Star Wars is owned by George Lucas. I own nothing; this is my creative twist to the series
Chapter 21: A Surprise Engagement & Unsettling Forces
There was a time in Xanato's life, where he was satisfied and wished for nothing to change. His master, Qui Gon Jinn was one of the best teachers he could have asked for and didn't hesitate when seeking guidance from.
Xanatos glared down at the datapad in his hands, "I will make you pay my old master" he muttered to him, "I will take both your sons away from you and make you suffer like my father had too" he went on as his ship came into Geonosis's planetary atmosphere.
The white stars shone in the dark, deep sky above the city, as Satine leaned against the railing. She was wearing her light purple and pink battle outfit, with her short blond hair tucked behind her ears. She could hear Obi Wan, his father and mother and grandparents, congratulating Anakin and Padme on their engagement.
She slowly turned her away from the gorgeous striking view of the city to look back at the excited group, seeing Allana hugging both Anakin and Padme; something that only caused Satine to lower her head in sadness; "If I had remained with Obi Wan, perhaps we'd be married" she thought
"Anakin, I'm so proud of you!" Allana gushed looking over at Padme, an arm around her slim shoulders;
"And now I can officially call you my granddaughter. Everyone will love you, my dear!" she confidently assured her as Shmi stepped forward next with a smile across her face.
"I can't believe my youngest is getting married and soon will be a Jedi Knight" she pointed out smirking over at her husband and Obi Wan as Qui Gon agreed, "He sure will be. I'm proud of both my sons" he admitted as Anakin just smiled, wrapping an arm around Padme's waist.
"Thanks dad. I love Padme with all my heart and just couldn't be without her" he explained. Satine decided it was the right moment to step in with her thoughts on the engagement.
"Well, I've known you; Anakin since you were a little kid and I couldn't be happier for you" she told them as Anakin looked over at her,
"Thank you Satine. It's nice of you to say that" he told her noticing Obi Wan's silence around her. Anakin always knew that his older brother was still in love with Satine. He was just trying to deny it. Obi Wan then stepped forward towards his brother.
"Well, little brother seems like it will just my friends and I at the clubs. You've got your girl forever" he teased as Anakin laughed
"Indeed I do but you've also got Hannah now" he reminded him
Obi Wan smiled, "Of course, can't wait to get back to Courscant to see her" he pointed out wrapping an arm around Padme's waist
Padme looked over at Satine who was saddened to hear him talk like that before quietly exiting the room. Padme looked up at Anakin,
"Ani, there's something I need to do. I won't be long" she assured him as he smirked,
"Alright then but don't take too long" he smirked kissing her sweetly before he watched her move from the room after Satine.
Hurrying through the front foyer towards the stairwell, Satine was suddenly halted in her footsteps by a surprising voice.
"Satine, wait!" they exclaimed as Satine slowly turned around to see Padme standing meters away in her strapless blue dress.
"I don't want to talk right now Padme, I remembered I have early training in the morning" she insisted trying to move closer to the stairs however Padme remained persistent and followed her.
"I saw the look on your face when Obi Wan mentioned Hannah" she admitted, "You love him still, don't you?" she asked her as Satine froze in her footsteps, lost for words before she stuttered
"How…..how…how did you know?" Satine stuttered as Padme smiled.
"Anakin told me about him and you shortly after we landed" she explained, "Anakin sees it and feels you should tell his brother how you feel. You never know what could happen" she informed her
Satine looked at her, a little hope in her eyes, "You really think he could return his feelings?" she asked quickly adding, "Because he seems very interested in Hannah" as Padme nervously bit her top lip for a moment before smiling,
"He is happy yes but Anakin knows his brother and feels something is hurting deep down" she explained. Satine smiled before sharing a hug just before another voice spoke up,
"Thought you'd run off and left me with the happy couple?" they teased as Padme and Satine both turned to see Obi Wan and Anakin standing there.
