| Author |
Topic:
For the Love of the Queen-Story Completed (7/11) Special Note!!! (7/24)
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JediMasterRev
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
5/1 8:54am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Replies & Note (4/24)
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VaderLVR64: Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment, I really appreciate it.
Well, I had a little time before I headed off so I thought I'd leave everyone with an update. Hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 21: The Descent
This place was like something out of a dream.
When Padmé entered the meeting hall, she felt as if she had been here before. Everything, from the structure to the layout, seemed familiar. Her fascination dissolved when she spotted Anakin’s convulsing form lying in the center of the room. Several people, upon seeing her, left Anakin to join her. The most notable of the group was a large man who walked protectively next to a small woman who was roughly Padmé’s height.
“Padmé Amidala?” the woman asked.
“Yes.”
“I am Mother,” she said, with a half smile.
Moving towards Anakin, Padmé’s face fell. “What happened?”
“He made a bargain with the Force.” Torus informed her. “He thought he was ready for something he was not. Now, he’s being overwhelmed with dark visions.”
“Is he going to die?’ Padmé asked, barely able to hold down her hysteria.
Mother and Torus exchanged a brief glances. “If we do nothing, he most certainly will,” she replied.
“What can I do?”
Mother motioned to Ilianya, who answered. “The witches can form strong telekinetic bonds which can connect two people in a very…unique way. As you once saw, I was able to enter Anakin’s mind and use the Force within him to save his life.”
“But now you can’t,” Padmé observed astutely
Ilianya shook her head. “The power of the darkness which surrounds him is too great. Plus, his defenses are beyond our ability to break.”
“If you can’t help him, what makes you think I can?” Padmé asked doubtfully. “I cannot use the Force like any of you.”
“You possess a special bond with him,” Mother began. “There has been none like it in a thousand years. He will trust you enough to allow you in.”
Padmé looked at her curiously, unsure what she meant. Everything that was happening was beyond her comprehension. Her curiosity, though, would not save Anakin. There would be another time for answers. For now, Padmé had to act. “I will do anything to help him.”
Mother nodded solemnly. “Then let’s begin.”
Ilianya and Torus helped Padmé lay down on the table that had been placed next to Anakin. As she straightened her body, Ilianya leaned over her. “I will act as the conduit to connect you to him. In doing so, you will be endowed with all of my powers.”
“What does that mean?” Padmé nervously asked.
“You will be able to use the Force to the same extent as me.”
“And why would I need that?”
Ilianya’s worried expression grew harder. “Because the danger you will face is as real as it would be in this world. If you were to die there…”
“I’d die here too,” Padmé finished, shooting a sideways glance at the others.
Ilianya nodded wordlessly. “There is still hope for him…I can feel it. Still, there could be other…things that may not want you to be successful.”
“And, if he is fully immersed with the darkness, you must destroy him.” Torus interjected.
“I will not harm him!”
“You may not have a choice,” Mother lamented.
Ilianya moved closer to Padmé. “The coven believes that to accept the darkness means to allow your selfish desires to take precedence over the will of the Force. It lies, telling you things that exploit your weaknesses. In the end, you become its obedient slave, forever lost to its whims.”
“Is there no hope of redemption?” Padmé asked, looking about the room.
“Salvation from the darkness can only come from within,” Torus pointed out. “No one can replace that spark of light.”
“I believe I understand.” Padmé turned to Ilianya. “I’m ready.”
Ilianya withdrew one of her silver encased lightsabers from underneath her cloak, handing it to Padmé. “Here, you will need this.”
She inspected the weapon, turning it over in her hand. “How will this be helpful?”
“You’d be surprised what you can do in a vision,” Ilianya wryly smirked.
“It’s time,” Mother announced as she and the others assembled around Anakin and Padmé’s prone forms. Ilianya leaned over Padmé once again and gently stroked her forehead. She suddenly fell asleep. Without warning, a violent tremor jolted her. Looking about, the witches’ meeting hall had been replaced with a whirlwind of images and memories, appearing at a dizzying pace. Waves of uncontrolled emotions violently struck her as she tried to steady herself. After the jostling stopped, Padmé discovered that she stood in a desert with storm clouds swirling overhead. She looked out at the horizon, searching for something familiar, when she saw a small boy hunched over in the distance.
Padmé broke into a sprint. When she drew closer, she saw the boy was in fact a much younger version of Anakin, who was uncontrollably shaking. He was wearing tattered clothing and looked seriously ill.
“Ani?”
The boy continued to convulse without response. “Anakin…please talk to me,” she asked desperately.
She bent down to hold him in her arms. As she looked at his face, his eyes rolled back into his head. She yelled out for help, but there was no one to hear her hail. After several moments, young Anakin awoke and looked at her oddly. Padmé had been prepared for a measure of resistance, but instead, she was shocked when he recoiled from her embrace.
“You!” he spat “You are not real. You are one of them trying to keep me from my power!”
Heartbroken, but determined, Padmé looked at him stoically. “What power?”
“The dark side…it calls to me!”
When she tried to touch him, Anakin again backed away from her. Padmé straightened to her fullest height. “Ani, you must search for the light from within.”
He shook his head violently and turned away. “Anakin? Anakin is gone.” To her fright, he turned around wielding a red lightsaber. “I am Vader—the Master’s fist.”
While he was just a small boy, Padmé didn’t know how strong his Force abilities were. Backing away, she looked down and saw Ilianya’s lightsaber dangling from her belt. Quickly, she withdrew and ignited it. Anakin made several uncoordinated attempts to attack her, but Padmé parried each slash, forcing him to retreat.
He paused, looking at her in defeat.
“Don’t make me do this,” he screamed up at the sky. “I will not hurt her!”
“Anakin,” Padmé called out, offering him her hand.
“You don’t understand,” Anakin responded sobbingly. “It’s already too late for me.” He then spun on his heel and ran away.
Padmé gave chase despite he landscape morphing before her. They were no longer in the desert, but rather within the vaulted ceilings of the Jedi Temple. It seemed different than she remembered. The room was darker and the city outside was bereft of activity. Anakin, who looked to be about eleven, sat on Yoda’s chair, while Padmé stood still at the middle of the room. She feared that any sudden movements could cause him to attack her again. This time, Padmé wasn’t sure if she could fight him off.
“You are just like them,” he accused through clenched teeth. “They were afraid, so they rejected me… just like you will. You’re jealous!”
Becoming angry, but focused, Padmé placidly retorted. “No Anakin, I was there for you. I have never once rejected you. Think! I was the one that took you in and protected you.”
His face suddenly lightened. “Anera?”
Smiling, she nodded happily. “Yes Anakin. It’s me.”
Anakin covered his eyes with his hands as if he was shielding himself from something too bright. “I can’t look at the you…he won’t let me.”
Cautiously, Padmé approached him. “Who won’t let you?”
Anakin jumped out of the chair to hide behind it. “The dark lord…he is near …he’s always searching, waiting for me to fall.”
“Anakin,” she called out, motioning for him to come out.
The boy popped his head up and was about to come out of hiding when his eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “He’s found us!” He screamed, pointing behind Padmé.
