Chapter Two
Sparks flew as their lightsabers came together then parted quickly, only to be brought back together again.
“Relax Anakin.” Master Kenobi said. “Let it come naturally.”
“I am trying Master.” Anakin said as he blocked one of Anya’s blows.
“Don’t worry about Anya; she can take care of herself.” Master Vacai said and Anya smiled.
“Come on Ani. Fight me like you did at the temple.” Anya whispered when they were face to face and Anakin smiled.
“I hated you then.” Anakin replied then spun away from her.
“What for?” Anya asked blocking three blows quickly.
“You were a Jedi, and therefore my enemy.” He answered and smiled at Anya’s pout.
“So were you at one time.” Anya retorted and pushed Anakin back physically. He gave her a look and she shrugged. “You know that speeder you like?” Anya asked suddenly and Anakin nodded.
“The one that got mysteriously smashed?” He asked and Anya nodded.
“That was me.” She said and rolled away then stood. Anakin looked at her. “Ran right into the largest rock you’ve ever seen. Came out of no where it did.”
“That was my favorite speeder Anya!” Anakin stated as he flipped his saber behind him to block an attack.
“I know.” Anya stated twirling her saber before striking out again. “But aren’t you happy I survived the accident without a scratch?” She asked grinning like crazy.
“Thrilled.” Anakin said and went for her leg.
“Don’t let hate control your actions Anakin.” Master Kenobi said and Anya raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah Ani, don’t let hate control your OUCH!” Anya’s nose wrinkled as she jumped away from Anakin as a look of smugness came over his face. In a rare moment Anyanka left herself open and Anakin took advantage of it, his lightsaber sizzling madly as it hit the gargolian armor they were both wearing. Anya rubbed her arm then glared at Anakin for a moment.
“Don’t let hate control you Anyanka.” Anakin stated and she narrowed her eyes. With a flip of her wrist her lightsaber met Anakin’s once again.
“I have anger issues remember?” Anya asked a little venomously. Anakin smiled but said nothing as Anya attacked with more force then she had all afternoon.
Something was driving her, and it wasn’t hate. From experience she knew Anakin could handle himself so she just let it go. Whatever it was that held her back when the two of them fought disappeared.
“This will last all night if we let it.” Thartan said smiling and Obi-Wan laughed.
“It would. And much into the next day.” He said as he watched Anya and Anakin fight on the lawn.
“There never has been a victor between those two.” Thartan said with a wrinkled brow.
“I don’t suppose there ever would be.” Obi-Wan stated quietly. “One of them always stops for some reason.”
“Like at the temple.” Thartan said and Obi-Wan nodded.
“Strong both Padawans are.” Master Yoda said and both Thartan and Obi-Wan looked at him. “Matched abilities they have. But still much to learn.” Yoda sighed and looked at the ground shaking his head. Obi-Wan and Thartan looked back out to the field to see Anakin standing before Anya with a sparking lightsaber handle in his hands.
“Whoops.” Anya said quietly, extinguishing her saber.
“That was a little close Anya.” Anakin whispered and Anya quickly agreed. They looked at each other in silence.
What is bothering you Anya? Anakin asked her and her nose wrinkled but she thought and said nothing. Don’t make me kiss you. He joked and Anya smiled.
That’s my trick. Anya thought to him and he raised an eyebrow.
It seems to work wonders. He thought and Anya nodded. So tell me. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
I think the Council is going to separate us. Anya thought glancing over at the three Masters looking at them.
Over the last week several other Jedis came into Casabline, and meetings were held to which neither twin were allowed to join.
Separate us? Anakin asked and Anya nodded. Why would they do such a foolish thing? Only together are we strong enough to resist Darth Sidious. Anya again said and thought nothing for a moment.
I have a plan, but Padme would have to go along with it, and only if the final decision is made to separate us. Anya told him slowly turning and walking towards the Masters.
“I have to agree with Master Thartan, separating the twins would be dangerous.” Obi-Wan told the Council later that day. Master Yoda nodded.
“Together they must be, if defeat Darth Sidious they will.” Yoda said.
“Together they are dangerous.” Master Snabuc said. “You were not the only one watching them fight each other today.”
“If Sidious can get to one, he can get to another! If they are together he can get them both.” Another Master stated to which a few agreed.
“If they are together Sidious can not touch them.” Thartan interjected. “Anakin was always alone with Palpatine, he was easier to manipulate that way.”
“No one can not be touched by Sidious now! His reach is forever growing. It won’t be long before it comes to this system!”
“Then gone we will be.” Yoda said.
“We are not talking about Palpatine’s reach. We are talking about splitting Anyanka and Anakin up. It’s foolish!”
“Splitting them up is the only way to keep them safe.” Master Snabuc stated and Obi-Wan smiled.
“They keep each other safe Master Snabuc. They always have.” He said rubbing a finger across his jaw.
