I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori, her family and other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 43: Light and Dark
In the Office of the Supreme Chancellor…
Chancellor Palpatine looked through the file about Obi-Wan, Anakin, Ahsoka and Nadia who were growing with more fame and power throughout the Clone Wars.
Even if he was not a powerful Sith Lord that had been playing behind the scenes, many things were unfolding as he had foreseen.
The popularity of Anakin and Nadia increasing was one of them.
He then stood up from his desk to look out of the view of his office and his hands residing behind his back.
Looking at the city beyond, Chancellor Palpatine closed his eyes and allowed his mind to flow.
Reaching out throughout the entire city, he looked out to sense Anakin and Nadia's emotions.
To his surprise, both of the two Jedi seemed to be distracted at the moment.
Both Anakin and Nadia had emotions that seemed to be linked to ones that are from the Light Side of the Force, but forbidden by the Jedi Code.
But all Sidious could sense was pure focus and joy.
Chancellor Palpatine frowned and raised an eyebrow.
Was it possible that the two Jedi were forming attachments behind the Jedi Council's back?
If so, these attachments were distractions of Anakin and Nadia that needed to be disposed of.
When Anakin allowed himself to tap into the power of the Dark Side, rather than make him lose control, it made him more focused.
More aggressive in his abilities as well.
More powerful than a simple Jedi.
He sensed that anger on Tatooine after his mother, Shmi Skywalker, had died.
Though Sidious had never seen Nadia tap into the power of the Dark Side.
The young girl was the last direct descendant of Darth Nihilus, but she was still a Padawan that had much to learn despite having potential.
Though Chancellor Palpatine sensed the feeling of pain and hate within Nadia.
It was powerful yet chained inside her due to her learning to control her emotions from Master Kenobi.
However, he sensed the fear and doubt that the Jedi Council had on Nadia. They thought she was dangerous due to her blood relation to one of the most powerful Sith Lords who ever lived.
Chancellor Palpatine smirked at this.
The Force was not a way to predict the absolute future, but Palpatine liked to think his foresight was vast and powerful.
And that many of things leading up to the future he wanted for Anakin and Nadia were part of that sight.
Lord Tyranus and General Grievous were serving as temporary pawns in his game.
At least until he was sure he could coerce the young Jedi over to the Dark Side.
All he needed was time.
Chancellor Palpatine prided himself on being patient with his master plan.
He was slowly bringing the Senate under his control and when it was time for Clone Protocol 66, he would have an army to back him up.
Chancellor Palpatine then moved out of his foresight and went back to his desk.
In Coruscant...
Ferus and Nadia were spending together in the Mungo Park.
Nadia wore a dress that had a blue bodice with short lace sleeves and pink flowers, a long skirt with pink flowers and pink layers at the middle. There was a pink ribbon was under her chest. She had pale blue gloves on with pink decorations at the wrists. Her raven black hair was half up, half down and had a blue purple headband with pink flowers on her head.
Ferus wore a formal white suit with many layers of white and blue. All over the outfit were gold details. On his hands were blue gloves with darker blue lining and dark blue boots. The white streak on his dark brown hair was dyed brown like the rest of his hair.
Mungo Park that was situated near Fellowship Plaza, a central location in the capital region of Galactic City.
As they walked in the park, Ferus and Nadia spoke to each other.
"Are you familiar with Jedi Master Rahm Kota, Ferus?"Nadia asked.
"I've met him a few times due to my brief friendship with his Padawan, Falon Grey."Ferus exclaimed and chuckled nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck."His an excellent tactician and combat commander, but he always advocates the use of aggressive force in punishing those who disrupted law and order."
"Really?"Nadia chuckled.
"Despite that, Master Kota gained a reputation for never abandoning those in need and his leadership style instilled confidence in his troops like Anakin."Ferus admitted.
"That's really cool."Nadia praised and became curious."Though I heard from Olee that he organised and trained his own militia, comprising dedicated beings from across the Galaxy which included members of local planetary militias, mercenary groups and even Separatist prisoners-of-war. It sounds that he doesn't like Clones."
Ferus and Nadia arrived on a bench and sat on it.
