The events after Sifo-Dyas's death were blurry. Yan is still processing the fact that his long time friend is now dead, his said friend's visions, the creation of a whole Republic army, and most of all, the Sith Master. Darth Sidious.

Yan isn't one to underestimate his enemies, only a fool would do that. If a Sith Master managed to train and thrive under the Jedi Council's nose, kill his own Master, and train yet another Sith - who killed a skilled Jedi Master - then said Sith Master is much stronger than Yan, or anyone else thought.

Sith are ugly beings. Not literally - though if one's heart is ugly, then they would be looking ugly too, even if they held all the beauty in the world - but from the inside, their very souls are corrupted and dark, their Force signatures speak of vengeance and hate. Yan had fought them in the Sith Wars, and he suspects he will have to fight them again.

The question that lies here is; is he strong enough to duel the Sith Master? Strong enough to hold his own? Strong enough to be able to escape? Strong enough to win?

Yan knows he's a very skilled and talented duelist, he was trained by Yoda himself. But this isn't Yoda, or any other Jedi for the matter, this is a Sith Master who is powerful, and talented enough to be able to hide his Force signature from every single Jedi, from Yoda himself, a Sith who trained for years, a Sith who doesn't mind the aggression in his attacks, who's main purpose is to kill. Here, lies the difference.

Yan was raised and trained to be a Jedi, his fighting relies more on the defense and to protect, not to fight, not to attack. The Sith? He's a whole other story. The Sith was trained to attack, to maim, to kill, to destroy.

If he finds the identity of the Sith, then he will go to fight him, and then what?

Die?

That's not on the agenda. Definitely not.

He will have to train, he will have to deprive himself from everything that makes him a Jedi, and start focusing on attacking, on defending as well.

Yan is many things, but he is no fool. He will find a way to destroy the Sith, one way or another.


"Obi-Wan... Obi-Wan... Obi-Wan!! Help... me... Obi-Wan... help... me..."

With a startled gasp, Obi-Wan woke up from his dream. His back is sweating, eyes red rimmed and still hazy from sleep, his night clothes stuck to his skin, and the covers felt like a burning oven, he can't remember what he saw in his nightmare, try as he might, Obi-Wan cannot remember what he saw.

But he can still hear that horrid scream.

It was a male voice, deep and scratched, as if it had been screaming for a long, long time. Screaming for him.

Who was it? Who spoke to him? What did he see? Blast, he saw the face of the screaming man, saw what he looked like, but the moment he woke up, all memories of said man vanished. As if they were never there.

Who was it? Is it someone who's suffering at the moment? How can Obi-Wan help? What can he even do?

Obi-Wan laid down, waiting for his body to stop sweating. His body felt so unnaturally hot, like he was in the middle of a volcano, like he was standing in the middle of fires, like he was standing in fires. The thought made him shudder, whoever was in his vision, he has to be dead already.

Or perhaps, is going to die.

But how can Obi-Wan save him if he doesn't even know who he is? Where he is? When he is?

Obi-Wan isn't a stranger to nightmares and visions. As a child, he always had dreams, ones he didn't understand before, ones he still cannot understand, sometimes, ones he didn't even see things in them, he could only hear screams, and feel that awfully agonising pain in the Force. They don't scare him anymore, but some are just so extreme to the point they make him physically sick.

What should he even do?

Qui-Gon used to tell him that dreams pass in time, but Obi-Wan's never did, and he was too embarrassed to go and tell his Master that his reassurance was misplaced.

As he grew up, his nightmares became more brutal, became more cruel. Obi-Wan knows how to stop himself from fainting or how to calm himself from a panic attack like a total professional now, his less than normal experiences in life serving him to his advantage. Qui-Gon never worried about it, so Obi-Wan in turn, never did.

But not now.

Now, Obi-Wan actually cares about his wellbeing enough to wonder about these nightmares, to go on and ask for help. Ask someone who wouldn't just tell him that dreams pass in time.

He needs to tell Yan, Yan surely will know what to do. Yan is his only hope for now.


Obi-Wan didn't sleep that night, he washed his face after calming down, tried to hum one of Anakin's songs to himself, and went to bed again.

He had that nightmare. Again. And again. And again.

And the same, scratchy, hoarse and slow voice would speak, making his spine tingle with shivers.

"Obi-Wan... Obi-Wan... Obi-Wan!! Help... me... Obi-Wan... help... me..."

Eventually, Obi-Wan stayed up for the rest of the night meditating, hoping to find some resemblance of peace.

He found none.


Next morning was a complete disaster. Obi-Wan has dark circles under his eyes, a pounding headache, and on top of that, he has a scheduled mind healing session with Lady Kenda, and he has absolutely no desire to go and talk about anything, literally anything. He just wants to crawl in his bed and stay there for the foreseeable future.

Anakin, ever so inquisitive despite his youth, was the first to notice something was amiss. He clung to Obi-Wan at first, hugging him tightly and refusing to sit anywhere else if it wasn't near Obi-Wan, he didn't speak much, surprisingly, and Obi-Wan found comfort in that, he didn't feel like talking to anyone. Anakin seemed to know that, he sat next to Obi-Wan and ate silently.

