A/N: Hi all! So, this is a big chapter that I know a LOT of you have been waiting for. This isn't the labor or birth chapters but they are coming. I'm still writing chapter 9 which the labor chapter and then after that is the birth chapter so I've got a few big chapters coming up. This is a bit of tension between Anakin and Obi-Wan in this chapter I loved writing it. Tension is so them. I love the relationship between them go from reluctant master and troublesome student to tension heavy father and son to the best of friends. I think it would have been nice to have Obi-Wan dwell a bit more on his relationship with Anakin in the original films when he was talking to Luke about him. Anyway, this chapter see's Satine's return and the end of a certain tyrant. I would also like to thank everyone who has been reviewing and leaving kudos with follows and likes. I would also like to give a massive shoutout to Johnt12345 who has been the one of the most sweetest reviewers. I don't get many reviewers who actually comment on how much they love the story and are actually willing to talk to me about what's coming next. There is a quite a bit coming up which I am excited about sharing. The next chapter might be up next week. I have a lot of other stories that I have to work on as well and I want to be able to be ahead of the pack, so to speak, with this story. I will warn you like I said at the beginning, this story is going to be MASSIVE. I have planned 122 chapters for this story. I know it's a lot and I hope you all stick with it. The reason I'm making it long is because I want to be able to test my writing skills and see just how far I can push myself. Enough of my babbling, enjoy chapter 6: "The War is Over."


Chapter 06: "The War is Over."


Two days passed and the day to execute the Chancellor's arrest finally arrived.

Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan stood in the council chamber waiting for the council meeting to begin.

"Is this a good idea?" Ahsoka asked.

"Don't tell us you're getting cold feet, Ahsoka." Obi-Wan said peering around Anakin.

"No, I'm not, it's just I have a really bad feeling about this."

Before Anakin and Obi-Wan could answer her, the last members of the council arrived and seated themselves.

"Meeting in progress, it is." Master Yoda said.

"We all know why we're here." Windu said. "Let's get to it."

For an hour, the plan started to form as to how Palpatine was going to be captured and how things were going to proceed from there.

But with every passing moment, Anakin grew uneasy. What if Ahsoka's comment before were to come true? No. He couldn't think like that. This was his one chance to get the council back on side and the chance to live the life he wanted with Padmé was within reach.

"If I may, masters?" Anakin said once Yoda had asked if there were any questions.

"Skywalker?" Windu said, curious.

"I know you desire to keep me out of this but you will need my help to arrest him as he is very powerful."

Ahsoka and Obi-Wan looked at each other. They were standing behind Anakin. A chill ran through them as if they were on Hoth or some other cold planet.

Windu and Yoda looked at each other thoughtfully.

"Why must you help in the capture of the Chancellor, hm?" Yoda asked curiously.

"I have my own problems with him, Master Yoda."

Yoda knew better then to ask for specifics.

"Very well. In the meantime, your Padawan and Master Kenobi shall remain on standby in case we require back up." Windu said.

"What?"

All eyes turned to Ahsoka.

"You cannot be serious. I helped get the information that you required to bring Palpatine down and this is how you repay me?"

"Ahsoka," Anakin said gently, turning to face her. "Master Windu has a point. I know you have faced dangerous opponents before but the Chancellor is even more dangerous then all of those we have faced combined. I need you here with Obi-Wan."

At that moment, Obi-Wan stepped forward to join his two friends, placing a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder. "Everything is going to fine Ahsoka," he looked to Anakin who nodded. "Do what you must old friend."

Anakin didn't have to know what Obi-Wan was thinking to know he was referring to Padmé and the baby. He knew Obi-Wan was silently trying to encourage Ahsoka to stay with Padmé while the Chancellor was being arrested. They didn't want her in the firing line.

Finally, Ahsoka relented, a weak nod occurring.

"We will meet tonight here in this room. Be ready everyone. Council adjourned."


"This is unlawful!" Ahsoka screeched.

