Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

AN: Here's chapter 6! Thanks for all the great reviews!

Forever Destined

Chapter 6: The Battle of Naboo

Anakin slammed the breaks down, as they skidded across the metal floor. The giant reactor was before them, but unfortunately, so were dozens of droids.

"Sith...stay in the cockpit," Anakin said, as he did a forward flip out of his seat, saber blazing to life. As he began cutting down the droids, Padme discharged several rounds of blaster fire on them, as she stood in the opened cockpit of the star fighter. They cut down the droids with ease, but the four droidekas were giving them a problem, as they kept blocking the blaster fire. Anakin grew frustrated and reached deeply into the Force. Padme watched in amazement, as a large metal beam floated in the air and then went barreling toward the droidekas. The beam slammed into the droids, ripping them to pieces. Anakin extinguished his saber and hopped back in the cockpit.

"Let's blow this thing and get out of here before more of them come," Anakin said, as he fired up the engines. He aimed the torpedoes at the reactor and fired. The reactor began to erupt and Anakin worked quickly, firing the torpedoes at the blast door controls. But they failed and the blast door jammed.

"Damn it...it's jammed," Anakin said. Padme's eyes widened.

"What are we going to do?" Padme asked worriedly. He reached back and tightened her belt.

"Hang on angel. We're going up through the top spire," Anakin said.

"We'll never make it," she panicked.

"Yes, we will," Anakin stated, determination lining his face. He flew the ship above the reactor and up through the top spire. He fired some blaster shots, disabling the force field. He flew them out, just as the reactor erupted and the control ship exploded in a brilliant array of fire...

Anakin landed the ship in the hanger and hopped out. He reached up and helped Padme down. She flung her arms around him and kissed him passionately.

"You did it. You saved my people," she said, as she hugged him.

"Hey, you were up there too," he replied, with a smile.

"Oh please, I was just in your way. You just saved millions of my people Anakin. The word thank you doesn't seem to be enough," Padme said. He blushed slightly.

"I was just doing what needed to be done," he replied. They were about embrace again, when Dooku approached them, smiling slyly at his grandson.

"Hello grandfather," Anakin said.

"Hello Anakin, such a surprise seeing you here. You as well milady," Dooku spoke.

"It's not Anakin's fault, Master Jedi. I insisted on coming and he only came to protect me," Padme replied. Dooku chuckled.

"Do not worry milady, I am not scolding Anakin. His father and I knew it would be likely for him to follow us here anyway, despite the Council's wishes. He is just lucky that I took the time to inform his mother of where he had gone. Besides, I can't very well scold him, considering what you two just did," Dooku said with amusement. Anakin winced. Mom would certainly have a earful for him when he returned home. Dooku's amusement quickly faded.

"Anakin, we have taken the Neimodians into custody and you have destroyed the droid control ship. But it seems that is only part of our problem," Dooku said.

"What do you mean?" Anakin asked.

"A Sith has appeared Ani. The first one in nearly a millennium," Dooku replied.

"A Sith? Here in the palace?" Anakin asked. Dooku nodded.

"Your father and Ben are fighting him right now. That's why it is important that we move the Senator to a secure location," Dooku replied.

"I have to help them!" Anakin insisted, as he began to leave.

"Anakin, wait!" Padme called. He turned back and crushed his lips against hers.

"Stay here with my grandfather. You'll be safe," he told her.

"Be careful...please..." she trailed off, before adding something else very softly, in which Dooku managed to hear.

"Because I love you," she whispered. Dooku allowed himself a small smile, before he sobered.

"Come milady, we must get you somewhere safe," Dooku said. She nodded and followed him out of the hanger.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan clashed with the Sith furiously, as he slowly led them deeper and deeper into the bowels of the palace. Maul lured them into a control room, deep in the bowels of the palace. The room was protected by various force fields. As Qui-Gon stepped into the room with Maul, Obi-Wan was blocked out by a force field. Qui-Gon met Maul's saber thrusts blow for blow and the Sith snarled at the Jedi master. Qui-Gon could sense nothing but pure hatred and rage coming from his opponent. Obi-Wan watched on nervously, waiting for the force field to shift. When it finally did, he stepped inside the room, only to be blocked again by another one. Qui-Gon's green blade clashed furiously with Maul's double edged crimson blade. Maul snarled, as he brought one of his blades up and swiped Qui-Gon's shoulder. He cried out in pain, holding the burn with one hand, while he held his saber up in defense with the other.

