Ooh, left a little tension there. I guess you guys noticed that I've been doing most of the story about Loki. So here's a chapter that focuses more on Anakin. To all you Loki fans out there: do not fret. He will be back very soon. ;) I cannot go without writing about him for too long, so he will pop back up in the next chapter. You have my word.

AaylaKit: The Avengers is definitely on the List Of Movies That I Will Buy As An Adult. It was so freaking awesome! Last I checked, it's still in theaters. And yes, Loki is EPIC and sure, he has his moments. Did you like the wedding scene? It's a shame it didn't show that in the movie. Loki was there, of course. They just cut the cameras as soon as he started causing mischief. XD

"I hate to leave you, Senator, but I must return to Coruscant. I hope you understand."

Padmé nodded. "When will I see you again?"

"Soon," he assured her. "Right now, I need to take Artoo and Loki back and we forgot Loki, didn't we?" Padmé frowned. Anakin cursed under his breath. "Right. I'll take the transport back and see if our Asgardian trickster is still there."

"Be safe," she warned him. "I don't trust him."

"He's harmless," Anakin promised. "He's a trickster, no doubt, and he is capable of fighting quite well, but he will not hurt anyone."

"I hope you're right," Padmé said doubtfully.

"Hey, I'll be fine. Don't worry about it." He patted her shoulder and left. When he arrived, he called Loki's name. There was no response. "Loki…? This isn't funny, Loki! I know you're here. Now's not the time for your jokes. Get out here." He half-expected his friend to come out of hiding, but he had a bad feeling that he had pushed Loki away for good. "Please, Loki. I'm sorry, okay?"

When Loki still did not appear, Anakin assumed he had gone back to Asgard.

"This is goodbye, then. I'll probably never see him again after tonight." With that, Anakin went back to the transport.

He soon arrived and boarded the ship. "Anakin? Where are you?" It was Obi-Wan's voice.

"Sorry, Master. I had to run some errands. I'll be back soon. I'm on my way, in fact. Skywalker out."

The ride home was silent. Just him and his thoughts. He had hoped to have Loki with him during the trip home. The Asgardian certainly entertained him. Anakin couldn't believe that he'd lost him. The moment they had as children would stick with him for a long time. When he thought about it, he realized that the trick Loki had played on them really wasn't that bad. Anakin wasn't one to freak out over small jokes like that. Mischief was a part of Loki, so why did he have to give the Asgardian such a hard time about it? No wonder Loki was upset. Anakin hadn't meant to leave him behind, but it certainly didn't help the situation.

The ship landed. He was greeted by Liri. "Your Master is waiting for you," she informed him. "I'll keep Loki busy while you talk. I mean, someone has to keep him occupied so he doesn't traumatize the rest of us, right?"

Anakin sighed. "Loki left. I think he went back to Asgard."

Liri drooped in disappointment. "Oh. I thought he would say goodbye this time."

Anakin decided it was best not to tell her why Loki left. "I'm sure he had his reasons."

"Yeah, I guess." Shoulders slumped, Liri trudged away.

Anakin pitied her. She was obviously fond of Loki. He knew what it was like to be Jedi with a forbidden love. Liri, however, loved Loki in a different way. Anakin doubted it was romantic. More like emotional attachment. Yes, that was the right description. It was a forbidden attachment, however. If the other Jedi knew about it, she'd be lectured severely at the least. Jedi need to let go of attachments, according to the Order. Liri's obvious attachment with Loki would get her in trouble, though Anakin would not be the one to blab.

"You're worried about her too, aren't you?" Anna asked, stepping out from behind a ship.

Anakin nodded. "If the Council finds out—"

"She's not in love, though. A bit confused and conflicted, perhaps, but not in love."

"Nevertheless, attachment is forbidden. Even if it isn't romantic."

"You won't tell, will you?" Anna asked worriedly. "My primary goal in life is to protect my sister. It even comes before my duties as a Jedi. I've watched out for her ever since we were identified."

"You understand that you are breaking the rules as well with your attachment to her, right?" Anakin pointed out.

"Yes, I understand the risks. But my duties as her sister will always come first. Always."

