Once again, I sincerely thank everyone who has stuck by me, reading and/or reviewing this story. Your words truly mean a lot to me, and I thank you for them.
This will be the last post for this story, as the epilogue is included as well. However, there will be many sequels to come, and I hope that you will continue to read them.
Chapter 16
"Anakin, don't do this. Think, Anakin! Is it really worth it?"
Obi-Wan's words only strengthened his resolve. Anakin winced in pain as he felt the searing coolness of his self-manufactured weapon making its first tentative explorations of the delicate skin on the front of his neck. He pondered whether to take the coward's way out and finish the deed as quickly as possible, or whether to lower his decided fate upon himself slowly, so that he can experience the absolute price of his absolute failure. His many failures.
Anakin paused when he heard her voice, screaming desperately into the brisk Naboo dawn, and her feet, stumbling as quickly as her panic could take her. The lightsaber remained rested on the surface of his neck like a ship that had landed on some treacherous Tatooine quicksand, but for some strange reason, refused to be sucked in.
"Anakin, please! Don't do this, Ani! Don't do to yourself…to me!"
He forced himself to look at her. Had he not given her the exact speech only hours ago? She had listened to him; she had relented. Would it be justice for him to not return the favor?
He felt her soft hand on his, clutching the wrist that held the lightsaber. As always, her touch made his muscles weak. Anakin's arm betrayed him, as Padme was able to successful take control of it and, in effect, the weapon. The shimmering blue blade hovered in the air between the two, the point of it directed for the moment at the peaks of the mountains in the distant horizon.
The searing pain of the morning wind across his blistering neck, a pleasant sensation on any other day, brought Anakin back to the reality of the situation.
"Padme," he stated resolutely and calmly, "I must do this. I have no other choice."
"There is always another choice, Anakin. You can't do this. You can't leave me here, alone."
"I have failed, Padme. If I go back to the temple, it will be as if I was already dead. They would never let me see you again."
His words were hard, but Padme saw clearly that his eyes had already softened. She knew that whatever the course of action his mind had deluded him towards favoring, he would not let himself carry that out until he had her permission. But Anakin was right in the assertion that there was really nothing else he could do. Still kneeling on the ground over the boy and holding back her sobs, Padme turned her attention to the Jedi.
"Master Obi-Wan, I am begging you. I am already indebted to you on a professional level for your assistance five years ago. I am asking to extend my debt to you now, not as a Queen, but as a friend."
Obi-Wan listened to her, but more as a chore than anything else. He was grateful to her because she had convinced Anakin to hesitate in his ill-conceived notion of self-sacrifice, but he was equally concerned that she had succeeded where he had failed. The connection between the two, their attachment, was clear for anyone to perceive, whether they were Force-sensitive or not. It bothered Obi-Wan that Anakin would regard her in a position of authority above the Jedi and himself. It was an obstacle that would certainly impede any attempts at the boy's rehabilitation.
"Your highness, I must ask for your cooperation in this matter. The attachment between yourself and my Padawan has gotten out of hand. You must know that Jedi are not allowed to have such attachments."
She had again tried to use her diplomatic skills, but as she listened to the Jedi confirm her worst fears, Padme began to lose the last ounces of composure she had left.
"Your highness," Obi-Wan, "I must ask you for the favor. You must let go of what you fear to lose so that you can convince Anakin to do the same."
"No," she protested. "You are asking me to give him to you…so that you can keep him from me forever."
"Please, milady." This time it was Obi-Wan doing the begging, and it was as fervent and impassioned as the Queen's. "It is a step that is imperative to Anakin's training, which if he doesn't receive, he will be a danger to the Republic and to society. Surely you can see that."
"No!" She almost screamed it this time. "You can't take him away from me! My family has been slaughtered, my planet has been taken over, and my people have turned against me. Please, Master Jedi, you must see that he is all I have left. Please, I ask of you as a friend, let him go. He won't hurt anyone, I promise."
