Chapter 13: The Inner Darkness and Promotion
It had been two months since the outbreak of the Clone Wars, and the members of the Jedi Order were called upon to lead the Republic's clone army as Generals and Commanders against the Separatist Alliance's droid army led by Count Dooku. True to what the Council discussed, the decision was made to train Padmé not as a Jedi but as a Force wielder. Because of her familiarity with Jedi Master Adi Gallia in the Senate, it was decided she would be under her tutelage. Master Gallia herself was impressed with the young Senator's connection to the Force. Despite their limited time together, Padmé showed decent skills in using the Force. . . Something Adi thought Skywalker had a hand in.
In her apartment, on one of the sofas, Padmé sat down, looking through one of the few datapads she brought home with her. However, her mind drifted off to how Anakin was doing. She knew that even though he disagreed with the Republic being at war, he had no choice but to accompany Obi-Wan as his second-in-command. During the evening of his last night on Coruscant, they promised not to shut each other out and to tell one another if something was bothering them. Padmé was still happy that the Jedi Council agreed to allow romantic relationships; that way, she and Anakin could be together. The public had recently gotten wind of the Jedi Council's decision to allow romantic relationships. But still, only a few people knew that Anakin and her were in a relationship. Something she was perfectly fine with. Dormé and Sola had taken to lightly teasing her about their relationship whenever they got the chance.
Though she could tell he was all right through their bond, that did not stop her from worrying about him. Knowing that her mind was on anything other than the reports, she decided to call it a night and put the datapad on the table before her. She entered the kitchen to see that Threepio had just finished making dinner. Grabbing a plate, she filled it with the food he had prepared, then sat at the table, where she enjoyed a quiet dinner after telling Threepio he could power down for the day.
(00)
Traveling through hyperspace on a Venator-class cruiser, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padawan Anakin Skywalker were assigned to lead the assault on Muunilinst. The InterGalactic Banking Clan has assembled huge droid factories, creating hundreds of battle droids and massive warships. Chancellor Palpatine had all but ordered that Anakin be given special command of the space forces while Obi-Wan led the ground assault. Glorifying his skills as an exceptional pilot and a warrior. That, unfortunately, did not sit well with him, Master Yoda, or Anakin; the two Masters tried to voice their objections but were overruled. The Chancellor's interest in Anakin unsettled Obi-Wan, who could also sense his Padawan's unease at being put on the spot.
After addressing Commander Cody and his men in the hangar bay, Obi-Wan went to check on Anakin. The Padawan was doing some last-minute maintenance on his starfighter; this was another form of meditation he liked to use. "Anakin. . ."
At the sound of Obi-Wan's voice, Anakin stopped what he was doing and stood up with a neutral expression. "Master, you know I did not ask for this," knowing what was on Obi-Wan's mind. "I was as stunned as you were when he said I should be in command like this."
A ghost smile crossed his lips as a small part of him expected Anakin to comment about his skills as a pilot. There was no question about his skills as a star pilot, as Anakin was the best within the Order. Since the Council had decided it was time for him to take the trials for Knighthood. So far, Anakin has faced three trials: Insight, Courage, and Flesh. In addition, he had finally mastered Form V: Djem So and Shien. Obi-Wan would say that Anakin was coming along well.
"I know you didn't," Obi-Wan began. He then decided to explain further. "Anakin, it is not that I do not feel that you are ready, as you have proven so on several occasions. But the Chancellor's fascination and desire to single you out the way he did during our meeting concerns me."
"That's why I do not let my guard down around him," commented Anakin. Yes, he was the best pilot in the Order and exceptionally skilled. . .but that did not mean he wanted his achievements, skills, and person to be showcased like some prized animal or toy.
"Master, what do you think—"
"We can discuss this matter further later if you like," Obi-Wan cut across when the alarm sounded. It was a signal that they were about to come out of hyperspace. "May the Force be with you, Commander."
Anakin watched as Obi-Wan walked away. He stood there for a second before adding the finishing touches to his ship. Once done, he hopped inside and ran a system diagnostics check with his astromech R4. The droid beeped and whistled that all systems were ready. "Here we go," closing his cockpit, he fired up the engines and took off with the clones, who boarded their ships behind him after receiving the green light.
"All squadrons to me. Let's draw them in," said Anakin over his comm, watching hundreds of droid fighters exit their stations and start firing. "Take evasive actions now!" he ordered, firing his laser cannons.
The battle began in earnest as the dogfight over Muunilinst kicked up. While Anakin and his squadrons kept the Geonosian starfighters busy, the gunships under Obi-Wan's command descended onto the planet's surface to deal with the thousands of droids and their tanks.
On the planet's surface, to say things were going well for the members of the Banking Clan would be an absolute lie, as they, especially their leader, San Hill, were panicking about how the Republic forces were breaking through their lines. Hill was especially worried that if captured, he'd lose his investments in the droid factories. That would severely cripple profit margins, and he would lose a substantial amount of money. He immediately turned around and pointed at the Separatist Commander, Durge. A male Gen'Dai bounty hunter commissioned by Count Dooku to lead the Separatist forces on Muunilinst.
"I don't know why Dooku sent you here if all you're going to do is stand around," he angrily said, even though it was clear that he was afraid. His fear grew when the bounty hunter grabbed him by the throat. Fearing what might happen next, he quickly adjusted his tone. "I mean whenever you're ready."
