A/N: So sorry it's been a while for this story, self-exile is more for thinking rather than doing, which is where I've been. I hoppe that you all enjoy this chapter. The Anya question will be answered soon, I promise. And again, please refer to my profile before reviewing.

Aidia waded in the water, every so often glancing behind her to where Vader remained laying on one of the lounge chairs with no interest in entering the pool. He was the complete opposite of Padmé who loved to swim and always showed her how to swim better. Padmé had explained to her the planet from which she hailed from had many rivers and lakes and Aidia wanted to go there. But when she asked Padmé if her father would join her in the pool, Padmé couldn't answer her and explained that her father came from a planet without water. Aidia couldn't picture a planet without water and was insistent that her father would swim with her. But he didn't even touch the water. She wondered if what Padmé said was true then could he swim? With a new idea in mind, she got out of the pool and moved towards the house, glancing back to see that Vader hadn't noticed.

When she returned with one of her mother's mirrors in her hand and a cylinder spray can, she was dismayed to see that Vader hadn't moved and probably didn't notice. She toddled over to where her father was laying face down. Smiling to herself, she aimed the spray can at his head of dark blond hair and sprayed turning it pink and making him jerk upwards to look at her.

"What did you just spray on me?" he demanded.

Aidia presented him the can. "Dormé bought it for me, she said it was fun," she told him.

Vader eyed the can, not liking where it said "..turn your hair pink" on it. "Why did you think spraying this on me would be fun?" he asked, eying her.

"Because it's fun when she does it to me," Aidia told him. She held up the bejeweled mirror and showed him his pink hair. "Like it?" she asked earnestly.

Vader's immediate reaction was to say no, but the look she was giving him reminded him of something or someone he tried to forget and instead replied with. "How do you get it out?"

"With water," Aidia told him.

Vader didn't say anything at first, already sensing that she was planning something. Because she was untrained, he saw right through her, reading her thoughts easily. "I'm not going to swim," he told her halting her thoughts to which she just tried to persuade him by sticking out her bottom lip and giving him sad eyes. "Forget it," he told her, not letting the face get the better of him as he laid back down.

Aidia frowned, seeing that she wasn't going to manipulate him that easily and instead tried to think of how she she could get her way. While she thought of this, she settled for something else. "Can I spray you instead?" she asked, still holding the spray can.

Vader looked up at her, reasoning that it was either this or swimming. "Fine," he conceded, allowing her to spray his hair pink, all the while hoping that no one would see it.

*~*~*

Padmé stood at a hall widow and watched Vader and Aidia as she waited for the doctor to arrive, trying to keep the smile from her face. "I wish we could take a holo," she said to Dormé who stood beside her.

"It would show proof that he can be around children without harming them," Dormé said, her heart somewhat melting, to a point at seeing father and daughter together. "I wonder why he was so against swimming," she mused.

"I don't know," Padmé said, moving away from the window. "I feel like a walk, care to join me?" she asked.

"Of course, Milady," Dormé replied as they took an exit that lead to a well hidden path that they had recently discovered.

"I saw through the window in that mysterious room that there was a lake in this direction," Padmé told her.

"I didn't know there were any," Dormé replied.

"I think that this path leads to it," Padmé told her as they followed the path.

The path was ill-kept with branches sticking out and in their way periodically while the grass reached up to their knees. Both women had to hold their skirts up and were careful to not step on anything. "I think that I am going to order that a gardener take care of this," Padmé said.

"That would be a very wise idea," Dormé said as she pushed another branch out of the way, this one heavier and bushier, covering the whole path in front of them.

Once the branch was pushed aside, they were graced with the sight of a beautiful and peaceful lake, but that wasn't just it. There was a long marble bench sitting facing the lake under an intricate wrought iron gazebo and a small fire pit sat between the bench and the lake. But the most notable thing that caught their eyes was the small white marble tomb facing the lake.

Padmé moved towards the tomb and read the engraving, the only readable part of it being the name on it. The rest was made up of the same symbols that she had on the mysterious statuette that sat in her room. She turned to Dormé. "It says Anya," she informed her. "Anya Priya Daisuke-Skywalker," she finished.

Dormé thought that she heard wrong at first and moved to see it for herself before she covered her mouth. "A child," she breathed.

Padmé wiped away a smudge on the marble to find a date. "Born Helona seventh, 9GRS, Died Kelona thirteenth, 12GRS," she read out loud.

"Not even three years old, what could have happened?" Dormé said softly.

"I don't know," Padmé said, "but I think that we should head back to the house."