Satine kept her head lowered, "I needed to be alone and turn myself in for the night" she lied as Padme remained silent as Obi Wan and Anakin moved closer,
"You can't settle down for tonight. Our grandparents are putting together a dinner at the last minute in Anakin and Padme's honour and I want you there with me" Obi Wan explained taking her hand as she slowly raised her head. She saw him smile, she couldn't hurt him not after Anakin's surprise news.
"Well then I'd love to join your family and yourself" she confessed turning his hand, Anakin and Padme then followed both Obi Wan and Satine out in the dining room
While the dining room was being prepared for the last minute banquet, Allana and Shmi had gone off to dress for the occasion while Jaden and Qui Gon slipped into Jaden's study. He sensed something was bothering his son, something about his grandsons. Once the door slid shut, Jaden turned towards his son;
"Alright, talk to me. Are you still upset about how the council didn't make Anakin a Jedi Knight?" he asked adding "Or about Obi Wan's unresolved feelings for Satine?" he asked. Qui Gon looked at him, surprised; he thought he had hid his feelings well on the matters.
"I don't understand why the council would think Anakin isn't ready" he began to reply, "He's been through so much and he is the Chosen One, they must see it" before Jaden takes a seat beside his son, one hand on his shoulder;
"The council can be stubborn at times; I've fought with them countless times especially when I planned to marry your mother. Master Yoda has helped me plead my cases many times" he explained going on "The prophecy is sacred to the council. They want to see it succeed not fall even if they must deny Anakin till he is ready" he finished as Qui Gon looked across at him a curious look on his face;
"Should we tell Anakin the whole story about the prophecy?" he asked him as Jaden shook his head;
"Only when he asks or should the time come, right now, it is not the time. He's engaged now, let him focus on his training and engagement. The prophecy does speak of a strong willed partner for the Chosen One" he reminded him "Maybe Padme is the strong willed girl he needs to keep him levelled"
Qui Gon slowly understood what his father was telling him, "Let us hope so, Anakin is ready now to be a Jedi Knight" he insisted as Jaden laughed, a hand on his back
"And he will be, I'll ensure he is personally" he grinned moving for the door
"Now, come on, we've got an engagement to announce and celebrate" he beamed exiting the room followed by Qui Gon.
Meanwhile back on Courscant, unaware of Padme's engagement to Anakin Skywalker, Rabe continued plotting her plan to destroy her. She wouldn't stop until Padme was sent back to Naboo in disgrace and back to the countryside with Palo. Unfortunately, it seemed that Rush Clovis was now having second thoughts on his place in her plans;
Rush stepped into his office, finding no one waiting for him, or so he thought. The minute he closed his door, a voice spoke;
"What kept you?" they asked spinning his desk chair around, revealing themselves as Rabe, dressed in a short, halter neck passionate red dress and flowing curls. "I told you to meet me here 10 minutes ago, where the hell have you been!" she demanded failing to keep the angry hidden in her voice.
Rush placed his workload down on the bench beside him, "Unlike you, I am a Senator and have meetings to attend and I was attempting to seek an audience with Senator Organa who right now was called away on personal business" he told her as Rabe rolled her eyes;
"Why do you want to be involved with him?" she scoffed "He has already taken her under his wing" she groaned rolling her eyes, turning his chair towards the window "When I'm Senator, he's the first Senator, I'm distancing myself from. I want the more powerful Senators as allies" she informed him as Rush moved towards her, he knew what he was about to say she wouldn't like but these last few days on Courscant were slowly changing him;
"Rabe, I know I agreed to help you ruin Senator Amidala's reputation and current romance" he started to tell her "However, I feel if I help you, I'll not only be hurting a friend but my planet because I could forced to step down as Senator" he reminded her. "I hope I will still win her heart one day" he admitted. Rabe's eyes then flashed red before she jumped to her feet
"Are You SERIOUS!" she screamed, hands on hips and moving towards him, she then grabbed a hold of his robes with her hands, "What happened to the Rush who was madly in love with Padme?" she asked "Who was going to be her shoulder to cry on?" she asked as Rush pushed her off him;
"I've strived to be a modest Senator for years and I thought Padme would come to me in time, still hold out for her" he replied "But I don't want to force her to come to me" he added however Rabe simply and gently pushed Rush down onto his couch before sliding down to him, bright determined eyes piercing his now worried eyes;
"You don't want to chicken out now Senator" she purred "You've loved her and if you want her, you'll need to hurt others to get the one you want" she grinned holding him down, as he tried to respond "But I….." he started to reply before feeling her luscious lips drive themselves onto his and he couldn't find himself willing to push her away.