Durge threw him on the ground before leaving to command a battalion of IG lancer droids on swoop bikes. Just when the Clones were about to press their attack, Durge, and his droids began tearing through their forces and destroying their AT-TE walkers. To combat the new enemies, Obi-Wan also led a team of clone troopers on speeder bikes to counterattack. Both sides had lost numbers on their ends and were nearly about to wrap up, with Kenobi's forces slowly gaining more ground.
Eventually, Obi-Wan and the Separatist Commander Durge found themselves locked in combat. Their initial battle, though difficult for Obi-Wan, proved to be the better warrior. Believing that the droid Commander was no longer functioning, he mounted his speeder bike and went to join his troops. However, unbeknownst to him, the Gen'Dai's unique biology enabled him to regenerate his lost limbs.
Right when Obi-Wan and the Clones finished cutting and shooting down the droids, Commander Cody brought San Hill forward. The Muunilinst pleaded for mercy, stating that he was merely a banker. Before he could be taken in, Durge flew in, ready to continue his battle with the Jedi Knight. The minute he was spotted, the ARC troopers fired upon him with their blasters, destroying his jetpack. One of the clones used a missile launcher to fire a missile, blowing away his armor. In doing so, the bounty hunter's true form was revealed. Durge then assaulted the clones, particularly Obi-Wan, with his intestines. As the clones were pushed back and knocked out by the bounty hunter, Obi-Wan ended up being absorbed into his body.
This, however, did not last very long as the Jedi used the Force to blast the Gen'Dai apart from the inside, covering the area and himself in its slime. Seeing that the battle had been won, Obi-Wan used the Force to summon back his lightsaber and then again to move the broken column around San. There, he quipped about the Muun surrendering. San shakingly stood up and held his hands out so Cody could put the binders on him.
In space, the battle continued, with Anakin and his fighters destroying most of the Geonosian starfighters and defense platforms. Things seemed to be going well until a rouge fighter emerged from hyperspace and started taking out the members of Blue Squadron. Sensing something was wrong, he ordered the rest of the fighters to fall back while he dealt with the unknown rogue starfighter. Whoever was piloting the ship was undoubtedly strong with the dark side.
As the two fought, the pilot of the rogue fighter darted to the planet's surface, where they zipped through the city with incredible speed. Anakin wasn't far behind, following behind them. They continued flying through the city, with Anakin firing his lasers onto the ship, though the pilot seemed to dodge each one. Obi-Wan contacted Anakin over the comm, telling him to let that ship go and that his place was with his squadron. Anakin assured him that most of the space battle had been handled and that the person he was chasing was no droid pilot. Obi-Wan sensed something unusual about the pilot as they were strong in the dark side.
Following the fighter back into space, R4 beeped and whistled what he was reading. "Jumping into hyperspace? You have his coordinates?" R4 beeped in confirmation.
"Then plug them in. He's not losing us," Anakin instructed his astromech.
Against Obi-Wan's objections, Anakin followed the rogue starfighter as it went into hyperspace.
(00)
The coordinates he was following led him to the familiar planet of Yavin 4. Anakin took his fighter down to the planet's surface, landing a safe distance away from the dark side user's position. Getting out of his starfighter, he ordered R4 to watch the ship while he went to look around and see if he could locate that person on his own. From there, he ventured into the familiar jungle; having been through there multiple times, he became familiar with where specific areas were.
Before he could go further, there was a big explosion that rocked the surface somewhat, and Anakin quickly returned to where his ship was. There, he saw what caused the ground to shake, a Republic cruiser had descended and landed. The clones immediately exited the ship when the ramp was lowered, and Anakin felt he knew who had sent them.
"Sergeant," Anakin approached the man.
"Commander Skywalker," the trooper stood in attention.
"Obi-Wan sent you to follow me, didn't he?" Anakin asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Yes, sir," the clone answered.
"All right. Have some men protect the ships," he instructed. "The rest encircle the clearing. Prepare to sweep the jungle."
The Sergeant and his men mobilized and ventured into the jungle while a few stayed to guard the ships. Anakin pulled his cowl over his head the moment he heard some thunder and went to join his men. Remembering his lessons with Obi-Wan and Mace, he cast his senses like a searching the jungle. The Force energy of the planet moved through him and helped expand his senses. "I got a bad feeling about this."
Carefully moving through the jungle, Anakin narrowed his eyes when his senses alerted him an enemy was near. "Something is wrong. I can feel it." With a quick scan of his senses, he searched for his troopers only to find many of them had been killed. Refocusing his senses on who was responsible, he located the person he was searching for and ran back to his ship, though not before hearing one of his troopers scream. Arriving back at the clearing where the ships were, he saw the trooper that had been screaming, lying on the ground.
"Trooper? Are you all right?" He asked the clone as he shakingly stood on his feet. "What happened?"
Then, the Republic cruiser and his starfighter exploded, scattering several of their destroyed pieces, including R4's dome head, in all directions. Anakin lifted his eyes from his astromech's destroyed dome to the person responsible. This was the person who was responsible. They used the Force to clear a path so they could walk through. The person revealed herself to be Asajj Ventress, the new Sith assassin.
"You are going to regret what you've done," Anakin promised. The Dathomirian female removed her cowl and responded coldly.
"Come, Padawan. Your fall will be my ascension to the Sith," she drew her curved lightsabers and ignited their crimson blades.
