He watched, as the sleek, golden ship settled slowly onto the hangar floor. As its landing thrusters whined to a stop, he walked slowly out into the massive, dimly lit hangar toward the ship, his long, thick cloak swirling at his feet, as the ship's forward entry ramp began to open and descend slowly down toward the smooth, stone floor.
He stopped a short distance from the ship, watching intently as the tall, dark clad gentleman walked slowly down the ramp and crossed the distance toward him.
"Welcome home, Lord Tyrannus," the dark, hooded figure said, as Count Dooku approached him.
Dooku bowed, reverently, to the Dark Lord before him. "The Force is with us, Master Sidious," he said, as he looked up with a smile, and then turned and walked slowly through the hangar alongside his master.
"I have good news, my lord," Dooku said, regarding his master with a sinister smile. "The war has begun."
Sidious' evil smile was barely visible under the thick hood of his cloak. "You have done well, Lord Tyranus," he said, visibly pleased with the work of his dark apprentice.
Dooku reached into his belt and produced the small, holographic data cartridge he had retrieved from the control room on Geonosis. "The plans are safe, my lord," he said, as he handed the small device to his master as he walked slowly beside him. "The Jedi have no knowledge of what we are planning."
"Excellent," Sidious replied, as he took the small device from Dooku and placed it inside his cloak. "Soon, the Jedi will no longer be a threat to us."
They walked a bit further down the hangar, their boots echoing crisply off the high, arching stone walls. Finally, after a long moment of silence, Sidious stopped, and turned toward his dark servant. "What of young Skywalker?" he asked, as Dooku turned to face him.
Dooku took a long, deep breath as he looked, somewhat nervously, at his master. "He still lives, my lord," he said, casting his gaze downward toward the hard, stone floor. "He has grown strong, very much so." He looked back up at his master, his expression dark and thoughtful. "I was unable to defeat him."
Sidious regarded Dooku for a long moment. "That is unfortunate," he said, the evil smile disappearing from his face.
"However," Count Dooku replied, reaching into his belt, "I was able to obtain this."
Dooku produced a small glass cylinder from his belt and, as he handed it to his master, its dark crimson contents could be seen in the dim hangar light.
Darth Sidious held the small cylinder up in front of him, turning it slowly as he examined it. "Excellent," he said, finally, and then handed the cylinder back to Count Dooku. "See that it is delivered to Kamino, promptly. Advise them that I want results as quickly as possible."
"At once, my lord," Count Dooku replied with a smile, placing the small cylinder securely back into his belt.
"We must be patient, Lord Tyrannus," the Dark Lord said, as they turned and began to walk slowly along the hangar again. "We will deal with young Skywalker in due time."
Darth Sidious turned and regarded his apprentice with an evil smile as they made their way to the exit. "Everything will proceed as we have foreseen."
"Master Ani?" Threepio said, as he tapped Anakin gently on the shoulder.
Anakin took a deep breath and opened his eyes, as he looked around the cockpit drowsily. "I'm sorry to wake you, Master Ani," Threepio said, apologetically, "but Artoo wanted me to let you know that we're here."
"No, it's okay, Threepio," Anakin yawned, taking another deep breath and sitting up straighter in the copilot's seat where he had been sleeping. He rubbed his eyes sleepily for a moment, and then turned his attention to the cockpit window near him.
Anakin watched as Artoo brought the ship slowly through the thick clouds in the upper atmosphere. He smiled, sleepily, as the brilliant lights of Coruscant filled the ship's window below them; there were few sights more awe-inspiring than the one that lay before them as they made their descent. The surface of the planet literally glistened with light, and, on a clear, moonless night like this, there were few sights to be seen in the galaxy that were more dazzling; the planet literally glistened as though it were covered with millions of bright, shining jewels.
Anakin turned the copilot's chair slowly and looked back across the dim lighting of the cockpit to where Padmé lay, sleeping peacefully, her long, brown hair tumbling around her shoulders, on the padded passenger's bench of their small ship. They were both exhausted from the events of the past day, and she had fallen asleep shortly after they left Geonosis. Anakin smiled as he looked at her; I'm just going to lie down for a moment, she had said. She had fallen asleep almost instantly and, very quietly, Anakin had covered her with his cloak to keep her warm and dimmed the cockpit lights so that she could rest. He hadn't lasted much longer; the last thing he remembered was Artoo taking the ship to light speed after they had left the Geonosian atmosphere. The trip from Geonosis to Coruscant took almost four hours, and they had both slept the whole way.
Anakin stood up, stiffly, and carefully stretched his arms over his head. He stood quietly for a moment, moving his arms gingerly back and forth; his back still ached from the impact of Dooku's mysterious probe, and he winced as he rolled his shoulders forward, stretching his arms out in front of him.
"Are you all right, Master Ani?" Threepio asked, concerned, seeing the uncomfortable look on his master's face.
"I'm fine, Threepio," Anakin grinned back at him. "I'm just a little sore. It'll be fine in a day or two." He stretched once more, and then turned and walked over to where Padmé lay sleeping.
"Padmé," Anakin said, softly, as he knelt down beside her as she lay sleeping. He gently brushed her hair with his hand and stroked her cheek lightly. "Wake up, Padmé," he called again, gently. "We're here."
Padmé took a deep breath, and then slowly opened her eyes. She glanced sleepily around the cabin, and then smiled as she saw him gazing down at her fondly. "Hi," she said, sleepily.
Anakin kissed her tenderly. "Hi," he said, softly, as he gently stroked her long, soft hair. "You need to wake up, Angel, at least for a little while," he said. "We'll be landing soon."
Padmé rolled slowly onto her back, raising her arms over her head and stretching as she yawned, sleepily. "Mmm, I really like it when you call me that," she sighed, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"I'm going to have to find my own pet name for you," she smiled, sleepily, as she closed her eyes and kissed him once more. "Got any preferences?"
"I'll leave that up to you," Anakin chuckled, grinning broadly as he returned her kiss. "Yours was easy," he said, his eyes twinkling as he brushed his fingertips lightly over her cheek. "I thought of it the first day I saw you," he grinned, as she laughed softly and smiled back up at him.
"We're going to need to find a place to stay," Anakin said, rising to his feet and sitting down on the bench beside her, taking her hand in his; he was having trouble waking up himself, and he rubbed his eyes again with his free hand, sleepily.
"I beg your pardon, Master Ani," Threepio said, as he shuffled across the cockpit and stood near them, "but that won't be necessary."