Obi-Wan is supposed to teach him about the Jedi Code today.

He doesn't know how he can explain it to Anakin when he's barely able to keep his eyes open, but he's ought to try anyway. His Padawan relies on him.

Shmi was the second to notice that something is wrong. She turned her sharp gaze towards him, her wise brown eyes analysing him for a moment too long, eyeing his unusual dishevelled form and dark face, his rumpled clothes. Her gaze turned more sympathetic, and he could feel her trying to think of a way to cheer him up.

Jenza and Yan noticed together. It's actually creepy how they can sometimes do things similarly and at the same time as well without even planning it or thinking about it. Sibling things, Obi-Wan guesses.

They bombarded him with questions. Each one taking their turn, their eyebrows farrowing the exact same way when he replies with an answer they don't like or find absolutely garbage. Obi-Wan is too tired to tell them to stop, so he lets them fuss over him.

Anakin is the one who stops them, he stands up as tall as his tiny legs could make him, his chubby face turned into an expression of seriousness and determination.

"Obi-Wan and I have mind healing sessions", he says timidly and politely, if Obi-Wan isn't so tired be would've chuckled at how sharp tongued Anakin had become because of Yan's lessons about holding a superior and respectful look, Yan himself looks quite proud of how Anakin spoke. "So, if you'll excuse us, we will be leaving."

Obi-Wan sent waves of gratitude and appreciation through their bond, allowing Anakin to lead him by his hand outside the Dinning Hall. Anakin sends back his own love for Obi-Wan.

And if Obi-Wan holds Anakin's hand just a bit tighter, no one seems to notice it.


Lady Kenda eyes him with open curiosity today. There's something in her gaze, something that makes him think she's thinking of him as a puzzle to be solved, trying to find a small, tiny plot hole in the book that is Obi-Wan Kenobi, wanting to tug on that string so she can reach the major, larger problem. Obi-Wan meets her gaze back with tiredness.

After quite some time of silence, Lady Kenda speaks;

"Anything you want to say, Obi-Wan?", she asks, her voice low.

Obi-Wan doesn't answer immediately, he leaves room for the silence. After a while, minutes that feel like hours, he speaks; "Not really, Lady Kenda. I don't feel like talking for the day."

Lady Kenda hums in response, writing something on her datapad.

"Do you feel like you need to talk?"

Interesting question, Obi-Wan has to think about it for a long while.

"Yes. But not now, today, I feel like I've been run through with a speeder.", he says it and means it.

Lady Kenda gives him unimpressed look, before she sighs and stands up. Startled, Obi-Wan stands with her.

"I can't make someone who doesn't want to talk, talk, Obi-Wan. I'm here to help you, and right now, all you need is time off", Obi-Wan opened his mouth to protest, but Lady Kenda cut him off. "We've spent the last half hour in complete silence, you don't have a desire to talk, and I won't force you to. Go, take some rest for the day, probably two days, and relax."

Lady Kenda gives him the first smile for the day, and he tries to return it, but it turns into a grimace. They exchanged goodbyes, and she left.

Oh well, more time to meditate.


Obi-Wan came to one conclusion and answer from the Force when he meditated; he has to tell Yan about his visions. Hopefully, his dear grandfather has something to say to him other than dreams pass in time like Qui-Gon did.

Finding Yan was easy enough, he's in his office, where he always seems to be. He looks calm and composed as ever, his Force signature - albeit a bit conflicted - reeking of calmness. Obi-Wan hesitantly moves into the room, and Yan gestures to the seat in front of his desk without looking up from his paperwork, seemingly already noticed Obi-Wan's presence.

"Came to finally talk?", Yan asked, still writing away at something in the papers. Obi-Wan watches him briefly, admiring the efficient way the Count is working, his elegant handwriting. After few seconds of silence, Obi-Wan speaks up;

"Yes, I'm having nightma- visions. Once more.", Obi-Wan says lowly, his eyes looking at the beautifully crafted wooden table in front of him. He hears Yan stop writing, and he feels his sharp gaze on him.

"Once more?", Yan lifts a brow in question.

Obi-Wan nods. "I've always had them, Qui-Gon used to tell me that dreams pass in time but..", Obi-Wan trailed off, his gaze flickering up to look at Yan before returning to the table. "They're not leaving me be, Grandfather, I'm exhausted and I don't know how long I can keep going."

Yan eyes him for a moment, his brow settling down to keep the look of serenity on his face like usual. Obi-Wan swallows thickly at the heavy weight of the intelligent eyes upon him, almost shrinking in on himself.

"Straighten up", Yan orders him suddenly, Obi-Wan startles and looks at him briefly before looking away. "Straighten up. Raise your chin. Set back your shoulders. And look me dead in the eyes when you're talking to me."

Obi-Wan complies a bit hesitantly, the position unfamiliar and feeling so utterly ridiculous and embarrassed by the whole situation. Yan hums in indecisiveness, as if not knowing whether to approve of Obi-Wan's stance or not. Then he sighs, rubbing his temples.

