Sorry it's been taking me so long to update lately - it should go faster now! I hope you keep reading and enjoying!

8

The rushing wind invigorated Anakin. What originally was a ten-minute flight over to Padmé's was turning into a half-hour excursion.

Flying felt so wonderful. Anakin's spirit felt free, and a giddy feeling welled up inside him. Add in the fact that he was nervous about seeing Padmé again and his heart pounded so fast it felt like one of the tiny flutter-birds native to Alderaan lived in his chest. Only a few days passed since he left her apartment, and he had made no attempt to contact her. He hoped that she would be willing to see him.

Deciding that it was time to stop playing around, Anakin turned the speeder and merged with another lane of traffic to take him to Padmé's. Anakin parked the speeder and hopped out to make his way into the building to Padmé's. In the repulsorlift he paced and tried to calm his nerves.

After all, it was just Padmé.

He rapped a several short nervous knocks on her door.

"Just a second!" he heard Padmé call out from inside. The sound of her footsteps drew closer and she opened the door.

"Anakin!" Padmé's eyes opened wide in surprise. "What…I wasn't expecting…"

"Obi-Wan thought it would be best for me to get out of the Temple for a spell," Anakin said. The words rushed from his mouth and he smiled eagerly. "I, well, I couldn't think of anywhere else to go. I wanted to see you again…after…"

"Come in, come in!"

She stepped aside so he could enter. He nodded and moved inside the apartment. Anakin looked around, arms crossed and his hands picking at a fraying spot on the inside of the large sleeves of his robes. His thoughts went back to the last time he was here. Her touch, her kiss…

He wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms again and feel that warm flooding feeling, the intensity of the Force.

"I'm sorry for just bursting in here like this," Anakin said, not thinking of anything else to say.

"Please, don't worry about it. I'm glad to see you again."

"Really?" Anakin's eyebrows went up. After all, their last parting had been less than desirable.

Padmé smiled at him. "Of course. How could I not be happy to see my big Jedi protector?"

"Now you're teasing me again." Their friendly banter started, and Anakin found it hard to not go along. "You hardly need my protection now, My Lady."

"Now who's the one teasing?"

Anakin blushed.

"You're the one who got all grown up on me. I didn't ask you to become so tall."

It seemed impossible, but Anakin went even redder. He retorted, "Well, I didn't ask you to get so beautiful on me either."

"Are you flirting with me, Master Jedi?"

"Don't call me that. I'm not a master," Anakin said humbly, ignoring question. He pulled his cloak around him and sat down on the simple cream-colored couch. "I wanted to talk to you about the other day."

"Oh."

The tone in her voice made Anakin's stomach sour.

"I just wanted to say sorry for what I said to you…I didn't mean it about not coming back." He eyes went down to the floor.

Padmé came over to the couch and sat down next to him. He rubbed his hands together as he looked her over, trying to get some sense of what she was thinking through the Force. His eyebrows came together as he focused, one corner of his mouth turning down, and he was unsure of what to do now that she was next to him.

"It's okay, Anakin. I shouldn't have gotten so angry with you. It was my fault; I should have had more control than I did. I should have known that Jedi aren't allowed –"

In a bold move, his heart pounding, Anakin put his arm across her shoulders.

"Padmé, what I really wanted to say was that I don't want to have to loose you because of the Code. I still want to see you; you're one of the few people I can count as a friend. That's too special for me to loose – I don't care what happens."

"Anakin –"

"Please."

He pulled her close to him, wrapping his other arm around her. As he did so the rush from the Force surged through him. Reaching out, Anakin knew that he would feel this connection as long as he held onto Padmé.

And, for the time, all his thoughts were at peace.

Everything was calm. More importantly, everything would work out.

He wondered if Padmé could feel any of what he could, and so as an experiment he tried to channel some of the warmth to her. Focusing, he found the strength of the Force, and pushed it towards her. He felt her body relax and she closed her eyes. Subtly she moved closer to him. For a few seconds he held the connection then let it slowly fade away. However, he did not stop feeling his own bond to the Force.

"What was that?" Padmé whispered, eyes still closed.

"What I feel through the Force whenever I hold you close," he answered in kind. "I pushed it to you a little; I wanted to see if you could feel it too. It's what makes being apart from you so hard…it's more than just the Force."

"What do you mean?"

"I don't know." He sighed, and sank back into the couch. "I don't really know what to make of anything anymore."

"Yeah," Padmé said solely to fill the silence.

