Alright. This is the first Adopted Daughter story, which explains (kind of) my AU Mara Jade.
Genre: Family
Rating: K+
Summary: Grief had consumed him, until a red haired girl broke through the gray…
"Vader."
The black droid-like figure sensed his master, the chains that held him to the Emperor's will ever-present. But he seemed annoyed with this visit, as if it was necessary but unwanted. His apprentice also sensed another presence, one diluted by fear, behind the aging Palpatine.
"Yes, my Master?"
A little girl peeked out from behind the black-robed figure. Rusty red hair framed emerald green eyes creased with shyness and worry.
"This is Mara Jade. You are going to train her to become a Sith Acolyte."
Vader waited for Emperor Palpatine to say he was kidding. An apprentice? Already? Was the Emperor trying to kill him?
Although she was kind of cute…
"Yes, my Master." He held out his hand and beckoned Mara. She obediently - but reluctantly - shuffled forward from behind Palpatine. The Emperor walked away quickly. Vader took her hand in his and kneeled down, thankful that no-one was around to see what he was about to do.
Do not worry, Mara. I will not hurt you. He sent the message telepathically, knowing that the vocoder would twist his words if he said it aloud. The last thing he wanted her to be was scared.
You can mind-speak? The little girl started and looked up at the black mask, amazed. I thought Asajj and I were the only ones!
Asajj? As in Asajj Ventress?
Is...is she bad? Darth Vader's outburst had startled her. She shrank away in fear.
Well… Vader thought about the times Ventress and he had battled, the attacks she had made, the friends of his she had killed. But then again, hadn't he done the same? I'm not sure.
Now that Vader had calmed down, Mara opened up again. Who are you?
My name…my name is Vader. He remembered from somewhere that in an ancient language, Vader meant Father.
And that was why he hated it.
Vader…that sounds like Father. Why does your name sound like Father if you're so scary?
The Emperor…he chose my name. The term 'father' is painful for me.
He's mean.
Yes, he is.
The conversation tapered off, both participants in agreement and finding nothing more to say, until Mara spoke again.
I don't want to be a Sith.
Somewhere in Vader's chest, something warmed. Something that hadn't felt anything since - no. He couldn't think about her. He had to focus on the present. Little Mara needed him.
I won't let you become one.
Aww! Okay, that was even more adorable then I expected! Please review - pretty please with your favorite ice cream sundae dressings on top?