Anakin did the same in drawing his saber and igniting his sapphire blade. Then, after a split second, their cloaks were removed from launching at one another. Anakin quickly went into Soresu upon realizing she was a user of Jar'Kai.
Initially, the two proved to be evenly matched, though Anakin slowly started to take control of the battle when she failed to break through his defenses. Because she could not break through, Ventress decided to use the Force to push him back and send a couple of logs at Anakin. The Padawan may have been pushed back a few feet, but he did not fall and proceeded to slice through the logs before pushing her back with the Force. Upon pushing her back, Anakin jumped into the air and attempted to bring his saber down onto her; however, she used the Force to lift up the already sliced branches and logs to intercept.
Ventress then moved in for an attack when Anakin's back was turned, though he quickly turned and blocked her strikes. The two continued trading blows until Anakin managed to disarm her of her lightsabers. Attempting to strike at her, Ventress used the Force to jump into the high trees, landing on one of the branches, then summoning her sabers back to her. Anakin followed after her, and their duel continued.
In spite of this being a difficult battle, with them fighting through the high branches and vines and moving from tree to tree, it was clear that Anakin had the advantage over Ventress. The two eventually ended up on the steps of the Massassi Temple with both of their uniforms torn in places. Adding to that, it started to rain, though it did not impede them. The control of the battle shifted in Anakin's favor, who started using Djem So and Ataru to push her up the temple steps. Ventress was attacking less and less as Anakin had forced her onto the defensive as they ascended to the top of the temple.
Using her strength, she knocked Anakin's lightsaber out of his hands and went to deliver the killing blow. But Anakin intercepted by grabbing both her wrists in his hands. Tightening his grip on her left wrist, he used the Force to increase his strength and caused her to drop her lightsaber in that hand. He would have broken her wrist completely but caught himself after realizing he was slipping toward the dark side and surprised Ventress by pushing her back. Taking a deep breath to calm himself. Anakin remembered his teachings and his love for both his mother and Padmé. By focusing on them, he was able to dispel the dark emotions from his mind and call his lightsaber back to his hand. Igniting his saber, Anakin pushed Ventress back to the edge of the temple's roof with a flurry of strikes. All Ventress could do was defend herself against Anakin's Force-enhanced strikes as the ledge beneath her feet began breaking apart. Little did she know that this was his doing; besides enhancing his strength via the Force, he was also weakening the ledge. And with his last strike, the ledge finally broke beneath her, and she was sent down into the deep chasm screaming.
Anakin bowed his head in brief sadness. "I'm sorry it had to end this way." While he did want to make her pay for killing his men. He would have preferred to arrest and transport her back to Coruscant for questioning.
The Padawan turned away and walked down the temple's steps, heading to her starfighter. Anakin's eyes widened after he felt the Force around him. He then felt a familiar Force signature and turned around to see a projection of Master Yoda. "Master Yoda? How is this possible?" Baffled by what he was seeing.
The diminutive Master smiled at him. "Possible with the Force many things are. Here to see you go through your final trial, I am."
Anakin understood what was happening. Master Yoda was projecting himself through the Force from Coruscant. "Come, Padawan. To your final trial, we go." Anakin followed the Grand Master to a nearby cave, where he immediately sensed the dark side emanating from it.
"Enter the cave and confront your worst fears you must. Serve as your final trial it will. Need your weapon, you will not," Yoda stated, using his cane to point at Anakin's lightsaber, which was attached to his belt.
Anakin looked ahead at the dark, eerie cave. He briefly pondered why he would not need his lightsaber, though he nonetheless complied; unclipping it from his belt, he placed it by the long branch near Master Yoda. For even though his lightsaber was his life. His responsibility. This would not be a trial that he could accomplish by using a physical object, something Master Yoda knew. No, Master Yoda wanted him to use the Force and his love for his mom, the woman he loved, and his adoptive father. He could even feel Obi-Wan's and the late Qui-Gon Jinn's Force signatures surrounding him.
"Be with me," he mentally said to himself, reaching out to Mace, Padmé, and his mom. Upon feeling their presence within him, he entered the cave. Allowing his eyes to adjust to the empty cave, he let the Force be his guide as he went deeper inside.
The further Anakin ventured into the cave, the more different noises he heard until two different yet familiar voices caused him to stop in his tracks.
"Ani!" Came his mom's voice.
"Anakin!" Padmé's voice was heard, and it called to him.
Their frightened voices made his heart start beating rapidly, and he eagerly looked around for them. Before he could let their scared voices reach him further, he remembered that they were safe on Coruscant and Naboo. This was only an illusion created by his mind and inner darkness. He understood what Master Yoda meant about not needing his lightsaber. For this would be a psychological battle manifested by his own darkness.
The deeper he went into the cave, the more voices he heard; closing his eyes, he ran further into the cave until he stopped in the center when the screaming finally stopped. Opening his eyes, he found himself on a small island surrounded by lava. Here, he felt the dark side much stronger than ever. His heart stopped beating for a moment, and a cold chill ran down his spine when he heard the sound of someone breathing through a breathing respirator. Quickly spinning around, Anakin saw someone near the island's edge encased in a fully black cybernetic suit and a mask. This person was very powerful and possessed a strong connection to the dark side of the Force. Anakin did not know who this person was but could tell that his strength in the Force rivaled his own.
"Who are you?" Anakin cautiously asked the man. A feeling of dread washed over him as the man's breathing soon became controlled.
"The Force is strong with you, young Skywalker," the man casually said in a deep voice. "But you do not realize your true destiny nor the power you possess."