“And where was Anyanka when Anakin turned on us?” Snabuc snapped back making Obi-Wan’s smile disappear.
“The important thing is she was there at the right moment.” Thartan said. “They can not be expected to always be together, but they must be close enough to help the other out if needs be. You’re talking about sending them to opposite ends of the galaxy!”
“You can feel their power in the Force when they are together. If we can feel it, so can Sidious.” Snabuc stated.
“Felt it he already has.” Yoda said raising his chin a little.
“This is why he took them separately. He knows he can not take them both together.” Obi-Wan said. A murmur went through the Council and Yoda sighed.
“Split them up and they will know hate.” Yoda said calmly.
“They just need more training.” Snabuc said looking at Thartan and Obi-Wan. “With proper training the hate will disappear.” Thartan and Obi-Wan looked at each other for a moment.
“They have a connection between them that not even I understand. You separate them and we will lose them both.” Obi-Wan stated.
“Master Yoda, surely their futures….” Snabuc started but Yoda shook his head.
“Clouded their futures remain. Difficult to see.” Yoda said.
“Princess Anyanka, your preparations are ready.”
“Thank you.” Anya said and looked over at Padme. “Are you sure?” She asked and Padme smiled.
“I am. The Council can not separate you two, no more then they could separate Luke and Leia.” Padme said walking over to where Anya stood holding a sleeping Luke in her arms.
The doors to the Council chamber opened and Anakin and Anyanka walked in side by side and stopped before the seated Council and bowed.
“Master?” Anakin asked.
“The council has decided that it is too dangerous for you both to be together.” Master Snabuc said. Anya’s eyes darted to where Obi-Wan and Thartan sat obviously displeased with the decision. Master Yoda’s expression however was hard to read. “You both will be taking different transports to other systems where you will continue your training. Separately.”
“We know.” Anya said looking at Snabuc. “And I hope the Council will forgive me as I disagree loudly.”
“It is not your place to disagree Padawan.” Snabuc said.
“But we are supposed to sit back and let you make this grievous mistake?” Anyanka asked.
“We are only concerned for your well being.” Snabuc stated and Anya shook her head.
“Our well being lies together, not apart.” Anakin told him. Snabuc stared at him for a moment.
“The decision has been made.” He stated and Anya looked over at Anakin.
“So it seems.” Anakin said gravely then turned and faced Obi-Wan and Thartan. “Forgive us Master.” He said and Obi-Wan looked to Thartan before looking at Anya.
“We must disobey your order; we can not allow you to give Sidious direct access to either one of us.” Anya said and Snabuc’s eyebrows furrowed.
“Disobey? If you disobey then you will be expelled from the Order.” Snabuc said darkly and Yoda looked at him.
“Talked about that has not.” Yoda said displeased.
“Do what you must Master,” Anakin said, “but events are already in motion.”
“Events? What events?” Obi-Wan asked and Anya looked at him and smiled.
“I’ve already seen the decision of the Council. And we’ve already disobeyed.” She told him and she looked back to Yoda and bowed. “We will continue our training Master. In the Order or not.” Yoda looked at Anya and nodded. Anakin bowed then looked over his shoulder.
“R2, end transmission.” He said and the twins disappeared. In their place dropped two transmitters, one silver and one black. Thartan shared a smile with Obi-Wan before looking back at the transmitters.
“Anyanka you clever little devil.” He said and looked to Yoda who hid a smile as the rest of the Council broke into chaos.
“We must find them!” Snabuc demanded but Yoda shook his head.
“Far away by now they will be.” Yoda said.
“But there must be a way to track them?”
“The twins are clever. If they do not wish to be tracked, they won’t be.” Obi-Wan said standing.
“If my guess is right,” Thartan said standing beside Obi-Wan “they have acquired an unmarked and quite possibly unlogged transport.”
“Used sister’s help, Anya did.” Yoda said.
“Then we must question her! Surely she will know where they are heading?” Snabuc said and a soft laugh greeted him.
“How could I know, when they themselves had no idea where they were going?” Queen Angelina asked walking into Council chambers. Everyone bowed politely to her.
“Anakin will want to keep in contact with Padme, make sure all the communications are watched.” Snabuc was saying to his assistant.
“I’m afraid they took Padme and the twins with them.” Queen Angelina said. “They left nothing behind.” Snabuc scowled then turned and walked out of the chamber followed by a few others. Soon all that were left were Obi-Wan, Thartan and Yoda. Angelina smiled as she walked up to them. “They did leave these behind for you.” She said holding out her hands. Sitting in each palm was a half moon shaped device with half a crystal in each center. “When you are alone, place the two halves together.” Angelina said her eyes twinkling with mystery. “But not here and not now.” Obi-Wan and Thartan reached out and took a half. Thartan’s was silver; Obi-Wan’s was black. They looked at each other for a moment before turning back to the Queen.