She and Anakin were walking out of the council chamber corridor and down towards the lower floors.

"How can they not allow me to join your arrest team when I helped get the information?"

Anakin sighed. When Ahsoka was angry it was very hard to get her to listen to any form of reasoning. "I explained it to you, Ahsoka. Obi-Wan did too."

"Yes, you were being cryptic." Ahsoka said dryly.

"We don't take pride in the council's decisions, Ahsoka. If we did then we'd all be dead by now."

Ahsoka snorted. "Says you." She muttered, not caring if Anakin could hear her.

"Look," Anakin stopped walking and grabbed Ahsoka by the shoulders. "You know what your mission is. Accept it."

"Yeah, I get to play babysitter to your heavily pregnant wife while you get to arrest a Sith Lord. Yeah fun times."

Anakin looked around to see if anyone was around. When he was certain no one was watching, he hit Ahsoka around the back of the head.

"Ow!" she yelped. "Why did you do that?"

"Do you wanna get busted for mentioning my private life?" Anakin hissed at her.

Ahsoka wanted to bite back but didn't have the heart to. Yes, she was angry but she would never take it out on Anakin or Padmé. They didn't deserve it. They had done so much for her.

"Sorry, I'm just…"

"Pissed?" Anakin guessed.

"More then that," Ahsoka admitted. "I'm furious. First they think I'm capable of terrorism and now they're keeping me away from one of the biggest arrests the Jedi have ever made."

"I know it's hard but you have to have faith that we can accomplish this. You're still involved even if you will be on the sidelines. Look after Padmé and I will come and tell you want happened after. I promise."

Fair enough, Ahsoka thought as she nodded. "Fine. When do you want me up there?"

"How does 1830 sound?"

"Sounds good. I'll see you tonight."


Deep in the Coruscant underworld, Obi-Wan hid in the shadows. He was on his way to visit Satine whom had hidden herself away in the deepest (and darkest) place she could find. After her visit to Padmé and Ahsoka, she wanted to tell Obi-Wan that she had revealed herself to Ahsoka but she hadn't had the chance… until now.

It took Obi-Wan a good forty-five minutes to get to his beloved duchess' hiding place. The underworld on Coruscant was a treacherous place with mobsters and arms dealers hiding in the shadows ready to pounce on their victims.

What a piece of junk, he thought to himself.

The hut was small but Obi-Wan knew better. He had always believed that small was best when it came to hiding from an enemy or the galaxy that believed you were dead. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the shadows and towards the hut before knocking on the outer wall.

The door slid up revealing a relieved looking Satine. She pulled him inside without a second thought.

"How did you find me?" the Duchess asked.

Obi-Wan smirked affectionately. "You my darling have always been predictable."

"Like Anakin."

"Like Anakin, yes." Obi-Wan agreed.

"I need to tell you something." Satine said seating herself on the couch. Obi-Wan moved to the second couch, sitting opposite her.

"Oh?"

"Ahsoka knows I'm alive."

A dozen expressions passed over Obi-Wan's face before it returned to its calm. "How does she know?"

"Padmé asked her to the apartment that was when I revealed myself to be alive."

Obi-Wan was thoughtful. "I thought Anakin told her beforehand."

"According to Padmé he did."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I thought Anakin would."

Satine detected a slight cringe in Obi-Wan's voice. "You know about them, don't you?"

Obi-Wan lowered his head. "Yes, I do. I must admit, I wasn't very happy but if Ahsoka hadn't of been there, I don't know what I would have done. Anakin has lied to me all this time. Not only do I discover he and Padmé are married but they also have a baby on the way. I thought I knew him."

Satine could see the devastation clearly on Obi-Wan's face. She knew how close Obi-Wan and Anakin were and it hurt her to see Obi-Wan upset. "I second guessed it." She said.

"You knew? How much did you know?"

"Not much," Satine told him. "Like I said, my darling Obi-Wan, I second guessed. An idiot could see Padmé is pregnant."