A few minutes passed where Jedi and Queen held onto each other. Neither of them spoke. An understanding passed between them – they knew that they wanted to be close to each other.

"Look at us. The two little orphans," Anakin said.

Padmé let out a little chuckle and nestled closer to him.

They sat together, not saying anything. Padmé pulled her feet under her, curling up and leaning on Anakin. He kept his arm wrapped around her shoulders and leaned his head down so his cheek rested on the top of her head. Anakin took a deep breath and let it out slowly, taking in as much of the warmth of Padmé as he could. She nuzzled closer to him, burying her face against his robes.

Suddenly Anakin broke the silence.

"You're hungry."

"What?" Padmé looked up at him. "I mean, I am…but how'd…?"

"Don't worry about that." He smiled and gave her shoulder a squeeze. "How would you like to go get dinner?"

"Oh! Why, of course! Let me go freshen up so I look presentable."

Padmé darted off for the refreshed unit in the apartment before Anakin could protest. He thought she always looked presentable, but that was just his opinion. She came out just a few minutes later, and to his amazement, she did look prettier. She had pulled her hair back and braided it. Something about her face seemed to glow a little bit more. He wondered how she managed to do all of that in just a mere few minutes.

"Shall we?" He stepped up behind her, putting his hand on the small of her back.

"Where are going to go?"

"I know a place in the area," Anakin told her with a smile.

He ushered her out the door and it shut behind him. All the while he did not break his contact with her. He never wanted to let go of her again.

Outside was a different story. More than once he had to take his arm from around her so they could make way for various other beings out enjoying the pleasant evening. Each time there was room enough for them to walk side-by-side again he slipped his arm back around her waist. After just a short walk they came to a smile diner, one of Obi-Wan's favorites that had grown on Anakin.

Inside they ate dinner, talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company. All the while, Anakin tried to ignore the fact that back at the Temple, Obi-Wan was very concerned about something.

"Master Yoda, what do you expect we are going to do?"

"Fight this war for the Republic, the Jedi shall no more. Sense dark things about this war do I," Yoda said to Obi-Wan. The small green being's voice had an edge to it. Obi-Wan could not remember Yoda sounding so stressed in all his years of being a Jedi.

"You're right. It's despicable of the Chancellor to place this burden on u," Mace cut in. "He of all people should know better than to expect us to fight this war for him. Especially after the Senate just approved the plans for him to raise an army."

"Perhaps he just wants us to lead the troops in battle," Obi-Wan said, trying to relieve himself and the other two with his words.

Yoda let out a sigh of irritation, shaking his head and looking down at the ground. "Clouded everything has become. Blurry is the future, hard to reach is the Force. Throwing everything out of balance are the clones. Behind them, the dark side rests."

Both Mace and Obi-Wan stared at Yoda. Obi-Wan's jaw dropped a little, and Mace's hand instinctively went to his lightsaber.

"Felt it I did. Push past the clones and darkness will you find."

"He's right," Mace said to Obi-Wan. "I felt it earlier today, just before we left for Palpatine's. It seems as one of the Sith is still alive."

"Hmm." Obi-Wan crossed his arms over his chest in thought. A shiver went up his spine as he recalled the disturbing appearance of Darth Maul. "We know there are always two of them…and Master Qui-Gon and I only fought one…it would explain the audacity of the Separatists to attack a system in the Republic, if a Sith were behind them."

"Troubling this is. A traitor there is in the Republic," Yoda said. "Playing both sides is this traitor. Bad for the Jedi it is – caught in the middle are we."

Just at that moment, Anakin walked past them. He nodded in acknowledgement to the Masters and went on his way. Obi-Wan returned the gesture, and turned back to Yoda and Mace.

"Late is your Padawan in returning, Obi-Wan," Yoda reproached. "Better eye on him you should keep."

Obi-Wan flushed in embarrassment. "Yes, Master."

"Vulnerable is young Skywalker. Still hurting is he." Yoda looked at the hallway Anakin had disappeared down.

Then perhaps you should try being a little more caring to him, make him feel like he belongs here with the Jedi. I know you didn't want to train him, but blast…! Obi-Wan thought to himself in a flash of irritation at Yoda.

Mace looked at him, giving him a warning glance. The Jedi Knight shifted on his feet.

"Well, if you'll excuse me, I should go talk to Anakin…" Obi-Wan turned from the two Masters.