Padmé turned a sleepy expression to their mechanical friend as Anakin looked at him, puzzled.
"Master Kenobi contacted us while we were en route," Threepio said, seeing the tired, puzzled looks on their faces. "It seems," he continued, "that he has already taken care of finding you and Miss Padmé some suitable accommodations." He turned and gestured to Artoo at the pilot's station. "Artoo's taking us there now."
Anakin and Padmé both looked at each other with a smile, as Artoo swung his sensors toward them and whistled brightly. "Artoo says that you should both relax," Threepio said, turning back toward them, his voice as excited as a droid's could be. "Master Obi-Wan has taken care of everything."
"That was very thoughtful of him," Padmé said, looking at Anakin with a bright, but sleepy, smile.
"Remind me to thank him when we see him tomorrow morning," Anakin smiled in reply, as he squeezed Padmé's hand gently. "You lay here and rest. I'll get our stuff together."
"It's already done, Master Ani," Threepio chimed in, gesturing toward the far end of the cockpit. Anakin turned and looked over his shoulder and there, standing neatly together near the door, sat their travel cases. "I hope you don't mind," Threepio said, "but I took the liberty of getting your things ready while you were both resting."
Anakin turned and looked at Padmé, a surprised, and somewhat confused, expression on his face. He lifted his eyebrow and smiled at her, and she laughed out loud as she looked at his bewildered expression.
"You're going to spoil us, Threepio," she said with a broad smile, as she turned and regarded him thankfully. "That was very thoughtful of you, too."
"Oh, you're quite welcome, Miss Padmé," Threepio exclaimed, obviously quite pleased with himself, as he turned around and took a seat in the copilot's chair.
Padmé turned and looked back at Anakin affectionately, and, pulling his cloak up over her shoulder, she sat up on the bench and gently patted the spot next to her. Anakin smiled and stood up, and, taking the seat beside her, he placed his arm over her shoulders. As he leaned back against the padded bench, she snuggled close beside him, placing her arm around his chest, holding him tightly.
"Just one more day," Padmé said, as she closed her eyes and laid her head gently on his shoulder. "We'll be going home tomorrow night."
Anakin leaned his head back and closed his eyes, smiling contentedly. "I can't wait," he sighed, and then he took a long, deep breath, and then exhaled slowly. "Back to our new home," he said, quietly, "and our new life."
Padmé leaned her head back on his shoulder, looking up at him with a contented smile. He turned toward her and their eyes met, and she gazed at him lovingly as he looked deeply into her beautiful brown eyes for a long time.
Something was different now, as their eyes locked in that deep, passionate gaze. She felt that familiar tremor in her heart again; she didn't understand it, or know exactly what it was, but ever since that moment in the hangar, when she had felt him so clearly as he had fought Count Dooku, she had sensed something new and different between them. She wondered, as her eyes searched his, if this is how he felt when he sensed her presence through the Force. Your presence is soothing, he had told her on several occasions; she understood, now, what he had meant.
Padmé slowly sat up straighter, lifting her head from his shoulder, as she brought her face closer to his. Her eyes never left his as she reached down and took his hand tightly in hers, and then reached up and gently touched his cheek. The feeling was intoxicating; she could feel his love for her now, sense his emotions, almost as clearly as she could feel the soft touch of his hand on her face, as, in like fashion, he reached up and brushed her hair gently away from her eyes.
She remembered how close she had felt to him on their wedding night, as they had held each other for the very first time. She never imagined that it would ever be possible to feel any closer to him than she had at that moment; yet now, she could feel her heart speaking to his, as she could, quite literally, feel the love that flowed from her heart to him and back again. It was a magical feeling, one that filled her with so much joy and contentment that she felt giddy inside; so much so that, as she gently brushed her fingers against his cheek, she laughed out loud, softly.
What happened next absolutely amazed her.
"I know," Anakin laughed softly, his eyes never leaving hers, as he smiled brightly. "I feel it, too."
Padmé gasped softly as he spoke, and then, smiling radiantly, she reached up and gently ran her fingers through his soft, blond hair. "Really?" she whispered, laughing softly.
"Yes," Anakin said, his eyes shining brightly as he gently touched her cheek. "Very much so."
Padmé held his gaze for another long moment. "I love you, Ani," she finally said, softly, and she closed her eyes as she pulled him to her and kissed him, tenderly.
As his lips moved over hers, she melted into his strong arms as he held her close, and, though he never spoke a word, she heard his heart speak to hers as clearly as if he had said the words out loud, yet their lips never parted...
I love you, too.
Threepio turned and looked quietly at the two young lovers for a long moment and then, reaching over and dimming the ship's interior lights a little more, he turned back toward the cockpit window, as he watched Artoo start their descent into the city.
The night air was cool and clean, and Padmé felt just a hint of a chill as she followed Anakin down the rear entry ramp of the ship and onto the landing platform in front of the massive residential complex.
It was a welcome feeling; the air on Geonosis had been hot and dry, and she welcomed the feeling of the cool, damp night air on her face. She smiled as she looked up at the ornate building before them, rising high into the sky above them. Obi-Wan had done well, she thought to herself, as she came and stood next to Anakin, as he stopped just in front of her to wait on the droids as they secured their ship. The many lights and bright colors of the building gave it a warm, welcoming appearance.
Anakin smiled at her as she came and stood next to him, taking his hand in hers, and they turned and watched as Threepio ducked his head, awkwardly, and walked slowly down the ramp, with Artoo following close behind him. As Threepio made his way toward them, Artoo rolled quickly to the access terminal at the side of the ship. He inserted his data probe into the access terminal and, after a few seconds, the interior lights went dark, and the access ramp slowly began to close.
With Artoo rolling along behind them, whistling happily to himself, they all turned and, picking up their belongings, walked through the ornate entrance and into the building.
Obi-Wan rubbed his shoulder, slowly; it was still quite sore, even though the medical droids had done a fine job healing the angry wounds. He took a few steps closer to the tall windows of the Jedi Temple, the limp in his right leg still evident as he looked, thoughtfully, out over the city.
The sky was dark, and the buildings rose into the sky like glistening spires; the city seemed to be alive, as the many speeders and transports that wove in and out of the innumerable buildings that towered into the sky flowed like the shimmering life-blood of the city itself.