*~*~*

After ensuring that Aidia had been put down for her midday nap, Vader took the time to shower so that he could wash that spray from his hair. With Padmé and her handmaiden no where to be found and the servants all busy, it was up to him to make sure that the child took her nap. Aidia had fought against it, but her untrained abilities were no match for the strong force induced sleep suggestion.

Finally alone, Vader decided to check his reports from Haniel. Unfortunately it wasn't long before he was interrupted. He looked up at Captain Dracorn's entrance in acknowledgment.

"Milady's doctor has arrived and she along with her handmaiden received him in her room," Captain Dracorn informed him.

"I think that I had been informed of this at breakfast," Vader said, continuing his reading.

"Sir, if I may ask, but aren't you even curious? Concerned?" Captain Dracorn asked.

"No, whatever it is, it has nothing to do with me," Vader told him.

"Are you completely sure of that?" Captain Dracorn asked doubtfully.

Vader looked up at him once again. "What is this about?" he demanded.

"The staff heard you and Senator Amidala quarreling early this morning," Captain Dracorn informed him.

"I don't see how that is anyone's business," Vader told him shortly.

"Sir, I should inform you that the staff is very fond of Senator Amidala, some have voiced their opinions about your indifference," Captain Dracorn informed him.

"Then you are to inform them to mind their own business and remind them of what professionalism is," Vader told him coolly.

Captain Dracorn had had enough beating around the bush and decided to outright say what was on his mind. "I am one of them, Sir," he informed him and at Vader's frown he continued. "No one here doubts what happened to them and what it had done to you, but for you to bring both a child and a woman here after four years, people seemed to gain some hope. But it is apparent that what happened is still at the forefront of your mind..."

Vader stood at this. "Am I to forget? Is that it? If that is what you want then you will be sorely disappointed because I will never forget!" he snapped vehemently. "It is forever imprinted in my mind!"

"Because you won't let yourself forget!" Captain Dracorn snapped. "You keep that room locked up and untouched like a dusty must-be-forgotten shrine! So long as you keep on this way, you will never find peace. Before it was heartbreaking, now it's growing on pathetic. You have a wife and child right here and now, if you don't let the past go then you will set yourself up for more pain if they decide to leave," he finished. "I suggest that you go make up with your wife now, I have a feeling that you'll be needing the practice," he said before taking his leave.

*~*~*

Obi-Wan left Mos Espa as soon as dawn broke and managed to navigate him self to the Lars homestead via Jira's instructions. He found the farm to be in what he would call the middle of nowhere and gracefully landed his ship to the surface. As soon as he exited his ship, he was greeted by a roughly plated protocol droid.

"Hello, I am See-Threepio, human cyborg relations..."

"I am here to see Shmi Skywalker," Obi-Wan interrupted the droid.

Taken aback, Threepio looked him over, "She is in the kitchen, Sir, may I ask who is calling?" he asked.

"Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," Obi-Wan told him.

This seemed to excite the droid to Obi-Wan's mild amusement. "Have you met the maker?" the droid asked.

"The maker?" Obi-Wan asked confused.

"Master Anakin is my maker," the droid told him.

Obi-Wan searched his memories and vaguely remembered hearing Anakin brag about the droid he had built for his mother, eager to impress him. "Yes, I've met him," he answered the droid. "Can you show me to Shmi?" he asked, growing slightly impatient.

"Most certainly," the droid replied and started to shuffle to the house with Obi-Wan following.

Shmi Lars looked up from where she was fixing the food synthesizer, shocked to see a man she had never met following Threepio walking towards her. "Threepio, who is this?" she asked, trying not to be alarmed.

"A Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi," Threepio informed her.

"A Jedi?" Shmi laughed softly out of surprise. "I heard that the Jedi were all extinct," she said.

"Most of us suffered due to the purge, Milady," Obi-Wan told her.

Shmi proceeded in wiping her hands with a rag. "What would a Jedi want with me?" she asked, casually walking towards the conservator.

"I was hoping that you could tell me where I can find Anakin," Obi-Wan told her.

Shmi's hands began to shake, causing her to drop the container of marinated bantha steaks.

Obi-Wan made a quick hand movement and the container stopped in mid air before it could fall very far. "It is important that I know where he is," he told her.

"I don't know where he is," Shmi told him quickly.

Obi-Wan eyed her closely, he could sense her fear. "Are you sure?" he asked.

"Very," Shmi told him, regaining her nerve. "Why is it that you must know?" she asked.

"I've been trying to find your son for thirteen years, Milady," Obi-Wan told her.

"That's impossible," Shmi told him. "If your are a Jedi then you would know that he was one of you before that purge happened," she told him.

