Disclaimer: Star Wars is owned by Disney and Lucasfilm Ltd. The following work is not intended to add to, promote or distort this series. This is a work of fanfiction, and the author does not profit in posting. This is simply a writing exercise written for fun.

Anakin and Obi-Wan landed together on Coruscant, and disembarked their ships wordlessly. With heads hung low, they moved slowly through the temple, unsure of what it was they could even do to protect Anakin from whatever the council had in store for him.

Sad, weak and tired inside, Anakin moved towards his own chambers, wanting just to be alone. Despite the confidence he'd worn on his face for Obi-Wan on Nal Hutta, on the inside he was trembling worse than an earthquake. And somewhere in his heart, he was hoping against all odds that maybe, just maybe, Demantis would pay him a visit and explain everything to him. Explain his lies. Explain his truths. Can I even trust him?

But, as he moved, he noticed from around the corner that someone was in his room. The lights were on and feet were moving around inside the door. His senses told him through the Force that this person had ill intent. And to his surprise, as he waited patiently from his hiding space, he saw Wezz leave his space, a datapad in her hands. His private datapad for when he communicated with...

Shit! He thought as he bolted down the corridor, nearly tackling the woman as he slammed a hand on her shoulder, "What are you doing?" He demanded, "Sneaking around my room like that!"

Panic flooded her eyes a moment as she clutched the datapad closer to her. Frustrated, he took the device back and stepped away, willing himself to not lose control during this pivotal moment. Still, despite his stare, the woman would not divulge any information, choosing to stare at the tiles of the floor until someone else intervened.

"She was investigating you at my request." Master Windu told him, a frown etched deeply into his face, "Trying to help see through this clouded issue that is your past."

Outraged, Anakin slammed his datapad to the ground, not caring that it shattered upon impact. He pointed an accusing finger at Windu and informed him, "If I had that information, do you honestly think I'd be off racing across the galaxy to find it?" To that, he was offered no reply, "Face it, Windu, you've been looking for an excuse to be rid of me since I was allowed in the Order, and now, with all that has happened, you're taking full advantage of my pain."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Windu stared Anakin down, "You honestly believe I want to oust you?" He demanded grimly, to which Anakin nodded, "Well, you're wrong. Dead wrong." He admitted to Anakin's stupor, "I want to trust you... But I cannot until I know you are trustworthy, and, boy, you are too erratic to truly depend on. You disregard orders at the drop of a hat and act like this Order is your birthright." Stunned, the man stepped back and stared at the tiles. He couldn't completely deny the allegations, though he'd never dare say the Order was his birthright.

Taking the silence to pause and recollect his demeanor, Windu then added, "The only reason anyone wants you out Anakin, is because you are dangerous. You might not be able to feel it, but there is a darkness that drives you that we do not understand, and we were hoping these events would bring light to it. Whether what we find expels you or not is entirely up to you." Stepping forward, Windu's dark eyes drew Anakin's ocean ones up in an intense staredown, "So tell me, Anakin, are you really worthy of being here with all these risky characteristics? Do you really believe we are so far off to want to understand what motivates you?" There was a silence that Windu took as his answer. "Think about it. Maybe you'll have something more profound to contribute at your review hearing tomorrow."

Anakin nearly jumped in hearing that, "But I just got back?" he inquired, "I haven't even had time to meditate about what I'd learned. That's way too soon!"
Rolling his eyes, Windu turned about and wandered the halls with Wezz, hoping to get an additional report from her, "The council of four desires this... We don't want to give you time to construct a sufficient lie."

Stunned, Anakin gasped, "A lie?" he couldn't believe this. In all his years working in the Order, he'd never been accused of so many things in one day. Putting his hands to his temples to thwart a stress migrane, Anakin dashed into his room to try and pull himself together.

But when he did, his mother's journal, or artifact or whatever, fell out of his cloak. With tears threatening to spill down his cheeks, he picked up the book and finally opened it. Inside, he found words he could not understand, coupled with pictures of the most amazing scenes he'd ever seen. Tall mountains reaching to the clouds, and animals nearly as massive. People housed in stone strongholds. Shadows spilling over the land. And he wished, deep down, that this lost treasure could offer him some advice.

