence is his weakness ;). Glad you liked the Ilianya scene. Wasn't sure how well it would be received since there are many Yoda fans. I thought though it would be fun to do, especially since Ilianya is much older than Yoda, something that rarely happens. As for Dahlia, it would be rather conveniant if they all turned on one another; but where's the fun in that ;). Anakin and Padme definitely have feelings for one another, but are still in the midst of figuring themselves out. However, there will be more of their thoughts concerning the other soon. Thanks so much for your continued support. Thanks for hanging in there since the beginning. Hope this story lives up to the first one!
AJedistuckintheMatrix: Yes, finally Rev has come back with a new story ;). Hope you enjoy!
He felt uneasy.
He knew he shouldn't, for Jedi were supposed to be immune to such trivial sensations. Padawan learner Jaden Fai, apprenticed to the esteemed Master Yaddle, stared out the viewport of their tiny transport ship in silent deliberation. Although he was normally assigned to the Temple's archives as an academic Jedi, the Council had sent Yaddle on an urgent mission to a moon in orbit around the former Sith world of Korriban. Jaden was to accompany her. Republic archeologists had unearthed a crypt which raised an unusually high level of anxiety amongst the senior Jedi. The Council had ordered the research team not to remove any of the artifacts, and to wait until they could dispatch their own experts. Yaddle's and Jaden's orders were simple: to investigate, and to report immediately any and all findings.
Anything associated with the Sith was becoming a cause for concern. Jaden, like most of the senior padawans, knew of the rumors involving the crisis on Naboo. They had learned how Obi-Wan Kenobi vanquished a Sith Lord despite losing his Master during the battle. The young Jedi Knight had quickly become a living legend amongst the Temple's many younger residents. What had made him even more fascinating was that instead of following in Master Jinn's footsteps, Obi-Wan opted to teach at the small Jedi training facility on Corellia. Jaden never admitted to anyone his awe of the man. He hoped to one day meet Obi-Wan Kenobi so they could discuss his experiences.
Perhaps such a famous Jedi should be with them on such an important journey? Even Master Yoda himself had never faced a Sith warrior. And now, an ancient tomb bearing their mark had been discovered. Jaden felt that events were stirring too quickly to be random. Despite his teachers' declarations to the contrary, he knew that the Darkside was obscuring their perception Force with each passing day. If the Sith had indeed returned, the Jedi would be the object of their vengeance.
"Not up to the task, you think we are?"
Jaden whirled about to see his diminutive Jedi Master standing behind him with an amused look on her face. "Of course, my Master. It is just…"
Yaddle's ears rose. "Yes, used to our books and research, we have become. Always remember, a Jedi's duty is never static. A lesson for both us, wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes, Master." Jaden reluctantly admitted.
"More to say, have you?" Yaddle inquired with a knowing glance. "Something troubles you, I feel."
"I am… bothered."
"About the mission?"
Jaden shook his head. "Yes and no. I feel that there is more to this than the Council has said, with all due respect, Master."
"A burden it is, to hold a mantle of leadership," Yaddle said solemnly. "In time you will understand. Trust our judgment, you should. Guided by the Force, the Council is."
"I know, Master." Jaden answered with a hint of dissatisfaction in his voice. "But the problem is that we all can feel the change in the Force." He paused, giving her an earnest look. "Something bad is out there. Elusive."
"So certain are you?" Yaddle questioned, cocking her head to one side. "Still very young, you are, Jaden. In full control of your feelings and the Force, you are not. Once you learn more, perhaps less ominous the future will seem."
Jaden forced a smile of acknowledgement before returning his gaze back to the viewport. His bad feeling remained.
Even in the shade, the heat was unbearable.
Wiping away the beads of sweet that had accumulated on his forehead, Anakin was amazed that he had forgotten the heat of Tatooine's twin suns. Yet the thought made him smile since it symbolized how long he had been living on Naboo, away from this wretched sand heap. Kicking back a large gulp of his juice, Anakin grinned in amusement as he watched Cliegg pensively sit at the head of the table as Ruwee Naberrie tried everything to distract him. Meanwhile, Owen, who was sitting across from him, was preoccupied with something on his datapad.
