Gosh, I'm tired. Had some trouble keeping my eyes awake earlier today, actually, and I'm beginning to think that I might be coming down with something...(ergh - then again, that's what I get for hanging around my friends when they're sick. XD)

Just to answer guest reviewer GruffMage7653 - Yes, I know what role Morgana plays in the later series. (I've watched the entire Merlin series...and I'm well aware of her fate.) But I chose Ahsoka because I think she's the most appropriate for the series. (I mean, Padmé or the other Clone Wars characters didn't really fit the bill - I wanted her relationship with Anakin to be real as well.)

Anyways. Enjoy!

Chapter Three. The Mark of Ventress

Part three of chapter three

Obi-wan still felt his ears ringing with Padmé's desperate pleas for help even after Qui-Gon led him to his chambers. The physician closed the door behind himself, and giving Obi-wan a wide-eyed glare, asked, "What have you done?" The younger man stared. "What?"

"I warned you!" Qui-Gon shot back. At Obi-wan's bewildered expression, the physician shook his head. "Oh, I understand – you thought you were doing some good." At those words, Obi-wan felt annoyance flare inside his chest. He crossed his arms and replied, "I couldn't let her father die, knowing I could cure him!"

Qui-Gon wouldn't hear any of it. "Did it ever occur to you that it would be suspicious to cure one man?" he asked sternly. Obi-wan pressed his lips together, trying to come up with an answer. Then, he managed to reply, "Well, then, all I have to do is…I'll cure everyone! No one will have to know it was the Force!" With that, Obi-wan started to open the door, only to have it promptly closed by Qui-Gon.

"It's too late!" the older man scolded. "They think Padmé was the user – they think she's the one who caused the disease!" Obi-wan's blood ran cold at the thought as he retorted, "But she didn't!" Heart thudding loudly, he yanked open the door. This time, Qui-Gon couldn't close it. "And how are you going to prove that?" Qui-Gon asked.

Obi-wan couldn't answer. He slammed the door and darted down the corridor to find King Palpatine.

xXx

"Please listen to me! I haven't done anything - please!"

Obi-wan watched from behind a pillar in the throne room as Padmé was thrown at King Palpatine's feet. He sucked in a breath, poking his head out from the pillar. King Palpatine's face betrayed no emotions – his voice was cool and unforgiving when he simply said, "Well done."

"Why will no one believe me?" Padmé cried out from the floor, trying to catch the eyes of other members of the court from the sides of the room. Obi-wan ducked back behind the pillar before Padmé could see him. I'm sorry, he thought, staring up at the ceiling. He needed to get Padmé out of there – needed to prove she was innocent, somehow.

"He got better! He just recovered! I didn't do anything!" Padmé was shouting now.

"I believe you," someone said, walking into the throne room. Obi-wan – as well as everyone else in the room – turned their heads to see Lady Ahsoka striding up to Padmé's side. The last time Obi-wan had seen Ahsoka was a few days ago – and of course, there were the few occurrences in which he'd run into her when carrying out errands for Anakin, but he had never really thought much of her until now. The fierce determination that came along with Ahsoka's presence made Obi-wan feel a bit hopeful – if King Palpatine wouldn't listen to a maidservant, he might be able to listen to his ward, yes?

"Perhaps the disease is not always fatal," Ahsoka continued, casting her steely eyes at King Palpatine. "Have you thought of that? Perhaps Padmé's father recovered naturally."

"And what of this poultice that was found?" Palpatine asked, returning the younger woman's stare. Again, Obi-wan found himself turning away as Padmé replied, "What poultice? I don't know anything about a poultice!"

"It was found in your house," the king responded, a note of incredulousness in his voice. The sound of ruffling tunics and robes gave Obi-wan the hint that the king was now standing up, followed by the words, "Undo this enchantment. Put an end to this contagion."

"I can't!" Padmé protested.

"I can show you no mercy," Palpatine continued.

"I'm not the user! I don't know how to stop the illness!"

"If you will not undo this, I must find you guilty."

Obi-wan turned at that. Eyes wide, he watched Padmé argue, "But I'm not –"

"It is my duty to pronounce judgment," King Palpatine interrupted. He circled around Padmé, looking as stony as ever. "Under the circumstances, I have no choice but to sentence you to death." Obi-wan felt his entire body go limp at that. Shock slowly spread across Padmé's face – then another rebirth of the same desperation that had been present before. "No," she started to whisper.

Closing his eyes, Obi-wan listened to King Palpatine go on, "I can only hope that when you die, this evil plague dies with you." There was a beat of silence and then, "Take her away."