Inside, he begrudgingly found himself calling out to the only person he knew had answers. Demantis. The realization that he was desperate to speak to him was startling, seeming as the creature probably killed his potential father and had it out for his mother, yet... in a strange way, he felt reassured knowing there was someone out there for him. All be it, from a certain point of view. But, even his inward cry could not summon that demon.

So he thought, and thought, and skimmed and scanned the pages. He wanted to talk to Obi-Wan about this development, but figured he'd find little help there. Obi-Wan was as orthodox as most Jedi on the council. And then, like the epiphany of the century, he realized exactly who he should talk to. Exactly who had always been there to guide him when others could not.

Palpatine

The handmaiden Sabe was selected to return the golden ship back to JarJar on Naboo as she went on vacation. Luke and Leia were sad to see the ship go, but they were also quite determined to protect their mother. That meant they had to make the awkward move of traveling with a woman who seemed to file them in the probable enemy category of acquaintances. Fortunately, they had at least one friend on the ship, one who seemed to follow them like a second shadow... or third, if they were all together.

Turning back to Ahsoka, the twins grinned a little sheepishly at the sight of her globe-sized eyes.

"You still seem in awe of me." Luke mentioned, which seemed to snap Ahsoka free of her stupor. It was only then that she noticed how uncomfortable her staring made him. He's still normal, Ahsoka realized in new amazement, still human, even on the inside. She nodded a little slowly and then turned around to walk away, not wanting to trouble him with her novice behavior.

She just couldn't believe how strong he was. How confident. How fearless. Just like my master.

Turning to Leia, Luke shrugged a little and then followed after the Togruta, amusement in his icy eyes that reflected in Leia's deep chocolate ones. She couldn't believe the turn of events that followed the attempted assassination of their mother. Aura Sing was now being transported by Captain Antilles on the Tantive IV, while they boarded their mother's ship as guests.

It was clear that Padme was not happy about it, but their apparent truce via saving her life offered them some cautious hospitality. As they all boarded her skiff, the two instantly took their seats beside a table in the back, noticing that the table was rigged to play holochess games in the process. Switching the game on, the twins carefully observed lift off while their mother and friend found their places aboard the ship. They could only grin at their successes.

...Even as their mother harrumphed them and turned away. But as she did that, Leia picked up on something strange about her. Through the Force, she saw a dark cloud around her mother's heart. One thick and unmoving. And, as she probed further, she found the odd feeling intensify. Her mother turned, as if sensing her own behavior and glared at her.

Leia's eyes drifted to her twin, alerting him to the situation.

Palpatine had been waiting anxiously for Dooku's report regarding preparations for a second attempt on Jason Darklighter's life most of the evening, pacing to pass the time. He couldn't quite figure on it, but something about this whole mess kept telling him to be vigilant in eliminating Darklighter, and a new menacing voice even warned him that Jaina must go as well.

Prophecy and foresight were two very dangerous skills, even for the greatest of Sith. One's feelings could manipulate what is seen, simply by choosing not to see it or altering the vision subconsciously, and the man secretly known as Sidious was beginning to wonder if he'd fallen victim to that trap thanks to that vixen. The more he meditated on the two, the more he grew concerned that their capture and/or execution had not been made the primary target of his subordinates.

He sighed as he took a deep breath, reaching out into the darkness that surrounded him, his own eyes turning that maniacal yellow the Sith were best known for. And from the edge of his audible aspiration came a new voice as if off the wind. Beware the Darklighters... Skywalker... And then he heard the cries of infants. That strange inclusion broke his concentration, perplexing him more. Swiftly, the man returned to his seat, finding a small Kasha crystal tucked away inside of his desk. This one tainted orange just as his heart was tainted black. Truthfully, he'd tainted the sliver.

He focused more, and more, perspiring and growing frustrated as his mind entered the grandness of the Force in the galaxy, perceiving and understanding a great deal more than a closed mind. But as he neared the apparent signatures of Jacen and Jaina Darklighter, a great figure appeared before him, clad in strange armor and without a face beneath his blond locks of wild hair. Away with you! He hissed, forcing Palpatines consciousness away with a powerful shove that burned.