This, Obi-Wan thought, was exactly why the Jedi prohibited attachments. Such feelings can so obviously cloud the mind of even the most reasonable.
"Your highness, with all due respect you are speaking of Anakin as if he were an accessory of your wardrobe. He is not a possession of yours, milady, and he does not belong to you."
"Nor does he belong to the Jedi, or to you!"
This remark seemed to strike a nerve in the young Jedi.
"I never said he did," he responded with surprising indignity.
"But your actions speak differently, Obi-Wan. If Anakin truly does not belong to anyone, then let him make his own choices."
"I cannot let him do that," Obi-Wan said deeply and softly, trying not to betray on the outside the doubts that were voicing themselves in his head. "I cannot betray the dying words of my Master. I cannot betray his belief in Anakin; that he truly is the Chosen One and must be trained. I cannot betray his mother, who wanted her son to be trained as a Jedi."
Up until now Anakin had been observing the debate, hoping for the slightest chance that Padme might be able to convince Obi-Wan to let him go. The Jedi's mention of his mother, however, brought him fiercely back into the conversation.
"Don't you dare mention my mother, Obi-Wan. You have already betrayed her! It is because of you and the Jedi that she died."
His grip unconsciously tightened on his lightsaber again, but Padme continued her iron grasp of his wrist and held him down, preventing him from lunging at Obi-Wan in his severely handicapped state.
"We did what we must do, Anakin!" Even as he spoke, Obi-Wan's mind continued to question him, prod him, and betray him. "My duty is to train you into a great Jedi, Anakin! I made a promise to Qui-Gon. Surely you see that you can't let me break it!"
It was a promise made so long ago. Obi-Wan had often wondered at how those last words of Qui-Gon had changed him. How he instantly developed protective, fatherly feelings towards the boy. It was only after he had dropped the disdain for the one he had once called a pathetic lifeform that Obi-Wan for the first time marveled at the boy's raw talent and potential.
He had grand visions for Anakin. In his meditations he saw him becoming the greatest of all the Jedi; he saw him fulfilling Qui-Gon's prophecy, destroying the darkness that was now so obviously rampant in the Galaxy, and restoring balance to the Force. It was his life, and as a Jedi Obi-Wan valued this purpose over any frivolous mission the Council would assign them. Nothing was a failure if it contributed to the growth and development of the Chosen One.
But what had his Master said to him about paying heed to the Living Force? Obi-Wan surveyed the scene before him. A crippled Jedi Master lying helplessly on the ground, a wounded boy with suicidal intentions protected, from him, by only a slandered and deposed Queen. Whatever she had been only days ago, she was nothing more than a weeping, mourning girl now.
Was this really what Qui-Gon had in mind when he freed the boy from slavery? Was this really the gratitude Anakin deserved after he had won their escape off the desert planet and after he had saved Naboo from the droids? Was this really what the Force wanted? What had Qui-Gon done so many years ago, when Obi-Wan, no more than a boy himself, had wanted to desert the Jedi?
Obi-Wan closed his eyes and tried to meditate, letting the Force flow freely into him. He listened, and the message was clear.
Mistakes had been made. Obi-Wan knew that there was penance to be paid. Sacrifices were required. The first step, he knew now with clarity, was to release himself of all his fears, and all that he was afraid to lose.
He wasn't sure what had happened during his brief moment of mental catharsis, but it seemed apparent that Padme had noticed his temporary departure from reality and had given up arguing with him. To everyone's surprise, Obi-Wan deactivated his lightsaber. His eyes remained closed.
"Go then, if that is what you want. I will not stop you."
He said no more, staying completely still as he heard the sound of his former Padawan being helped up by Padme. Their footsteps gradually began to distance themselves from him, and Obi-Wan could not help but open his eyes to get a last glimpse of Anakin.