Since first meeting the Lars', Anakin had an immediate affinity for them both. Despite Cliegg's gruff appearance, he was a kind hearted as well as generous man. Anakin sensed the depth of love which Cliegg held for his mother, and he knew that he would take care of her for the rest of his life. Cliegg had also made it a point to get to know Anakin and always reassured him that he wasn't trying to steal his mother away—that he wanted to make them a true family with their marriage. Still, change was never easy and Anakin would have many adjustments to make. All in all though, Anakin couldn't imagine a better man alive to have married his beloved mother.
Owen was an interesting sort.
Although he had a quiet nature, Owen had a rapier-like wit and enjoyed playful barbs at Anakin's expense. Anakin liked him instantly and the two became fast friends. They shared a common fascination with mechanics and spent their time together during Anakin's visits to Tatooine fixing the various pieces of farm equipment or harvest droids that filled the Lars' workroom. These visits differed strikingly from Cliegg and Owen's visits to Naboo. Anakin had been especially amused when he had introduced Owen to several of Padmé's handmaidens. He had never seen anyone so tongue tied whenever they asked Owen a question or brought him something to eat. Of course, Anakin would never let him live it down.
"What are you reading?" Anakin asked Owen.
"The droid manifest from the Jawas," Owen replied without looking up.
"I don't know if you realized it or not, but we are at a celebration."
Owen paused to give him a reproachful look. "Can't be always fun and games, Lord High Protector sir—as I'm sure you are well aware."
Anakin scoffed before Cliegg interjected, "I'm sure he'll forget all about that datapad when the Whitesuns' show up."
"Hush, Dad." Owen warned with a fierce curl of his lip.
Anakin could not help but shoot his soon-to-be step brother a sly grin. "Oh yes…what's her name, Owen? The one you like?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Owen muttered as he returned his attention to his datapad.
"It's their oldest daughter, Beru." Cliegg offered with a sly smirk.
Owen snarled in disgust and rolled his eyes, causing all around the table to laugh. The lightness seemed to quickly dissipate when Cliegg suddenly stood up and fretted. "I'm sure Shmi is going to come to her senses and not go through with it."
Ruwee appeared to hold back a laugh as he replied, "Shmi is not going anywhere, my friend. Besides, I don't think Jobal or Padmé well let her just leave."
Cliegg hung his head low. "She's too good for me. I don't know what I was thinking…asking such a wonderful woman to marry bantha fodder like me."
Anakin offered him a smile of encouragement. "Mom adores you. I know she couldn't wait to set the date."
"Yeah, Dad." Owen chimed in, "Besides, if Shmi didn't run away after she first tasted your cooking, I think she's here to stay."
The men around the table chuckled as Cliegg shot his son a feigned look of contempt. Before he could issue a response, Threepio stumbled into the eating area. "Excuse me, Master Anakin."
"What is it, Threepio?"
"Her Highness, Queen Amidala wished for me to inform you all that Madam Shmi is ready."
Anakin shot a smile at Ruwee who instantly rose to his feet. "Gentlemen, let's help Cliegg get married."
Disappointment.
It was a feeling that had become too common for her tastes. As Siri followed numerous dead ends in her search for young Dahlia, she quickly learned that the Force had something else in mind for the child and for her as well. Once Siri had been given medical clearance by the Temple healers, the Council had requested that she return to active duty. For the next three plus years, she had been ordered to hunt down the remnants of Krayn's slave trade network. Siri relentlessly questioned each one she brought into custody, but none knew what happened to the transport that supposedly took Dahlia to Duro.
Mission after mission, and even after taking on the brash but talented Ferus Olin as her padawan learner, Siri never allowed herself to forget about the little girl. Meditation never brought her any closer to an answer, and no amount of cajoling by her superiors could fill the void. Over the years, Siri questioned herself as to why she had cared so much about a person whom she barely knew. At first, she believed that she was simply fulfilling her duty as a Jedi. Later Siri accepted that she had become obsessed, since she was unaccustomed to failure of any kind.
"Master? How was that?" Ferus' voice broke through her thoughts.
Siri blinked several times as she saw that her apprentice had completed his exercises. "Yes, you completed that kata quite well."
The seventeen standard year old boy peered at her unconvinced, clipping his lightsaber to his belt as he approached. "Master Siri…may I speak freely?"
"Of course," she replied, motioning for him to join her for a stroll.
"I cannot help but feel that you have been distracted since our return from Kessel."