She swiveled around to see a dark cloud filled with lightening descending upon her. “I will crush you, foolish little girl.”
The entire world faded to black.
**
Joaquin Mar was a loathsome creature.
Governor Sio Bibble shook his head as he glanced at the somewhat inebriated Senator. As a result of his new, but temporary position as Naboo’s representative in the mining guild, Bibble had to enlist the help of Senator Mar. Sio could not begin to understand why the people continued to support such an unworthy man to represent them on the Galactic stage. Queen Amidala had, on several occasions, tried to remove Mar from his duties; but somehow, he always seemed to slither his way out of trouble. Although Sio didn’t wish for the position of Senator for himself, he would have gladly taken it if it would paint the Naboo in a better light in the Senate.
Sio already had enough problems.
The process to join the Republic’s mining guild was extensive. He had spent months going through the bureaucratic red tape and countless meetings with the individual members to get the signatures needed to bring the Naboo’s petition to the Supreme Chancellor. Sio didn’t understand why the other member worlds would obstruct membership, especially since it was Republic law to join. He mused their stalling tactics were political given that Naboo’s kelvacyte deposit would be the largest in the Republic and as such it would great them considerable clout within the guild.
Then again, these contradictions were the one of the many reasons why Sio would be happy to return to his normal duties once the Queen nominated a suitable replacement. As always, he would faithfully serve the crown in whatever capacity he was needed.
“Gentlemen,” called out the Chancellor’s secretary. “His Excellency will see you now.”
“Thank you,” Sio offered with a grin. Turning to Mar, who had fallen asleep, Bibble kicked his foot. “Come on.”
Senator Mar gingerly stood up and followed him inside. Sio couldn’t help smiling at his old friend Palpatine, whom he had served with for most of his political life. He profoundly respected the man, and was proud of his many achievements.
“Sio Bibble, well this is a most welcomed surprise.” Palpatine said happily.
“Excellency,” Bibble replied with a half bow.
“No, none of that.” Palpatine waved dismissively, reaching over to shake Sio’s hand.
“It’s been a long time, old friend.”
“Too long,” Palpatine answered, motioning for them to sit. “I see you brought our beloved Senator Mar along.”
Sio couldn’t help snorting in disgust. “What’s left of him,” he replied, bending his elbow to make a drinking motion.
“I see,” the Chancellor responded, firing an annoyed sneer at the Senator. Once they sat down, he asked. “How is the family?”
Sio smiled happily. He couldn’t help but feel sorry for his old friend. Palpatine was the last of a once great and noble family whose roots traced back to the original monarchy on Naboo. His parents had died when he was very young and under strange circumstances. Indeed, most thought he had perished with them until twenty years later he returned to claim his birthright. From that moment on, Palpatine had been a political juggernaut.
“Everyone is doing fine. Though we’re especially proud of my niece, Ellisé, who was just promoted to project leader of a new ship design.”
“Splendid,” Palpatine said with a grin. “Perhaps if you are going to be on Coruscant for a time, we can dine together?”
“That would be wonderful,” Sio replied, his lighthearted smile suddenly faded. “Actually, I will be here for quite some time. Official business.”
“Oh?” Palpatine asked curiously, noticeably frowning. “Is something wrong at home?’
“No, no,” Sio answered, shaking his head. “I was asked by the Queen to facilitate Naboo’s entrance into the Republic’s mining guild.”
Palpatine sat up in his chair. “Discovered something significant, I take it.”
Sio nodded as he handed him his datapad. “Apparently, both of our moons have a cache of kelvacyte greater than any within the Republic.”
“Surely not,” Palpatine answered, astounded.
“As you can see for yourself, Chancellor, the data is correct.”
“Well then,” Palpatine said, darting through the datapad quickly. “I, of course, have no problem with accepting Naboo’s application.”
“We appreciate that, sir.” Sio smile quickly faded as he noticed Palpatine hesitate signing the decree. “Something wrong, Your Excellency?”
After several moments, Palpatine gave his approval. “No.” He then stood up abruptly. “If you will excuse me…I have…duties to attend to.”
Sio motioned for Mar to stand with him. “I will speak with your secretary about our dinner plans.”
Palpatine, who had turned his back on them, lifted his hand up. “Very well,” he muttered.
Sio walked up to the Chancellor’s desk, taking the datapad with Palpatine’s signature and placing it back under his cloak. He and Joaquin bowed and left the Chancellor’s office.
“What was that all about?” Mar questioned after they had walked for several minutes.
“I wish I knew,” Bibble lamented, curious about what had just transpired.
**
Dahlia’s mission was nearly complete.
Now that Master Siri and Ferus were at each other’s throats, it afforded her the freedom to venture on her own. Besides, it was time that she left this dismal place. Dahlia longed to once again bask in the presence of the Dark Lord. She craved the knowledge he possessed for ultimate power. The Jedi were weak, useless. She had held out slim hope when she arrived that Siri would be of help. But alas, the Jedi were too mired in their petty squabbles to offer any real assistance.
She would have to take matters into her own hands.
Even though there were Jedi roaming about the Temple at all times, for some reason, four in the morning had the fewest. Trying to blend in with her surroundings, Dahlia wore a dark brown hooded robe and a tan tunic. She slowly made her way from the residence wing towards the secured areas. Fortunately, her appearance avoided any questions. It also helped that she had learned many of Siri’s access codes and was armed with the most important one—Lord Tyranus’ Master-level access.
Dahlia had only had a few encounters with the former Jedi Master. Although his stoic mask never changed, he did not frighten her in the way Sidious did. In fact, she sensed that a residue of compassion still resided deep within him. However, Dahlia knew that it would not be extended to her. He disliked her, and saw her more as a nuisance than as a capable agent for the Master.
This task would more than prove her worth.
Looking across the intersecting corridors, Dahlia didn’t see or feel anyone nearby. Quickly, she entered the lift, which took her down to the secured area. At the precise moment she felt the presence of the guard—a mere padawan—Dahlia focused her dark thoughts, just as Lord Sidious had taught her. When the lift doors opened, the young padawan never knew what struck him. Her hand extended, Dahlia unleashed several streams of Force lightening, slamming the young boy, face first, into one of the vaults.
Dahlia ran past him and down the corridor, not caring in the slightest about his injured state. The vault door, which housed the staff, was just several meters ahead of her. There was nothing that could stop her.
She was so close.
The Master would be pleased with her.
Reaching the vault’s doors, Dahlia reached over to enter in the access code when she became aware of an aggravating, but familiar presence.
“Dahlia!” Ferus yelled angrily.
She slowly turned, reaching underneath her cloak for her hidden vibroblade. “I was just…looking around,” she replied innocently
Ferus unclipped his lightsaber. “Enough of your lies. Master Siri wouldn’t be able to save you this time!”
Turning in his direction, but not withdrawing her hand, she replied, “What do you plan to do, Padawan Olin? Kill me?”
Ferus activated his weapon, grinning wickedly. “Not that the thought hadn’t occurred to me. Still, I am a Jedi and I will not damn myself for you.”
“Then come and get me,” Dahlia dared. “If you can.”