“Thank you, your majesty.” Thartan said with a bow.
“Do not fret for your Padawans.” Angelina said smiling. “I grew up with Anyanka and she is very skilled in getting lost.”
“Together they are, at least.” Yoda said chuckling as he walked by.
Anyanka sat in the pilot chair with her leg over the arm. She was laughing and looked at Anakin.
“Was that you clearing your throat?” She asked and Anakin rolled his eyes.
“That was the name of the system Anya.” He stated and she sighed.
“How about one that we can pronounce without sounding like we have a throat full of flem?” Anya suggested and Padme laughed.
“Somewhere we haven’t been.” Padme suggested.
“Take your pick.” Anakin sighed motioning towards the monitor in front of him.
“Somewhere where it’s warm in the summer.” Padme said looking at the monitor.
“And freezing in the winter!” Anya said smiling. “And rain. It must rain.”
“But not all the time.” Padme said and Anya nodded her agreement.
“Sun, wind, rain and snow.” Anakin stated looking from one woman to the other. “Want to add fire to that to make the elements complete?”
“We can have fires in the winter.” Anya said standing and throwing Anakin a look. “To keep us warm in the freezing snow.”
“Of course.” Anakin said watching Anya as she made her way towards the back of the spacious cabin.
“We have three years to figure out a good system.” Anya said “But after that we will need to resupply.” Padme smiled at Anakin then turned and looked at Anya in all seriousness.
“I will not raise my children on a starship Anyanka.” She said and Anya looked at her.
“This isn’t a starship. It’s a transport.” Anya stated and Padme laughed.
“Big enough to be considered a starship.” Padme said and Anya shrugged.
“A Princess must travel in class Padme.” She said then froze. A loud thump from a nearby closet made her turn and look at the door drawing out her lightsaber. Anakin stood and together they walked towards it. “Tell me I’m hearing things.” Anya whispered and another thump answered her.
“You’re not.” Anakin said igniting his lightsaber. Padme grabbed a blaster and stood between them and aimed it at the door. “On the count of three.” Anakin said his hand on the door panel. “One, two, three!” He pushed the button and the door slid open.
“Don’t shoot or, err…slice?” a very familiar voice said and Anya lowered her lightsaber.
“You have GOT to be kidding me!” She said staring at the people crammed into the tiny closet. “What are you doing here?” She demanded and they looked at each other.
“It was Sirius’ idea.” Petesud said trying to point to Sirius but someone’s elbow was in the way. Anya replaced her lightsaber on her hip and stood in front of the door and just looked at them.
“I always thought you all were closet cases.” Anya said and Anakin sighed.
“And now they can come out of the closet.” He said walking away from the closet.
“Mmmm…perhaps.” Anya said then pushed the button again closing the door on them.
“Hey!” A muffled voice sounded through the door.
“Anyanka!” Padme scolded softly as Anya walked away from the door. Padme looked at Anakin and Anya and then to the door. “Who are they?” she asked.
“The ones from the archives.” Anakin said and Padme raised an eyebrow.
“Really.” She reached over and pushed the button opening the door again. This time Remus came tumbling out landing at Padme’s feet.
“Thanks. I think.” He said and Padme looked at him for a moment then went and sat down beside Anakin on the couch.
“I don’t care whose idea it was, I want to know why you are here.” Anya said staring out the front windows.
“Remus needed some adventure.” Sirius said dusting himself off and Anya turned and looked at him.
“And you just decided to stow away on the first new transport that came off the line?” Anya asked.
“No, we overheard some Casablinians talking about you needing a transport.” Sirius said smirking at her.
“So, where are we going?”
“We?” Anya asked turning to look full at the group now out of the closet. “We are not going anywhere. I will be dropping you five off at the next space port we come to!”
“Oh come on!” Sirius said with a roll of his eyes. “You need someone to watch the ship while you and your brother are off doing important Jedi stuff.” Anya looked over at Anakin who shook his head.
“It would make more sense for you to just take us a long.” Remus said quietly avoiding Anya’s gaze. “Then when we get back to Casabline you’ll never have to hear from us again.” He looked over at Sirius who shrugged.
“And have you endanger the mission?” Anya asked walking towards them. “Have to worry about you getting into some kind of mortal danger?” She was standing in front of Sirius and they stared at each other.
“You brought babies along for the ride.” Sirius said and Anya smiled.
“Yes, but they can not get into too much trouble. And besides, we’re not going back to Casabline.” Anya said and turned away from them.
“You’re not?” Jamlon asked the color slowly draining from his face.
“No. We’re not on any Jedi mission either.” Anakin said from the couch watching Anya.
“Mishela.” Anya said suddenly and turned to look at Anakin and Padme. “I remember my mother talking about it. It’s in the Garmar system I believe.”
“Sounds good.” Padme said and Anya sighed and turned around to face the stowaways.