"You'll need work", Yan says. "If you want people to listen to you and if you want your voice to be heard, Obi-Wan, you have to demand for your presence to be known. You have to demand from people around you to acknowledge you."

Obi-Wan sits up straighter at his words, his confidence not aiding in making himself feel less ridiculous or comfortable. "You don't have to be confident, Obi-Wan", Yan says, as if reading his thoughts. "You have to act confident. People don't listen to those who aren't."

Hard truth but this is reality, if he wanted himself to be heard, Obi-Wan has to make sure his voice will not be ignored. Acting confident won't be a concern, Obi-Wan is great at acting. So, he squares his shoulders, raises his chin, folds his hands neatly into his lap and looks Yan dead in the eyes.

"I've been having visions of someone calling my name for help, but I cannot know who he is or where he is", Obi-Wan says evenly, clearly, and his bond with Yan tingles in approval. "I cannot remember how he looks like or how anything looked like in the dream, all I can remember is his voice."

Yan's hand slides from his temple to stroke his beard, his dark eyes curious. "How did he sound like?", he asks lowly.

Obi-Wan swallowed.

"Well- He sounded low- scratchy kind of low- and he was obviously in great pain. His voice is just so hoarse and scratchy and- absolutely painful to listen to."

Yan's gaze turns from curious to sharp, his eyes flicker to the sides in a way Obi-Wan discovered he does whenever he's thinking of something deeply. "And? What was he saying?", Yan asks at last, his voice had a certain edge to it.

Obi-Wan's breath hitches. "He says... Obi-Wan... Obi-Wan... Obi-Wan.. Help.. Me... Obi-Wan... Help... Me", Obi-Wan meets Yan's gaze unwillingly, wanting nothing more than to look at the floor.

Yan's gaze turns sharper, and he murmurs a few things to himself before sliding his hands down his face. "Dreams are fickle things, Obi-Wan", yes, Obi-Wan knows that. "Some dreams are messages, weird and bizarre they are, but they are messages from the Force, we should take that into consideration

Some, are just visions, plainly shown and there is no need to think about a hidden message. Sometimes, it happens in real life, sometimes, it doesn't. Other times, it's shown to us so we could prevent them from happening."

Obi-Wan has never been told that before. Qui-Gon never truly wanted to focus on his connection to the Unifying Force, so all aspects of it have been relatively ignored, and try as he might, Obi-Wan wasn't connected to the Living Force like Qui-Gon was. They were both meant for different purposes as Jedi, and perhaps, if Obi-Wan was taught by someone who didn't ignore his gift, he would've been able to understand his dreams.

Talking to Yan gave him a new perspective he didn't think existed before. How is he supposed to know if the dream is a message, or a vision, or a warning? He's never heard of Jedi complaining about things like this before, so he's mostly alone.

Not alone. Obi-Wan told himself. Yan is here, he would know what to do.

"How am I supposed to know which is which?", Obi-Wan asks.

"Messages are often strange and creepy, you'll recognise them immediately. As for the other ones, you just have to know. You have to trust the Force to lead you to the right way."

Obi-Wan internally groans. Great, the important parts are somethings he cannot tell apart. Just his luck.

"And how am I supposed to cope with them?", he asks as he drags a hand over his eyes.

"I'm afraid there's no way, not that I know of", Yan offers apologetically. "You'll have to find a way to calm yourself by yourself, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan really doesn't have enough energy for it. All he wants to do is to sleep.

Is that too much to ask?

"I'll take over Anakin's training for today", Yan says, obviously noticing Obi-Wan's exhaustion. "You go on and take some rest."

"I'm planning to teach him about the Jedi Code.", Obi-Wan winces, knowing the Count's thoughts about the Jedi Order.

Yan doesn't falter. "And I know enough about it, young one, go to your room and get some rest. He will be alright with me."

His tone leaves no room for argument, gratefully and a bit reluctantly, Obi-Wan bids him his goodbye and thanks and leaves for his room.

His bed is warm and soft. And oh Force, he missed it so much.

He fell asleep in under 10 minutes, a record for sure.


"There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no chaos, there is harmony.

There is no death, there is the Force."

Both Yan and Anakin recited the mantra for the fifth time, Anakin getting frustrated with it.

How can there be no emotion at all? Or ignorance? Or even no passion or death?

Emotions are always there, they are what makes him human. They are what makes him, him. His passion, his emotions, are the ones that kept him alive for so long, both physically and mentally. They are the things that made him a being instead of an object, like the slavers would call him.

This whole new mantra made absolutely no sense at all. His frustration was growing quickly, and Anakin looked at Yan in the eyes, his eyes burning with a fire.

"It doesn't make sense!", Anakin cried, his hands flying into the air, over his head. "How can I feel no emotions?! Or have no passion for life?! This will only make me a machine! Someone who doesn't feel or doesn't have any goals in life!"

Yan, for his part, stayed unfazed in the face of Anakin's agitation. This only served to make Anakin even more frustrated. How can Yan be so calm about this?!