He lowered the tip of his blade at her chest. “Don’t.”
In one motion, Dahlia withdrew her vibroblade, throwing it at Ferus. She wasn’t surprised that he skillfully parried it away.
“I was hoping that you would do something stupid!”
Dahlia stumbled backwards as Ferus stalked towards her, his lightsaber held high over his head. She sensed that he had no intention of sparing her life and strangely, this frightened her. Dahlia had faced death on more occasions than she could count, none of which had never scared her in the least. And yet, for reasons that seemed to escape her, she now feared for her life. Dahlia tried to be angry—to use all her negative feelings to summon the Force to squash this infuriating boy.
The Force, though, was not heeding her call.
Resigning herself to fate, Dahlia closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable deathblow. She shivered momentarily before she heard the sound of gasping. Dahlia opened her eyes and saw her savior—a dark angel. There before her was her nemesis hovering in mid-air as a figure donned in a black hooded cloak extended his hand towards the choking Jedi.
“Foolish boy,” the deep voiced Sith muttered before using the Force to propel Ferus down the hallway. A resounding thud echoed throughout the corridor as he struck the lift doors, followed by the unmistakable crack of breaking bones.
“Lord Tyranus,” Dahlia whispered.
He smiled and nodded once. “My apologies, my dear, for such a vulgar display of power.”
Jumping to her feet, she beamed in thanks. “Believe me when I say he had it coming.” She shot Tyranus a confused stare. “Not that I am ungrateful for your help, my Lord, but why are you here?”
Tyranus stared at her blankly before shifting his attention to the vault door. “Lord Sidious requested that I assist you with removing the staff from the Temple. He feared that the Jedi might sense its departure.” She moved to enter the code when he added, “Also, the code you receive was incorrect.”
Dahlia paused, looking at him suspiciously. “Oh?”
Tyranus moved passed her and began entering in the code. “The Jedi are more cleaver than we were aware.”
“I see,” she said, folding her arms. Seconds later, the control panel beeped its acceptance and opened the door. Dahlia was the first to enter the room. The scepter was larger than she expected and she could literally feel its dark energy filling the vault. “It’s…amazing.”
Darth Tyranus did not visibly react. “Take it, child. We shouldn’t dawdle.”
Dahlia grabbed the relic and placed it securely underneath her cloak. “I’m open to suggestions as to the best way to leave.”
“Stay close, little one. I know the way.”
**
Padmé awoke to a void.
She nervously sat up and probed into the darkness, searching for something—anything –familiar. The memory of the dark figure still loomed ominously in her mind. Although she could no longer see it, somehow she knew that it hadn’t ventured far away.
“Anakin?” she called out, hoping he was near.
No answer.
Giving herself another few moments, Padmé’s eyes finally adjusted. She was sitting in the middle of a garage, which also seemed familiar. Rising to her feet, Padmé stumbled about in effort to find out where she was. Becoming aware of the scorching heat, despite being indoors, made her keenly aware of her location—the Lars’ homestead on Tatooine.
Padmé flinched when she heard a piece of equipment crash against a nearby wall followed by a Huttese curse. Anakin, who looked closer to his present age, continued on with his work. He didn’t seem aware of her.
“What’s troubling you?” she whispered.
Staring at the workbench, he muttered, “The Jedi rejected me because I was unworthy. So did my mother.” He turned in her direction. “She sent me to them since I was an abomination and couldn’t bear the sight of me.”
“Your mother let you go out of love. She wanted a better life for you,” Padmé reminded him, but he remained fretful. A change of tactics was needed. “You are allowing this dark lord to twist your memories, Anakin. Its lies are tearing you apart,” she warned.
Ambling closer ro him, Anakin flailed his arms in frustration when they locked glances. “You would have been better off had Qui-Gon had left me where he found me.”
“That’s absurd,” Padmé shook her head. “You mean everything to me. I need you!.”
His defeated features instantly morphed into something more portentous. Padmé unconsciously backed away, sensing his anger rising. “You will die because of me.”
“That’s impossible.”
“Impossible?” He parroted, shooting her sharp glare. “I’ve seen it…you will be lost forever and it will be, because of me.”
Padmé gazed at him vacantly, shaking her head. Was it possible that the dark side was now attacking her as well? If that was the case, she could no longer trust her own eyes and perceptions. “I… don’t believe you.”
A frightening grin immediately crossed his features. “You will.”
The Lars’ garage blinked out of existence. In its place, Padmé found herself on a narrow landing pad surrounded by pools of lava. The heat was greater than on Tatooine, making it nearly impossible to breathe. Shifting her eyes to where Anakin had been standing, Padmé blinked as she realized that she was alone.
Or so she thought.
Turning towards the platform, she saw the body of a woman lying deathly still at the bottom of an outstretched landing ramp. Moving her legs out of sheer will, Padmé somehow knew who it was even before she her face.
It’s me.
Kneeling down, Padmé noticed that this version of herself appeared a few years older and was with child. In the distance, she heard the echoes of lightsabers crashing and mechanical equipment exploding upon being struck. Standing up and looking into the red sky, Padmé opened her arms and shouted, “If this is to be my end, so be it. It will not stop me from loving Anakin.”
“You will do no such thing, my Queen.” A mechanical voice responded.
Swiveling about, Padmé staggered backwards from what appeared to be a demon, clad in black armor standing opposite to her. The sound of compressed air hissed as it moved towards her. “What are you?”
”You should know,” it answered before pointed down at her counterpart. “This very moment will make me what I am.”
“No!” Padmé screamed as realization of the creature’s identity flooded her senses. “That’s…impossible!”
The demon grabbed her wrist, forcibly placing it on its breastplate. “In here beats the heart of the boy you once knew.” Pointing at himself, he continued. “I am all that’s left.”
Padmé yanked her arm away, withdrawing Tro’s lightsaber. Igniting it, she warned. “Stay back!”
The creature said nothing, looking at her with the hissing the only sound audible. “Power was the only thing that could have save you, my Queen. I…Anakin…wasn’t strong enough.”
Staring at him in puzzlement, Padmé insisted, “Power only serves its own needs, not the will of your Force. It does not love, nor can it change fate.”
“You are…naïve,” the creature responded slowly. “Power is the only thing this universe understands.”
“Perhaps then you are the one that is naïve?” Padmé fired back.
A garbled sound erupted from the demon. Padmé thought it might be laughing at her. “I think it is time you should be reunited with your loved one.”
The landing pad dissolved replaced by the sight of the charred remnants of a man crawling on a bed of ash. The intense heat from the nearby lava pit felt as if it had seared her flesh. The creature moved from her side, next to the burned man who she knew was Anakin. She tried to scream in horror, but her voice escaped her. He lay motionless. Smoke was rising from the remnants of his body. Anakin appeared to no longer have appendages. Padmé felt the bile rise in up her stomach as her vision blurred.
This can’t be happening.
“Behold your magnificent beloved, my Queen.” The demon said, without emotion.
“Anakin,” she managed to whisper as she tried to steady herself. “By the spirits, what happened to him?”
The creature turned towards her. “He was weak, and a fool.”
This had to be a lie.