With a brisk step he hurried through the Temple, making his way to Anakin's room. He wasn't sure what exactly he would say to the younger man, but it had to be something. After all, while Obi-Wan had told him to take a small break he did not mean nearly half the day. Yoda was right despite the fact that he did not want to admit it.

"Come in," Anakin called out after Obi-Wan knocked a couple times. Obi-Wan peeked in, to see an almost completely different Anakin sitting there. A blast of happiness hit him through the Force, making Obi-Wan pause for a second.

"I'm glad to see you're in a better mood," Obi-Wan said with a smile, and he sat down next to his Padawan.

"Oh, yeah. Thanks for letting me leave for awhile." Anakin's eyes danced.

"I hope you did not enjoy your time too much, my young apprentice."

Anakin's face went red. "What do you mean?"

"I just don't want you getting into something too deep. After all, I have spent quite a few years of my life trying to make you into a respectable Jedi."

"And you think it's been hard on you. You have no idea what it's been like to deal with you, old man."

"You really dare to call me an old man?"

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow. Anakin smiled cockily at him, his hand going for his lightsaber. Noticing that Anakin was holding onto the weapon, he said, "And yet you still insist on wearing me out at every chance you get. Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?"

"Please, Master. Like I would kill the only family I have left."

Anakin's voice darkened for a second and he glanced down at the floor. Obi-Wan knew he had to be thinking of his mother, so he reached out and put his hand on the boy's shoulder. After a second Anakin faced him again, holding up his lightsaber with a smile.

He spoke like a child begging for a piece of candy, "Please?"

"Alright, alright. If I have to receive a beating I'd rather get it over with." Obi-Wan stood up and lead the way to the practice room. Once there, he grabbed one of the trainer helmets. He tossed it to Anakin, who had a puzzled look on his face.

"If you want to fight me, you're going to have to do it by your feelings. We have to even this contest out a little," Obi-Wan said as he pulled out his own lightsaber.

Anakin grinned and pulled the helmet on. He ignited his lightsaber and assumed the defense position.

With a snap-hiss, Obi-Wan turned his own on and raised it up close to him. He took a couple steps around Anakin, trying to throw him off of his position. Without a word, his lightsaber being the only sound, he moved to make an attack. Anakin swung around, swiftly blocking Obi-Wan's move. For a second the two blue blades remained crossed then Anakin pulled his back.

Taking a careful step, Anakin reached out through the Force, trying to sense what Obi-Wan was going to do next. His Master was preparing to make another attack, this one low, so Anakin beat him to it, swinging high. Obi-Wan was caught off guard for just a second, then moved to meet the attack. Ever so slightly he pushed his lightsaber forward, making Anakin take a step back.

After a second they both brought their lightsabers close to themselves, circling each other. Anakin made the next move with a faint that he was going to attack to the left. Mid-swing, he hacked to Obi-Wan's right. Deftly Obi-Wan darted to his left. Anakin was forced change directions again, and Obi-Wan came after him to the left. Not having anticipated this, Anakin swung low, aiming for his Master's legs. Obi-Wan jumped over the Padawan's blade.

As soon as he landed, knowing that Anakin would not expect him to attack right away, Obi-Wan swung his blade around, coming in high to Anakin's left.

They parried for a few more turns, and Obi-Wan sensed something from Anakin he'd never felt before. The boy seemed to be more in tune with the Force than ever, as if being with Padmé had given him some sort of extra connection. However, another wave of Anakin's lightsaber made Obi-Wan's focus come back to the duel.

Barely in time, Obi-Wan moved his lightsaber to block Anakin's blade. He thanked his lucky stars, for though he knew that Anakin would stop before he hurt him, they were fighting with real lightsabers – not the practice ones that younger Padawans used to train with that only delivered a jolt of electricity when they came in contact with a being.

In return, Obi-Wan made an attack that brought the level of attack closer to Anakin so that he had to back down. Every one of the swings that Obi-Wan made Anakin blocked; despite the fact that holding his lightsaber so close to his torso, allowing Obi-Wan to make more personal attacks, made it harder for Anakin to swing back at his Master. The Jedi Knight paused for a second to catch his breath, allowing the Padawan the moment he needed.

Obi-Wan's mind suddenly went completely blank.

There's something wrong about this, Obi-Wan said to himself in the back of his mind. It was like the softest whisper calling out to him through a thick fog.

Who cares? I don't have to worry about anyth–

A blue lightsaber blade swung down at him

Muttering a curse outloud, Obi-Wan brough his lightsaber up to deflect the blow about to cleave him apart at the shoulder.

