A/N- Thank you for the quick feedback from all of you! As for Luke, you'll see him in time.

Chapter 10

( 25 1/2 Months Prior)

Anakin Skywalker eyed his former master with agitation as Obi-wan Kenobi discusses the council's concerns of his future. His future that he has no control over, according to the Jedi Council. He had been in Theed for two weeks and had moved from the ICU to Recovery Wing of the Hospital and worked with physical therapists to regain control of the leftover limp of his arm. His other wounds have healed tremendously, minus his eye sight in the scarred eye. The doctors were not hopefully of his sight returning in his eye. But Anakin had hope within the force. He had begun doing healing mediation each night and used the force to attempt at healing his vision. He despised meditation but it was all he had to cling to. He feels a loss of purpose in his life and he has expressed his frustrations on a daily basis with his outbursts with the doctors and nurses whom he finds coddles him. He is not a child and should not be treated as such.

Obi-wan narrows his gaze at his brother of arms and states flatly, " The Jedi Council is still debating your position in the field."

Anakin shoots daggers at his former master as he snips out, " You mean to tell me they are considering casting me out of the order or worse relieving me of my position as a field commander because of my injuries."

Obi-wan's gray eyes express his compassion for his friend as he calmly assures, " Anakin, the Council is not thinking of casting you out of the order. You have not broken the Jedi Code. They are considering the best options for your life as a Jed-"

He is cut off by Anakin's sneer, " The Best options? Their best option is to relieve me of field duty and allow me to lead a dull and mundane career as a Jedi teacher or in the archives no less. They see me as less now that I am without the use of an eye and one armed. They see me as arrogant of my talents and not the accomplishments as a military leader."

Obi-wan's hands gesture for him to calm down and he assures him, " Anakin the council has made no final decisions yet. You have not fully recovered to your old self-"

Anakin's voice roars in accusation, " They sent you here to inquire about my state physically and mentally! Do not lie to me Master. I know of the Jedi's trickery. They are fearful of my anger and attachments. They've always been."

Obi-wan sighs and states, " Yes they sent me here to inquire about your state of health. Anakin- I'm concerned for you. Your anger and rage is known throughout the hospital. I've heard of your fits of using the force to throw medial supplies or medicine the doctors have required for you to take. Anger is not the Jedi way."

His mocking of the Jedi Code enrages his brother in arms. Anakin sneers out, " Anger may not be the Jedi way, but I am a human being. I think the Jedi Council wants us as Jedi to never feel emotion. They want us to be robots. I'm half-way there." He holds up his robotic arm.

Obi-wan's expression shines that of pity. One Anakin has seen much of late. He murmurs calmly, " Anakin, I know your angry, but lashing out on anyone who is trying to help you regain your sense of purpose is immoral. As a Jedi you should show compassion to anyone who is willing to help you."

Anakin's eyes narrow and his jaw clenches. " I do not require assistance from anyone who looks at me with pity. I am not a child!"

Obi-wan's tone rises and he warns, " Your outbursts are that of a child. If you continue this behavior the Council will question your abilities-"

Anakin's gaze is steely as he sneers, " They already question my abilities and you can report this to them- they're threat of casting me out means nothing to me. Tell them to go to the Kriffin Seven Siths Hells! I am resigning my position as of now."

Obi-wan's gaze is stern as he scolds, " Do not be so quick to determine your destiny. You are acting like a Padawan-"

Anakin's uses the force to throw his lightsaber at Obi-wan as he claims, " I'm serious. If the Council has no faith in my abilities of recovering, than I resign my position as a Knight!"

Obi-wan grasps the familiar weapon he had handed to his Padawan on countless occasions, and his mantra, " This weapon is your life."

Obi-wan swallows thickly and attempts to persuade him to reconsider, " Anakin I think its best for now your suspending of your duties until you come to your senses."

Anakin laughs coldly, " As I have already stated, the Jedi Council has my resignation. If you decide to reject my request than that is your decision, but I will not be returning to the Jedi once I am healed."

Obi-wan eyes his friend and mutters in a tone of pity, " I hope you find peace old friend."

He turns on his heels and leaves the young man in his misery.

Obi-wan's eyes drift to a hooded figure standing outside of the room. Her head is cloaked but her force signature shines brightly within the force. Obi-wan sighs in resignation and mutters, " He is lost and the only person who can help him is himself. Do not give up on him. He needs friends, though he refuses to ask for our help."