Siri paused momentarily, offering him a look mixed with exasperation at his keen observation and embarrassment that he was correct. Taking a deep breath, she answered, "I'm afraid you are quite right, my young friend."
"Does it have to do with the little slave girl you've been searching for?"
Siri nodded before turning away to lean on a nearby railing. Staring out the window, she whispered, "I know it is hard for you to understand, but sometimes in doing our duty, we can become overly attached to those whom we have been charged to protect."
"Is that wise, Master? Aren't attachments against the code?"
Siri chuckled softly. "The code is only the beginning of a Jedi's wisdom, Ferus, not the end. She giggled briefly. "Sometimes duty can fall outside its guidelines, which makes us rely on our own judgment."
"But Master Windu says that the code should always be foremost in our actions," Ferus recited.
"He has the luxury to believe that," Siri replied with a wry grin. "Sitting on the Council can make one…overly certain at times." Ferus' curious stare quickly told her that he did not get the humor of her observation. "I know my ways are at times unorthodox, but I hope that doesn't interfere with what I am trying to teach you."
Ferus seemed to be shocked by her statement. He responded quickly, "Master, I am proud to be your student and I know that I have much to learn from you."
Siri couldn't help but smile at the boy. While he was extremely talented, his overtly conservative ways troubled her. Perhaps she had picked him as her apprentice because he had reminded her so much of Obi-Wan at that age. Still, she had never met someone so young who strongly adhered to the code. She knew she would have to keep both her thoughts and feelings concerning Obi-Wan and his involvement in Anakin's training closely guarded. Siri understood all that had occurred was due to the will of the Force; however, her student did not yet possess the wisdom to comprehend her perspective. She hoped in time she would be able to teach him more of the living Force, but in the meantime, having Ferus for a Padawan was like constantly having a short councilmember by her side!
Dahlia wanted to scream.
Still suspended in mid-air, she stared in absolute terror at the dark hooded figure that silently walked around her. She tried to see his face, but quickly averted her gaze when she felt him probing her thoughts. Dahlia desperately tried to hide them, but this effort only appeared to amuse him as he grinned each time he broke through her defenses.
"What do you want with me?" She demanded. "Just leave me alone!"
"You are hardly in the position to issue orders, my dear." He teased
"I meant you no harm. I was just…curious."
"And yet how was it that you were aware of my arrival?" he asked in an amused tone.
"I just…felt you," Dahlia freely admitted, figuring at this point it was useless to engage in any subterfuge and perhaps, through the truth, she could learn more about this being. "I hadn't experienced anything quite like that in a long time."
The man seemed intrigued by her observation, causing him to stop in place. "You have felt others like me before?"
"Once, many years ago, a Jedi was sent to help me and my family."
"A Jedi?" He said intrigued. "You think me to be like them?"
"I don't know," she responded. "You seem very different. Darker." Dahlia would have said more, but a sudden constriction of her throat, made it difficult for her to breathe.
"Perhaps you care to learn this power? To inflict pain on those who have hurt you?"
Pulling futilely at her collar, Dahlia cried out, "What are you doing to me?"
"I am providing a little sample of what you could have for yourself," he informed her, and with a wave of his hand her airway opened again and she fell to her knees, coughing. "I feel much anger in you…much hatred. With some molding, you could do great things."
"I don't wish to be great," Dahlia panted as she rubbed her aching neck. "I just want to get away from this Force-forsaken world so I can find my family." The next thing she realized, she was flying through the air. The flight halted abruptly as she struck a stone wall. Pain filled her senses. Dahlia desperately tried not to lose consciousness. She blinked rapidly as the dark figure knelt down before her.
"Take care, little one." The hooded figure warned as he pointed his finger at her. "My patience is not infinite."
"What is going on here?" Tayal cried out from behind them. The hooded figure whirled around and in one motion he took hold of the unsuspecting girl. Unlike Dahlia, she flailed about and screamed.
"Help me!"
He sneered as he turned to look down at the slumping Dahlia. "Is this a friend of yours?"
"Leave her alone," Dahlia muttered, attempting to sit up but fell back against the wall when her vision nearly blackened.
"Or you'll do what exactly?" The dark man taunted. "I do not fear you. You have no power to stop me!"
Although injured, Dahlia felt a surge of rage filling her veins. With her remaining strength, she focused her anger at her attacker. A rush of energy left her body, knocking the man off balance and causing him to release Tayal. "Run!" Dahlia screamed as she felt her strength bleeding away.
