"It is in the wood that burns in your hearth, and in the kettle on the fire; it is under your chair and under your table and under the sheets on your bed. Walk in the midday sun and the dark is with you, attached to the soles of your feet." Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover

Chapter 6: The Jedi vs. the Artist

Jedi Temple

With the Chancellor's words heavy on his mind, Anakin entered into the Jedi Council chambers and, after respectfully bowing to the Masters, stood quietly in the center of the room.

"Contacted us, Chancellor Palpatine did," Yoda announced.

"He has spoken with you about his request," Mace Windu said in more of a statement than a question. By the way his forehead wrinkled, it was obvious that he was displeased.

"Yes, Master," Anakin replied.

"And what did you say in reply?" Seasee Tiin asked curiously.

"I informed him that only the Jedi Council can determine who sits on the Council and who doesn't," Anakin nervously said. Did the Jedi believe that he had talked Palpatine into asking for this favor?

"Intended to do what he asks, do you?"

"I shall only do what is requested of me by the Council," Anakin said firmly.

"So, if we were to deny you Mastery despite his wishes, you would be content?" Mace Windu asked.

"I…I would decline," Anakin stammered. Becoming a Jedi Master had been everything Anakin had ever hoped and dreamed of, but he could tell that this issue was going to only cause trouble.

"If it is the will of the Council, I shall immediately send word to the Chancellor."

Pleased, all the Jedi nodded in approval.

"Anakin, it has not escaped our attention how badly you wish to achieve Mastery," Obi-Wan said slowly as he stroked his beard thoughtfully, "but you must realize that, at the present time, doing so would be very risky."

"Risky?" Anakin echoed, not sure that he understood. Briefly, the Chancellor's warning came to mind but he immediately pushed it aside.

"Anakin, we are taking you into the strictest of confidences when we tell you that we have reason to believe that the Sith Lord we've been searching for is within the Senate, perhaps even among Palpatine's inner circle. You are his close friend- making you a Master and giving you more knowledge is a great risk."

"You want me to spy on him?" Anakin exclaimed incredulously, instinctively riling up at this.

"Spy, a Jedi does not," Yoda admonished. "Keep an awareness on his a surroundings , a Jedi does. Many enemies the Jedi have. Because of his increasing power, questionable Palpatine has become."

Deep down Anakin knew this to be true. Disappointed he nodded. "Yes, Master Yoda."

"We are pleased by your display of maturity, though," Obi-Wan said, speaking for the entire Council. All of them approvingly nodded. "It takes a most dedicated Jedi to refuse the one thing he desires most- because of this, you shall be granted a seat on the Council."

"Decided to do this, the Council already had," Yoda said as if he were reading Anakin's mind.
Elation washed through Anakin and, despite himself, he grinned. Palpatine had been right after all- the Jedi had eventually noticed his worthiness.

Or, had they noticed this a long time ago but their hesitation had held them back?

"But I thought you said that I was not able to become a Master," Anakin said, his hopes falling.

"Until this crisis is over, you shall not bear the title," Mace Windu explained. Casually, he gestured to the chair next to his own. "Please take your seat."

Striding over to it, Anakin sat down and found that it seemed as if it had been made for him.

When he had finished his musings and looked up, he found Obi-Wan giving him a proud look.

"Droids have been massing on the planet of Kashyyyk," Kit Fisto announced, causing all the Council members to adopt grave faces.

"I could go," Anakin offered. "I have plenty of experience in fighting on similar terrain with the same circumstances."

"Stay on Coruscant, you must," Yoda commanded, hitting his grimer stick against his seat. "An eye on Palpatine you must keep. And your Padawan, with him you must stay."

Though miffed, Anakin found no way to argue this.
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That Evening

Not until he had spent the rest of the day with Luke did Anakin realize what a daunting task raising the boy was going to be. Sadly, he wished that Padmé could be there with him, helping him raise their son and being the family they should have been.

But, reality was harsh and Anakin was all alone. He himself had gotten ready for the party, but after nearly five minutes of trying to dress the squirming Luke, he actually contemplated taking the baby dressed in nothing but a t-shirt and a diaper.

Somehow, he had a feeling that would be considered socially unacceptable.

"Need some help?" a familiar voice from over by the doorway asked. "I might not be your master anymore, but I am still here to help you get through the… um, more trying moments of your life."

Feeling both embarrassed and relieved, Anakin gave Obi-Wan a roguish grin. Soon, the older man was holding the baby still while Anakin quickly slipped a fresh shirt and a pair of overalls on Luke.