"And what about the no death, there is the Force thing?! Death exists! It's there! It takes so many lives and it doesn't wait for anyone! How can they deny it exists?! Jedi are supposed to be wise!", Anakin added back, spiteful.

Yan merely raised an eyebrow at him, still unfazed. "If you have finished your tantrum-"

"I wasn't throwing a tantrum!", Anakin cried.

"You were. And you are too old to be throwing tantrums, Padawan, and please, do me a favour, when one speaks, do not interrupt them", Yan scolded, eyeing Anakin coolly. Anakin shrunk at his words, feeling embarrassed. "Sorry.", he muttered, playing with the hem of his sleeves.

"Forgiven", Yan says, making Anakin brighten up almost immediately. "Now, as I was saying before you so rudely interrupted me, the Jedi Code is made of many rules, many beliefs to live by.

They were written by the first Jedi Masters of the Order, to ensure the serenity of the Jedi and to keep them to the Light. There are many rules, or rather, beliefs, kind of like religious beliefs-"

"Religious beliefs... like Ar-Ammu and Leia?", Anakin asked hesitantly. Yan nodded. "B-But- I don't wanna stop believing in Ar-Ammu! or Leia! They are my anchors!", Anakin stammered, his internal, religious upbringing soaring to life.

"You won't have to, Anakin", Yan reassures. "You can still believe in your goddess, but you will have to believe in the Force as well, to be a Jedi."

"So- I can believe in both?", Anakin asks hopefully.

"Correct. The Force is the reason of life, the creator of the galaxy, it runs deep in the water, in the air, in the animals, in us. The Force is everywhere, some people, like us, can feel it and are more connected to it, others aren't.

The Jedi are the people who strive to please the Force, who live according to its will. They have established a few beliefs and rules where we can connect with the Force easier, and to make us understand it more."

Anakin goes quiet, thinking about what Yan said. But if Jedi follow the will of the Force, then is it possible for the Force to not want to free slaves?

"But, if the Jedi follow the will of the Force, then why doesn't it want to free slaves?", Anakin asks quietly.

Yan's face immediately twists into an expression of disgust. "Because, Anakin, the Jedi now have strayed from the true teachings of the Jedi, and became mere puppets to the Senate. They are only doing what the Senate asks of them, not what the Force asks of them."

"But isn't that bad?", Anakin tilts his head to the side. Yan nods, suddenly enthusiastic.

"It is."

"But why are they doing it, if it's bad?"

"Because of the money the Republic gives to them."

"So... they aren't doing much for the people outside of the Republic because the Republic gives them money?"

Yan nods. Anakin bristles.

"But that's wrong! Aren't Jedi supposed to be selfless and helpful? Obi-Wan told me that's what makes a Jedi!"

"It seems, young Padawan, that the Jedi have strayed from the Light."

"What is the Light?", Anakin's confusion flies into their bond.

"The Force has a Light Side and a Dark Side, the Light Side is where the Jedi reside in and they live by it. The Dark Side is... evil, consuming, vengeful."

Anakin shudders.

"Does anyone ever use the Dark Side?"

A grim nod. "The Sith.", Yan's answer is clipped.

Anakin's eyes widen with recognition. "I know that! It's like the one who killed Qui-", he stops abruptly, turning to see Yan and wincing immediately. The Count has his face closed off, and so is their bond. "Sorry.", Anakin mutters for the second time since the start of the lesson.

Yan waved him off, but his face remained a blank space. "No need to apologise, Anakin. Now, let us move on to the Jedi Code."

"Um, Grandpa?", Anakin asked hesitantly, Yan nodded at him, silently egging him to continue. "How- The Sith killed mister Qui-Gon, right? So- But like, the Jedi say that there is no death, there is the Force. How is this even possible?"

Yan was silent for a long moment, thinking of his answer thoroughly. When he finally spoke, it was a in a calculated, even voice.

"The Jedi believe that since every single thing has midi-chlorians in it, then we are all part Force, therefore, when we die, or when an animal dies, it won't be real death, it will be returned to the Force."

Anakin bit his lip to stop himself from blurting out how much he disagreed. They may be made out of the Force, but that doesn't mean the Jedi have to act like the dead never existed, or never mourn them, this is just completely heartless and unnecessarily cruel. He finds himself conflicted with the new teachings.

"We- You can continue", Anakin said, Yan nodded, sitting down. "Thank you.", Anakin added hastily, and the Count chuckled.

"You are very welcome, Anakin. Now, the only emotion a Jedi should feel is peace, a Jedi shouldn't be ruled by his emotions, they will cloud his judgment and make him uncontrollable."

"But how can I achieve that?"

"In time, you'll be able to."

"What if I don't?"

A warm smile is offered in return.

"You will, Padawan, don't worry."

Anakin nodded his head, but still looked internally conflicted.

"Jedi, are always learning. No one is born with knowledge, and we are always learning, a Jedi still has much to learn, even when they're Knighted, even when they have a Padawan of their own. There is always knowledge."

To that, Anakin had no disagreement about, there is so much to learn in the galaxy, and it will take a long time to learn about them all.