"Who are you?" Anakin asked again.
"I am Vader. Darth Vader," the man introduced himself. "But you already knew I am."
"I do not know what you are talking about. I have never seen you before in my life," Anakin denied, not believing what the man said was true.
"Yes, you do know who I am," Darth Vader replied. "For I am you. I live in you. " Seeing that the Jedi still did not believe him, he proceeded, "Allow me to show you the truth."
Vader disappeared into the darkness, and soon, the red-black fog around Anakin became more pronounced, showing him images. The first was blurry, though he realized who it was: Padmé. She was crying in pain, begging for his help. Next to her was a crying Shmi, who held a crying baby boy in her arms. What was going on? Was that his and Padmé child? Was this the future or a possible version of the future? These questions plagued his mind.
Another image appeared. This one was of him and Padmé. Something was obviously wrong, as he saw the distressed look on his face while looking into the Coruscant night sky. "What's bothering you?" she asked, trying to understand what was wrong with him. Though his attention went to her swollen belly. She was pregnant.
Even though the image of himself tried to divert the question, she could tell what he was doing and pressed the matter by asking how long it would take for them to be honest with each other. Reluctantly, the false image of himself replied that he had a dream.
"You die in childbirth." His heart immediately stopped beating as another cold shiver ran down his spine.
"And the baby?" Padmé's voice asked in worry.
"I don't know. . ." His dream self said. The real Anakin could see there was pain in his eyes.
"It was only a dream," Padmé tried to assure him, though he could hear the fear in her voice.
"I won't let this one become a reality," He heard himself declare. Was this really himself that he was hearing? "What was going on?"
Another image soon appeared of him igniting his sapphire lightsaber at a group of scared children. "No! Don't!" he cried, but the image did not listen. He proceeded to cut them down one by one.
Before anything else could be said, a new image appeared, this one much clearer. It was of him leading a garrison of clone troopers into the temple with his saber ignited. The clones were firing at the Jedi while the image of him battled a couple of them and slaughtered a handful of younglings. All of the Jedi in the temple were being killed with the faux image of Anakin and the clones, leaving no one alive.
After the battle, he returned to Padmé's apartment, where she came out running with his mother following behind. The expression on Padmé's face nearly broke his heart, for she had tears dripping down her eyes and was going through several emotions: sadness, fear, and confusion. The image of Anakin said the Jedi were now labeled as traitors to the Republic and that he would be heading to Mustafar to deal with the Separatist leaders. He told the images of his mum and Padmé to wait for him.
The scene then changed to that of the volcanic world. He watched himself pull his cowl over his head and head inside the main control room, where he met with the Separatist leaders and a few droids. Reaching out with the Force, he closed the two doors, trapping the leaders inside before igniting his saber and cutting them down one by one. "No, stop! Stop it now," the real Anakin cried, though it was useless as they all ended up dead. What really got to him was when he saw the look in his eyes. His eyes were bleeding Sith yellow. The dark side was radiating off of him.
Done, he looked to see a Nubian cruiser landing on the pad next to his starfighter. Down came the ramp with a distressed and very scared image of Padmé and his mum. The three ran to each other, embracing tightly. From the former's disposition, she was clearly heavily pregnant and could do any second. But for the image of himself, he could sense darkness, surprise, love, but more importantly. . .anger, hate, fear, and desperation. Why would he be afraid?
The three exchanged words with the image of himself, noting that he saw her ship and wondered what they were doing way out here. Padmé gripped his arms tightly with tears in her eyes, explaining that Obi-Wan told them terrible things. When asked what terrible things she said, he turned to the dark side and killed younglings. The real Anakin could feel the anger and darkness growing from the image of his dream self. He would never do such things, but his dream self did not say anything to deny the claim.
The dark image of himself said that Obi-Wan was trying to turn them against him. But Padmé tried to reason with him, saying he cared about them. All of them. When asked what she meant, Shmi answered that Obi-Wan knows that Padmé is pregnant and that Anakin is the father. Padmé pleaded that all she wanted was his love. However, her words fell on deaf ears as the dark image of himself claimed that love would not save her; only his new powers would.
The image of his mother pleaded for her son with tears in her eyes to not go down this path as he was a good person. However, this image of himself was far too consumed by the dark side. More words were said. Anakin felt tears streaming down his face as his mom, and Padmé tried in vain to reach this version of himself. It was here that Anakin understood what was going on. The Sith had taken advantage of his fear and manipulated him into believing that only the dark side would be capable of saving the woman he loved.
Both Padmé and Shmi backed away with tears in their eyes. Padmé looked at him with fear, saying she didn't know who he was anymore and that he was breaking her heart. He was going down a path she could not follow. Again, she pleaded for him to listen and turn back to the man she loved. The real Anakin heard her please and felt the love she had for him. What this image of himself was turning into was killing her. Add to that, it was also killing his mother, who tried to beg her son to reconsider as it was not too late. They needed him in their lives, and without him then, they would be lost.
His dream self then looked up at the ramp of her ship to see Obi-Wan standing there with his hands on his hips, and the dream Anakin was furious. Allowing his mounting anger and the dark side to control him, he called her a liar when Padmé said she loved him.
A stunned Padmé turned to see that Obi-Wan had used her to find him and stowed away on her ship. Shmi tried to find words to defuse the situation. But to no avail, as Anakin's dream self had already made his decision. "You're with him! The two of you brought him here to kill me!" Dream Anakin raised his hands and gripped Padmé's and his mother's throat with the Force. Choking them.
