Star Wars is owned by George Lucas. I own nothing; this is my creative twist to the series
Chapter 17: Countryside of Naboo & Bounty Hunters
The lush country side of Naboo was nothing like Anakin had seen before and he been on many planets before but none so peaceful as they headed back to Padme's village. He looked over at her smiling-she was glowing here-dressed in a beautiful light blue dress with her midriff exposed and luscious curls pulled back.
"Oh I'm so excited to see my mother again" she gushed, turning to Anakin, "And she is just going to love you" she smirked then her smile dropped, "She never really did have a say in my arranged marriage to Palo not like she could" she sadly added then Anakin wrapped an arm around her waist, "Well, that's all changing. You never have to worry about going back to Palo" he assured her spinning her in for a romantic kiss shortly before they reached the entrance to her village where they received both cold glares amongst friendly waves. Padme knew the glares were because of her disobeying her father's wishes.
Anakin kept his grip on Padme as they moved through the village before he heard Padme shriek, "There's my house!" she exclaimed as he followed her gaze and saw a cream beige building with light green vines up the side right before the front door open and they both saw a middle aged woman around the same age as Anakin's mother running towards them.
Padme felt the tears in her eyes as she broke away from Anakin and ran toward her mother. "Mom!" she cried throwing her arms around her, "Oh Padme, I can't believe you're here" she cried then looking into her sweet face. "You shouldn't have come here. Your father will not be pleased" she told her. "He's here?" Padme asked with a shiver just as Anakin came up besides her, "Don't worry Padme, I promised you I would protect you and I mean it" he smiled
Jobal looked up at this young man before her, "And you are?" she asked straight out right before Padme remembered. "Oh, mom, this is Anakin Skywalker. He wanted to meet you before I showed him the lake retreat" she smiled slipping a hand in his's. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mrs Naberrie" Anakin politely smiled. "Hello Anakin, would you both like to come inside for something to eat?" she asked. "We would love to" Padme smiled following her mother inside along with Anakin however it wasn't about to be just a pleasant reunion.
As Anakin entered Padme's family house, Anakin found it to be much peaceful and created a wonderful family atmosphere yet Anakin sensed through Padme that there were good and bad memories made here for her even as they followed her into the dining room and came face to face with Padme's father and to Padme's great horror, Palo.
"You!" Ruwee growled straight at Anakin, "You have no right to be in this house, you Jedi scum!" he roared angrily, looking over at Padme, "And you!" he started, "You ruin this family's name! You ran off to be in the political field and be with this Jedi scum!" he snapped causing Padme to shake slightly, clinging tightly to Anakin's hand. "And now your sister has run off from Darred with Ryoo and Pooja" he told her.
Padme then snapped back, "Well, it's about time she did! Darred was no good for her. He violently abused her! I am glad I am not with Palo anymore" she cried angrily. Ruwee only fumed with anger more, "Sola and you are my daughters and you will both do what I say. You're telling me where she is then you're marrying Palo!" he barked to her before Anakin spoke up, "How can you call yourself a father to her?" he asked in shock,
"You don't deserve Padme for a daughter!" he angrily told him right before Jobal gasped in shock however Padme remained close to Anakin who was still staring back at Ruwee and Palo. "Padme should be lucky to have him for her father. He cares for her, loves her" Palo shot back as Anakin laughed, "No, he doesn't. A father is suppose to let their children do what they want and love them no matter what decisions they make" Anakin explained.
Ruwee scoffed, "And what does your father do boy?" he rudely asked. Anakin stood tall; "He's a top Jedi Master of the Order, a member of the Jedi Council and he has trained my brother and me in the ways of the Jedi" he informed them. Ruwee scoffed, "Well clearly that doesn't involve following orders" he replied.