Obi-Wan frowned in confusion. "I think that you are confused, Milady. Anakin was never a Jedi. The council sent him back here to you thirteen years ago," he told her.

"I never heard such a thing," Shmi told him.

"I believe that. You see, the ship that Anakin was on never made it to Tatooine. It crashed on Rodia. The entire crew had been murdered, even the two Jedi escorting him. Anakin has been missing since," Obi-Wan informed.

"But, he was here almost four years ago!" Shmi told him.

"He didn't stay?" Obi-Wan asked.

"No, no more than a day," Shmi told him. "Ani didn't mention this crash."

"What did he say then?" Obi-Wan pressed.

Shmi turned away from him and wrung her hands together.

"Mrs. Lars, I must know. If he is in any sort of trouble, I intend to help him," Obi-Wan told her.

"Is your way of helping my son to cast him aside like garbage?" Shmi asked bitterly.

"It was not my decision, I intended on training your son," Obi-Wan told her. "It was Qui-Gon's last wish that I do so," he finished, knowing that she would remember his master.

Shmi turned to him then. "Ani told me that I should keep to myself and to never mention him or the name Skywalker to anyone. He told me that it would be too dangerous to do so, that someone would stop at nothing to destroy us," she told him.

"Did he mention any way to reach him or where he was going?" Obi-Wan asked.

Shmi shook her head. "No, nothing. He said it was too dangerous," she answered. After a pause she continued. "He did say that once the danger has passed that he would return. I haven't seen or heard from him since."

"If you do, find a way to keep him here, and alert me at once," Obi-Wan told her, taking a pad and piece of lead to scribble down his frequency. "Don't alarm him though," he warned. "If your son is running for his life then it is imperative that you not give anything away," he told her as he handed the number to her.

"I'll see what I can do," Shmi told him.

Obi-Wan gave her a brief bow before taking his leave, disappointed by the news but the information that he received was more than he had for thirteen years.

*~*~*

The doctor that was brought in from the village was a rather handsome man in his late thirties to mid forties. Padmé had not expected this, having heard that he was a widower, she expected someone older. She was grateful for Dormé's presence as well as two nurses for her to receive him alone could send rumors, especially if she were to see him regularly.

The minute that Captain Dracorn had shown him in, the captain had immediately left, leaving the doctor to be the only man in the room. The doctor for his part remained near the door before she acknowledged him.

"Doctor..." Padmé began.

"Kraft, Milady," the doctor filled in remaining on his knees as it seemed to be a custom here.

Padmé walked over to him, "I don't suppose you are comfortable on the floor like that," she told him, offering her hand.

Doctor Kraft briefly kissed her hand before rising. "It is a honor to have been invited here, Milady. The mystery of this place has caused a fair few whispers," he told her.

"What kind of whispers?" Padmé asked.

"The most popular story is that of a heartbroken young lad who had holed himself in the seclusion of this villa after the tragic loss of his family, though many of the servants here had disregarded such rumors, only stating that the villa is nothing more than a vacation home for a wealthy lord," Doctor Kraft answered.

Padmé looked over at Dormé before looking back at the doctor. "I'm afraid that the servants are correct, Doctor," she told him.

"I'll be sure to tell my daughters just that. They like to believe the whispers," Doctor Kraft told her with a smile.

"Young girls tend to do that," Dormé put in.

"Shall we proceed, Milady?" Doctor Kraft asked.

"Of course," Padmé agreed.

"I have a few questions before I preform my examination," Doctor Kraft told her.

"Fire away," Padmé told him as they took two seats.

"Is this your first pregnancy?" Doctor Kraft asked.

Padmé looked over at Dormé who nodded. She looked back at the doctor. "No, it isn't. I was pregnant three years prior. I miscarried during my third week," she answered.

"I'm sorry," Doctor Kraft said. "I know that must have been painful for you. My wife suffered through three of them," he told her. "May I asked what caused it?" he asked.

"I returned home and found my fiancée murdered," Padmé told him.

"Then it is important for you to steer clear of any stress," Doctor Kraft told her.

"You should tell that to her husband, he has a tendency to do or say something that'll start a quarreling match," Dormé spoke up.

"Dormé," Padmé reprimanded.

"Forgive me, Milady," Dormé apologized.

"You are forgiven," Padmé told her softly.

"Is your husband here?" Doctor Kraft asked.

"Yes, but he is busy with my step-daughter at the moment," Padmé told him.

"I hope that he is aware that I am here," Doctor Kraft said.

"He knows, Doctor," Padmé assured him.

"Then we shall proceed," Doctor Kraft said.

