Chapter 10: Pain From Within

Ahsoka cried out as bolts of force lightning caused waves of pain. It was ten times worse than shock collars. She knew why they were doing this to her. The pain she felt was released into the force, and if Anakin felt it, Lux would know. But it had another purpose. It was to drive her to despair and darkness. They wanted her to turn to the dark side, to be one of Dooku's agents, like Asajj Ventress. But she would never join Dooku.

Ventress was in charge here, and she obviously thought extreme pain was the best way to turn her to the dark side. The electric shocks and force lightning were torture. She was getting tired of this. Was her Master ever gonna come for her?

Lux didn't need to be a Jedi to know Ahsoka was in pain again. Anakin's face had turned dead white as they discussed possible plans. But this was ridiculous! They couldn't think of one plan that would work. Lux saw no other way. He had to turn himself in, then they might let her go. So he left on a speeder during the night to save the girl he loved, though forbidden.

When he neared the location, he stopped the speeder and went the rest of the way on foot. As he stepped onto a small porch were the doorway was, the ground slid open under his feet and he fell down a chute into a cage.

"Well, so the boy has finally come to give his life for the girl. How touching!"

"Ventress," Lux spit out.

"Bonteri," she said with equal spite. "Tell me, why did it take so long to answer our call? Tano is getting very anxious to see you."

"Aren't you just gonna kill me, then? Why even let us see each other?"

"We might kill you. You might be good leverage to knock some sense into your little girlfriend."

Lux's blood ran cold as he understood the meaning of her words. "No, Ahsoka would never join you!"

"She would if it would keep you alive."

"No. She said it herself. Duty comes first!"

"But she doesn't really believe it. I've been watching her for a long time, and she hasn't ever seemed to think so."

"Ahsoka wouldn't turn to the dark side."

"You're wrong, Bonteri. And by coming here, it is you who has doomed her!"

As Lux thought of a scathing reply, another voice sounded.

"Lux? You came for me?"

Ahsoka was being escorted in by two magnaguards wielding electrified staffs. Her face was slightly bruised, but apart from that, she looked alright. She was the same Jedi he had fallen in love with a year ago.

When he saw her, he would have embraced her, had he not been held back by his cage.

"Now then, lovebirds, it's time for a little fun," Ventress sneered.

And suddenly, they electrified the cage and Lux pulled away from the sides with a shout.

"No!" Ahsoka screamed. They couldn't take him from her, not now! "Stop it! Please, leave him alone!"

Ventress just gave a sickly smile and continued.

"Please, don't hurt him!"

Anakin could feel the hurt coming from Ahsoka, but it wasn't physical. It was emotional, and it was breaking her.

"Come on, Ahsoka, just a bit longer," he said through the force. He could only hope that she heard, and would try.

So, I finished the story and will be posting it soon. If there are any readers still out there, please review!