Except that when he did, another humming blue beam of plasma came up at him from nowhere.

No. Not another blade. Anakin's.

Obi-Wan stared at the lightsaber, this one being the real one, inches from his throat,

"Got you again, Master," Anakin said from under the helmet. He thumbed the lightsaber off and the blue blade disappeared. The helmet rattled as he tried to give his head a shake, so he reached up and pulled it off

He looked to Obi-Wan.

The other Jedi was just staring at him, his lightsaber still on and humming. As the duel went on, he could feel Anakin's connection to the Force growing like nothing ever before. In fact, he had the feeling that the boy had managed to make him falsely see something happen. And this allowed him to win the duel.

Making another Jedi see something that was not real, well, that was almost impossible. Eve a very strong Jedi like Master Yoda could barely do it, and only for a fleeting second.

"Anakin…that…" Obi-Wan was at a loss for words. "I can't believe it. You just made me have a false vision. How did you do that?"

"I don't really know," Anakin answered simply. "I focused on the Force and it just came to me. I thought about making the other move really hard, I almost had to make myself believe that I was going to do that instead…and then at the last minute I brought my lightsaber up instead."

Out of breath, he managed to ask Obi-Wan, "Why do you ask? I thought it was easy for Jedi to make others have false visions – that's the essence of the mind trick."

"Yes, but that's on the weak minded. It's almost impossible for a Jedi to make another Jedi have a false vision. A false vision is more than a mind trick, the mind trick simply suggests a another course of action, another will, while the false vision makes the other person actually see something different than what is going on. It is more than just a suggestion of an alternate course."

"Oh." Anakin put his hand to his chin, thinking.

"To perform a successful false vision takes a weaker mind than the mind trick. A mind trick is incredibly difficult to perform on another Jedi, and a false vision…well, let's suffice to say that not even Master Yoda can do that to another Jedi."

"Hmm." Now it was Anakin's turn to be speechless. Just when he thought he knew most things about Jedi powers, it seemed he knew very little.

"Where did you get the power to do that?" Obi-Wan said. Just when he thought he knew most things about his apprentice's abilities, it seemed he knew very little.

Anakin shrugged in response. Obi-Wan had an idea what the answer might have to do with: Padmé. At the same time though, he could be entirely sure of exactly how being with her affected Anakin's connection to the Force. Obi-Wan also knew that if it did have anything to do with Padmé then Anakin would not say anything about it – thus his silence on the matter.

"Well, I think I'm going to go talk to the Masters Yoda and Windu about a few things, including this new talent of yours," Obi-Wan said, reaching over and giving Anakin a pat on the shoulder.

"Oh great. Thanks a lot, Master," Anakin said wryly.

"Very good job today, though. Very good job, my young Padawan. Soon you're going to be more skilled than me at this rate. I think the trials may very well be soon in your future."

At those words, Anakin smiled. "I don't think I could ever stop learning from you, Master."

"You flatter me too much. Now, you should try and get some rest, you've had a busy day. I'll see you bright and early in the kitchens tomorrow, breakfast duty again!"

"Not again…"

"Hey now. As soon as you become a Knight I won't have to put up with it either," Obi-Wan called over his shoulder.

Anakin remained in his spot, and Obi-Wan closed the door to the practice chamber. He did not hear the snap-hiss of a lightsaber turning on, so he knew that his apprentice was taking his word and would be heading to his room to sleep.

Obi-Wan made his way down the corridors of the Temple, heading to Yoda's. About halfway there, he changed his mind. In a few days he would talk to the Council, for he definitely believed that Anakin was ready for the trials now. Surely the Council would see that when they heard the news about the false vision.

In his own room, Obi-Wan took off his cloak and settled down on his sleeping cot. He tossed and turned a few times, trying to get comfortable. Taking a deep breath, he reached out to the Force to try and calm his mind. However, he sensed something from Anakin. He could tell the boy was still reeling from the pain of the loss of his mother and wished there was something he could do about it.

Thinking it was better than nothing, he summoned up some of his own calm and serenity, and using the Force, he focused it on Anakin. Sure enough, the younger Jedi settled down and was shortly asleep.

With a sigh, Obi-Wan rolled over and tried to do the same.

Breakfast duty was a pain.

"Are you prepared to make your attack?" Darth Sidious asked bluntly, looking to General Hill.