"Thanks," Anakin mumbled, scooping the baby up into his arms. Luke grinned before sucking on his fist. To no avail, Anakin tried to smooth out the unruly mop of blond hair that his son refused to have cut. "I'm still trying to get a hang of this whole parent thing."

"I am just glad that I never had to change your diapers," Obi-Wan laughed, cringing at the mere thought of doing so. "I only had to take care of you every time you got hurt doing something stupid."

"And what's your excuse," Anakin teased. "You were a full grown man who was constantly being sent to the Healer's Ward."

"Ah," Obi-Wan admitted, stroking his beard, "that is the result of having been your Master."
Wanting a moment alone to think, Anakin said slowly, "Why don't you go down to the speeder and get it ready- Luke and I'll join you in a moment."

His friend nodded before leaving.

Yes, Anakin had a lot to think about.

When he finally returned back to Padmé's apartment after a week long mission, he found the mother in bed with the baby in her arms. She was whispering to Luke and was holding one of her tiny hands in her own. Her hair, the long luxurious curls that Anakin loved to tangle his hands in, remained unpinned and cascaded in long ringlets.

Shyness overcame him and Anakin paused at the door, watching the beautiful sight of his love being the wonderful mother to his son he knew she would be. Sadly, he thought of how close he had come to losing them both.

Since they had been married two years before, a strong Force bond had emerged between the two, and Padmé had felt her husband's presence, for her brown eyes looked up and gazed at him with intense love.

He quietly slid the door shut before rushing to her side. Sitting down on the bed, he kissed her gently before curling his hand about the one she used to hold their baby tight. Luke was awake and blinked up at him with the intense blue eyes that he had undoubtedly inherited from Anakin.
It pained Anakin to do what needed to be done.

"How are you doing, my love?" he asked, kissing the side of her head.

In response, he received a bright smile. "Wonderful," she murmured.

"Padmé, I hate doing this to you, but have you contemplated our son's future?" Anakin said slowly, his throat constricting with emotion. His blue eyes refused to meet her curious gaze.

"Oh yes- I have great plans for him," she said with obvious pride, her smile becoming wider when Luke cooed. For a moment, she talked to him in such a tender voice that only a mother is capable of. "I want to raise him back on Naboo like I was. He will be a great person- wise and powerful like his father and intelligent like me."

"I am not intelligent?"

She gave him an exasperated look. "Well, he has to inherit something from me."

"Padmé," he said slowly, but emotions momentarily caused him to be unable to speak. "Padmé, Luke is Force sensitive. It will be only a matter of time before the Jedi discover him and want him to be trained."

"You want to take our son away from me." The tone of her voice was almost accusing.

"Padmé, our secret will come out in the open if we don't," he said gently, trying to pull her against him but she angrily scooted away. "No one outside of us and your two handmaidens know that you have a child. If I were to 'discover' him and claim him as my Padawan learner, I could raise our son," he said quietly, hurting as he watched her heart break. "With any other Jedi training him, you would not be able to see him ever again."

Her eyes clouded as she considered her possibilities.

"Will you raise our baby… with love and care?" she asked, a tear rolling down her face. "I only had him for a week… it's too soon," Padmé burst into tears, holding their baby close. "Oh Anakin, promise me you'll take care of our son."

"I promise," he said with the same fervency that he had used when exchanging vows with her two years before.

Reluctant, Padmé held her baby close before slowly holding Luke out to his father.

"Force help me."

Sighing, Anakin held up the gurgling baby before him. "Well, little guy," he said quietly, kissing the baby's forehead, "are you ready to go meet your mommy?"

Luke grinned.
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Padmé's Senatorial Apartment

Though surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, Padmé Amidala had never felt more alone. With each warm congratulation that was given to her, she was painfully reminded of the fact that her true love had to remain a secret. Each time she was congratulated on her pregnancy, Padmé thought of the child she dearly missed.

Her hand resting on Palo's arm, Padmé nevertheless gave her best politician's smile and made small talk with the guests.

Then, she saw him.

The kind Senator from Dantooine and his wife had just been telling her about the upcoming trading prospects when his bright blue eyes caught hers. Without knowing it, her grip on Palo's arm slackened as she stared at t he man who was her secret husband.

In his arms was her baby, her Luke whom she had not seen since he was a week old.
A small gasp escaped her at this as she saw the child who, nine months ago, had left her loving arms to be taken to the harsh reality that was the Jedi Temple. Wistfully, she realized how much he had grown and changed in her absence.