The boy could barely walk, and it was only through the sheer will of himself and the Queen that they were able to make it to their ship, or rather, the Jedi Starship that used to belong to Master Gallia and himself. Not that they were allowed any belongings, Obi-Wan reminded himself. As Padme helped Anakin onto the ramp and into the ship, the boy turned back towards his old Master, his eyes remorseful but still resolute.
"Goodbye, Obi-Wan. I will mis…may the Force be with you."
"And with you, Anakin."
Then, they both stepped into the ship. A minute later, it took off. Obi-Wan watched it disappear into the morning. When he had finally lost track of it, he shut his eyes again. He was a beacon now. His mind was clear and stripped of its duty of guiding his actions, for that job belonged solely to the Force.
Obi-Wan took note of his partner, the Jedi Master lying on the ground lacking in legs but certainly not in disapproving glances. He knew that it was not over yet. He had done the right thing, Obi-Wan was certain, but the Council might see the situation differently. It did not matter, he told himself. Whatever happened next, it would be part of his sacrifice, his penance.
"Well, Master Gallia," he joked with a sparkle in his eye, "I guess we're going to have to ask Master Yoda for a new ship."
"What now," Padme asked. She was piloting the ship now, with Anakin slumped on the chair beside her, barely conscious as a result of his previous duel.
"It's odd," he replied uncertainly. "For the first time in my life I am free. And I don't know what to do with myself.
"Me either. I have no duties or responsibilities anymore," she reflected begrudgingly. "I know that there is nothing left on Naboo for me."
"Then let's leave."
"What of the Trade Federation blockade?"
Anakin mused for a minute before answering vaguely, "Let me take care of it."
She took the ship up through the atmospheres of the planet. The space outside grew darker and colder, and the void was quickly filled dozens of droid fighters cruising towards them.
"Answer their beacon," Anakin instructed. "And hide in the back of the ship until I'm done talking."
Padme did as he said, and the image of a Neimodian appeared in front of Anakin. He sat up straight and did his best impression of a confident and uninjured Jedi Knight.
"Master Jedi, I am Rune Haako, representative of the Trade Federation. What is your purpose in leaving Naboo?"
"I am Jedi Knight Ranakin Skyesolo," Anakin asserted confidently. "I came here several days ago at the behest of the Jedi Council in order to investigate rumors of certain Hutt activities on the planet."
"I was not aware of any Hutt presence on Naboo."
"That is because such rumors are unfounded. I have concluded my investigation and am satisfied with its results. I am going back to Coruscant to report my findings to the Jedi Council."
The Neimoidian seemed to be appeased but was still wary over letting anyone leave the planet, much less a Jedi.
"I do not know whether I can approve of your flight, Master Skyesolo."
"I can assure you, Lord Haako, that the Trade Federation does not concern me or the Jedi. I know we have conflicted in the past, but the evidence on the ground has convinced me that this occupation is completely legal. I promise you, Lord Haako, that the Jedi have no mandate to interfere with domestic issues such as this. There is no harm in letting us leave, Master Haako."
Anakin spoke the last sentence reverently, but subtly emphasized his suggestion with the Force.
"Very well, Master Skyesolo. Proceed as you wish."
His offending image disappeared, and Anakin called Padme back into the cockpit.
"Where should I set the coordinates to, Padme?"
"I don't know. Anywhere, I guess. As far away from Naboo as possible."
"The Capitol, maybe?"
"Farther."
"Very well."
Anakin studied the ship's navigation system. He needed a destination before it could plot a course into hyperspace. Obeying Padme's wishes to the word, he entered in coordinates that would take them to the opposite side of the Galaxy from Naboo, into the deepest parts of the Unknown Regions.
The Jedi Starship raced into lightspeed, and his final chore over, Anakin collapsed, dropping off his seat onto the floor. Padme, who was slumping in her seat from her own exhaustion, flew to Anakin's side in concern.
"Does it hurt at all?"