"Yeah. It's true that Master Kota doesn't fight with Clone Troopers at his side."Ferus admitted, surprising Nadia."Apparently, he thinks the Clone Troopers produced by the Kaminoans were not fit to be soldiers and refused to lead them into combat. He doesn't believe that clones could be as creative or as intelligent in the field as non-clones."
Nadia frowned and raised an eyebrow at Ferus.
"Well, Rex is a good friend to us and intelligent despite being a Clone Trooper."Nadia stated.
Ferus shrugged in respond.
"Well, that is Master Kota's own point of view."Ferus remarked."His a military genius, but feels Clone Troopers are unfit for battle and relies on his own militia."
"Fair enough."Nadia replied.
The couple notice children enjoying the park's giant negrav trampoline which sent them floating in the air, free to somersault and join in laughter.
"All the kids seem to enjoy themselves."Ferus chuckled.
"Yeah."Nadia agreed with a small smile."Though let's hope all children in the galaxy end up having a happy childhood after the Clone Wars end."
Ferus held Nadia's hand as she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I hope the same thing, Nadia."Ferus replied."But it seems the more times we fight, the more it gets more challenging and difficult to even try and defeat Darth Sidious' pawns. Though it doesn't seem it's ever going to end."
"Hey, Ferus."Nadia responded, gazing at her boyfriend."If the Clone Wars don't stop, are you prepared to leave the Jedi Order if that happens?"
Ferus looked at Nadia with a surprised look.
"Leave the Jedi Order?"Ferus asked.
Nadia let out a scoff.
"Come on, Ferus."Nadia retorted."Do you think I have interest in seeking fame and glory as a warrior? There are many suffering throughout the conflict and many say the Jedi are to blame as Lux said to Ahsoka. Even though we're always out in the front lines almost every single day to save the day and have very little time to be secretly in a romantic relationship that the Council say it's forbidden? Do you call that living a life?"
Ferus shook his head.
"Not really."Ferus answered with a frown."I would like to be a Jedi that actually lives a normal life with the people I care about like the ones on Corellia than being one trapped in an Order led by a full of themselves Council that gives discouragement of attachments."
Nadia looks at Ferus in the eyes with a soft yet serious look.
"Then are you ready to leave the Jedi Order one day, if our relationship ever gets discovered?"Nadia questioned.
Ferus nodded at Nadia, sharing the exact gaze as her.
"Yes, Nadia."Ferus responded."I rather live a life with you than be alone for the rest of my life. And I'll be even ready to renounce my allegiance to the Jedi Order to let that happen."
The two lovers gazed into each other's eyes; then, they shared a tender and loving kiss.
Anakin glanced at the view outside of the city while standing at Padmé's apartment.
In the time since he had ceased to be Obi-Wan's Padawan learner, he'd come to appreciate the independence of being his own master.
Of course, he still had to follow the Temple rules and go where the Jedi Council sent him, but he was a general now.
And the clones were his to command.
It was all very different than he'd imagined, when he was still that little boy back on Tatooine who had looked up at the stars and known that there was something better for him.
The galaxy was much more complicated than Master Qui-Gon had let on, and while he was grateful for Obi-Wan's teaching, sometimes Anakin couldn't help but wonder how things would be different if Qui-Gon had lived.
For all the Jedi disapproved of attachments, there was nothing in the galaxy that was ever truly untethered. Anakin's own unofficial return to his birth planet had proved that well enough.
And now Anakin was attached: by his oaths to the Temple and to Padmé, his unspoken but no less sincere promises to Obi-Wan, his responsibilities as a commander of troops in the Republic army.
Though at times, the Jedi Knight wondered if the Clone Wars will ever end.
He, Padmé, Ferus and Nadia all wanted the conflict to be over soon, so that all of them could live normal lives.
Perhaps, the Jedi Order would allow attachments after the Clone Wars?
Anything was possible.
Anakin came out of his thoughts, when he felt Padmé hug him from behind.