"Nooooo!" Obi-Wan cried. The force field lifted and Obi-Wan rushed into the fight, his saber clashing with the Sith's. Obi-Wan whirled and parried with Maul driving him back away from his father. As Obi-Wan fought Maul, Anakin arrived at the control room, but was blocked by the force field. He saw his brother fighting and his father holding his shoulder in pain. Throwing open the control panel on the wall, he dug into the mass of wires. He found the ones he was looking for and pulled an all purpose tool from his belt. From the time he was just a little boy, he had excelled in working with machinery and had a true Force given gift with machines and technology. He sliced the wiring open on the red and blue wires, cutting away the casing. He twisted the frayed ends together and the rotating force fields in the room shut off completely. Maul snarled, as he noticed what the boy had done. Obi-Wan brought his saber down and severed one of Maul's blades, leaving him with just one. Maul growled and swept his saber down, catching Obi-Wan's leg. Obi-Wan fell, clutching the burn on his thigh, while Maul turned back to Qui-Gon, who had pulled himself to his feet. Maul brought his saber over his head and down at Qui-Gon.

"Noooo!" Anakin cried, as he swept in and met the Sith's saber with his own blue blade, saving his father. Maul snarled at the boy, as he parried the blows.

"Anakin!" Obi-Wan called, as he tossed his saber to Anakin. The younger man caught it and ignited his brother's matching sapphire blade, before he began fighting Maul with both. Maul surprisingly found himself struggling to keep up with the boy and that fact annoyed him to no end. This was just a mere boy, a padawan. Why would he be having trouble with this one? But as he continued to ponder that question, Anakin kept coming at him strong. And he knew he had to do something quickly. He whirled around and slammed his saber down at the boy. Anakin crossed his sabers and caught the red blade. Maul's eyes widened, as the boy began to push him back. He snarled at Anakin and his eyes bled yellow, as he brought his foot up and shoved it into Anakin's abdomen. The young man cried out, as the Sith shoved him painfully back. As Maul prepared to bring his saber down on Anakin, the padawan brought one of his sabers up and passed it through Maul's forearm. The Sith screamed in agony, as part of his arm was severed and his crimson saber clattered to the floor. The Sith cried out angrily and Force shoved Anakin back toward the power shoot in which the control panels in the room surrounded. Anakin cried out, as he went hurling over the edge, but quickly managed to grab a protruding spire on the side. Maul held his severed arm and quickly disappeared into the shadows. Qui-Gon stumbled over to the shaft and peered down.

"Grab my hand Ani," Qui-Gon called. Obi-Wan crawled over and reached down, so his baby brother could grab his arm as well. Together, the older men pulled Anakin up. Anakin heaved air into his lungs, before starting to get up.

"I should...go after him," Anakin panted.

"He's gone Ani," Qui-Gon assured him, as he no longer felt the dark presence.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let him get away," Anakin replied.

"Baby brother, you're the reason we're both still here," Obi-Wan said, as Anakin helped him up by putting Obi-Wan's arm around his shoulder.

"Ben is right. I'm still here because of both of you. I'm very proud of the way you both fought. And had it not been for the treachery on his part, you would have defeated him Anakin," Qui-Gon said proudly.

"Thanks," Anakin replied shyly. Having sensed that the danger was over, Dooku led a medical team to the control room.

"Are any of you hurt?" Dooku asked.

"It's just a laceration on my shoulder. Ben has one on his leg," Qui-Gon said, as he and Obi-Wan were helped by the medical team. After Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were patched up, Dooku came to see them. Anakin and Padme were also in the room off to side, quietly talking to each other.

"Well, it seems your none the worse for wear son," Dooku said.

"Not at all, thanks to Ani," Qui-Gon replied.

"Anakin fought the Sith by himself?" Dooku asked incredulously.