Springing from his chair, the man grasped at his shoulder and pulled the robes down just enough to catch the distinct impression of a burnt hand on his flesh. He hissed, his eyes glowing more with hate as he realized a great warrior was protecting them from afar, though from where he was not sure. So they are dangerous. He concluded miserably.

But as he sat down to continue on his reasoning, a new presence in the Force drew his attention. Skywalker. He realized, taking a deep breath to pack away that dark form known as Darth Sidious once more. By the time Anakin knocked at his door, only Chancellor Palpatine, the mask, remained.

"Come on in." He invited kindly, sensing through his slight and careful probing of the Force that the man out in the hall was distraught and seeking confidence. Though, he would not have needed that skill once Anakin walked through the door, his head low and his eyes heavy with worry. "Good gracious, Anakin, what happened? I've been so worried!" For good measure, he rose and ran up to the man, trying to behave as he'd seen many father figures react while living on Naboo.

Letting out a sigh, Anakin turned away, "Have you heard about my... accident?"

The way he spoke just about startled Palpatine. He'd never heard the man sound so defeated. "I've heard rumors of you losing control of yourself... being nearly catatonic." Anakin frowned in hearing that. It was apparent he didn't really want to believe that happened to him. "Are you all right, my boy?" The man shrugged, still looking away. His near childish behavior was starting to grate on Palpatine, so he gestured to the chairs to try and get the man to lower his guard.

Their friendship had shown him he was quite good at it. Better than uptight Obi-Wan Kenobi, anyways.

Seating himself at his desk, he waited patiently for the man to start his story. When it was time, Anakin leaned forward and began speaking to his clenched hands, much as he had when seeking advice about his activities on Tatooine when his mother died. "Windu and Yoda informed me that they believed Jacen Darklighter was my brother and dispatched me on an investigation." He started carefully, making Palpatine's eyebrows raise in surprise. Darklighter, he? He tried the thought out, I suppose I can see it.

"Go on." He prompted the man after the pause lasted beyond his liking.

"We tailed him to Naboo, him and his wife... Who isn't really his wife." A slight flicker in Palpatine's heart showed him just how swayed he was by the beautiful creature, "She's his sister... They were trying to hide from someone, won't say who... Anyway, that is beside the point." He now, finally looked up at Palpatine, wanting to own his own misdeeds, as it were. Just like with the Sand People.

But he paused as he found the man in contemplation, not earnest listening. Shrugging when he realized this, Palpatine adjusted in his seat and forced his face to look like he was hanging on to every word. "We lost them." Anakin added when he was convinced his mentor was no longer distracted, "And on the way home... something happened. I started crying out about a son I don't have and attacked anyone who came near me. Now the council is having a big investigation about myself conducted, and are trying me tomorrow like I'd done something wrong of my own free will."

To that, Palpatine frowned and sat back in his chair, contemplating. He's seeking reassurance, he realized darkly and came to a quick decision, Better give him what he seeks and let the actions of the council bring his rise to anger. They're doing a bang up job of it anyway.

Taking a deep breath, and noticing how blue eyes seem to study him closely, desperately, Palpatine grinned, "Anakin, my boy, I'm not entirely sure what the problem is. If you haven't done anything wrong... then why all this hullabaloo?"

Swallowing nervousness, Anakin admitted, "Master Windu seems to see me as a threat to the Jedi. He says my erratic behavior is very dangerous and is convinced there is a darkness in me that will be detrimental to the Jedi." In hearing that, Palpatine grinned reassuringly, though his inner self joked merrily I'm counting on it.

"So what if you're a bit rogue, Ani?" Palpatine waved his hand at the man with a wide smile, "To expect every man to fit into a single mold would be more detrimental to the Order than to allow you spontaneity and autonomy. You know as well as I do how orthodox those council Jedi can be. And it is their clinging to these often outdated beliefs that will do them in, not a single man with a creative mind and a heart filled with enthusiasm." All the praise seemed to be empowering the boy, meaning he was doing his job well. "You've nothing to fear."

