FireShifter: Glad you liked those parts. Here's the update you wanted. Thanks for the review.
annpendragon: Thank you for the review and neither do I. Poor Obi.
Valairy Scot: Thank you. I decided that Ani and Obi have more trust between each other than in canon.
Forensic Fan '93: Thank you for your review. I don't know yet although I probably will considering why they were separated in canon. Yes, Padmé will live though. I will say that much
laureas: Thank you. I'm glad you like it.
Jedi Kay-Kenobi: It'll definitely be different from canon RotS but thank you for your review and here is chapter 3.
A/n I have decided that this story is going to be a short story, only seven chapters long and An Era of Twilight will be a series of oneshots, short stories and novels. The next one in the series is going to be a full-fledged novel.
Chapter 3
The future is always in constant motion and a single event, a single second, could change the course of the future forever.
Time is a fickle thing; it can change when and where a specific event shall occur at any given moment.
Sometimes, this is a good thing.
Other times, it is not.
It depends on the point of view of all those affected.
0 o 0 o 0 o 0
Chancellor Palpatine gazed out at the speeders that drove back and forth past the large windows of his office. His thoughts drifted as he closed his eyes and stretched out with the Force; he could sense a sense of happiness emitting from his future apprentice and he couldn't help but frown. Skywalker shouldn't be feeling happy, the Chancellor had seen the visions Skywalker would experience and they weren't suppose to make him feel happy. He was supposed to feel upset and determined to save his wife from certain death during childbirth.
So why was he feeling such strong waves of happiness?
Palpatine stretched out further but he couldn't seem to sense the source of the young Jedi Knight's happiness. It was as if the Force itself had placed a shield that prevented him from feeling the source; in truth, it felt as if there was a brilliant Force presence that blinded the darkness and forced Palpatine to retreat before he could find the source of the happiness.
Scowling angrily, Palpatine slammed his finger on his comlink to call Pestage into his room. He had to find out what was going on and he knew the perfect, undetectable person to get the job done.
"Yes, Chancellor?" Pestage asked coming into the office and lowering his head in greeting.
"I wish to speak with Senator Amidala. Will you please contact her and ask her to come by my office?'
"Yes Chancellor."
While Pestage contacted the senator, Palpatine leaned back in his seat, eyes closing slightly. Something was not right, he thought eyes opening before narrowing as he continued to gaze through the large window. He decided he would ask the senator even though he knew the senator from Naboo was stubborn and would likely tell him nothing he wanted to know.
Palpatine would still ask; perhaps by simply studying the senator who was the wife of his future apprentice he would find the answer he wanted.
0 o 0 o 0 o 0
Luke was, by far, the most beautiful baby Anakin has ever seen in his life and he was only a week old. His brilliant blue eyes gazed up at Anakin and the young Jedi Knight could almost see the wisdom that would someday glow in his son's azure eyes. As he rocked the baby back and forth in his arms, he couldn't help but wonder how different his beloved son's life would be from the one he had left to warn his father.
It'll be different because I will not become Vader. I will not let Alderaan be destroyed. I will not let Obi-Wan or Padmé die. I will not mutilate my own son. And, most importantly, I will not let Palpatine hurt my son, Anakin thought firmly before he gently placed a kiss upon his son's brow.
"Fatherhood suits you," Obi-Wan commented stepping to Anakin's side. "You seem…calmer, more in control, happier."
Anakin smiled gently at his former master, his eyes shining with the love he felt for his son. "I don't want to be the father I was in Luke's future," he said quietly the smile slowly fading as he thought about Vader and what he did to his beloved son.
"You were not you then," Obi-Wan said gently knowing full well that Anakin was referring to the future Luke told him of when he was Vader.
"A part of me was him just as a part of him lives in me, Master," said Anakin. "There are some things about me that will never change."
Obi-Wan placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I know, Anakin, but that is the way it is with everyone."
Anakin sighed softly. "What if it does end up happening, master?" he asked softly.
Luke began crying at that moment and Anakin glanced sharply down at his son before gently rocking him back and forth, murmuring softly to him.
"Luke agrees with me. Don't think about it. It will not happen. Your son came back to save you from the dark side, giving his life in the process and he did it for precisely this reason. Tell me, Anakin, when are you going to tell the Jedi Council about the Chancellor?"
Anakin was surprised. "I thought you were going to," he protested.
"Do you honestly think they will believe me?"
"What makes you think they'll believe me? I can't very well tell them my son from the future told me. They'd kick me out of the Order after they declare me crazy. I can't do anything until I get proof."
Obi-Wan caressed his beard in thought eyes narrowed. "You're right, Anakin," he said finally. "Proof; that's all you need to convict the Chancellor."
"What about the Chancellor?" Padmé asked walking over to join them.
