"This is the planet," I commented, peering through my ship's windscreen as I looked down at the vivid greens, crimson reds, and deep oranges that formed Shili's terrain. Wispy grey clouds shaded the sun from highlighting the grassy plains and secretive woods, and a semi-strong wind hastened through the populated towns, warning of coming danger. But what was the danger? Or maybe it wasn't a "what" at all.
Leaning back in my leather seat, I tapped my thumb against the control stick, frustration building in the spacious cockpit. "Where are they?"
"Do you think they've left?" Asajj asked, cautious of an outburst from me.
I shook my head. "They probably won't leave unless forced. Three days should be enough time for them to think we haven't followed them."
"I guess you're right. But what if –" She stopped suddenly when I held up my hand, listening. Silence met my ears, but something rustled through the Force. Then it was quiet. And then it returned.
A cold smile spread across my lips. "I've found them." Angling my ship in the direction of the anxiety, I pushed her forwards, nudging her into a swift descent. We circled downwards, my eye targeting the small, nearly hidden clearing a good few miles from the closest urban area.
Easing the ship into a safe but secluded patch of forest, I jumped out, then paused. Something was ... off. But what? Waiting a moment longer, I put my reservations to the side, then indicated for Asajj to follow me. Noiselessly unhooking my saber from my belt, I crept through the sturdy trees, avoiding large twigs, crunchy leaves, and disgruntled critters. A single ray of sunlight, though watery and pale, pierced both cloud and leaf, setting ablaze a fire of hope inside me. This time, maybe it would work.
Voices were carried on the bustling wind, paying homage to the beauty of friendship and companionship and trust. We stopped just outside the clearing, camouflaged by the browns and greens of the forest, standing stock-still as we watched.
They sat in a loose circle, quiet conversation floating on the air and a gentle calm holding the area. Lux had his back to us, cross-legged on the grass as he played with something in his lap, and Barriss knelt in front of him, her gaze captivated by whatever it was that he held. Satine surveyed the group, hanging uncomfortably on the edge as though she was an intruder, and Obi-Wan sat next to her, his arm around her shoulders in protection and inclusion. Clovis hovered around Padmé, who also faced away from us, though her chin was titled up as she smiled at the senator standing beside her. Darting between all of the pairs was Ahsoka, her brow knit in concentration as she attempted to provide everything for everyone. But they had no sentry.
I let my eye take in the scene, feeling my saber sitting heavy in my hand. It seemed it, too, dreaded what would come next. Padmé's laugh was music to my ears, and the calm, rich accent of Obi-Wan didn't fail to set me at ease. Ahsoka's selfless determination to protect and to serve reflected the golden heart of one I used to know. And I wondered, not for the first time, if –
My hand clenched subconsciously when something nearly slipped from my grasp, and I tightened my grip around the hilt of my lightsaber. It would not escape the same punishment I was due to bear.
Indicating for Asajj to follow my lead, I crept forwards, leaving the safety of the trees and sneaking silently behind my target. Nerves gnawed at my stomach and sent shivers down my arm, and I had to grip my weapon to stop my hand from shaking. Even so, tremors stumbled through my fingers, and it was only with effort that I kept the saber in my power. It was determined not to share in the evil that I was about to commit.
Not a sound was made as I whispered through the grass, and not a suspicion was raised as I approached. Their focus inwards was their downfall. I would have expected more from the former Jedi in the group, especially the two closest to me. And in a way, I was disappointed. I was disappointed that they didn't know I was there. I was disappointed that they didn't see me.
Clovis took something off Padmé, walking a couple of paces away to where Lux and Barriss sat, and I seized the moment. In one swift movement, I yanked my target to her feet, latched my arm around her throat as I pressed her against my chest, and aimed my lightsaber at her temple. "Hello, Padmé," I hissed into her ear, basking in the surprise and hurt that rolled off her. But I was intrigued when I felt no fear from her.
She struggled in my grasp, choking out a single word. "Vader." That captured everyone's attention. If they hadn't seen me before, they saw me now.
Obi-Wan half-rose, his hand going to his side as though searching for the weapon he had laid down upon leaving the Order, and Ahsoka froze, her gaze locked onto me. Everyone stared at me, halted by terror for themselves or concern for others.
"Look what I've got," I said casually, touching my saber to Padmé's temple and tapping my thumb over the ignition button. "How easy it would be simply to flex my finger and then ... well, it would be 'goodbye, Padmé,' wouldn't it?" I scanned their faces, noting with satisfaction the horror, disgust, and worry. "What are you going to about it? Are you going to protect your own? Or is it every man for himself?" I ended, my tone souring.
"Let her go," Obi-Wan spoke in a low voice, his blue eyes fixed to mine.
"Why?" I countered. "What is she to you? Is she a friend? I know how well you treat them." I watched him flinch, watched the hurt twist his features. But then Ahsoka spoke up, taking a bold step towards me.
"Obi-Wan cares," she spat, "unlike you. How could you even think about killing the one you once loved? You're cruel."
"Maybe," I responded coldly, "or maybe I'm misunderstood." Then I tugged my arm closer around Padmé's neck. "Nobody move, except to give me what I want. Give me your lightsabers. We already have Barriss's, so I want yours, Ahsoka." When she hesitated, I shoved my weapon harder into Padmé's temple. "Now!"
She scowled but unclipped them from her belt, throwing them at my feet. Asajj collected them smugly and tucked them away safely, then looked to me for my next move.
Doubts crawled into my mind, unauthorized in their squatting but unchanging in their staying. Longing whipped up a gale of uncertainty and wishful thinking, fanning the unquenchable ember – be it only a single one – of hope and blowing on the desire for happiness. Betrayal seeped in through the cracks and tried to flood out the unwanted emotions, and fear started locking doors and boarding up windows, blocking out the rest of the world. Then anger stormed into the house, its fury attempting to send everything else fleeing.
My hand was shaking too much for me to control it, and I squeezed Padmé's throat mercilessly because of it. I couldn't hold my saber steady enough to deliver the final blow properly, but I almost didn't care. If I could just rid myself of her, I could then rid myself of all the frustrations and everything else that was tied up with the memory of her ... couldn't I?
Oxygen evaded me, and my whole body trembled. My lightsaber seemed to grow heavier by the second, and I could not decide. It would just be the simple press of a button. I could seal it all away ... forever. Couldn't I?
I released a low growl of fury and then would have pressed it. But I heard a babe's cry. And I froze.
And my lightsaber fell.
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Wow, okay, that was intense for me. That was a whirlwind of emotions and will-he-or-won't-he. Then it turns out one of his own children saved his wife's life. Or did they?
Sorry, I know this was a cliffhanger ending. I didn't intend for it to be ... it just kind of ... happened. Sorry! :}
I meant to stay with Vader for what comes next, but I think we'll just switch over to Obi-Wan and watch it play out from his POV. Thanks so much for reading, and I hope you're enjoying! Thanks for your support! :)
Dedications:
Wikluk/the_space_raiders/X_-_-_-_-_-_X/GreyJedi_Knight11/Anna111909/Storyteller_GA/anakinpadmeforlife
And thanks to my new reader, Cam_Skywalker_4ever for your votes and comments! ^^