"Now, one more time, leave my house without my daughter or I'll have you arrested" he warned him just as Anakin was about to snap back when it was Padme who snapped, "No! I am not going to listen you ever again! Anakin and I are leaving right now and staying at the Lake Retreat!" she angrily cried. Jobal moved over to her daughter to calm her down, "Sweetie, don't leave. You can stay here" she calmly told her before Padme pulled away,
"No! Not with them here. The lake retreat is perfect for us" she told her. Ruwee snapped again, "No Jedi is going anywhere near that lake retreat!" he exclaimed, "Nor will I have a daughter dating one!" he vented on, moving closer, "Padme, you break up with him now or I'll take drastic actions!" he declared raising his hand to strike his youngest daughter,
Anakin quickly pulled her back behind him, force pushing Ruwee across the room into the wall. "Padme has made her decision and you will respect that" Anakin firmly told him right as another voice joined them.
"I'm afraid that, her decision doesn't count here" came the cold voice causing everyone to turn around and see the tall bold figure of Derek Sienar enter the house flanked by two body guards and dressed in bold navy blue robes. "My, my, what do we have here?" he asked, "Another family argument or has Padme come to her senses and returned home?" he asked moving over to her,
"Senator Amidala, nice to meet you again" he politely smiled, raising one of her hands to kiss it before she pulled it away, "We were just leaving" Padme simply told him taking Anakin's hand before he stopped her, "I'm afraid that's out of the question. Now that you're here, we can discuss your marriage to my son" he reminded her. Padme gasped, "I'll never marry him. Anakin is my true love" she informed him.
Derek glared at her, "I will not take that attitude from any woman, not even you Senator" he spat, raising his hand to strike her, Anakin intervened once more, force pushing him back right as his two body guards swarmed forward. "That's going to cost you boy" they warned him as Anakin looked over at Padme, her eyes telling her she wanted to just leave.
"You've made a mistake trying to destroy Padme's life and this is the last time we'll be back" he informed them at the same time Padme quickly said goodbye to her mother then leaving with Anakin out of the house. Jobal quietly left, tears in her eyes as Derek looked over at his son, "Don't worry son, you'll soon have your bride" he assured him glaring over at Ruwee, "Your friend on Courscant better know what she is doing" he simply warned him.
Cad Bane watched the two figures of Anakin and Padme exit the village heading for the water's edge. "Your time is almost up Jedi" he muttered to himself seeing them getting into a small boat. He looked back at his two companions, "Let's make this more interesting" he told them.
"What do you want us to do?" Aurra asked him, hands on her hips. "Go and follow them at a safe enough distance that Skywalker doesn't sense your presence. Keep me inform of where they have gone to, then Robonino will find a way to cut the security alarms to the place they are then the Senator will be an easy grab" he explained to them.
"I' shall be heading off and contact you once I have found them once again" Aurra replied moving past them and into the direction of where Anakin and Padme had gone too just as Bane noticed some other figures heading through the village, interestingly the same figures that entered the house the Senator had left from. Bane smirked, "Well, Senator, looks like you're causing more trouble than expected" he spoke out.
Meanwhile back inside the Jedi Temple; within the main chambers, all twelve masters sat before him. Obi Wan wondered what could happening before Yoda spoke "Step forward, Padawan Kenobi" he told him as Yoda continued;
"Proven yourself throughout your training you have, young Obi Wan" Yoda spoke out, "The battle of Naboo showed how far you have come in your training as your father agrees; the council is ready to confer on you the level of Jedi Knighthood" he went on as Obi Wan stood in the centre of the chambers.
He remained silent, giving a small smile before all the masters including his father stood before him, igniting their lightsabers. "Step forward padawan" Yoda told him before Obi Wan did just that, kneeling before the Jedi Master, head bowed. "Obi Wan Kenobi Jinn, by the right of the council" he began,
"By the will of the force, dub the I do Jedi" he continued before he raised his lightsaber, cutting off his padawan braid, "Knight of the Republic" he finished ahead of Obi Wan getting back to his feet, smiling. "Thank you Masters. I will not let you down" he assured them moving from the chambers as Qui Gon smiled at his son before he was gone completely. It was a wise decision made by the council and soon it would be Anakin's turn.