Padmé wore a dress made of pale purple fabric. The sleeves were decorated with braids of gold along the sides, and were tied by a gold cord halfway up her lower arm. After the cord, the sleeves widened, and within that was another sleeve with gold embroidery along the hem. Her belt was white with a layer of purple beneath it forming an edge around it and a piece of gold metalwork accenting the center. She also wore a pastel purple cape with a red stripe at the shoulders, and a gold braided chain along the neckline. It was clasped by an intricate gold pendant inset with a white jewel with three pieces of metal dangling from it. She wore a necklace of gold chain centered by an embossed piece of metal. She wore her chocolate brown hair in a braided bun, and a delicate headpiece of gold. Gold earrings reminiscent of shells adorned her ears.
"What's wrong, Annie?"Padmé asked.
The Jedi Knight looked at his beloved.
"Padmé, what do you expect the future will be like after the War?"Anakin questioned.
Padmé smiled and placed her hands on Anakin's face.
"I'm sure everyone in the whole galaxy will live peacefully and that includes us as well."Padmé remarked and smiled shyly."Also, we'll be probably very busy raising our own family in Naboo."
Anakin smirked and raised an eyebrow at his wife's reply.
"Really?"Anakin said smugly.
"Yes, really."Padmé giggled lightly and wrapped her arms around Anakin's neck.
Anakin then wrapped his arms around Padmé's waist.
He then kissed her with real passion.
Skin on skin, mouth on mouth, sliding over her cheek, her forehead, her neck.
Some held that women did not feel desire, not in the way that men did.
But if Anakin felt more than she felt now, she did not understand how he could have held back all this time.
For she wanted him completely, utterly.
She could not breathe for wanting him.
It was an ache, an insatiable need, and it had been building in this space he had held between them.
She saw herself ready to fly into his arms and his heart and he into her flesh, to join with her and be with her.
To forget the Clone Wars.
As well as the deaths, tragedies and losses caused by it.
She was his wife and it was her duty and her privilege to transform him with her devotion and her love.
Anakin carried Padmé in a bridal style way and brought her into their bedroom before he began raining kisses on her face and above the neck of her dress.
Just before the couple could go any further, Threepio's voice rang out.
"Master Ani!"Threepio called out."Miss Padmé!"
An irritated groan escaped from Anakin's face as he went off of Padmé, who adjusted her appearance.
He despised having been distracted whenever he had a moment to be with Padmé.
Anakin and Padmé walked out of their bedroom as Threepio walked up to them.
"Master Ferus and Lady Nadia have returned."Threepio informed.
"Thank you, Threepio."Padmé responded kindly.
Then Ferus and Nadia arrived into the apartment.
"Welcome back, you two."Anakin declared.
"Did you both enjoy yourselves?"Padmé assumed.
Both Ferus and Nadia nodded at Padmé.
"Our date at Mungo Park has been successful, big sister."Ferus exclaimed."There were people around, but it doesn't seem that they recognised her."
Anakin chuckled and folded his arms.
"I knew your disguises would work."Anakin replied and smirked at Nadia."And you were the one that was worried that it wouldn't."
Nadia frowned at Anakin.
"Be careful what you say, pretty boy."Nadia declared sarcastically."The Council don't care about anyone. Many times they've disregarded how everyone feels to get to meet their own goals. They would've kicked all of us out if they learned we were in romantic relationships."
"Relax, Dia."Anakin replied, putting his arms in defence."I know."
Padmé smiled at her husband and their companions.
"How about we eat now?"Padmé suggested."I've made some braised Shaak roast for us to enjoy."
"Nice."Ferus praised.
"That's great, Padmé."Nadia chuckled."I am kind of hungry."
"That's the thing, Nadia."Anakin complemented."You're always hungry, Nadia."
Ferus glanced at Nadia.
"He got you there, Nad."Ferus sneered.
Nadia rolled her eyes at her boyfriend before the two of them followed Padmé and Anakin to the living room.
After spending time with her boyfriend and their close companions, Nadia had changed back to her Padawan clothing and retired to her room for the night.
However, the raven haired girl couldn't sleep all the sudden.
She was thinking about the fire.
The fire in her home on that awful night that she lost her parents, older brother and sister-in-law.
She missed them terribly and always kept thinking about them.
At times, she wished she was still with them back in Corellia and in her hometown, Bela Vistal.