Anakin nodded, knowing that Padmé would come first in his life as well. Sort of. If he had to choose between going on a date with her and saving people's lives, he would obviously choose the latter. But if her life was in jeopardy, he didn't care what his duties called for. He would do what he could to save her.

"I won't tell anyone," Anakin promised. "It doesn't matter anyway. Loki's gone, possibly for good."

"Why?" Anna asked.

Anakin took a deep breath and explained what happened, though he left out the marriage part. He simply said that Loki had played a trick on him and Padmé. He escorted her to her home and returned to the ship. He hadn't realized that he'd left Loki behind until he was almost home. "I went back, but he was not there. I think he went home. I doubt he's coming back."

Anna nodded. "What should we tell Liri?"

"Nothing. If we can keep her from thinking about him at all, that would be great."

"I guess that's for the best." She sighed.

"I'd better go see what my Master wants," Anakin said. "Remember: this conversation never happened."

"What conversation?" Anna asked. "What are you talking about?"

Anakin smiled despite himself. "See you later."

He walked out of the hangar, not noticing that he was being watched by a small figure hiding behind a ship. Her eyes were on him, but her thoughts were elsewhere. "I want to go to Asgard," she murmured. "So much." She wanted to see what it looked like. It sounded so beautiful, based on Loki's descriptions. Ducking deeper into her hiding place, she wiped a tear from her eye. Stop acting like a child, she scolded herself. He will come back. I know he will. For me. She thought it stupid to think that Loki Odinson would care for an insignificant mortal like her. But she couldn't help but admire him nevertheless, and silently beg him to return.

"Anakin." Obi-Wan dipped his head in greeting. "How is the senator?"

"Tired," Anakin said. As if the word was contagious, he unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.

"It's been a long day," Obi-Wan said sympathetically. "You should rest. But first, I wanted to inform you of what Yoda said." His eyes were sad. "Sit down."

Anakin did so. "What's the problem?" he asked, wondering what saddened his Master so.

"We're going into war, Anakin," he said. "Master Yoda said, and I quote: 'Begun, the Clone War has.' You know what this means, right?"

Anakin nodded. "We're going to fight the Separatist forces." He paused a moment to absorb this. "Do you think we'll stand a chance?"

"It will probably be years of gridlock," Obi-Wan predicted. "They have a massive droid army, don't forget. It is steadily growing."

"Right." Anakin massaged his temples. "What is the Jedi's stance on it, then? We serve the Republic, so, naturally, we'll have to get involved, right?"

"Unfortunately, yes. The Senate is talking of making us generals in the war, since we have experience in combat. This will be different that anyone has ever anticipated, though. No Jedi will be prepared for a war of this scale."

"When will the rest of the Order be informed?" Anakin asked. He was hungry and tired and did not particularly want to deal with a war at the moment.

"Soon. The Council will make an announcement after the Senate discusses this. The battle on Geonosis confirms that this has indeed become war. I have a feeling that Dooku will play a large part in it."

"I was afraid you'd say that." If Anakin didn't want to deal with a war, he certainly didn't want to deal with Count Dooku. His left hand slipped unconsciously over his right. The thought of the fallen Jedi did not appeal to him. Not one bit. I wonder what Loki would say about a war, he wondered. Maybe he could use his magic to wipe out the enemy for us. It was a lovely thought, though not at all realistic. No one was powerful enough to achieve this, as nice as it would be.

"Get some rest, Anakin," Obi-Wan urged him. "We have much to do. You need to be refreshed when our new duties as generals begin. Force knows we'll be needed often."

"The enemy does not sleep," Anakin said, trying to fight his fatigue. "I'm here now, where I'm needed."

"You won't be of much use in your current state," Obi-Wan said. "Even droids rest. Battle droids can't function forever without closing down to charge up."

"There are so many of them, though." Anakin yawned again. "Okay, you win. See you tomorrow, Master." Anakin bowed and left the room, finally succumbing to his exhaustion.

"Dub thee, I do. Jedi Knight." Yoda used his green lightsaber to slice Anakin's braid off.