“As for you, next star port you are all on a transport back to Casabline.” Anya stated.
“Anya.” Anakin said, his eyes twinkling. “We can’t let them go now. They know where we’re going.” Anya looked at him for a moment deep in thought.
“You’re right Ani. They could tell the Jedi Council where we’re going and that would be bad.” Anya began to circle around the group and Anakin stood to join her.
“What should we do?” Anakin asked of Anya.
“We could erase their memories.” Anya suggested but Anakin shook his head.
“Too tricky. We could end up erasing everything they know.”
“And your point is?” Anya asked with a smile.
“We need another option.”
“We could hope they’d never tell.” Anya suggested and Anakin gave her a look.
“You really trust them that much Anyanka?” He asked and Anya pretending to think on it for a moment.
“Not really.” She finally decided. Padme watched the two as they circled the small group in amusement. They looked like predators circling their prey.
“There is another option.” Anakin said and Anya looked at him.
“I was hoping to avoid that one Ani.” Anya said with a small pout. “It’s messy.”
“Yes, but what other choice do we have?” Anakin asked and Anya sighed.
“You’re right. We have no other choice.” Anya said stopping and looking at the group. They were looking at her with wide eyes.
“Space port?” Lilea asked swallowing.
“Eventually.” Anya said and ignited her lightsaber. On the other side of them Anakin did the same. “As waste.”
“Wait!” Remus said holding up his hands towards Anya. “Now just wait, we can talk about this.”
“I’m afraid the time for talking has past.” Anakin stated and Remus looked over at him.
“You can’t be serious.” Sirius said looking at Anya, no longer cocky as he was only a few minutes ago.
“No, you’re Sirius. I’m deadly serious.” Anya said using a play on words which made Anakin chuckle.
“You’d g-get in trouble with the Jedi Council.” Lilea said and Anakin laughed.
“Haven’t you been listening? The Jedi Council is who we are running from. Besides, they’d never find the bodies.” Anakin informed them.
“Which is what makes it so messy.” Anya said pretending to be upset at the thought of getting blood on the new carpet.
“We won’t tell.” Petesud squeaked from behind Sirius. “We promise.”
“This is madness.” Jamlon stated then looked over at Padme. “Tell them this is madness!”
“I don’t mess in the affairs of Jedis.” Padme stated with a shrug. “It’s bad for your health.”
“You can’t.” Remus said his voice a little shaky.
“Oh, but we can.” Anyanka said and twirled her lightsaber exchanging it from one hand to another.
“And believe me, we will.” There was a moment of silence then Anya pouted. “There’s five of them Ani, it’s not an equal split.” Remus grimaced at the word split.
“I take two, you take two and we’ll do the last one together.” Anakin told her and she smiled.
“Who says siblings can’t learn to share?” Padme asked with a smile.
“So, who wants to be the last one standing?” Anya asked. No one answered her, they just stared at her and Petesud squeaked. Suddenly Anya began to laugh and she extinguished her lightsaber. Anakin did the same and was also laughing.
“Well that was fun.” Anakin said coming around the group and throwing an arm around Anya’s shoulders.
“The looks were priceless.” Anya said leaning against Anakin. The group blinked as one and looked at each other.
“Your, your not going to kill us?” Remus asked and Anya shook her head.
“No Remus. We’re not going to kill any of you.” Anakin said.
“And you aren’t really running from the Council.” Remus said and Anya made a face.
“Actually, that we are doing. We are also not going to be heading back to Casabline anytime soon, and you will be getting off this ship at the next space port. And you won’t be telling anyone where we have gone, or the next time we meet, we will not be playing.” Anya said and moved from Anakin’s side, she smiled at Padme as she walked by her to the main console. She sighed and turned to look back at them. “The nearest space port isn’t for at least two days.”
“I guess that means you should make yourself comfortable.” Padme suggested to the group as she stood. A baby’s cry could softly be heard from the other room.
“I got it!” Anya yelled and ran towards the room, Anakin hot on her heels. Padme smiled at them both then looked at the group.
“Really though, it was a bad idea to stow away like that. Not all Jedi can be trusted any more. Sidious has his claws in many people these days. You should be more careful.” Padme told them then motioned for them to sit down on a large couch. After they all had sat down a droid came over and looked at them.
“Can I get you anything?” It asked in an electronic voice. The group softly told the droid what they wanted and the droid disappeared down a hall.
“Why would they joke like that?” Petesud asked looking like a little kid staring at the floor.
“Because they can sense that you fear them.” Padme explained. “And it helps relieve stress. And they are most stressed at this time.”
“What happened? Why are they running from the Council?” Remus asked and Padme smiled. The droid returned with a large tray and placed it on the table then left. Padme reached for her cup and with a sigh began to tell them what had happened.