"What are you doing?!" Anakin yelled as his dream self. "Enough! You're killing them!"
The vision changed, showing that he was in a vicious duel with Obi-Wan. He could feel the anger and hatred coming from his dream self. His dark side was truly trying to kill Obi-Wan, the person he thought of as a brother. Next came an image of him being burned as he lay near the edge of the lava river. The fire had caught onto his black tunic and started to spread all around, burning him beyond recognition. Then he was on a metal table being put inside that horrible black suit.
Anakin would have crumpled to the ground had he not felt the presence of those he loved within him. This was nothing more than a manifestation of his dark side. It was not real. Stilling his resolve, he allowed the positive emotions to fill him as he turned to Vader, who emerged from the darkness. "No, this is not real."
"It is the future. You bring countless lives to ruin," Vader said with his mask fading, showing his ash-white face and Sith eyes. "They more importantly. . .Padmé would have died anyway. Love made her weak; the only way she could have survived would be through the dark side. Give in, and you will be able to save your friends and the ones you love," Vader taunted.
"No," Anakin replied, taking a step forward. "The dark side has clouded your mind, and you killed them. Though it is an easy path in life, there is a price that must be paid for that power. Your soul." Remembering his training and his promise to himself and his family. "The power of the dark side is poisonous and seductive. . .promising those with great things. But it transforms them into something they are not. Dark side users, notably the Sith, make promises, but they are empty and will leave those with nothing but anger, pain, and sadness. Have you become so consumed by your anger and pain that you cannot see past your own mistakes and failings?"
"No, you're wrong," Vader declared. "The dark side is all that I am." Anakin walked forward as everything, but the image of Vader vanished away.
"You say I am you. Claim that this is who I was destined to become. Well, you're wrong. Our mother loved us more than anything in the world, and so did Padmé. Nature did not kill them, nor did they betray us. No. You became a victim of the dark side, turned into a monster, and killed them both. And for what? Because of some dream or possible future that may or may not occur? You have allowed your anger and fear to control you."
Darth Vader's breathing became heavier, as did his growing anger. Anakin sensed his emotions; he was beginning to realize the truth but was unwilling to accept it. Anakin pressed on. "Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Mace, Padmé, and my mother would never want this for me. For that, I reject you and your darkness."
The illusion of Vader melted away after he unclipped his lightsaber, igniting its crimson blade, and prepared to strike at Anakin, who stood there with his eyes closed. Sensing it was over, Anakin took several deep breaths before turning in the opposite direction and leaving toward the cave's entrance.
Exiting the cave, Anakin saw that he was still in the jungle and that this was not an illusion. Over by the branch was Master Yoda, still waiting for him. "Many demons you found inside, did you not?"
"Yes, Master. I see that my real enemy is my inner darkness. While the dark side may offer power and make promises, it will ultimately destroy me and turn me into a monster."
"Hmm indeed. . ." Yoda nodded. A small smile crossed his lips, and he chuckled. "Passed your final trial you have. Always be mindful of your emotions, and do not let them overrule you. Glad I am that you understand."
"I do, Master. Thank you," he bowed as the image of Master Yoda vanished into the Force. Lifting his head, he knelt down to grab his lightsaber and attached it to his belt before heading to where Ventress's starfighter was. All the while thanking those who helped guide him.
As if like a distant echo, he heard Mace's voice through their bond. I will always be there for you, my son.
On the worlds of Coruscant and Naboo, Padmé and Shmi could not help but smile when they felt Anakin's presence. The light in them sparked.
(00)
Back on Muunilinst, the battle had been one. The Muuns and a few Neimoidian leaders were being led to a Republic transports in chains. Obi-Wan met with his Captain, who explained that the ship Commander Anakin was chasing had entered the system and was approaching their position. "I have batteries standing by."
Obi-Wan diverted his attention to the incoming ship and sensed that it was not the person whom the Captain believed. "Hold your fire, Captain," he instructed.
The clones aimed their weapons at the ship when it touched down but soon lowered them when the cockpit opened, revealing Anakin Skywalker. The Captain was the first to address him. "Commander Skywalker," they all saluted him.
"As you were, everyone," said Anakin, who hopped out from the ship and walked toward Master Kenobi. Obi-Wan had his arms folded. By his expression, Anakin could tell he was a little disappointed. Yet his eyes showed some relief. "I'm sorry, Master," Anakin bowed his head in shame as he knew he had disobeyed orders to go pursue the dark assassin. You were right. It was a trap laid out by the Sith. . ."
Obi-Wan's expression softened somewhat as he placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "I am just glad you're all right. Where if you were not taking the trials, I scold you more." His tone changed into one of seriousness. "What did you find out?"
"The person I chased to Yavin 4 was called Asajj Ventress. She was apparently a new Sith assassin. After we fought, Master Yoda appeared through the Force and directed me to a cave where I faced my last trial," Anakin explained.
"That would explain the change I sense in you," Obi-Wan commented. He would have said more but received a transmission. A holographic image of Master Barrek appeared on his comlink, and he was deflecting blaster bolts while asking for assistance for immediate evacuation.
The communication was spotty at best, but Obi-Wan could tell his fellow Jedi were in trouble on the planet Hypori. His forces had been destroyed, and only a few Jedi were still alive. The transmission may have been cut off, but not before Master Barrek commented about how unstoppable the droid leader was and his name. . . General Grievous.
