[05:45]

: Padme was very excited for the return of her lover. She had missed him horribly the last few days. But he was soon to return. Being at the lake house was simple and fun. There she was able to play and pretend. A part of her considered releasing he stubborn hold for politics. Jar Jar had taken her place in the senate...and although she knew her advisors would be the one's making the actual decisions. She knew that sooner or later she would have to go back. Yes, her life had been in danger and she had lost all three of her most favored hand maidens...but in light of the bad situation, she had found Ani again. Anakin. She busied herself about the house, placing sweet smelling flowers all over. She had managed to coherse her family into allowing her free reign...So they would still have time alone. They could play house, and be happy. [05:49]

: When Anakin arrived he seemed a little down about something, but the momment he lay eyes apon her, he managed a smile. "My love.. I have missed you." He said softly. His arms came around her, holding her tight as he nuzzled at her neck. It felt so good to be with her again. To feel her, smell her, be so close. He knew her heart beat for him.. as his did for her. It filled him with things that the dark side could never bring but... there was a sadness there. He had been forced to look consciously of what he'd known inside for so long. That his time with her wasn't the forever he wished it was. Sure, his heart would be hers always but... that would be all. Everything else, was just the now. So he tried to forget the future, and pay attention to her. "I love you so much.." [05:52]

: Padme smiled brightly and returned the hug. If she could have lifted him she would have. "Mmm yes...I love you to." She surprised him by tickling him suddenly. "Hows that for a surprise attack?" She laughed as she moved forward against him. The house was beautiful, an example of what heaven might represent. Fresh flowers, fresh fruit. And a dinner prepared entirely for him, made souly by Padme'. "I love you Ani, I'm so glad you've returned." Her smile was strong and her eyes sparkled with love. [05:56]

: Anakin dispensed with the sadness in his soul. He let it go... he was with Padme now. This was heaven.. his heaven. He smiled, even letting out a soft laugh as she tickled him. Then, picking her up he kissed her softly and swung her around. Everything was perfect again... he could ignore the murders.. the Sith.. the war... everything to be with her in this momment. "I want nothing more then to be with you right now.. at this momment." He set her down on her feet, kissing her yet again. She was his happyness. [06:01]

: Padme closed her eyes and sighed happily. She gripped lightly at the clothing around his waist, when she looked up at him she opened her eyes. "Well we have many many moments yet to share." She took a hold of his hand and led him towards the dining room. "I've been practicing these last few days." Taking him into the dining room she revealed a table that was covered with a home cooked meal. The table was adorned with flower pedals and sparkling rocks. "It might be a bit much..." She looked towards him and bit her bottom lip. Padme still held his hand tightly. "I assure you it was more proper...for company...until I heard that you had returned alone. Then I went ahead and made it special for you." She smiled with a light laugh. Padme' was oblivious to the Sith apprentice, and only aware of Anakin. Of course she had heard of Anakin's where abouts...but if they didnt match with his own tale...this would bring forth many questions and concerns. [06:07]

: Anakin kissed her as he saw the meal spread out before him. "You've done so much for me." He said softly, carrssing the backs of her hands with his thumbs. "I'm truely lucky to have you Padme." Letting go of her hands he took his place at the table. He inhaled deaply, closing his eyes and letting out a soft purr. "It smells wonderful." He praised. Everything was beautiful. All his hopes and dreams surrounding Padme... it had been more then just that night... she did truely love him as he loved her. And he wouldn't let go of it. His want to hang on as long as possbile surged stronger. Yes, he would fight against his own deap impulses for her. For more days like this. The love they shared. "So, this is what senators do with the time off." [06:12]

: Padme' smiled and pranced about the table with excitment. Taking a hold of a cloth napkin she unfolded it and moved to stand before him and she placed it upon his lap. "Yes." She smiled as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She kissed his cheek and enhaled his scent. She stayed like that a moment, so happy to have him back. Her right hand touched lightly at the back of his neck, as she moved towards the table to fix him a plate. "I heard you were a hero two times the last few days." She looked back at him her tone was a bit taunting. Padme' laughed lightly as she placed a little bit of everything upon his plate. "I'm sure Obi-Wan is very greatful..." She placed Anakin's plate before him, and then took a seat across from him. "I do look forward to meeting this Kyler I heard of. " She adjusted her own napkin. "Poor dear." Padme commented with a light sigh. [06:16]

: Anakin was smiling at first, slightly amused by the senator treating him to such nicities. She didn't need to treat him this way.. to unfolded a napkin for him. After all, she was powerful in politics.. and he was the bodyguard of the chancellor. Well, Sith apprentice but she didn't know. Still, he was touched. "Thanks." He murmered, picking up his fork. But then he began to faulter. - "Two times?" He lifted an eyebrow. What was she talking about he wondered. When she mentioned Kyler's name his heart nearly jumped a beat. He struggled to maintain his calm, but something plainly twitched in his eye. [06:27]

: Padme' had paused in lifting her own fork when he seemed to be bothered by what she had mentioned. "Well yes..." She began softly. "I went as far as to prepare a room for him and Obi-Wan...but as I said, when I heard that you had arrived alone. I just figured you wanted to be alone." She finished with a light shrug and a smile. "I didnt get to hear the full range of details upon what happened. But I thought that you yourself...the hero to all could regale me with you heroic tale." She offered with a side smile. She brought a small goblet to her lips and sipped lightly at some honey wine. Afterward she raised her brow with question. Was Anakin acting strange? [06:29]

: 'Sidious did this... he figured out a way to turn Padme against me so that the darkness will take me forever..' He thought bitterly. He didn't want to ruin the momment, so, instead he figured out a way to take details from her.. wha she knew.. without sounding completely ignornent. "Indulge me my love.. I have done a great many 'heroic' things and sometimes they blend together or I don't see them the same way. What did you hear? Did the chancellor tell you? Playing me up I bet." He forced a smile.. pretending it was all light hearted when in truth, he was becoming afraid. [06:39]

: Padme couldnt help but laugh. Anakin pretending to be modest? Who would have known. Days ago he was insisting all that he could do and had done. Trying to win her over. "Well..." She began with a side smile. Padme leaned forward a bit to gaze at him. "Apparently a certain...someone." She laughed again. "Heard that a friend of there's was in trouble. Being harassed and held captive by...a Vader? I think it was." Her tone showed that she was unsure of the name. But none the less she had said it. Shrugging her own confusion off she continued. "Then this certain someone stormed down the battle front, fought off the crazed being and spent the night tending to the every need of his long ago friend." She was sure to use hand motions and change her tones, as if she was telling an exciting story. Smiling still she sighed. "So tell me about your friend...you know I have many fine lady friends." She teased with her infamous shy smile. [06:44]

: Fear clutched at his heart so strongly as she spoke that it could probably be seen, in a flicker of his eyes for just a momment. The chancellor must have planned this... and not just this.. but what happend to Kyler.. all of it... knowing that the boy was so weak death wouldn't need an excuse to claim him. He had to calm himself, less his fear gravitate towards anger... and anger reach out and destroy that which he loved. 'That's what he wants... for me to have an excuse to destroy her' A frown came to his lips without thinking about it, and he shook his head saddly. "It didn't happen quiet that way. I lead an army to Genosis, rescued Master Obi-Wan before he could be executed by Count Dooku and carred for him on the shuttle before I passed out too." He wasn't sure how to work Kyler in there... he was not fond of lies... "And when I got back... well... there was a monster... it was quiet hard to fight.. and one of the servents... Kyler... nice kid but troubled.. was being hurt by it. Took too long fending it off and he was baddly hurt. But I consider that in a days work... the rescue of the Jedi is all i really call hero work." It wasn't a lie.. it was just.. a way of telling the story from a certian point of view. [06:50]