Obi-Wan and Thartan looked at each other as they sat in a room void of everything but large round back-less chairs. It was a meditation room of sorts, but not one of the temple’s meditation rooms. This one could be found in Anyanka’s house and was used mainly for many of Anya’s strange relaxation habits since meditation proved to put Anya to sleep at some point. Yoda walked in shaking his head and both Masters stood to greet him.
“Still looking the Council is.” Yoda said of the twins’ sudden disappearance. “Not found they will be.”
“Maybe they left us clues?” Thartan suggested holding up his half of the device Queen Angelina gave him earlier.
“Would they risk it?” Obi-Wan asked making Thartan smile.
“Anya once disappeared from the temple on Coruscant leaving me only a small clue to where she might be. When I figured it out I found yet another clue. And then again another then another. Took me almost a whole day to finally find her.” Thartan said with a smile.
“I suppose then we should start?” Obi-Wan suggested taking out his half of the device. Yoda sat on one of the chairs between them and they placed the two halves together.
The halves began to hum softly and the two crystals became one, repairing itself with a soft flash of light. It then hovered three feet above the floor and Obi-Wan and Thartan sat down. The device sat still for a moment and then the crystal began to glow. Suddenly a holo image appeared just above the crystal of the twins and they were smiling.
“Obviously if you two have been given this then what I saw about the Council is true and we are no longer in your care.” The holo image of Anya said almost sadly.
“There is more to this than just us being separated.” Anakin said and looked to Anya.
“If was merely the matter of separating us we wouldn’t have left. Not immediately at least. I fear that there is deception in the Council. Someone can not be trusted.” Anya said.
“We are not suggesting a Sith…” Anakin began.
“That would be too dangerous, and would quickly be felt by the other members of the Council.” Anya said.
“More like an informant.” Anakin said and Anya nodded her agreement. “As the Council had their informant to watch Palpatine,” Anya looked over at Anakin, “He now has one on the Council and no doubt does know where the remaining Jedis are.”
“Sidious’ interest will not lay with the remaining Jedi, it will lay with us.” Anya stated. “You will remain safe on Casabline, for as you know the city is protected heavily.”
“It is our belief that it was Sidious’ idea to separate us. Knowing that he wouldn’t have a chance with us being together.” Anakin said.
“And sadly the Council agreed upon it over looking the plans faults.” Anya said.
“This is, of course dangerous.” Anakin said with a smile. “But then again so are two Padawans alone with no Masters.” Anya smiled and glanced at Anakin.
“We actually have no idea where we’re going.” Anya said lacing her fingers together in front of her. “I have left R7 in my sister’s care. Hopefully he’ll be happier with her then spinning wildly out of control on a Jedi Fighter with me.” Anya’s eyes twinkled and Thartan smiled.
“We know that even together we are not yet strong enough to take Sidious alone.” Anakin said.
“Much training we have left.” Anya interjected making Anakin smile.
“So you don’t have to worry about us heading towards any place the Republic has a good hold on.”
“Damsel in distress just is not my forte.” Anya said and Anakin gave her a look. “Nor is it Padme’s.” Anya said as an afterthought. “Who obviously is with us.”
“Where ever we may end up, we will continue our training.”
“Religiously.” Anya said smirking.
“And keeping a low profile.”
“Not so religiously.” Anya said and Anakin blinked and looked at her. “You have to admit Ani, every time we try to keep a low profile something happens.” Anya said and Anakin raised an eye brow making Anya sigh. “Remember that time when we were told to lay low in a bar and we ended up in the middle of a bar room fight?”
“You started that fight by calling that guy a two-faced barbarian.” Anakin reminded her.
“How was I supposed to know that he actually was a two-faced barbarian?” Anya asked. “I don’t see why he was so upset; if you are one it’s not really an insult now is it?”
“And who had to bail your ass out of that fight?” Anakin asked. They were still facing forward looking at the Masters with light smiles. Obi-Wan and Thartan shook their heads and muttered the same word.
“Focus.”
“Oh like you bailed me out of it!” Anya was saying. “I was doing just fine before you stepped in.”
“Yes, I remember. The barbarian had you around the throat lifting you off the floor.” Anakin poked at her and Anya snorted.
“I had it completely under control.” Anya said her arms crossing in front of her chest. A baby rattler came flying at them and Anakin caught it. They both looked at it for a moment then off towards the direction it came from.
“Focus is something we’ll work on.” Anya said pulling softly on her right ear.
“As well as some other things.” Anakin added.
“But obviously we can not learn much with no one to teach us.” Anya said.
“Or remind them of past learning’s and keep them in line!” Padme’s voice said from someone in the background Anya wrinkled her nose and looked to her left.
“Isn’t that why you’re here Padme?” Anya asked innocently and both twins had to duck as something else flew into view then quickly out of it.
“The point is, we’re safe. For now.” Anakin stated.
