Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.

Full summary: Sequel to Reunion. A year later our Jedi cohorts are brought together again. This time to protect Lady Amidala from the attempts on her life. How will these familiar tidings ride differently now that Qui-Gon lives, Anakin loves him, and the cold fires of bitterness burn in Obi-Wan's heart?

Warnings: Slash, JA reference, drugs, and violence

Pairing(s): Eventual Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)

Fic type: AU, romance

Bizarre speaks: I honestly think this whole story is boring. Maybe I've read it too many times, or maybe the idea is too common and too many other people have done better jobs. I don't know...All I know is I am sick and tired of it.

Chosen
Volume Four
Immolated Destiny
Chapter I: Just Dashing

News of an attempt on the life of Senator Padmé Amidala spread through the Jedi Temple. Padawan Anakin Skywalker and his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, weren't on Coruscant when the attack took place, though. When they returned and heard the news, Anakin felt something stir inside him at the mention of Naboo's former Queen. He quickly quelled his rising excitement. It had been years since he'd seen her. He thought he'd moved beyond that childish crush. And, he had Qui-Gon now, he didn't want her. That's what he told himself anyhow.

Anakin was as stubborn as they come. If he decided to be faithful to his lover, that's what he would be. He worked hard to convince himself of that once it became clear he couldn't avoid seeing Padmé

At the request of Chancellor Palpatine, Master Qui-Gon, his apprentice and Obi-Wan Kenobi were to ward the controversial Senator. At least till the crucial vote on the Military Creation Act was over. Then perhaps the lady could safely return to her own planet. Anakin desperately hoped things went without incident till then.

The less time he spent around Padmé, the less chance his hormones would run away with him. No matter how much he loved his Master, he still was a teenaged boy.

To be honest, Anakin was really more concerned about Obi-Wan. On their last mission together the kid had walked in on Kenobi, in bed with the princess they were protecting. Would Obi-Wan make a move for the Senator, as well?

So, despite his resolve, Anakin was very nervous as the Jedi rode the turbolift through the Senatorial complex to the apartments Senator Amidala was assigned. Fidgeting occasionally, he tried to keep his mind clear and not sweat. Not an easy task. He was on his way to see the girl, no, the woman he'd sworn to marry. Though he suspected she'd not taken him seriously at nine years old.

It will be fine, he kept repeating silently. Everything will be fine…

Padmé Amidala was as vibrant and beautiful as ever. She smiled broadly at the Jedi, as if no assassination plot against her existed.

"My goodness, Ani. How big you've grown," she gazed up at her protectors. "Now I am the little one."

"No shame in being small, Senator," Anakin teased. "I mean, hello, my lady," he blushed, realizing it wasn't so funny. She was vulnerable, not funny at all!

"Ah! The dashing Jedi," another female voice floated out to them. There stood Aurelia, exiled princess of Ensaide, dressed as an official senatorial aid. She all but flew into Obi-Wan's arms. "I've missed you," she sang with delight. The two of them exchanged a passionate kiss.

"Lady Aurelia," Anakin said, surprised to find the princess here.

Master Qui-Gon paid her no mind at all, continuing instead to discuss the security arraignments with the head of Senator Amidala's escort, Captain Typho.

"I have guards at every exit," Typho was saying, "and I'll be in the main control center downstairs."

"Very good, Captain," Qui-Gon nodded. The Jedi would remain in the apartment.

"I hope our presence won't disturb you, lady," Anakin asked Padmé.

"Of course not, Ani," the young woman smiled warmly.

"Good then," Anakin felt his color rising and quickly stared down at his boots, as if they were the most fascinating things in the galaxy.

Once Master Qui-Gon went to check further on security, Obi-Wan and Aurelia disappeared into an adjoining room. Padmé raised an eyebrow but said nothing, merely gestured for Anakin to sit beside her on the couch. The kid was so nervous! It was just the two of them now…

"It's been a long time since I last saw you, my lady," he managed smoothly enough.

The enchanting young woman nodded. "Almost ten years."

"Yeah," the apprentice affirmed. "You haven't changed a bit," he stammered shyly.

"Only grown older," she sighed tragically.

"Grown more beautiful," he said sweetly, giving her a long look. He blushed deeper then. "For a Senator, I mean."

"Hardly," Padmé scoffed. "Even my aide outshines me," she teased. "I am tempted to replace her and find someone plainer."

Swallowing nervously the young man gave her another calculating look over. She was gorgeous! "No," he declared finally, "You are every bit as radiant as the day I met you, lady."

Both her eyebrow's shot up. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Anakin Skywalker."

"I'm not trying to flatter you, Padmé." He rose suddenly and paced over to the spacious balcony. The doors opened for him with a soft hum, allowing the teen to step out and gaze over the sweeping cityscape. He took several slow deep breaths in an effort to compose himself.

Padmé followed him to out onto the platform. "I was kidding, Ani," she said gently, sensing his distress.

"I know, lady," he replied with a little smile. "It's okay."

"Good," the young woman patted his shoulder fondly, then headed back inside.

By the time Master Qui-Gon returned, Anakin had managed to relax some. He still found himself dwelling on how strange it felt to be around Padmé again. She might not have changed much, but he certainly had. All the experiences that had marked him filled his thoughts.

The dutiful apprentice asked for his Master's assessment of security.

"It will have to do," Qui-Gon replied with a shrug. There were safer places for the Senator, but this was where she was. "Where is Obi-Wan?" he wondered, his azure gaze sweeping the sitting room.

"Uh," Anakin tipped his head toward the door to the adjacent bedroom. "With Lady Aurelia, Master."

The Jedi Master rubbed his forehead in frustration. Though he knew he should, Qui-Gon was reluctant to intrude on Obi-Wan, again. He finally decided they didn't need the Knight this very instant anyway.

"For the Senator's safety we will stay and keep watch," he informed his Padawan.

"Yes, Master," the lad agreed with a nod. He felt he could control himself.

Padmé glanced at the closed door. She would have liked to talk with Obi-Wan but far be it from her to interfere in such a private matter.

To Be Continued...