Title: Analogy of Conviction

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au

Rating: R NC-17 (Graphic Sexual content. You've been warned)

Disclaimer: It all belongs to George Lucas, I just like to play in his universe once and a while. However Anaika is my creation.

Chapter Ten: From the darkness there comes light.

Anakin pulled at the collar of his formal uniform, wishing he were back in his usual Jedi attire.

"Relax, Anakin." Obi-Wan advised he also wore formal uniform.

"I am relaxed, Master. I just feel uncomfortable," his apprentice complained. "I feel like I'm being strangled."

"You will be if you don't stop pulling at your collar," his Master warned.

Beside Obi-Wan, Anaika smiled, she and Qui-Gon also wore formal uniform.

Anakin grumbled. "We wont be discreet dressed like this."

"Of course we will, Padawan." his Master assured calmly.

Qui-Gon glanced at his Padawan. She seemed comfortable in her attire. *How are you feeling, Ani?*

*Better Master.*

*And your sight?*

*I'm still seeing shadows, Master,* she admitted. *It's better then darkness.*

That afternoon she'd come out of her meditative trance to shadows. They hadn't told anyone except Yani Van De, who was pleased with her patient's progress. Seeing it as good sign.

The lift stopped and the four Jedi exited. Being greeted by a Tralis lieutenant, who escorted them to the Princess.

Ceri smiled warmly. "Welcome. Now your here, we can leave," Anakin offered her his arm, which she accepted. "You look the dashing hero, Anakin."

"Thank you, your Highness."

Anaika forced herself not to roll her eyes. To her the Princess was merely a dark shadow among shadows. Her fellow Jedi, she perceived by their Force auras, her brothers being, like her own the strongest.

Leaving the apartment complex, they were taken to a private club by royal speeder. Security was tight around the club. The Jedi were recognizable by their lightsabers, which they wore openly. Inside the guests had begun to arrive, all in formal wear.

The Princess went to greet her guest, as the Jedi positioned themselves around the room.

During the night Obi-Wan moved through the guests to Anaika. "How are you holding up, Padawan Skywalker?"

"Find thank you, Master Kenobi," she said smiling. Thankful to have the confinement lifted. "Anakin is enjoying himself."

Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes he is, " he agreed. Female teenagers, including the Princess, surrounded his Padawan. He seemed to be handling there flirting rather well for the moment. "Are you enjoying yourself, Ani?"

"If I say no, Master Kenobi. Would you be disappointed?" she mused.

"Not in the least," he acknowledged. "I've never found these functions entertaining."

"And Master Qui-Gon?" she asked, she sensed her Master was his usual calm self.

Obi-Wan couldn't help but grin. "Your Master is being entertained by a number of diplomats."

"All female, I'd take it." she smirked after hearing his playful tone.

"Yes."

"I'm surprised Master, you, yourself are devoid of female company." she remarked good heartedly.

"Flattery Ani, will not get you out of saber practice tomorrow." he jeered.

"I had to try, Master."

"Of course you did," he stated and sensed an urgent plead from his apprentice through the Force. "Excuse me Ani, I have to go rescue my Padawan."

"Of course, Master Kenobi." she said, and sensed him move away.

She also sensed another presence, a male presence. Seeing a shadowy figure approaching, a familiar aura about him.

"Don't tell me, you've forgotten me already, Lady Ana," he mocked.

She smiled, but groaned inward. "Of course not, your Highness."

Prince Adin had been surprised to see her. "I see your Master is also here. He looks well and truly detained."

"He is as alert as ever, your Highness," she noted. *Master!*

Qui-Gon looked over at his apprentice, seeing the Prince with her. "Excuse me Ladies," he said, leaving the group. He made his way to his apprentice. "Your Highness."

"Master Qui-Gon. I take it your about to take Anaika away from Me." he jeered.

"My apologies, your Highness. We are here on official business," the Jedi Master informed.

"Until next time then." Adin said.

Anaika nodded, falling into step beside her Master. "Thank you."

"Your welcome, Padawan. Though I'm sure not all young men in the room are like Prince Adin."

"I know Master."

"In fact there is a young man your age heading out onto the balcony, who looks as bored as you," he noted lightly. "Why don't you go say hello."

"Perhaps I will, Master," she agreed. "Excuse me."

"Of course, little one." Qui-Gon mused.

She smiled and carefully made her way out to the balcony.