"Not only fought father, but wounded and nearly defeated him as well," Qui-Gon replied. Dooku was stunned. He knew his grandson was unusually powerful, but he was still a padawan.

"You know, we are very fortunate that Anakin was raised in a loving home," Dooku said.

"Yes we are. But why do you sound so worried?" Qui-Gon asked.

"I'm just saying that if Anakin was raised or influenced by someone with ill intentions, he could be influenced into using his powers for evil. But Anakin has been grounded in the light, thanks to the people around him that love him," Dooku said.

"You still sound worried," Qui-Gon replied.

"Because they will not be able to use him for their own cause and they will seek to destroy him," Dooku replied.

"Anakin definitely proved that he could hold his own against one today though," Qui-Gon replied.

"Yes, that is why he no longer belongs among the ranks of the padawans. I contacted the Council just after the Sith appeared and they are already on their way," Dooku said.

"Anakin not only has destroyed the droid control ship, but he faced and wounded a Sith Lord," Dooku continued.

"If the Council agrees with us, then Anakin should be Knighted," Qui-Gon said. Dooku nodded. They headed out to greet the Council in the landing hanger.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Padme said, as she hugged him tightly.

"I'm fine, but that kiss you just gave me was one heck of a welcome," he replied. She giggled.

"Well, maybe I should give you another one then," she replied, as their lips met again. They broke apart, as they heard someone clear their throat.

"Anakin, the Council is requesting our presence," Obi-Wan said.

"Um...okay. I'll be right behind you," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and started for the conference room where the Council was situated for the impromptu meeting.

"I shouldn't be long. Meet me in the gardens later tonight?" he asked.

"I'll be there, by the fountain," she replied, giving him another quick kiss.

Anakin stepped into the Council room with Obi-Wan.

"Greetings young Skywalker. Told us of your exploits here on Naboo, your grandfather and father have," Yoda said. Anakin bowed.

"Yes master," he replied.

"Anakin, you were specifically asked to remain on Coruscant. Why did you disobey?" Mace Windu asked, carefully concealing a smile.

"Senator Amidala was going to return to her planet and I couldn't let her come alone. It would have been too dangerous," Anakin replied.

"Feelings you have for Senator Amidala, do you?" Yoda questioned. Anakin blushed the deepest shade of crimson and the Council members struggled to keep straight faces.

"Yes master," he mumbled.

"Anakin, you disobeyed the Council," Mace said and Anakin bowed his head in shame.

"And by doing so, you managed to destroy the droid control ship, which saved millions of lives. Then, you faced a Sith and not only wounded him, but nearly defeated him," Mace said.

"Agree the Council does, that complete your trials are. Confer on you, the rank of Jedi Knight, this Council does," Yoda said. Anakin's head shot up, only to see the smiling faces of the Council. His father stood up and ignited his saber. With a swift swipe, he severed Anakin's padawan braid and placed it in his hand.

"We're so proud of you Ani," Qui-Gon said.

"Thanks dad. Thank you masters," Anakin bowed respectively.

"Congratulations baby brother. The celebrating has already begun. How about I buy you a drink," Obi-Wan suggested.

"Um...maybe a little later. I have to meet Padme in the gardens. There's something I really need to tell her. Then maybe we'll come join you," Anakin replied.

"Suit yourself," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin hung around for a few more minutes to accept the congratulations from the masters, before he headed off to the gardens.

When Anakin arrived, Padme was already waiting by the fountain, which was lit. She was dressed in a light blue skirt and a matching wrapped top. Her hair fell around her in ringlets and she once again took his breath away. She turned and smiled at him.

"Hi," she said.

"Hey," he replied, as he closed the distance between them.

"You're so beautiful," he told her in admiration. She blushed.

"Thank you Anakin" she replied.

"Padme...there's something I want to tell you," Anakin said.

"Is it what you were going to tell me on the ship?" she asked.

"Yeah. I've never met anyone like you Padme. I know we haven't known each other very long, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that I was meant to meet you. Padme, I think...no...no I know," he stuttered. He took her hands in his and then began again.