"We must return to Coruscant immediately," said Obi-Wan in a non-nonsense tone that Anakin knew very well. The situation was indeed urgent.
(00)
It took two days for Obi-Wan and Anakin to return to Coruscant after ensuring the prisoners were in the custody of the troopers on Coruscant at the Senate building. They boarded a shuttle bus and were taken to the Jedi Temple. Obi-Wan told Anakin he could grab something to eat and get some rest in his quarters while he met with the members of the Council. If they request Anakin's presence, he would signal him to arrive in the Council Chamber.
Going their separate ways, Anakin headed to his room, where he pulled out a new tunic from his closet and left toward the refresher to shower. After a quick shower, he was dressed in his new tunic, then went to the cafeteria, where he got his grub and sat down.
A half-hour later, he finished and went to his quarters. On his way there, he ran into Darra and could tell she was happy. "You're in a good mood. Any reason why?"
"I passed two of my trials," she smiled. Last month, she was summoned to the Council Chamber with her Master, where the members of the Council agreed to let her undergo the trials for Knighthood. So far, she had faced the trial of Courage and Insight. "What about you? Last I heard, you were on Muunilinst with Master Kenobi and had accomplished three of your trials."
"Five now," he grinned. Darra looked at him with surprise. "It's a long story, but this Sith assassin named Ventress flew her starfighter through Blue Squadron, destroying them and. . ."
"Obi-Wan advised you not to pursue, but you disobeyed and followed her to a distant planet where you two fought, and you defeated her," giving him a cheeky grin. Knowing what he was about to say.
"You know me a little too well. It's a little scary." The two laughed as Darra playfully punched him in the arm. "So when do you leave again?"
"In a few hours," she replied. "What about you?"
Anakin shrugged. "I don't know. But if I were to guess, I'd say the next morning or the day after. Before that, I think I'll get called into the Council Chambers."
"Better to enjoy ourselves while we have the opportunity."
"Amen to that. . ." Anakin quipped.
In the Council Chambers, Obi-Wan stood in the center of the room before the members of the Council who were not on the battlefield. Master Windu returned from Dantooine the day before. He sat in his chair with his fingers clasped together, listening as Obi-Wan delivered his report on Muunilinst and on Anakin's progress through his remaining trials. Through the Force, he sensed something regarding Anakin, though he did not know what. Mace was momentarily surprised to hear about the Dark Assassin Asajj Ventress and about Anakin's duel with her on the 4th moon of Yavin.
Master Yoda then added. "Mmm. . ." nodding his head, "completed his last two trials, young Skywalker. Knight him once the other members of the Council return, we will."
Master Windu then explained what had happened to Jedi Master Depa Billaba. She was now in a permanent coma and would not wake anytime soon. That certainly got Obi-Wan's attention as he thought she was on a different world with her legion of clone troopers. To hear that she had been injured and put into a coma was a big shock to him, as he wondered how that could have happened. Did the person who destroyed Master Barrack's team and the other Jedi with him have something to do with it? But it made sense as to why she wasn't present.
As such, what happened next really got his attention. Mace declared that because of his service to the Jedi Order, his help in training Padawan Anakin Skywalker, and his accomplishments thus far, he and the other members of the Council have decided to bestow upon him the rank of Master and presented him with Master Billaba's council seat.
Accepting his promotion with humility, he took a seat in the chair Master Billaba sometimes occupied, still mindful of the other Masters present. He felt truly nervous when a few of them called him Master Kenobi. Nonetheless, he composed himself and listened to the other forms of business that needed to be discussed today.
(00)
Three days later, Anakin used one of the Temple's speeders to travel to the Senate building to visit Padmé, who would likely be in her office. Pulling up at the closest parking space, he got out and walked toward the building's entrance, where he was met by two of the Senate guards. They verified his identity and allowed him to proceed inside. The Padawan moved through the lobby full of people, ignoring the glances being directed his way by some of the female Senators and their aides. They might have been attractive, but they had nothing on his angel. Entering the elevator, he pressed the button for the desired floor and rode it up.
It only took a moment or two before the elevator stopped at the floor he wished to be on, and once the doors opened, Anakin made his way through the hall. Coming up to Padmé's office, he knocked on the door. "Who is it?" He heard her voice.
Rather than reply, he pressed a button, and the door slid open. Anakin saw her sitting behind her desk, looking through one of the few datapads across her desk. "How is my beautiful angel doing today?"
Padmé's eyes widened when she raised her head to see Anakin standing in her office with his signature grin. She put the datapad she was holding on her desk and ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck and claiming his lips in a soft kiss. Anakin kissed her back, picked her up, and spun her around before setting her back down. "That was a nice greeting."
"Ani, what are you doing here?" She was happy to see him again as she had been up to her neck reviewing reports and being in Senate meetings.
"Well, I wanted to see how you were doing and was wondering if you would be interested in a lunch date."
Padmé sighed. For as much as she wanted to go with him, she had a number of different things to do today. Anakin sensed that she wanted to, but it would be unlikely, given her workload. So he got an idea. "I could call Dex and have the food delivered here."
A smile crossed her beautiful face. "That could work. Do you need to use the building's communication room?"
"No, I can do it through my comlink," he replied, then took a seat on her grey sofa. Anakin called Dexter's Diner and ordered lunch for them to be delivered to the Senate building. Ending the call, he looked back in her direction to see that she was sitting back in her chair. "It will be here in about ten to fifteen minutes."