The dignities were now piling into the beautifully decorated stateroom, once they were greeted by Jaden, Allana, Qui Gon, Shmi and Obi Wan. Allana and Jaden would formally welcome them and announce the news about Anakin and Padme once everyone had arrived. Of course unknown to Jaden, Allana, Qui Gon, Shmi and Obi Wan, Corellia's prime minister had invited Prince Xizor as his guest at the last minute which would take them all by surprise.
Allana beamed happily at seeing the Prime Minister who smiled back at her "Allana, it is so good to see you. I was quite surprised when my office called me to say you wished to see me this late in the evening" he told her, before giving her a charming smile as Allana embraced him happily
"Garik, it's always a pleasure to see you and tonight's reason is a very special surprise" she assured him then he moved to shake hands with Jaden,
"I hope you don't mind, but I brought along my guest who has been staying with me for the past few days" he told them extending a hand out to introduce his guest "I believe you may know him already, Prince Xizor" he told her right before the tall falleen casually strolled into the room. Obi Wan sensed his father and grandfather's worries. Their grips tightened on Shmi and Allana. Obi Wan shook his head "Just wait till Anakin discovers he's here" he thought to himself watching Prince Xizor move towards them
"M'lady, it is a pleasure to see you once again" he grinned, lifting one hand to kiss, unfortunately for him, after the last incident, Jaden and Qui Gon had discovered with the force a way to block his pheromones from Allana and Shmi and so they remained unfazed by his attempts to "seduce" them once again
"Prince Xizor, we are honoured to have you here on such short notice. I trust you'll chose not to disrupt tonight's occasion" she inquired as Xizor cast a glanced at Obi Wan,
"Only if your boys, you call grandsons behave themselves" he spat as Qui Gon sighed
"If you don't provoke them, they'll be fine" he warned him moving off with his wife and son just as Jaden nodded, a stare back at Xizor
"I'll be watching you tonight, I have a feeling you'll try something, especially with one of our own" he hinted whisking Allana away leaving the Prince with the prime minister
"Come on, let's go check on Anakin and Padme before we inform everyone of their news" he insisted a kiss on her cheek moving off to find their grandson and new future granddaughter as the guests settled in, wondering what the important, surprising news could be.
Sharing their own private moments together, Padme, wearing her dazzling strapless blue dress and thick brown hair in soft flowing ringlets, looking up at Anakin, dressed in a fresh, clean pair of Jedi robes, she felt his strong arm softly running up and down one arm, she was unable to wipe the smile of her face
"Oh Anakin, after what we've been through these last few days, this has been a wonderful night" she gushed wrapping her arms around his waist "A perfect night to celebrate our engagement" she admitted sharing a tender sweet kiss together before Anakin beamed down at her,
"To me, this was just another night to show how much I love you" he replied holding her face in his hands, "I promise to always protect you, none will hurt you" he promised pulling her closer right as they heard another voice
"Oh, sorry, hope we're not disturbing anything" they teased as Padme and Anakin turned their heads to see Jaden and Allana at the entrance to the room, Jaden had a teasing smirk on his face, Anakin rolled his eyes
"Are they ready for us grandfather?" he asked, annoyed that their private moment was cut short seeing his grandmother laugh,
"Yes, most of our close friends we've invited tonight have arrived and we'd like to announce the news and introduce you both" she explained as Padme nodded
"Of course Mrs Jinn, we'll follow you" she politely replied as Allana chuckled
"Padme, you're family now. You can simply call me grandmother" she assured her and with that, Anakin and Padme followed Jaden and Allana out of the room and down the long hallway towards the dining room where their guests were waiting.