"Padme...I'm in love with you. I love you," he told her, relief washing over him. She smiled at him and threw her arms around him. After hugging him tightly, she pulled back and kissed him hard.

"Oh Anakin, I've never met anyone like you either. I never thought I would meet someone as wonderful as you. I love you too," she confessed.

"You...you do?" he asked. She nodded, as she held his face in her hands. It was then that she noticed that his braid was missing.

"Anakin, where's your braid?" she asked. He smiled brightly at her.

"The Council Knighted me, Padme," he replied. She gasped and threw her arms around him again.

"Oh, I'm so proud of you," she hugged him. He picked her up and spun her around, before crushing his lips against hers. He slowly lowered her to her feet, as their lips moved in earnest over each other's. Finally, they broke apart, breathless.

"I guess they're celebrating inside. I kind of told Obi-Wan we'd come out for a drink, if you want to that is," he said. She smiled.

"I'd love to," she replied, as she took his arm and led them out.

"Obi-Wan nursed a glass of brandy. Most of the Council members were mingling with Queen Jamilla and her cabinet members in the dining hall. Siri approached Obi-Wan and he rolled his eyes, knowing what was coming.

"I think we need to talk," Siri said.

"There's nothing to talk about," Obi-Wan replied.

"You just left! Do you enjoy hurting women like that?" she asked angrily.

"Aww...I'm sorry, did I hurt you? Please...do forgive me," Obi-Wan said sarcastically.

"I have apologized up and down. What else do you want from me?" Siri asked.

"Well, you could leave me alone," Obi-Wan replied. Siri huffed.

"Fine, I'll do just that," she replied, as she stalked off. Aayla watched her stomp off and sat down next to him.

"Need some company?" she asked.

"As long as it's not her," Obi-Wan replied.

"You're really being hard on her," Aayla replied.

"Do I have a reason not to be?" he asked incredulously.

"I guess not, but she really is trying to make amends with you," Aayla replied.

"Well, she's fifteen years too late," Obi-Wan replied.

"There's your baby brother. He looks so happy with her," Aayla gushed. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and mumbled something about politicians. Aayla swatted his arm.

"Stop it. He's happy and you're going to be happy for him," Aayla replied.

"You sound like my mom and dad," Obi-Wan replied. Padme and Anakin approached them and stepped up to the bar.

"Obi-Wan, Aayla, this is Padme," he introduced them.

"It's nice to meet you both," Padme replied.

"It's nice to meet you too milady. Anakin has told us all about you," Aayla replied. Anakin blushed and Padme smiled.

"Thank you, but please call me Padme," she said.

"It's nice to meet you Padme," Obi-Wan said, shaking her hand.

"Nice to meet you too Obi-Wan. Anakin has told me a lot about you," Padme replied.

"I'm going to go get us a couple of Shuura daiquiris. I think you'll like it," she said, as she headed for the bar, but not before kissing him.

"You two seem serious," Obi-Wan prodded.

"Uh...yeah. I told her I loved her tonight...and she feels the same," Anakin said, not being able to get the huge grin off his face. Obi-Wan sighed and shook his head.

"You know, you could be just a little bit happy for me," Anakin said in annoyance.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt," Obi-Wan replied.

"She's not Siri and I'm not you, so you don't have to worry!" Anakin retorted, as he stormed off. Obi-Wan slammed his glass down.

"Blast!" he growled.

"Hey...hey, calm down. Ani will be fine. But you certainly could stand to loosen up. Why don't you...come back to my quarters and I can help you with that?" Aayla suggested. Obi-Wan smirked.

"I bet you can," Obi-Wan replied, as he followed her out.

"Hey, are you okay?" Padme asked, as she handed him a drink.

"Yeah, I'm fine. My brother is just being...well, himself," Anakin replied, as he sipped at the drink.

"Wow, that is good," he said. She smiled, as she sipped at her own.

"Told you," she replied, as she gladly allowed him to wrap his arm around her waist.

"I told the Queen I would bring you over to meet you. She's very eager to meet Naboo's savior," Padme said, as she kissed him softly.

"Lead the way," he replied...

The celebration on Naboo continues, as the people honor the Jedi who saved them...