"A Jedi does not feel passion, a Jedi feels in complete harmony, always. Passion is driven by emotions, and emotions bring chaos and clouded judgment.

And, if there's chaos and clouded judgment, you won't be able to feel at peace or make good decisions. This way, young Padawan, you will lose your serenity, your serenity to the Force, and to yourself."

"But how can I just ignore my emotions? I can't pretend they aren't there!", Anakin crossed his arms, huffing.

"You don't ignore them, Anakin, you acknowledge them, you overcome them.", Yan replied easily.

"You just said a Jedi doesn't have emotions!", Anakin cried, glaring at the man.

Yan stared at him unimpressed. "I said the only emotion a Jedi feels is peace."

Anakin threw his hands in the air. "Same thing!"

"No. You'll have to overcome all of your emotions, so you can achieve peace."

"And how can I overcome them? How can I feel peace?", Anakin asked, eyes wide.

"You meditate. You release your emotions into the Force.", Yan replied taking Anakin's hand, guiding him to the plush pillows on the ground.

Using the Force, Yan brought to of them across each other. He sat down on one, and indicated for Anakin to sit across from him, to which the boy did, pouting a little but still complying. Yan extended his hands, and Anakin put them in his easily.

"How can I do meditate?", Anakin asked impatiently.

"Close your eyes.", Yan ordered, Anakin blinked at him for a moment before he did, grumbling a little.

"Focus on what you're feeling", Yan's voice came from around him. What he's feeling? He's feeling conflicted, feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by all the things he has to learn, all the challenges that will befall upon him. "Now, reach out to the Force around you."

Reach out to the Force, easier said than done. How is he supposed to reach out to the Force? How can he reach for something that isn't there? This is ridiculous.

"You're thinking too much, reach out to the Force, feel it around you, pull it towards you."

"How am I supposed to do that?!", Anakin asked, frustrated.

"You're feeling too much, thinking too much, you won't be able to meditate this way.", Yan dropped his hands, looking to the side to think. Suddenly, he stood up, leaving the room.

Anakin huffed. Reach out to the Force, yeah right, as if that's going to work!

Yan came back into the room, carrying a rubik cube. Anakin tilted his head to the side, confused.

Yan sat back down, handed Anakin the cube, and told him to close his eyes again. Anakin unconsciously started to fiddle with the cube, feeling his nerves calm at doing so.

"Now, focus on the Force around you", Yan said quietly, his voice a touch soothing. Anakin did as he asked, he could feel the Force in the room, around him and Yan, in the birds chirping outside, around Anakin himself. "Now, reach out."

Anakin reached out to the Force around him, feeling it become docile between his mental fingers, cooing around him gently, cradling him slowly and taking a hold of his conflicts and confusion, offering him peace in return.

Anakin grinned, venturing deeper. The Force hummed in approval, reaching out to him in return, offering it's own emotions of love and affection and overwhelming adoration.

Maybe he should venture deeper, further, only for this feeling of peace to stay with him-

No, little one, not yet. A gentle voice said from inside his head. Anakin jumped slightly, and felt his nerves spike up.

Who are you?! What do you want?! Anakin asked fearfully.

Fear not, my child, I am the Force.

In his shock, Anakin pulled away, his eyes opening and he gasped. He saw Yan standing over him, concern written all over his features. "Anakin! Are you alright!?", Yan asked, his hands firm on Anakin's upper arms.

Anakin nodded hastily, whimpering and twisted until he could bury his head in Yan's chest. He felt the Count slump in relief, and seconds later arms circled him in a tight embrace.

"It's alright, little one, you're alright.", Yan's gentle and soothing voice brought some peace to Anakin, finally making him calm down.

"You ventured too far, Anakin, don't do that again.", Yan said firmly, Anakin nodded vigorously.

"I spoke to the Force- The Force spoke to me.", Anakin corrected himself.

Yan pulled way abruptly. "What?! How?!"

"I- I don't know! I reached deeper and suddenly it told me to stop! When I asked who is it, it told me it's the Force!", Anakin explained, breathing heavily.

Yan stared at him in mixture of wonder and astonishment. "No one has ever experienced anything like this..."

Anakin gulped. "Is it bad?"

Yan shook his head. "No no, it just means you're special, you have a deeper connection to the Force."

Anakin nodded, still feeling scared. Yan noticed, and immediately took him in his arms again, Anakin clutched at him tightly.

"How about we go and meet up with the family?", Yan asked, already pulling Anakin by his hand to the door. Anakin nodded his affirmation, holding his hand tightly.

Neither had the heart to continue the lesson.


When Yan informed Obi-Wan of Anakin's new.. development, Obi-Wan almost fainted.

Yan can't blame him, he can still remember Anakin's glowing, stiff body, can still picture him in his mind. He truly didn't want to speak of it again, but Obi-Wan is Anakin's Master, he has the right to know.

"How- How did he even do that?!", Obi-Wan asked dazed.

"I have no idea, he seems to be shaken up by it."

Obi-Wan sighed and dragged a hand over his face. "How is he now?"