"Thank you. I could really use something to eat right about now." She groaned as she looked through her datapad at the appropriations fund being directed at the Republic's clone army. And by no means was it small.
"Works been piling up?" He inquired.
"You have no idea," shaking her head in dismay. "It hasn't even been a full year since this war began, and the Republic is already borrowing a generous amount of money from the Banking Clan."
Anakin could tell she was annoyed and went to help ease her tension. Getting up from his seat, he rubbed his hands together and stood behind her. Placing both his hands on her shoulders, he started massaging them.
"Anakin. Ani. . .please I. . ." she tried to say but couldn't finish her sentence as the tension in her body slowly disappeared. She could feel him imbuing the Force into his hands as he massaged her shoulders.
"You've been working hard and need to take a moment to relax," said Anakin, who smirked at seeing he was having a positive effect on her.
It's true that she has been working hard lately, both with her responsibilities as the Senator for Naboo and with Master Gallia. Finding time to take a break and relax her nerves was sometimes difficult. She had to admit that she never expected her boyfriend to be a masseuse. The way he was making her feel was great.
"I hope this is not one of your special techniques, my handsome Jedi," she inquired in a low, sultry voice. Anakin only grinned.
"Sorry, angel, not this time," Anakin replied. "This is only me trying to help you relax. Why? Do you like it?"
Before Padmé could respond, Anakin removed his hands from her shoulders and stood by her desk in a composed manner when her door slid open. A droid carrying a bag of food from Dexter's Diner walked in. Anakin took out a few credits from his pocket and gave them to the droid, who counted them before handing him the to-go bag.
"Care to join me, Milady?" Offering with an easy smile which, she returned.
"Of course, my handsome Jedi." Together, they sat on the grey sofa and began having lunch. Padmé hummed a little while holding his hand. "I missed this. . ."
"As do I," replied Anakin. He ate some of his vegetables and gave Padmé's hand a soft, gentle squeeze. Anakin then kissed her forehead. "I don't know how long I have until I am called back to the front lines. But for now, I just want to spend time with my angel."
"Feeling is mutual," said Padmé as she continued to eat her salad.
The two continued their lunch while sharing a light conversation about what life would be like if the Republic was not at war with the Separatists. Anakin mentioned Obi-Wan being promoted to the rank of Master and made a member of the Jedi Council. As if spoken into existence, Anakin's comlink activated, and a holoprojection of Obi-Wan appeared.
"Anakin, the Council requires your presence immediately," said Obi-Wan.
"I'll be right there, Master," he said, though part of him felt reluctant about having his time with Padmé interrupted. Turning his head. "I have to go."
"I understand," Padmé said. Anakin gave her a quick kiss on the lips before getting up and leaving.
Driving his borrowed speeder back to the Temple took Anakin only ten minutes, though, to be fair, he was speeding a little. The Padawan pulled the ship inside the Temple's hangar bay and jumped out to head to the nearest turbolift. When it stopped, he got out and took off in a mad dash toward the Council Chamber. He had greater stamina and endurance thanks to his physical training and healthy dieting, especially by Jedi standards. It only took him a few minutes to reach his destination, where Obi-Wan was waiting and looking up at Coruscant's skyline with his cowl over his head.
"Good. You're here sooner than expected," said Obi-Wan, turning his attention away from the window to Anakin, who was panting a little and taking a few deep breaths. "It's good to see you know how to be punctual," he quipped. Punctuality may not be Anakin's strongest suit, but he does make an effort to be on time.
Standing up straight, Anakin removed his cowl. "Do we have another mission, Master?"
"No, not yet, at least," Obi-Wan responded and removed his hood. "Though, there is something I want you to know. . ." he began and placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder, offering him a gentle smile. "Even though you joined the Order much later than the other initiates and did not make things easy on Master Windu and me. . . I am nonetheless very thankful to have had you by my side."
"At first, I thought Master Qui-Gon was mistaken about you, but I am glad to say I was wrong," pausing for a moment. He watched as Anakin lowered his head and could tell he was thinking about Qui-Gon. "I know. I miss him too," Obi-Wan admitted, and Anakin raised his head. "Not a day goes by that I do not look to his wisdom for guidance. Master Windu and I have done our best to pass our and his teachings to you. And in our time together, you have proven numerous times that you are capable of all he intended you would be."
"And now we must leave our roles as Master and Student. It is time we became brothers," Obi-Wan finished and removed his hand from Anakin's shoulder.
"Master?" While happy, Anakin raised an eyebrow and was somewhat confused by what Obi-Wan meant. The doors to the council chamber slid open, showing the room was completely dark. Obi-Wan motioned for him to go in, and he did. Anakin made his way to the center of the room, with Obi-Wan following behind. He sensed that all of the Masters had been assembled.
Then Anakin heard the sound of thirteen lightsabers igniting, and feelings of happiness and uneasiness rose within him. Looking around, he saw Obi-Wan smiling, then turned to see his father smiling. His attention then went to Master Yoda. "Step forward, Padawan," he instructed, standing on top of his chair.
Anakin did as he said and took a knee, bowing his head in respect. Everyone except for Yoda lowered their sabers.
"Anakin Skywalker. . ." Master Yoda began, and he raised his head, "by the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, dub thee I do, Jedi." He severed Anakin's Padawan braid. "Knight of the Republic. You may rise, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker."