Mace Windu stood near him, and he turned and regarded Obi-Wan with a look of concern as he came and stood next to him. "It would appear," Mace said, regarding his young companion with keen interest, "that more troubles you than your shoulder, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan turned and looked back and smiled, unconvincingly, at the venerable Jedi Master's dark, thoughtful face. "I was thinking of what Dooku said to me, Master," Obi-Wan said, as he looked back out thoughtfully over the city. He stood quiet for a moment, and then turned to face Master Windu again. "Do you believe what Dooku said, Master, about Sidious controlling the Senate?" He shook his head, slowly. "It just doesn't feel right."
Mace and Obi-Wan heard a disgruntled sigh from behind them. They both turned and looked behind them, to where Master Yoda sat, his hands folded in his lap thoughtfully.
"Joined the Dark Side, Dooku has," Yoda said, his voiced laced with a trace of disgust as he turned to regard his two Jedi companions. "Lies, deceit, creating mistrust are his ways now."
"Nevertheless," Mace said, placing his thumbs in his belt as he looked at Yoda," I feel we should keep a closer eye on the Senate from now on."
Yoda took a deep breath, and then nodded slowly. "I agree," he said, turning his eyes back toward his hands thoughtfully.
Mace turned and looked at Obi-Wan again. "Where is your apprentice, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan took a deep breath, and then turned and looked back toward Yoda. The tiny Jedi Master looked at him, thoughtfully for a moment, and then nodded his head at him.
"There's something we need to make you aware of concerning Anakin, Master," Obi-Wan said, turning to regard Mace, his expression deeply thoughtful.
"What is it?" Mace said, turning to look at Yoda, his face puzzled, inquisitive.
Yoda looked at both of them, and then motioned to the two chairs next to him. "Sit," he said. "Much we have to discuss concerning young Skywalker."
Mace looked at Obi-Wan curiously, and they walked toward Yoda, as the diminutive Jedi Master folded his hands again, thoughtfully, and sat down beside him.
Yoda turned and looked at Obi-Wan. "Your padawan," he said, looking at his young Jedi friend thoughtfully, "young Skywalker is. Your place it is, then, to share what we have learned."
Obi-Wan nodded, and, taking a deep, thoughtful breath, he turned and looked at Mace Windu. "Anakin has chosen to leave the Jedi Order, Master," he said, quietly.
Mace Windu looked, thoughtfully, at Yoda and Obi-Wan in silence for a moment. His expression grew serious, as he looked down at the floor before him, leaning slowly back in his chair.
"A serious choice, indeed," Mace said, quietly, as he turned and looked at Yoda. "And a troubling one."
"More there is, Master Windu," Yoda said quietly, and he turned and looked back at Obi-Wan again.
"Senator Amidala has resigned her position in the Senate as well, Master," Obi-Wan continued, as Mace leaned forward again, listening to him intently. "She and Anakin were married three days ago."
Mace turned his eyes thoughtfully to the floor again and, slowly, leaned back in his chair and looked away toward the distant wall of the council chamber. He sat silently for a long time, as Obi-Wan and Yoda sat quietly, watching the Jedi Master intently.
After a long silence, Mace finally spoke. "Then the prophecy," he said, turning to look at them both with a deeply troubled expression, "is untrue."
"Difficult to see, the future is," Yoda said, turning to look at him thoughtfully. "The chosen one, the boy yet may be."
"But how can that be?" Mace asked, leaning forward in his chair once more. "Anakin has broken the Code."
Mace looked at Yoda as the tiny Jedi Master regarded him, thoughtfully. "A long time, have I watched young Skywalker," Yoda said, as he stood up slowly, taking his small cane in his hand and walking slowly toward the center of the room. Obi-Wan and Mace listened to him, intently, as he continued.
"Dark, dangerous and clouded, young Skywalker's future has always been," Yoda said. "No contentment have I ever sensed in him, not since he was a boy."
"I'm aware of this," Mace said, turning to look at Obi-Wan. "We all sensed it. That is why we resisted Qui-Gon's request that he be trained as a Jedi." He looked back at Yoda, his expression concerned. "There was no peace inside him."
Yoda turned to look at them both, thoughtfully. "Until now," he said, quietly.
"You sense a change in him?" Mace asked, looking at the tiny Jedi Master, curiously.
"Indeed," Yoda said, turning and looking out the window, thoughtfully. "And a powerful change, it is." He stood thoughtfully for another long moment, and then looked at Obi-Wan thoughtfully. "Saved you from Dooku, did he not, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, Master," he said, smiling slightly. "If it weren't for Anakin, I wouldn't be here now."
Mace turned and looked at Obi-Wan, shocked. "Your padawan fought Count Dooku?" he asked, leaning forward in his chair again.
"Not only did he fight him, Master," Obi-Wan said, turning to look at Mace thoughtfully. "But he would have defeated him, had it not been for some treachery on Dooku's part."
Mace Windu sat, thoughtfully, for a long moment, and then turned his attention back toward Yoda. "But how would Anakin have been able to stand against Dooku?" he asked.
"A powerful thing, love and devotion can be," Yoda said thoughtfully, as he took another few steps toward the window, looking out into the night sky. "Sensed the two of them, I did, in Dooku's hangar," he said, and then turned and looked back to where Mace sat, listening intently. "Difficult to tell them apart, it was."
"I felt the same thing, Master," Obi-Wan nodded, as he turned his attention back to Mace Windu. "When Anakin was fighting," he said, thoughtfully, "Dooku directed a threat toward Padmé. As soon as he did, something strange happened to her, and she collapsed on the floor next to me."
"Anakin grew incredibly powerful," Obi-Wan continued, as Yoda and Mace listened intently. "When I reached out and touched the living Force that flowed through her to see what had happened to her," he paused, and turned to look at Mace thoughtfully, "all I could sense was Anakin."
Mace turned and looked at Yoda, who watched him thoughtfully from across the chamber. "You believe," he said, his face curious, "that Anakin somehow draws on the Force through her?"
"Not through her," Yoda said, thoughtfully, "but, I think, because of her."
Mace folded his hands thoughtfully, trying to take in all that he was hearing. He rested his elbows on his knees as Obi-Wan turned to Yoda, as he stood, his small cane in his hand, watching his friends intently.
"Anakin has always been angry, unpredictable," Obi-Wan said. "When I first saw him again, in the arena on Geonosis, I could sense a change in him. He seemed calmer, more at peace than I'd ever sensed."
Mace and Yoda listened intently as Obi-Wan continued. "Later, in the hangar, I sensed the same thing," he said. "He was completely at peace when he was there with her."