"Did you know Anakin is the father?"

"I knew of their connection long before I went into hiding."

"Did Padmé tell you?"

"No," Satine said simply. "I knew of their connection by piecing together their interactions."

Obi-Wan looked at her shamefully. "I had suspicions but I never thought Anakin would doing something like that and lie to me about it." He thought back to the conversation he had had with Anakin during Padmé's second run-in with Clovis. Anakin had claimed he and Padmé were just friends but Obi-Wan had suspected there was more at play and clearly he'd been right.

The former couple sat in silence for a moment. It felt a little awkward but it all they could do from throwing themselves at each other. They loved each other dearly but even they had to follow the rules.

"Did you mean it?" Satine asked suddenly.

"Mean what?" Obi-Wan questioned.

"When Maul stabbed me, you said that you would have left the Jedi Order for me. Would you have left?"

Obi-Wan had never been the nervous type but he was this time. He bit his lip, hoping Satine wasn't going to notice. "Yes," he whispered. "I would have."

Satine looked at him mournfully. "I wish I could take you up on your offer but I cannot."

"I understand."

Their eyes locked, their thoughts mounded together as if they were thinking the same thing. Their love could wait, as there were other things that needed to be sorted out first.


Evening had fallen much quicker then Anakin would have liked. He paced back and forth in front of Padmé who was attempting to read one of the reports that had landed on her desk earlier that day.

"Ani," the senator said still looking down at her report. "Can you please stop doing that? You're making me anxious."

Anakin did as he was told. "Sorry, I just can't wait for this to be over and done with."

Padmé nodded putting her report aside. "I agree. Hopefully tonight will be the night."

"Yeah but question is," Anakin said as he sat next to her, "Who will be the next Chancellor?"

"Someone who actually cares for the Republic and doesn't want to turn it into an Empire."

"Is that what he's planning to do with the Republic?"

Padmé shrugged. "That's what the Delegation of 2000 are guessing. After tonight we'll finally have an answer."

"Hopefully." Anakin agreed as Padmé moved closer to him.

Wrapping his arms around his wife, Anakin could feel her trembling with fear. She knew that if tonight backfired, she could lose him, permanently.

"Everything's going to be okay." he gently assured her.

"I don't want to lose you," she whispered. "I can't raise our child on my own."

Anakin gave her a soft chuckle as he reached up to touch her cheek.

Padmé sniffed. "I love you." She whispered.

Anakin gave a soft chuckle loud enough for her to hear. He leaned in to kiss her but stopped at the sound of the apartment opening and closing.

"Master." Came Ahsoka's voice.

"Yeah, down here." Anakin called before giving Padmé an apologetic look.

"Hello Ahsoka." Padmé smiled as she struggled to her feet.

"Hi Padmé, how are you feeling?"

"Okay, I think." Padmé told her as she pulled her young friend into a tight hug.

"How's my niece or nephew?" Ahsoka asked with a smile.

"She or he are perfectly fine," Anakin said rising to stand beside his wife. "Hiya Snips."

"Hi Master. So, I'm here. How long do you think you're gonna be?"

"Not sure yet." Anakin answered.

"Well, I'll stay for as long as you need me to be here."

"Thanks Ahsoka, I really appreciate it." Anakin said patting his Padawan on the back.

"Be careful, Ani." Padmé said as she hugged him.

"I'll be home as soon as I can. I wouldn't want the little one to miss me too much." Anakin assured her.

Padmé gave a watery a smile before reaching for him to kiss him.

Ahsoka didn't bother to look away. It was something she was getting use to.

"Go," Padmé urged him. "Give us our freedom."

Anakin released her and took a few steps back before turning to Ahsoka. "Look after her, Snips."

Ahsoka bit hard on her cheek, nearly tasting blood as she nodded.

Just as Anakin headed up the stairs towards the entrance Ahsoka stopped him. "Master."

Anakin stopped mid-step and turned around.