Hill sat in the lead chair at the table in the conference room aboard the Driving Force. Around him other members of the Separate Systems Alliance, including the slimy Neimoidian Nute Raygun and Wat Tambor of the Techno Union, were seated. Even Count Dooku had managed to disentangle himself from the world of politics and was also present.

Dooku…what a joke.

And the Neimoidians…

They should have been disposed of long ago.

Perhaps the only one of them that was worth keeping around was Wat Tambor, as he had a shrewd mind for business.

The rest…would be liquidated once the Repubic fell. Hill would see to it, even if Darth Sidious did not wish it. There were ways around such technicalities.

"Yes, my Lord. I have studied the Wookiees…and I have a plan," Hill said.

"Good," Sidious replied huskily. "I will make sure that you have a victory. The Republic is not yet ready for war again; they have fallen asleep these past few months. What is your plan?"

"A double offensive, My Lord."

If he could see his eyes, Hill knew they would have narrowed at his words. Treading dangerous ground, not following Sidious's orders was a quick way to a painful end, Hill said:

"You are right, my Lord. The Republic has fallen asleep. And so now is the perfect time to drive the final push that will ruin them."

"Dispense with the pleasantries. Tell me your plan," Sidious growled.

"Of course, My Lord. What I plan to do is lure the enemy into a trap. We will make them think we are going to attack Kashyyyk."

The Sith Lord made no comment.

Hill pushed a button, and from the middle of the table a hologram of a planet came to life. "This is Honoghr. It lies out beyond the Outer Rim, just behind Hutt space."

"Then it's completely worthless," Dooku cut in.

Hill glared at him. "And that's exactly why we will use it. It doesn't matter if we take the system or not. We just have to make the Republic think we will. And then we can attack them where it truly matters."

Another planet replaced Honoghr, instantly recognizable as the Wookiee homeworld.

"Next we will draw them to Kashyyyk. Once we have taken that system, the Wookiees will be ours. But that's not all."

Now Hill had the attention of all those present – even Darth Sidious looked pleased under his heavy cloak. He explained the third part of the plan, and when he was done he shut all the holograms off.

"What about the Jedi?" Nute Gunray asked. "Fighting one Jedi is like fighting ten regular soldiers."

"The Jedi are spread far too thin, and they are unwilling to fight. A war of this type is not in their nature. At most, they will send one or two to command their troops." Sidious answered the question as if it were completely obvious.

"Regardless, this plan is clearly insane. No one's ever tried anything like it – the Jedi will surely be able to see through the deception," Dooku said, glaring straight at Hill.

"Then I suppose it's up to you to make sure that you do your job and keep them occupied," Hill sneered, returning the look. "Or perhaps you are dissatisfied with your position after the little mess you made on Ansion."

The old man made a move as if he were going to jump over the table but something held him back.

"Gentlemen…you are beginning to act like children," Sidious warned. "Do not worry about the Jedi. I will see to that. And as for this plan, I agree with it. We shall put it into motion straightaway."

Darth Sidious flickered away. The seat that the blue hologram occupied sat empty. For a second, the Separatists sat in silence until Hill broke it.

"Tambor, about the clones…you have improved your techniques, no?" Hill asked, turning to Wat Tambor, the leader of the Techno Union.

"Yes. The insanity previously encountered has been eradicated. We made them completely docile – they take any order without question. Thus, they have no room to think for themselves and do not…go astray."

"I see." Hill leaned back in his chair, putting his hand to his chin. Something about altering a part of the fundamental essence of being human bothered him. Perhaps that was what the Jedi hated so much about the clones.

Or it might just be that they didn't like them trying to take over the galaxy. After all, the Jedi were not completely stupid. Destroying the Republic also meant that its protectors had to be disposed of if the Separate Systems Alliance were to survive.

"Do you think the Jedi have found out about this new version?" Hill asked Dooku.

"Do I look like someone who knows what a Jedi thinks?" Dooku snapped.

"I would expect you to, since you are the one who is supposed to influence the Senate."

Through clenched teeth Dooku said, "The Jedi have no knowledge of this advancement yet. But once they find out about it, and this new threat of attack, they will hold nothing back."

"Then I implore you, for the sake of our institution, but most of all your own, to keep them from finding it out."

Hill gave Dooku one last glare. If the Count failed…and the Jedi discovered their plan…it was not a pleasant outcome.

Perhaps Hill was insane. It was guaranteed that the Jedi would be there, one of them always commanded the Republic troops. Add in a few more…and the stakes changed completely. No one in his or her right mind would go up against a legion of Jedi. It was pure tactical suicide.