She had helped him into the rear quarters of the ship and reclined him onto a table so he could lie down. The bacta kit was not hard to find, and Padme had carefully applied it to all of Anakin's wounds. She finally finished with the crimson line that slashed across his neck.
"I'm fine, Padme. Don't worry."
She sat down awkwardly on a chair beside him, watching over him protectively. They didn't speak for what seemed like hours.
"Did you really mean," Anakin finally asked, "what you said out there? About you needing me?"
Padme sighed and stared at the floor.
"Yes, Anakin. I care about you…very much."
Her words seemed to invigorate him, and despite his wounds and exhaustion he sat up excitedly.
"I do too, Padme. I have loved you so much, for so long. Not a day has gone by when I have not thought of you."
Padme forced herself to raise her eyes and look directly into Anakin's blue eyes.
"I know, Anakin. You've already told me that."
"Do you love me, Padme?"
"Yes…"
It was all he needed. Anakin shut his eyes and leaned forward, his lips anticipating what he knew was going to come.
Instead, they met nothing but air. He sensed that Padme had retreated. The confirmation was there when he reopened his eyes and saw Padme leaning back, away from him.
"But, I thought you said…"
It pained Padme to see his hurt-filled expression. Her hands reached forward and clasped Anakin's reassuringly.
"Anakin, I do love you…and not just because you are all I have left. You are a good boy: loyal, generous, and you have the biggest heart that I have ever known. Obi-Wan was right, Anakin. I feel…I know that I am attached to you, and always will be."
"So why won't you kiss me," Anakin asked. He was comforted by her words, but even more confused now.
Padme laughed at Anakin's obvious lack of subtlety.
"I love you, Anakin. But not in that way. Not romantically. Not yet."
"Why not? Is it because I am too young for you?"
"Yes, Anakin. You are not ready for this yet…"
"But I am…"
"…and neither am I."
Dejected, Anakin turned away. It was his turn to stare at the floor now.
"I understand. I will not bother you anymore. If you wish me to, I will change the course of this ship to Tatooine. You can drop me off there. I will be fine."
"Anakin," Padme protested. She lifted her hand and cupped his chin, forcing him to look at her.
"I don't want you to do that. You are still a boy, but you won't always be. I do not need to be a Jedi to predict that one day you will grow up into a wonderful young man, strong, kind, caring, and handsome as well."
She giggled again, this time at his obvious blush.
"And until then, I will be here for you, every step of the way. You would not be able to get rid of me."
"I would not want to."
"Remember what you said when we first met, all those years ago?"
"That you were an angel?"
It was Padme's turn to blush.
"I remember that. But I'm talking about something else."
Anakin replayed the conversation in his head. He had memorized every word they had exchanged. The only problem was for him to pinpoint exactly what Padme was thinking of.
"Was it…how I would marry you?"
Padme nodded.
"I didn't believe you then, but I do now. More than anything."
Padme rose and planted a kiss on Anakin's forehead. She reached into her dress and pulled out the Japor Snippet that she was still wearing to remind Anakin of her sincerity.
"Give me some time, Anakin, and give yourself some time. That's all I ask. Wait for me, and I will wait for you."
Epilogue
Obi-Wan knelt before the concerned gazes of the Jedi Council. Among them was Master Adi Gallia, newly equipped with two mechanized legs. He had not spoken to her since returning to the Temple, and he had a feeling neither of them would have much to say to the other.
"Rise, Master Kenobi."
He rose. Directly ahead of him were the two unofficial grand Masters of the Jedi Order, Yoda and Mace Windu.
"Interesting decision you made, on Naboo."
"We did not expect this of you, Master Kenobi," Mace added.
"You know what I did, honorable Masters. Master Gallia herself was present. I stand by my actions."
"Unconventional, they were."
"Master Yoda, I do not believe Anakin is under the control of any Sith. He is a confused boy, who needs to find his own path. I have done all I can do. The rest is up to the Force."