Stunned, yet relieved, Anakin inquired, "You think so?"

Chuckling, Palpatine informed him, "Ani, if they cannot appreciate you for who you are, then they don't deserve you in the first place. Just remember that when you see them tomorrow and everything will be fine." That seemed to calm the man down considerably. He beamed with pride, the greatest weapon in Palpatine's arsenal, and sat back.

"Thank you, chancellor." He replied as the desk began to cling an alert that his encrypted call had finally arrived. "I suppose I'll let you get that."

"Yes," Palpatine smiled as he waved at the departing young Jedi, "This is a rather important one, unfortunately." He paused as the man waved at the door, "Good night, Anakin... And good luck!"

Once the door was shut, Palpatine pulled out his cloak and headed to the exit. A car would be waiting there to take him to the distant conference sight. A place selected thanks to its proximity and security. Once there, he accepted the incoming call and frowned, "What took you so long, Darth Tyrannus?" It seemed his growl had been registered on the other end as he'd desired. Tyrannus seemed to shake just a little.

"My apologies, my master." He replied, "There were some delays I needed to attend to before our conference." Sitting himself next to the projector, Sidious kept his temper in check... a little.

"We have much to discuss, my apprentice." he informed the former Jedi, "Especially about the targets I inquired of last time. The Darklighters."

Anakin frowned as he awoke the next morning, just in time to prepare for his trial by fire. He shook his head at the thought that his loyalty was being called into question and nearly tripped over his mother's book. He'd stared at it most of the night after visiting with Palpatine, but could not figure a single thing out about the book, so, in frustration, he'd tossed it aside before closing his eyes. It had served to distract him enough to become tired, and he was grateful for that one recompense.

Staring at the small, brown leather book, he turned it over one more time and found an inscription inside the back cover that he could read. He was surprised he hadn't found it the night before. It said, Anakin, have courage. And that was all he needed to see before the book was stowed away on a shelf and he was out the door for his proverbial execution.

As he moved towards the High Council Chamber, he spotted Obi-Wan headed his way. Waving to him, the man held the lift before even attempting conversation. "Thanks for coming." Were the first words out of his mouth. Obi-Wan turned to him and smiled, fatigue present on his face.

"You think they'll expel me?" Anakin asked after a time. Obi-Wan shrugged.

Just before the doors opened, he replied with, "They'd be idiots to do so." And suddenly, Anakin felt stronger. Even if it was only one person who believed in him, that was all he needed. Well, he reminded himself, two if you count the Chancellor.

"I surrender!" Luke admitted, raising his hands in submission before chuckling and rolling his eyes. He and Leia had been playing Holochess for hours, knowing they would soon be expected to retire, "I swear sis, you clearly play this game too much." With a crooked grin to shame their father's, Leia sat back and crossed her arms.

"Han agrees too," she told him slyly, "But he still refuses to get any other games to play on the Falcon,says there's no point since he's always fixing the damn thing." Again, Luke chuckled and sat back, his posture mirroring his sister's. He chanced a quick glance towards their mother from over Leia's shoulder and nodded her way. Padme had been reading a datapad quietly for more than an hour.

They'd been monitoring her odd presence in the Force all day and noticed that it fluxuated from her usual sunshine to dark and dreary constantly. At the moment, she was all kindness and serenity.

As his sister about faced to follow the conversation, Luke called out, "Senator, I'm afraid my sister needs a more capable challenger. Ahsoka informs us you're pretty good." When she didn't look up, he tried again, "Care to put Jaina in her place?"

Suddenly and with an all-knowing grin, Padme glanced up their way slyly, "Sounds like fun."

Switching seats with Luke, Padme reset the board and rested her elbows on the table. "Guest moves first." She informed Leia with a grin. Equally mischievous, Leia raised her brows and slid a piece across the board with the controls.

