My apologies for the delay in posting, Darth RL has been especially bad along with moving apartments. But rest assured, the story will go on. My thanks again to all who have left reviews and comments.
Acacia Jules: Thank you for your kind comments. I too have always felt that Vader wasn't truly evil, rather a victim of circumstance which was cofirmed in Ep. III.
Korifi: Thanks. As soon as things calm down a bit, I will be updating more often. :)
Dirbatua: Glad you enjoy.
Doreen: Thank you so much.
LCO100: Happy to know you are enjoying.
Emerald Green Queen: I'm pleased to know that I am making the characters as believeable as possible. I thought it was important to include what was happening behind the scenes with Dooku and Palpy since a lot of these interactions are virutally unknown. Anakin is definitely talented and without the limits of being with the Jedi at the Temple, Obi-Wan is free to teach him what he needs to know, much like Yoda did with Luke in ESB.
PadawanCassy: I'm in awe of your nice comment. Hope you like this chapter.
Piper Halliwell2: Glad to know that you are liking this. Well, this chapter should answer your prediction ;).
Aka-Ryu: I'm humbled by your considerate review. Happy that you are enjoying the story. We shall see in this chapter what our dear Padme's fate will be :)/
Pokey: I was a little uncertain at first to put in the Dooku parts since so little is know. We shall see more of him in the not too distant future. I agree too that Anakin should have been trained differently, because he was different. I think had the Jedi been more insightful to this fact than rather guilt him all the time about his different ways. things may have turned out another way.
Lokigirl: Thanks for your comments. I definitely think the breakdown in the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan was another of a sequence of events that led to his eventual fall. In our tale, since Obi-Wan actually 'chooses' to train Anakin without the Council's permission, I don't think there is the resentment I feel he had because of Qui-Gon's belief in the boy.
NothingFeelsGood: Thanks, good to be back. More Sabe and Obi-Wan coming up shortly. Hope you enjoy!
Ghostrider: Thank you for your kind review, glad that you are still following the story. I was curious to see what people's take on the speed of Anakin's ability after such a sort time. Like you, I feel that without the strict restrictions set by the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan would be more inclined to teach him survival skills with all the other philosophies coming in over time. A situation very akin to Yoda training Luke in ESB. Hope you enjoy this update!
Now without further ado...
His heart pounded in his chest as he ran towards the end of the grid. Yet, the red lasers locked into place, blocking his path to his Master. A haze descended upon his eyes as he heard the angry crashing of lightsaber pitted against its antagonist. This was followed by an eerie silence, when he realized that the duel was over and his beloved Master was now lying motionless on the floor. Before he could even attempt to avenge his Master, the evil thing's eyes burrowed into his soul, and before the Jedi could react, it made a swift motion towards him causing immense pain to fill his chest. Obi-Wan looked down to see the red hued blade thrust into him as he realized, this was the way it should have been…
The young Jedi Knight sat up in his bed in a near panic as he gasped for air. He immediately looked down at his chest, expecting to see the Sith's lasersword burrowed into him. However, all that was present was his nightshirt. Ever since Obi-Wan had returned to Naboo to begin Anakin's training, this terrible nightmare had plagued him regularly. He even spent additional meditation time, to ask the Force for guidance as to its meaning; however, there was no response. And there really shouldn't be, he had rationalized.
Both Qui-Gon and the Sith warrior were dead and he was the only survivor. Perhaps these dreams were a sense of guilt that he carried? However, the Jedi's mind was so completely clouded that he did not hear the repeated knocks coming from his door. Obi-Wan had nearly summoned his weapon from the nightstand when he saw a petite figure quickly emerge from the darkness.
"Obi-Wan?" Sabé's heavily accented voice called out in concern.
Hearing the soft voice of the young handmaiden, the young knight immediately lost his impenetrable Jedi veneer and buried his face in his hands where he cried bitterly. Having never seen him this distraught, the Queen's decoy ran over to right side of the bed to wrap him in her arms. Obi-Wan unconsciously leaned against her as she gently rocked him.