The hooded figure bobs her head as she whispers, " I will never give up on him. He needs a leader to help him find his purpose and I'm hoping I can deliver that to him."

With his last favor, Obi-wan leaves the hooded figure to enter the cave of the beast. She enters quietly as her slippers make little sound on the checkered colored floor. His blue eyes glare into the hooded creature and he deadpans, " What is it you want, princess?"

Padme' lifts the hood from her face, and her chocolate curls spill out and curl around her face. Even though he should be angry with her, the soft expression she wears softens his anger. His steely icy glare sends chills down her entire spine and she attempts at reaching him through their bond, but he sends up walls through their bond. She is no force sensitive and yet their bond is that of the force.

Anakin- please don't shut me out.

His arms are clasped on his hips and he eyes her as she moved towards him. He stands by the window where Obi-wan had left him moments ago. His eyes narrow as he notices the light-saber left by Obi-wan. His eyes dart back to the Princess of Naboo and her countance expresses her calm exterior, but the force radiates with her fear of him. Of his anger. He wasn't angry with her as much as he had been in the past, and he wants to forgive her. But he refuses to allow her to feel pity for his injuries. He is a man and will not allow himself to show weakness now. He is not a boy.

" I wish for only peace Princess, and not company of yours. Don't you have obligations to your people instead of visiting a injured man?" He snips out, his gaze is still that of an icy blue- a cold stare.

Padme' keeps her composure as she had been taught. She lifts her chin and assures, " I do my obligations one my own schedule, but I have an obligation as your friend to support your well-being and frankly I am concerned for your well-being."

Anakin turns away from her and mocks, " A friend? I do recall a conversation with you that I did not require your friendship and yet you return every day to try and lift my spirits. Why is it not clear to you that I do not need you in my life? I have no interest in your request."

Padme' swallows nervously and attempts at keeping her composure. Her politically mask was failing her. It worked with most angry people- Senators, her people and even her parents. But Anakin knew her on a level no one else did- a soulful connection and he can read her like a book- just as she could when he didn't shut her out.

" That is a lie- and you and I both know it," Her voice is stern, yet calm.

He turns to her and his icy gaze eyes her attire of the day. Her robe appears a soft purple color. The shade most Nabooians wore on a daily basis. She had chosen to wear a simple white shirt and tan pants- probably to keep her visibility as a royal away from the public eye. Her hair falls in curls around her face and he thinks she looks more beautiful than ever. His mind cannot wander to such thoughts- she rejected the idea of a relationship long ago. And why would her mind change now?

" You do not know what I want," He utters sternly.

She steps closer attempting to grasp his human hand and he pulls away from her touch. She flinches and murmurs, " Anakin, I miss our friendship and I want to help you."

He looks down at her yearning expression. His jaw is still clenched but he knows she is the light in his life. He wants to forgive her. His voice softens with his statement for a mere moment, encouraging and yet demanding. " You know what I want."

Her eyes stare down at his statement and she mutters, " You know my answer."

His softened tone is all but gone from his voice as he replies, " You know my response is the same then. Leave me be."

Her gaze falls to the ground as he breaks away from the space between them and backs away. He turns to the window and eyes the scene beholding his gaze. The morning light shines brightly and the sun's beams shine through the window. The day is beautiful and does not reflect his mood. His eyes peer over the lake's horizon and the docks with boats bobbing on its surface. His eyes watch the people walking on the plaza several yards away and he yearns for their sense of peace.

" I heard your conversation with Obi-wan. It seems your in need of a job." Her voice changes the subject.

His eyes stay on the scene outside and he says nothing.

She continues, " I am in need of another guard on my team. I'm offering you a job as my guard. The official job would include housing, decent pay but work hours are demanding that you are on different shifts, depending on my schedule."

" Does your father know of your offer?" He questions, as he turns to her.

She nods and replies, " He knows I am looking for another guard for my team. It is not his decision to make, it is mine alone. Though I think he'd approve of my choice, you have protected me before."

He sighs and rubs his hair upon her offer. He could consider it. He did not fit in the Jedi anymore and he could be near her even in a professional way. Perhaps he could even change her mind- No that ideal is unrealistic. She is a princess and should be treated as such even if he quit the Jedi.

" I'll consider your offer, allow me time to think." He snaps out.

She bows her head and says, " I'll give you the rest of the week to think upon it."

She turns to leave and he questions," Why are you offering me a job?"

She stops her pacing and replies, " You're my friend, no matter what you say and I help my friends when they need me."