A few turns later, when it seemed Leia would once again be the victor, Padme glanced towards a snoozing 'Jacen' and decided to open the floor for conversation. "I'm sorry for having been so rash earlier." She started, suprising Leia out of her concentration, "You may not have realized it entirely, but you were threatening someone I care for deeply... I tend to get a little irrational about him."

Smiling, Leia nodded, "I understand." She paused a moment as she moved another piece, "He is certainly someone worth protecting." To that Padme grinned and made her next move.

"He's the light of my life." She admitted, resting her face on her hands, "Someone I never thought I could have."

"Because of his restrictions?" Leia wanted to know, to which Padme slowly nodded, her eyes falling on the direction that once held Captain Typho and Ahsoka, who were clearly out of earshot. Typho had set the hyperdrive and then vacated towards the back of the ship, Ahsoka following him. Despite the enormous power of the Togruta's montrals, Padme was certain she could not hear through the walls. Anakin had, on several occasions, tested the limits of the young Togruta's Montrals, enlightening Padme on his discoveries.

"I've captured the galaxy's rising star." She told her guest dreamily, "I know it's selfish to want to keep him to myself, but there is also another part of me that knows he's very important. A part of me that knows I need to protect his reputation from ourselves so that he can live out his destiny." She then turned towards Leia with worry in her eyes, "And you had threatened that more than anything. I'm sure you can understand my desperation."

Somberly, Leia nodded, "More than you'll ever realize."

The two sat in silence a while longer, their spirits both elated and lowered all at the same time. But, after a while, Leia built up a quizzical look in her eye and a desire in her chest, a desire which made her carefully turn round to check that her brother was, in fact, sleeping. To her satisfaction, his confrontation with Aura Sing had left him entirely exhausted.

Turning round while biting her lip in indecision, Leia nodded to herself and took a bold step forward.

"I think he needs to leave the Order."

Surprised, Padme looked up with wide chocolate colored eyes. She sat speechless, waiting for Leia to elaborate.

"Someone is after his soul," She continued, "Someone very dangerous and very close to you all, and distancing himself from the Order and from politics would protect him from all that. Protect you all, really." Padme swallowed uncomfortably, unsure of what to make of this cryptic warning.

"Someone like who?" She wanted to know.

Sighing, Leia paused before replying, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Everyone still thinks of him as a saint... but someday the galaxy will know his true nature..." She took another breath and continued, "And by then, the man you love will be unrecognizable."

Taking a deep breath, Padme attempted to fathom what 'Jaina' was telling her. "I'm sorry," She finally admitted, "But I just can't see that happening. If you really knew him, you would never consider him corruptible."

Placing a desperate hand on Padme's, Leia's dark pools of sorrow and understanding bore into her. Almost instantly, Padme felt something powerful between them, like that bond from the kitchen more than a week ago. "We just want to keep you both safe." Leia assured her, "There's no one more important to us than the two of you."

Shocked, Padme demanded, "Why?" Then she shook her head, her Kasha crystal glowing in the process, "You barely know us?!" Leia nodded, her eyes falling on the crystal as she sensed that dark presence return, "To come out here and make all these peculiar accusations is so... it's daunting really!" Snap!

Padme looked down in wonder to find her necklace torn from her neck, the item floating just above 'Jaina's' hand as she stared at it. "Where did you get this crystal?" She wanted to know.

Stupefied, it took Padme a while to recall she even had a tongue, "...It's his... from his spare." Even while confused, her vision clouded, Padme still knew better than to use names in the vicinity of outsiders, and for that, Leia was grateful.

Suddenly frustrated, though whether it was from her mother's hopeless expression or the presence of this peculiar crystal, Leia turned her eyes back to her unknowing mother and near demanded, "And where did he get it?"

Unsure, Padme shrugged. "He said it had been a gift from someone." She then glanced longingly at the crystal, fighting the urge to snatch it back and fulfill her desperation, "Why?"

Before she knew what was happening, the crystal flew out of 'Jaina's' hands and into 'Jacen's.' He'd been roused by his sisters anxiety in the Force. His blue eyes inspected the small crystal sliver wearily as his hands moved around the floating object, "I've seen this before..." he admitted, "It's a Sith spell... very dark... I recall it giving it's recipients perilous visions."