"I agree," said Master Windu, to the surprise of no one in the room except Obi-Wan.
"You do?"
Windu continued. "You are an outstanding Jedi Knight, Master Obi-Wan. Your devotion to our order is unquestionably strong, and your wisdom exceeds your years. Your heart has a connection to the Force that many of the oldest and more experienced Masters lack. You skills and resourcefulness with the lightsaber is not to be forgotten, either."
"But what of my decision to let Anakin go on Naboo?"
To his surprise, Adi Gallia spoke up, without any resentment in her tone.
"I was there along with you, Master Obi-Wan. It was clear to me as well after conversing with Skywalker that you had been correct in your assertion that he has been untainted by the Sith. The dark side, yes, but not the Sith."
"Whatever Skywalker does," Mace said, "is now of his own volition. He is responsible for his actions now, Master Kenobi, not you."
As if Obi-Wan could not be more stunned, Yoda decided to reveal a shocking revelation.
"Noticed, you may have, still the absence of a replacement on the Council for Master Mundi. Dangerous, your attachment was, to young Skywalker. That you had the foresight to recognize it and release it, the Council approves. Demonstrates, this does, your wisdom and your maturity with the Force."
"Master Kenobi," Windu stated officially, "we the Council ask you to sit in the seat the late Master Mundi has vacated."
He let out a silent roar of frustration, sending ripples of dark energy through the Force. As the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, he was used to having everything go his way. But something had been eluding him in the last few weeks. Someone, more specifically. Skywalker.
This recent turn of events was disturbing. He sensed his prolonged absence from Coruscant, but the Jedi refused to answer any of his inquiries. His meditations had brought him nowhere closer to finding the boy. It was as if he had disappeared altogether from the Galaxy.
His aide interrupted him with a page to his comlink, reminding him that he had an unexpected coronation to attend on his native planet.
"My fellow Naboo, Honorable Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, I am honored to follow in my family's illustrious footsteps."
The new King of Naboo, formerly its Governor Duu Repsaj, had chosen a different title for himself: King Nobleus the first.
"This is a glorious day, not for myself, but for our planet and our people. Finally, we shall have peace with the Trade Federation. I have labored hard and long so that our two great entities will work with each other, not against each other. With your support and cooperation, I know that the future is bright for our planet and for the Republic!"
Deep in the mountains of Naboo, an old cobbler scratched his head as he went over his datapads again and again. It simply did not make sense. He barely made a profit the past year, just enough to support himself, his wife, and their three kids. But now, under the new constitution, jointly conceived with the Trade Federation, he was obligated to pay the Neimoidians a hefty tax; a tax that somehow took away every penny he had saved and still asked for more. And somehow, because the tax had resulted on a loss on his income, the law required him to pay a restitution fee to the Federation to, in their words, "amend for the negative influences" he was putting on the economy.
He swore. It was deep into the night now, and his family slept, unaware of the crisis. He wondered where he was going to come up with food for them through the coming winter or the money to satisfy the Federation coffers and their merciless battle droids, seemingly stationed on every corner of the planet.
They emerged from hyperspace deep within the farthest reaches of the Unknown Regions. Anakin navigated through the uncharted territories for days before finally stumbling onto a star system. As he flew by planet after barren planet, he noticed one that was different from the rest. Even from far away in space he could see the clouds covering parts of it, the oceans and lakes dotting the surface, and the fertile green continents that seemed to serve as a welcoming beacon for them.
He maneuvered the ship down towards the surface. As he emerged under the clouds, Padme gasped as they entered a beautiful, green valley engulfed by magnificent, snow-capped mountains and marked by a gentle river that wound its way in between them. Dotting the land were what appeared to be small houses and settlements.
"The Force brought us here, Padme. I'm confident of that."
He landed the ship, and the two runaways stepped onto the land of their new home.
The End
To be continued in "The Rogue in War"