: Padme studied him for a moment. Regarded the odd tone and flushed look. "Anakin..." She began softly. "Is he alright?" She questioned sadly. -Padme felt sure that perhaps something had happened to him. That Anakin had no control over. That would explain his odd reaction. And quizzical look. Padme' frowned a bit. Yes, he was acting awful stranger. "Kyler I mean...I wasn't aware that he was a servent...I was under the impression that he was a good friend of your's. The Chancellor contacted me to let me know that you were alright." She paused a moment, still looking at him. She didnt wish to upset him if something had happened to his 'friend'. "In fact when he first contacted me...he said that you were in his bed chambers, caring for him..." Her tone was soft and soothing. Urging and encourging him to open up...even if only for a few minutes. "Its okay to be sad." She offered, fully aware now that something hadn't gone right. [06:53]

: "Not a good friend in the same was as Obi-Wan... but someone I looked after and shared things with from time to time..." Anakin saw the opening... and he took it. "I'm afraid he didn't make it." With any luck, she would assume that's why he had this odd glum bearing just before seeing her face and managing a smile. "I did try and care for him... but, I'm not the best healer I'm afraid... But I did what I could. He wasn't alone." His voice had gone very soft and quiet now, his eyes looking down at the table rather then at her. [06:58]

: And her heart went out to him. "Oh Ani, I'm so sorry..." She frowned deeply and she felt awful for pushing him. "I..I didnt know. Are you okay?" Padme questioned with deep concern. She rose from the table and made her way over to him. "You should rest...you've been so busy the last few days...and passing out? My gracious...nearly losing Obi-Wan and then in fact losing a friend..." She brushed back his hair and touched at his face. "Let me take care of you for once." She offered as she kissed his forhead. "I'm here to listen...I love you...maybe if you have a good cry you'll feel better?" She suggested as she continued to pet him and love him affectionately. "I'm sure you took very good care of him...so dont blame yourself. He knows you tried to help him." Padme finished with a nod as she attempted to pull Anakin to his feet. [07:00]

: Anakin had eaten some of her food at least when he was pulled to his feet. He went willingly... it might be better if he lay down. "I tried... I know I tried... I know he knew I was trying to keep him alive but... the pain he went through.. it was too much for him.. he.. didn't have the will to keep fighting." Anakin closed his eyes. "I already shed my tears..." A dread creeped into him as he spoke. She would ask him about the monster. It was easy to explain this truth.. but how was he to explain the monster to her? "As for master Obi-Wan.. I'm just happy he's alright. I think he was tortured a little... and I got myself captured to rescue him... but he's fine.. and reported back to the Jedi Order." [07:06]

: Padme' nodded all the while as he talked. She led him down the hallway, and led him into the room she had prepared for him. "Yes...Obi-Wan is alright...and so are you." She pushed him down to sit on the bed. And she stood before him. Her eyes showed completely worry. She was deeply concerned for him...Padme frowned again and touched lightly at his face. "I'm worried about you..." She confessed. Sighing she pulled herself onto the bed, gathering her skirt she moved to sit behind him. She then began to massage his shoulders lightly. She spoke just near his ear. "I love you." [07:08]

: Anakin managed a smile, beliving the danger was passed. He could keep her occupied and off the subject of Kyler now. Turning towards her on the bed he kissed her cheek softly. "I love you too.. but why are you worried about me?" His eyes sparkled with his cofidence. He didn't know why she should be worried about him. He was powerful after all... perhaps she didn't know how much. Well, it wouldn't be a good idea to tell her just yet... she might not understand that sort of power. [07:11]

: Padme sat back on her knees, she still had her arms draped around her shoulder and she sighed. "Something doesnt seem right...and I know I'm not being paranoid. I'm practical." She sighed deeply and looked around the room. "Do you feel it too? You must." She commented sadly. "It seems that more and more misery is following us...as if we're cursed or damned...I've lost all of my hand maidens...Dorme'...the odd murder that took place...the girl..." She said softly. Padme had still wondered about where Anakin had gone. "The near tragedy of Obi-Wan...and now Kyler. Whats happening?" Her voice was laced with worry and possible fear. [07:13]

: "I... I don't know." Anakin placed a hand to her cheek, leveling worried eyes apon hers. "I do feel it.. it is creeping darkness, working to worm it's way about. People are getting caught up in it... in the new war... the sepertists. Evil lurks there. They are to blame for all of this.. directly and indirectly." He didn't kiss her... he was too scared too. There was something very bad happening... but it was alll him. He was the something... [14:19]

: Padme' frowned deeply and nodded. "I'm afraid for us..." She leaned closer, enjoying his touch. Padme' placed her own hand against his face, and she caressed his cheek lovingly. "So much has happened so fast." -She hugged him suddenly. Needing to feel him. He was okay, he was there with her. But bad things were happening. "I hate the talk of war..." She sighed as her frown remained. But war was inevitable, in fact it had already begun... [14:22]

: "No need to be afraid... we're together now... " He worked up his nerve, pulling his arms around her and drawing his lips to hers. He needed to make sure she was resassured. That perhaps she would break this line of questioning. "I love you... and I'll keep you safe from this war." His fingers drew up and down her back, trying to tickle her spine. She was so warm... and her concern touched him, but he understood. War was something she hated. There hadn't been a fullscale war in a thousand years... and that was the Sith then. Hell, it was the Sith now but they had changed tactics. [14:26]

: She wasn't afraid of that moment. Only of the wonderment of how long they would remain together. How long before they would be seperated...Both of them were passionate about there causes. It would draw her away. As would Anakin's work with The Chancellor. But he was right, they were together for that moment. And his love was enough to make her smile. She held him close. Loving him, breathing in his scent. She had concerns. However Padme' was too caught up in the idea of being in love. And having a lover. Anakin had suggested she take a step back and so she had done so. "Mmm...I need you safe as well." She sighed. [14:31]

: "I will be. I'll be at the chancellor's side. I won't be leading armies, that's the job of the Jedi. Rescuing Obi-Wan was a one time thing. We needed to get out there before the jedi could be informed.. it was a critical rescue... but the next time, it will be all up to the Jedi." He gazed up into her eyes, wondering the same thing. He knew the chancellor wanted to turn her against him.. and he did not resent his master for it. His master simply didn't understand love... and wanted his weapon all the time. He was just not ready for that. "Padme... I was wondering..." He began, "Would you want to.. be with me.. on Coruscant?" [14:35]

: As he spoke she listened. Yes, he would be safe at the side of The Chancellor. Of course she didnt consider that location to be too safe. But she knew how strongly Anakin felt for Palpatine, and she didn't wish to question or berate his loyalty. "...be with you?" She questioned with an arch of her brow. She pulled back a bit so that she could see him entirely. Padme' smiled lightly and a light blush colored her cheeks. "What do you mean?" [14:39]