At first, Luke had been looking about at all the guests, but when he turned around and looked at her with blue eyes that were Anakin's, her heart came to her throat.

My baby.

Meanwhile, Palo had noticed her diverted attention and followed her gaze to the Hero With No Fear. A knowing smile formed on his lip but he puzzled at the sight of the child that Anakin Skywalker carried in his arms.

The boy looked exactly like Anakin.

"Palo," Padmé said quietly, barely able to keep control of the emotions that threatened to overcome her. Her heart began to race and, despite herself, a shy smile spread across her features. Swiftly, she led the artist over to her husband.

Anakin appeared to be just as nervous as she, for he kept swallowing and looking at her with wide eyes. He became even more flustered as his eyes looked down from her face to her large belly where their child grew.

Behind him stood Master Kenobi, but the man was fortunately oblivious to his companion's feelings.

"Palo, I would like you to meet Knight Skywalker," she said, beaming at the young man. This only unnerved the Jedi even more and he nervously shifted the baby about in his arms. As this was going on, Luke stared at her, recognition somehow present in his features as a wide grin spread across his chubby face.

Palo smiled at Anakin but the Jedi just regarded him coolly. Anakin's jaw locked and he suddenly became rigid.

"Anakin, this is my husband, Palo."

Not blinking, Anakin nodded, but jealousy washed over him. How badly he had wanted to be by her side like Palo was then doing!

"And this is my good friend Master Kenobi," Padmé continued in the way of introductions. She finished, smiling as the two Jedi Master's shook hands with Palo. "And who is this handsome young fellow?" she asked, timidly reaching out to brush Luke's blond hair. Had anyone been watching her, they would have noticed the tears that had welled up in her eyes. "Could I hold him?" she asked Anakin eagerly, earnestness seeping into her voice. When Anakin silently held the baby out to her, she took him into her arms and cradled him against her breast.

Oh, how long it had been since she'd held her baby! Padmé had almost forgotten what it was like, and holding him brought back so many fond but painful memories.

"He is a sweetheart," she murmured, kissing Luke's soft forehead.

Indeed, Luke did seem content for, as he rested his head over her heart, his eyes fluttered and he began to suck his thumb.

"Master Kenobi!" a senator called out, drawing the Master's attention away for a minute.

Padmé's large eyes looked deeply into Anakin's blue ones. Gratitude, longing, and a deep love shone from her eyes. Her whole body began to tremble as she felt a sudden desire to be held in his arms, to feel complete.

"Thank you," she whispered. Closing her eyes, she held her baby close.

Slightly, Anakin nodded, wistfulness radiating off of him.

"Padmé has told me all about you," Palo said good-naturedly, inadvertently ruining a precious moment. "I heard you had been knighted not too long ago."

"Actually," Anakin said tersely, "I was made a Master this afternoon."

"Anakin, that's wonderful!" Padmé exclaimed, obvious pride spreading over her pretty face. "I am so proud of you," she said, gently squeezing his hand.

Both momentarily started and looked away embarrassed.

"You must visit me tomorrow and tell me all about it," she suggested.

By the suggestive look he sent her, Anakin conveyed that he did not intend to wait until the next day before he saw her again.

Fortunately, Palo did not notice this unveiled look, for at that moment they were greeted by Padmé's family.

"Padmé!" her mother exclaimed, giving her a hug. "It is so good to see you. We are all very
proud of you."

Blushing, Padmé said nothing but gently rubbed Luke on the back.

"Whose child is this?" Ruwee asked, intrigued by the blond headed baby who had just flashed him a mischievous grin.

"This is Anakin's padawan learner," Padmé said, flashing Anakin a brilliant smile.

"Oh my goodness!" Sola exclaimed, covering her mouth with her hands. "It is so good to see you again," she said, enthusiastically shaking Anakin's hand. From behind her, Sola's two daughters giggled. For the time being, Palo was forgotten. "This is my husband, Darred."

A man in his early thirties stepped forward and gladly shook Anakin's hand. "I have heard a lot about you," he said with a wink.

Immediately, Anakin liked him.

"It is a pity that Jedi are not allowed to marry," Sabé sighed from behind him. "I don't think Padmé would have hesitated in dragging you down the aisle."

"Sabé!" Padmé exclaimed, going rather pink.

"Well, that's just what I think."