While waiting for his grandparents and brother, Obi Wan moved over towards the bar for a drink. It was at this moment, Satine found that she had a perfect opportunity to talk to him, especially after her little chat with Padme earlier.
"I can't believe Anakin's getting married" Satine spoke up, one hand on his arm "I always thought it would be you" she admitted seeing him take a sip of his drink, a smirk on his face
"While Anakin has had a few girlfriends and many other females idolising him, he found the girl he truly loves while I haven't" he replied as Satine slipped up onto the bar stool, resting one hand on his back;
"Obi Wan, I always remember the first time we met and when you saved me from the kidnap attempt. I never wanted to cut off our friendship so abruptly and it would be years that we would see each other. I thought I could come visit you on Courscant, but…" her voice trailed off as Obi Wan then realised
"It was your mentor/adoptive father wasn't it?" he asked her going on "He believes you should distant yourself from the Jedi. Your planet didn't want to be in the Republic" he points out as Satine took a sip of her drink
"I tried to convince them otherwise, that we needed to have the Jedi as an ally but they wouldn't listen, even if I am to be Duchess in the future" she admitted in a low voice just as Obi Wan placed one hand on hers,
"Perhaps one day, you'll convince them, and you'll have strong words and reasons they'd be foolish to argue against you" he suggested right as Satine had another thought in mind, a personal one.
"Obi Wan, I know I may have made you question your relationship with your girlfriend right now and I'm sorry" she told him, "After you return to Courscant, I still want to see you" she confessed before she suggested "Maybe I'll come visit you on Courscant where we can talk more" she concluded seeing him raise her hand to kiss it
"I'd like that, and I can introduce you to Hannah, perhaps you'll change your thoughts on her" he told her. Satine then went quiet;
"Yes, meet Hannah, I can't wait" she thought to herself. She was about to respond when the room fell silent as Jaden and Allana returned moving to the front podium.
On stage…..
Jaden proudly stood beside his gorgeous wife, before she began to address the small crowd before them;
"Thank you all for coming on such short notice" Allana began "I must apologise once more to bringing you all here, in the middle of the night, but our family has had some wonderful news we just couldn't wait till the morning to share with you" she beamed as Jaden took over
"Your government here has welcome the Jedi Order here graciously, accepted our marriage, our son and our grandsons. When our son married, the interest soared and now we are happy to know the engagement of our youngest grandson" he informed them hearing a excited gasp and small chatter amongst the crowd, before Allana spoke once again
"Please make welcome, the newly engaged Anakin Skywalker-Jinn and Senator Padme Amidala!" she exclaimed in delight. The room was filled with applause as Anakin and Padme entered the room, his arm around her waist and her arm linked through his, the smiles couldn't be wiped off their faces as they made their way through the crowds, towards the stage. Allana and Jaden stepped aside to allow them a chance to speak;
Anakin cleared his throat before he spoke in a bold voice; "I wasn't born on Corellia however I have visited my grandparents numerous times with my family and discovered how well liked my family is here. The holonet is always buzzing about one of us and I know it's never going to change. I only hope that my marriage to the lovely Senator from Naboo, will strengthen the alliances of Corellia and Naboo" he explained looking down at Padme "Padme is my true love and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her" he admitted leaning down where he gave her a soft gentle kiss to her.