Anakin was overwhelmed. At last, he was a Jedi Knight. This moment was what he was trained for. This moment, and hopefully many moments like it. The day he would become a Master would be the happiest day of his life. Slow down, Anakin, he thought, smiling. You're a Knight now. Wait awhile and, if work hard, you'll become a Master. He was taking his first steps toward being a great Jedi. He hoped to be on the Council someday.

After it was all over, Obi-Wan congratulated him personally. "Amazing how much time passes," he said warmly.

Anakin pushed him. "Hey, now. Don't get all sappy. I know what you're about to say. 'Well, Anakin, it's been great serving as your mentor. It feels like yesterday that I took you in as a boy from Tatooine. Look how much you've grown! You'll make a fine Jedi.' I know you too well."

Obi-Wan put his hands up in submission. "Alright, alright. I won't give in to the urge to give a long, well-thought-out speech about how proud I am of you. Sure, I was going to say some pretty nice things. But if you really don't want to hear me, then so be it." His eyes sparkled. Anakin knew that his Master loved him dearly.

"I love you, too," Anakin said.

"Now who's getting sappy?" Obi-Wan accused.

"Come on. We've got a battle to win."

"You just became a Jedi Knight," Obi-Wan reminded him unnecessarily. "You should take the day off."

"We have so much to do, though," Anakin protested.

"Save it for later. You enjoy your day. I'll make sure that no one assigns you any missions until tomorrow. You'll have plenty to do, don't worry. Just not today."

Anakin bowed. "Thank you, Obi-Wan." He had to get used to not calling him "Master."

"Run along, now. I'm sure you have a lot of celebrating to do." Obi-Wan winked and walked away to discuss important war matters with Plo Koon.

As Anakin walked toward the hangar, he bumped into Anna. Her eyes were bright. "Anakin! Congratulations! You're one of us now." Anna had been granted Knighthood a couple of weeks earlier. "It feels great, doesn't it?"

"It does."

"We're not children anymore, are we? Well, that's not important. I'll always be a child deep down. So will you. You've changed a lot since you first came here, but I know you'll retain your childhood for the rest of eternity. Even when you surpass us all and sit on the High Council."

"I don't know about that," Anakin said. "I'm trying not to be a child anymore, and I probably will never sit on the Council, but, you know, it would be nice."

"Like I said, I'll always be a child. But when you think about it, I never was irresponsible. I always cared for my sister, ever since we were little. As much as I hate to admit it, I think I've mostly shed my childhood years."

"Amazing what Knighthood will do to you," Anakin mused. "Speaking of you sister, I think we're being watched."

Sure enough, Liri stepped out from behind a ship. She was growing much prettier and more mature. Her blonde hair was straight now, and it went down to her shoulders. Her eyes were still a pretty blue, but the childhood innocence in them was gone.

"Hi, Liri. Don't worry—your day will come soon enough," Anna said cheerfully.

Liri nodded. The older she grew, the more soft-spoken she became. She barely ever talked but, when she did, her words were intelligent and well-thought-out. Everyone considered her the shy, sweet type. She was very different from her sister, who always spoke her mind.

"Are you all right?" Anakin asked, putting a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Yes," she said. "I'm fine."

"Alright, then. I'm off to spread the news. I'll see you ladies later." Anakin bowed in a gentleman-like fashion.

Anna laughed and bowed as well. "See you later, Skywalker."

Anakin boarded a ship and took off toward the Senatorial apartments. It was late evening, so no one would notice or care about his presence. He landed and went up to meet Padmé.

"Anakin!" She let herself fall into his arms. She was very happy to see him. After hugging for several minutes, she took a step back. "Your braid—it's gone! You're not—"

"Yep. Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?"

"That's wonderful!" She placed a hand on his neck and leaned forward to kiss him. "I'm guessing you got the day off today?"

Anakin nodded. "Yes. I will be very busy tomorrow, but I wanted to tell you tonight, before I leave the next day."

"Thank you," she whispered.

Disclaimer: I still do not own Thor, Star Wars, or any of the characters mentioned in the fic (except Anna and Liri). Sorry for the sappiness at the end. I needed a good conclusion.