Part VIII

A few hours later the four Jedi, the Queen and her handmaidens boarded the waiting ship headed to Naboo. The Queen and her handmaidens headed for the quarters of the ship and the four Jedi to the cockpit. Sah-Jen and Obi-Wan took the controls and sent their padawans to check on the Queen.

Kayla and Anakin looked at each other and then back to their masters. This was going to be a fun trip they decided. Obi-Wan looked back at the pair, his eyes coming to rest on Kayla's face. "Go on," he urged.

Kayla and Anakin headed towards the back of the ship where the Queen was located. Anakin looked at Kayla. "Kayla, before we go in I need to tell you something."

"What?" she looked at him inquisitively.

"Um...well...Amidala thought we were lovers."

Kayla stared at Anakin agape, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Oh..."

"Its alright, I told her that we were just friends."

Kayla sighed. "That's good."

Anakin pressed the entry button and the door slid sideways with a hiss.

Anakin walked into the room and towards one of the handmaidens. Kayla followed his lead. Kayla realized that the Queen was in disguise for her own protection.

"Amidala, I would like you to meet my best friend."

Amidala looked up at Kayla.

"This is Kayla," Anakin continued.

So this was Kayla, Amidala thought.

"Hello, Your Highness," Kayla said in greeting.

"Please, call me Amidala. Any friend of Anakin's is a friend of mine," she said smiling, but Kayla could tell that she was torn up inside.

Sah-Jen and Obi-Wan sat in complete silence as they piloted the ship on course to Naboo. Obi-Wan wondered if Master Mace had really thought this through. He just kept reminding himself that it was imperative the four of them got along. The Queen needed them to protect her and all he needed to do was to immerse himself in his job. Obi-Wan sighed inwardly as he rose from his chair. He needed to walk around a bit and he wasn't needed at the moment. Master Sah-Jen was piloting the ship, he was just the co-pilot on this mission. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

Sah-Jen glanced over at the young man, wondering if he was going to talk to Kayla. Sah-Jen realized that this attitude he had towards Obi-Wan was not helping matters. He sighed. For now he needed to concentrate on the mission, not what Obi-Wan's intentions were towards Kayla. No matter how much he was worried she would end up getting hurt, but then again Obi-Wan had admitted he had some sort of feelings for her to both Master Yoda and Master Mace.

Obi-Wan left the cockpit and headed towards the main hold. When he reached his destination he sat on the floor in a meditation position and closed his eyes. He wanted to clear his mind of unnecessary thoughts, but his meditation was interrupted when Kayla walked into the room. He looked up at her from his sitting position.

"Oh...sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I was trying to find some place quiet to think. I thought Anakin and Amidala needed some time alone," Kayla finished hurriedly and turned to leave.

"Its...its okay. If you want you can meditate with me," he said with a smile.

Kayla knew it would be wiser just to just leave, but couldn't think of a good enough reason to do so. She walked over to him and sat down in front of him, mimicking his style. They closed their eyes and started to clear their minds in preparation for the mission ahead of them. They stayed in a meditative state for several minutes and then blinked open their eyes. Their gazes locked onto each other’s.

"Kayla...I..."

"I know..."

The connection they shared had grown in those few minutes. A bond was forming between them, and they could sense each other's presence more clearly than before. Obi-Wan began to rise off the floor, he needed to get back to the cockpit and he felt compelled to leave before he did something that might end up jeopardizing the mission.

"Kayla, I...need to get back before Master Sah-Jen comes looking for me."

"Oh...I...I understand." She watched as he left the room. She closed her eyes once more to see if she could still sense him without actually having to search for him. The bond was there, but it was very weak. She wondered why a bond had begun forming between them. Usually that only happened when two Jedi were close, like master and apprentice, between best friends, or... Her eyes fluttered open.