"His source of strength, she is," Yoda said, as he looked at Obi-Wan. "And he, hers."
Mace leaned back in his chair, as he realized what it was his companions were suggesting. "A dyad?" he asked, somewhat incredulously. "But, Padmé is not a Jedi," he said, shaking his head. "What you are describing has not happened for over a millennia," Mace said, looking at Obi-Wan thoughtfully, "and then, only in legend."
"She may not be a Jedi," Obi-Wan said, thoughtfully, "but she is Force sensitive. I've always been able to sense that about her, but not at the level I felt yesterday. Her sensitivity is growing," he nodded, as he stroked his beard thoughtfully. "As to why, only the Force can say for certain."
"Existed, long before the Jedi, the Force has," Yoda countered, very quickly, as his companions turned their attention to him once more. "Its own infinite wisdom, it relies on, in choosing such a pairing."
Mace stood up from his chair, and walked slowly across the council chamber, and looked out the window over the city, deep in thought. He stood there, quietly, for a long time.
"If what you say is true," Mace said, looking out over the lights of the city, "then the two of them cannot be separated."
"Futile, it would be," Yoda said, shaking his head slowly, "to attempt to do so. One life force, the two of them are now."
Mace Windu looked out the window, as he gently ran his hand along the window railing. "The Dark Side's influence grows stronger each day," he said, quietly. "If Sidious does indeed control the Senate," he said, turning to face his companions again, "our list of allies grows thin."
"I agree," Yoda said, looking at his companions. "The shroud of the Dark Side has fallen. All of us," he said, looking back to Mace, "it will take to fight the Dark Lord of the Sith."
"If Anakin has chosen to leave the Order of his own free will," Mace said, thoughtfully, turning to face his companions again, "then we cannot force him to stay."
"Best it is," Yoda said, walking slowly back to his seat beside Obi-Wan, "that young Skywalker be with his bride now, and she with him." He turned and took his seat, placing his cane next to him, as he folded his hands thoughtfully in his lap. "If correct we are," he said, looking back to Obi-Wan and Mace, "The longer they are together, the stronger they will become."
Mace nodded his head, slowly, and then looked at Obi-Wan. "Where is your apprentice now?" he asked.
"Not far from here, Master," Obi-Wan said, as Mace walked slowly across the chamber and took his seat again next to Yoda. "Anakin asked that he be allowed to come and address the Council regarding his decision tomorrow." He leaned back in his chair a bit as he spoke. "I arranged accommodations for them. If their Artoo unit was correct, they should have arrived by now."
Mace nodded slowly, and then took a deep breath. "We will leave them in peace tonight, then," he said, and then turned to Obi-Wan and Yoda, his face deeply thoughtful. "If what you say is true," Mace said, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees, "then perhaps, it would be best if the three of us met in private with them tomorrow, before the Council session."
Obi-Wan looked at Yoda, who nodded thoughtfully. "Talk with them both, we will," he said, "and share with them what we feel is best." Yoda turned and looked at Obi-Wan and Mace, his expression deeply thoughtful. "But," he said, "respect their decision, we will."
The nightmarish images were gone.
He no longer feared falling asleep. Indeed, sleep was now something that he welcomed, and his dreams of late were of sweeter moments and kinder images, images that no longer caused him to wake trembling in terror, his body drenched in sweat.
He was dreaming now, as he slept peacefully, his young wife held close to his side, as the first soft rays of Coruscant's sun began to filter through the dark blue curtains of the bedroom where they slept. He smiled in his sleep, softly, as the images from his dream flashed peacefully through his mind...
He was home, on Naboo, and he knelt in the deep green grass of the meadow behind their home, near the river. His hair was longer, and it tossed loosely in the breeze, reaching just to his shoulders, covering the collar of the light brown tunic that he wore. The sun shone down peacefully through the clouds that laced the brilliant blue sky, as he knelt on one knee and stretched his arms open wide.
Anakin laughed as he watched the small, sandy haired boy run toward him, smiling brightly, with his arms stretched wide, and he caught him in his arms, hugging him tightly. He kissed him on the cheek as he lifted him into his arms, and he tussled his sandy brown hair playfully as the small boy in his arms laughed happily.
He looked from the child in his arms to Padmé, just as she walked up to him, her long brown hair framing her lovely face as she beamed brightly at him. He closed his eyes and kissed her warmly as she rubbed his shoulder affectionately.
He opened his eyes, and he watched with a smile as she knelt down and picked up the small, dark haired little girl that stood beside her; she clung tightly to Padmé as she lifted her into her arms, and Anakin looked at her; her dark, curly hair looked so much like her mother's, and she had the same, beautiful, deep brown eyes. He leaned over, as he took the child's tiny hand in his, and kissed her gently on the cheek, and then, together, the four of them turned and walked up the path toward the house above them.
Through the peaceful bliss of his dream, Anakin heard Padmé's soft, sweet voice call to him.
"Ani," her voice whispered softly, "Ani, wake up."
Anakin took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. The light of Coruscant's sunrise was beginning to filter through the windows of their room, and he turned a sleepy smile to Padmé's lovely face, as she lay cuddled close beside him, her head on his shoulder, gazing at him fondly.
"Good morning," he said, quietly, reaching up and rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"Good morning," she said, and she leaned closer and kissed him gently on the cheek. Anakin smiled as she did, and, turning his face toward hers, he closed his eyes and kissed her softly.
After a long moment, their lips parted, and Padmé opened her eyes and smiled at him. "We need to get up," she said, caressing his cheek gently. "It'll be time for the Council meeting before we know it."
"Okay," Anakin said slowly, yawning deeply. As he did, Padmé rolled onto her back, closing her eyes, and stretched hard as she took a long, deep breath, extending her arms high over her head.
Anakin looked back at her as she did and smiled; very quickly, he rolled over towards her and buried his face in her thick, brown hair, wrapping his arms tightly around her as he gently nuzzled the nape of her neck.
Padmé laughed out loud with surprise as he did so, and then, wrapping her arms around him and holding him tightly, she giggled happily as she felt his soft lips on her neck as he started to kiss her, softly, over and over again. "Mmmmmm," she laughed softly, as she felt those familiar chill bumps run softly down her neck to her shoulder. "Good morning, indeed."
She laughed again as she heard a muffled Mm-hmm in reply; gently, she lifted his face toward hers and, smiling warmly at him, she closed her eyes and pressed her lips tightly to his, as she felt that now familiar, wonderful tremor growing in her heart once again.