"No!" Padmé shouted. Obi-wan didn't have to open his eyes to know that she was being dragged away. "No, please, no! Please – I didn't do it! I didn't do it! Please!"

xXx

Ahsoka Tano did not wait until the throne room was almost empty before saying, "I know Padmé. She's my maidservant, not some Force user." King Palpatine turned quickly at Ahsoka's words. "Have you ever seen a Force user at work?" he spat. "Believe me, they bear no sign – no mark. There is no sense of evil in the eye."

Ahsoka shook her head, replying, "I've seen how she works. Her fingers are worn – her nails are broken." When Palpatine turned away, Ahsoka couldn't help but to bite out the last words, "If she was a powerful Force user, why would she do this? Why would she kneel on a cold, stone floor, morning after morning, when she could do it with a snap of her fingers – like an idle king?"

That got King Palpatine's attention.

"You have no right!" the king growled, whirling around to look at Ahsoka. The younger man shouted back with a throw of her hands, "You have a right to cast judgment –"

"I have a responsibility to take care of this kingdom!" Palpatine yelled. Ahsoka felt the rest of her words die in her throat. She simply let a reproachful glare do the rest of the talking as the king added, "It takes no pleasure to do this." Ahsoka clasped the front of her dress with her hands. "You're sentencing the wrong person!" she said, biting down on her lip.

"She's right," Anakin suddenly said – who hadn't spoken ever since Padmé had been brought into the throne room. "When you hear the word Force, and then you no longer listen."

"You saw her yourself," Palpatine replied dismissively. "She used the Force."

Anakin let out a breath. "Maybe," he said slowly, "but to save her dying father – that doesn't make her guilty of creating a plague." He gestured out the doors, continuing, "One was made from the act of kindness and love; the other from evil." Hesitating, he went on, "And I don't think there's any evil in this girl's heart."

"I have witnessed what Force users could do," Palpatine replied, his voice low. "I've suffered at its hand. I cannot take that chance again. She must die, or the whole kingdom may perish." Anakin clasped his hands behind his back – Ahsoka could already sense what was to come next, though she was impressed. It wasn't always so common to see the prince stand up to his father, especially in times like these.

Looks like he's playing outside the little darling of the kingdom, Ahsoka thought with a grudging sense of respect. No longer were they the children that had once played in the courtyard – the ward was beginning to see the beginnings of maturity in the prince.

"I understand that," Anakin was saying. "But –"

"One day, you will become king. Then you will understand," King Palpatine cut off. "Such decisions must be made. There are dark forces that threaten this kingdom."

Frustration was evidently building in Anakin's eyes. He gestured again at the doors, then replied, "I know the Force is evil, Father – you've told me of its destruction multiple times." He paused and then, in a quieter voice, said, "But so is injustice. That is also evil." He let out a long breath and added, "Yes, I am yet to be king and I don't know what kind of king I will be. But I do have a sense of the kind of Coruscant I wish to live in." After a dangerous pause, Anakin continued, "It would be where the punishment fits the crime."

Ahsoka felt her entire body tighten as King Palpatine looked up at Anakin. "I fear you are right," he said slowly. "She's played with fire. And sadly, she must die by fire." With that, he gave a nod to both Anakin and Ahsoka and headed over to the other side of the room, clearly dismissing the topic.

It didn't matter, though.

Swallowing down around the lump that was rising in her throat, Ahsoka sped out of the room. She only caught a glimpse of Anakin's expression as she was leaving – and sadly, it was one of utter annoyance and weariness – something that she was sure that they were both feeling.

xXx

"I thought I was doing something good," Obi-wan murmured, staring down at his hands in Qui-Gon's chambers. "And that curing Padmé's father would help her. I thought…" his voice drifted. After a few moments of silence, he finished, "I thought I was saving a life."

He lifted his eyes to meet Qui-Gon's. "It seemed so simple."

"An easy solution is like a light in a storm, Obi-wan," Qui-Gon replied quietly. "Though you rush for it at your peril, it may not always lead you to a safe harbor." Obi-wan brought his head down again. His voice was soft when he responded, "I can see that now."

"I have warned you of the responsibilities of a Jedi," the older man said.

Obi-wan looked back up. He paused and then, avoiding Qui-Gon's eyes, mumbled, "I must see her." He pushed himself off the workbench and started to make his way for the dungeons. All the while, Obi-wan ignored the other maidservants, who all whispered to one another – undoubtedly because of the recent news of Padmé Amidala. When he finally did make it to the dungeons, the guilt that Obi-wan had felt before was boiling over even more.

