Hey everyone! Well, I think this might be the last chapter, but there may be one or two more after this. Thanks again for all the great reviews, and to the people who think the characters are all too forgiving of Anakin: I'm sorry. I figured that everyone knows the domination that the dark side has over a person and how it clouds their minds, so in reality they wouldn't blame Anakin for doing what he did, they would be glad he realized what had happened and that he came back to the light side. If you still don't buy it, hey I'm sorry, but it's not the end of the world. But I do appreciate the constructive criticism, just don't be too harsh. Thanks. Okay, with that said, here goes.
"Obi Wan, I really need to talk to you." Anakin's urgency is apparent, but the older Jedi master does not notice, being distressed himself.
"Anakin, now is not the time. We have a situation in our hands and any hesitation could be the end of us altogether."
"Obi Wan, really, it is very important. Just give me a chance, it's about Billy. I – I think I might know where to find him, or at least where to start."
Obi Wan gives Anakin a cautious look, and then surrenders with an impatient sigh. "What is it Ani? It better be good."
Anakin goes to tell him of his dreams and how he has envisioned himself and Billy in battle, with the Emperor at watch. Obi Wan's surprise is reflected in his eyes as he replies to Anakin's confession.
"Anakin! Why did you keep this from us this whole time? Five years of this? And you didn't bring this to either Yoda or I? What was going through your head?" Obi Wan, overreacting as usual, isn't helping the situation in Anakin's point of view.
"No time for explanations, we have to find Billy before it's too late!"
Later, arriving at Coruscant (all in disguise in case of bounties.)
Anakin adjusts his large brown tunic that he had purchased on Tatooine before they left. The musty smell is almost too much to bear, but it will have to do. He pulls the hood over his eyes, so as not to be noticed by a suspecting civilian, and walks alongside of Obi Wan, who looks very comfortable in his blue cloak. As much as Padme had wanted to come with them, Anakin had not allowed it, and used the excuse of the twins needing someone to take care of them. He misses her so, but this travel to Coruscant is very dangerous, and if anything would happen to her, he wouldn't be able to live with himself.
"Obi Wan, do you have any sort of plan developing yet?" Anakin's voice is low so no one will overhear their conversation.
"Shh, Anakin, I have it under control. You just stay quiet and let me do what I need to do. Don't do anything foolish." He never makes eye contact as they walk towards the lift leading to the ground level of the building they had landed on.
Anakin rolls his eyes and yearns for the day where he is free of Obi Wan's controlling nature. Soon enough the painful silence is broken by motion and talk amongst the people who live on the planet surface. The smell of cheap merchandise and bargaining fill the air. The two Jedi move towards a booth where a Rodian is selling extra parts for ship repair.
"Excuse me. Hentro Nyure here, and this is my younger brother Pajeck. Have you heard anything about the Emperor making an appearance here at Coruscant any time soon?" Obi Wan's voice is changed and he seems a different person. Obviously he had had practice at this sort of thing.
The Rodian's language is easily translated by both Anakin and Obi Wan, and they are able to converse with him easily. "You like to buy something?" The creature's raspy voice indicates that he wont give them information without a deal.
"All right, what do you have for sale?" Obi Wan's patience surprises Anakin because he is about ready to either leave this guy in the dust or slice his head off. Even after five years of recovery from turning away from the dark side, his patience still needs work.
"Ahh, now that's more like it. Hehehe." The Rodian's pleasure sickens the two, but they are able to buy something cheap without sacrificing everything, and they get the information they need.
Anakin and Obi Wan find out that in two days the Emperor will be speaking to the people at Coruscant, and they plan their break-in and search for that day.
"Careful Anakin, don't make so much noise."
Anakin ignores him and continues following his old master. They have successfully broken into Palpatine's office and quarters, and they are beginning their search for anything that can help lead them to Billy.
Their search is in vain, and after an hour or so, Anakin's nerves start up. "Obi Wan, we need to get moving. There's nothing here, and if we get caught, we're dead."
"Don't you think I know that? I'm actually on to something here. Give me a minute." He's searching through some papers that had been hidden in a locked box. He had figured out the combination in a number of minutes and now he is sucked in to something seemingly very important. At the same time both Jedi look up, startled, and sense someone entering the area.
"Obi Wan, it's not worth it, let's get out of here," Anakin whispers urgently.
"Anakin, just stay still. Clear your mind. Either we stay here and wait, or we die trying to leave."
Anakin obeys silently, trying to keep all thoughts and emotions pushed away. Soon, a dark presence emerges, and it is apparent that it knows they are both in the room.
"Ahh, so good to see my old apprentice again after such a long leave of absence. I doubt that you have come back to finish your training, am I wrong?" The Emperor's voice booms in the silent room, shattering the atmosphere that Anakin and Obi Wan had created with the force. "So, what is it you come seeking?"
"Anakin, no," Obi Wan whispers, but it is too late. He is already stepping forward and addressing his former master.
"Where is he?" Anakin's anger is present through his tone. The Emperor only feeds on this.
"You are in pain, I can see. Young Billy means a lot to you, does he not? You feel you have failed once again. Do not worry. I do have this boy, and he is doing a fine job in his training with me. There is a way you can get him back. But it will cost you."
Anakin's impatience grows almost unbearable as he tries to keep his emotions in control. "I will do anything, just give me the boy."
"You must make a decision. I need an apprentice, and it's either going to be Billy... or you, Anakin. Choose. If you give yourself to me as my student yet again, I will give Billy back to the Jedi on Tatooine and never look back. If you refuse, then Billy will be mine, and will eventually become the most powerful Sith there ever was. It is up to you. I will give you time." The Emperor's smile is just visible from beneath his hood, and he backs away into the shadows as Anakin and Obi Wan are left in bewilderment.
Mwahahaha! How's that for a cliffhanger? So, tell me what you guys think so far. I really hope you like it. One more chapter to go I think. I will try to post as soon as possible. Please review!