Anakin had survived so much, and his power was beyond anything Padmé had ever seen. This could not be how it was supposed to end. They had a life together—a future. Padmé would not be denied, by this vision or this loathsome creature, the life she had always dreamed to share with Anakin. Feeling her rage spike out of control, Padmé pointed Tro’s lightsaber at the demon. “I will not allow this! Stay away from him.”
The demon responded by activating his weapon. “Then you condemn yourself to death, my Queen.” It turned towards Anakin’s charred body. “I suggest you stab your blade into his heart…after all, my undoing will only come with his death.”
“No!” Padmé said, her resolve slipping. “You are trying to trick me.”
“You know it to be true, my Queen.”
For the first time in many years, Padmé was at a loss. Somehow, someway… she knew the demon spoke the truth. Padmé sensed that she could not vanquish Anakin’s dark half and expect the rest to survive. He would be incomplete…fractured. But how could she stop this from coming to pass? It was insurmountable. And yet, she still clung to a shred of hope for a bright future, full of light and love. A time long from now where this never happened and they would be happy.
Hope.
She grinned at the demon as the solution struck her. It had always been right there. Extinguishing her lightsaber, she looked up and was surprised when the hulking machine stood back.
It was afraid.
“You are…unwise, my Queen.”
“Perhaps,” she responded, shrugging her shoulders. “I do know with every fiber of my being that I could not hurt something, or rather someone, I love.”
“You…love me?” It asked, astonished.
Padmé risked a sideways glance at Anakin. “I love everything that makes Anakin who he is.” Folding her arms snugly against her chest, she added, “Everyone is born with a destiny. Some of us are placed with a greater burden than others. In the end, it is our choices that make us who we are.” Padmé took two steps closer to the demon. “I am not afraid of the future, or even my own death. And I will not let fear keep me from my love, no matter what might happen.”
“Nor will I,” added Anakin who was once again whole, and pointing his lightsaber at the creature. “You’ve failed. I am the Chosen One and I not turn away from the Force’s will.”
Padmé flashed a weary smile at him. “Good to have you back.”
“Good to be back,” Anakin replied with a wink. He then turned back to the demon. “Tell your Master that he will have to do better than this.”
The mechanical creature looked at them without response. It then moved forward before stopping abruptly. A loud hiss preceded it reaching up to remove its helmet. In an instant, the mechanical creature disappeared and was replaced by the figure of a fair skinned woman with blonde hair and eyes like Anakin’s, who was smiling at her.
“You are a wise one, young Queen.”
The planet of fire disappeared, replaced by a flowering field that stretched around them. In the distance, Padmé could hear the crashing of the Varykino waterfalls. The scent of flowers filled her nostrils and the oppressive heat was gone. Peace and light had replaced despair and darkness.
They were home.
“I beg your forgiveness, my Lady.” Anakin repented, as he dropped down to his knees.
Padmé looked at him curiously as she shifted her eyes back to the woman who stood over him. “You are quite fortunate to have such a guardian angel.” Her amused expression dissolved. “Next time, you might not be so lucky.”
“There will not be a next time,” Anakin insisted. “I promise.”
“We shall see,” she replied. Turning towards Padmé, she offered a beaming smile. Somehow Padmé knew her. She seemed so familiar. “Be safe, young Queen.”
“Who are you?” Padmé asked.
She smiled, leaning over next to Padmé’s ear. “You’ll find out.” With that, the woman disappeared, leaving them alone. Padmé immediately rushed over to Anakin who had remained on his knees. She jumped into his arms, relieved that it was over.
“You don’t deserve this,” Anakin lamented. “I’m so sorry. You should leave me.”
“Rubbish!” Padmé only held on to him tighter. “I couldn’t leave you even if I wanted, my love. Besides,” she added with a wink, “we are promised to each other and I’m not about to give back all those presentation gifts.”
Anakin laughed heartily, the color returning to his face. “What would I ever do without you?”
“Apparently, get into considerable trouble.” Padmé quipped.
“Good point,” he said as he reached over to kiss her. “So, now what?”
“It’s your vision, you tell me.”
Anakin looked around. “I’ve always loved this place…I’ll never forget the first time you brought me here.”
Drawing closer to him, she happily replied, “Perhaps we can come back once we go home?”
“I’d love that.” He looked at her pensively.
“Time to wake up,” she said with an amused grin.
“Do we have to?”
“Can’t dream forever.” Leaning against him, Padmé then whispered. “Wake up, Anakin. Wake up.”
*****
-----signature-----
"This above all, to thine own self be true." Polonius, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III For the Love of the Queen: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24151408/p1/?0 The Naboo Chronicles: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18644312/?162
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Helen_Taft
Registered:
Mar '08
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Date Posted:
5/1 10:30am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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Guh! You had me! I was curled up and practically rocking with worry for Anakin and Padmé. Wow! So incredibly intense.
He paused, looking at her in defeat.
“Don’t make me do this,” he screamed up at the sky. “I will not hurt her!”
“Anakin,” Padmé called out, offering him her hand.
“You don’t understand,” Anakin responded sobbingly. “It’s already too late for me.” He then spun on his heel and ran away.
Oh no! Little Anakin all twisted and terrified. I have to say the idea of having Padmé be the only one who can save him is an inspired one. Still, it was evil of you to split that scene BTW *g*
Padmé awoke to a void.
She nervously sat up and probed into the darkness, searching for something—anything –familiar. The memory of the dark figure still loomed ominously in her mind. Although she could no longer see it, somehow she knew that it hadn’t ventured far away.
“Anakin?” she called out, hoping he was near.
No answer.
Giving herself another few moments, Padmé’s eyes finally adjusted. She was sitting in the middle of a garage, which also seemed familiar. Rising to her feet, Padmé stumbled about in effort to find out where she was. Becoming aware of the scorching heat, despite being indoors, made her keenly aware of her location—the Lars’ homestead on Tatooine.
Padmé flinched when she heard a piece of equipment crash against a nearby wall followed by a Huttese curse. Anakin, who looked closer to his present age, continued on with his work. He didn’t seem aware of her.
“What’s troubling you?” she whispered.
Staring at the workbench, he muttered, “The Jedi rejected me because I was unworthy. So did my mother.” He turned in her direction. “She sent me to them since I was an abomination and couldn’t bear the sight of me.”
“Your mother let you go out of love. She wanted a better life for you,” Padmé reminded him, but he remained fretful. A change of tactics was needed. “You are allowing this dark lord to twist your memories, Anakin. Its lies are tearing you apart,” she warned.
Ambling closer ro him, Anakin flailed his arms in frustration when they locked glances. “You would have been better off had Qui-Gon had left me where he found me.”
“That’s absurd,” Padmé shook her head. “You mean everything to me. I need you!.”
His defeated features instantly morphed into something more portentous. Padmé unconsciously backed away, sensing his anger rising. “You will die because of me.”
“That’s impossible.”
“Impossible?” He parroted, shooting her sharp glare. “I’ve seen it…you will be lost forever and it will be, because of me.”