"Better, I'd say. He seems to have forgotten about the whole ordeal, just keep that in mind when meditating with him in the future."

"How much did you teach him, about the Code?"

"The mantra and what it means. Giving him something to tinker with helps calming him, I'd suggest you give him something."

Obi-Wan nodded wordlessly, still stuck on your Padawan spoke to the Force thing.

"He's going to make me gray before 40.", Obi-Wan said bluntly, making Yan laugh.

"Of that, I have no doubt.", Yan chuckled.


Yan answered Theodar's call, and both he and Jenza straightened up as they prepared themselves for the news Theodar is about to tell them.

"Count, Countess", Theodar bowed to them each. "You're both looking good."

"Nowhere as good as you, Senator.", Jenza replied good naturally.

"I have information about the Senate, and Queen Amidala.", Theodar said.

"Go on.", Yan motioned for him to continue.

"Amidala is trying to mend the broken pieces of her planet, the invasion has left quite the mark on Naboo. Many people lost their lives, and many homes and schools were destroyed. I'm afraid the Republic isn't offering enough money to help the Naboo."

"So they're allowing the planet to suffer?", Jenza asked incredulously.

"I'm afraid so, my lady", Theodar replied grimly. "Greejatus isn't doing much either, I think Queen Amidala is unimpressed with his lack of efforts, for his sake, I might tell him to raise a bill in the Senate to help his home world."

"And the Chancellor? Didn't he serve as a Naboolian Sentaor?", Yan asked in a sarcastic tone.

"It seems to me, that the Chancellor could care less.", Theodar said in a matching tone.

"That won't do", Jenza said firmly. "Theodar, make the Senator raise a bill in the Senate for the sake of his people, the Chancellor cannot refuse it."

"Because if he does, then the Senate will be suspicious of him for not wanting to help his home planet, especially after it went through such crisis.", Yan continued.

"The very same crisis he was chosen to be Supreme Chancellor for.", Jenza finished, a triumphant smile on her face.

Theodar chuckled heartedly. "You both are going to be the death of the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic.", he said in between chuckles.

Yan and Jenza looked at each other and grinned. "We only want to see what he's up to, Senator", Jenza said. "No one said anything about death."

Theodar hummed. "I will tell Greejatus to raise a bill for his people in the Senate, for the sake of empathy. The Naboo is in love with Queen Amidala, in the events of the invasion, they seem to have hailed her as a hero for freeing her people."

"Understandable, it's impressive, what she did, especially at her young age.", Jenza said smiling.

"I agree. Now, for the Senate.", Theodar sighed and leaned back into his chair.

"Bad news?", Yan asked, already knowing the answer.

"Is there ever good news with the Senate?", Theodar replied.

"I'm starting to think there isn't.", Yan sighed.

"You have to be sure, dear Count, because Queen Amidala has worked to sue Gunray and the Neimodians have reportedly denied any allegations made against him.

When asked to make a move, the Chancellor told that if the Neimodians have no problem with Gunray, then he doesn't as well."

"And Gunray lying and allowing his vice president to illegally invade a planet, and not just any planet, his home planet is nothing wrong and he doesn't deserve to be sued or to be taken out of office for it?", Jenza said sarcastically.

"Apparently, my lady, it isn't.", Theodar said.

Jenza scoffed. "The galaxy will be ruined before we even know it."

"Does Queen Amidala approve? I'm sure she has something to say about Palpatine.", Yan said.

"Greejatus stated that the Queen is extremely disappointed and disheartened by Chancellor Palpatine's choices, and has refused to speak to him on further matters regarding her home planet.", Theodar crossed his legs.

"She didn't speak to him?", Jenza asked.

"No. Greejatus said the Queen told the Chancellor that the power will make him 'greedy' and 'power hungry' before he was elected, and that she didn't truly approve of his position."

"So she didn't want him to be the Chancellor?", Yan asked, his eyes flickering to the side. "How curious..."

"Perhaps, she didn't trust him to be Chancellor", Jenza stated, playing with a loose strand of her hair. "Maybe she saw something in him that made her think of him as someone who isn't supposed to be in power."

Silence rang through the room for a while.

"Whatever Queen Amidala saw, she was right", Yan said, finally snapping out of his thoughts. "Palpatine isn't fit to be Chancellor."

"And what are we supposed to do?", Theodar asked. "The Senate will not remove him from office, especially so soon after his election, and I'm afraid he has corrupted thr Senate far too quickly in so little time."

"Sidious showed up at the time of Palpatine's term", Yan said. "I do think, that it's possible that they are working together."

Jenza's gaze snapped towards him, he could feel her tension through the Force. "You think it's possible?"

"Palpatine became Chancellor at the time Sidious showed himself to the world. There is obviously a great connection between them, and the most obvious one is that they work together. But-"

"We cannot remove a Chancellor from office because of mere suspicions.", Jenza finished grimly, her eyes meeting his.

"Perhaps..", Theodar started, stroking his beard. "If we see what scheme they planned, and exploit their plans, then we can take Palpatine away from office, and find out about the identity of Sidious."