: "Well, we can be together while you're on Coruscant for the senate. I... I want to marry you Padme... but I worry it's out of the question with our positions. That our political goals do not line up and I'd never want to put you in a possition of chosing between me and what you feel is right." He leaned forward to kiss her again, sighing a bit. He would be so happy if they were married. To have a family together.. but... it was out of the question... not with the path he was being pulled down. Not with the darkside that was slowly pulling his soul appart. [14:42]

: Padme' had been pretty star crossed the last few days that she was with him. But to be presented with such a question, rather then a proposal. Caused her to be practical. She was taken back by his words, and nearly irritated. Padme' pulled away from him completely. "Am I to assume that was a proposal? ...Or better yet...an excuse to not marry me." Her eyes bore into his, and she studied him intently. "You want to marry me...but now you realize that our goals don't line up..." She shook her head a bit and sighed. "As I said you need rest." She then rose from the bed. She would need time to process this...She loved him...Yes, she was a Senator...but it seemed no one was following the rules anymore. -They were now at War. Why worry about what wouldn't be important to others? [14:46]

: Anakin relized he'd offended her and winced slightly. Sitting up he let his arms dropped to his side. "It didn't come out quiet as I'd hoped... what I meant was... I want to marry you more then anything.. but.. I'm worried what that might do to your carrier. The people you serve might be let down and, I know you don't want that. I don't want to make you chose between me and them. Either way it would hurt you I'm sure." He closed his eyes for a momment, feeling her stare even though he couldn't see it. Yes, he needed to rest. He needed to relax and hope for the best. "But I want to be with you... I love you so much... I want to be with you as much as I can be." [14:50]

: Padme' watched him a moment longer, allowing a short silence. "I'm going to put away the left overs...I'll be sure to save a plate for you...for later on of course." She twitched a bit, deciding upon what to do. Yes, it would be best if she left him in peace. He needed rest, and she had grown frustrated with his choice words. Even if his semi-proposal hadn't come out the way he had planned. The reasons...or rather excuses he listed, shouldnt be of his concern. They were her business. She hadn't thought once of her people since admitting her love. Now he seemed more intent then ever to remind her of her place and position in society. "Good night..." She whispered softly. -With that she opened the door and left him to sleep. [14:53]

: Anakin felt like he was sabatioging himself. Why had he done that? Why had he said those things to her? Curling on one side he began to wonder. Did the monster want to get rid of her? Well, of course that part of him did. That part was born of Sidious's wants... his training... and it wanted to get rid of the love because it was love that repressed it. Anakin always came back out of love and compassion even if not forced for reasons of protection. "I love her.." He whispered to himself, "I cannot hurt her... I don't care if it would be better.." He barely relized he was speaking to himself, pulling the covers around himself. [15:10]

: A light giggle broke the silence. Perhaps it was Padme' coming to check on him. She had snuck back into the bedroom. To check on him. She was so caring. The laugh though...it seemed odd...The room grew cold and Padme' appeared at the end of the bed. She pulled herself ontop of the mattress and she smiled towards him. -Her hands traced up his body as she laughed lightly. Finally she got close enough for Anakin to see it wasn't Padme' at all...But Dorme'. Padme's handmaiden. Her throat was red and her eyes were icey. "What are you afraid of?" She questioned in a ghostly laugh. Her hands then wrapped around his throat and she looked vicious and evil. [15:14]

: Anakin was shocked, seeing the handmaiden there. He had managed to scoot up and sit against the headboard before she touched him. He grimaced, feeling the hand pulling around his throat. His own fingers grabbed instantly at her wrist, grabbing, tugging, even as his eyes buldged a bit. He stared up at the handmaiden, grimacing. Monsters didn't feel fear.. but he did. He wasn't afraid to die.. wasn't afraid of Hell.. he was afraid of losing Padme. Afraid to see hate on her features directed at him. - "You're dead." He wrasped, not able to breath. [15:19]

: Kyler stepped into play smiling he stepped out of the shadows. "Your supposed to be the smart one here..." He stated. Qouting himself from when he last spoke to Anakin as Anakin. -Kyler however seemed just as handsome as ever and he smiled and smirked. -Dorme' sat back laughing hysterically. "Padme' will join us soon enough..." She warned. -Another presence lifted themselves onto the bed...dripping wet and ice cold. "Did you find the Monster that murdered me?" Corid questioned as she moved closer to sit just near Dorme'. -"What have you done Anakin?" Kyler questioned, he moved closer as well. His fingers reached out and brushed against his lips. "I'll have my way with you..." He grinned sarcastically. "And what about Obi-Wan?" Dorme' began. "We know all about that tragedy as well..." [15:24]

: "No.." Anakin managed to get Dorme's hand away from his throat and tumbled off the bed. He drew in breath raggidly, looking at the victoms of his recent campaigns. "Stop it! Leave me alone!" He shouted, mumbling it in his sleep. - He gazed around at the three, looking at Kyler first. "I didn't try to kill you... I didn't..." He breathed, his eyes setting a bit but staying blue in color. Then came Dorme. "No... I would never.. could never..." He knew what the handmaiden ment. He didn't need to ask. She was implying that he would kill her. That she would join his victoms. - Still shaking his head violently at Dorme's words he rounded on Corid.. that poor girl he'd happend apon in his need to destroy. He found himself backing into the wall this time... sliding into the corner. "The monster..." He was nearly panting now, his hands moving around his head... trying to block his ears. "No.. no.." [15:31]

: The three ghosts smiled and laughed. They all slowly moved closer to him. Blocking out any chance of an escape. "I miss her Ani, bring Padme' to us." Dorme' stated with a pout. "My Mother wants the Monster destroyed...he's evil.." Corid expressed sadly. -Kyler moved in closer then any of the other's and his eyes locked with Anakin's. "Kill the body not the soul...right Vader?" Kyler's own eyes turned from beautiful blue to that of the evil yellow of a Sith. Then came the laughter. They all were laughing, tempting and taunting, teasing and touching....torturing him for the torture he had bestowed upon them. -Padme' on the other hand, hadn't been able to follow asleep. Although she had showered and changed for the night. Sleep couldn't seem to find her. As she passed through the hallway, she was certain she heard Anakin talking...Giving a confused look, she tucked her book under her arm and gentley pushed the door open. "Ani?" She whispered softly as she stepped into the dark bedroom. [15:34]

: Anakin was crying in his sleep... some of his words slipping out in Huttsie.. making them hard to understand. "Stop it! Stop it! Leave me alone!" That came out in common tongue as he thrashed in his sleep, tossing covers away from him. Tears drenched his cheeks. This is how a guilty man with a soul sleeps... none too well. There is no peace.. especially when the evil tempts.. beckons.. gives reasons to submit. To be free of this torment... to feel no pain in the hell to come. But to destroy all that you are. The soul, not the body. - Finnaly, he let out a short scream of sorts and bolted up right, his chest heaving as one hand moved to his neck, rubbing it as if it should be tender. [15:39]