*~*~*

Vader drummed his fingers on his desk, annoyed with Captain Dracorn's nerve and thinking that he had allowed the man too much leniency. But his words struck a chord that he did not know was there. Unable to get back to work, he stood up and walked over to a painting, moved it aside to reveal a hidden stash of liquor and poured himself a glass before downing it. Replacing the painting, he made the decision to have a word with his wife and left the office, striding down the hall towards where he could sense his wife. However when he entered her bedroom, he was greeted with a shocking sight.

There was Dormé by the bed along with two unfamiliar women garbed in medical uniforms holding a sheet up around his wife's midsection. Padmé herself was laying down near the edge of her bed, legs spread open while some man in uniform had his head where it should not be.

"What is going on in here??" he demanded, startling everyone in the room.

Both Padmé and Dormé turned sharply to look at him. The two unidentified women dropped the sheet in shock at seeing him and them man stood up and away from Padmé. "I thought that you said you wouldn't be in here," Padmé said addressing him, not intimidated by the livid look on his face and moving to a more comfortable position.

"It's a good thing that I walked in when I did then, isn't it," Vader said, keeping the emotion from his voice.

Padmé rolled her eyes as she realized what he was thinking. "Oh honestly," she said.

Doctor Kraft looked between the two, having been shocked speechless at seeing Lord Vader walk in and realized just what he had gotten himself into. "My Lord, I'm Doctor Kraft, your aid called my office a couple weeks ago," he said introducing himself, pulling off his rubber glove and offer it to Vader who didn't even return the gesture.

"What kind of form of medicine is this?" Vader demanded.

"Gynecology, My Lord, it deals with the female reproductive organs," Doctor Kraft answered. "I was just informing your wife not to overtax herself this time around. The first trimester is always the most delicate, most miscarriages occur during this period," he continued when Vader didn't say anything.

Vader noted the looks that Padmé and Dormé darted at one another and realized that they've been keeping a secret and judging from Captain Dracorn's ramblings just a bit ago, he was in on it. "Miscarriages?" he asked.

"If that is all, Doctor, I can schedule the next appointment with you," Dormé said, walking up to the doctor to usher him out the door before he said anything else.

"No, I want him to continue what he was saying," Vader told her strictly. "As you were saying," he directed at the doctor.

"I was referring to your wife's pregnancy, My Lord..." Doctor Kraft said.

Upon hearing this, Vader threw a sharp look at his wife who to her credit betrayed nothing outwardly. "Leave us," he commanded.

The nurses curtsied and followed the doctor out the door. Dormé however took a step towards her mistress. "Go," Padmé commanded her handmaiden who dutifully bowed before leaving. Padmé rose from her spot, holding his stare. "I was going to tell you..." she began.

"Is that so?" Vader replied. "The look you and your handmaiden shared tells me otherwise. As though this was planned..." by the look in her eyes, he knew that he had hit the nail on the head. "Thats it then, this has been your plan all along!" he snapped.

"You've got everything wrong..." Padmé told him.

"No, I've got everything right. You have no power within the senate so you decide on a way to influence the Empire through me. I've got news for you, it won't happen because once I kill Palpatine and become the Emperor, you'll be sent back to your precious planet of Naboo," he told her turning towards the door and leaving.

Padmé threw on a robe and quickly followed him. "Your leap to conclusions is not only false but they're insulting, Anakin!" she called after him.

Vader turned around to face her. "Don't call me that!" he yelled, pointing a finger at her.

"I'll call you whatever I choose. If you think for one moment that I'll use that loathsome title that monster gave you then you are mistaken!" Padmé told him defiantly.

"You do not own the right to utter that name," Vader told her, briskly walking away.

"I am your wife, it is my right to call you whatever I choose!" Padmé snapped, continuing to follow him.

By now their quarreling had distracted everyone in the house who paid rapt attention to it to see who would win.

"That could be debated," Vader told her.

"I'd like to see you try," Padmé told him defiantly.

"I don't have to, I have control of the courts!" Vader told her.

"Which has made you nothing more than a spoiled spiteful arrogant shaak!" Padmé snapped. That got him to finally stop and turn around. Padmé stood her ground as he stalked towards her.

"I am anything but spoiled," he told her staring her down. "You think you know everything but you don't. You have no idea what you have done. From this I won't be able to save you," he told her before he turned around and left through the front door.

"Go ahead, leave. Run away from everything that might upset you, take the cowards way out!" Padmé shouted after him and no sooner had she said it, she doubled over in pain. Dormé was instantly at her side.

"Get that doctor back here!" Dormé ordered one of the guards, "And hurry!" she urged as the guard rushed to flag Captain Dracorn down.

Padmé held onto her friend and looked up at her fearfully. "Not again, please not again!" she cried.