"Shhh…It's alright," she said at a near whisper.
The Jedi simply cried louder as he shook his head. "It should have been me."
"What do you mean?"
Obi-Wan slightly pulled away to look her in the eyes. "I should have died along with my Master. That's how it should have been."
The chief handmaiden felt a chill rush through her body at his declaration. Somehow she knew that he meant what he had just said. "Don't say that, Obi-Wan."
"But it's true. Had I not fallen when I did, I too would have been trapped with Qui-Gon and that…that thing."
Sabé furrowed her eyebrow as she reached down to hold his hand. "If that were so, then the Queen, Anakin and even I would also be dead and Naboo would be in the hands of the Trade Federation. Is that what you really wish to happen?"
Obi-Wan looked at her incredulously as the truth of her statement struck at his self-pity. "By the Force, no Sabé. I would never want to see harm befall Anakin or her majesty." He paused momentarily before sheepishly admitting, "Or you...especially you."
The young woman smiled in spite of herself as she heard the sincerity pouring forth from his voice. Without thinking, she wrapped her slender hands on either side of his face and drew him in for a soft caress. At first she felt the young Jedi's uncertainty as his body momentarily tensed; however, once this abated, he wrapped his arms around her slender waist to pull her closer towards him as he deepened the kiss. Finally requiring oxygen, they reluctantly pulled apart and silently gazed at one another for several moments.
Without pretense, the young handmaiden stood up and offered him a hurried bow before leaving the room. Although feeling considerably better than he did before, Obi-Wan was now trying to ascertain what had just transpired. Then again his knowledge about women and their behavior always seemed incomprehensible. If only Qui-Gon was there to offer him council. He then lay back in his bed, now unable to return to sleep for much different reasons.
It had finally arrived. Padmé had promised that she would send a memory chip with a recorded message. I really miss her he thought as he watched the two foot image of the girl Queen emerged from his handheld holoviewer. The sandy haired boy lay on the floor captivated as the image of the young woman spoke.
As Obi-Wan entered the hangar for their evening session, he instantly sensed the swirl of feelings emanating from his pupil. Folding his arms snugly against his chest, the Jedi Knight chuckled inwardly at the near reverent stare Anakin was watching Amidala's facsimile.
"Good evening my young apprentice."
Anakin shot up from the floor as he offered Obi-Wan a polite bow. "Good evening, Master. I was just watching a holomessage that Padmé sent me earlier."
"Has her highness's trip been productive?"
The boy shrugged as his attention wavered towards the floor. "I guess so. But she said she may be away for another week."
Obi-Wan raised his eyebrows in curiosity as he watched the boy sulk. "Your thoughts betray you; I sense your discontent."
"It's just… I haven't been away from her for this long." He said was he flipped his hand nervously at his side.
"The charge of her office requires her to help her people by any means possible," Obi-Wan pointed out as he seized this opportunity to teach another lesson. "Queen Amidala is a good example of how one has to sometimes place his or her duty above everything else, including family and friends," the Jedi emphasized. "It is not too dissimilar from the existence of a Jedi."
Anakin shrugged his shoulders as he sheepishly replied, "Master Qui-Gon did say it was a difficult life."
Obi-Wan smiled sadly as he too remembered his esteemed former teacher speaking those same words to him when he was a young padawan. However, he did work through these difficulties; however, Anakin was in a unique situation in which the rules of the Order didn't necessarily apply. There is a difference between training to become a Jedi versus training to use the Force he mused as realized that even Qui-Gon, if he had been in this situation, would be on uncharted territory. Yet, some of the major principles of the Jedi were absolutely needed to help keep the boy in the light. "It can be, but serving others can be tremendously rewarding."
The boy nodded silently as he appeared to be contemplating his Master's words. Obi-Wan, sensing that Anakin was still troubled, placed a hand of comfort on his shoulder. "I have to say though that I am very proud of how you have conducted yourself while being separated from your mother. I know how frustrating it must be that you have been made to wait to free her."