Several hours later the ship began its descent. Several of the Naboo guards were stationed in the palace hangar to protect the Queen. Amidala stepped onto the exit ramp of the ship with the Jedi surrounding her. Sah-Jen was ahead of her, Kayla and Anakin flanked her sides and Obi-Wan trailed behind her. She felt this was a little unnecessary but Anakin insisted. Amidala was quickly escorted to her throne room, the handmaidens and Jedi were all on alert. Anakin was standing close toher. She sighed inwardly. She wondered how she would get anything done with all of her protectors surrounding her at all times. She looked up and saw Obi-Wan staring off to the right. She followed his gaze and saw Kayla standing near a window looking out over Naboo. She wondered what that was about. Was Obi-Wan just scanning the room? Or was he actually looking at Kayla? She was shaken from her thoughts as she felt a pair of strong hands come to rest on her weary shoulders. She looked up to see a pair of beautiful blue eyes looking down at her. Usually it would befrowned upon to be so casual with the Queen, but the only other people in the room knew of her feelings towards Anakin and his for her.

Night approached and Amidala was escorted to her quarters by her handmaidens. One of the Jedi was to be guarding her at all times and Kayla was stationed inside Amidala's bed chamber for good measure. Anakin took the first watch and Obi-Wan and Sah-Jen were shown to their guest quarters. Amidala lay in her bed unable to sleep. Kayla was sitting in a chair close by looking out at the stars. Amidala wanted to ask her about Obi-Wan, but didn't exactly know how to state the question.

"You should get some rest, Amidala," Kayla suggested.

"I don't think I can."

Kayla got up from her position and walked over to Amidala placing her hand on Amidala's forehead. "Sleep."

Amidala's eyes slowly shut and she drifted off into sleep. Kayla returned to her seat and her eyes returned to look out the window. She only had to stay up as long as she could. One of the guys would always be outside in the reception area.

Hours later, Obi-Wan came to relieve Anakin of his watch. Anakin slowly headed off towards the guest quarters. Obi-Wan closed his eyes, resting his head on the back of the couch. He heard the door to Amidala's bed chamber open beside him. He looked to see Kayla standing next to him, her hair flowing down her back unbound from her usual braid.

"I couldn't sleep..." she said slightly pouting.

"You should stay with the Queen," Obi-Wan said interrupting her.

"Sabe' couldn't sleep and is guarding Amidala."

"But..." he was silenced by a tender kiss on the cheek.

"I just wanted someone to talk to and I didn't want to disturb the Queen," her eyes pleading with him to let her stay with him.

He sighed. "Just a few minutes."

Kayla sank down on the couch next to Obi-Wan, and then subconsciously leaned into him.

Amidala began to stir in her sleep. She blinked open her eyes and looked over at the chair Kayla had been in earlier, only to see Sabe'. Amidala slowly rose into a sitting position and Sabe' walked over to her Queen.

"Amidala, you need your rest."

Amidala looked at Sabe'. "Where's Kayla?"

"She is out in the reception area with Obi-Wan. Why?"

"Well I expected her to stay here all night. I...you said she was with Obi-Wan?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Well I saw him looking at her earlier and wondered..."

"Do you want me to ask Kayla to come back in?"

"No," Amidala answered quickly.

Sabe' looked at her Queen oddly for a second. "Now go back to sleep."

"Yes, 'mother'," Amidala said mockingly before yawning and rolling over onto her side. When she was sure Sabe' could no longer see her face she smiled.

Kayla looked over at Obi-Wan her eyes slowly closing. She yawned quietly.

"Kayla..." he gulped as her head came to rest on his shoulder. "Um...Maybe you should go back and get some rest."

"Huh..." she said in a whisper all the while nuzzling closer to him.

Obi-Wan just shook his head. She did really look tired and, he would sense a panic from Sabe' in time to act if something did happen. But surely she would be more comfortable in the Queen's quarters.

"Kayla, I think you would be more comfortable lying down."

"Hmmmmm...." she murmured before drifting off to sleep.

Obi-Wan sighed and looked down to see Kayla had fallen asleep. On him. He wondered if he could carry her into the Queen's room without waking her or the Queen. He knew if Master Sah-Jen found her asleep snuggled against him, that he would probably be in for another lecture. At the moment he wasn't sure if he really cared though. Her presence was comforting, so he decided to let her sleep.