If possible this bit was even more intense. The ROTS part fo the saga just tears me to bits (which is what belately sucked me into the fandom) and you using that here is just so heart-rending. I was terrified that you were going to leave them there for a while (torturing me, lol). Your Vader is seriously chilling, too.
Swiveling about, Padmé staggered backwards from what appeared to be a demon, clad in black armor standing opposite to her. The sound of compressed air hissed as it moved towards her. “What are you?”
”You should know,” it answered before pointed down at her counterpart. “This very moment will make me what I am.”
“No!” Padmé screamed as realization of the creature’s identity flooded her senses. “That’s…impossible!”
The demon grabbed her wrist, forcibly placing it on its breastplate. “In here beats the heart of the boy you once knew.” Pointing at himself, he continued. “I am all that’s left.”
ACK! Goose-bumps! What a horrific thing for Padmé to have to face, but I’m so glad that her unflinching love pulled them both back from the brink. YAY!!! And, as I mentioned above, no-one else could have done it; which makes my shippy heart flutter. Brilliantly done. All of it was, from the setting to the emotions, to the dialogue. Excellent story-crafting. *bows*
NB: They’ve got the sceptre! That can’t be good!!! Poor Ferus.
I love this story!  
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CommanderK23
Registered:
May '04
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Date Posted:
5/1 7:19pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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WOW...  That was sweet!
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"...You realize tomorrow will never come."
"What?!"
"Because by the time we get there it will be today."
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www.stmaryoftheangles.org - when I'm not in a galaxy far, far away...
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MoAngel
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Jul '05
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Date Posted:
5/1 9:59pm
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RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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Some quite scary parts in this, but I always knew Padme could save Anakin from himself, but now I'm worried about the sceptre that Dahlia has, btw I never did like her! And what of Ferus? Everything seems to be coming to a head and I can't wait for the next chapter.
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'It's just like the Sith Lords, man, there's always only two of them'
'Did you just Star Wars us'? Booth on Fox's Bones
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VaderLVR64
Title: Fan Fic Manager Digging out from Fay
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Feb '04
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Date Posted:
5/2 7:06am
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RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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He paused, looking at her in defeat.
“Don’t make me do this,” he screamed up at the sky. “I will not hurt her!”
“Anakin,” Padmé called out, offering him her hand.
“You don’t understand,” Anakin responded sobbingly. “It’s already too late for me.” He then spun on his heel and ran away.
That broke my heart! 
A lovely update.
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If you have to choose between tears and laughter, remember that laughter burns more calories.
They call me NANA Vader.
At least she doesn't lack confidence...
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Idrelle_Miocovani
Title: Solar Power loving Scattergories Hostess
Registered:
Feb '05
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Date Posted:
5/2 7:29pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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This was brilliantly eerie and... scary, Rev. Masterfully written. I knew Padme would be able to save Anakin, but still, I was biting my fingernails worrying about them and getting goosebumps from the eeriness of this chapter!
And the sceptre... they have the sceptre! Ahh!
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Rosencrantz: Fire!
Guildenstern: Where?!
Rosencrantz: It's all right - I'm demonstrating the misuse of free speech.
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Padawan of DarthIshtar
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FitJedi
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Jan '06
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Date Posted:
5/3 12:22pm
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RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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I love how Padme's resolve and love helped Anakin to beat the darkness that was surrounding him. I only hope it isn't short lived. Can't wait to see what happens once they both wake up.
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Gina
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Jun '03
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Date Posted:
5/5 4:57am
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RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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Whew! That was an intense chapter! Padme's a strong woman, and she wasn't about to let him go without a fight!
Beautifully executed scene!
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A long time ago in a house far away, there was a mother who was strong in the ways of the Force.
She "forced" her sons to clean their room, she "forced" her sons to behave.
- Part of a story written by my 9 yr. old sons I found while cleaning their desks
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Jedi_Master_Cazz
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Sep '05
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Date Posted:
5/6 11:10pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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That really was quite bizzare! But very cool because of it, nice flow of I spose you could call them 'stages' lol.
Cheers_Cazza 
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If you say plz instead of Please, I'll say No because it's shorter than Yes.
Proud Padawan to Master VaderLV64!
Preparing for Final Exams. Will be on sporatically for the next few immediate months.
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JediMasterRev
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
5/8 6:41am
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RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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Helen_Taft:
Oh no! Little Anakin all twisted and terrified. I have to say the idea of having Padmé be the only one who can save him is an inspired one. Still, it was evil of you to split that scene BTW *g*
Heh. I was actually thinking of that segment being used at the end of the last chapter  . That would have been quite evil
Glad though I was able to keep you in suspense.
If possible this bit was even more intense. The ROTS part fo the saga just tears me to bits (which is what belately sucked me into the fandom) and you using that here is just so heart-rending. I was terrified that you were going to leave them there for a while (torturing me, lol).
Thank you so much. You definitely made me smile. I agree that RotS ended on such a downer. It made me further wonder what would happen if Anakin had a glimpse of what 'could be' and therefore how would he react. As for torturing you, I'd never dream of doing such a thing  . Still, sometimes reality can be more terrifying
YAY!!! And, as I mentioned above, no-one else could have done it; which makes my shippy heart flutter. Brilliantly done. All of it was, from the setting to the emotions, to the dialogue. Excellent story-crafting. *bows*
You have succeeded in making me blush. Thank you for the wonderful compliments. This scene was definitely hard to write and underwent major revisions even the day that I posted it. Felt like this was a critical chapter for the rest of the story so had to do it right.
Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback (and for friending me also on LJ). I really do appreciate it!
CommanderK23:Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed!
MoAngel: Dahlia seems to be in the position to cause quite a bit of trouble. We shall soon learn of her fate and that of Ferus. Thanks so much for reading!
VaderLVR64: Thank you so much. Indeed, that scene was quite difficult to write.
Idrelle_Miocovani: Glad to know that I could keep you on the edge of your seat. And yes, the scepter is in bad hands. Time will tell though what will happen. Thanks for reading, my friend!
FitJedi: She does seem to have a knack to get him out of trouble. Hopefully she won't have to do that often. Thanks for reading!
Gina: I think Padme's strength sometimes gets questioned, especially after RotS. I have always been inspired by the woman who ran into her own palace and freed her people. That is my image of Padme. Thanks so much for reading!
Jedi_Master_Cazz: I'm glad you enjoyed the transitions. Believe me, they were difficult to get right. Was definitely shooting for a netherworldly feel to the chapter. Glad you enjoyed!
Update coming up in a few minutes!
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"This above all, to thine own self be true." Polonius, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III For the Love of the Queen: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24151408/p1/?0 The Naboo Chronicles: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18644312/?162
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JediMasterRev
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Dec '04
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Date Posted:
5/8 6:43am
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RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 21 UP! (5/1)
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Chapter 22: Proposals
The smell of flowers filled his nostrils, rousing Anakin out of his slumber. He slowly opened his eyes instantly noticing that Padmé no longer occupied her side of the bed. He attempted to sit up, but his limbs were still weakened by the power of the dark visions, causing him to fall back onto the mattress. At the same time, Padmé entered the room with a tray of food.
“Anakin, you shouldn’t be doing that. Mother said it will be several more days before you can be up and about,” she rebuked him softly.