She would see her mother, Freya, knitting or cooking her favourite meal and wouldn't mind hearing her scowl her for doing things that weren't ladylike.
Her father, Rostek, patting her head and encourage her to climb the highest mountains with no fear, but only with a high spirit. As well as hear him call her 'Little dragon'.
Her older brother, Jayden, helping her with her homework and see him lost in the books he enjoyed reading.
Her sister-in-law, Bridget, doing her hair and keep teaching her to be a proper lady much to her dismay.
Oh, if only that was possible.
Being with her loved ones in Bela Vistal.
But the dead can never return, no matter how many times a person wanted them to.
Nadia contained in her sorrow, not wanting to cry as her mind then went on the fire.
The fire that destroyed everything and everyone she cared about in it.
How did it exactly happen?
That she still didn't have the answer to and bothered her greatly in the inside.
Who caused the fire at the Horn Villa and why?
Nadia simply shook her head and closed her eyes.
Anger and revenge wouldn't bring back her loved ones.
And yet, she had the crave in getting more power.
Power that will make her become stronger, so that she can protect her loved ones from anything.
That way she won't lose anyone close to her ever again.
The following morning after having breakfast, Nadia spoke to Master Yoda in his private living quarters.
The Padawan of Obi-Wan was telling the Jedi Master what the Father had told her during the events on Mortis.
"After saving Anakin from the Son's influence, the Father told me that I have been given the greatest strength of both the Light Side and the Dark Side, Master Yoda."Nadia exclaimed."But also that I am blessed…and cursed."
Master Yoda nodded at Nadia.
"Right, the Father was, Young Aomori."Master Yoda stated."Growing your abilities are and with them danger."
Nadia became quiet for a moment at Master Yoda's declaration.
"Master Yoda, I…I wish to become more powerful."Nadia insisted."So that I can become stronger to protect the people I care about."
"Careful when planning to seek more knowledge of mastering your abilities, Nadia."Master Yoda warned sternly."The path to the Dark Side, ambition for more power can be."
Nadia nodded at Master Yoda.
"I understand, Master Yoda."Nadia answered and then a question came into her mind."Can I ask you a question?"
"Ask me a question, you can."Master Yoda insisted.
"Is it true that Count Dooku was once a Jedi?"Nadia questioned.
"A Jedi Knight and Jedi Master, Dooku was."Master Yoda admitted."Been one of the greatest Jedi of his generation, he had been. The one who trained Qui-Gon Jinn to Jedi Master, he also was."
A surprised look appeared on Nadia's face.
"Master Qui-Gon Jinn was once Count Dooku's Padawan?"Nadia said in disbelief.
Master Yoda nodded at Nadia.
"Unfortunately, began to secretly conspire with Darth Sidious upon abandoning his commitment to the Light Side of the Force after the death of Qui-Gon at the hand of Darth Maul."Master Yoda declared while lowering his ears a bit."Had become the new apprentice of the Sith Lord we're looking for since the Invasion of Naboo, he has."
Nadia looked down at Master Yoda's reply.
"Master Qui-Gon must've been a great Jedi."Nadia assumed.
"Had been the one to discover Skywalker as the Chosen One, he did."Master Yoda explained and looked at Nadia with a warning look."You are the being of both the Light Side and the Dark Side, Young Aomori. Think before you act, you must. If wish to be a great Jedi, you do."
"I understand, Master Yoda."Nadia answered.
Nadia then stood up from where she sat and bowed at Master Yoda before leaving his private quarters.
The raven haired girl silently started walking around the Jedi Temple and eventually found Obi-Wan in the Room of a Thousand Fountains.
There she saw her Master meditating.
"Master?"Nadia spoke up.
Obi-Wan opened his eyes and turned to look at Nadia.
"Nadia, where have you been?"Obi-Wan asked."You had training this morning."
"Sorry, Master. I've been having a lot on my mind lately."Nadia exclaimed."I spoke to Master Yoda about it."
"Which is?"Obi-Wan questioned.
Nadia sat down next to Obi-Wan.
"About me."Nadia admitted."As your Padawan and a descendant of Darth Nihilis, I've been feeling troubled of the events that occurred during the Clone Wars lately. The fear, the anger and the hate. I feel they're growing no matter where we are."