: Padme' jumped back startled and she dropped her book to the floor. Causing a loud thump to sound off. She had been watching, listening. She was aware that he was dreaming...obviously having a nightmare. But she had been waiting for the most oppertune time to touch him. To slowly awaken him. -Well the dream had already urged him awake, or forced him to awaken. Either way his cries and pleas had hurt her, and she was beyond worried. "...Anakin?" She began softly. She took in his form. He seemed to be covered in sweat and he was breathing deeply. As she moved closer she took note of the tears that had stained his cheeks. "...Ani.." She began once more, as she moved to stand to the side of his bed. [15:42]

: "Padme." He breathed, his startled eyes fixing on her. "Oh Padme.." He reached his arms out to her. ~'Bring Padme to Us'~ Dorme had demanded... and those words echoed in his head. He was shaking, just wanting to hold her in his arms. He needed her... to stay whole. ~'Kill the boy, not the Soul'~ That spoke of something else... those words... made him feel.. that he should die. Die before he was consumed. Maybe that was why he'd offered his life to Obi-Wan... an almost selfish reason rather then selfless. To save himself. He tried not to think about it though... he just wanted to hold Padme. [15:48]

: She held a concerned look. And she slowly, but hesitantly moved over to him. She didn't embrace him or hug him. Instead she took ahold of his arms and he she lowered them for him. "Yes...yes shhh..." She soothed as she slowly took a seat on the bed next to him. She laced her fingers with one of his hands and, touched lightly at his face and neck with her free hand. "You were just dreaming." She whispered softly. The room was dark and the moon provided minimal light. -"Tell me..." She urged in a loving tone. [15:51]

: "It was horrible..." Anakin whispered, curling his fingers tightly with hers. She wasn't in his arms but at least, she was holding him in a way. Holding his hands... he could take some comfort in that. - His tears got onto her fingers as she touched his face... even as they ceased their flow. His eyes were rimmed red, but there was only the compassionate and sensitive man that she knew in them. "I dreamed about... people... hounding me... hurting me because.... because a monster had killed them. Because I had done nothing to help them... because I wasn't strong enough..." [15:55]

: And Padme' sighed, she had almost expected this to happen. She reached behind him and adjusted the pillows for him. She then moved closer into the bed. Offering to hold him. Wanting to hold him. "Here lay back..." She instructed. Her voice was smooth and caring, and she was worried about him. Worried about this 'monster'. "Tell me about the Monster...tell me everything...even Kyler...get it out of your system...I'll listen and you'll feel better." She assured with a loving smile and nod. [16:00]

: Anakin closed his eyes. There might be no going back... but.. if he played the cards right, perhaps she would understand.. or perhaps.. she wouldn't relize. "The monster is the ultimate evil.. who destroys everything it touches... with little to hold it back." He slid back down on the bed, pulling his arms around her.. but not so tight that she couldn't slip away.. not so tight that she wouldn't feel trapped if she relized what he was really talking about. "The monster hurt Kyler bad... I could do nothing... I tried to save him but it was too late... I tried, but the monster is too strong for me. It is hard to fight." [16:09]

: She smiled when he wrapped his arms around her. Padme' looked down at him and began to brush back and pet his hair soothingly. "I don't understand...This Monster you speak of...Vader? What does he do to his victims?" She paused a moment, her curiousity was getting the best of her. "I mean...well your friend. What did he do to him?" Her questions were probably a bit discouraging for poor Anakin. But she couldn't help but ask such questions. And she had taken note to the way he spoke of this Monster. She had said that the monster was 'too strong for him' and it was 'hard to fight'....What did that mean? [16:12]

: Anakin sighed, but it was comforting to have Padme hold him. He wanted to hang onto this momment, fearing times like this would slip away fast. Finnaly, opening his eyes he peered up into the face of the woman he loved. "He tortured the poor boy... using his love and desire as a weapon against him. Kyler was broken more on the inside then on the out... and it was too much for him... he lost the will to live any more and surcome to the stresses placed on his body." At least that what what he belived had killed Kyler.. unless their master had dome something to him as well. [16:17]

: Padme' tensed up a bit. But she tried to hide it. How odd...how bone chilling...That was the description of a monster if she ever heard one. "How tragic..." She sighed a bit and continued to frown. "Thats horrible..." Her fingers continued to dance among his tangled hair. As she thought out what he had said. It was really frightening. How could anyone use 'love' as a weapon. This is something she couldn't understand. "Ani...forgive me...but...I don't understand...how was his love used as a weapon...Why was he torturing him? Will this Monster harm others?" She asked with some alarm. [16:20]

: Anakin closed his eyes, letting out a long sigh. Placing his head on her shoulder, close enough to hear her breath, and kiss her neck softly, he said something he hadn't relized about himself before. "I don't want it to.." He had answered her last question, ignoring the others. He didn't want the monster to hurt others... but... "But I'm sure it will... It's too hard to stop... I barely saved... another person that day... a young woman who was also tending to Kyler.. the monster tried to hurt her... but I managed to drive it off.. in time to save her life.. and that of her unborn.. I don't want to see it happen again." [16:25]

: Slowly a chill had creapt up her spine when he had kissed her neck. Something just didnt seem right. More questions were burning her tongue and she fought them off. A part of her, really didnt want to question him anymore. Something was just nagging at her. Bothering her..."I see..." She stated finally. Her hand continued to move through his hair. But she seemed distant, lost in thought...Attempting to solve a problem, recalling things, peicing a puzzle together. "Vader." She said softly. [16:27]

: Anakin didn't want to talk any more. Didn't want to do anything but cling to her... to take comfort in her arms. Didn't want to say the rest of what was on her mind. So many things... perhaps she even suspected he was talking about himself... after all... the way he described the monster.. was an abstract.. not a person. But, he didn't want her to think of it consciously.. didn't want her to fear him. He wasn't sure he could bare that look.. the one he knew she'd have. The look of fear in her eyes OF him rather then FOR him would be shattering. The chancellor would like that. [16:33]

: Padme' tore herself from such horrid thoughts. She forced a smile and looked down at him. Lifting his arms up to free herself she sighed. "Come on...I'll stay with you." Her voice was soft. And the love she felt for him was stronger then her concern. It prevented her from connecting the dots. The love the two of them shared was strong. And only time would tell just how long it would last. -Even as she laid back and pulled him down with her. Something was whispering in her ear. Something was nagging at her. And the Monster's name echoed about in the darkness...lurking in the shadows she could feel him. He was so close...'Vade' -"I love you Anakin...just lay here with me and let me love you." She soothed. [16:37]

: "That's all I want." He whispered, letting her curl up next to him. Her arms, it's all he wanted right now. To be in her arms and never let go. "I love you... so much.. Padme.." He didn't want to touch her in romantic ways... he just wanted to love. The physical was just to feel as close as possible to the heart... and the soul.. of the woman he loved. He kissed her neck softly, feeling as if he were on the verge of tears once more. He was trembling a bit, but not shaking. Not yet anyway. Perhaps he wouldn't with her so close... but.. he knew, the trembles were of fear... she wasn't stupid.. perhaps blind with love.. but not dumb. She would put two and two together eventually as long as she let herself see.