The Jedi's student smiled proudly for a moment before a frown took over. "I guess that too has been on my mind alot."
Obi-Wan grinned as he said, "Well then this is a perfect opportunity for us to meditate over these issues."
Knowing that this was his way of beginning a training session, the former slave immediately sat himself on the floor in a lotus position. The Jedi quickly followed suit and the pair spent the better part of the evening in quiet contemplation before he began the new lesson. The next skill Obi-Wan taught was for Anakin to use his skills to identify other's signatures through the Force. He practiced by first sensing Obi-Wan's signature which emitted a bright blue color in his mind with an aura of peace and serenity.
/Different colors and patters represent different people's presence with the Force. Some are stronger than others, as you will learn over time./
Nodding his head in understanding, Anakin scoured the palace for other signatures. He immediately found Sabé's, which projected a light pink color, which felt warm to his senses. He would later observe how her color became deeper and her warmth would intensify whenever she was in close proximity to Master Obi-Wan. Anakin was pretty sure that the Master sensed it too, judging by his awkward behavior whenever she was nearby.
With Obi-Wan inwardly chuckling at Anakin's previous thought, he instructed him to keep searching the palace for other signatures. Occasionally he would find people with very dim colors or temperatures, which he found uninteresting. He was then suddenly taken aback by a new presence that was brilliantly shone in his mind's eye. As it approached him, his heart rate jumped and its colors were becoming more obvious.
This person's Force signature was bright white and was surrounded with spiraling colors and flashes of sparkling light from the center. The warmth this person projected filled his entry body causing him to physically sweat. The closer the person got to him, the hotter he became until he heard his name being yelled.
"Ani!" exclaimed the excited Queen.
"Padmé!" shouted the happy boy as he leapt from his seat to give her a big hug.
They spun around happily before the young Jedi stood up to join them.
/Master? Was that really Padmé's Force Signature I saw/
/Yes, young one, it is rather…unique/
"My you have grown in just a month. I think you are eating too well," observed Padmé.
"I have so much to tell you. Master Kenobi has shown me some totally wizard stuff."
Nearly interrupting, Padmé smiled as she said, "Well I have good news for you, Sola had her baby this morning and.."
"She had a girl, didn't she?" Anakin said knowingly.
Surprised, Padmé answered "Yes, she named her Ryoo. How did you know?"
Anakin shrugged his shoulders briefly before answering. "I saw it through the Force, although I didn't know that it was your sister."
Amazed by his declaration, Padmé focused her gaze up at Master Kenobi who was now standing behind the young boy. "Welcome home, your majesty. It is a pleasure to see you again,"
Smiling, Padmé acknowledge him. "It is good to see you again, Master Jedi. I hope Ani has been learning all he can during your stay."
"He has indeed, your highness. He is a rather quick learner," added Obi-Wan proudly.
"I hate to interrupt your training, but Anakin and I are expected at my parent's house tomorrow to greet my sister and her new baby."
"You aren't interrupting, your majesty. In fact, we were finished for the evening."
Padmé then asked, "When are you due back on Corellia?"
"I must leave Naboo the day after tomorrow."
"We would like for you to join us at my parent's house. There is plenty of room and I know Ani would enjoy having you around for two extra days."
Smiling and unwilling to offend the Queen, Obi-Wan replied, "I would be honored to join you, your highness." As he bowed in acceptance, he noticed a glint in Sabé's eye. It didn't take Force sensitivity to know that she would be joining them.
"If you will excuse us then, your majesty, both Anakin and I need to prepare for tomorrow's excursion."
Padmé smiled as she nodded her head in approval. "Of course, Master Kenobi." She then turned to the wide-eyed boy who was still beaming at her. "We'll definitely catch up on everything tomorrow, Ani."
"I would like that a lot, your highness. Until tomorrow then," he said formally.
The Queen smirked as she saw the boy, bow with his Jedi Master before they left the room. She was amazed at how quickly he was changing from the scared, insecure slave boy from Tatooine that she met not too long ago into a very thoughtful and happy young boy. Indeed, one day he would definitely become quite the gentleman she contemplated as she returned to her quarters in order to get some much needed rest.