The crowd awed in delight before Padme spoke a few words;
"Anakin and his family have welcomed me into their lives, where my family hasn't. I was born in a small country village on Naboo, arranged to marry someone I did not love. Entering the political field shun me away from my mother and sister" she explained, attempting to hold back tears before she felt Anakin squeeze her shoulders;
"I'm living the life I've always wanted and fallen in love with the man of my dreams, my prince, Anakin Skywalker Jinn. I only hope to have all of you welcome me into your lives like the Jinn family has" she admitted hearing the crowd applaud once more watching Anakin led Padme down from the stage as Allana finished up;
"Thank you all for coming, I'd like everyone to raise their glasses to the newly engaged couple!" she beamed, taking two glasses for herself and Jaden,
"Anakin and Padme!" she exclaimed as the crowd followed her "Anakin and Padme!" they cheered continuing to mingle and congratulate the happy couple.
While the celebrations continued on Corellia, there was persistent within the halls of the Jedi Temple, continuing with Siri, now without Darra. Her attention had turned to the young Ahsoka Tano, who had been over heard talking about how she wished to be Anakin Skywalker's padawan one day.
Siri Tachi had recently enjoyed her company, now that Darra had deserted her, and hearing that Ahsoka wished to be Anakin's padawan, worried she'd lose her forever, to the life of a Jinn and she'd hear how horrible she was to Obi Wan and what she did. She exited her quarters shortly before lights out after she sensed Ahsoka close by.
"Ahsoka!" she called out spotting her a few meters ahead, heading in the direction of the shared sleeping quarters she shared with the younger apprentices. Ahsoka stopped then turned around, she didn't look happy to see her;
"Siri, I don't want to see you after what you said to me about being Anakin's padawan. Master Qui Gon says otherwise and I believe him. He's the master, not you" she scoffed as Siri glared down at her, hands on hips,
"You've got a lot of nerve speaking to me like that, Jedi whelp" she spat, warning her "I could report you to one of the Jedi Council members for your attitude" she cautioned as Ahsoka only stood her ground
"Like they'd listen to you, from what I heard, you're not on good terms with them especially after what Master Jinn told them all those years ago" she informed her as Siri rolled her eyes in annoyance,
"Oh just shut up about Master Jinn or any member of his family! His youngest son is suppose to be the 'Chosen One'" she scoffed rudely kneeling down so she was at eye level with Ahsoka,
"If Anakin Skywalker is the Chosen One, he will need a strong willed padawan" she explained shaking her head "And unfortunately, I've seen your fighting style and skills and you definitely don't make the cut" she replied. Ahsoka only shook her head;
"Don't be so sure. Anakin's the one who can decide who he wants, not you, and he wouldn't listen to you anyway" she only replied beginning to turn away "And I would stop spreading lies throughout the temple. Anakin and Obi Wan are my friends and wouldn't like to know, you're spreading lies about them" she finished before she skipped down the hallway, not before Siri could call out to her;
"Don't be so sure! I've got friends here too and they listen to me, not Anakin and Obi Wan, regardless of how popular they are!" she shouted "And stop dreaming about being Anakin's padawan, it will never happen" she added. Ahsoka had disappeared from sight, leaving Siri alone once more. She thought it could have gone slightly better, Ahsoka was young and it wouldn't take long till she had completely crushed the young Jedi's dreams.
The gathering was a success, despite the lateness of the hour, Anakin and Padme were yet to discover Prince Xizor's presence, however something was still bothering Anakin, during his capture. Xanatos was his father's old apprentice. He wished to find out more and so, meeting Obi Wan's gaze, he left Padme in the company of Satine and his mother before they slipped away to find their father, who had ducked outside into the gardens.