Once the doors opened, Obi Wan was instantly met by Hannah, who happily threw her arms around him, "You're smiling a lot. I take it good news?" she asked him seeing him nod. "You are now looking at Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi Jinn" he happily and proudly told her seeing her gasp, her lips against his's, "A Jedi Knight?" she gushed,
"Obi Wan, that's fantastic!" she cried as he held her close. "I know, now we really must celebrate" he told her sharing another kiss right before an unexpected voice startled them, "Obi Wan!" they cried, "There you are. I've been looking all over for you!" they exclaimed, before Obi Wan and Hannah both turned to see a female Jedi Obi Wan's age walking towards them, blond hair braided at the back.
"I was so worried for you" she cried, "I heard about what happened at Cloud City then on Naboo and I feared for your safety" she went on but Obi Wan was buying it. "Siri, what do you want?" he simply sighed, "I thought I told you we're though and I'm with someone else" he reminded her as Siri gasped, staring over at Hannah in disgust, "Her?" she asked in horror, "You can't be serious, she's in the political field Obi Wan!" she pointed out, "And besides, you've always hated politics" she added
Obi Wan shrugged, "Changes happen and I don't care that Hannah's in the political field. I've seen my brother happy with Padme and she's the Senator for Naboo" he went on. Siri screamed in frustration. "I HATE your brother, ever since he was born, you have completely forgotten me and always looked out for him and now because he's dating a politician, you have to, too!" she screamed.
Obi Wan was shocked, "Leave Anakin out of this! I love my brother and protect him because he's family and you cheated on me! We're never going to be together again!" he angrily exclaimed as Siri stood there, almost in tears. "But…I never meant to hurt you, I didn't want to cheat, I love you, please!" she cried but Obi Wan shook his head. "No, I don't believe any of that. You hurt me and I can never forgive you. It's over" he told her
Tears in her eyes, Siri was gone, in the direction of the room of a thousand fountains ahead of Obi Wan turning to Hannah, "I'm sorry you had to hear that but now I think we can have our night together" he cheekily smirked, with another kiss together, she blushed, "Lead the way my handsome Jedi Knight" she teased before he smiled,
"Even better" he started then lifting her into his arms hearing her giggle, "I'll carry you" he told her, "You're on" Hannah smiled running a hand through his hair whilst he carried her through the Temple's hallways with the sun outside, starting to set on another day over.
The sun casting an orange glow on the water, as the boat slowed down and the Lake Retreat coming into view, Anakin was amazed once again. It was like a palace on water, beautiful flowers and vines along the rails and up the side of the building, tucked away in the hills. Anakin could see why Padme loved coming here, it was so peaceful.
Once the boat came to a gentle stop, Padme turned around to the driver, an old friend named Paddy. "Thank you for the ride here Paddy" she smiled as the middle aged man smiled, "It was no problem sweetheart" he replied, "I still can't get over how much you have grown from the little girl I once knew asking me for sweets is now our Senator" he beamed making her blush. "Oh Paddy" she sighed, reaching up to hug him and a quick kiss on his cheek
Anakin moved for their bags but Paddy stopped him. "I'll take care of these bags. You two go on ahead. Show your boyfriend here around, Padme" he smiled with a wink. She giggled, "Will do" she smirked, at the same time Anakin climbed out of the boat, turning back to take her hand helping her out as Paddy handled the bags.
Padme lead Anakin through the Lake Retreat, too lost in each other, they never noticed the figure up on the hill looking down at the retreat, watching them together. She raised her comlink to her lips. "I've followed them to a retreat further out in the country. I'll transmit the coordinates to you now" she informed them. "Excellent work. I'll contact you when I've arrived to meet up with you" she heard Bane reply. "Keep observing them" he added hanging up as Aurra returned the comlink to her belt looking back down through her electro binoculars at Anakin and Padme sharing a romantic kiss together.