"'Perilous?" Padme wanted to know. Luke only nodded.

"Kasha crystals help give Force sensitives visions," He elaborated, "But this one has been tainted to make the user feel darkness. The spell starts slow, showing hopeful scenes while the owner grows to trust the feelings the crystal gives them. After some time, it's presence corrupts them." Then, as though the crystal were nothing but a sliver of a mirror, he crushed the orange stone with the Force, throwing it's dust into the exhaust out of the ship. Padme sighed a moment as she watched this occur, but her external tranquility soon completely dissolved. And not even Luke nor Leia could sense the onset of her condition.

First she felt sick, then she felt dizzy and lastly, "Help!" With a thunk, she slammed into the chess table and fell directly on the floor. Luke, Leia and even Ahsoka rushed over to aid her.

Anakin gulped as he stared at the high council wearily, unsure of what to do. The room was flooded with morning sunlight, making his dark clothes even hotter than he would have liked. He didn't want to sweat, as he was afraid that would present him as someone who had something to worry about. Not that it would make any difference.

Even with Obi-Wan seated up with the council and Palpatine's words of assurance, Anakin truly believed this was it. His hopefulness had lasted until the lift came to a complete stop. After Mace's startling accusations, Anakin was certain he'd be expelled. Only the kind words of Obi-Wan, Palpatine and his mother were keeping him from shaking now.

"Knight Skywalker." Master Windu started the meeting carefully, "You've been brought before the council on the accusation of founding a family outside the order. How do you plea?"

Taking a breath, Anakin chose his words carefully, he had to play this like a Holochess match if he wanted to prevail. Especially since he would not lie here. "Is that all?" His audacity actually startled the council of four and Obi-Wan simultaneously. But still, in his mind, he remembered his mother's encouragement, Anakin, have courage. "I was of the understanding that I'd amassed more offenses." To that, Windu glared at him, bringing a smile to Anakin's face. Courage was working.

"What would make you think this?" Ki-Adi-Mundi inquired calmly. To that, Anakin shrugged.

"Well, the level of investigation on your part, for one," He started, his calmness actually surprising the council, "I mean, having Wezz go through my stuff does seem like overkill on hunting down a supposed child... Wouldn't it have been easier just to follow me and see where I was going when I left? Master Kenobi did, after all." Again, Windu frowned, "Then there's this issue of forming an entire committee around me... So I'm sure you understand my confusion."

To that, Luminara Unduli smirked and turned towards Windu, "He seems in rare form today." She commented in good humor, "Almost like an innocent man looking at this as incredulous, wouldn't you say?" To that, Anakin grinned and nodded her way.

"Thank you master."

Ki-Adi-Mundi even seemed to chuckle at the episode unfolding before him. But, then he had to inquire, "Were your efforts fruitful on Tatooine?" In that moment, Anakin felt that he was merely talking to a friend. Being who he was. And so he answered in a relaxed way.

"Well, I learned I may or may not have had a father. That I definitely had a grandfather, and," He paused and turned to Obi-Wan, "I learned that the Darklighters are not my kin. No one knew of them at all, truthfully, and every lead suggested that I am an only child."

Dryly, Windu inserted, "So Master Kenobi's theory of Jedi empathy likely no longer fits." Anakin nodded and shrugged.

"I wish I knew what that was about, truthfully." He admitted, "I understand that several of my brothers-in-arms were injured during that episode. That someone even..." He turned away, still ashamed of the entire event, "If I knew what had triggered it, I would gladly divulge this information, if only to prevent it from happening again." His honesty was felt in the Force, and Anakin truly felt he would win this fight. Such a shame that this isn't the war.

With a nod each direction, the four masters turned back to him. "We will discuss this with Master Kenobi and Knight Wezz." Mace informed him wearily, "Please wait outside." Confident, Anakin nodded and stepped outside. But even as he did, he could not miss Unduli's confused interrogative.

"Where is Wezz anyway?"

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed it! We had a lot of Anakin this chapter... It's really fun writing his character for these scenes. I hope you enjoyed them!