Come morning, Amidala ventured into the reception area to discover Kayla curled up against Obi-Wan. He looked up at the Queen, surprise in his eyes.

"Obi-Wan, is there something I should know?" she teased.

A slight tinge of red crept up into his cheeks. He looked down at Kayla and gave her a slight nudge through their slowly forming bond. Kayla's eyes blinked open and stretched her body, her hand accidentally brushing against Obi-Wan's cheek. Amidala watched the pair, a grin slowly forming on her face. Amidala noticed for a brief moment Obi-Wan seemed to forget she was in the room, but recovered quickly as he rose off the couch with Kayla following suit. Just then the door slid up to reveal Master Sah-Jen, his gaze immediately rested on Obi-Wan and Kayla.

"Your Highness, I am glad to see you are still safe."

Amidala looked at Sah-Jen who was still looking at his padawan and Obi-Wan, a slight look of disgust on his face. Amidala suddenly realized that Sah-Jen didn't approve of the pair.

"Yes, thanks to Obi-Wan and Kayla. We were just talking about the day's events."

Sah-Jen was about to say something when Anakin entered the room. Anakin looked over at his friend and master, a slightly wicked gleam in his eyes. "No, absolutely out of the question," Anakin declared after hearing what Amidala planned for today. A slight tremble in his voice. "Anakin, I will not let this assassin force me into hiding any longer. It is obvious that this assassin can find me anywhere, and I am not missing my father's birthday."

"But my Queen, couldn't your parents just come here. Going out to their farm will be too dangerous," Sabe' pleaded.Amidala looked at her protectors, all had the same worried look across their faces. She let out a sigh and sank into her throne.

"Um...I don't see what difference it makes if Amidala stays here or she is at her parent's home. It is our job to protect her, not dictate her life," Kayla announced.

Anakin was about to say something when he saw Obi-Wan walk up to Kayla. As much as he wanted to lock Amidala away to protect her, Kayla was right. They would be there for her, _he_ would be there for her.

Sah-Jen looked at his padawan, she had always been able to show others the way. He was proud of her, she would be a great Jedi Knight. It took a little more convincing to get the others to agree to this plan of action, but finally everyone agreed with letting Amidala visit her parent's farm.Amidala and her protectors had to go through the nearby forest to reach her family's farm, which would leave them in the open. The journey had been uneventful so far. Suddenly a blast hit a nearby tree, and a man landed in front of them. He was wearing a black hooded cloak which concealed his face. The assailant removed his cloak and ignited a crimson lightsaber.

"Anakin! Protect the Queen," Obi-Wan shouted.

Anakin quickly complied, not that he wouldn't have been by her side of his own accord. Sah-Jen looked on as Kayla and Obi-Wan removed their cloaks and ignited their lightsabers almost in unison. He stayed back to help Anakin protect Amidala in case the Sith got past Obi-Wan and Kayla. Anakin and the handmaidens rushed the Queen back to the transport, while the battle raged on behind them. Kayla and Obi-Wan managed to press the assailant back further into the forest. The Sith swung at Kayla and she easily flipped over his head to safety. He spun around barely able to block her lightsaber, seemingly forgetting the other Jedi to his left. Obi-Wan brought his lightsaber down on the Sith's shoulder, a glancing blow which only seared the flesh. The Sith then Force pushed Kayla, sending her flying into the ground. Then began pressing his full attack against Obi-Wan.

Anakin's party reached the awaiting shuttle and he ushered Amidala and the handmaidens inside. The handmaidens quickly surrounded their Queen, Anakin standing outside guarding the entrance. It was safer to stay here then risk going back to the palace. Besides Anakin's master and best friend were out there, risking their lives to protect his love. He quieted his mind reaching through the bond he shared with his master. The fight was intense. He closed eyes.