"Good morning, Master Ani," Threepio chimed brightly, as Anakin opened the door to the bedroom and walked into the main living area. The window shades were up, and the morning sunlight shone through the room brightly. Anakin turned and smiled at his mechanical friend as he turned and went back to his work in the kitchen.
"G'morning, Threepio," he said, fastening the buttons on his sandy brown tunic, and he looked up and watched his mechanical friend turn toward him with a large tray of food in his metal hands.
"I thought that you and Miss Padmé might enjoy having breakfast on the patio this morning," Threepio said cheerily, as he walked stiffly toward the patio door and, balancing the tray carefully on one hand, reached over and pressed the control switch near the door.
Anakin smiled back at him. "When did you learn how to cook, Threepio?" Anakin asked, as he watched the droid take the tray in both hands again, as he waited for the door to open completely.
"Oh, that was Mistress Beru's doing," Threepio said as the door to the patio finally opened. "It seemed that, well, protocol wasn't something that she felt was very useful around the homestead," he said, "so she insisted that, well, if I didn't want to be traded to the Jawas for a new moisture vaporator, that I had better learn something that she felt was of value."
Anakin smiled at him, fastening the last button on his tunic, and he followed Threepio through the door and out onto the patio. Threepio sat the tray gently down on the small table, and Anakin walked over and placed his hands on the railing, looking out over the city.
Anakin blinked his eyes in the bright sunlight, as he looked out at the expansive skyline before him. Already, at this early hour, the city was alive with activity, and thousands of speeders and transports wove in and out among the many towering buildings that rose into the sky. He looked out, to the north of them and, several kilometers away, he could see the massive spires of the Jedi Temple rise gracefully above the buildings near it.
"Good morning, Miss Padmé," Anakin heard Threepio say, cheerfully, and he turned just in time to see Padmé step through the door and onto the patio. She looked as lovely as ever today, and he smiled as he looked at the lovely brown dress that she wore, her hair braided neatly over her right shoulder.
Anakin walked slowly over to the table, and pulled out the chair nearest her as she spoke. "Good morning, Threepio," she said, brightly, as the droid turned and walked back into the room toward the kitchen. She turned and looked at Anakin as he held the chair for her and, smiling, she came and took the seat that he offered her, and then he sat down beside her.
"Threepio's apparently learned a few new things since I last saw him," Anakin said with a smile, as he picked up the pitcher and poured Padmé and himself a glass of juice.
"I see that," Padmé grinned, taking the glass from his hand that he offered her. She took a sip, and then looked at the tray in front of them. "Beru's going to be sorry that she sent him with us," she beamed, as they picked up their plates with a smile and began to decide which of the fruits and pastries that Threepio had prepared suited them.
"So," Padmé said, as she placed her plate back on the table in front of her and looked at Anakin, as he took a hungry bite of the sweet roll he held in his hand, "are you ready for today?"
Anakin nodded, as he placed the roll back on his plate and wiped his hand on his napkin. "Yes," he said, his voice somewhat muffled from the roll in his mouth, "I am."
"How long do you think it will take?" Padmé asked, taking a bite of her own breakfast.
"Not long," Anakin said, and then he paused as he swallowed and took a sip from his cup. "I'm sure that Obi-Wan and Master Yoda have told them what we're coming to discuss, so it should be just a matter of me addressing them formally, and then, it'll be over."
He turned and looked at her with a smile as she looked at him thoughtfully. "And then," he said, pickup up the roll on his plate, "We go home."
She laughed at him as he took a huge bite of the roll in his hand and chewed, happily. "Feeding you is going to be a challenge," she laughed, her eyes twinkling as she watched him. "I'll definitely have to get some pointers from Mom."
Anakin gestured back toward the kitchen, smiling. "Threepio can help," he said, and Padmé laughed at him again as he popped the bite of his roll that remained into his mouth with a broad smile.
As they sat comfortably enjoying their breakfast in the warm sunlight, Anakin heard a beep from the comlink in his belt. He put down his fork, and Padmé watched him as he wiped his hands on his napkin. "There's Master Obi-Wan now," he said, as he retrieved the small device from his belt.
He smiled at Padmé, and then pressed the button on the side of the comlink as he lifted the device closer to his face. "Yes, Master?" Anakin said, politely.
They heard Obi-Wan's voice, small and tinny, a few seconds later. "Good morning, Anakin," Obi-Wan said. "I trust I didn't wake you?"
Anakin and Padmé smiled at each other. "No, Master," he said with a grin, "not at all. We're actually up and having breakfast."
"That's excellent," Obi-Wan said, cheerily. "I trust you both found the accommodations comfortable?"
"Very much so, Master," Anakin replied, as Padmé nodded at him. "And Padmé asked me to tell you thank you. That was very thoughtful of you."
"You're both very welcome," Obi-Wan answered, and then he paused for a moment. "Anakin," he said, "there's been a slight change of plans. Could you and Padmé possibly come to the Council Chamber a bit early?"
They both looked at each other curiously for a moment, and then Padmé nodded at him again. "Of course, Master," Anakin said. "Is there anything wrong?"
"No, not at all," Obi-Wan replied. "Master Yoda and Master Windu would just like to meet with the two of you before the Council convenes. Could you be there in, say, an hour?"
Padmé nodded at him, as she took a sip from her cup. "Of course, Master," Anakin said. "We'll be there in an hour."
"Wonderful," Obi-Wan answered. "I'll meet both of you at the landing platform. See you then."
Anakin looked at the comlink curiously, as it beeped again and went silent. "I wonder what that's all about?" he asked, looking back at Padmé with a thoughtful, curious expression.
"I don't know," Padmé shrugged. "But I guess we'll find out soon enough."
Obi-Wan stood in the bright sunlight, his long brown Jedi robe flapping in the gentle breeze, as he shielded his eyes with his hand. He watched as Artoo fired the landing thrusters on their ship, and, turning slowly, it settled softly onto the landing platform and cut its engines. As the rear entry ramp began to open, he walked briskly across the platform toward the ship as its breaking thrusters whined slowly to a stop.
As the ramp gently touched down on the platform, he looked up and smiled as he saw Anakin and Padmé walk, hand in hand, down the ramp toward him.
"Hello there," Obi-Wan smiled, as he watched them step onto the platform beside him.
"Good morning, Master," Anakin smiled in return, bowing slightly toward him.