The older girl shifted her eyes rapidly between the fallen man and Dahlia before she turned around and ran off into the dark alleyway. Dahlia smiled briefly with the knowledge that she would be safe. However, her brief happiness disappeared when the man returned to his feet and stalked quickly in her direction. Dahlia closed her eyes as she knew death would soon take her from this world. Perhaps it was for the best. This existence had not been what she had hoped for and now, in the face of such evil, she actually found herself wishing for it all to end.
Resigning herself to whatever fate this dark being had in mind for her, Dahlia waited in silence. After several moments, curiosity got the better of her and she opened her eyes. The figure was standing before her with a seemingly amused expression on his face.
"Good," his voice echoed throughout the alleyway. "Your anger gives you strength."
"I am not evil," she spat as she attempted to sit up. "I will not harm others."
"Good and evil are matters of perspective, my dear." He answered in a much softer tone. "This power you possess could help you achieve all that your heart desires."
"I want to be with my parents again," Dahlia cried out. "That is all I care about."
"Come with me and I will teach you to use your power to find them," the man suggested with a wry smile. "However, you will owe me something in return."
"Which is?" Dahlia asked suspiciously.
"All in time," the man said matter of factly, extending his hand towards her. "For now, come along. We need to clean you if you are to accompany me back to Coruscant after I attend to some…business here."
Whether it was curiosity or the fact that this creature offered her a chance at a new life, Dahlia reached for his proffered hand as a sign of acceptance. "I will do whatever you say."
She had never looked happier.
Anakin smiled as he backed away from his mother and Cliegg as they turned around to face the holy man. They had decided that they didn't want anything lavish so the entire wedding party was being held in the courtyard of the Lars' homestead. Anakin couldn't help the mixed feelings that danced throughout his head and his heart. While joyful for his mother and Cliegg, he felt some sadness because when he returned to Naboo, he would go back to live alone in the residence he had shared with his mother for years.
All things change…or so Obi-Wan had taught.
Releasing a quiet sigh, Anakin retreated to where Padmé was standing. She offered him a smile of support, almost as if she sensed his conflict. Anakin felt her small fingers gently pry open his hand, intertwining her fingers between his as she moved closer. Instantly he forgot his sadness and his heart began to pound wildly within his chest. He dared not turn to look at her, fearing that his legs would collapse if he took in her beauty. The only action he could muster was to squeeze her hand affectionately, which she repeated in kind.
How he loved her.
Padmé was everything to him. Anakin had feared after he had declared his feelings for her that she would shy away from him. But instead, Padmé had drawn even closer. Indeed, they were inseparable, spending most of their off time in each other's company. They would travel to her parent's home during the harvest season or to Varykino to enjoy the cool waters during the arid season. Padmé had also been tremendous help as he and her brother-in-law Darred remodeled Anakin's mountain residence. Since that day, he had never again broached the subject of their relationship.
But Anakin wanted more. He was no longer a child, and he could love her in the ways that she deserved.
The problem was she still viewed him as a boy—her good friend, but nothing more.
And yet, here they were, holding hands.
Anakin could feel her heart rate jump even though the expression on her face remained unchanged. There were times when he believed that she wanted to open up completely to him, but something held her back. He feared losing her friendship and dared not risk pushing the matter.
And yet, he knew that he would not be fearful for much longer.
Anakin hungered and thirsted for Padmé. She was the life-giving breath that filled his soul, and he knew with every fiber of his being that she was his intended one. He had shunned the affections of many others because he would not be disloyal to Padmé. He belonged to her. She possessed his very soul, despite their never having professed their affections.
All in time.
"You are now and forever, husband and wife!" The holy man declared.
It stirred Anakin out of his thoughts. He looked up to see his mother and Cliegg sealing their vows with a kiss. He smiled as Padmé released his hand so they could both applaud. Glancing over at her, looking absolutely beautiful in her light blue shimmersilk dress, he flashed a smile as he hoped that one day he would become her eternal life mate.
"What are you thinking?" Padmé asked with a slight grin.
"Just how happy they look."
The desert sand turns red at dusk.