Meanwhile, as Anakin and Obi-Wan were returning to their rooms, the boy used the Force to communicate with his teacher.
/I think Sabé likes you, Master/
/I hadn't noticed young one/
/I may be just a kid, but even I know a crush when I see one./
Obi-Wan nearly choked as he laughed aloud at Anakin's statement. /Yes Anakin, she's a beautiful girl, but Jedi have no time for such…attachments./
/Master it wouldn't kill you to just talk with her. She's really very nice and very smart./
Obi-Wan nodded knowingly at his student while trying to hide his smirk. Indeed, the boy was too intuitive and connected into the Force for him to hide his feelings forever. But Obi-Wan scoffed to himself that he would keep that private for as long as possible, from both Anakin and Sabé.
A sudden sense of apprehension filled him as his eyes focused upon the body lying in the midst of a blooming field surrounded by huge mountains. It was Padmé and she rested motionless with her eyes fixed blankly towards the sky. A frigid chill filled his being as the form of a grinning hooded figure. However, it was overwhelmed by a blindingly bright light. As Anakin bent over to shield his eyes, a voice echoed through the now gusting wind. 'You must wake, Chosen One!'
'Who are you?' he cried out as he could discern a slight figure standing in the distance.
'It does not matter. All that is important is that you wake and find what is missing.'
Young Anakin immediately sat up in his bed. Unlike his previous nightmares about finding Padmé's body, this time, the warning had urgently addressed him. Using his newly learned skills, the boy reached out with his feelings into the Force to locate Padmé. Much to his discontent, she was nowhere in the palace, nor were her handmaidens. He quickly reached for his comlink where a message was waiting for him.
'Ani,
I didn't wish to wake you up since you looked so peaceful. Late last night we received an urgent call from the head council from village of Torjda, requesting my presence for an urgent meeting this morning. The handmaidens and I will be leaving soon and should be back later this afternoon, so be ready to leave upon our arrival.
-Padmé'
Without thinking, the boy grabbed his lightsaber then ran towards Master Obi-Wan's quarters. He pounded furiously for several moments until the drowsy eyed Jedi finally answered.
"What's wrong, Anakin?" the Jedi asked as he rubbed his eyes roughly to remove the sleep.
"Padmé's in trouble. She needs our help!"
"What?"
"My visions, Master. My visions told me that something bad is going to happen to Padmé now."
Obi-Wan looked at the boy in disbelief. His years of training had taught him that dreams would pass in time. However, he was aware that there were Jedi over the centuries capable of receiving Force induced visions through their dreams. Could Anakin be one such as these? Was he willing to gamble with the Queen's life to prove the boy wrong?
Noting Anakin's determined expression, the young Jedi nodded quickly as he turned around to grab his cloak and lightsaber. "Do you know where she went?"
"They went to the village of Torjda. It's in the mountains so we must hurry."
The two ran through the halls of the palace and into the main hanger where Anakin's ship was parked. The boy quickly jumped into the pilot's seat to power up the ship's main engines. Ignoring usual take off protocol, Anakin lifted out of the hangar and into the early morning sky. Hopefully they would not be too late.
The Nubian highlands were a remote region full of rugged terrain. The village of Torjda was situated near the Great Mountains that covered the northern hemisphere of Naboo. Torjda was higher than most settlements on the planet, thus making it difficult to grow crops and most goods had to be imported. The Trade Federation decided to use this site as a prison facility and brought people from every region of the planet due to its isolation. It had taken several weeks to return everyone to their homes and only now were they ready to restore public works to the village.
As Amidala's entire entourage processed from the shuttle, they looked at one another in confusion as nobody was sent to greet them. Concerned, Captain Panaka stepped out of the shuttle to scout the area. He then turned to the Queen and the handmaidens. "I don't like this, your highness. Something is wrong."
Amidala sighed as she thought over the situation. "Please go into the village and speak with the town's elders. Perhaps it was a simple miscommunication."
