The Second Padawan

Chapter Seventy-Five

When I set out for a transmission it was intercepted. "Liyah? We're exiting hyperspace now." Anakin answered. "We've brought a fleet," he smiled.

"Thank you, Master." I said relieved.

"Who's that? Is that Anakin Skywalker!?" Anatoli jumped around behind me. I shushed him quickly.

"That's great news Master, our combined forces should be enough finally get rid of this invasion."

"The chancellor has ordered you and Obi-Wan back." He sighed. "Me and Master Plo have everything handled."

"Oh...okay." What did the Chancellor need me back for?

"Your ground troops can stay, we'll send an evac once we're done here." He said.

"As you wish, Master." I ended the transmission. "Anatoli, find Obi-Wan and tell him we need to depart immediately.

With Rex, I emptied out the shuttle Anatoli came in, leaving the supplies for the ground troops just incase they would require it. Anatoli came back shortly after. "Master Kenobi said he'd rather stay here, something about assuring the transfer of occupancy went smooth."

I sighed, he wanted to make sure Satine was okay, obviously. Anakin would definitely recognize her if he were to see her, so Obi-Wan would have to explain everything. I'd rather him have that job, than me.

"We need to go." I told Anatoli. "The Chancellor will be waiting." I looked up in the sky, I could see the fleet enter orbit. I could sense Anakin, I knew he most likely sensed me to.

We boarded the shuttle, R2 immediately set us for the course back to Coruscant. It took Anatoli no time to bombard me with questions.

"How old are you? Is it true that you were Padawans with someone else at the same time? Were you really The Chosen one's Padawan?"

"Mind your business. Yes, and yes." I answered.

"You look my age." He shrugged and sat next to me in the co-pilot chair. "I wanna learn to fly." He said. "How did you come to get two lightsabers?"

"I am not your age. I'm your senior."

"Okay sure. How did you get two lightsabers? You think I'll get two?"

"If you really require it."

"So I guess you'll denounce me once we reach the Council." He sulked.

"You're arrogant, cocky, and unpolished." I said. It was the truth, I wasn't trying to hurt his feelings. "During this war time, I don't think any other Jedi will tolerate you and your behavior."

He frowned, and crossed his arms.

"But I've seen that you do try, and you do tend to succeed in your own way, I respect that. So to answer your one thousandth question, no I won't denounce you." I could see the smile rapidly appear on his face, creating a smile on mine. "But you're going to have to listen, even if I look your age, do you understand?"

He nodded quickly, "I understand, believe me! I-I'll be the most well behaved Padawan! I'll start reading my text more, just wait and see Master, I'm gonna leave you astonished."

I chuckled lightly, the empty feeling of winning a battle subsiding, "I'm sure, I'm sure."

"Chancellor," I nodded, "Council." I walked with Mace Windu, Master Yoda, and the Chancellor.

"Kiros has been secured once again, I strongly believe that we leave a stronger clone presence." I suggested.

Anatoli was next to me, silent. The Chancellor spoke once more, "It you think that is what we need, I have strong faith in your judgment." I internally rolled my eyes, a few months ago my judgment didn't mean anything to him or the Republic, but I digress.

"Thank you." I replied, the two council members were relatively quiet. "And Masters," I looked towards them. Yoda hummed, giving me his attention. "I changed my mind, I will take young Anatoli under my wing." I looked towards him, he was trying to hide his smile.

"Good, a great idea, your Master thought." I was shocked that Anakin has been the one to suggest they give me a Padawan. A few hours ago, I would have reprimanded him, but I guess Masters always know what's best. But would I know what's best for Anatoli?

As night fell, I told Anatoli I would give him a training exercise the next day early in the morning. I suggested that—well really told him, he needed to get good sleep because the training was going to be far from easy.

I was awakened by a buzzing on my door. Getting up from my bed, looking at the vacant one Ahsoka left, only for a brief moment I opened the door.

Anakin was leaning on the frame with his arms crossed. "When we're you gonna tell me..." He looked around and lowered his voice, "Duchess Satine is alive?" Even in a whisper, his voice has so much fire in it.

"You know I tell you everything Master, but that was confidential."

"You and Obi-Wan framed her death!" He whispered.

"Because everyone knowing, especially Maul puts her in danger."

"But why didn't you tell me? I thought we didn't keep secrets?"

"It wasn't a secret, it was to ensure her safety." I shrugged. "And besides, you know now, I figured Obi-Wan be the best to tell you."

He rolled his eyes. "Okay."

"Speaking of Obi-Wan," I grinned. "You HAVE to tell me what's going on with them."

"Is it really obvious?" He asked, dumbfounded.

"As obvious as you and Padmé, yeah."

He raised his eyebrow at my last statement. "Obi-Wan obviously turns a blind eye...." I looked him in his face, he couldn't possibly believe Obi-Wan didn't know him and Padmé weren't just "allies". Now looking at his face, it was clear he thought he was the sneakiest person alive. I guess love truly blinds the individual, thankfully I choose to follow our code and wouldn't experience such blindness.

"Look at the time!" I smiled, "You best get to our favorite Senator! She told me your frequent tardiness is unideal."

"What? Wait? You talk about me?"

"Don't worry Master, I sort of inflate your reputation. And to answer your question, all the time." I smiled and closed my door.