When Padmé's arms got tired from holding Luke, she sat him down on the ground. Instantly, he began to crawl about the room and was soon the delight of all the people present. Cuddled, kissed, and cooed over, Luke was certainly enjoying himself, but eventually Anakin began to worry that too much coddling would give the baby an unusually large ego. Striding over to where Luke sat on Breha Organa's lap, he apologized before taking him back into his watchful care.

Soon, he found himself being greeted by an all too familiar face.

"Ah Anakin!" the Chancellor exclaimed, fixing him with a wide smile. "So this is the youngling that I have heard so much about." Although he extended his friendly gaze to the sleeping Luke, he did not offer to hold the baby or even move to touch him like many of the other guests had. He just stood there with his wine glass in his wrinkly hands. "I can tell that he will be very powerful someday," he said with a gleam in his eye. "Very powerful."

For some odd reason, Anakin became uncomfortable and, after handing Luke back to a more than happy Breha, he went of in search of Padmé.
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Standing for two hours solid had caused excessive pain to Padmé's feet and, guessing that no one would notice, had put her shoes in her bedroom. Sighing, she walked back out to join her guests.

Suddenly, Padmé found herself being pulled into the adjoining room, something that was not an easy feat considering her weight. Before she could protest, a pair of very familiar lips descended on hers and left her breathless. While her hands moved to intertwine themselves about his neck, his hands slid over her stomach and gently caressed her in tandem with the movement of his lips. Within her, the baby moved upon feeling the presence of her father.

"Anakin," she gasped when he finally released his hold on her. Closing her eyes, she embraced him as he held her close. "I heard whispers," she said softly lest someone in the room next to them should overhear, "whispers that you had been killed."

"Nonsense," Anakin said with a smile as he leaned forward to kiss her again. "I could never leave you alone."

"I was so scared," she whispered, kissing his chest.

"Shhh," he said.

"We must go- we can't be caught."

"No- stay," he begged, pulling her back up against him when she tried to leave. "I don't care if they know we're married." Once again, he tried to calm her fears with a brush of his lips but she pulled away.

"No Anakin," she said sadly, shaking her head. "We have too much at risk here."

"Our children," Anakin said knowingly, placing his hands on her stomach.

She nodded. "We must keep our love a secret- for them."

"For our son…"

"And daughter," she finished with a bright smile.

"What makes you think it's a girl?" he asked, causing her to giggle.
"My motherly intuition," she said with a beam.

"Uh-huh. Last time you said it was going to be a girl and…"

"I know," she interrupted, her eyes twinkling. "I know I'm right though." Impatiently, she sighed. "Anakin, we had best be getting back to the party- rumors will start if anyone notices that I had disappeared into an empty room for a while with a handsome Jedi."

Anakin too sighed. "Promise me that you will wait up for me tonight."

"Anakin…"

"I need to be with you," he all but moaned as he pulled her back into his arms. "Promise me," he pleaded into the softness of her hair.

"Alright," she said tentatively before she pulled away and caressed his cheek with her hand, "but you must promise to be nice to Palo. He's trying to help us- I do not want you being so mean to him that he leaves."

"Fine," Anakin muttered. "I will be on my best behavior."

"That's what worries me."

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Spoiler from the next chapter: Three's Company-

"It was just a dream," he said lightly. His metallic hand gently touched the japor snipped that rested on her chest. With a slight Force suggestion, he tried to urge her back to sleep.

Still, she was no ordinary woman and didn't even bat an eye. "Anakin, you don't just dream," she said quietly, turning up her head so she could look him squarely in the eyes. "Was it a premonition?"

A heavy silence ensued.

"Yes," Anakin said slowly. "Please, Padmé, do not concern yourself with it- you worry enough as is."

"Anakin, your well being is tied to mine," she insisted, shaking her head. "If you suffer, I suffer."

"I… I saw darkness," he said in a broken tone, unable to meet her worried eyes. Pulling away from the warmth of her body and the reassuring feeling of her arms about him, Anakin sat on the edge of the bed as he held his head in his hands. "Pain…"

"Is something going to happen to the baby?" she asked fearfully, her hands hastily moving to her stomach as if that gesture alone could protect their unborn baby.

"No," he said flatly with a haggard breath, "it was about me."

There was silence as Padmé laboriously climbed out of the bed and came to stand before him. By the light that was being cast in through the window, Anakin saw how troubled she was.

"Anakin, please tell me- I need to help you," she pleaded. When he reached out to touch her stomach, she pulled away.

"In my dream… there was another woman…"