“I hate just lying here, useless.”
Padmé smiled as she placed the tray of food on a nearby table. “Think of it as doctor’s orders. Besides, how often do you get to just lie in bed?”
Anakin couldn’t help grinning wickedly. “I would much rather be doing something more interesting than just lying here.”
“Well,” Padmé responded, leaning over to give him a swift kiss. “I’m afraid in your weakened condition…I’d be too much for you to handle.”
Anakin chortled in delight, but stopped abruptly as he winced in pain. “You’re probably right. I guess that is another price I have to pay for my stupidity.”
Padmé’s mirth noticeably cooled. “Fortunately, your present state is temporary.”
Anakin sighed and nodded, folding his hands at the back of his head. “How much do you remember?”
“It’s all a jumble,” she admitted. “And you?”
“I remember everything.” He answered with a distant expression.
Becoming noticeably uncomfortable by his admission, Padmé asked. “Is it true what you told the others?” She hesitated momentarily. “That you saw the future?”
“More or less,” Anakin responded, unsure how best to explain. “What I experienced was more like possible futures. The images that you witnessed were only a part. I constantly saw different places and people from both the future and the past.”
Padmé shook her head. “I don’t know how you were able to keep sane.”
“There were times when I wasn’t sure who I was anymore.”
“I’ve never been more frightened in my life.”
“Me either,” Anakin responded reaching for Padmé’s outstretched hand.
An uneasy silence filled the air as they continued to stare into each other’s eyes. Padmé then asked, “Who is Vader?”
He couldn’t help tense at the mere mention of that name. He knew only too well what it meant. But how could he tell Padmé and not terrify her? Anakin then huffed loudly. The other lesson that he learned was she wasn’t the delicate little Naboo flower that he erroneously mistook her for. Padmé was strong…stronger than even him. She deserved to know the truth.
“That is my Sith name.”
“Sith?” She answered, noticeably taken aback.
Anakin nodded once. “It was a warning of who I could become if I turned against the Force’s will.”
“Then the dark demon…” Padmé began, but her voice trailed off. “Was you?”
“Somehow, yes.” Anakin uneasily admitted. “Or at least that was a possibility. There were others….far more terrible.” Feeling that she was growing increasingly concerned, it was his turn to change the subject. I’m glad you came for me.”
“I did owe you one for saving my life,” she said in a teasing voice.
Anakin didn’t feel like joking. “You risked too much though, my Queen. You could have been killed and it would have been my fault.”
“Anakin,” she said, reaching over to touch his face.
“It’s true, anera.” He softly rebuked, placing his hand on top of hers.
“It’s human to make mistakes…”
“But I should be better than that,” he insisted, huffing loudly.
“Like I said, I cannot begin to understand the enormous responsibility that has been placed upon your shoulders,“ Padmé began. “But everything in this life is a process—a journey—and while the destination is obviously crucial, we cannot expect to walk the path without occasionally tripping over a rock or two in the road.”
“If only I could be more like you,” Anakin admired.
“What? Smart and beautiful?” she batted her eyelashes playfully.
He couldn’t help chortling. “I wish as I was wise.”
“Wise?” It was Padmé’s turn to cackle. “Believe me, Anakin. I don’t consider myself that. Far from it, in fact.”
Becoming serious again, he said, “I love you.”
She smiled warmly before reaching over to kiss him passionately. “And I love you.”
“Marry me, Padmé.” She blinked several times as she sat in silence. “I know this isn’t the most romantic of places nor do I have a ring, but I know with every fiber of my being that we are meant to be together forever.”
“Oh Anakin,” she whispered, kissing him again.
They spent the next several moments locked in a passionate embrace. When she backed away, he flashed her his lopsided grin. “Is that a yes?”
Padmé kissed his forehead prior to swinging herself off the bed. “Ask me again once your task here is done.”
His first instinct was to be upset. And yet, Anakin could sense her joy and excitement. Resolving that Padmé probably wanted something a bit more formal, he nodded. “Believe me, I will.”
“You’d better,” she responded with a wink.
Before Anakin could say anything more, a knock at his door caused them both to look away. “Yes?” he asked.
“It’s Ilianya and Torus. May we enter?”
Anakin shot a confused stare at Padmé who answered. “Come in.”
The two complied with Ilianya bowing as they approached Padmé. “I apologize for the interruption, Your Majesty, but you wanted me to inform you when it was morning on Naboo.”
Anakin shot a confused glare at Padmé. “What’s going on?”
“I’m sorry, Ani, but I have to go back,” she answered sadly. “The handmaidens can cover for me for only so long.”
“I know,” he acquiesced
Ilianya cleared her throat. “Your Majesty, Torus has agreed to take you back. I will return tomorrow after I take care of one last issue.” Padmé acknowledged her without word. Ilianya then added, “We’ll wait for you outside.”
Once they left, Padmé rushed to the other side of the bed, wrapping Anakin in a tight embrace. “Get better soon, my love.”
“I will,” he muttered, trying not to sound downtrodden.
She pulled away from him. “Don’t be sad. We’ll be together again soon…and there is much to look forward to.”
Padmé then reached down, pressing her lips softy against his. Anakin felt that at that very moment, nothing in the galaxy existed but them and their love for one another. She was his home, his refuge from all that depended upon him. It was only in her arms when things made sense.
He would revel in this moment for as long as it would last.
**
For an old man, Lord Tyranus ran awfully fast.
Dahlia stopped in the middle of an abandoned corridor to catch her breath. They’d had to climb, crawl, and now run for what seemed like hours in order to remain undetected. To her amazement, there had been no alarms or any hint that the Jedi were aware of their actions. Still, Dahlia wanted to put this place as far away as possible.
“How much further?”
Lord Tyranus paused and glance at her over his shoulder. “Not much.” He then pointed to a sealed doorway at the end of the corridor. “In fact, that’s what I was looking for.”
“Finally,” she responded in relief. “I don’t think I can take much more of this,”
Upon reaching the doorway, Tyranus entered a series of codes. Unlike before, the panel buzzed, denying his request.”
“Hmmm…” He muttered.
“Problem?” she asked, unable to hide her frustration.
“Only a minor one,” Tyranus replied, withdrawing his lightsaber. “Stand back.” He ignited his weapon and cut a large hole in the heavy door, allowing them entrance. Walking inside, Dahlia was surprised that they had entered into a distant portion of the Temple’s main hangar. “Hurry,” the Sith apprentice ordered as he strode towards a small, two person airspeeder.
Dahlia looked around the hangar and saw only a few Jedi and their mechanic droids too engrossed in their ships to pay them any heed. She sprinted over to the airspeeder where Tyranus was motioning her to enter. Climbing inside, she watched him errantly pressing buttons when she lost patience and pushed his hand aside. “Here,” Dahlia said as she flipped the switches to activate their transport.
“Impressive,” Darth Tyranus admired as he strapped himself in. “Hold on.” He pushed the lever forward, propelling them into the Coruscanti skylane.
Dahlia released a sigh of relief. “We did it!”
Tyranus nodded once. “You are to be commended for such cunning, little one.”