Anakin felt Padme's sadness, "Your father won't harm you any more. I can promise you that" he spoke as she nodded, tears welling in her eyes, "I know. I don't care about him any more. It's my mother I care about, though I don't know why. She never could say anything against my father's words and I'll never be able to see her again" she replied, her head in his chest as he gently rubbed her back,
"Padme, we will find a way for you to see your mother, even if we bring her to Courscant" he promised her lifting her chin up so he was looking into her dazzling brown but teary eyes "Oh Anakin, that would be wonderful, thank you!" she cried, with another kiss together before they headed inside the retreat towards their bedroom.
The sun was beginning to dip beyond the city's skyline just as the bright lights of every building on the planet began to light up the night sky as Obi Wan arrived down in the midst of the Entertainment district with Hannah. He was dressed in casual clothes except he still kept his lightsaber on him just in case while Hannah had straightened her long blond hair down her back, wearing a straight knee length pale blue dress with pale blue shoes.
"Now, isn't this going to be fun or what?" she asked him with a huge smile on her face, as he laughed, "Just the two of us and I don't have to worry about Anakin causing trouble" he smirked seeing her sigh, "Oh I'm sure it was always him that caused the troubles, more like both of you stirring up the girls" she teased him before she felt his arms wrap around her waist, kissing her lips tenderly,
"That was all in the past because now I've got my girl" he smirked cheekily adding, "Just as well, I lost Anakin the minute he met Padme" right as she slapped his arm, "Obi Wan, stop it. He fell in love" she pointed out as he smiled, "I knew that, I was only teasing" he assured her, an arm around her waist, he smiled, "Shall we keep heading inside?" he asked her watching her smile, "Lead the way" she simply replied
However they were stopped mid path by a tall, attractive red haired girl around their age or slightly older, "So, looks like you're off babysitting duty tonight?" she asked, "Your brother off fooling around with his Senator girlfriend, is he?" she went on as Obi Wan tried to remember where this girl was from just as Hannah spoke up, "Still bitter about losing the place of Senator, are we Rabe?" she asked seeing her glare coldly,
"I was suppose to be the Senator of Naboo not that little prissy farm girl" she spat, "You just didn't offer any of the qualities to be a suitable Senator" Hannah pointed back, she flicked her long red hair back, "Well, if her father and Palo's father have it their way, she'll be back in her village and I'll be in her place" she informed them looking to Obi Wan, "Oh, and I would make sure Anakin doesn't hang around her for much longer or he'll end up dead" she warned him,
"Jedi or not, he'll pay the price" she added. Obi Wan shook his head, "Anakin is stronger than both of them put together. They won't win" he replied but she laughed, "I wouldn't be so sure" she smiled, then she was gone, off in the direction of another nightclub whilst Obi Wan turned to Hannah, "Don't worry about her. She's just trying to scare us into breaking Anakin and Padme up" he explained, "It's only just empty threats" he went on, kissing her on her cheek then heading inside the club.
Arriving just outside the retreat but making sure that Anakin could not sense them, Cad Bane along with his two team members Aurra Sing and Robonino observed the few lights on in the retreat coming from two rooms upstairs. "Cutting the power could alert them to our arrival making Skywalker able to take us down easily with his lightsaber" Aurra explained
Cad Bane remained silent, staring down at the retreat where he noticed a new figure approaching silently. It seemed that the hutts had hired their own bounty hunters to track the Senator down, ignoring the Prince's words. Bane smirked, "This game just got more interesting" he told them,
"What is it?" Aurra asked him as he indicated the figure, now silently slipping into the retreat, "Shall I take him out?" she asked him pulling out her sniper rifle. "No, let him try and capture her. When he's attempting to fight off Skywalker, we grab the Senator" he explained, "Let's move out" he told both of them, proceeding down the dark grassy hills where they hoped to stop their new opponent from capturing the Senator and claiming the reward.