"Be careful."

Anakin regarded his Padawan for a moment before nodding and resuming his walk towards the door.

The closing of the apartment door reduced Padmé to tears.

Before Ahsoka could stop her, Padmé sunk to the floor in a flood of tears. Sinking with her, Ahsoka wrapped her arms around the sobbing expectant mother.

"I can't lose him, Ahsoka." Padmé sobbed.

"You won't." Ahsoka said gently as she helped Padmé over to one of the couches. "He's a fighter and I can't believe I'm actually going to say this but he's come a long way since we met back on Christophsis. If I know one thing, he'll come home to see the baby come into this world." Ahsoka placed a hand over Padmé's hand that was resting on her stomach.

"You have a lot of faith in him." The senator sniffed.

"You should too," Ahsoka chuckled. "He's your husband."

Padmé sniffed and rested her head against Ahsoka's shoulder. Ahsoka sighed, resting her own head against Padmé's.

Come home to us, Anakin. Come home.


Anakin walked towards the Jedi Temple, unable to get the frightened look on Padmé's face out of his mind. He hated having to go on assignment and not know if he'd come out of it alive. He felt worst that Ahsoka wasn't joining him. He knew she wanted to be there when Palpatine was brought to justice.

"Skywalker."

Anakin turned his head to see Ventress hurrying towards him. It still stuck him as odd that Ventress actually was back in the Order and had a head of hair. "Ventress." He greeted. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Is what I heard true? That the Chancellor is going to be arrested tonight?"

"Hopefully, yeah. We know he's dangerous. A Sith Lord."

"Sith?" Ventress questioned.

"Yeah."

"Sidious." Ventress muttered.

"What?"

"I think I might know who Palpatine's sith persona is."

Anakin stared at her. "Sidious? You think this guy and Palpatine are the same person?"

"More then likely."

"That could prove useful in a trial."

"How do you know this will go to trial?"

"I don't know. We just have to pray that it does. Come on. We could use your testimony if things get ugly." Anakin then turned and continued towards the Temple. Ventress looked momentarily stunned before following after him.


After a few minutes, Anakin and Ventress arrived at the council chambers.

Anakin was ready to step inside the room but Ventress found herself hesitating. "You coming or what?"

"I think it shall be best if I remain out here."

Anakin frowned. He had never seen Ventress hesitate before. "Okay," he said at last. "Wish me luck."


The council sat in their designated seats going over the final preparations for the Chancellor's capture and arrest.

Anakin felt strangely out of place without Ahsoka next to him. He looked over to see that Obi-Wan's chair was vacant. This wasn't like him. He was one of the few Jedi that actually enjoyed council meetings. Shaking his head slightly, not wanting to draw attention to himself, he looked back at the council; surprised he could actually recall everything that was being said.

"…We shall have Fisto, Skywalker, Tiin, Kolar and myself on the arresting side." Windu was saying.

"I wish Master Kenobi was here," said the hologram of Plo Koon. "He would be an added bonus to this strike team."

"If I may, Masters." Anakin interrupted.

"Skywalker." Windu nodded for him to continue.

"I know someone who might be willing to join us," Anakin looked around at the other members of the council. "I believe Ventress could help us in discovering the truth about Palpatine."

"You have a lot of faith in Ventress, Anakin," Kit Fisto said. "Why may I ask is that?"

"She helped me save Ahsoka. I know everyone here has had their fair share of run ins with her but she's hurting. Dooku tried to kill her. She deserves another chance. Isn't that the whole reason why you all agreed to give her a trial run to see if she could be trusted?"

Silence.

Masters exchanged looks with each other.

"You have a fair point," Windu admitted. "Where is Ventress now?"

"Outside." Anakin answered.

"Finish this meeting we will, then invite Ventress to join us you will, Skywalker." Master Yoda said.

"What if she doesn't want to join us in capturing the Chancellor?"

"It is her choice. It is merely a suggestion." Ki-Adi-Mundi said gently.