"Nothing to concern yourself over, Senator," Obi-Wan said smoothly. "We were merely discussing the Chancellor deciding to ask Anakin to be placed on the Jedi Council."
Nice save, master, Anakin sent through their bond.
Obi-Wan did not respond although Anakin felt faint humor come off his former master. "Now, I do believe it is time for my former apprentice and I to take our leave. We are bound to be missed at the Jedi Temple soon and your Padawan is likely suspecting something, Anakin. I would seriously consider telling her."
"I will…when I find the right words to say, Master," replied Anakin. He kissed his son on the forehead before handing him to Padmé. "I'll see you later, Padmé."
Padmé hugged him, being careful to avoid squeezing Luke. "Goodbye, Ani," she said before she stepped back and Anakin turned around before following Obi-Wan out of the senator's apartment.
0 o 0 o 0 o 0
Ahsoka finished putting the bacta patches away before lowering her arms, which ached from how much work she had been doing for Master Che. Ever since her master had been placed on the council, she had hardly gotten to see him and so she found herself spending more and more time with the Chief Healer of the Jedi Temple. She didn't mind it all the time; the sterile white environment gave her peace of mind but Che made sure she had something to do every time she came by.
"Ahsoka," Che called walking into the room.
"Yes Master Che?"
"Your master's here."
Ahsoka inclined her head to the Twi'lek healer before walking past her and out of the room. Anakin was leaning against the wall opposite the door with a serene look in his eyes that seemed an odd sight to behold when on the face of the Jedi Knight. He practically radiated happiness but Ahsoka could tell he was attempting to control his emotions so as to avoid letting someone feel them.
"Hey there, Snips. I see you found something to occupy your time," Anakin said straightening up with a faint smile. "I'm sorry I haven't been around the past couple of weeks. The Council has had me running back and forth since I was appointed to it. It makes me want, more than ever, to give up the blasted council position the Chancellor made them give me."
Ahsoka frowned. "The Chancellor asked the council to give you a position on it?" she asked confused.
"I was just as confused," Anakin admitted. "Come, Ahsoka, let's go to one of the training rooms. I haven't sparred with anyone in three weeks; I'm afraid I'm going to get rusty."
Ahsoka snorted a chuckle. "You're already rusty, master."
"Hey," Anakin protested in mock indignation. "Watch your cheek, Padawan."
Ahsoka smirked cheekily before saying, "I mean, I could easily kick your butt to Naboo and back."
"Oh really? Prove it."
"Anytime, old man."
"Who are you calling old? Master Obi-Wan is the old one."
"Don't call him old to his face, master."
"Eh, I do it all the time. Come on before there aren't any empty training rooms to train in."
Ahsoka nodded before following her master as Anakin walked away from the Hall of Healing. The two of them managed to find an empty training room and immediately began sparring; their lightsabers, green and blue, clashed as they danced around each other seeking an opportunity. After two years of training, Ahsoka had gotten rather adept at lightsaber combat although she was still hard-pressed to beat her more experienced master. Every time she sparred with her master, she had to remind herself that she would need experience in order to beat him. In truth, Anakin was always hard-pressed to beat his master even if he has done so on some occasions in the past.
"You are getting very good, Snips," Anakin said breaking the young Togruta out of her thoughts. "More practice and training and you'll be able to beat Master Windu someday."
Ahsoka chuckled. "I don't think anyone can beat Master Windu, except Master Yoda."
"Good point. But still, I think you could do it someday. You'll be a great Jedi Knight, someday, Ahsoka."
Ahsoka beamed in pride at her master's words.
0 o 0 o 0 o 0
"Anakin!"
Anakin glanced up from where he was sparring against his apprentice before he signaled a halt. "Yes master?" he said as Obi-Wan walked over to join him gray blue eyes taking in the scene with two quick glances.
"The Chancellor has contacted the Jedi Council. He wants to talk to you," Obi-Wan said eyes guarded.
Anakin's eyes grew guarded as well. He and his former master were the only one who knew of what the Supreme Chancellor really was but had as of yet gathered the proof needed to bring it to the attention of the council. It was getting to the point that Anakin was about ready to go to the Jedi Council and tell them everything he knew, even if it meant getting kicked out of the Jedi Order.
Patience, Anakin, Obi-Wan's voice whispered in his mind. Focus on the now. The Chancellor cannot know you know who he is.
I know, master, Anakin replied silently. Out loud, he asked, "Would you mind sparring with Ahsoka for awhile while I speak with the Chancellor?"
"Very well, I certainly have nothing better to do," said Obi-Wan.
"Are you regretting not going to Utapau, master?" Anakin knew his master had stayed on Coruscant because of him although he didn't know why.
"No, my place is here and I feel you will need me soon. Now go. We shouldn't keep the Chancellor waiting."
"Yes master." Anakin deactivated his lightsaber before clipping it to his belt and walked out of the training room.