His hands slid down her waist, as Padme felt Anakin's lips across her neck and face. She was now dressed in a cream satin night dress with pale pink gown over the dress, hair still in thick curls but now just flowing down her back without any headdress or elaborate styles. "Oh Anakin, this time off together was just what we needed" she softly spoke as he continued to kiss her, "After all we've been through" she added before he looked up at her,
"Of course, because once we get back to Courscant, it won't be long till I have another mission to complete" he pointed out, "And once the Senate starts back up, I'll be attending meetings constantly" she went on before he stopped her, "But let's worry about that later, let's just enjoy our time now" he smirked before she laid down on the plush lounge with Anakin looking down at her, smiling, then their lips once more in a series of passionate kisses with the orange glow of the fire softly continuing nearby
Nothing could disturb their night together however Anakin suddenly sensed they weren't alone any more, moving off Padme, who looked at him startled, "What is it Anakin?" she asked, "What's wrong?" she added, he silently called his lightsaber to his hand, which was not too far away, he moved forward towards the entrance of the room. "Anakin?" Padme asked, in a whisper, getting to her feet, trying to move after him before he held her back,
"Padme, stay here. I won't be going too far" he assured her however Padme didn't want to be hanging around doing nothing and started after him, though the intruder was sneakily and had already planned his ambush for them. He saw Anakin slowly step out of the room not seeing him smirk, "And where were you off to Jedi?" he muttered under his breath holding up his wrist, he fired a small sleeper dart into Anakin's neck seeing the young Jedi fall to the floor, now unconscious due to the dart before he heard a frightened voice,
"Anakin!" they cried and it was then that Dengar saw his target, the Senator, who was now kneeling by the Jedi's side, "Anakin, please wake up!" she cried as Dengar stepped out into the hallway, blaster aimed directly at her, "Don't try anything foolish now Senator or your friend there will be more than unconscious" he warned her seeing her gasp, "Who are you?" she asked, "What do you want with us?' she went on as he stepped forward, "There's a bounty on your head and I'm here to collect it" he smirked,
Just then another sudden blast shot knocked Dengar's blaster from his hand at the same time Padme spun around to see Cad Bane moving down the hallway with Aurra aiming her sniper rifle at Dengar. "Sorry, but I am here to claim the bounty" he informed him, "Senator, lovely to meet you again" he smirked seeing her try to move back into the room, "I wouldn't try anything too risky Senator, because I could just let our new friend here, dispose of your Jedi friend" he told her.
Padme looked over her shoulder, seeing one of her small blasters close by but she didn't want to risk Anakin's life any further and so remained silent. Watching Cad Bane move towards her, then cuffing her wrists together, "You two" he snapped to Aurra and Robonino, "Bring the Jedi. The hutts will take care of him" he told them, however Dengar wasn't about to let him get away,
"I'm not letting you leave with my bounty!" he snapped, pulling out another blaster and holding it at Bane, though this didn't make him back down, he only pulled out his own blaster, firing shots at Dengar, who was forced to dodge the shots coming at him right before he moved away with Padme in his grasp and his two team members dragging Anakin behind. Padme looked back at Anakin's unconscious form; she wondered how they were going to escape Bane this time, not many knew they were at lake retreat.
Amidst the bright lights and booming music, Obi Wan suddenly sensed a disturbance in the force causing Hannah to look at him, with a concerned look on her face, "What's wrong?" she asked, "Why did you stop dancing?" she asked him as he remained silent, going deeper into the force before he spoke,
"Something's happened to Anakin and Padme" he finally spoke before she gasped, just as he took her hand, "Come on, we have to get back to Temple and find my father to see if he had sensed this disturbance" he told her, weaving through the crowds back to the entrance and out into brisk Courscant night air where they headed over to their speeder to race back to the Temple, where they could figure out what has happened to Anakin and Padme and rescue them quickly.