“Sidious is more in likely aware that we have…..ran off.” Anya said only pausing to find the right word. “So he’ll more in likely be looking for us as well as the Council. But you have the advantage.”
“Until our paths cross again, may the Force be with you.” Anakin said and the holograms disappeared.
There was a heavy silence that followed. Yoda sighed looking to the floor. “After them, you must go.” He said after a couple more moments, looking up from the floor at Obi-Wan and Thartan. “Safe they are, but Sidious knows they are out there. Alone. Use this to his advantage he will.”
“I wouldn't even know where to begin looking.” Obi-Wan said and Thartan chuckled.
“We have the advantage Master Kenobi. We have R7.” Thartan said.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.” Obi-Wan stated.
“R7 is equipped with a translocator beacon that will tell us, as of now, what system the twins are in.” Thartan explained and Obi-Wan smiled. “Anya can also use the same beacon to find out where R7 is, she’s had to do it a few times.”
“Bring them back, you should not.” Yoda said then sighed. “Afraid I am of the out come of things here. Train them where they want to be trained. Tell no body where you go, or who you are.”
“Yes Master.” Thartan and Obi-Wan said together and stood.
“Careful you must be.” Yoda warned softly. “Tricky Sidious is, clouded everything remains.” Yoda hung his head as the two Masters left him to meditate.
“What do you mean they have not been separated?” A voice boomed from the cloaked hologram of a man.
“She knew Master,” Snabuc said urgently. “She knew the decision of the Council before we could tell them, and they left.”
“Find them!” the voice again boomed.
“We’ve been trying, but to no avail.” Snabuc said and the cloaked man growled.
“She has become more powerful since her fight with Dooku. Something even I could not have foreseen. She must be brought to me!”
“But Master, why her? Wouldn’t it be easier to get her brother as you had done before?” Snabuc asked and the cloaked man chuckled.
“She would only bring him back again.” He said. “If I turn her, there’s no one to bring her back.”
“Of course Master, she is the stronger of the two.” Snabuc stated and the cloaked man almost sighed.
“For now, time is of the utmost importance. It will not take long for Masters Kenobi and Vacai to find their wayward Padawans.”
“They, like us are clueless to where the twins are.” Snabuc said.
“Do not under estimate the power of the Jedi. Nor the loyalty of the twins to their Masters. They have no doubt left them some clues of their whereabouts.”
“Follow the Masters then.” Snabuc suggested with a smile.
“Yes.” The cloaked man agreed then disappeared.
“Noil, I want the twins’ Masters to be closely watched.” Snabuc ordered to one of his bodyguards.
“Yes sir.”
“Tell me, if you are supposed to be trained on how to use the Force, then why are you so scared of us?” Anya asked as she reentered the main room and threw herself into a large chair across from the couch. She proceeded to stare at each one of them, waiting for an answer. “You did go to this school, this Hogwarts right?” She tried a different question, which at least got a few nods. “What kind of name is Hogwarts anyway?” Anya asked off-hand looking out the window closest to her.
“What kind of name is Jedi?” Lilea asked and Anya turned and looked at her. They stared at each other for a moment before Anya smiled.
“The Jedi began as a small group of people dedicated to philosophical study and practical realization of what is now known as the Force. Founded in approximately 100,000 B.G.E, that's Before the Galactic Empire, and even then considered an antiquated religious sect of ineffectual spiritual mysticism, the Jedi succeeded in reestablishing the validity of the ancient tenants, honing them, and bringing their light again to shine in the galaxy. Though originally a purely philosophical group, they soon added a deadly martial aspect to their core disciplines as a result of their vow to use their knowledge and power for the protection and betterment of others. Shunning conventional weapons, the Jedi revived the ancient arts of swordsmanship. To keep pace with modern weapons, however, they magnetically charged their blades and were thus able to deflect projectile pistols and the then-newly-created laser blasters. These charged swords in time evolved into the hallmark Jedi Light Saber.” Anya said in a text book manner and then took a deep breath. “As for where the name came from? Jedi comes from “jidai”, a Japanese word meaning “period”, as in time. A period in time. Created I believe by a Master Lucas or something to that nature, a long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away.” Anya’s gaze went back to the window and even Anakin sat in silence.
“You’re as bad as Remus.” Sirius said braking the silence and Anya’s trance out the window.
“I’m required to know that.” Anya said. “I didn’t look it up for fun.”
“Learning the history of something helps you understand it.” Anakin said in all seriousness.
“Or makes you as boring as hell.” Sirius muttered and Anya laughed shortly.
“I’m a better fighter because of it.” Anya said and then gave Sirius a bitter smile. “And what’s more exciting then getting into a battle knowing that you will survive it?”
“Being spontaneous.” Sirius suggested and Anya nodded.
“Like jumping aboard a ship that you have no idea where it’s headed or even if it is coming back?” Anakin asked and Sirius shrugged.
“Who knew that the Council’s golden children would get into serious trouble and run away?”