Liam Joles turned, hearing footsteps. Seeing the Jedi apprentice come out onto the balcony. He knew she was an apprentice by the braid and short hair. Though he had to admit her hair looked better then the shorter hair cut, the other apprentice supported.

Anaika smiled as she stood beside him, having sensed his thoughts though the Force. "Female Padawan aren't required to cut their hair as short, as their male counterparts."

"How did you know what I was thinking?" he asked.

"The Force," she answered. "My name is Anaika Skywalker."

"Liam Joles," he introduced himself. "My mother is the Alderaan Ambassador. I don't really know the Princess."

"Neither do I," Anaika admitted leaning on the balustrade. "My brother however is friends with her."

Liam glanced over his shoulder, then back to the apprentice. Having notice the two apprentices were alike. "Your brother is the other apprentice here?"

"Yes. Anakin and I are twins." she revealed and wondered if this shadowy figure was as handsome as his voice.

He leant beside her on the balustrade. "I love looking at the stars," he announced. "Especially from my apartment. It's a shame you can't see the stars from here."

Anaika smiled warmly. "I haven't seen the stars in two months, but I remember how they sparkle."

Liam frowned, and then realized what she meant. "Your blind!"

She nodded. "I can see shadows, dark shadows. The healers at the Temple tell me my optical nerves have healed, that I'm suffering from psychological blindness."

"So you can see, you just don't want to." he guessed.

"My subconscious doesn't want me to," she stated. "I do. Until this afternoon I saw only darkness. Shadows are an improvement."

"I hope you get your sight back soon," he said warmly.

"Thank you, Liam."

His hand brushed over hers as he heard the music start, feeling a little game. "So Anaika, do Jedi apprentices dance?"

"We do, even blind ones," she grinned. "I'm not very good though."

"Neither am I," he mused. Taking her hand he guided her out onto the dance floor. The music was soft and easy to dance too. He held her in his arms, finding out she was better then she admitted to. "For someone not very good, you are."

"I have excellent balance, timing and rhythm. It comes from being taught saber techniques."

"So you dance with your lightsaber," he declared, feeling her weapon against his thigh.

"In a way."

"Then you must be very good with your lightsaber." he praised flirting a little.

Anaika took the compliment well. "Since my Master is one of the best swordsman within the Jedi Order, I have been well taught."

"Is your Master the taller Jedi, the one with long hair, that has been pulled back?" Liam asked.

"Yes."

"He's a good dancer too, my mother has him on the dance floor." he announced sheepishly.

Anaika sensed her Master was relaxed and enjoying himself. She herself felt unusually comfortable in this young man's arms.

*You look happy, Padawan.* her Master noted.

*I am Master.* she revealed.

After one more dance, the music changed to an up tempo beat. Liam led Anaika off the dance floor, back out to the balcony.

She unbuttoned her collar. "You're a better dancer then you lead me to believe."

"I just had a good partner," he admitted a little smugly.

She laughed. "I bet."

They talked about their lives, childhood. Anaika told him of places she'd been with her Master, people she'd meet. Liam told her about his home on Alderaan, his time on Coruscant and his studies at university.

*Padawan?*

*On the balcony Master.* she answered, doing up her collar. "Master Qui-Gon is looking for me."

"He is?"

She nodded. "We talk to each other using the Force."

The Jedi Master came onto the balcony with the Ambassador. "Padawan, we're to escort the Ambassador and her son home," he informed. "Master Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker will remain with the Princess."

"Yes Master." she acknowledged.

Liam grinned at his mother, silently thanking her. He took Anaika's arm. "Shell we?"

"Yes." she agreed, as they followed her Master and his mother.

Leaving the club, the Ambassador's speeder was brought to them. Qui-Gon took the controls, the Ambassador beside him. Anaika and Liam in the back.

At the complex they rode the lift in silence. Unknown to them, the two Jedi were in conversation using the Force.

*Master?*

*Yes Padawan.*

*Describe Liam to me?*

*I'll do better; I'll show you,* he told her. Using the Force, he let her see Liam thought his eyes.

He was taller then herself, dark wavy hair, and soft brown eyes, boyishly handsome in appearance, with a sexy grin and roguish features. With a body, girls went crazy for.

She smiled to herself. *Thank you, Master.*

He gently pulled away, out of her mind. *Your welcome, little one. Behave yourself tonight.*

*And you, Master.* she advised. Knowing exactly what he meant.

The lift stopped and all four exited, going into the apartment. Ambassador Tahlia Joles was a woman in her thirties, neither plain nor beautiful but a delightful mixture of both. She guided the Jedi Master into her den as they talked.