Good plan, but how can they do that? Where do they start?

"Senator", Yan called clearly, making the Senator in question sit up at his call. "I ask of you to get me more about Palpatine's background, and the Naboolian customs."

Theodar nodded. "Consider it done, my lord."

"Won't Queen Amidala be suspicious of us?", Jenza asked.

Yan shook his head. "Not if we help her people, we have a choice to help her planet now, a chance to earn her trust."

"A chance we should seize.", Theodar continued.

Yan nodded. "She's young, and she's obviously a bit naive. She considered Palpatine her mentor, and now that he's disappointed her heavily, I do think she will be more wary of the politicians."

"She will need to, many people will try to use her age to their advantage.", Jenza said.

"Like Palpatine.", Yan agreed.

"If Greejatus raises a bill in the Senate for his people, how many Senators will vote in favour for it?", Jenza asked Theodar, turning her attention towards him.

Theodar for his turn, seemed to be mentally doing the math. "Enough Senators will agree, and I'll make a speech about it, the Senators are idiots, they will be swayed over easily enough. Naboo shall get the aid it needs."

Yan snorted. "So much for putting our faith in the Republic."

Theodar sighed. "It is what it is, dear Count. Amidala is doing an amazing job for her home planet without the Senate's help. Got to give that to her."

"She has the potential", Yan said. "She's still young, but she's doing well for someone her age. Naboo will thrive under her attention."

"Keep in mind, if we keep good relations with the Naboo, one of the most important planets in the Republic, we will have more influence.", Jenza piped in.

"It will be a great move to our favour.", Yan said with a small smile.

"Indeed it will. Now, if you will excuse me, I will have to attend a Senate meeting.", Theodar said standing up.

"Good day to you, Senator.", Jenza bowed alongside Yan one last time.

"And to you, Count, Countess.", Theodar bowed to them each before turning off his comm.

"I can't believe they're allowing the Naboo to suffer after their mistakes!", Jenza huffed, crossing her arms.

"I'm not surprised, but it's still terrible to see it so ignored by the Senate when the reason it's in this mess is the Senate itself.", Yan replied, turning his gaze towards her.

"I don't have much faith in the Republic anymore", Jenza admitted. "It's too corrupt! And I'm not sure of it's ability to keep peace in the galaxy!"

Yan's gaze turned thoughtful. "Perhaps, we can ask Theodar to make a committee in the Senate for the planets who disagree with the Republic."

"But not now. If we make moves too quickly, it will be suspicious. Let it be after a while of the Naboo bill.", Jenza said, letting her arms fall to her side.

"Not now", Yan agreed. "Perhaps a few months later, if we find more.. dire information. We don't want to be accused of treachery, we have to plan our moves well."

"Both Palpatine and Sidious are smart, they have no traces left behind them.", Jenza said.

"I wouldn't say no traces, if they truly had no traces, then we won't be suspicious.", Yan replied.

"We will have to plan our moves carefully and slowly."

"Yes."

Jenza sighed tiredly. "I'm tired of all of this, Yan.", she raised a hand to rub her temple.

"So am I", Yan admits, laying a hand on her shoulder. The Force around him felt dark and conflicted, and his new concerns are only serving to make him feel frustrated. "But have faith, we can uncover all of this scheme, bring peace to the galaxy."

Jenza closed her eyes for a few moments, Yan could feel her trying to collect herself.

"I hope what you're saying is right", she said quietly. "The construction crew told me that everything with Galaxy is going well so far, far better than they anticipated."

Yan smiled in approval. "Good, we need it as fast as possible."

"I agree.", Jenza whispered.

Yan looked at her disheartened slump and sighed, pulling her up by her hand. "Come on, we're going to see the family."

"But there is so much paperwork left-"

"It can wait, you're tired. Give yourself a break."

Yan dragged her to their favourite living room, where everyone already sat. Anakin beamed at them and immediately ran to greet them with hugs, telling them all about his adventures in their absence.

Jenza immediately brightened up with the child, and allowed herself to be pulled near the fireplace. Yan looked at the almost frozen sea outside, at the quickly snow covered mountains behind it.

The weather is growing colder, and so is the Force.


Anakin is dreaming.

Which isn't something unusual. As a child, Anakin always dreamed of himself carrying a blue lightsaber, sometimes a white one, sometimes a gray one, some dreams are dark and filled with hatred. Some are sweet, filled with waterfalls and rivers.

This dream is the latter.

He's laying on the grass, the smell of fresh air, water and dirt cleaning his lungs. The sound of water flowing from the waterfalls down into the rivers in his ears alongside the songs of the birds, each bird singing a different song, making their tunes into a beautiful melody. He could feel the Force in the running water, in the chirping birds, in the fish, in the grass and the small insects.

Anakin sat up, humming one of Leia's songs, and looked around. Around him, several trees were barked, looking like someone painted them, giving them a majestic look. Flowers of all colours were sprouted here and there.

This place screams of utter peace and harmony that Anakin smiles without even noticing, to the point he breathes in the fresh air and sighs contentedly, to the point he rolls around in the grass, relishing of the feeling of it on him, laughing and giggling.

