PATH OF THE CHOSEN.

Anakin was taken by Darth Maul while he was on Tatooine (Qui-gon and Obi-wan also killed Darth Maul together so Qui-gon is alive in this story.) When he hears about the bounty hunter sent to kill Padme, Anakin escapes determined to save her.

This chapter will be maily about Anakin and Padme - Together! - Also, Padme will not reswist her feelings in this chapter - or story - since I happen to think the 'no attachments' rule in the Jedi Code is just stupid. So, KnightOfHolyLight, this chapter is for you.

Thankyou for your reviews, they have been very helpful and are greatly appreiciated.

CHAPTER SIX.

Padme and Anakin looked out across the garden to the shimmering lake and the mountains rising beyond, Padme smiled glancing at Anakin. "We used to come here for
school retreat. See that island? We used to swim there every day." Looking out at the lake again, she leaned against the railing of the garden terrace. "We used to lie on the sand and let the sun dry us, and try to guess the names of the birds singing."

Anakin shook his head, "I don't like sand." He said quietly, "It's coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere." he looked at Padme, subconsciously reaching out to stroke the back of her arm. "Not like here. Here everything's soft... and smooth." It was also peaceful, and very beautiful. Padme looked at him, sunlight shone in her hair; she really did look like an angel.

He didn't think about it, didn't rationally decide to do it, leaning close to her, Anakin kissed her gently. Padme leaned into him, her eyes closed as she felt her heart beat fast_

Anakin pulled away, his heart beating fast for an entirely different reason. "I'm sorry." His breath shaking, Anakin looked away from Padme. "I shouldn't have done that," he shouldn't have, what would she do? Would she hit him? Yell and scream?

Padme reached out, "Ani." She hesitated and gently laid her hand against his arm, "it's ok."

Anakin stood stiffly, his chest heaving as he breathed fast and_ Wait, what did she say? "What?"

"It's ok," smiling Padme took his hands into her's, yes she had been surprised, but his reaction broke her heart; how many times had he been beaten for simply wanting comfort or love?

Anakin swallowed and stared at his hands in her's, it didn't bother him - normally anyone touching him had him cowering, but Padme's touch... Pdme's touch was calming. "You're not mad?"

"No," smiling Padme reached out to brush his shoulder length hair from his face, "I'm not mad Ani. You didn't do anything wrong."

Blinking, Anakin stood very still; it had been so long since anyone had accepted him, so long since anyone had been so reasuring and comforting. Padme smiled and gently leaned against his chest, "it's ok Ani."

x

Padme and Anakin sat in the middle of the idyllic hilly meadow, its lush grasses sprinkled with flowers. At a distance, a herd of shaaks grazed contentedly.

Beyond was the shimmering expanse of the lake, several other lakes stretched to the horizon. Padme shook her head, "I don't know."

Anakin snorted and looked at her disbelievingly, "Sure you do... you just don't want to tell me."

padme grinned. "Are you going to use one of your Jedi mind tricks on me?"

"I don't know any mind tricks," Anakin told her truthfully, "anyway, they only work on the weak-minded." And Padme was anything but weak-minded.

padme smiled and shrugged, " All right... I was twelve. His name was Palo. We were both in the Legislative Youth Program. He was a few
years older then I..." padme told him, her eyes gleamed as she grinned, "he was very cute... dark curly hair... dreamy eyes..."

Anakin looked away uncomfortablly, "All right, I get the picture..." Looking back he sighed, "whatever happened to him?"

Padmeshrugged, "I went into public service. He went on to become an artist."

"Maybe he was the smart one."

Padme looked at Anakin and laughed, "You really don't like politicians, do you?"

Anakin cocked his head, "I might like one, but I'm not really sure about her." He said smiling, then he shook his head, "I don't think the system works."

Padme frowned, "How would you have it work?"

"We need a system where the politicians sit down and discuss the problem," Anakin said softly, "then agree what's in the best interests of all the people, and do it."

Padme blinked and sat back, "That is exactly what we do. The trouble is that people don't always agree."

"Then they should be made to."

Padme stared at Anakin shocked, "By whom?" She asked, "Who's going to make them?"

Anakin shook his head, "I don't know... Someone."

Padme continued to look at him, "You?"

"No," Anakin shook his head again, "Of course not me."

"But someone?" Padme pushed, trying to understand.

Anakin nodded, looking straingt into her eyes. "Someone wise."

Padme shook her head, surprised by Anakin's seriousness. "That sounds an awful lot like a dictatorship to me.

Anakin looked down hiding his mischievious grin, "Well, if it works...

Padme stared at Anakin, completely shocked; he stared back at her, straight faced, but couldn't hold back his smile. Padme smiled and shook her head, "You're making fun of me!

Anakin grinned, his eyes dancing. "Oh no," he said sarcastically, "I'd be much too frightened to tease a Senator." Smiling he leaned forward and kissed her and held her against him, feeling truly content for the first time in years.

x

The shaak crossed in front of Padme with Anakin riding it, facing the shaak's tail. Anakin attempted to stand on the galloping Shaak's back, but the shaak bucked, and Anakin lost his balance and fell off.

Padme laughed even harder, until she saw Anakin try to get up; he struggled to rise, then crumpled and lay still. Concerned, Padme ran to where Anakin was lying face down in the grass. "Ani, Ani! Are you all right?"

She turned him over, he pulled a stupid face at her before he burst out laughing. Padme yelped in mock fury and took a swing at him, Anakin caught her arm and rolled over in the grass, still laughing they stared at each other looking into each other's eyes.

xxx

Qui-gon noticed the difference in Anakin immediately, he seemed - happier, a little less aprehensive and more confident. Then he saw Padme smiling at him as they walked in together, he frowned, what had she done?

"Anakin?" Smiling he walked forward, "I thought we might start your training today."

Anakin froze, and smiled; a real smile, one that lit up his eyes. "I'd love to."

Qui-gon cocked his head, he was surprised at the instant agreement; he had thought Anakin would be hesistant, more cautious - he hadn't expected this, hadn't thought that Anakin would be so trusting so soon. "Then come with me, and we'll begin."