Obi-Wan smiled at him, and then turned his attention to Padmé. "And good morning to you, Padmé," he said, as he took her hand gently and bowed politely.
"Good morning, Master Kenobi," Padmé said with a warm smile. "I know Anakin's already told you," she said, as he released her hand, "but thank you for what you did last night. That was very thoughtful."
"It was the least I could do," Obi-Wan grinned. "I trust you both slept well?"
"Very well indeed," Padmé nodded, as she squeezed Anakin's hand gently.
Obi-Wan motioned toward the temple with his hand, and they started to make their way across the landing platform toward the entrance. "I'm sorry to have called you here on such short notice," he said, as they walked, "but Masters Yoda and Windu felt it important that they meet with you both before the Council session this morning."
"Is everything all right, Master Kenobi?" Padmé asked, as he opened the door for them.
"Oh yes," Obi-Wan said, as he walked through the door and closed it behind them. "Everything's just fine. They just felt a smaller, more intimate session before the Council meeting might be more comfortable. They're waiting for us in Master Windu's audience chamber."
Side by side, the three of them made their way down the long hall and into the Temple.
"Masters?" Obi-Wan called, as he opened the door and stepped into the large, ornate audience chamber. "They're here."
Mace Windu and Yoda stood near the window, looking out over the city. They turned and looked toward the door, as Obi-Wan stepped to the side and held the door open and, hand in hand, Anakin and Padmé stepped into the room. As Yoda and Mace turned and walked toward them, Obi-Wan stepped inside and closed the door behind them.
Mace Windu walked over and smiled at Anakin, as Obi-Wan came and stood next to him. "Welcome back, Anakin," he said, as he placed his hand gently on his shoulder. "Obi-Wan has told me something of your ordeal on Geonosis. I'm pleased to see that you're unhurt."
"Thank you, Master," Anakin said, and he nodded his head reverently to the venerable Jedi master.
Mace regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, and then turned and smiled at Padmé, as he extended his hand and took hers gently. "And you, Senator," he said, bowing politely to her, "it does my heart good to see you well and uninjured."
"Thank you, Master Windu," Padmé said, regarding the Jedi Master with a smile. "But as I'm sure you know by now, I'm no longer a Senator."
Mace looked at her thoughtfully, and then he smiled at her, nodding slowly. "Forgive me," he said, quietly. "Old habits die hard."
"A long time will it take," Yoda said with a quiet laugh, as they all turned toward him, "that habit to break." He made his way toward the center of the room, where they stood, and regarded Padmé with a long, thoughtful smile. "Served long and tirelessly as a senator, she has. Difficult it will be," he said, after a pause, "to think of her otherwise."
Mace turned and motioned to the circle of thick, padded chairs that sat near the center of the room. "Please," he said, "sit, and be comfortable."
They all walked to the center of the room, and, as Yoda and Mace Windu took their seats, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Padmé sat down directly across from them.
"Anakin," Mace Windu said, leaning back in his chair and bridging his fingertips thoughtfully, "Obi-Wan has told us why the two of you have come before us today."
Anakin nodded. "Yes, Master," he said, respectfully. "I expected, and hoped, that he would."
Mace looked at him quietly, for a moment. "Then you have come to this decision freely, and on your own, then?" he asked after a long pause, his face inquisitive.
"Yes, Master," Anakin nodded again. "I have."
"You realize," Mace continued, "that by leaving the Order, you also are agreeing to give your authority as a Jedi?"
Obi-Wan looked at his young apprentice as he answered the Jedi master before him. "I do, Master," Anakin said again, respectfully. "I've broken the Code, Master, and I do understand and fully accept the consequences of my actions."
Mace nodded slowly, as he looked at the young Jedi before him for a long moment. "You propose to give up much, Anakin," he said, looking over the tips of his fingers at him, thoughtfully. After a moment, he turned his attention to Padmé, as she sat beside him, watching him quietly.
"To give up so much," he said, smiling softly at her as she turned and looked at the Jedi master as he spoke to her, "it must be believed that you have received much in return."
Anakin followed his gaze to Padmé, as she smiled softly back at Mace Windu. He reached over and gently took her hand, and Padmé turned to look at Anakin again as Mace watched him closely. "Yes," Anakin said, gazing deeply into Padmé's beautiful eyes, "Yes, Master. I have."
"The sacrifice you have made is considerable as well, Padmé," Mace said, directing his attention to her once again. "Do you also believe that you have gained as much?"
Padmé looked at Master Windu thoughtfully for a moment, and then turned her eyes back to Anakin and smiled softly at him. "Anakin's love far outweighs anything I have given up, Master Windu," she said, quietly. "And yes, I have gained much." She looked at him fondly for a long moment. "More than I ever dreamed or hoped for."
Mace glanced thoughtfully at their two clasped hands as she spoke. Silently, he closed his eyes and stretched out with his feelings into the Force, touching the living Force that flowed through Anakin.
What he felt amazed him; there was no hint of fear, no trace of the pain and frustration that he had always sensed in the young padawan over the years. Only a sense of complete peace, a feeling of total contentment, traveled back to Mace through the Force.
And there, mingled with Anakin's life force itself, was an unmistakable presence; just as Obi-Wan and Yoda had told him they had sensed on Geonosis, he could feel Padmé's presence, feel her love and devotion for him, as clearly as if he had touched her directly.
Mace opened his eyes slowly and listened intently to Anakin as he turned and spoke to him.
"I know that the Code forbids attachment, Master," Anakin said, "and that a Jedi must follow the Code." He paused and turned to look back at Padmé. "But that is something that I know I cannot do, because my life is joined to hers now, and it always will be."
"And you, Padmé," Yoda asked, as he regarded her with keen interest, "Feel you the same?"
"He's my husband," Padmé said, softly, and then she paused for a moment, smiling back at Yoda as he looked at her thoughtfully. "And he's my life."
Yoda turned and looked at Mace Windu thoughtfully for a long moment, and then nodded at his companion.
Mace turned and looked back at Anakin and Padmé, leaning forward in his chair. "We called you both here, today," Mace said, quietly, "so that we could examine your hearts for ourselves and hear your reasons for making the decisions that you did."
"We do not propose to understand how or why," Mace continued, folding his hands thoughtfully in his lap, "but we believe that it is the will of the Force that the two of you are together, and that you remain together."
"Therefore," he continued, "we feel that your request is justified and proper, and we have decided that we will grant your petition to leave the Order."