Anakin stood up and bowed his head at the Grand Master. "Thank you, Master Yoda."
Yoda gave him a gentle nod with a smile and reached out with the Force to press a button that opened the chamber's blind shields. Anakin grabbed his severed braid and left the room with Mace Windu after the dark-skinned man beckoned him to follow. This is one of the best days of Anakin's life.
Mace stopped them when they reached the end of the hall. "I am so proud of you, Anakin."
"Thank you, Master. I mean, Father," Anakin smiled back at the one Mace gave him.
"You have made me very proud of you, my son," Mace's smile was genuine. "Though you sometimes made me feel old, I am happy about the Jedi and the man you have grown to be. Your new quarters are waiting for you," reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his handheld comm device and pressed a few buttons. "Go get settled."
With a curt nod, Anakin pulled out his own handheld comlink and walked toward the turbolift. Switching the device on, the location of his new quarters was revealed. Anakin took the lift down to the floor where the Padawan barracks were and went to collect his things from his now former room. The whole process of moving into his new quarters took two hours, as the Knights' quarters were a little bigger than the Padawans' but still smaller than the Masters'. Yet he wouldn't complain as it would serve as a place where he could have privacy, relax, and collect himself. Right when he was nearly done assembling his workbench, his door chimed and slid open. There was no need to turn around as he knew who it was.
"Tru. How are you doing?" Turning his attention to his friend. Tru's Jedi tunic was dirty and torn in a few places. He probably just returned from a mission with Master Ry-Gaul.
"Relieved, hungry, and ready to get some sleep," Tru chuckled when he noticed his friend's Padawan braid was gone. It had been severed, and he knew what that meant. "So it's true? I only just heard that you were promoted. Congratulations."
He leaned against the wall beside the window, arms folded against his chest and his lips forming an easy grin. "I leave for a few weeks to fight in this Force-forsaken war only to return and find out that you've been made a Knight," he quipped.
"I was as surprised as you," Anakin admitted, walking over with a smile. "Don't worry. You'll be allowed to take the trials soon. Perhaps sooner than later."
"One can only hope," Tru let out a sigh. He sincerely hoped that with this latest mission, the Council would allow him to undergo the trials for Knighthood. He wanted to stand by his fellow Jedi. Anakin had just been promoted, and Darra was currently going through her own trials.
Anakin offered a gentle smile as he could tell what was on his mind. "Give it time, my friend. Soon, the three of us will be standing together. You, me, and Darra. We're a team to the end."
"You're right," said Tru. "So, what's next?"
"The day after tomorrow, I'm being dispatched to the front lines of the worlds in the outer rim to lead my own battalion of clones." Tomorrow, he had to head to the Republic's military base on Coruscant to formalize his rank as General of the Grand Army of the Republic. There, he would get to choose a Captain and his own legion of clone troopers. Fortunately, he had already decided on who would best fit the role as his first in command. "What about yourself?"
Tru shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know. I don't know when Master Ry-Gaul and I will be deployed again."
"Then may the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you, my friend," Tru returned and left.
(00)
After finally completing her last report, Padmé placed her datapad on the table in the living room of her apartment and reclined on the sofa. Her attention was drawn to the main door, which slid open. Standing in her doorway was Anakin, who had his signature grin, yet he had something in his right hand. His Padwan braid. Padmé only smiled as she had a feeling she knew what that meant. The Council had made him a Jedi Knight.
Anakin walked over and placed a soft kiss on her lips before handing her his braid. "Seems I am now a Knight of the Jedi Order," he said, taking a seat beside her. Sensing her tension, he could only guess what might have happened after he left. "Rough time with the other Senators?"
"You have no idea," she tiredly said. "One can only survive being around the Chancellor's loyalists for so long. Thankfully, the Senate is in recess for a week."
"Would you like me to rub your shoulders?" His lips tugged into a light smirk after sensing she had a question on her mind.
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble," she said, doing her level best to keep a full-blown smile from appearing on her lips. She turned so her back was facing him, and Anakin got to work massaging her shoulders. "Ah. . .that feels nice."
She leaned her head back against his chest. Anakin leaned his face into her chocolate locks, smiling. "I have tonight and tomorrow with you before leaving for the outer rim."
"Then we should enjoy the time we have," Padmé said softly.
Anakin kissed behind her right ear and trailed it down her neck, making her breath get caught in her throat. "Ani, you know I'm ticklish there," she giggled.
"Are you now?" Kissing up her neck and turning her head a little. "I seem to have forgotten. Why don't you remind me."
"I think that can be arranged," she said, meeting his mischievous smile with hers. Raising her head up to claim his lips, she repositioned herself so she was now sitting on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck while they shared a passionate kiss.
They stayed like that, making out for several minutes until the need to break apart for air became necessary. Anakin and Padmé looked into each other's eyes, and in a swift motion, he brought his lips back to hers and picked up her bridal style. He then carried her to their bedroom. They spent the rest of the night basking in their lovemaking.
A/N: Anakin has faced Asajj Ventress and confronted his inner darkness. Darth Vader. As such, he has completed the trial of skill and trial of spirit and is now a Jedi Knight. Fortunately, he was not the only one who had been promoted; Obi-Wan is now a Jedi Master and Council member. It was never specified when Master Depa Billaba was put in a comatose state by Grievous, so I assumed it happened early on during the first few months of the Clone Wars.
Next Chapter: I have a new Padawan