Present Day

Padme's eyes take in the sight before her. She had awoken this morning and found she had somehow slept most of the trip to Naboo. She had eaten her breakfast alone and had found Vader piloting the ship with the pilot sleeping soundly. Her eyes take in the sight of her home- the lake before her sparkles in the sun-light. There are a few boats out on the Lake of Vakeryo. Her gaze turns to that of her palace- her escape from home on the mountain-side. The green domes gleam in the morning light. The glass windows suck in the sun-light heating the rooms that she loves.

Her steps are lively until she remembers why she is home after being away for the week. Though she hadn't been home to the lake in a month. She had been serving her duties at the palace and had yearned to see those two smiling faces she loved. Her gaze falls onto that of her mother's weary expression as she exits the entrance of her daughter's home. Her brown eyes flicker to the man walking behind her. Her posture is stiff as she bows in recognition of their presences, " Your majesty, and Lord Vader, it is a pleasure to see both of you."

Padme' can almost feel Lord Vader rolling his eyes at her comment. Vader had no use for pleasantries which were for show. He did not care what people had thought of him. Anakin hadn't either- which had led to him into many situations where he had gotten himself into a heaping pile of dung. Vader chose to keep those alive whom served him for a purpose- Anakin had shown respect to those he served with.

Padme' nods her head in acknowledgement and replies, " Mother, let us not waste time. How is Leia?"

Her mother's expression and sour mood returns. She replies, " She holding on, but the medical droids aren't sure for how long."

Padme' gulps and demands, " I wish to see her."

Her mother nods in understanding and eyes Lord Vader. " I will take you to her now. Lord Vader, my guards will show you to your room, if you wish to retire."

Lord Vader knows this is a stall to distract him from seeing the child. He cannot feel their presence yet and knows someone is cloaking their force signatures. Unless the children were not force sensitive like their mother, which Vader doubts. Even Padme' had some force adapts that most people did not have. His commanding voice states, " My job is to protect the Empress, so I shall see this child with her."

Padme' shoulders tense upon hearing his request and she turns to Vader and simple states, " Milord, I do not need you to guard me. The child is ill, and not going to hurt me."

Lord Vader's tone is short as he replies, " Milady, perhaps I can be assistance in discovering what illness the child has. I do have abilities within the force, if you have forgotten."

Padme' simply nods and gestures for her mother to lead the way.

The walk towards her daughter's room is long and she dreads seeing her baby girl in such a state. Her hands tremble as the doors to the room open, and her mother, and Lord Vader follow her inside. The room is spacious and she can hear the machines going. Her eyes fall onto the crib in the middle of the room. Her body shakes as she steps close enough to see the little girl she loves more than anyone else in the world. Her mother pats her shoulder and mumbles, " I'll leave you alone, Lord Vader perhaps we can allow her a few moments alone with her niece?"

Lord Vader glares in the Queen's direction and snaps, " If I am to examine the child, it will be now. You may leave."

The Queen eyes the Sith uneasily and eyes her daughter. Padme' nods and she leaves upon seeing her acceptance of him staying. Padme's hands shake as she touches the crib and her eyes land on the 14 month old girl. Her eyes are closed and her skin is pale. Her mouth is covered by an oxygen mask and there are wires traveling to her wrists where she is connected to machines keeping her alive. Padme' touches the child's cool skin and she clasps to her knees.

" Oh-my sweet Leia- I'm sorry for not being with you." She whispers, knowing full well Vader could figure out the connection between her and Leia. She took the risk of her secret by coming here, knowing full well her could discover the truth and now she didn't care. Lord Vader approaches and eyes the little girl in the crib.

His eyes fall onto her brown chocolate curls surrounding her face. Her eyes are closed but he knows they're the same color as her mother's. He takes in her small face which is round and plump. Her chin is round like her mother's, and her tiny nose shape reminds him of someone else- someone who helped shape her life. He reaches out into the force and finds her force signature. Even if someone is covering up her signature, this close he can sense her. He senses her faint light-hanging in the balance of the force. He reaches out for her tiny hand and breathes in searching for the cause of her ailment. He can feel her tiny heartbeat, the blood pumping through her veins and the poison- killing her from the inside.

His eyes open and his rage is once again fuming. Someone had poisoned the child- his child. His jaw clenches and Padme's eyes meet his. " Vader, what is it?"

He breathes out the words in a sneer-like manner, " She was poisoned."

To Be Continued...