It didn't take him long to reach the Senate building and the Chancellor's office. However, when he was outside the door, he found himself strangely reluctant to come face to face with the man he had once trusted with his life. Now, he couldn't look the old man in the eye without envisioning what the vile monster did to his son in Luke's future.
That was what Anakin had begun to call the future Luke told him about; Luke's future. He didn't know why he chose those particular words but it suited the situation and it stuck within Anakin's mind. Now, every time he thought about the future Luke spoke of, he would refer to it as that.
Taking a deep breath, Anakin stepped up to the door and it slide aside. He walked past the door before over to the desk behind which was sitting the monster who hurt his son in the future. Chancellor Palpatine looked up before smiling warmly although Anakin had to force himself to not shiver inwardly. He couldn't afford to show fear and anger; he had to make sure Palpatine did not know he knew who he was.
"Welcome, Anakin," he said warmly. "I am glad you could take some time out of your busy schedule to speak with me."
Anakin chose not to respond. He merely inclined his head politely.
Palpatine stood up before walking to the boy's side. "How are you doing, my boy?" he asked.
"I'm doing fine, your Excellency," replied Anakin.
"How do you like being a Jedi Master?"
"Oh I'm not one and, frankly, I'm glad. I'm not ready to be one. Normally, Jedi Master's don't become members of the council until they've finished training an apprentice and I haven't yet. Plus, I know I'm not responsible enough to be a master," Anakin said speaking as the words formed themselves in his mind.
"You have proven yourself time and time again that you're ready to become a Jedi Master."
"I am grateful you have such faith in me, Chancellor," Anakin said, "but I agree with the council. I am not ready."
Palpatine was silent for a long moment, eyes halfway closed as if he was thinking hard about something. Anakin remained silent all the while resisting the urge to slam his lightsaber into the chest of the monster that stood before him hidden behind the old grandfather façade he had placed on himself. For some reason, the tension in the room seemed to turn tangible and Anakin almost instantly found himself assaulted with memories from the tale of Luke's future. He realized instantly of what was going to happen, Palpatine was going to reveal himself. His decision next would have long term effects on the galaxy as a whole and Anakin knew it.
He also knew that getting Luke and Leia off Coruscant was going to have to happen soon. He knew that the instant Palpatine knows he will not have any part of the dark side, he will take it out on Luke and Leia if he knows about them.
Then again, I can always turn him over to the Jedi Council. Yes, that's what I will do. But I don't think it'll be a good idea to stay on Coruscant even after that happens. I think I'll talk to Padmé and see if she'll leave for Naboo before I speak with the council with Luke and Leia. I'll ask Ahsoka to go with her and she can return when Palpatine is defeated, Anakin decided silently.
He briefly recalled that his wife was stubborn. Well, at the very least, if I convince her Luke and Leia are in danger then she will more likely listen to me, he added silently.
"Anakin," the Supreme Chancellor said breaking the silence that had befallen them. "Be careful of the Jedi. Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi. Learn to know the Dark Side of the Force and you will be able to save your wife from certain death."
Certain death? But my vision can't come true because Luke and Leia are already born, Anakin thought confused. "What did you say? How do you know that…?" he asked instead until he realized instantly that Palpatine did not know Luke and Leia were already born. For some reason, the Chancellor couldn't sense their Force presence. But how did he know about my vision in the first place? He wondered silently.
"Use my knowledge, I beg you," Palpatine said pleadingly.
Anakin ignited his lightsaber almost as if prompted by an invisible force. "You're the Sith Lord," he said. Saying it out loud helped to confirm the truth that was echoing around in his mind.
"I know what's been troubling you." Troubling me? Nothing's troubling me. "Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council! Ever since I've known you, you have been seeking a life of great significance, far more than any Jedi." Palpatine closed his eyes before turning around to where his back was to the Jedi Knight.
"Are you going to kill me?" he asked.
"I would really like to!" Anakin growled, which was the truth. Anakin wanted nothing more than to slice the monster in half.
"I know you would," said Palpatine. "I can feel your anger. It gives you focus…makes you stronger."
But I don't want to be stronger. I just want to give my precious baby boy the future he deserves, Anakin thought deactivating his lightsaber before clipping it to his belt. "I'm going to turn you over to the Jedi," he said decidedly.
"Of course you would," the Supreme Chancellor said, "but you can't be sure of their intentions."
I hope their intentions are to kill you, you Force-forsaken monster, Anakin thought but managed to curb the anger that was rising in him. "I will learn the truth of all this quickly," he said.
Palpatine said, "You have much wisdom, Anakin. But if I were to die, all the knowledge you seek about the true nature of the Force will be lost with me. Learn the power of the Dark Side, Anakin; the power to save Padmé."