Her chief of security bowed respectfully in response to her order. "Sabé, Saché, please guard the shuttle's entrance until our return." Panaka ordered.
They both nodded as he and two other security members walked down the cobblestone walkway. Meanwhile, on a nearby cliff, the three eager Neimoidians laid hidden from view, waiting for the opportunity to strike. Mot Noxin pointed to the pathway and said, "Take position behind those two rock formations that line the road to the village. I will come around and attack from the rear."
The two subordinates nodded as they obediently left their hideaway. The Neimoidian leader then removed his large, ceremonial dagger from its holster as he made his way down towards his prey. Soon the Queen would be dead and the Dark Lord would reward them beyond their greatest imaginations for serving him well.
Anakin could feel the Force billowing its warning even more loudly than before as he pressed the Angel Queen's engines beyond maximum safety capacity. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan fingers danced over the ship's comm panel as he frantically attempted to raise the Queen's transport.
"Any luck, Master?"
"Not at all. They are not responding," stated the increasingly worried Jedi.. "Are you sensing anything more?"
Not taking his eyes off the viewscreen, Anakin shook his head abruptly. "Just that we are running out of time, Master."
Obi-Wan closed his eyes to reach into the Force. It was only now, that he could sense that a disturbance in the Force was rapidly building, but like so often, it was elusive and distant. However, the young Jedi could not dismiss his student's feelings as he felt the Force billowing around him. There was no doubt in Obi-Wan's mind that something was about to happen. However, he was uncertain, even if they made it to the Queen, whether they could do something to alter fate.
After nearly a hour since their arrival, Captain Panaka returned with the town's mayor. He was an older gentleman with white hair and stood several hands taller than the Queen's chief of security.
"Your majesty," addressed Panaka. "May I introduce you to Lowrie Tunsdae, Mayor of Torjda."
As Amidala nodded, the older man proclaimed respectfully, "It is an honor to receive you, your majesty." He paused briefly as he respectfully bowed. "I must apologize that no one was here to greet you, but we did not expect you until later this afternoon."
The Queen slightly shook her head. "It is quite alright, sir. However, if you don't mind, I have a another engagement that I must attend so may we continue speaking in your Council's chambers?"
Tunsdae nodded as he allowed Amidala and her handmaidens to disembark. Captain Panaka and two of his troops were several steps ahead of the group with the handmaidens surrounding the Queen and the Mayor. Meanwhile, two additional troops took up the rear several paces back. Amidala and Tunsdae were in deep discussion about the problems that were plaguing the village when they both recoiled at the sound of screams mixed with blaster fire. From the front, two assailants had surprised Captain Panaka and his two security officers who were desperately trying to fight them off.
Sabé immediately motioned to the other handmaidens. "Draw your weapons and protect the Queen." They all obeyed immediately as the chief handmaiden left their position to help Panaka and the others.
With the Queen's entourage completely distracted, Mot Noxin stealthily emerged from his hiding place and quickly killed both of the unsuspecting troops. Now all that remained was to eliminate those that surrounded Amidala before she would come under his knife. Saché had been the first to turn her attention towards the streaking marauder. Although her weapon was drawn, all she could was release an ear splitting shriek as his bloodied dagger was hurdling down towards her head.
When he stepped onto the Angel's platform, Anakin noticed the Queen was walking along a cobblestone path in the middle of a grassy field which resembled the one in his dream. Without hesitation, Anakin reached for his lightsaber and hurdled himself down towards the Queen's entourage. As Obi-Wan emerged from the ship, he noticed what was about to happen and using the Force, he gave chase, hoping his Padawan wouldn't get himself killed.