"You're not the only one who feels this, young one."Obi-Wan declared."I think this means we're getting closer to the time of when Darth Sidious is gonna finally appear out of the blue to complete his master plan."
"But, Master, don't you find it particularly strange that we, defenders of the peace, are actually fighting in a war? We're not supposed to be soldiers."Nadia commented and let out a scoff."I don't understand this, even after Master Shaak Ti brought me here in the Temple."
Obi-Wan chuckled at Nadia's answer.
"I never thought of problems as a youngling, Nadia. Being independent, I mean."Obi-Wan admitted, recalling his time as a youngling in the Kybuck Clan."Back in my youth, I broke rules left and right. They even called me rebellious. Probably the Masters were surprised anyone was willing to take me on as an apprentice."
Nadia laughed lightly at Obi-Wan's story.
"I never pictured you as a rebellious youngling in your youth, Master."Nadia remarked."Since you're now known as the Negotiator, who usually tries to charm your way out of trouble."
Obi-Wan smirked and ruffled Nadia's hair a bit.
"And you're known as the Padawan learner with a rebellious spirit just like Anakin, young one."Obi-Wan declared.
"I guess I am."Nadia chuckled.
In Space…
Hal let out a sigh as he and Maybelline sat among the the civilians in the shuttle that left the Coronet Spaceport and was making its way to Coruscant.
They were to arrive on the planet within an hour.
Hal wore a yellow and navy blue hoodie over a long-sleeved blue shirt, a pair of white pants and dark blue high tops. On his belt contained his lightsaber. He also wore a dark green Jedi rope.
Maybelline was now a six year old girl, who wore a sleeveless black romper with yellow straps on the leggings and a yellow crop top vest over the romper. On her wrists were black sweatbands and on her feet were white black trainers. Her sandy brown hair was styled in two braided ponytails. On her hands was a small brown bag that contained a couple of Corellia Chews inside.
Corellia Chews were a type of small, baked dessert ball that were chewy and gold in colour with white dusting. Bursting with a white filling of tart fruit and sweet cream.
Maybelline let out a small pout as she glanced at her older half-brother.
"Hal, when are we arriving to Coruscant?"Maybelline questioned in boredom.
"Soon, May."Hal chuckled."Have patience."
Maybelline looked down with a troubled look.
"Big brother, I'm worried about Nadia."Maybelline admitted.
"Why is that, little sister?"Hal questioned.
"She's so focused on becoming a Jedi Knight and fighting in the Clone Wars that she doesn't have time to go back to Corellia to visit us."Maybelline declared sadly.
Hal gives his younger half-sister a kiss on the forehead.
"Don't worry about Nadia too much, May."Hal replied with a smile."Believe me, your big sister can handle anything. She may have grown stoic and serious, but she still cares about those close to her unlike the emotionless machines that live in the Temple in Coruscant. She just wants to help Master Skywalker in his mission to destroy the Sith again and bring the Force back into balance."
Maybelline smiled at Hal, feeling touched by his words.
In Coruscant…
At the Jedi Temple, Obi-Wan stroked his beard as he watched Nadia in the sparring arena also known as the combat training chamber that was a large chamber located deep within the walls of the Coruscant Jedi Temple.
A bowl-shaped chamber deep within the Temple, the vault was completely white, with white mats spread amongst the floor near the wall for spectators to sit and observe. The center or the chamber was used for combat and was typically kept bare, however, balance beams, swings, wobble and foam steel balls, along with other distractions, could be littered around the chamber.
From the upper level control booth, a Jedi or tech operator could set the room to one of five settings. Changes in the room included fluctuating gravity, change in interior lighting, temperature manipulation, as well as more varied weather and other variables. The room was equipped with a safety shield that would catch any apprentices who lost balance and fell from a dangerous height. The shield projector was located in the floor so that it could cover the entire chamber.
Nadia slowly patted as she jumped on another balance beam while carefully maintaining her balance.
Suddenly, a bunch of foam steel balls appeared around her causing the raven haired girl to activate her lightsabers to slash them in half.
To avoid getting hit, Nadia deactivated her lightsabers and went on another balance beam, ignoring the fact that she was higher than she was before.