Anaika felt Liam tug her arm, guiding her in the opposite direction.

"Don't worry, your Master is going to be busy." he smirked.

"I know." she admitted. Sensing her Master's feelings, as well as he sense hers.

Liam guided her into his room. "This is my room, would you like me to walk you around. I have a sitting room and a balcony."

She smiled, amused, undoing her uniform jacket; she draped it over the nearest chair. "Just relax, Liam," she insisted. "Show me the stars."

He nodded. Leaving his jacket behind he opened the doors to the balcony. Taking her hand he guided her out. He had a question on his mind he wanted to ask. "What's it like, being a Jedi apprentice. Being with your Master?"

"We move around a lot, going from one mission to another." she revealed, feeling his thumb caress her hand. "We also train a lot, constantly learning about the Force and life. My Master says I have a strong connection to the Living Force, as he does."

He took a step forward; he felt a connection to her. Reaching out he stroked her check. "You're very beautiful Anaika." he whispered.

She put her hand over his. "Don't fall in love with me Liam. Be happy with what we can have, not what we can't." she advised gently.

"If this is all I can have," he said, and then kissed her, parting her lips with tenderness. "Then I'll take it." He kissed her again, tasting her sweetness. Holding her firmly against him, his body reacting faster then his brain was. He wanted more, much more. Scooping her up, he carried her back inside, closing the doors to the balcony. Putting her down near the large bed. Kneeling he removed her boots, running his hands up her legs to the fastenings on her trousers. Undoing them, he slipped his fingers under the material and eased them and her underwear down. Slipping both off, standing he undid her shirt and pushed it off her shoulders, then the lacy garment that held her breast. Amused a Jedi would have such a delicate garment.

"I may be a Jedi apprentice, but I'm still a woman." she purred, nipping at his neck. She undressed him with as much care as he'd removed her clothing.

After they tumbled onto the bed, Liam turned the lights down, putting the room in dim light.

"Now we're even," he mused.

"Yes we are," she said, then pushed him against the bed. Straddling him. "When you lose your sight, your other sensors become stronger," She lent over him, her lips grazing his chest with kisses. "Touch for instance."

He moaned, as her tongue circle one nipple, then the other. "I believe you."

Moving down, she used her hands and her mouth to bring his arousal to a hard erection.

"Aghh, Anaika." he moaned, catching his breath.

She crawled back up, once more straddling him. An overwhelming musky sent of desire invading her sensors. Feeling the tip of his erection against her wetness. Before she could impale herself on him, he flipped her over, pushing hard and fast inside her. Anaika cried out, moving her legs further apart so he could thrust deeper within her. Leaning over her, he sucked at each breast, bring each nipple to a hard bud.

She ran her fingers throw his hair, over his back, memorizing every part of him. She wanted to wait, but with every plunging thrust he brought her closer to her release. Harder and faster until she couldn't hold back her climax and cried out, her body convulsing in pleasure of her release. That took him completely over the edge, his climax being as explosive as hers, his release spreading warmth though her. His mouth found hers in a lingering kiss as she held him close, their hearts pounding together in unison.

She rolled onto her side when he moved to lay beside her, drawing the sheet over them. Gently she traced her fingers over his face.

"What are you doing?" he whispered.

"Memorizing your face," she said quietly.

Taking her hand, Liam kissed her fingers, sucking seductively at each. "You're an amazing person Anaika. Truly amazing."

"I'm no different then anyone else."

"Oh I think you are," he admitted. "I will always think you are."

She chuckled. "I believe you will."

"You're teasing me."

"No," she mused. "I'd be much to frightened to tease an Ambassador's son."

He laughed and playfully swatting her arm. "Tease."

She laughed with him. "Thank you."

Liam loved the way she laughed. He would remember this night forever.

"You've become seriousness," she noted.

"I was just thinking about you," he revealed. "I think I'll remember this night, more then I'll remember my first time."

"Oh?" she was curious. "I'm honored."

He smiled and kissed her. "You were better then she was," he whispered. "Much better."

Anaika ran her hand down his chest. "I remember once on a mission, Master Qui-Gon met up with an old 'friend', and she was more then happy to see him. I accidentally walked in on the two of them," she recalled. "I remember an overwhelming musky scent besieged my senses and my body went into major overload, the smell of sex was overpowering. I was all of fifteen."

"What did you do?"