"Father?" Anakin asked as he and Obi Wan slowly approached Qui Gon, who was standing with his back to them, looking up at the brisk night sky. He then turned to acknowledge them,
"I thought you'd be occupied with all the well wishes Anakin" he smiled then looked across at Obi Wan "And I thought you'd be catching up with Satine, she's been talking about you" he pointed out. Obi Wan looked back at Anakin who nodded silently at him stepping closer to their father,
"Dad, we have something to ask you" Obi Wan spoke out as Qui Gon remained quiet allowing them to continue "After I rescued Anakin and Padme and we were on our way here, Anakin told me that Xanatos was the one who organised space pirates to kidnap them from Zorba the hutt's chambers" Obi Wan informed him as Anakin went on;
"He seemed to have an instant dislike of me and I have few memories of him from my childhood so we want to know, dad" Anakin paused as Obi Wan finished his sentence, "Whatever happened to Xanatos and why did he leave the order?"
Qui Gon let out a deep sigh, he hoped this day wouldn't come, although he sensed Xanatos was still out there and plotting some kind of revenge, he just thought it would be never be on his family. He looked back at his two sons,
"Walk with me and I will explain what happened to my old apprentice and why I've tried to forget what he did to me years ago" he told them beginning to walk down the stoned path leaving Anakin and Obi Wan to exchanged looks before moving to catch up with him;
"Xanatos was a strong willed apprentice and I was proud to have him. He accompanied me on many missions, even after the two of you were born. When you were captured by slavers along with your grandmother and mother, Anakin, he helped me rescue you, though he wasn't pleased with it. He had a jealously streak that grew from watching my relationship grow with you two" he explained, "It reminded him of his own father. He thought he could go back and see him" he went on as Anakin cut in
"I thought you said the "no attachments" rule was still held in regard to the Jedi" he pointed out seeing Qui Gon nod
"Yes, it was. To apprentices and padawans, they were not permitted to see their families while they were training, of course Xanatos was always reckless and one night, took a fighter and flew back to his father who was so relieved to see him, he created a lie that the Jedi stole him from his family, and Xanatos believed it!" he exclaimed in disbelief;
"What happened to him?" Obi Wan curiously asked before allowing Qui Gon to continue;
"When he came back, he was livid. He became distant, angry and violent. At one stage, he threatened to harm both of you" he informed them. He lowered his head, stopped in his steps and remained silent. Anakin and Obi Wan were confused at what he was doing, they each placed one hand on his shoulder before he spoke,
"For years, I've tried to block out the memory of what he did that saw him expelled from the Jedi Order, it broke my heart at his actions" he admitted….
Flashback
It had been four years since Qui Gon and Shmi had visited his parents and Obi Wan and Anakin had seen their grandparents. So Qui Gon and Shmi decided it was time to visit them and Qui Gon and Obi Wan had just returned from mission. Obi Wan had recently turned twelve and Anakin was now nine years old. It had been two years since Xanatos was expelled from the Jedi Order and regrettably they hadn't seen the last of him, he was out for revenge.
Qui Gon gently eased the ship down onto the landing platform of his parent's estate. Anakin was sitting up front in the passenger seat, closely watching his father controlling the ship. Qui Gon smirked
"I can sense you feel ready to pilot the ship, is that correct Anakin?" he asked his younger son seeing his eyes lit up
"Yes! I'm a skilled pilot and I can easily fly this ship like I handed a speeder" he pointed out however Qui Gon shook his head
"Perhaps another time, I don't think your mother would like to come in here and see you flying the ship" he explained shutting down the ship and lowering the landing ramp at the moment Shmi and Obi Wan emerged into the cockpit. Qui Gon and Anakin rose from their seats to join them
"Come on let's not keep my parents waiting" he told them, and with an arm around his wife, he lead her, Obi Wan and Anakin unaware of the trouble that had followed them.