“One, we are not running away.” Anya said sharply. “And two, we are not the Council’s ‘Golden Children’.”
“That’s not how Remus describes you.” Sirius said leaning back into the couch and crossing his arms. Remus looked at Sirius and nudged him with his knee.
“And how do you describe us Remus?” Anakin asked softly and Remus swallowed.
“Well, I, err.” Remus said trying to find the right words.
“I do believe his exact words were ‘It wouldn’t matter what either of them did, the Council would never throw them from the Order because they are the Chosen ones.’ He was of course talking about Anakin becoming a Sith.” Sirius said and Anya shrugged.
“Doesn’t really matter now does it?” She asked.
“Mmm….” Sirius said watching Anya carefully. “I suppose not. But no matter what you call it Princess, you are running away.” Anya’s eyes flashed and she snorted.
“And how do you figure?” She asked.
“You could have stayed and fought.” Sirius said like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Both twins started laughing and Anya shook her head and looked back towards the window.
“You do not fight the Council.” Anakin said with a chuckle. “You do what they ask.”
“And if they asked you to do something against your morals?” Lilea asked.
“They wouldn’t.” Anya said and looked over at them. “The Council shares the same morals as all Jedis. They would never ask for something that they themselves would not do.”
“We’re keepers of the peace.” Anakin said. “The Council wouldn’t ask something that could jeopardize that.”
“It seems like someone hasn’t been doing their job.” Sirius stated making both twins and Padme look at him.
“What do you mean?” Anakin asked and he shrugged.
“It just seems to me that someone was sleeping on the job is all.”
“And why do you say that?” Padme asked.
“Chancellor Palpatine is the Sith Lord the Council had been looking for and yet he remained in power long after his time was up, making adjustments to the constitution as he saw fit, all under the Council’s nose.” Remus said quietly. For a moment no one said anything. Padme looked at Anakin then to Anya.
“It is hard for you to understand the events that took place on Coruscant when you were not there to witness them.” Anya said calmly, even with a hint of a smile. “The Senate was blind to Palpatine’s motives, as were we all.”
“Can’t the Council see into the future?” Petesud asked and Anya nodded.
“Any Jedi can. But futures are hard to see when the Dark side has clouded everything. The Council knew what was coming; they could see it, feel it. But they didn’t have details.” Anya explained.
“No one would have even guessed that the Sith was Palpatine.” Padme said with a sad smile. “I knew him for years before when he was my Ambassador. I would never have imagined things would end up as they have.”
“We can’t change the past,” Anakin said and looked at Anya. “We can only do what we can to save the future.”
“And right now that includes you running away?” Sirius asked and Anya sighed.
“That or be separated from each other.” Anakin said and Sirius gave both the twins a look.
“I’ve heard of sibling loyalty, but aren’t you two taking it a bit far?” He asked and Anya tilted her head to the side.
“You wouldn’t say that if you knew that the peace of the universe lies solely in our defeating Darth Sidious. And that apart we stand less of a chance of doing so.” Anya stated.
“The Prophecy states that only together can they bring balance.” Remus said and Sirius smiled.
“Balance in whose point of view?” He asked and Anya gave him a confused look.
“Come again?” She asked and Sirius leaned forward and stared at her.
“Whose point of view? The Jedi’s point of view or the Sith’s point of view?”
“Everyone’s point of view.” Anakin replied his brows brought together.
“Not everyone has the same point of view though.” Sirius commented. “Balance to the Sith is not going to be the same as the balance viewed by a Jedi. You could say that Anyanka has perfect balance and grace, but to someone else that may not be the case.”
“You always speak in rhyme or is it just this one time?” Anya asked then sighed.
“No not normally. I find it rather annoying.”
“Let me ask this of you,” Anya said with a wicked smile. “If you had to choose, from the different views, would you side with the Jedi; where peace and democracy lie, a place where all voices can be heard, Senators are true to their word, where we are all free to be whom we want to be, not answering to one person and peace is always certain or would you go with the Sith; clouded in a darkness you can not lift, a Galactic Empire would rule using everyone as a tool, one Emperor who says what’s right and you don’t have the choice to fight, and if you try, I guarantee you will die? Tell me which of these views offer less of the chance to loose for there’s something here to gain so which would you rather reign?”
“I don’t know whether to applaud or hit you with something.” Sirius said after a moment or two. Padme’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Anya who sat in her chair looking extremely pleased with herself.
“That was very well done Anya. I never knew you had it in you.” Padme said and Sirius looked at her.
“Don’t you start in on it!” He said and Padme laughed.
“Well?” Anya asked and Sirius looked at her.
“I will say anything you want me to, just stop the rhyming.” Sirius pleaded and Anya raised an eye brow.
“You really shouldn’t have said that.” Anakin said smiling. “Soon, you will be begging her to do more rhymes.”
