Anakin returned to 500 Republica after meeting with the Council. They had decided to send Obi-Wan after Grievous, being as he had experience dealing with the general, and Anakin had suggested Luminara Unduli accompany him. The Council agreed, and so the two of them departed immediately, both blushing when Anakin had told them to "Behave, and don't do anything I wouldn't do." Obi-wan had replied that that wouldn't leave much off limits before turning and heading for the ship, Luminara in his wake.

Also, Yoda had suggested Anakin take his family to Naboo, which he was grateful for. Anakin saw nothing good coming from staying on Couroscant. As he stepped into the apartment he was met with the sight of his wife staring out at the horizon, the sunlight surrounding her like the angel she was. Anakin was, for all intents and purposes, paralyzed by her beauty.

Padme feels her husband's eyes on her and turns to see him staring at her in awe. She stands and moves to embrace him. She looked up at her husband, who was still staring.

"What?"

"Your beautiful."

Padme laughed. "You say that every day."

Anakin grinned. "Every day its more and more true."

Padme blushed and swatted him on the chest, then rolled her eyes when he fell to the floor, moaning in mock pain. Of course the moaning soon turned to laughter, ruining the effect.

"So, how did the meeting go?"

Anakin stood up, suddenly remembering what he was going to say. "Obi-Wan and Master Unduli were sent to deal with Grievous, and I have been given permission to take you back to Naboo."

"Back to Naboo? There is too much happening in the Senate for me to leave."

Anakin sighed. He was afraid she would react like this.

"I know, but I don't think your safe here, you or the baby."

Seeing she was about to argue the point further he interrupted her. "Besides, I think it would be best if your family found out about us in person and not from the Holonet once it gets out."

Padme frowned. "I agree, but I still think I need to be here."

"Padme, please. I would feel much better if you had the baby on Naboo. Things are going to get very

bad, very soon here and I don't want you caught up in it."

Padme sighed. To be honest she agreed, but it seemed selfish to just leave like this. But then again, maybe it was time to do something selfish.

"Ok, I'll go. Now you go pack while I get things set up for my absence and call my parents."

Anakin smiled in relief. "As you wish Milady."

To many in the Temple, Zerus Corathus wasn't all that extraordinary. Just an average Human male, of average height and weight, average skill and no distinguishing personality traits. His only feature that really stood out were his striking green eyes. He had been taken as the apprentice of Moza Ixlis, an Ithorian Jedi famous in the Temple for his skill in Force Stasis, a skill passed on to his apprentice.

This skill, along with his proficiency in the Juyo lightsaber form did little to aid Zerus as he tried to resist the dark thoughts and feelings assaulting him. He realized what the Sith Lord was trying to do, and was determined to resist. The problem was that he was truly beginning to consider the darkness.

If he became a Sith, never again would he be ignored, never again would he be knocked aside because no one saw him. He would no longer be a face in the crowd, and he would gain the skill with both a saber and the Force he lacked...NO! He couldn't give in. He would make his master, the only true friend he had, proud.

His screams pierced the air through the abandoned factory.

Padme breathed in deep before knocking on her parents door. Her nerves were considerably calmed at the feel of her husband's hand on her back. Her sister answered the door, surprised to see Anakin with her, and even more surprised to see her sister pregnant.

"Padme?!"

"Hi there, Sola." Padme grinned sheepishly.

Sola broke out in a smile. "I knew it! And you said there wasn't anything between you two!"

Anakin snorted. "You should of known that wasn't true. I mean, come on, look at me. I'm irresistible."

Sola laughed as Padme rolled her eyes. "Unless of course the person wasn't attracted to arrogant, careless, daredevils."

"Like I said, irresistible."

Still laughing, Sola led them inside where her husband Darred and Jobal and Ruwee Naberrie were waiting. Seeing their daughter they stopped, eyes widening at seeing her pregnant. Before anybody could say anything though, Padme sat down and bean to explain.

After she finished talking, she had an iron grip on Anakin's hand, as her family sat in silence. Finally her mother spoke.

"That...was the most romantic thing I've ever heard."

Sola and Darred broke out laughing, and Ruwee just shook his head, smiling.

"So, your not disappointed that I didn't tell you?"

Her father smiled. "While I wish you had told us, I understand why you didn't, and we could never be disappointed in you for following your heart."

Padme smiled in relief, and Anakin smiled at seeing his wife so happy.

Obi-Wan sat in silence while speeding toward Utapau when the holo built into his cockpit activated revealing Luminara looking back at him.

"There is something I've been meaning to ask you Obi-Wan."

"Yes?"

"Why did Anakin request I accompany you? Does he suspect something?"

"Anakin has suspected since Ansion. But I think recent events have influenced this as well."

Obi-Wan explained about Anakin's marriage and the Council's decision on attachment.

"Ah, I see. Well, Utapau is right up ahead. We should prepare for Grievous."

"Agreed. ...I love you, Lumi."

"I love you too, Obi-Wan."

TBC