: Padme' felt him trembling and she pulled him closer. Pressing his head to lay against her chest. This 'Monster' was quite evil if it upset Anakin so...pained him. She continued to brush back his hair and pet him, to sooth him. Its what he needed. To relax and to be calm. So much had happened with in the last few days. -As much as he was quick to remind Padme' that he had grown...that he was a man...his actions sometimes led her to believe he was still very much so, the small boy from Tatooine. -"I love you...shhh just close your eyes." She instructed and soothed in a motherly fashion. Yes, Anakin had just witnessed too much death within the last few days. -And now with war...Padme' worried he would witness a great many more horrors.

: She had no idea how much horror he had experinced... and wraught. But, that didn't matter. She was right... he was still that little boy from Tatooine. In her arms, his hair being brushed, being comforted, he felt so small. He was soon falling back asleep, trying to get rid of the worry that had settled into his heart. That worry of her finding out. But he was not afraid to sleep. Not afraid of her even if she did find out. If she hated him... well... he wouldn't resist her blasting his brains out in his sleep. - However, he did fear the dreams. Would he accidently hurt her in his sleep? He wouldn't tollerate that.

: It had taken a good amount of time before she had fallen asleep. Too many questions had been nagging her about the man in her arms. She loved Anakin. She couldn't turn her feelings off and ignore them. -Slowly but surely her fingers stopped from brushing back his hair. Her hold on him, loosened as she fell in to a deep sleep. -At first it was comfortable, peaceful and joyeous. Anakin had returned to her safe and sound, and they were once more sharing a bed together. Padme' felt that she had no right to complain...no right to question...but something just didn't seem right...even as the dream began to form...she tried to resist...she just wanted sleep.

: But dreams came to her. She saw a surging darkness in the form of a man, though she could not see the face. It was all too dark. Running from the darkness was a small boy. Anakin when she'd first met him. His hair was bleached blonde, and his clothin was white, though a little ragged. "Help me!" He called out, runnin towards her, his face filled with fear.

: Padme' backed away at first when she saw the child running towards her. She hesitated and wanted to run herself...but she couldn't. Realizing quickly that it was Anakin she nodded...not fully aware that she was dreaming. She found herself confused. "Yes...yes come to me." She offered as she ran to meet the child half way. Looking back beyond the child she more then saw the darkness. She felt it...

: The boy ran to her, breathing hard. "Padme!" He cried, reaching up towards her. He looked frantic, terrified.... of the darkness. - The feel of it was pure evil... a monster... THE Monster. The one she had been hearing about. It was a man with a definable form but no features could be seen about him. In his right hand, he held a red blade. A Sith blade. - "Please.. don't let him get me.. he wants to destroy me." The little boy that was Anakin sobbed.

: Padme' lifted him up quickly and held him tight. "I wont let him hurt you." She hugged him a moment and then kissed his cheek. Looking over towards the dark form...the monster she watched him as he approached. "Who are you?" She questioned with confidence. "What do you want with this boy?" She felt fear, but she refused to show it. -Her fingers gripped onto the small boy's clothing and she adjusted his weight in her arms. Padme' breathed deeply and found herself standing her ground. She couldn't seem to move. She wanted to see him...wanted to look...to know

: "Run.. please Run." The boy sobbed, pulling her arms around her neck. "He doesn't care what happens to you... once I'm gone there will be no protection. Please, don't let him get me." He was shaking now, running his head against her shoulder, clutching at her back. - The darkness continued to move forward, towards her.. towards them. A strange yet, somehow familiur, voice drifted from it. "Hand him over." It said... It was strange because the voice didn't seem suited for the level of evil and venom it seemed to drip.

: Padme' tried to sooth the distraught child. "Shh Anakin dont be afraid. I wont let him hurt you." She shook the child a bit to get him to understand her. Cocking her head to the side, she looked on towards the physical shadow...It was coming closer. And that voice...It was so familiar. "No." She stated firmly. -Padme' turned to the side a bit, showing she meant business. As much as she wanted to flee with Anakin she just couldn't. Something more powerful held her there. The desire for the truth...

: The shadow, the monster was only inches from her now, looking the same as it had from far away. She could not see features. But she could feel the hate surging from it. The intense agression. The love for pain and fear in others. The desire to do horrible things... and most of all.. the desire to cut the boy appart. - He was crying into her now, frightened, shaking, begginin. "Please.. please... keep me away from him."

: Padme' felt a chill. Fright and disgust. She could feel this Monster's desires...As she watched him move closer. It dawned on her. The voice, the monster. Everything. Shocked she dropped Anakin and gasped. "Anakin? Vader..." She jumped when she realized that she had dropped the boy, and she moved quickly to try and gather him in her arms again. "Keep away from us." She warned...Although now she was finally shaking..finding herself terrified. It was Anakin.

: And yet, not Anakin... it was the Anakin that she had never seen... something he clearly kept hidden.... horrible desires... wants... madness... evil. - The boy... the Anakin she knew and loved, nearly screamed when she dropped him. But quickly he clung to her arms once more. "Keep me safe." He begged, "Don't let him destroy me... please..." - That was what was going on.. a battle was ragging inside the man she loved... a battle between everything that was good and innocent,.. loving inside of him... and this monster... this Vader... wo was destroying everything around him.

: And suddenly she didn't want to know anymore. Didn't want to see! She backed away with the child, closing her eyes and turning her head this way and that. Refusing to look anymore. It frightened her beyond description. It made her heart race. Padme' woke up suddenly, she couldn't handle it. She sat up quickly...Seeing Anakin so close confused her. And she looked around desperately for the boy. This Anakin the one in the bed seemed to be sleeping peacefully. She was still breathing deeply. Was this Anakin real? ...She poked at his bare arm and then waited for a reaction.

: Anakin twitched slightly. His sleep had been dreamless at least. With her he had been at peace. He hadn't wanted it to end... but finnaly his eyes opened a bit. The poke had broken him out of it. Peering at her, there was an almost sad look in his eyes... He sensed something in her... the fear. Sleep might have unraveled the truth. The truth about him. "Mornin?" He asked hesitently.

: Padme' continued to look down at him. She was still some what caught up in the images of her dream. Her enlightment. Her nightmare of reality. She quickly brought both of her hands up to touch her own face, neck and head. Yes she was alive. She was awake she was there. But Anakin? He...he was right there...wasn't he? Or no...no if could be Vader.

: "Padme?" He asked softly, managing to sit up. "Are you alright?" Concern filled his eyes at once. For her. He worried about he... the way she was acting. - Acting to calm her, he brushed his fingers lightly over her sides. He was Anakin... he was the man that loved her. The little boy from Tatooine that had called her an angel. He hoped she would open up to him. He wanted her to tell him what was on her mind... so they could deal with it.

: Turning to face him she shook her head a bit, before she pulled back and slapped him hard across the face. "You lied to me." She stated bitterly with accusation. Padme' slid away from him and climbed out of the bed. "You...I...Vader? VADER." Padme' was upset, frustrations were becoming anger. -She wasnt the angry type but at this moment she was. -Her anger would soon enough fade into sadness and regret, but for right now...Anakin would be safer to stay away from her. -Padme' jerked the door open and disapeared swiftly down the hall.

: Fortunatly, Anakin did not get angry in this momment. If he had, the consiquences might have been disastorious. Instead, he got calmly to his feet and sighed hard. Runnin a hand back through his hair he started to think of how he would handle this. Though in some ways it might be better to just let her cool off, he needed to tell her one thing... a very important thing. - Heading out into the hall and moving he stopped by the door to the room she had fled to. His voice calm... free of anger and hate but not of pain, he said "I did not lie to you." There was a frown on his face, and hurt in his eys, but he leaned in the doorframe, not attemptin to enter, and ready to move back.