“Looks like they’re headed for the Garmar system.” Obi-Wan said looking at the holographic map that R7 was projecting in front of them. A small dot moved through the stars along a path that R7 had calculated based upon the current direction it was moving.
“Someplace they have not been.” Thartan said. “I think Anya’s mother spoke of Garmar and a planet in that system. I bet that’s where they are heading.”
“Of course you lost them!” Snabuc yelled his arms failing madly in the air. “Why not? They are Master Jedis after all, not even a simple child could have followed them!”
“I’m sorry sir, but we could have sworn they were both in the temple with Master Yoda.”
“You weak minded fool! That’s exactly what they wanted you to think!” Snabuc took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. “Is there any clues to where they may have gone?” He asked and opened his eyes.
“I’m afraid not.”
“Lord Sidious will not be happy with this news.” Snabuc stated and glared at the man.
Petesud walked alone in the cargo hold looking fondly at Anakin’s speeder bike. A thump behind him made him turn quickly only to end up on the floor from dizziness and have large black eyes blink curiously at him.
“Oh, hello.” Pete said to the eyes and stood. “You’re Boga aren’t you?” He asked of the Tascari. Boga’s neck feathers ruffled as she made a soft sound and then lowered her head to Petesud’s stomach and softly nudge him. “You must be hungry.” He stated and Boga chirped her reply the tip of her tail knocking over a cargo box. “I’m afraid I don’t have anything on me.” Pete told her but smiled. “I can get you something though.” He said and Boga shifted her weight from one foot to another rapidly making Pete laugh. “I’ll be right back.” He assured her as he headed for the door. Boga watched him then looked around the cargo hold.
Anya glanced up from the holo map at Petesud and blinked. “A little hungry?” she asked of him startling him slightly making him drop a couple of snack cakes.
“What? Oh no, this isn’t for me.” Pete said and Anya blinked at him. “It’s for Boga. You really ought to feed her more you know. What exactly do Tascaris eat anyway?” he asked and looked at a blank Anya. She stared at him as if he was growing another eye on his forehead. Her arms fell to her sides and she finally blinked.
“I’m a horrible Padawan.” She said finally making Petesud look around. “I can’t even sense stowaways on board a ship.” Her eyes were round and unfocused as she turned slowly back to the map. “How am I supposed to sense danger if I can’t even tell when there’s a large lizard on the ship?”
“Err, more training?” Jamlon suggested and Anakin coughed.
“That was rhetorical.” He said his hand over his mouth.
“Training?” Anya asked looking at Jamlon who suddenly felt like a creature slowly getting cornered.
“Shouldn’t have answered that.” Sirius said under his breath.
“All the training in the galaxy is not going to change the fact that I have allowed six stowaways on board this ship!”
“Actually…” Remus started and everyone but Anya looked at him.
“For the love of all things good do not finish that sentence!” Anakin hissed at him and Remus held up his hands.
“We’re supposed to be going into hiding, and now there are six who can tell anyone who tortures them where we are headed!” Anya continued thankfully unaware of Remus’ interjection.
“I don’t think Boga is going to be doing much talking.” Lilea said and Sirius moaned.
“You just had to go there didn’t you?” He asked her and she shrugged.
“I’m just saying.”
“Someone is going to torture us?” Petesud asked dropping a few more cakes.
“I’m supposed to bring balance back to the Force and I can’t even OUCH! HOLY! R2!!!” Anya fell to the floor and R2 beeped wildly at her. A small device stuck out of one of the many compartments on the droid and it sizzled. Anya’s hand was behind her as she slowly stood and looked at Anakin. “Your droid just bit me on the butt!” She told him as he hid a smile behind his hand.
“I’m terribly sorry. I don’t know what’s gotten into him.” Anakin said coughing to cover up a laugh. Anya looked at her brother and rolled her tongue in her mouth.
“That is going to leave a mark.” Anya said flatly.
“At least it’s somewhere where no one will see it.” Anakin remarked and Anya smiled at him.
“That is not the point.” Anya said.
“I don’t think he actually bit you,” Pete said making Anya look at him. “More like zapped you because droids don’t actually have teeth do they?” Pete’s voice faded softly under Anya’s gaze and he pointed to the stuff in his arms. “I’m just going to go…”
“Small animals.” Anya said and everyone stared at her. “Tascaris eat small animals and other types of meat like rodents. Once in awhile they will eat vegetation, but only if they have to.”
“Oh.” Petesud said and Anya walked over to him.
“If you want to arrive at the next spaceport in one piece, I highly recommend you don’t give Boga sugar. She will quite literally bounce off the walls and a creature of her size, once she gets going, could actually knock a ship off course.” Anya said taking a snack cake from Pete’s arms. “Let’s see if we can’t find something else in the food storage.” Anya suggested placing a hand on Pete’s shoulder and he smiled at her for the first time his eyes filled with joy.
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