"I calmly apologized and backed out of the room, then went for a cold shower."

He laughed. "Did it help?"

"No," she giggled. "Not a bit."

They laughed together. "And your first time?" he asked her almost shyly.

She thought about it for a moment. "Was not as good as you, but I wouldn't tell him that. Being the son of a Prince."

"It wouldn't do his ego any good." Liam smirked.

Anaika kissed him. "No it wouldn't."

"So," he ran his fingers down her thigh, then back again. "What do we do now?"

"Oh, I think we can find something to pass the time," she mused. "After all we have all night."

He pinned her against the bed. "You're right, I'm starting to get a few ideas now."

"I thought you would," she purred.

Sleep came to both of them eventually during the early hours of the morning. Anaika found she slept comfortable in Liam's arms, bathed in his warmth. She opened her eyes and found blurry imagers assaulting her. Closing them again, she waited, and then reopened them. Slowly the images stopped being blurry and came into focus. Tears ran down her checks, as she looked upon Liam's sleeping face, so peaceful and handsome.

Slipping out of his arms and the bed. She dressed, hooking her lightsaber to her belt; she left her jacket behind as she slipped from the room. Needing to see her Master.

Qui-Gon was coming into the sitting room at the same time as she was, sensing her urgency. Having dressed hastily because of it. She rushed over and almost threw herself into his arms.

He held her, realizing the reason for her jubilation. "When little one?"

"This morning," she answered and looked up into his pale blue eyes, smiling. Knowing he was happy for her.

"Go and say goodbye. We have to get back to the Temple," he suggested gently.

"Yes Master," she stepped back and returned to Liam's room. Sitting beside him, she lent over and kissed him.

He woke. "Good morning."

"It is a very good morning," she announced cheerfully.

"You can see!" he exclaimed.

"Yes."

Sitting up, he drew her into his arms, kissing her passionately. Realizing she was fully clothed. "You're leaving?"

"We have to get back to the Temple."

"Will I see you again?" he asked.

"I can't see why not," she answered. "Our paths will cross again."

"I'm returning to Alderaan in a few days. Going back to University."

"We'll see each other," she assured. Then kissed him. "I have to go."

"I know."

Getting up, she grabbed her jacket, then left. Not looking back.

Liam laid back and sighed. He'd finally found the perfect girl and she had to be a Jedi apprentice. And he'd gone and done what he promised he wouldn't. He'd fallen in love with her.

Sunsets. She had missed sunsets. The amazing colors of yellows, oranges and reds assaulted her with their brilliance. Swirls of color that painted the sky, bathing the skyline in a halo as day vanished and night approached.

Anaika lent against the balustrade of the contemplation station, drinking it all in. Opening herself to the Living Force.

Qui-Gon came out onto the station, allowing himself a smile. In the last two months he had watched his apprentice wrestle with numerous tasks and emotions. Being blind had given her a new perspective on life and the Force. Especially her connection to the Living Force, she had become stronger.

Now watching her haloed by the dying sunlight, sent shivers down his spin. He wasn't sure it was the beauty of what he saw before him or the immense power he felt radiating from her.

Anaika turned and saw the concern on his face. "What is it, Master?"

He shook his head. "Nothing Padawan," he dismissed. "It's time."

She slipped her hands into opposite sleeves of her robe and went with him, walking on his left. Leaving the sunset behind her. "There was one advantage to my being blind, Master."

"And what was that little one?"'

"We didn't face the council as much." she mused.

"That we didn't Padawan," he agreed jubilantly. "That we didn't."

Anaika stopped, a shiver running up her spine. She turned, looking once more over the city. She felt the cold hand of evil reach out and touch her shoulder; she shuddered, shaking the feeling.

"Anaika?" Qui-Gon had felt her reaction through the Force. His concern was justified.

"He's definitely here, Master," she said, her voice a little haunted. "And he knows who I am."

"The Sith Lord?"

She nodded, and then revealed the piece of information she'd received from the touch. That they already knew. "And he's definitely not alone, Master."

Qui-Gon put his hand on her shoulder. "Always two there are, a Master and an apprentice." he quoted.

Taking one last glance of the city, Anaika turned away. "If we face them Master, we'll do it together."

"Yes Padawan we will." he assured, and then squeezed her shoulder before removing his hand.

Anaika fell once more into step beside her Master. The Jedi Council was waiting.

To be continued in Chapter Eleven: The Anniversary.

Author's Notes: Warning Chapter Eleven is rated R NC17.