“The Master will be proud,” she boasted. “I can’t wait to give this to him.”
Tyranus’ knuckles turned noticeably white as he clenched the controls. “Indeed.”
Dahlia was thankful that Lord Sidious’ offices were only a few minutes away. The sooner she could hand him the scepter, the happier she would be. She half expected a legion of Jedi Knights to jump out from thin air at any moment to capture them. Until they were safe within the realm of the Master, Dahlia would keep vigilant watch. She wanted to shout out in jubilation when she saw the familiar rotunda of the Senate building. However, her elation quickly abated as they continued on.
“Why aren’t we stopping?”
Tyranus didn’t answer for several moments. “A change of plan. Our Master wishes to meet with us at the secret place.”
Alarmed, but having no other alternatives, Dahlia responded sullenly. “I see.”
It took only a few minutes to reach the hidden den of the Sith. Dahlia had spent the majority of her time here training when Lord Sidious wasn’t off ruling the galaxy. Most of her important milestones have been achieved in this place and she was soon to make the grandest. Disembarking, she reached out with the Force for the Master’s presence.
To her surprise, she and Lord Tyranus were alone
“I thought Lord Sidious would be here to greet us.”
Tyranus, whose back had been turned, spun around, brandishing his arc-handled lightsaber. “I’m sure he would be, if he knew of my treachery.”
Dahlia took several steps back. “What?”
“You are much too trusting, child,” Tyranus pointed out in a matter of fact tone. “Now, hand it over.”
Not having a lightsaber of her own, Dahlia instead withdrew the scepter and pointed at the Sith Lord. “I don’t think so.”
“Foolish, my dear.” Tyranus softly chuckled. “Don’t you realize that I could have left you behind? I can’t even begin to fathom what they would have done to you.”
“Thank you,” she hissed in response. “But I’m not giving it to you without a fight.” Dahlia glanced down at the scepter, trying in vain to find any kind of activation switch. She looked up as she heard Lord Tyranus bellow in laughter.
“Silly girl…you haven’t the faintest notion how to use that.”
“I do have other ways, my Lord.” Dahlia warned prior to extending her hand to unleash Force lightening.
To her amazement, the Dark Lord raised his hand, deflecting the energy up onto the ceiling. She then called on the Force to choke him, but as if swatting a fly, he brushed it aside without any apparent effort. The loud snap of a lightsaber coming to life filled her ears as she noticed Tyranus stalking towards her. Dahlia tried to retreat, but stumbled and fell to the floor. In doing so, she also dropped the scepter, which sprang up into the Sith’s outstretched hand.
“That wasn’t so difficult now, was it?” he mocked.
“The Master will destroy you!”
Tyranus snorted as he deactivated his weapon. “Somehow, I think not.” He turned and was heading back to the airspeeder when he stopped in mid-step. “However, I cannot have you informing him of my transgression too soon.” Tyranus slowly glided towards the fallen Dahlia. Too frightened to move, she simply cowered as he loomed over her. “Had you been more…agreeable…I would not have to resort to such drastic measures…. Pity.”
The last thing she saw was herself streaking dangerously towards the hangar’s roof her. The dark angel had been the harbinger of her doom. If she were to die, at least it would be by his hand and not Ferus Olin’s.
This would be the much more honorable death.
**
Jango Fett was ordinarily a man of action, not words.
And yet, fate had called upon him to speak for the rightful leader of the Mandalorian people. After weeks of cajoling, he finally had convinced seven of the nine remaining faction leaders to meet with him on Malachor VIII. It was a dark planet, filled with raging storms and deadly cyclones—the catastrophic aftereffects of the great Mandalorian war. This world was the only inhabitable planet in the system, and was considered with reverence by all Mandalorians.
That fact alone would prevent the warring factions from engaging in open hostility.
Inside the planet’s only structure, which had been built to commemorate the fallen warriors at Malachor V, Jango Fett sat listlessly at the head of a long table. They had been together a few short hours and already the chiefs were arguing over the tattered shreds under their dominion. How far their people had fallen from glory.
He didn’t have time for this.
Slamming his hand on the table, the angry shouts stopped as all in the room turned to him.
“We are wasting precious time!”
“And what would you expect, bounty hunter?” One of the chieftains retorted. “You want us to commit troops and equipment to Lord Ord’s quest without any insight as to what he plans.”
“He is the rightful Mandalore,” Jango barked back. “We should pledge our obedience to him.”
“And where has he been these last several years?” Another elder spoke up from next to Jango. “I’ll tell you. Ord and his family have been getting rich as they live in luxury in the Outer Rim.”
“Lord Ord was only doing that for the benefit of our people,” Fett pointed out. “In fact, I am authorized to offer each one of you a hundred thousand gold bars should you accept his terms.”
A deafening silence filled the room as the chieftains looked at one another in disbelief. Finally, a young man asked, “Did you say a hundred thousand bars?”
Jango nodded affirmatively. “And ten thousand more once your troops arrive at the rendezvous point.”
A middle-aged man suddenly bolted to his feet. “Lord Valkin’s dreams are grand, but we are so few. How can we hope to succeed?”
“We are Mandalorians! We do not fear the unknown,” an older gentleman from the end of the table declared. “I will pledge four hundred troops!”
“I will offer five hundred!” Another followed in effort to out do the first.
As they continued to challenge each other, Jango motioned for Ord’s assistant Michaelis to draw closer.
“How can be of service, sir?”
Jango scoffed briefly before turning away from the others. “Inform Lord Valkin that he will get his four thousand troops, and for half the price he estimated.”
“I will do so at once.”
Jango turned his attention back to the others as they continued to pledge their undying loyalty. In the end, they were all men who were simply trying to make their way in the universe. This time, it would be for a cause that would lead them to greater glory.
**
Anakin flashed a brief smile as he waved farewell to his beloved. Not one for long good byes, Padmé swiftly kissed him before departing with Torus. Placing his hands behind his head, Anakin closed his eyes and concentrated on getting well. According to Mother, there were still lessons to be learned and the faster he could heal, the sooner he could learn them then he could return home.
There was much waiting for him.
He couldn’t help grinning at his own audacity. Anakin had actually proposed marriage without any forth thought or plan. In the end, perhaps no lesson could ever help him to unlearn his penchant for acting impulsively. As a warrior, it was a fortuitous attribute. However, in normal, everyday living, it did tend to create more problems than it solve. Could it be that he did it also to erase what he had put her through?
Anakin felt tremendous guilt but it didn’t press him to want Padmé’s hand.
Facing his own mortality made him realize that in an instant he could lose everything. Anakin didn’t want to waste any more time. True, they were young, but people even younger on Tatooine were already married with children. None there expected a long life and had no time to waste.
A soft knock on the door broke him away from his musings. “Enter.”
General Tro peeked inside. “Am I disturbing you?”
He shook his head. “I’m not exactly going anywhere.”
She offered a quick smile before closing the door behind her. Ilianya always seemed to glide when she walked, no matter the circumstance. In an other lifetime, Anakin considered, she might have been quite a graceful dancer. “How are you feeling?”
“Feels like I stuck my whole body in a power conduit.”