2 nights later…
Allana, Jaden, Qui Gon and Shmi all sat on the back patio, while Anakin and Obi Wan played down in the gardens, Allana beamed down at her growing grandsons;
"I can't believe how fast those two are growing up, and yet they still remind me of you when you were younger Qui Gon" she confessed as Qui Gon lowered his head, keeping silent making Jaden laugh
"Their Jedi skills are incredible, especially Anakin. The council is worried what will happen in the future with his powers" he admitted as Qui Gon scoffed
"If that is talk about him falling to the dark side, they have little credit" he pointed out going on "It amazes me that after all these years, they still think the Chosen One should be the modest Jedi, Anakin is….." his voice trailed off as the force alerted him to a sudden danger. Jaden sensed it too because he was on his feet
"You sensed it too didn't you?" he asked him hearing a speeder in the distance before Qui Gon took off down into the gardens. Allana and Shmi looked up at Jaden, confused and worried,
"Stay here, just a mild disturbance in the force, we're just going to check on Obi Wan and Anakin" he assured them taking off after Qui Gon leaving both women more reason to worry.
The palace grew further and further as Qui Gon raced through the gardens, "Was the gardens always this big when I was a kid" he thought to himself, "Obi Wan! Anakin!" he called out, fear heard in his voice as he reached a large clearing but no one else in sight, he looked around, probing the force for any sign of his children. He did sense Jaden approaching;
"Find them yet?" he asked "The disturbance seems to be much larger" he cautioned. Unfortunately, their fears were answered by the sound of an all too familiar voice except deeper;
"Hello Master, thought you'd never see me again?" they asked as both Jedi turned and saw a tall, black robed figure moving towards them, pushing back the hood, Qui Gon and Jaden gasped, Xanatos and in his grip, was his young son Anakin, his eyes paralysed with fear,
"Xanatos! Release my sons now!" Qui Gon angrily exclaimed however Xanatos only chuckled tightening his grip on Anakin;
"They are what you tossed me aside for, my old master!" he scoffed, pushing back his cloak to reveal an unconscious Obi Wan at his feet, lightsaber meters from him;
"You told me that my father willingly handed me over to the Jedi" he screamed, "Liars! You came and STOLE me from him!" he exclaimed, pulling Anakin closer to him, "Now, you will know how my father felt as I take your children from you!" he declared, and right on cue, a black speeder appeared with another cloaked figure who simply lifted Obi Wan's body into the speeder, Qui Gon and Jaden slowly began to inched towards them, something Xanatos picked up on;
He ignited his glowing blue lightsaber blade, holding it to Anakin's neck, "Come any closer master and I'll slit his neck" he warned him;
"You won't leave this planet Xanatos" Jaden informed him, "The minute you leave this estate, security forces will hunt you down" he added, keeping one hand in his pocket, over the comm unit in his pocket;
Xanatos climbed into the speeder, his grip on Anakin "Let them come, all they'll find is two young Jedi, dead" he sneered jumping into the speeder signalling his friend to take off, looking back to see Qui Gon and Jaden almost frozen in their places, Xanatos smirked
"Well, well, for once it seems I may have finally gotten to my old master" he chuckled however he was suddenly caught off guard by Anakin's sneaky surprise moves;
Seeing his brother's lightsaber lying idly nearby, Anakin looked up to see Xanatos busy taunting his father and his brother still unconscious, Anakin quietly summoned the lightsaber to him igniting it once it was in his hands, holding it to driver's neck,
"You won't win today Xanatos" he spoke in a clear strong voice confusing Xanatos, watching him turn around, understand of being worried, he only laughed;
"Kid, you think you can take me on?" he taunted igniting his now glowing red lightsaber, "I will defeat you in minutes" he scoffed but Anakin merely grinned cheekily in response
"I won't defeat you" he simply replied looking behind him at his father and grandfather "They will" he added before Xanatos heard two more lightsabers ignite,
"It's over, Xanatos" Qui Gon informed him but Xanatos shook his head,
"It isn't!" he cried "It's NEVER over!" he screamed flipping back out of the speeder behind Qui Gon and Jaden, who then were forced to spin around, pushing back Xanatos at the same time Anakin force pushed the driver, sending him flying out of the speeder onto the ground, hearing his father and grandfather fighting back Xanatos further into the garden while he knelt down to his brother at the moment, more footsteps joined them
