A/N: I want to thank those of you who have decided to reread this chapter; had I known that you guys would think that she was...naked, chances are I would have took more time on my explanation, because I would never wrire anything like that, besides, its a K+ story!
Chapter Three: Lady Pariah
"Why are you showing this to me?" Obi-Wan asked, Palpatine could detect the anger in his voice.
"Because you have become one of us—you are a Sith lord now," replied the emperor who was somewhat rubbing it in.
Obi-Wan wanted to say that he wanted no part in it, but he had done the contrary when he took Anakin's place and became Darth Obsidian.
"As you can see, the Sith have been reborn! The Jedi have failed in destroying us," taunted Palpatine.
"They will not fail," Obi-Wan found himself saying. "This little handful of "Sith" will be no match for the Jedi; they will crush these inexperienced apprentices into the dust!"
"Return to your chambers," was Palpatine's reply. "I will send for you when I see best."
Obi-Wan left without another word.
000
Anakin still could not get over what had happened between him and Obi-Wan just a few days ago; Padme had understood that something had gone terribly wrong, so she tried her best to comfort him in the best way that she could, considering the fact that she didn't even know what had happened; she and Sabe were left to take care of the twins while Anakin still struggled to come to terms with Obi-Wan's choice.
He still couldn't believe that Obi-Wan had become a Sith just to save his former padawan from falling further and further into the abyss.
He thought on this as he stood outside of their house on the balcony; he leaned on the railing and watched the waterfall which lay not far from the house.
In some way he was almost determined to get on with his life.
"I can't just go on like this! Obi-Wan didn't do what he did so that I could just spend all the days of my life grieving about it; I've got to move on with my life for Padme—and Luke and Leia." It seemed that these thoughts gave him great encouragement, so now he was more determined than ever to make sure that Obi-Wan did not become a sith lord in vain.
000
His stomach did butterflies as he walked briskly down the hall; it had been about three hours since Palpatine had sent him to his chambers, and just a few moments ago he had been summoned; he did not know what the emperor could possibly want, but he knew that it couldn't be good.
The large doors slid open, and as he walked in he could see Palpatine sitting on a throne-like chair; he looked up the instant that Obi-Wan entered.
"Lord Obsidian, I have a mission for you."
"What kind of mission?" Obi-Wan asked sharply.
"I want you to go to Naboo and bring two special babies to me."
Obi-Wan didn't quite know what Palpatine was talking about, but he didn't like the sound of it.
"These babies are special because they are force sensitive."
Obi-Wan was beginning to get the idea: Palpatine wanted him to steal two babies who would otherwise probably grow up to be a part of the Jedi order—he hoped that he was wrong.
"They are the children of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Ami—"
"No," Obi-Wan protested; "I will not do it."
Although he was confused about there being two children, he was certain of one thing: under no circumstances would he steal Anakin and Padme's children.
"You have no choice in the matter; for I can send my apprentices to annihilate your former padawan and Padme Amidala—I am assuming that you would rather go."
Obi-Wan figured that if he went, he could warn them to flee, or at least sabotage the attempt.
"Yes, I will go," he said.
"Good; and you will not be going alone. I will send a trusted sith to join you."
It seemed that a woman stepped out of the shadows, but it was still too dark to make out her features.
"Darth Pariah will accompany you, you will set out immediately."
Her name sounded strange…even to Obi-Wan.
She stepped further out of the shadows and faced the emperor.
"We will bring the Skywalker twins back and unharmed."
"I know you will, Lady Pariah, I have much faith in you."
"Thank you, master," was her obedient reply.
But there was something in her voice…something so familiar; Obi-Wan was certain that he had heard it before, if only he could place it.
She turned around and walked towards Obi-Wan; she wore no cloak; instead she was clad in a black outfit, but her features were not concealed.
And now that he could see her properly, Obi-Wan also found her face familiar, but no matter how much it nagged at him, he could not pinpoint her. But he hoped that he would know soon enough…