Jaden had never seen a place that was so desolate and yet so beautiful at the same time. He was surprised that it had never been fully investigated. Little was available in the archives except for a few brief reports by a handful of survey teams that passed nearby throughout the ages. Jaden suspected that the Jedi themselves were responsible for this. He could feel the strong taint of the Darkside in this place. Moreover, it seemed that the Force itself had been manipulated to favor the Darkside—a sign that the Sith had once existed here and in great numbers.
A small human man greeted them as they approached the dig site where the crypt was located.. "Greetings Master Jedi. I am Chief archeologist Garrick Diel."
"I am Yaddle and this is my Padawan, Jaden Fai."
The man smiled at them both as he motioned for them to follow. "Your arrival is most fortuitous. Our instruments have picked up an unusual energy surge from inside the crypt in the last few hours."
"Detect this before, you did not?" Yaddle queried.
"No, Master Jedi. This is something new," Gerrick admitted. "I was about to evacuate my team from the area as a precaution."
"A wise idea. Proceed, you should. My Padawan and I, investigate afterward, we will."
"What do you think is happening, Master?" Jaden questioned after the archeologist departed.
Yaddle groaned as she considered his question. "More curious this mystery is becoming. Cautious, we must be."
Upon reaching the crypt constructed from the same sands that filled their surroundings, Jaden sensed that Master Yaddle was uneasy. Most Jedi spent their entire careers with little to no interaction with anything even remotely associated with the Darkside, let alone belonging to the Sith. Jaden, on the other hand, had spent some of his earliest days as Yaddle's apprentice studying the few remaining Sith holocrons that were kept in the most secure portions of the Jedi Temple. Since his Master was the Order's foremost scholar, she had been granted full access to the holocrons after Qui-Gon Jinn had encountered the Sith warrior during his mission to assist the Naboo.
As a result, Jaden did not harbor the same fears concerning the Darkside. He felt that he knew enough of the Sith and their ways to know the pitfalls and traps that had ensnared many Jedi in the past. He hoped that one day this unique perspective would propel him into the ranks of the most esteemed Masters. In time, he hoped to join the Council as one of its highly regarded members.
"Focus on the now," Yaddle barked as they approached the dig site.
Jaden rolled his eyes, but nodded in compliance. "My apologies, Master."
"Strong, the Darkside is in this place. Happened in the past here, something terrible."
Breaking away from her, Jaden walked into the crypt. As the blazing hot suns disappeared, he withdrew his torch to illuminate the hallway. Several bronze statues lined the corridor, each representing a powerful Sith from history. Jaden immediately recognized each, but paid no attention as he sensed something unusual from deep inside the structure. There were several large stone columns that held the roof in place, but in several places, pieces of debris had fallen from apparent weaknesses in the structure. On the walls were fixtures where lighted torches could be placed. A stone pathway led down towards the burial portion of the crypt.
Even though he knew he wasn't supposed to feel that way, Jaden was exhilarated by this adventure. He could already see himself sitting in the middle of numerous padawans back in the Temple as he regaled them with the story of his mission. Venturing further down the pathway, Jaden was taken aback as he saw pieces of lightsabers, energy belts and crystals. Apparently, a great battle once had taken place here, under the desert floor and away from the eyes of history. Jaden closed his eyes as he tried to listen to the echoes from the past through the Force.
He felt a rush of adrenaline when in his mind's eye he could see both Jedi and Sith engaged in a fierce battle. The Sith seemed desperate to keep hidden what they had spent decades trying to hide from their nemesis. Whatever was buried in this place, it was important. Jaden became so lost in his vision, he did not detect the tremor of warning through the Force. He was abruptly brought out of his musings when he heard the shrill cry of his Master echoing throughout the structure. "Jaden! Get out!"
Rubbing his eyes, he extended his awareness instantly detecting a surge in energy. Jaden tried to use the Force to enhance his speed, but fell over a protruding stone. Desperate, he cried out, "Master! Help me!"
Yaddle made her way to him and without a word, conjured the Force around him, levitating him out of the crypt. While in the air, Jaden turned to see that she was trying to use the Force to hold something back. He abruptly crashed on the ground. Quickly rising to his feet, Jaden withdrew his lightsaber and was about to run back inside when a loud explosion filled his ears and shook the ground, causing him to fall. Seconds later, several pieces of the crypt flew outward as the stone structure collapsed in on itself. In utter horror, Jaden shouted out, "Master!"
TBC-Thoughts, comments and suggestions are always welcomed!