Anakin bit his lip.

"Meeting adjourned and may the Force be with us all."


Outside the council chambers, Ventress waited anxiously for Anakin to reemerge from the council meeting. Anxiety? Why was she feeling anxious? She had never had the pleasure of such an emotion. She had spent so many years as a Sith Assassin after her master's death that she hadn't had time to ponder over feelings.

Now that she was back amongst the ranks of her Jedi brethren, she felt more at peace then she ever had and she knew she had Anakin to thank for that. He had asked for her help in saving his Padawan from a death sentence in which she too had been wronged.

"Ventress."

At the sound of her name, she turned to see Anakin emerge from the council chamber.

"The council wants you to join us with capturing Palpatine."

Again, Ventress hesitated. "I cannot."

"Why?"

"He will kill me before he finishes off the council." When Anakin frowned, Ventress quickly launched into an explanation. "He knows who I am and if he knows I've been asked to help capture him, he will kill me on the spot."

Anakin sighed, knowing that he couldn't argue with her. "Alright, I tried at least. I'll make sure you're one of the first ones to know." Anakin patted her on the arm before hurrying down the hallway, leaving Ventress in the lurch.


Joining his fellow councilmen, Anakin marched silently and confidently towards the Chancellor's office in the Senate building. Every time he visited the Senate building now reminded him of the Senate Hostage Crisis. He knew now how foolish it had been to give Padmé his lightsabre and then to kiss her when someone could have walked in on them. Maybe Padmé had been right. His love for her had blinded him.

Just thinking of Padmé made him consider everything. If they were able to capture Palpatine, the galaxy and the Republic as a whole would be free of any tyranny that Palpatine had up his sleeve and he would be free to live out the rest of his days as the husband that Padmé so desperately desired and the father their child needed. He could even be the mentor that Ahsoka had always dreamed of having.

"Ready for this, Anakin?" Kit asked him.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Anakin answered.

The group of Jedi readied themselves for combat.

Using the Force, the group's lightsabres, flew from their belts and into their hands, ready to strike.


Up in Padmé's apartment, the senator couldn't bring herself to sleep so she and Ahsoka sat up talking.

"You should really be sleeping, my lady." Ahsoka sighed.

"I know but I can't without knowing Anakin's okay."

"Why are you so stubborn?"

"Like husband, like wife, like child." Padmé grinned, her hands resting over her stomach.

"I hope not. We don't need another Anakin."

"I thought you'd like that."

"No, I wouldn't," Ahsoka snorted. "One Anakin is plenty."

Padmé smiled when a thought occurred to her. "Wait here." She got up and headed up towards the bedroom. She returned a moment later with something in her hands.

"What have you got there?" Ahsoka asked as Padmé returned to the living area.

"I have had this for years and I've never shown anyone." Padmé sat down beside her. She then opened her palm to reveal what she was holding.

"Is that what I think it is?" Ahsoka gasped.

"Hmm-hmm."

"Wow. A Japor Snippet. I've heard of these but I've never actually seen one."

"Anakin made this for me when he was a child. It was a parting gift when we arrived here on Coruscant. Of course, we weren't to know we'd meet again." Padmé held the trinket out to Ahsoka to examine.

Gingerly taking the trinket from Padmé's hand, Ahsoka held the snippet up to eye level.

The Japor Snippet was ivory white with a dark pattern of lines and dots on the face.

"It's pretty. It's amazing to think Anakin made it."

"I agree," Padmé said, slipping the chain over her head so that the snippet came to rest against her chest. "That husband of mine is very creative."

"I hope the baby is creative."

"Done rattling off desires this child will have?" Padmé laughed.

"Yeah, I'm quite done." Ahsoka smiled cheekily.

"Anakin has taught you well, young one."

"I owe him and you everything."

Padmé smiled, touched by the Padawan's statement. She reached across and took Ahsoka's hand.