: Padme' allowed several minutes of silence. Before the door opened and Padme' was dressed. Her hair was tosseled because she had hurried. She was wearing pants and a tunic. She pulled a blaster out to reveal it. "Keep away from me." She warned. Her voice was calm and she no longer seemed very angry. Just untrusting and concerned about being alone with him. Her eyes were dark with disapointment. "I trusted you..." She whispered softly. She then shook her head. Now was not the time to let her gaurd down.

: That hurt... hurt him bad... and he just shook his head. "I love you... and I trust you even if you somehow think you cannot trust me." He turned his head, his guard down. If she wanted to kill him.. so be it. But he didn't want her to do it... it would destroy her inside. He felt that strongly. "Tell me anything I've said to you that is a lie."

: "You know Anakin dont play games." She stated strongly. She lowered her gun and continued down the hall. Still speaking..."You are a little boy. A sad little boy." She was upset. Okay, so perhaps he had never lied. But he had bent the truth. He had purposely not exposed the truth of what he knew to her. As she continued down the hall it hit her...Dorme'...and the girl...Corid...and now Kyler. -She was going to have to contact someone for help. Anakin needed help. She would have to get ahold of Obi-Wan.

: He wanted to follow her, but found he could not. The monster would emerge if he did. The chancellor wanted that. Wanted Padme out of the way. So, instead of following his beloved, he headed outside into the field tucking his hands to his sides. The sunlight warmed his skin, the birds chirped, and he could feel how peaceful it was out there. - He sat in the middle of the field, his back to the house... holding the only holocom in his pocket. She would come looking for him sooner or later... she had to.

: Padme' circled through the house three times over. But she couldnt find any contact devices...Then it dawned on her. Anakin. She stamped her foot and nearly swore out of frustration. "Anakin!" She called out as she circled through the house again. How had things gotten to this point? Why hadnt she seen this before? -What if she was just a pawn...a part of some big plan? -No he had said he loved her. He seemed to meet it. She couldnt question his love. It would be too painful. -Finally she stopped just near the kitchen. Glancing around she saw a familiar form...alone out in the feild. "Anakin.." She sighed sadly. -Making her way to the back door she pulled it open and slowly headed in his direction. "Give it to me Anakin...I know you can hear me." Padme' stated as she moved closer towards him.

: He didn't move. He held the device in his hand.. in the other.. mostly resting between his legs, was a cylander... a lightsaber. - He heard her just fine, but, did not acknowlage. He was looking down at his weapon, and at the grass and flowers he was sitting with. Such a pretty scene. So lovely... so peaceful. He wanted to linger... just a bit longer. 'Please... just a few more..' he thought, closing his eyes.

: She sighed and didn't attempt to move any closer. He was acting far too strange and she just couldnt trust him. "Why are you doing this?" Padme' question in an exasperated tone. Why couldn't he turn around and face her? Why hadnt he even attempted to dismiss the thoughts, that she felt were true. Instead here he was...pouting. In her opinion thats how she saw it. Padme' was aware of his temper, but she also felt him to be a bit spoiled...Some how it had happened. Even if he was once a slave long ago. He seemed to pout...Which was adorable. But still, right now was not the time. "Talk to me..."

: Anakin dropped the holocom down in the grass by the blade and let out a sigh as well. "I thought you wanted to be alone." He replied. Leaning his head back, his golden locks falling ascue. "I just.... I don't know what to say." His voice was soft and tender, but his eyes looked sad. - He was sad. She was upset... and becoming hard to predict. First he felt she wantd to be alone, and now she was acting all upset because he was out here sitting in the grass. Well, he DID want to talk to her.... he was a bit afraid though that, they might not be able to work this through. What he was not afraid of though, was her blaster.

: Padme' frowned deeply and she touched at her face. Then wiped at her eyes. "Why are you doing this? How could you?" She asked in an emotional voice. "It was you...you...Vader." She swallowed hard and pressed her lips together. The day was a beautiful one. So odd how tragic events can take place on the most beautiful of days. "Dorme....you killed her...why?" She asked suddenly. "And the girl...that was my fault wasn't it?" -Padme shook her head again as the tears came. "I love you...why are you doing this? I don't..."

: "Sit down..." He asked softly, reaching his hand out to pat the soft grass beside him. He'd had one wonderful day with her at least. Now, they needed to talk. He had not been sure how to explain it to her either. Closing his eyes but keeping his face lifted to the warm sun he began to speak. "It wasn't your fault Padme... don't think it is..." He didn't see her tears... but, he felt them none the less. Her pain. "It is hard to explain the why... other then in simplest terms... I follow orders..." His left hand patted his lightsaber.

: She didnt sit down, not yet. Her eyes were locked on his form and she listened with great confusion. "So...someone ordered you to kill my friend...and you did." A sad laugh escaped her lips and she shook her head as she gave a shaky breath. "This doesnt make any sense...your not supposed to be a monster...your...perfect..you a good person...the girl here...we argued and you left...and you killed her..." Sighing she slowly sat down next to him. "You killed your own friend..." Padme' frowned as she looked to him. She was of course speaking of Kyler...and she wasnt aware of how Anakin knew Kyler...she still believed that they had been friends.

: Anakin opened his eyes. "I am a Sith..." Those four words... Padme knew what the Sith were. Evil. Powerful. Enemies of the Jedi... and everything she stood for as well. The Sith had been the ones behind the trade federation trying to conquer Naboo. The Sith had tried to kill her... HAD killed Qui-Gon. And now, Anakin was admittin he was one of them... that he was a Sith. He didn't say anything else just then... didn't feel he needed to. Sith seemed to cover it all.. at least in his mind.

: Shaking her head she laughed sadly. "No your not." She replied softly. Anakin couldnt be...Regardless of all the arrows pointing to him. All the hints, all the clues. The fact that he didnt deny that he had murdered three people within the last week. And how many more were there that she didn't know of? -Padme' took several deep breaths. "Thats...its not true..." She had felt her heart sink. And now it ached. A Sith? ...Impossible...they were the epitimy of evil.

: "I'm sorry Padme... but I am." He wanted to reach out for her. Wanted to rest his head on her shoulder... he waned his peace back.. but it was too late. His master had seen fit to interfeer.. but.. he couldn't blaim him. At least, he'd been allowed one day with her. He'd treasure that forever, regardless of what might happen next. - Turning his head to look at her, a frown across his lips, he began to speak. "When the Jedi rejected me... the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, took me in..."

: "No Anakin...umm...I just need to think okay..." She closed her eyes and shook her head. The tears had gone away...for now. Sighing she looked towards him. She moved closer and grabbed his face she pulled him close and kissed him deeply. "I love you...okay? I love you." She insisted as she kissed him again. She held his face in her hands and she pressed her forhead to his. "We'll get you help...take you away from him...everything will be alright." Padme' declared.