Save her from what exactly? From a vision that will never come true because of the sacrifice Luke made in his future? Anakin thought. He was confident that his wife gave birth early because the Force decided that his vision wouldn't come true now that he knew of what would happen should he ever turn to the dark side. It was a pretty far-fetched idea but it was the only one Anakin could think of that could justify why his wife gave birth a month early.
Without replying to the Chancellor's words, Anakin turned around before walking out of the office. He made his way out of the Senate building, climbed into his speeder and flew toward 500 Republica.
He only hoped Padmé would listen to reason.
0 o 0 o 0 o 0
"You want me to what?" Padmé exclaimed softly.
Anakin just gazed at her with pleading azure eyes and, in their depths, Padmé could see a fear as deep as a bottomless pit. "Please, Padmé," he said softly. "Something's going to happen soon, I can feel it. I want you, Luke and Leia to be safe. I beg you, Padmé, return to Naboo or go anywhere else for that matter. Please."
"I can't just leave, Anakin. I'm a senator," Padmé protested.
"I don't know what I would do without you," he said. "Please, I beg you."
"Nothing's going to happen, Anakin," Padmé said gently placing her hand on her husband's. "You're just getting paranoid."
"I'm not paranoid, angel. It's just…I've learned some things that could potentially prove dangerous and fatal for Luke and Leia. I know you can take care of yourself, love, but they can't."
Padmé narrowed her eyes knowing Anakin was playing his last card in a last ditch effort to get her to leave. It was obvious to Padmé that Anakin really did fear for the lives and safety of his children, which was why he was practically begging Padmé to leave the city-planet.
"Why are they in danger?" she asked finally.
Anakin closed his eyes, drew in a shuddering breath and released it. "I spoke with Luke, as a Force ghost from the future," he said quietly not opening his eyes. "He told me that he lived through a time in which the Jedi were all but killed, he and Leia were raised away from each other and he was nearly killed by the very man who was responsible for exterminating the Jedi. I can't, I won't, let that happen."
Anakin playing the "our defenseless children" card was a manipulative move but Padmé could see her husband was desperate. "All right," she said finally. "I will speak with Jar-Jar and ask him to be my stand in for awhile while I go to Naboo. I've been meaning to visit Sola and my parents for a while anyway. I've been wanting to visit my nieces anyway. I think Ryoo's nine and Pooja's seven. You remember them, don't you? From when we were on Varykino."
"Yes I do remember them. Pooja asked a lot of questions," Anakin admitted with a slight grimace.
Padmé chuckled before she glanced toward the crib when she heard crying and started toward it. Anakin placed a hand on her arm. "I'll go check on them," he said before he walked past the Senator and toward the crib. Padmé watched as Anakin gently lifted Leia, who was crying, into his arms and rock her back and forth.
"I think she's hungry, Padmé," he said glancing at her.
"Would you mind checking on Luke too?"
"He's still asleep but, no doubt, Leia's crying will wake him up sooner or later," said Anakin.
Sure enough, a moment later, Luke woke up and began crying. Padmé moved over to take Leia to feed her before watching as Anakin lifted Luke into his arms. The baby stopped crying before snuggling deeper into his father's arms causing a soft smile to cross Anakin's face and fixed his sleepy eyes on his father's face.
"I have to get to the Jedi Temple and speak with Master Windu, Padmé. I'm already running a bit behind schedule. Just please promise me you'll leave as soon as you have everything packed."
"I will, Anakin," Padmé said gently.
"Contact me as soon as you reach Naboo or wherever you decide to go."
"I will. You're such a worry wart, Ani. Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. I'll have Sabé and Captain Typho prepare my ship right away and then contact Jar-Jar."
Anakin nodded before he pressed his lips to Luke's forehead. "I love you, son, and I will see you soon," he whispered so softly that Padmé barely heard him. Then, he placed Luke back in the crib and straightened up.
"Goodbye Padmé, Leia," he said softly to Padmé and the baby girl she held in her arms. He kissed Leia on the forehead before pressing his lips to Padmé's and stepping back. He nodded a goodbye to Threepio before walking out of the apartment.
A/n what do you think?
Blaze: and that was chapter 3
Anakin: cool
Harry: yup
Anakin: what are you doing here?
Harry: well, you always show up in HP stories so I decided to show up in a SW story
Severus: (snorts) you're just trying to hide from Voldy
Harry: well that too
Obi-Wan: Anakin!
Anakin: what?
Obi-Wan: why is Mace's head died pink?
Anakin: wasn't me
Harry: (snickers)
Mace: (scowls and leaps into Mustang)
Harry: help, Snape!
Severus: (glances at Mustang, Mace, Harry and back again) just don't kill him
Mace: will do! (Chases after Harry)
Harry: thanks a lot, greasy git! (Runs away)
Blaze: (chuckles) I don't own Harry Potter or Mustangs by the way. Please review and chapter 4 will come out as soon as I possibly can