Ahsoka gave the senator's hand a gently squeeze for reassurance. "He'll be home. Don't worry."


The Jedi arrest team made their way up the multitude of floors to the one that contained the Chancellor's office.

Entering the threshold to the office, Anakin knew he was either going to die here or he was to emerge the victor. This could be the Jedi's last chance to end the war for good. Taking a deep breath, he slowed his heavy walk to a slow one as he trailed behind Masters Fisto and Tiin. As much as he wanted to be next to Master Windu, Anakin kept his distance.

"Master Jedi," the Chancellor said with a kindly smile. "What do I owe this pleasure?"

Windu revealed his lightsabre, activating it. The other Jedi stepped forward doing the same. "In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you are under arrest, Chancellor."

Anakin watched as the Chancellor's face fell. "Are you threatening me master Jedi?" The old man snarled.

Anakin stepped forward, ready for an attack. "The Senate will decide your fate." His voice was even, hard and unyielding.

Palpatine's face softened a little. "Anakin. You don't want to arrest me, do you my dear boy?"

Anakin's mind was clear and focused. No one was going to stop him getting what he wanted. "Oh, yes I really do, Chancellor. You are charged with starting the Clone Wars and acts of terrorism, espionage and treason and other crimes against the Republic."

"I am the Senate!" Palpatine growled.

"Not yet." Windu responded calmly.

Palpatine stood up, a lightsabre protruding from his sleeve. "Then it's treason, then."

Before Anakin could even blink, Palpatine threw himself at him forcing him to throw himself out of the way, his lightsabre clashing with the enemy's. The other masters jumped into the frey without a second thought.


Ahsoka cried out as if she could feel Anakin's surprise and adrenaline.

Padmé jumped up, stumbled but caught herself as she sat beside the teenager.

Suddenly, Ahsoka returned to the present with a shriek.

"What is it?"

Ahsoka's gaze turned to the senator, her expression watery. She went to open her mouth but her mouth suddenly felt as course and rough as the sand dunes on Tatooine.

A look of worry and panic took over Padmé's face.


Kolar, Fisto and Tiin were injured within the opening minutes of the fight, leaving Anakin and Windu to continue the fight on their own.

Anakin desperately looked for a way to stop the Chancellor from gaining the upper hand. Then it hit him.

The window.

Throwing his hand in the direction of the window, Anakin silently prayed when-

The window cracked before shattering, glass flying everywhere and the evening's cold winds flooding the office space.

With the Chancellor momentarily distracted, Windu and Anakin were able to push the Chancellor towards the open window.

Realizing what was going on, Palpatine raised his hands, lightning ricocheted from his fingers, catching Windu by surprise and sending him flying into the opposite wall.

Anakin held his lightsabre up, deflecting the Force lightning back at the chancellor.

Windu groaned, quickly regaining consciousness. He crawled over to his still unconscious comrades to check if they were still alive.

"I can help you save those you love." The chancellor groaned as the lightning pulsed through him.

Anakin ignored him and kept his weapon angled, He watched in horror as Palpatine's face changed to disfigurement.

The old man's face was wrinkly beyond anything imaginable. His eyes changed to a horrific and sick yellow color.

"Don't let yourself kill me." Sidious cried weakly as the lightning continued to weaken him.

A thousand thoughts ran through Anakin's mind. Could he kill the old man because of what he was? Could he really teach him to save those he loved? No! He couldn't think like that. He didn't care about power or fame. His family came first. Suddenly, faces flashed across his vision.

Padmé.

Ahsoka.

Obi-Wan.

Rex.

The entirety of the 501st.

His son or daughter.

Anakin could nearly hear Ahsoka's voice booming through his skull.

"Kill him! Kim him now!"

It wasn't Ahsoka's voice he was hearing; it was Master Windu's.

Raising his weapon, Anakin sunk his lightsabre blade down into Palpatine's chest and through his heart.

The Sith Lord's body slumped, dead.

Anakin deactivated his lightsabre, freeing the blade from the now dead Sith Lord's body.