While everyone's attention was turned away, including the security detachment, a tall figure, which had just vanquished two of the Queen's guards, sharply rose with a bloodied, jagged dagger in his left hand. As the Neimoidian was about to strike Saché with blind fury, Anakin instantly ignited his lightsaber to block the swooping arc. Noxin looked at him in complete surprise since he hadn't seen where the child had come from. However, unwilling to fail Darth Sidious, he unleashed a strong slash aimed at slicing off the small boy's head. Surrounded by the Force, Anakin adroitly guided his emerald hued weapon towards the dagger and shattered it into pieces as he swept around to strike at the Queen's attacker. With two broad swipes, he severed both the Neimoidian's legs causing him to scream out in utter pain as he collapsed to the ground.
Finally regaining their wits, the four nearby handmaidens collapsed around Amidala who was in a near panic since she was unaware of what was transpiring. Sensing no further danger, Anakin deactivated his lightsaber and returned it to his belt without removing his stare from the injured assassin. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan, who saw the entire event, changed direction towards the two remaining Neimoidians.
Obi-Wan withdrew and activated his recently constructed lasersword as he engaged into combat. The two assassins were both caught off guard as they saw the sapphire blade arcing down on their mini-swords. Both Sabé and Panaka recognized the opening that the Jedi had provided and quickly swept the two aliens off their feet and pointed their blasters at their heads. The chief handmaiden gave the Jedi a slight smile in relief, which was rapidly overtaken in worry. "The Queen."
Sabé, along with Obi-Wan and Captain Panaka ran over to find Anakin staring blankly at the fallen Neimoidian. Captain Panaka, both amazed and dismayed, gently placed his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "High Protector Skywalker, would you and Master Kenobi please escort the Queen and her handmaidens back to Theed?" With the vacant look still in his eyes, the blond haired boy nodded silently as Panaka shot a concerned glace over at Obi-Wan who was just as awestruck. The Captain informed them, "I will alert security to await your arrival. We will remain to secure the area and search for additional accomplices."
Refusing to remove his focus from the assassin, while attempting to suppress his rage over someone wanting to harm Padmé, Anakin barely shook his head as he heard Obi-Wan's voice speak out. "Very well, Captain. We shall see to it at once."
Finally, the boy lifted his gaze from the would-be assassin as he felt the gentle mental nudge through the Force from his Master. He then turned his attention towards the group of huddled women, which he hurried towards. The handmaidens broke their human barrier when they saw him approach. Amidala, uncertain of what just happened, experienced a mixture of relief and worry as she saw her young friend along with his Master approaching.
"Your highness, Miladies, please accompany us back to Anakin's ship so we can return you safely to the palace" Obi-Wan respectfully ordered.
Amidala noticeably relaxed when she saw that neither Anakin nor Obi-Wan were harmed. She then courteously obeyed his request as she motioned her handmaidens to follow them to the ship. After they were safely aboard and en route to Theed, Padmé grabbed Anakin tightly as he left the piloting to Obi-Wan and held him close. The other handmaidens joined in a group hug, each trying to calm the other. Anakin looked at her and smiled. Both were on the verge of tears, but neither cried as they were too overwhelmed for any kind of expression.
Upon their return to Theed, they were ushered back into the palace quickly and stayed in the security tower until Captain Panaka gave the all clear signal several hours later . After the Queen's chief of security returned to the capital, Amidala, along with Obi-Wan, Anakin, as well as all the handmaidens returned to the throne room to hear his report over the incident.
"It appears they were alone and had been on Naboo since the liberation," reported Panaka. "We've determined that the Trade Federation had a standing order that if they were to withdraw, anybody left behind was expected to murder the Queen."
Something about this felt wrong to Anakin. With the Force still bristling about him, he sensed that something very dark was behind this attempt, but when he tried to reach further, the darkness abated into nothingness. Anakin returned from his deliberations as he heard all that were present sighed deeply to the Captain's report; however, true to form, Amidala appeared impassive at the news.
Panaka catching Anakin's eye slightly smiled and continued, "Your highness, I regret to report that your security detachment failed you today and it was only through the actions of Lord Skywalker and Master Kenobi that made the difference. I respectfully ask that you accept my resignation for my inability to protect you."