He came to an abrupt stop in front of Padmé's cell – only to find that Lady Ahsoka was already walking away from it. For a brief second, he caught eyes with her; Ahsoka's face was tear-streaked and filled with grief. She let out a small sob and then, covering her mouth with a hand, the ward darted out of Obi-wan's way. He stared after her retreating back, feeling his heart sink lower and lower in his stomach before taking a few more steps towards Padmé's cell.

"Padmé?" Obi-wan called, bringing his face to the bars. The maidservant instantly looked up – very much like Ahsoka, her cheeks were stained with tears. She looked tired and frightened – and in that moment, Obi-wan thought she looked as though she had aged ten more years since she was brought down to the cell.

However, despite the obvious despair in Padmé's eyes, a smile still spread across her lips. She instantly rose from the floor, trying to make her way to Obi-wan – but held back by chains wrapped around her wrists. Obi-wan felt another stab of sadness in his heart at the sight. It only pained him even more when Padmé whispered, "Thank you."

He blinked. "What for?"

"Coming to see me," Padmé replied.

"I'm sorry," Obi-wan instantly said, shaking his head. His eyes flitted down to the chains around Padmé – and then looked back up at her face. The young woman herself ran her fingers over the chains, as though trying to get rid of them just by touch. "It's not your fault," she whispered.

"Well…" Obi-wan's voice trailed away as Padmé added, "It's alright." She lifted her chin bravely, another forced smile plastered over her face. "Don't worry about me." Then, in the next second, it faded. She looked away and in a softer voice, muttered, "There's no point in crying about it." She bit down on her lip and casting Obi-wan a quick look, said, "I mean – I'm not saying you were going to cry about me. Obviously, I don't think that."

"Oh, Padmé," Obi-wan said softly. "I can't have this happen –"

"Please, one thing," Padmé replied hurriedly. She let her hands drop to her sides and with wide, shining eyes, murmured, "You don't have to, but…" She slowly lowered herself back down on the floor, letting her strength to peter out. Obi-wan leaned closer, whispering, "What?"

Another fresh tear running down the side of Padmé's face, she said softly, "Remember me."

Obi-wan let his hands wrap around the bars of the cell. "You're not going to die," he protested. He gave it a small shake and then, swallowing down, said, "I'm not going to let that happen." Letting those words echo around the small space, Obi-wan let go of the cell and ran out of the dungeons. He intended to keep his promise to Padmé, even if it meant doing something idiotic.

xXx

"What if burning this user doesn't stop the poison? How do I protect my people?" Anakin listened to his father say, walking around the table. Nobles and other members of the court were gathered around it, all exchanging documents and murmuring amongst themselves. Anakin remembered liking the idea of having to come to these meetings as a boy – he couldn't wait to please his father; show him that he was going to make the perfect prince and king.

But these days, Anakin found himself only growing wearier in these gatherings.

"My men have closed down the water pumps," he found himself saying.

"The emergency supply won't last much longer," Qui-Gon pointed out. "We have to find a way of cleansing the water."

"Yes, but how?" Palpatine asked, turning to the physician. "Well," Qui-Gon started to say, but was only cut off by the sudden opening of the doors. Anakin looked up, mouth already open to ask what the matter was – but his words drowned in his throat as Obi-wan came running in.

"It was me," the manservant said, his face pale and eyes wide. Everyone's heads turned at him. Anakin felt an odd jolt at the pit of his stomach as Obi-wan explained, "It was me – I was the one who cured Padmé's father." Anakin could feel his father already stirring at the sudden confession – but really, Obi-wan? He couldn't be…

"Padmé is not the user. I am!" Obi-wan shouted, lifting his arms. At that declaration, Qui-Gon stood up. "Obi-wan!" he hissed. "Are you mad?" The younger man shook his head, arguing, "I cannot let her die for me." His eyes lifted to look up at Palpatine's. Anakin could detect a small tremble in Obi-wan's voice as he said, "I place myself at your mercy."

Qui-Gon's face went slack. His head whipped around to Palpatine. "He doesn't know what he's talking about," the physician said slowly.

"I do," Obi-wan shot back firmly. His eyes did not once leave Palpatine's. Anakin tried to look at Obi-wan – really look at him this time. His mind was still finding it hard to believe that his manservant – the young man who had only been made his personal servant a few weeks ago – could ever be the powerful, malicious Force user that his father had always ranted and raved about. Anakin almost laughed at the idea – Obi-wan?

"Then arrest him," Palpatine said, waving his hand.

"Father, please!" Anakin instantly protested. He pushed himself away from the table and walked over to Obi-wan, who finally – for once – looked over to meet his gaze. "I can't allow this! This is madness!" For good measure, he shook his head with a dubious snort. "There is no way that Obi-wan is a Force user."