"What have I done?" Anakin fretted.

Windu came up behind him. "You did the Republic a great service, Skywalker. We'll take things from here."

Anakin looked over to where Fisto, Tiin and Kolar were now standing. They looked a little bruised and shaken but not badly injured.

"You have our thanks, Anakin," Fisto said thankfully. "You saved our lives."

Anakin nodded, his breath rattled in his chest at the sight of what he had done.

Windu turned to face him. "Anakin, we will discuss what is to happen in the morning, right now though, get so sleep, you've earn it." There was a look in his eyes that Anakin hadn't seen before. He couldn't decide if it was pride or thankfulness. Either way he was willing to take both in stride and deal with what was coming next in the morning. All he wanted to do now was get back to Padmé and Ahsoka and tell them everything that had occurred in this office tonight.

"Thank you Master." Anakin reclined his head and turned to leave, homeward bound.


By the time Anakin arrived back at the apartment, Padmé and Ahsoka were half-asleep.

"Ani!" Padmé pulled herself off the couch, pulling a half-dozing Ahsoka with her. The senator then released Ahsoka and threw herself into the arms of her husband.

"What happened?" Ahsoka asked, suddenly fully awake and alert.

Anakin looked more shaken then relieved.

Ahsoka could sense something wasn't quite right. She had seen Anakin shaken before but nothing like this.

"Are you both alright? The baby?"

We're fine," Padmé said as Anakin pulled her closer. "Stop fussing."

Padmé pulled out of Anakin's grasp and backed up so she was standing next to Ahsoka.

Ahsoka felt her protective instincts take over as she wrapped her arms around Padmé. Before she knew, Padmé's arms were wrapped around her, vice tight.

"Ventress was right." Anakin said. "You were all right." His eyes were on Ahsoka and Padmé.

There was something dark in Anakin's tone that made Padmé and Ahsoka shiver.

Anakin turned to face the window. "I will not betray the Republic."

Ahsoka and Padmé froze, their arms tightening around each other. There was something in Anakin's voice that neither of them liked.

"My loyalties lay with the Jedi and the Senate," Anakin turned around. "And with the two of you."

This wasn't exactly reassuring. Ahsoka and Padmé held each other tighter with Padmé's nails digging into Ahsoka's arm.

When Ahsoka didn't yelp or cry out, Padmé thought it was wise to look at the teenager. What she saw was truly disturbing.

Ahsoka had gone white and if she moved anymore, she would likely pass out.

Anakin seemed to notice this too; the dark look on his face vanished almost instantly. "Ahsoka?" he stepped forward catching his Padawan just as Padmé released her.

"So cold." Ahsoka murmured as Anakin eased her onto the couch closest to them.

"It's alright, Ahsoka. No one will harm us. Not again." He looked over to see Padmé perched next to Ahsoka.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"I…" Anakin swallowed. "I killed the Chancellor."

"You what?" Ahsoka quickly recovered from her bout of faintness. "What happened exactly?"

"The council met, decided that I was to join them in capturing the Chancellor. Things took a turn when he revealed himself to be the Sith Lord Darth Sidious."

"Ventress was right," Ahsoka said, repeating what Anakin said just moments before. "What happened next?"

"There was a struggle where Masters Fisto, Tiin and Kolar were knocked unconscious leaving just Master Windu and I to duel the Chancellor alone…"

Ahsoka cut across him. "Duel? He had a lightsabre?" she asked in disbelief.

Even Padmé appeared surprised.

"Yes and he was a tough opponent. I've faced tough opponents before but nothing like this. He used Force lightning against Windu and tried to kill him but I was able to stop him… just."

Padmé pressed her lips together and looked to Ahsoka who was harboring the same expression.

"I was able to weaken him and smash the window of his office. He tried to convince me that he had the ability to help me save you all from death but I didn't buy it and then… I killed him." He tore his gaze from Ahsoka and Padmé, biting his lower lip. "There's something else."

