Evil in the sense of a characteristic is not born, it is created...or in this instance influenced. The mind of a child is easily influenced by the world around him. The child must harvest whatever experience they are introduced to. Living his youth as a slave on Tatooine Anakin did not have such proper influences. Though coated with a false happiness the underbelly of his early life had its darkness. Slaves are treated nothing better than what than what the locals describe as "bantha poodoo". Women on Tatooine are treated lowly as well. Anakin is scarred by the sight of his own mother being tortured and raped; to this day it burns his eyes when he even thought about it, even in the moments of hurting his own wife (they have a bleaker past, but that is another story)

There's the problem! Wife...such a simple word. He cringed at it. What did it mean to have a wife? Jedi don't marry. Jedi don't love. But what was it in this case? Did Anakin love Padme, did her ever love her? Of course, love is what makes him human and he had his moments. But something is blocking them, something destroyed it. A great fear now replaces that love, a fear that he could lose her...again. He disguises it with anger and aggression.

Let's take a journey...back into the past to see what exactly made this once loving man the way he is...

Anakin Skywalker first saw Padme when he was about ten years old, when he was a slave on Tatooine. It was, as they say, love at first sight. But Anakin was young; he didn't know what love was. The only love her knew was the love of his mother. But he knew in his heart that they feeling he felt when he saw her was greater than the both of them; the feeling was love.

"Are you an angel?" he had asked innocently, after admiring her beauty for mere moments that felt like an eternity. Angels were said to be the most beautiful creatures in the galaxy. This girl fit that description perfectly. Though plainly dressed, he knew she was special. This brief meeting was the beginning of something greater. Neither of them knowing that years later their two lives would intertwine into one.

From the time he was a young boy Shmi Skywalker knew her son was destined for greatness. It was no mere coincidence the Jedi came to Tatooine and Anakin was liberated from the dreadful life of a slave. His destiny was going to be fulfilled, for he was going to be trained as a Jedi. Anakin was pained to leave his mother behind; he was all she had. Her last words still echo in his head... she told him to never look back, which meant have no regrets. I can get that much from Obi-Wan, he thought. But his mother was right. He shouldn't doubt what's happened, or wish it was different.

"You can't stop the change. No more than you can stop the suns from setting."

His mother had told him, and to this day that still remained true. But his mother was gone; it doesn't matter how or why, she was just gone. Anakin had come to terms with her loss but he never forgave himself for it. Which is one of his most tragic flaws.

But Anakin's darkness didn't stop there, it only began there.

And this is where the tale of lost innocence begins...

Anakin was still a padawan when he found out his Master was having an affair with Senator Amidala. He was only seventeen when he followed his Master one night after dark. Obi-Wan was up to something. He was always leaving for the night and returning the next morning tired and "hung over". He suspected his Master might have a drinking problem, but whenever he tried to confront him about Obi-Wan would use his...skills to turn the subject against him. But Anakin wanted answers, so one night when he was sure Obi-Wan was leaving he decided to sneak out as well. His Master was very good at sneaking around so Anakin decided to wait in his room for Obi-Wan to come say goodnight; since Anakin was one of the older padawans he was given his own room, right next to Obi-Wan's of course.

There was a knock at the door.

Right on time Master, Anakin thought.

"Come in," Anakin answered, not bothering to get off this bed or stop levitating the ball with the force he had centered his attention on. The door opened to reveal his Master.

"Anakin, it's late. What are you still doing up?" Obi-Wan scolded.

Anakin rolled his eyes. Speak for yourself Master. We both know the only reason you're saying that is so you can sneak off to who knows where, but not this time.

"It's the same time you always say good night Master. Besides, I don't remember bedtimes ever being enforced." Anakin said, continuing to play with his ball. Then it was swiped from his force path. Anakin chuckled.

"Yes, but as long as you are my student you will go to bed when I say so."

So you think, Anakin thought, then smirked at Obi-Wan. "Yes Master." he grumbled.

Anakin then took back the ball from Obi-Wan and waved it over to his nightstand. Both men chuckled.

"Have a good night Anakin." Obi-Wan said.

"And you as well Master." Anakin said, trying not to imply the hidden meaning of his words. Obi-Wan smiled at Anakin for a moment.
"What?" Anakin said.

"Nothing...good night Anakin." he said once more.

"Good night Master," Anakin said, trying not to sound annoyed.

Anakin watched him leave. He figured Obi-Wan would not leave right away so Anakin laid down on his bed. He waved his hand and dimmed the light. He let out a sigh. It was times like these when he was at ease with himself, when he let his mind wander; back to early years, back to her. Oh, just the thought of her brought chills of excitement to his body, feelings he couldn't describe. Never mind 7 years had passed and they hadn't seen each other. He could never forget that face, that voice. He imagined she was beautiful, more so than the young girl he had first met in Watto's shop on Tatooine. Just the thought made his heart soar. He knew better; he knew he wasn't supposed to have these feelings, but it was something he couldn't control. His desire to see her again after so long only made it worse. Anakin punched the button on the button on the nightstand. 12:37 am, read the clock.