"Did you not hear him? He admitted it," Palpatine rebutted. Anakin pointed at Obi-wan, replying, "Yes, but he saved my life, remember?"

"Then why should he fabricate such a story?" the king asked, slowly looking over at Anakin. The prince swallowed. He looked over at Qui-Gon, choosing his words carefully as he went along. "As Qui-Gon says," he started, "Obi-wan's got a grave mental illness."

"Really?" Palpatine asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Anakin quickly nodded. Then, clearing his throat, he added, "He's in love. Obviously."

There was a small silence.

Finally, Obi-wan asked in a bewildered voice, "What?"

Anakin pretended to nod in sympathy. He looked over at his father, who was now shaking his head. Good, the prince thought to himself. Anakin took a few more steps towards Obi-wan, adding, "With Padmé." A few titters broke out in the room. "I am not," Obi-wan said, glaring at Anakin. The message in his eyes was evident – what are you doing?

Anakin chose to ignore the subtext. Instead, he shot back, "Yes, you are." Agree with me, you idiot!

"Wait!" Obi-wan started to say, but Anakin rushed on, "I saw you yesterday with that flower she gave you!" Obi-wan made an odd scoffing sound. "I'm – no, I'm not in love with her!" he squeaked, but Anakin slung his arm around his shoulders. "It's alright," Anakin said, drawing out the word as patiently as he could for good measure. He gestured to the table of the court members. "You can admit it."

"I don't even think of her like that!" Obi-wan shouted, struggling against Anakin, but the prince held him close. Anakin supposed he was a bit puzzled by his manservant's attitude – especially since this kind of determination was definitely stronger than he had expected. Then again, maybe there were a few tricks Obi-wan had up his sleeves…

Or maybe not, Anakin thought to himself. There's no way Obi-wan can hide anything from me.

"Perhaps she used the Force on you," Palpatine commented. At that, Obi-wan stilled. He looked up at Palpatine, his brow furrowing. Anakin couldn't help but to hold his own breath – would his father execute Obi-wan as well? As much as Anakin disliked his new manservant, he wouldn't really want that sort of punishment forced on Obi-wan – Anakin had the feeling that Obi-wan could last a day in the dungeons, let alone execution…

But then, Palpatine started laughing, which triggered the rest of the nobles to do so as well. Anakin, trying to ignore the weak sensation of relief, emitted a chuckle or two as well. He gave Obi-wan's shoulder a small shake, saying, "Obi-wan is a wonder – but the wonder is that he's such an idiot." He emphasized the last word with a wider smile at his manservant.

Obi-wan, strangely enough, didn't look amused whatsoever.

Smile fading slowly from his face, Anakin added, "There is no way he's the Force user." At that, Obi-wan held his gaze with Anakin. The prince couldn't help but to get a strange feeling from the way the man stared at him – there was almost something underneath the expression that wanted to break out to the surface, but just couldn't quite yet…

But it's Obi-wan, Anakin thought again. He probably can't think of anyway else to react right now.

"Don't waste my time again," Palpatine said, easing back into his seat. "Let him go."

xXx

"Anakin is an idiot," Obi-wan muttered angrily as Qui-Gon opened the door to their chambers. "No, what Anakin did was right. He saved you from your own stupidity." The physician replied. Obi-wan walked in, crossing his arms. He spun around to face Qui-Gon, asking, "What else could I do? It's my fault Padmé's going to die!"

"Yes, but you don't prove her innocence by jumping into the flames!" Qui-Gon retorted. "You do it by finding out the cause of the disease." He turned away to his workbench, already gathering his materials for the rest of the day. Obi-wan let out a snort, shaking his head. "Well, whatever it is, Anakin's definitely not going to find it," he remarked. "He thinks he's just so sharp. Even when I told him I was a Force user – a Jedi – he still couldn't see it!"

Qui-Gon looked over his shoulder at Obi-wan. "It must be rather hard to spot," he said dryly. Obi-wan let out a small sigh of resentment. "Maybe I should go around wearing a hat that declares my occupation," he exclaimed, exasperated. "I don't think you'll find one big enough," Qui-Gon said, throwing a satchel at Obi-wan. "Anyways, forget that – to save Padmé, we have to find out what's contaminating the water."

A/N - Phew. Look at that - I actually updated this story in an appropriate amount of time. *sighs* Now, I'm gonna go sleep because I'm tired and sore all over. (School has been rough - and people have been pretty annoying, too. I just need a six-month break from that place twice a year. Get it? Ha...)

Reviews would cheer me up! Constructive criticism is welcome, but flames are not!