Obi-Wan smiled, as he watched Anakin and Padmé look at each other for a long moment. "Thank you, Masters," Anakin said, finally, turning back to regard Mace and Yoda with a thankful smile.
Padmé watched as Anakin sat silently for just a moment, and then reached down to his belt and took his lightsaber in his hand. She felt her heart begin to ache, as she watched him roll his weapon thoughtfully in his hand; she had known in her heart, ever since they had made their decision and chosen this path, that this moment would come. But now, as she watched him prepare to surrender his Jedi weapon, she felt tears sting her eyes as she realized, again, the size and scope of the sacrifice that he had made for her. She held his hand tightly, as she watched him slowly extend his hand and hold his weapon out toward Master Windu.
Mace Windu looked, for a long moment, at the saber that Anakin offered him. Finally, he spoke. "Anakin," he said, raising his hand slowly to him, "before you relinquish your weapon, there is something that we want the both of you to consider."
Anakin and Padmé looked at each other for a moment, puzzled, as Anakin lowered his hand, and then they both turned and looked back at Mace Windu as he continued.
Mace looked thoughtfully at the floor for a long moment, and then looked back up at the young couple before him. "We believe that it is the will of the Force that you are together," Mace said, "but we also believe that it is the will of the Force that Anakin remain a Jedi."
Mace's comments caught Obi-Wan off guard; he had assumed, after speaking with Mace and Yoda the night before, that the Council would have simply granted Anakin's request to leave the Order in good standing; they were in new territory now, and he listened intently as Mace Windu stood up, slowly, and walked to the window near them.
Mace stood silently at the window, as he looked out across the city toward the Republic Senate building. "The power of the Dark Side grows day by day," Mace said, finally, after a long moment.
"I'm sure you sensed as you fought Count Dooku, Anakin," he said, turning toward him, "that he has succumbed to the Dark Side's influence."
"Yes, Master," Anakin nodded, listening intently to Master Windu as he addressed him. "I did sense it, very strongly."
The Jedi master looked down thoughtfully and took a step closer toward them. "Dooku told Obi-Wan, while he was captive," he continued, "that a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious now controls the Republic Senate."
"But, how could that be?" Padmé asked, a look of disbelief spreading across her face. "Surely, you would be able to sense if that were true."
"Hmmm," Yoda mused quietly, looking up at her as she turned her attention toward him. "Difficult to see, the Dark Side is," he said. "In any case, an agent of evil, Dooku now is."
Padmé's mind reeled at the though of what the two Jedi masters had said; a Sith Lord, controlling the Senate.
She sat quietly for a moment, as that thought echoed through her mind; somewhere, that word struck a faint, yet strong, chord in her memory...
Control.
Padmé looked up. "Master Yoda," she said, softly, "Why would the Sith Lord, whoever he is, want to hurt Anakin?"
Yoda turned an inquisitive face to Padmé, as she turned and looked at Obi-Wan. "Anakin's nightmares," she asked, as Obi-Wan looked at her, curiously. "How long have you known about them, Master Kenobi?"
"For some time," Obi-Wan said, looking at her inquisitively. "He'd been having trouble sleeping for weeks."
"Months," Anakin corrected bluntly, looking back to Obi-Wan with a pained expression.
"Nightmares?" Yoda asked, turning to Anakin, curiously. "What kind of nightmares, young Skywalker?"
"Horrible ones," he said, his eyes turned downward toward the floor, as he held Padmé's hand tightly. "About my mother." He paused for a moment, and Padmé placed her hand on his shoulder, comfortingly. "She would be suffering," he said, quietly, "and in terrible pain."
"Anakin's powers have been growing stronger," Padmé said, looking back at Yoda. "The nightmares grew almost identically to his powers." She looked back at Anakin, as he sat quietly, staring at the floor. "Finally," she continued, looking back toward Yoda, "they were so bad that we had to go to Tatooine to see what was happening with his mother."
Anakin looked up at her, slowly, and held her hand tightly as she spoke. "We discovered," she said, as they all listened to her intently, "that his mother had been captured by Tusken Raiders, and that she was being held and tortured."
The three Jedi Knights listened with rapt attention as she continued. "Anakin and I went to find her, and..." she paused, for a moment, as her lip began to tremble slightly as she spoke.
She looked at Anakin, her eyes glistening from the tears that stood in them. He smiled softly at her, nodding his head, as he squeezed her hand, gently. Padmé closed her eyes for a moment, and then turned her attention back to Yoda. "We did find her," she said, quietly, "but we were too late." She paused and looked over at Anakin as she squeezed his hand tightly. "She died in his arms just a few moments after we got there."
Padmé reached up and wiped away the tear that stood in the corner of her eye, as Yoda looked at her, his face compassionate and thoughtful, as she spoke. "As soon as Shmi died, "she said, looking back toward Yoda," something tried to take control of him. It was as if some dark, sinister presence was trying to force him to do something terrible, something horrible."
"It was the Dark Side," Anakin said, quietly, as he looked up at Master Yoda. "I would have killed them all, every one of them." He sat quietly, for a moment, and then turned and looked at Padmé. "If Padmé hadn't been there to stop me," he said, wrapping both of his hands around hers, "I would have given in and killed them all."
"Anakin," Obi-Wan said, softly, placing his hand on his young padawan's shoulder, "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
Anakin turned and looked at him, his eyes glistening. "It's all right, Master," Anakin said, quietly.
"Everything that happened," Padmé said, turning to look at Yoda again, "his mother, my getting hurt," she paused for a moment. "It all seemed to be orchestrated, somehow, to make him do something terrible, to hurt him."
Yoda looked across the room toward Mace Windu, and the two Jedi masters exchanged a long, serious glance, as they all sat in silence for a few moments.
"Tried to turn young Skywalker to the Dark Side, the Lord of the Sith has," Yoda said, finally.
"I agree," Mace said, turning to look at Padmé again. 'It is fortunate, indeed," he said, his expression serious and somber, "that you were there to help him, Padmé."
"She saved my life," Anakin said, looking up at Mace Windu thoughtfully. "Of that, I have no doubt."
"Whoever the Sith Lord is," Mace said, turning to look at Yoda, "he will not take this defeat lightly."
"Nor will Dooku," Yoda said, gesturing with his cane to where Anakin sat near him. "Stood against him, young Skywalker has, and well indeed."