Kayla quickly rose from the ground and ran back to the battle in front of her. The Sith was so busy trying to kill Obi-Wan he didn't sense her attack. Kayla swept around to his right, coming in on the side which was weakest due to Obi-Wan’s earlier attack. Upon noticing her approach he tugged a branch across the back of Obi-Wan’s legs, knocking him to the ground. He immediately turned to face his new opponent. Kayla always keeping him at a disadvantage by attacking him on his bad side managed to drive him back between two trees. Too narrow to pass he was forced to turn to pass through them. When he turned to move through, Kayla took an exaggerated overhand swing and changed it mid-stroke into a sweep. The Sith restricted by the position of the trees, didn¹t anticipate the move and was cut from shoulder to waist. Kayla slowly collapsed to her knees, her breathing heavy. She had never had to kill before. With the Sith dead, Obi-Wan went to Kayla kneeling beside her. Sah-Jen had come running to find Obi-Wan holding Kayla in his arms as she silently wept.

Anakin felt the relief wash over him through the bond he shared with Obi-Wan. He looked up to see two figures emerge from the forest. Sah-Jen was carrying Kayla. Anakin ran to them.

"Master, is Kayla alright," Anakin asked.

"She will be better after she gets some rest, Anakin. I think it would be wise if we go back to the palace. Amidala's visit will have to wait."

Anakin could sense Obi-Wan's anxiety over Kayla's condition. She and Master Sah-Jen rarely ever had to fight on missions, and in those battles she never had to kill anyone. He had come to accept his master did have feelings for Kayla, and now could see her condition was upsetting him deeply. Kayla began to stir in her master's arms. Her eyes fluttered open to see her master's concerned face. Sah-Jen breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Kayla was awake.

"Master?" she questioned slightly confused.

"Shush now Kayla."

"Obi-Wan..." she mumbled softly.

Obi-Wan looked down at her, his eyes locked onto to hers.

They reached the shuttle and Sah-Jen set Kayla down on one of the benches within. Sah-Jen sat next to her, steadying her. She was still a little shaken from the ordeal, but she was much better than she was before. The shuttle slowly began its journey back to the palace. The shuttle reached the palace, and the weary passengers disembarked. Sah-Jen walked Kayla to the guest quarters, so she could get some rest. He tucked her in, and turned the lights off. "Rest my padawan," he whispered as he left the room. Sah-Jen re-joined the others in the Queen's throne room. Obi-Wan was in the middle of contacting the Jedi Council.

"Masters, The Queen's attacker was a Sith. During the battle, Kayla killed him," Obi-Wan stated.

Master Mace looked at him. "And where is young Kayla?"

"She is resting, the battle was very distressing for her."

"Strong is she. Recover quickly she will," Yoda added.

"Obi-Wan, is Master Sah-Jen there with you?" Mace inquired.

Master Sah-Jen slowly walked towards the view screen. "Yes Master?"

"Did you see the battle take place?"

"Yes. Kayla fought well."

"Talk to her I must."

"May the Force be with you," Mace said before the transmission ended.

"Obi-Wan, you look like you could use some rest," Amidala stated.

"I'm fine."

Anakin looked at his master, shaking his head slightly.

"Master, it will do you some good."

Obi-Wan looked at Anakin and sighed. They were right he could use some rest. Obi-Wan sighed and headed off to the guest quarters assigned to him. He was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. When he awoke several hours later, Anakin was sitting in the room.

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay, Master."

"Yes, Anakin. I'm fine. I'm...more worried about...Kayla."

"Master, she will be fine."

Obi-Wan looked at his padawan, his friend, with a slight smile. "Anakin, I hope your right," was all Obi-Wan said before turning to stare out the window across the room. Night approached and the palace had gone silent. Anakin insisted on staying out in the reception area of Amidala's bed chamber just in case there was another would-be assassin out there somewhere. Kayla had slept the day away, Anakin wondered if Master Sah-Jen didn't put her in a Force induced slumber. He yawned and lay down on the couch.

**Continue to part 9**

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