Anakin winced at both the acknowledgement and Panaka's statement. While the man didn't seem to be the warmest of persons, the boy respected the fact that he would lay down his life for Amidala without hesitation. After living on a world in which he saw people literally sell a parent or a child for their own personal gain, it was a welcomed change to see people truly care for one another.
Amidala stood up. "No Captain, I will not accept your resignation. You acted properly and with the best responsiveness possible." She continued while cracking a faint smile. "In fact you are to be commended for securing the area, as well as our safety as we returned to Theed. Your service to me is far too valuable to lose, especially now."
Panaka bowed respectfully. "Then I humbly withdraw my request."
After she silently acknowledged him, Amidala then asked, "Do you think we need to maintain a higher alert status in case more Neimoidians are still on the planet plotting?"
Panaka replied, "I believe prudence would dictate that be a wise choice, your highness. While we can scan from orbit to see if any other Neimoidian life signs exist on the surface, I think it would also be crucial to report this incident to the Supreme Chancellor and perhaps the Jedi Council."
Looking uncomfortable at the suggestion, Amidala briefly shifted in her seat as her eyes briefly from Obi-Wan to Anakin back to the attentive Captain. "I will take your request under advisement."
She then scanned the room momentarily before speaking again. "High Protector Skywalker and Master Kenobi, please approach the throne
As stately as he had learned to walk from Rabé, Anakin eased over to a spot next to Panaka followed closely by Obi-Wan. The young Jedi was still utterly amazed at what transpired. Not only had Anakin foreseen what was going to happen, but once there, he used skills that relied heavily on the Force as if he had been training for years. Without conscious thought, the boy had been able to reach the Queen in time and use his weapon to prevent the assassination. Plus, Obi-Wan who was significantly taller and more experienced, had been unable to catch up to him, despite using the Force to enhance his speed. If only I could relay these events to the Jedi Council to gain their wisdom.
Anakin bowed respectfully at Amidala and then nodded his head politely to Captain Panaka. The Queen's chief of security, while still disturbed by the incident, became an instant admirer of the boy. He would never look or think about him the same way again. Anakin had earned his respect, which was typically a hard thing to do.
"Lord Skywalker, Master Kenobi, it is with my deepest appreciation and thanks that you risked your life once more for your Queen. Naboo is again indebted to you both for your service," Amidala said with a quiver in her voice.
Anakin again bowed and responded with the code of the High Protectors in Nubian, "It is my sworn duty to protect the life of the Queen and the Naboo with my own if necessary."
Very few times in her life had Padmé been overwhelmed with emotion, but they all were insignificant compared to this moment. While holding back her tears she noticed all in the room with proud smiles and ruddy faces. She then returned her attention to Obi-Wan who looked upon the boy with great admiration.
"You must be very proud of your student, Master Jedi. He is definitely a credit to your expert tutelage."
Obi-Wan slightly nodded as he rubbed his chin in utter amazement. "I am, your majesty. However, I have to admit that it was more my Padawan's innate abilities than my teachings that saved the day."
A slight smile eclipsed Amidala's painted face as she unconsciously reached for the japor snippet that hung around her neck. "Indeed." She then glanced at Sabé who was standing dutifully at the right side of her throne. "Please see everyone out, except Lord Skywalker." She then turned to look at him seriously. "I wish for him to remain so we can speak privately."
The chief handmaiden humbly bowed as she ushered all in attendance out of the room. Before leaving, Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin shoulder as he whispered. "I am very proud of you, my Padawan. We shall speak later."
Anakin nodded. "Of course, Master."
Once they were finally alone, Amidala bent over in her throne, placing her face in her hands as she openly wept. Anakin, still standing at attention rushed from the center of the room over to the throne so he could put his arm around her. "Oh Ani, why do they want to kill me? What have I done that is so horrible?"
"I don't know, Padmé," Anakin muttered as his anger began to swell. "If I could, I would kill them…I would kill them all. I hate them for what they have done to you and Naboo," he said with rage echoing in his voice.