: The sudden change from her being upset to her seeming acceptince startled him. He felt confused, a strange drop in his stomach.. but then... it was impossible to describe the emotion he felt. It was more wonderful then any he had felt before. - Letting himself react to the momment and not the confusing feelings rumbling around inside of him, he retruned the kiss. His eyes closed, and he felt tears forming. "I love you... so much.." He whispered in return, reaching up to hold her hands to his face. He felt as if he might break down into sobs now.. he hadn't lost her.

: Padme' smiled as best as she could, and she studied his features. She could tell that he was in pain...guilt. But my god he had been raised by a Monster...Loyalty is instilled in children. They always go through a rebellious stage and perhaps...She would be his. However she didn't wish to send him back to that life. "Anakin...who is The Sith Lord? ...tell me...then we'll have him destroyed." She smiled now, and nodded. She had faith. "And you'll be saved."

: Anakin sighed softly. "I fear I am beyond saving my love.." He managed to snag another kiss before his eyes opened... a tear sliding down his cheek. He had been raised by a monster... one he was loyal to. One who became the father he never had... who shaped him... who made the monster live inside of him. And when she asked of the man who raised him, a frown settled into his lips. "Don't you know?" He didn't want to say... he thought it was obvious... if he was the sith apprentince.. there was only one man the sith master could be.

: And of course she knew. But she wanted Anakin to say it. To hear it from him. To know that he was willing to give up the real Monster's name. She wiped away his tears and smiled. "Dont talk like that..." She instructed as she continued to touch lightly at his face. "Anakin...I will help you." Padme' found herself to be getting emotional all over again. "I love you. Its not a game...I cant ignore it and let you be destroyed...we'll get help. The council, oh...Obi-Wan." She began with a hopeful nod. "He'll help us...He'll help you...and then we can be together." She finished as she took a hold of his hands and squeezed them. "We can be happy."

: Her passion moved him. She wasn't going to give up... dispite what he'd done. She loved him.. and he loved her. When she touched him, he managed a smile. Oh how he loved her. She really was an angel. - Squeezing her hands gently he dropped his arms to the side and gazed back into her eyes. Sadness came to them again as she mentioned the Jedi. "They'll destroy me my love... and Obi-Wan cannot help... I.. he.. he knew. But I took the knowlage from him.. because he was hurting so bad." He frowned then. That momment.. that choice... that had caused him to be punished... or rather... gave Sidious the excuse to use him to punish Kyler...

: A confused look came upon her. "You took the knowledge from him? Anakin I don't understand." She continued to play with his fingers. Touching him and feeling him. Her eyes bore concern and love. She was passionate about helping him. Saving him. He was so important to him. The most important being in her life. All her work, all of her political works her knowledge and love for the people...was meaningless now. She needed Anakin. But she wanted to know all of his secrets. It would prevent her from drowning with questions. "Tell me everything...please...dont.." She paused a moment to lick at her lips. "Dont be afraid to frighten me...I want to know..." She urged quietly.

: "I can enter a persons's mind... take.. and change things as I see fit. It is a very taxing proccess... and is quiet painful if they resist. Not simply for them, but myself as well. Obi-Wan was in pain... I... I offered him my life.." He paused in that, letting her abosrb the information. He knew it might hurt her to hear him say that, but she wanted the truth.. she wanted to know everything, so he could not hide that from her, "But he collapsed insted. So, I took away the memories that hurt him about me.. and changed others." He decided to let her ask questions.. one at a time... so he could find a way to answer them.

: Padme listened it frightened her a bit. But she wouldnt admit that. After all what he had done to Obi-Wan was to help him. And when he mentioned that he had offered Obi-Wan his life she nearly smacked him for almost leaving her. "But Anakin...you did that to help him...I'm sure its...perplexing but that was a good thing you did. So..." Yeah, she was ready to move on. "After all Obi-Wan is still very much alive and he's okay." She added with a half smile. "Tell me about...Dorme'..." Her voice was soft but she managed to look him in the eyes. "She didnt suffer did she?"

: "She was afraid..." He shook his head slowly, looking away from her for a momment It was hard to explain... what he'd been made to do to her. "Afraid for you..." His eyes returned to hers... showing he spoke the truth. - To him, it had been good but... selfish... what he did to his best friend. He had stripped his mind to keep him as his friend... because he needed Obi-Wan just as he needed Padme... to feel whole. "My master had me find out what she feared... for herself... and kill her. So I did.. I had to strangle her.." He managed to explain... no matter how hard it was. There was fear behind his own words. Fear that dispite her promise, she would hate him for it.

: Her eyes filled with tears and she looked down. "She was a good friend..." Padme' whispered softly. It touched her heart to know that Dorme' had been worried about her. She swallowed down her tears and composed herself. Padme' was strong, very strong. And she could bare this. It was better for her, to hear the truth now...from his lips...to take it and accept it. -Rather then to wonder about 'what ifs' later on. Padme' needed to know. Regardless of how sick she felt...She needed to know. "The girl...?" She raised her eyebrow. This death, she felt surely had some how been her fault...

: He let out a long sigh. "I'd never... killed... anyone I knew to be innocent before Dorme... the monster fed on it... loved it.... and, wouldn't be satisified." He felt like he was digging a grave for himself, but she had asked... no.. practicly demaned to know... and he could do nothing but tell her. - "I don't release tension normally... sometimes when I practice fighting... sometimes when I'm carrying out the will of my master... but... my tension.. my desires... built up around you. Things I couldn't control. In the end.. I was left with a crippling choice. You, or someone else... and I couldn't harm you in any way.... she, happened to be there. And control of the monster slipped away." He didn't want her to blame herself... he had tried to structure his words well enough... but...

: So it was her fault. Because she had been so stubborn. Padme' hadn't been quite ready enough to accept him...or rather admit that she loved him back in such away. She pursed her lips together, until they hurt. Licking at her lips, she sighed and sat back a bit more. Stretching her leg out before her, she kept the other curled up beneath her. -She didn't need to speak of the girl anymore. She had her thoughts as well as opinions. Anakin had obliged her with the truth. "And your friend...?" Padme' asked softly.

: "Kyler?" He asked softly. "The poor boy loved me... because I once tried to show him mercy in defience of my master. He had suffered his whole life... and I was no help to him. I had wanted to take parts of his mind.. to.. take away his pain but, master would not let me." He felt bad for the poor boy again, shaking gently as he looked down. "He wasn't supposed to die.. I was being punished.. and so was he. Master wanted me to sink further into darkness.. and it worked for a time. It became almost impossible to climb back out... I almost thought I was gone for good as he lay dying... until the girl showed up."