Anakin sighed. Now was usually the time his Master would sneak off to wherever, and tonight he was getting some answers. Anakin pulled on his robe and waited by the door; waiting for Obi-Wan to creep by, but hesitating at the same time. Do I really want to do this?

He sighed again, but he didn't have time to think it over. Someone was coming, he could sense it.

Obi-Wan! Anakin psyched himself up for the chase he was about to pursue. He'd never tailgated his own Master before, he had no reason to, but he needed to know what he was up to.

Anakin knew Obi-Wan would not risk taking a speeder. His best bet was to sneak through the Temple gardens. That's a good place to start, Anakin thought. The safest way to get out to the gardens from his room was out the window. Anakin waved his hand over the inside panel to lock his door, but to leave the indicator on "sleep". He dashed over to the window and opened it. The cool night air greeted his hot cheeks, he shivered. I've got a bad feeling about this, Anakin thought as he was to break so many rules. It's not like you have a choice. Obi-Wan could be in serious trouble, or get in serious trouble if one or both of us gets caught.

The way down to the ground was only about 10 feet. Anakin easily made the jump, but the run to the gardens would be a problem. How was he to know if Obi-Wan was there? Stop wasting time, just got! Anakin sucked in his breath and made his run across the lawn, praying he wouldn't trip over his feet. Thank the Force he made it. He stopped for a moment and crouched behind a hedge, taking the time to catch his breath but also to analyze exactly what he was doing. He didn't have a plan for all this and he knew he'd be in so much trouble if he was caught; but worse, Obi-Wan would be in trouble too. But maybe that's not a bad thing; at least it would put an end to this sneaking away. At least I won't be going alone. If I go down, you're going down with me Master.

Caught up in his thoughts Anakin barely had time to sense the presence that was coming, but he did, and he dove into the bush to hide; peeking out the side to see who it was. He crept forward slowly to get a better look. The florescent lights in the garden offered just enough light to see the being's face covered by a dark hood, but Anakin knew. Obi-Wan! Anakin crouched down more to hide from him. Obi-Wan stopped for a moment and Anakin heard him sigh. Then he saw him move over to the wall and start to climb up it. Anakin pressed his hands firmly to the branch of the bust, a little too firmly because it snapped. In the silence of the night it sounded like a much louder noise. Anakin crouched down and put his hands over his head to hide his embarrassment. After a few moments he looked up again. The noise didn't bother Obi-Wan; he was already gone. Oh great, Anakin thought.

In a flash he was up off the ground scaling the wall, trying not to fall as he climbed. It was when he was at the top looking down over the edge did he begin having second thoughts about all this.

You can't turn back now when you've made it this far, he told himself. And with that he jumped off the wall, his cloak blowing in the breeze as he landed on his feet. He wasn't far behind Obi-Wan now, he could sense his Master's path. Anakin took a breath and ran off in that same direction; letting the Force guide him so he could uncover the mystery of his Master's mischief.

Obi-Wan was very good at keeping secrets; secrets from the Jedi, secrets from his padawan, and quite possibly himself. For seven years he had kept his developing love for Padme Amidala a secret, even from himself. For seven years he denied it, denied the goodness of the kiss they first shared on Naboo when she was just 14, a mere child. But time had changed her into this beautiful woman, though she had not lost her youthful spirit. Even here now in the dark alley outside her apartment she still radiated that beauty beneath her cover some robe.

Obi-Wan held her tight and pushed back her hood to kiss her lips; a much anticipated kiss. It had been a week since they had seen each other last, and Padme could finally breathe again.

"Are you alright?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice hushed.

"It's dark and cold. Can't we go inside?" she asked.

"I'd love to, but you know I can't stay long tonight."

Padme lowered her head in sadness. Obi-Wan cupped her chin in his hand.

"I promise my next visit will not be so far apart." he then kissed her forehead. Padme chuckled. She was still getting used to Obi-Wan's beard tickling her skin whenever his lips touched her. They'd only been seeing each other "officially"( well unofficially since it was a dark secret) for a few months; ever since her 21st birthday when she saw him again at the club; when they rediscovered the love they had kept hidden for 7 years, ever since Naboo. It felt so long ago and she had grown so much, yet she felt so young being held by this man, having his lips caress her skin; she still got goosebumps whenever he touched her.

Padme felt Obi-Wan slip his arms through her robe and hug her body close, rub her back with his gentle hands to relax her. She laid her head on his chest, sighing.

"Shhh," he hushed, "I'm here, its ok."

"I...I don't want you to leave me ever again. Please Obi, don't leave."

"You know I can't stay."

Padme felt tears form in her eyes. Usually she was the calm and rational one who was aware of their situation in all manner, but now she couldn't handle it. She needed him there. She reached up and took his face in her hands, for she needed to look in his eyes; drift away from this world and get lost in the one they had created together.

"I can't afford another sleepless night without you." she managed to say through her tears.

"Oh," Obi-Wan cooed, then took back his hands and placed them on her shoulders, stroking the ends of her hair between his fingers. He didn't know what to say, so he just put his lips to hers and they kissed there in the darkness of the city.