"What?" Padmé said her voice holding between a whisper and whimper.

"He..." Anakin shallowed like there was a bad taste in his mouth. "He tried to turn me to the Dark Side."

Both women stared at him. Neither knew what to say through their shock.

"What happens…?" Ahsoka started to say before she was cut off.

"Anakin? You here?" called an all too familiar voice.

Obi-Wan.

A moment later, Obi-Wan appeared taking the couple of steps down to the living area.

"Master Obi-Wan." Ahsoka grinned as Padmé helped her up.

"Hello young Ahsoka." Obi-Wan beamed. His head then turned in the direction of Anakin and Padmé.

"Obi-Wan, what are you doing here?" Padmé said in surprise as he stepped forward to hug her.

"I came to see Anakin," Obi-Wan turned his full attention to his former Padawan. "I heard what happened with Palpatine. Are you alright?"

"Fine," Anakin made an attempt to brush off Obi-Wan's concern but found it was furtile. "I just did something really stupid."

"Does it have to do with what happened in the Chancellor's office? If it does, I already know about it."

"You know I killed him?"

"Master Fisto told me when I ran into him earlier."

"Where were you earlier, by the way?" Anakin interrupted. "You weren't at the meeting. I could have needed you." Anakin was hurt that Obi-Wan hadn't been there as support.

Obi-Wan bit his lip and bowed his head. "I was with Satine."

Silence fell.

To the others, it was probably the most explainable thing that was logical. Obi-Wan wasn't known for missing too many council meetings, no matter where in the galaxy he was.

"That explains a bit." Anakin said, a teasing smile crossing his face. "Congratulations, Obi-Wan you have officially entered the game I like to call forbidden love."

"Anakin." Ahsoka said sternly.

"What?" Anakin exclaimed. "He's doing the same thing I've been doing for three years."

"Anakin," Padmé said equally as sternly. "Enough."

Anakin wanted to say more but held his tongue knowing Padmé and Ahsoka were just going to dig into him more. He wanted to call Obi-Wan a hypocrite but didn't.

"We appreciate the honesty Obi-Wan," Padmé told her old friend gently but not before throwing a distasteful look at her husband. "We will support you, no matter what you decide."

"Thank you, Senator." Obi-Wan gave Padmé a grateful smile.

From where he was standing, Anakin rolled his eyes. Typical. Padmé was always choosing the side with the best views and arguments.

"So what's going to happen to Palpatine's body?" Ahsoka asked, eager to get back on topic.

"It will be examined in the morgue and will be taken back to Naboo." Obi-Wan looked over at Padmé who appeared visibly shaken.

"Why would he have tried to overthrow the Republic? He was one of the best politicians Naboo has ever had."

Anakin wanted to comment that Palpatine may have been a good politician but nowhere near as good as Padmé but held his tongue.

"Whatever the reason," Ahsoka said. "He must have craved power. If he couldn't become King of Naboo then maybe he wanted to rule the galaxy."

"That's a good theory, Snips. I just can't believe he nearly used me to do so. I wouldn't jeopardize everything I hold dear. Not unless I was totally desperate."

"We know now that he wanted you on his side. To serve him as a Sith."

The very idea that Obi-Wan had concocted made Anakin want to vomit. The very idea of turning to the Dark Side was one only desperate people and Dark Jedi considered. Anakin had too much to live for. He had his family to consider.

"That's creepy." Ahsoka muttered.

Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.

"So what happens with the war?" Padmé asked, fear taking over her voice.

Obi-Wan and Ahsoka looked at Anakin expectantly.

"I can tell you one thing," Anakin said looking from his wife, best friend and Padawan. "The war is over."


Woohoo! The Clone Wars have officially ended! The next chapter is the aftermath in the senate. It's not going to be pretty. Next chapter Lux will have a brief appearance and Anakin will see Ahsoka's reaction to this. I look forward to next chapter.

To be continued...