However, she lost her balance and a safety shield was activated causing her to land on it.
Obi-Wan then walked up to Nadia.
"Not bad, Nadia."Obi-Wan praised."This time you were able to maintain your balance more longer than the last time we were here."
Nadia went off the safety shield before it deactivated and walked over to her master.
"Yeah."Nadia responded with a small smile."But I really thought I would get to the top this time, Master."
"Remember, young one."Obi-Wan declared."It's failure that gives you the proper perspective on success."
"I know, master."Nadia assured with a slight chuckle."Because without failure, we won't never learn."
After the training hour ended, Obi-Wan and Nadia headed to the refectories of the Jedi Temple.
There they saw Anakin and Ahsoka sitting together on a table as well as stuffing their faces with food.
Obi-Wan ate a meal of thrantcill pâté and a plate of hawk-bat eggs in a more etiquette manner while Nadia wasted no time in sinking her teeth in the poached lobster and burra fish caviar on her dish.
Ahsoka ate a bit more of her ronto wrapper with parwan nutricakes as she notice the meat slices on Anakin's salad had an unusual shape.
"Hey, master."Ahsoka responded."Your puffer pig slices the cook gave on your salad look unusual."
"Interesting to say, Ahsoka. Those are not puffer pig slices."Anakin remarked as he dug his fork into his salad dish."They're fried facet spiders."
Obi-Wan, Ahsoka and Nadia all immediately became disgusted by Anakin's declaration.
"Ew."Ahsoka retorted.
"Yuck."Nadia scowled.
"How can you eat that?"Obi-Wan questioned.
Anakin stopped eating his fried facet spider salad and wiped his mouth with his mechanical gloved hand.
"What do you mean, Master?"Anakin asked."You're the one who always told me to feed off the living Force."
"That's not what I meant, Anakin."Obi-Wan stated.
Anakin simply shrugged before he continued eating his fried spider salad.
Nadia scoffed as she started drinking her glass of water.
"And he even kisses Padmé with that mouth."Nadia thought in disgust.
Someone suddenly tapped Nadia's shoulder causing the raven haired girl to look at her right side, only to see Maybelline and Hal.
"Hey, Nadia."Maybelline greeted happily.
Nadia became shocked upon seeing her step-brother and younger half-sister that water comes out of her nose causing Obi-Wan to look a bit repulsed while both Anakin and Ahsoka burst out laughing at the sight.
"What are you two doing here?"Nadia demanded, her voice low yet mixed with shock and surprise.
"Why so shocked, Dia?"Hal remarked."Since you couldn't come to Corellia, we decided to visit you instead."
Nadia wiped her nose with a napkin.
"Wonderful."Nadia grumbled.
"Nadia, do you know them?"Anakin asked.
"Yes."Nadia replied before clearing her throat."Master, Anakin, Soka, this is my step-brother, Hal Corak and our little sister, Maybelline."
Astonished looks appeared on Obi-Wan and Anakin's faces while Ahsoka just smiled at her best friend's relatives.
"Hi."Hal replied with a wave.
"Hello!"Maybelline answered while doing an enthusiastic wave."Nice to meet you all!"
Maybelline excitedly went over to Obi-Wan and Anakin.
"Oh my gosh! You're Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Negotiator and Anakin Skywalker, the Hero with No Fear!"Maybelline admitted delightfully."I'm your biggest fan! I used to watch your victories in the Clone Wars on my holopad all the time! You two are my heroes!"
Obi-Wan smiled. "You are a fan of me and Anakin?"
"I like this kid."Anakin chuckled.
Hal brought his attention on Ahsoka.
"And you must be Master Skywalker's Padawan. Ahsoka Tano, right?"Hal assumed and shook hands with Ahsoka."Nadia, told me a lot about you. Your friendship to her means a lot to her."
Ahsoka became flattered by Hal's words.
"Thank you, Hal."Ahsoka answered and glanced at Nadia."And I'm very fond of my friendship with Dia as well."
Nadia smiled and brushed the back of her neck at Ahsoka's statement.
"We have been the best of friends since day 1."Nadia complemented with a slight smirk.
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter
See you all later and have a lovely day!