Mace Windu regarded the young Jedi who sat before him with a serious expression. "The Force is exceptionally strong with you now, Anakin," he said. "Whether Dooku himself is the Dark Master, or the apprentice," he continued, "it is clear that the Lord of the Sith is well aware of your abilities."
"But if that's the case," Obi-Wan interjected, looking at Mace Windu with a deep concern, "then both Anakin and Padmé could be in danger."
"True, that may be, Obi-Wan," Yoda said, turning to look at him as he sat beside Anakin. "But great strength they have, when together they are."
"That is why we feel that Anakin's decision to leave the Order is best," Mace said, turning his attention to Obi-Wan. "The Dark Lord of the Sith, whoever he is, surely feels that Anakin is a threat to him."
"If what Dooku says about the Senate is true," Mace continued, looking back out the window toward the city, "then Sidious will learn of Anakin's dismissal from the Order. He may feel then that he is less of a threat," he said, "and be less inclined to strike back at him, or Padmé."
"It is also possible," Mace continued, "that Anakin could be at a distinct advantage to help us learn the identity of the Sith Lord, and those around him." Mace turned and looked back to Anakin. "Our losses on Geonosis were great, Anakin," he said, his voice somber and reserved. "A Jedi, especially one with your skills and capabilities, is a valuable asset to us now."
He turned and looked back to Anakin and Padmé, as they sat quietly, listening to him intently. "I want to make it clear, Anakin, that we understand that your first priority now is to her," he said, gesturing toward Padmé as he spoke. "Yet we feel that, especially in light of what you have told us, that only as a Jedi will you be able to protect her as you should."
Anakin sat, thoughtfully, as Mace turned his attention to Padmé as she sat beside him, holding his hand tightly. "Padmé," Mace said, looking at her with a deeply serious expression, "this is a decision that you and Anakin must make together."
Padmé looked at Anakin and smiled as he turned and looked at her, thoughtfully. She sat quietly for a long moment as she held his gaze, and then, as she squeezed his hand tightly, she finally spoke.
"My husband is a Jedi," she said, softly, as she gazed deeply into his eyes. "I trust and support whatever decision he makes."
Padmé held his gaze for a long moment, as his eyes searched hers, and then she turned her eyes downward and watched, with a proud smile, as he slowly returned his weapon to his belt.
Mace Windu nodded slowly, as he watched Anakin secure his weapon, and then walked slowly across the room and stood beside Yoda. He turned and looked at Yoda for a moment, and then nodded at him, confidently.
Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-Wan stood up as Yoda rose from his seat, taking his tiny cane into his hands. Yoda looked up, and regarded Anakin carefully for a long moment. "Very well," he said, finally. "Trial enough, your battle with Dooku was. Confer on you, young Skywalker, the level of Jedi Knight, the Council does."
Anakin turned and looked at Padmé, and she squeezed his arm tightly as she smiled proudly at him.
"Thank you, Master," Anakin said, as he turned and bowed respectfully to the tiny Jedi Master who stood before him.
"As of this moment, you are on indefinite leave from the Order," Mace Windu said, as reached out and squeezed Anakin's arm firmly. "We will inform the Council regarding your leave for you when we meet shortly."
Mace looked at Anakin for a long moment. "We will consider you a sleeper agent, of sort," he said with a grin. "Perhaps one who dwells in the light, but who can use the shadows, will be supremely suited to help us learn who this Sith Lord is."
"If my memory serves me correctly, remembering the rambunctious young lad you were," Mace grinned, "I think you will be perfectly suited to such a role," he said. "Wouldn't you agree, Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan and Mace exchanged a wide grin, as Obi-Wan nodded his head. "I couldn't agree more, Master," he said, as he glanced over at the smile on Anakin's face.
"We will contact you if we need you or have information that we feel you need to know about," Mace said, turning his attention back to Anakin once more. "And for now," he said, "We will keep your promotion to Jedi Knight a closely guarded secret."
"Understood, Master," Anakin replied with a nod.
"We shall do our best to leave you both in peace," Mace said, regarding them both with a smile. "But," he said, turning his attention to Obi-Wan, "we may have your former mentor check in on you from time to time."
Obi-Wan looked back at Anakin, reaching up and placing his hand on his shoulder. "I'll look forward to it," he said, smiling proudly at him.
Mace turned and looked at Padmé, as she stood next to Anakin, holding his hand tightly and looking at him with a proud smile. "If I am not mistaken, my lady," he sighed, "I believe the two of you are long overdue at home."
"Until next time," Mace said, reaching up and placing his hands on both of their shoulders, "may the Force be with the both of you." He looked at them for another moment, and then turned and walked out of the audience chamber and toward the main Council Chambers.
Yoda watched Mace walk out of the audience chamber, and then turned and looked at the young couple again for a long moment. "Much contentment, I sense in you, young Skywalker," he said with a smile, turning his attention to Anakin. "Gone, the dark veil is. A welcome thing it is, after so many years."
Anakin smiled at him, and watched as he turned his small, smiling face to Padmé, as she stood at his side. "Much happiness I sense for you, Padmé," he said, looking at her thoughtfully. "Earned it, you have. Seeing you at peace with young Skywalker brings warm feelings to my heart."
"May the Force be with you, Master Yoda," Padmé said softly, as she smiled brightly at him.
Yoda smiled at them both, and then, his small cane tapping slowly on the floor as he walked, he turned and made his way out of the audience chamber.
"Well," Obi-Wan said, turning to look at them both. "I think it's about time for the two of you to go home."
He looked at Anakin for a long moment, and then extended his hand toward his young friend. "You've been a good apprentice, Anakin," he said, smiling at him proudly, and then he paused for a moment. "And a good friend," he said, quietly.
Padmé felt the tears well up in her eyes again, as Anakin looked at his master's outstretched hand quietly for a moment, and then stepped passed it and wrapped his arms around Obi-Wan and hugged him, tightly, for a long moment.
"Thank you, Master," Anakin said, quietly. 'For everything."
Obi-Wan patted his shoulders as he released him; he smiled at them both, as Padmé gently wrapped her arm around Anakin's, holding him tightly. "I hope you don't mind if I visit soon," he said, his face brightening.
"The sooner the better, Master Kenobi," Padmé said, as she reached up and wiped away the tear that stood on her cheek.
"Come on then," Obi-Wan said, as he placed his hand on Anakin's shoulder, as they turned toward the door. Together, the three of them walked out of the audience chamber and back down the long, ornate hallway, toward their ship that waited for them above.
Our story concludes shortly!...