: She cocked her head to the side looking at him. "You killed someone that loved you...?" This was a reality check. "I mean...I...I dont understand, you said he wasnt supposed to die. Did you...His pain umm..." She was confused. Padme' paused for a moment before looking him directly in the eyes. "Why were the both of you being punished?" It was a lot of questions. But she was confused, as well as somewhat concerned. He spoke so freely of another loving him...Had there been others? "Did you love him?" She asked suddenly. "...or more?" This time her voice was soft. Anakin was beautiful...not three days ago she had sat in a feild with him, wondering if he was really innocent to the ways of intimacey. Now she didnt really know him...what was true and what wasn't...Thats why she was so relentless...Especially now...if he could kill someone that loved him...well... [14:17]

: Anakin wasn't sure how to explain that. He never understood why Kyler had feelings for him. Perhaps because he was trying to be mercyful. "I... " When she began to ask him the rest, he felt his heart sink again. To explain what happend. "Listen my love... my master allowed me something I wanted greatly.. allowed me to stay pure.. for you. Dispite all the tempations and threats before. But, after he knew..." He sighed, running his fingers across Padme's face. "I would no longer.. threaten him... out of anger for loosing my promise.. to you." He shook his head. "He forced me to perform on Kyler... I didn't want to.. didn't enjoy it... but it had the effect he wanted. It brought the monster out in time... the hate... the anger.." [14:23]

: She touched lightly at the base of her neck, squeezing lightly as he spoke. His words sickened her. And it took everything in her not to turn away in disgust when he touched her. It took her a few moments of silence, before she was able to speak up. And even when she thought she had a well constructed response. Nothing came. So The Chancellor was aware and threatened by the love and intimacey she shared with Anakin. How sick. How twisted. How could Anakin not want to run from this man? To think someone had forced Anakin to perform on another...To..touch and possibly love another. It just didn't make sense. "You killed him afterwards." Padme' didn't question. She just assumed...he had killed Dorme' and Cor'id...and so it was only natural for her to think and feel that he had also killed Kyler... [14:32]

: He shook his head. "He died... but I did not kill him... I wanted to kill him... at first out of mercy... but then.. when the monster inside woke up... I wanted to destroy him. He died... because of the pain in his heart..." A tear came as his heart felt sick. The conflicted emotions in his heart. The want to have killed Kyler.. the want to have given him mercy... the two different wants. - He leaned into her then, shaking solidly now as tears slid down his cheeks. The Chancellor would destroy her to make him submit... and he couldn't do it. He couldn't let her die on his account. "Padme... I.. I love you... so much..." He shook, wracked by sobs now, "I can't let him harm you... or worse.. make ME harm you. I.. you.. we... have to do something for you." [14:37]

: Padme' watched him sadly as he spoke. It was so heart breaking to hear Anakin talk that way...wanting to kill...wanting to destroy. She gasped when he moved closer. "Anakin...what...what are you talking about?" More confusion was swirling. She wanted to help Anakin. More then anything, she wanted to take him far away and protect him. Sheild him from the Monster in her dream and in his reality. This 'Vader' was created through The Chancellor. "Come away with me...I will help you." She insisted. Padme' frowned a bit, "You have no obligations to the man that raised you...loyalty Anakin is nothing when there is no love behind it." [14:43]

: Anakin opened his tear rimmed eyes, regarding her saddly. "I love you Padme... but, you don't understand. He'll find me... he'll kill you... I couldn't risk that." He placed his hands to the sides of her face, cupping her cheeks as he leaned forward to kiss her. "There is nothing I want more in this momment, then to run away with you... far away... but it is simply... not possible. Loyalty... I have loyality to you... as I do to him... or rather... if he comes.. he'll bring the monster out of me.. find a way to turn me against you. I can't imagine it now, but... he'll find a way and that scares me... so I can't let it happen." [14:46]

: Her eyes matched the sadness in his own. "So you got me to fall in love with you for nothing..." Her voice was soft, and her own tears came forward. "I was a conquest...a challange...a fantasy." Padme' frowned deeply and sniffled. Her eyes dropped down, to look away from him. "I love you and its not enough...This...everything...its nothing now." It broke her heart. It hurt her deeply. Anakin spoke as if they would soon be saying goodbye. "Why did you come back? Why are you here? ...So go. You don't want my help...you don't want help." She pushed his hands away from her, no longer wanting to be touched. [14:51]

: Anakin dropped his hands, pushing back from her and sighing hard. She had a right to be angry with him... he couldn't blame her one bit. Obi-Wan had gotten upset like this to. "Not for nothing... I... needed that love." Another tear slid down his cheek. "Maybe.. it's selfish of me... and if it is... I am sorry... I'm so sorry.." He inhalled sharply as fresh sobs came to him. Leaning forward he fell into a kneel with his head bowed before her. "I just... didn't want to loose my soul so... quickly. I wanted... to be happy... for just a little while. And you... were my angel... I just wanted.. to give you my soul.. before it was gone... just like I've given you my heart.." [14:55]

: Padme' watched him sadly...with near disgust. "Oh your good...Very good Anakin...what a show, what charm." Her tears were falling as well. And her nose was already red. "You are selfish. You say you love me...and yet what does it mean? I'm your angel? ...You were simply my love." She pushed herself up to stand, dusting herself off. "I don't need protection. You should be proud...everything is going according to plan." She spat through her own crying. "Your at War...you have power. And you had me." She then turned and began to head back to the house. She would have to contact her family. Her heart was broken. She felt used...a waste of happiness... [15:08]

: It was almost more then he could take. Everything that happend.. the chancellor was behind it. He was nothing but a puppet, dancing for his master. He could feel it... maybe he didn't have a soul to begin with. Toys don't have souls do they. But even as he thought that, he felt, perhaps it wasn't the chancellor.. perhaps he was driving her away himself... to protect her... out of love. Yes... he wanted to belive that. He would not let the dark side take him completely... --- It was a while, before he returned to the house, his lightsaber clipped vissibley to his belt, holocom on the other side. Should he leave now, without saying goodbye? It might be for the best. But, he didn't want to leave it at that. So he decided to leave her a messege. --- 'My love..' He wrote in his letter before he left for Coruscant again, 'It was no sham. I'm sorry that I'm so selfish... I never meant to hurt you but... I guess that's all I do I suppose. I bring hurt... But I have still given you my heart.. and part of my soul. Please keep them safe.. if there is any love for you in me. Please... maybe, there will be hope... if you... keep me with you inside... maybe you can break the shell in time... but it isn't now... now isn't the time..' There was a break in the letter and he added, 'If you don't want to... then... do what you must. I won't hate you... not truely.. no matter what I might say or do. I'll love you forever no matter what you chose... even if you can't love me back any more. I had the one momment of true peace and happyness I craved with you. and I'll take it if I can't have any more. Goodbye... my love' [15:17]

: Padme' had gone into town. She knew the safest routes, and she had managed to get a ride. Once there she contacted her family. Informing them that it was safe for them to return to the lake house. She needed them with her. Padme' didn't want to be alone. She needed to let go and be a heart broken female for a while. She would step back as Anakin instructed. Padme' would forget her people, her status, title and position and be selfish for a while herself. She would cry her eyes out and pray that he would return. -Upon returning to the house she was met with silence. Her heart raced when she called out to Anakin, and she was met with no reply. He had told her that he had offered his life to Obi-Wan...As she moved about the home, she prayed he hadn't done anything stupid. -And then she found the letter. Padme' looked around sadly before lifting it into her hands. Reading his words brought forth fresh tears. And she held the paper tightly. She would always love him. Padme' hated that he didn't have enough faith in himself. -She sat down slowly, rereading the letter...over and over. Each time she reread it, new tears came forth. And new emotions and sudden memories sparked more heartache. -She would find him again. She couldn't give up. Padme' looked out the window as the last bit of sunlight disapeared. The last of her tears had fallen, and she missed Anakin more then she ever thought she could. -Padme' would win him back. She'd wait forever if she had to...just as he claimed that she had his heart and soul. He in turn, held her own.