Concerned with his tone and remembering Master Yoda's warning, Padmé said, "No matter what, Anakin, don't replace the love in your heart with hate. Even if something should ever happen to me, don't sell your soul, Ani." Her words rapidly quieted his raging spirit as he shifted his concern back to her.
"I'm glad you are safe, angel" he quietly muttered as he fidgeted where he stood. .
"I think today you were my angel…my guardian angel to be more succinct," she softly replied. "How did you know?"
"Remember the nightmare I had when I first got here?" She nodded in response. "I have had them ever since and everything didn't fall into place until today when the Force beckoned me to go to you."
Padmé didn't know quite how to react to his statement. While she was grateful that he arrived when he did, she realized this was only the beginning of Anakin's abilities. Jedi training or not, the Force was working its will through him already. She knew that it was critical for Master Kenobi to continue preparing Anakin for what remained ahead. The young Queen had the sense that this little boy may one day hold the fate of billions in his hands.
The young Queen was lost in thought for several moments, until Anakin called out for her with concern in his voice. "Padmé, are you alright?"
Snapping out of her daze, she smiled and nodded affirmatively. He closed his eyes briefly and then spoke, "I don't sense anymore Neimoidians on Naboo. I think the threat is gone." Padmé then looked at him with both fondness and admiration in her eyes. "Ani, I don't know how I can ever thank you for saving my life."
"You don't have to, Padmé. That's what friends do. They take care of each other."
The girl Queen slightly smirked as she took his hand into her own. "No matter what, I will always be here for you."
As Anakin gave her his lopsided smile, she wrapped her arms around him in a crushing hug. The boy's heart jumped for joy at being so close to this girl--this angel. Perhaps if the Force continued to smile upon him, one day, he could mean even more to her. But for now, he was thankful to have a friend such as she in his life. Most important though was she was safe and he had not failed her.
Supreme Chancellor Palpatine peered out the bay window, which overlooked the governmental district of Coruscant. Through the Force he could sense the failure of the Neimoidians by the hands of the Chosen One. He smiled wryly to himself as he knew that they would most likely fail in their attempt to harm the Queen.
However, despite their lack of success, the event provided some much needed answers to the Dark Lord. First, he was aware that somehow, someway, young Skywalker was in fact receiving training to utilize the Force. It would take time to learn the identity of his teacher, but the Sith Master knew that patience would lead to positive results.
Secondly, it was apparent that the bond between the boy and the Naboo Queen was quite strong. Since Palpatine's first encounter with Skywalker, he had been feeding him dark suggestions of what was to come. While he was amazed that Anakin was able to decipher the meaning of the visions in a timely manner; however, the Dark Lord was not surprised at his response. This tie to Amidala could be exploited when the time was right. Despite their physical distance, he could sense the rising fury in the boy as he reflected on what the Trade Federation had done to Naboo and his precious Queen. Darth Sidious found himself delighted at the prospects, which quelled any anger he held against Noxin or his cronies.
All the elements would be in the right place, once Sidious was ready to make young Skywalker his dutiful apprentice. After the boy became fully immersed in the Darkside, no Jedi in the known Universe would be able to oppose their onslaught. However, for the meantime, the Dark Lord of the Sith decided that it would be best to leave the boy alone. He would allow whomever it was to continue training him as his bond with the Naboo monarch grew stronger.
As Palpatine strolled about his office in silent contemplation, he also reflected upon the conversation he had with the boy concerning his mother on Tatooine. Another attachment to be exploited. Indeed, once it was time, it would be all to easy to bring young Skywalker onto the path of the Darkside. However, now he needed to shift his focus as there was one he sought that would help him shake the very foundation of the Republic. Returning his attention to the moment, the Supreme Chancellor turned around to press a button on his desk's comm panel.
"Yes, your Excellency?" the quivering voice of the Chancellor's secretary echoed out in reply.
"Have my personal shuttle prepared for leave within the hour. I will be taking an extended leave away from Coruscant." Palpatine ordered. He would go where the Darkside of the Force was grandly beckoning him.
TBC-Thoughts, comments and reviews are always appreciated :)