Ilianya dipped her head. “The Force ordinarily is not so…compassionate… when she teaches a lesson.”
“Yes,” Anakin said as he noticed Ilianya’s grave expression. “I do not desire to cross her again. I could have lost everything.”
“You were lucky that her Highness got through to you.”
Feeling his cheeks flush with embarrassment, he turned his eyes away. “You…should not have involved her.”
“Oh?” Ilianya replied, tilting her head to one side. “And what would you have had me do?”
He dramatically shrugged his shoulders. “Anything, but that. I love her and I do not wish her to ever be harmed because of something I did.”
“I suspect that the Queen is quite capable of saying no,” she wryly retorted. “I think I know her well enough to say that in her stead.”
Anakin sighed loudly. “That’s the problem. She will do anything for those whom she loves…even put herself in danger.”
“A sign of true love,” Ilianya pointed out. “Is it not?”
“Perhaps,” he waved dismissively. “In any case, should something ever happen to me, I want you to leave her out of it.”
“No,” she deadpanned.
Anakin blinked several times, unable to muster an appropriate response. “I am the Overlord now…you must listen to me!”
She tilted her head back and cackled. “Only in your very young mind.” Ilianya then leaned closer. “I am still your Master and should the Force desire something contrary to your wishes…I don’t have to tell you whose commands I shall follow.”
Anakin would have normally been offended. But, something about her reply caught his attention. “The Force ordered you to bring Padmé to help?”
“In a manner of speaking…” she shrugged.
“Why?”
Ilianya stared him for several moments; a cryptic smirk growing larger by the second. “You aren’t the only one I was sent to watch over.”
“Watch over?”
“Surely Anakin, you must know how special your beloved is,” she responded with a knowing look.
“She can touch the Force.” Ilianya acknowledged his insight wordlessly. “I’ve known since I was a child.”
“She cannot use it to the same extent as you or I, but she has been blessed with some truly amazing talents.”
“That’s why she could see the Force herself in my vision.” Anakin recalled.
“Not without a little help, but yes,” Ilianya admitted.
“Does she know?”
“No and now isn’t the time for that.” Ilianya, who become noticeably distracted, suddenly rose to her feet. She walked towards the window at the far end of the room and looked outside without word.
“General? Is something wrong?”
Another few moments passed. “I sensed something…something of significance has happened.” Anakin attempted to sit up quickly, which he shouldn’t have done since the whole room began to spin. Meanwhile, Ilianya had returned to his beside, placing her hand on his forehead. “You must rest.”
“What has happened?.”
“I wish I knew,” she whispered. “You needn’t concern yourself with that now. Everything will be resolved as it is meant to.” She then turned to leave.
“General?”
“Yes?” She answered, spinning about.
“What do I do about Padmé?”
Ilianya offered him a half-smile. “Whatever betrothed people do, I supoose.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Anakin folded his arms.
“I know,” she acknowledged, leaving Anakin, as always, with more questions than answers.
**
After a lengthy, but fruitless search within the Force for answers, Ilianya wearily made her way inside her hut. Not bothering to change, she dropped onto her bunk and fell straight asleep. Her dreams always began the same. Ilianya would relive the fateful day of her punishment. The people, the sights and smells seemed so real—as if she still resided in the past. There were times when she’d awaken and expect to find that this long life had been the dream.
But alas, the nightmare was the reality.
Ilianya always cringed as the Force herself was about to launch the wave of dark energy. This time though, something was different. Instead of the woman, an old, grey haired man stood in the same place, pointing the staff at her.
“What’s happening?”
“I’ve heard your story ever since I was a youngling. I never thought it was true.” The man grinned widely. “I’ve been looking forward to this moment, Exile.”
Ilianya peered at him curiously. “You seem… familiar…”
“Names are not important, Exile,” he responded with a wry smirk. “That I have your attention is.”
“What do you want?” Ilianya asked as she scoured her memory.
“I should be asking you that same question,” he retorted before holding the scepter out at her. “I have something that may be of interest to you.”
“That’s…impossible,” Ilianya stated cautiously. “The Jedi have it.”
The man shook his head abruptly. “Not any longer.”
“And why would I want it?” Ilianya shot back. “If you know anything, you must be aware that I cannot… undo… my condition.”
“That doesn’t mean another can use the staff to achieve the same end,” he responded.
It then struck her who he was. “You’re one of the Sith Lords…you are Dooku of Serenno.”
He bowed. “I’d prefer if you called me Tyranus.”
“There are things about the staff that aren’t in the legends. It’s dangerous!” Ilianya warned. “If I were you, I’d forget you ever knew of its existence.”
“I appreciate your concern, Exile. I am quite capable of handling whatever mysteries it may possess. And once I give it to my Master…”
The thought of two immortal Sith Lords was too frightening even for her to consider. “Tyranus don’t be a fool. Your Master will kill you if you hand it over.”
“Now that would be most regrettable,” he mocked.
They stared silently at one another.” What do you want from me?” Ilianya asked at last.
“I propose a swap,” Tyranus proposed. “I will give you the staff, but first I ask that you show me how to make myself immortal.”
“And why would I agree to that?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips.
“Because,” he began, “in doing so, you would prevent my Master from doing the same. And I can promise you that I am the lesser of two evils.”
“You’re insane!”
“Possibly,” Tyranus answered, folding his arms. “Nevertheless, should you agree, I suggest we meet in a more…scenic place. It is my understanding that the staff will work best in the Valley of the Dark Lords.” He then bowed. “Until then, Exile. I bid you farewell.”
Ilianya shot up in her bed.
She knew what had to be done.
**
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"This above all, to thine own self be true." Polonius, Hamlet, Act I, Scene III For the Love of the Queen: http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/24151408/p1/?0 The Naboo Chronicles: http://boards.theforce.net/The_Saga/b10476/18644312/?162
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Helen_Taft
Registered:
Mar '08
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Date Posted:
5/8 12:10pm
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 22 UP! (5/8)
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Aww! He asked her to marry him! Love it! At least this time they wouldn't have to hide it; they could have picnic romps and not worry about it. I agree with Anakin over the lack of formal romance, but I'm a big fan of the more impulsive kind anyway--lovely scene. Your characterisations are perfect and even in retrospect the visions were scary which made the smooching all the sweeter.
I have no idea where you might be taking Dahlia next; which means I can't wait to find out and the same for Dooku and the general. Fab update, hun.
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Idrelle_Miocovani
Title: Solar Power loving Scattergories Hostess
Registered:
Feb '05
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Date Posted:
5/11 8:33am
Subject:
RE: For the Love of the Queen-The Naboo Chronicles Sequel (A/P, O/S & OCs) Chap 22 UP! (5/8)
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Beautiful scene with Anakin and Padme. He asked her to marry him! Awwwww. Lovely.
Hmm... and what's Dahlia up to? No good, of course, but still -- she drives me crazy, that one! I can never figure her out! 
Excellent update!
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Rosencrantz: Fire!
Guildenstern: Where?!
Rosencrantz: It's all right - I'm demonstrating the misuse of free speech.
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Padawan of DarthIshtar
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