It was Shmi, Allana and their security team, Shmi run towards her two sons, a frightened gasp let out when she saw an unconscious Obi Wan on the back seat of the speeder;
"I'm sorry mom, we didn't have a chance, he just attacked us out of nowhere" Anakin explained as Allana tilted her head;
"Who attacked you dear?" she asked a concern tone in her voice as Anakin jumped out of the speeder ahead of two guards lifting Obi Wan out of the speeder
"Xanatos" he breathed "He said he wanted to punish dad like dad punished his own father" he informed them. Shmi pulled her son in closer, holding him close watching Allana lead her security team back towards the palace with Obi Wan, she looked back at them
"Come along Shmi, Qui Gon and Jaden will meet us inside hopefully they've captured Xanatos" she assured her just as they heard Jaden's familiar voice
"We sure do" he grinned proudly emerging from the hedges in front of Qui Gon who was keeping a firm hold on his former apprentice, now in cuffs, "He thought he had the jump on us but we spilt up and surprised him in the end" he explained looking around "Where's Obi Wan?" he asked at the same time Allana moved over towards him
"I've had the security team help him back up towards the palace to be looked over, and they'll also take Xanatos into custody when we get there" she informed them hearing Xanatos scoffed
"You Jedi are pathetic! Especially you, my old master!" he spat "I'll destroy you and your family. I shall take pleasure in seeing the Sith kill you!" he declared however Qui Gon only shoved him along
"And you can do that through a cell because you'll be locked away for a long time" he assured him following Jaden, Allana, Shmi and Anakin back towards the palace.
End of flashback
Anakin blinked as he listened to his father's recount, he had vaguely remembered small details of the night his father was telling them. He could see the sadness spread across their father's face as he was finishing his story;
"Xanatos was locked away in the astroid prison on Oovo IV, however three years into his sentence, there was a riot amongst the prison, using the riot as his cover, Xanatos escaped and fled into the outer reaches of space until now" he informed them as Obi Wan spoke
"Do you think he had help in escaping the prison?" he asked seeing his father nod
"Absolutely, he mentioned the Sith and I believe whoever was in league with him had hired bounty hunters to break him out" he replied. Anakin kept silent, thinking back to his last encounter with Xanatos
"He's going to strike again won't he?" he began to speak out "He won't stop until we're all dead. He still holds you in account for what happened to his father and wants to make you suffer by killing us" Anakin pointed out indicating him and Obi Wan. Qui Gon only nodded
"But we'll ensure that won't happen, because we're stronger than he is, anyone in league with the Sith, ultimately fails" he reminded them, clapping a hand on each of their backs
"Now come on, let's not hang out here all night, let's get back to celebrating this wonderful night" he grinned leading both his sons back towards the party.
As the landing ramp descended amongst the rocky surface of the Genosis, Xanatos kept the hood over his face as he swiftly moved down the ramp, past the lines of battle droids and five Senators, who were avoiding eye contact, towards the other cloaked hooded figure at the end of the hanger;
"You failed to capture the Jedi and his Senator friend?" he observed as Xanatos rolled his eyes;
"For the moment, but soon we'll have the upper time, it will almost be time to unveil our grand army" he reminded him seeing his companion nod;
"Xanatos, your previous encounters with your old master also failed and saw you locked up on Oovo IV, any more failures will lead to death" he warned him seeing Xanatos lock eyes with him
"Don't be so quick to threaten me Lord Maul, my previous encounters may have put them on higher alert, the next time they won't escape and Skywalker's Senator friend will be our lavage" he grinned before they both turned on their heels out of the hanger and further into the facility.
Next time: Qui Gon and his family return back to Courscant where news spreads that Anakin and Padme are engaged to Rabe and Rush's horror, how will this affect their plans now? Will Obi Wan tell Hannah about his reunion with Satine? Will Siri continue to pester Ahsoka and lower her expectations about becoming Anakin's padawan? Finally, Xanatos and Lord Maul unleash the first stage of their plan