He stands up, running around, chasing the few insects, running his hands through the water, stares in awe at the waterfalls and moves the water from it with the Force. In his dreams, using the Force was always so much easier, it always felt like a long lost part of him, waiting for him in his dreams to return for it.

At the end of it, he lays back down, on the very same spot he opened his eyes in. He stayed in his place, content for some time.

He always lost track of time in his dreams.

Suddenly, he heard singing.

At first, he thought he was imagining it, but at the third time, he knew it was real. Anakin sat up, looking around him. The voice is beautiful, speaking in a language he cannot speak or understand but ever so familiar. Anakin feels as if the voice is coming from all around him, and not just from one direction.

He remembered Obi-Wan's words. Reach into the Force, let it guide you.

Anakin tried to reach into the Force, but he couldn't. He is venturing into the Force, he cannot reach for it. Anakin focused on gathering it around him, on letting it guide him.

Left.. the same voice he heard when he meditated for the first time spoke.

Anakin turned to the left.

Right..

A turn to the right.

Keep going forwards..

Anakin continued moving, running now, the singing getting louder with each step he took.

Left..

Anakin turned to the left, the words is straight in his ears now, the song getting clearer and the awful feeling of familiarity and longing. still hung in his heart

Stop.

Anakin stopped abruptly, almost falling from the sudden move. He looked around him, spotting absolutely no one in the small circle made by the bushes, and the singing has stopped.

"Hello?", Anakin called, looking around. "I heard you, I- I think you were calling for me."

He bent down to see if there is something between the bushes. "Sorry if I scared you, I just want to see you..", he trailed off, standing up straighter. "Please?"

Suddenly, he heard a chuckle, like the sound of bells. Anakin whirled around, to see...

A tall creature of pure light, glowing so bright he isn't supposed to be able to see it. Anakin is sure that if it were anyone else, they wouldn't be seeing the light creature, but he can. For some reason, he can.

The creature is dressed in a golden robe, embodied with white flowers on it's arms and chest. The creature's hair is golden, like their robe, and their right eye is blue, and the other is yellow.

Anakin gaped at the figure for a moment before shaking his head to shake himself out of his revere. "You- I know you!", he wasn't lying. For some reason, this creature felt so familiar.

A chuckle once more. "That you do, little one, we've met earlier."

Earlier? Anakin didn't meet any-

Oh.

"You're the Force!", Anakin gasped, immediately running to them. "Wizard!", he whispered.

"Indeed I am", the Force said with a smile. "I have missed you, Anakin."

Anakin titled his head in confusion. "I only met you today."

"No, my little love", the Force reach a hand, landing it in his hair. "You've always been a part of me. I made you."

"You made everyone!"

"Yes. But I made you, a part of me. A part I gave to the galaxy.", the Force knelt down, their hands laying on Anakin's shoulders.

"So- you're my dad?", Anakin blurted out, making the Force laugh.

"If that's what you want me to be, then I'd be happy to be your father, Anakin", the Force beamed at him, their eyes glowing. "However, I'm neither male or female. But I am your parent."

Anakin hummed. "I'm gonna call you Pa!", he chirped.

The Force grinned. "Then I'd happily be your Pa, Anakin."

"Why didn't you visit me before?", Anakin asked.

The Force's grin faltered. "I didn't want to put your life at risk. If I got close to you while you were a slave, then you were going to be sold once more."

"Then why did you create me to be a slave?", Anakin's lower lip trembled.

"Oh my darling", the Force cooed, drawing him in. "I chose Shmi to be your mother because there was no one better to raise you and love you. She was the best option for me. You were always meant to be freed, Anakin, always."

"So- Even if Qui-Gon didn't come-"

"I would've freed you regardless, little dear, I would've invented another way."

Anakin sniffles, pulling back to look at his parent's face. The Force gave a small smile, wiping away the remaining of his tears. Anakin remembered the song he heard.

"Hey! You were singing earlier! What was the song?! Why did it feel so-"

"Familiar?", the Force asked.

Anakin nodded.

"It was one of the songs we sung together, back when we were one", the Force brushed his hair back. "It was our favourite."

"Was?", Anakin's nose scrunched.

The Force smiled sadly. "Singing it no longer feels the same without you, Anakin."

"Oh.", Anakin said, staring off into the distance.

"But I'm here now!", he said after recovering. "And I want to hear it! I love it! Please?", he asked shyly.

The Force beamed at him. "For you, my little star, anything."

The Force- Pa cradled him gently in their arms, rocking him back and forth the same way his mother does. Anakin breathed in their smell, nuzzling closer, taking comfort in the way their chest rumbles while singing.

This is the most peaceful he has felt through his whole life.


A/N : Well well well, look who finally updated! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and pls tell me what you think.

Guest : thanks! I appreciate it very much! Hope you will enjoy this one as well, thanks for the review!!

DS2010 : Dooku and Jenza are smart and they will do absolutely anything to save their family. Glad you enjoyed the chapter and hope you will enjoy this one too. Thanks for the review!