Forgotten Years
Chapter 14
"Not everyone is meant to make a difference. But for me, the choice to lead an ordinary life is no longer an option," - "Spider-Man"
Preparation. Patience. These two qualities Kagome had implemented into her life. It had been 1 year since she had left her place in the Senate at Coruscant, a life that she held dear yet also pushed away to the depths of her memories. The former-senator had called Naboo home, it was where she served as an advisor to the Queen, and had taught the youth of Naboo the advantages and disadvantages of the republic as well as explaining current affairs that the republic deals with. One very long year since she had seen him.
"Lady Advisor," a young woman's voice broke Kagome from her thoughts. Turning around from looking outside the palace, Kagome would set gaze on a beautiful female who was a few years shy of being a teenager. The hand-maidens would continue to take measurements of the advisor as she began to speak to the girl, "Padme darling come in!" Kagome would smile as the brown-haired female would step inside the threshold of Kagome's chambers. "Is everything alright?" Kagome would question as the hand-maidens would release their hold on her garments to allow her to greet the other female, "Lady-"
"Padme I have told you on more than one occasion to call me Kagome," Kagome said, moving her fingertips to brush the strands of hair that were loose on Padme's forehead.
"Sorry, it's just that election coming up for a new queen...I'm worried. I'm worried that the Queen will not be as strong as our Queen now...what if she gives in to the Trade Federation?" Padme's voice was of pure worry. Sighing Kagome would hold Padme's hand as she and the young female would make their way up the steps to the massive cathedral windows, "Do you see all those people out there?" Padme would nod her head to answer, "All those people want freedom, the ability to do as they please...they will not vote for someone who doesn't understand their worries, hopes and fears. They have faith in the republic, as should you young Padme, remember what I taught you." Kagome said as her hand rested on Padme's shoulder as they stood looking on the city of Naboo.
"Exactly why the people have nominated you Kagome," The advisor would turn her head to see Queen Arminia walking through the door, "Your Majesty. What do you mean?" Kagome would question as Padme would look at the two women that so greatly inspired her, "The people of Naboo want to see you in the election. I could think of no other person that would be perfect for my successor," Kagome would be taken back, "Your majesty, I don't think I am able to withhold that much responsibility," Kagome was nearly breathless at the news. The election was 2 months time, and to hear such exciting, yet life altering news well was overwhelming.
"Kagome, we both know that you and I have made a great deal of sacrifices. Sacrifices that no one should have to make, but none the less, we do. Our lives are not easy, our lives are not fair but we do the best that we can do. Our people Kagome...need you." Queen Arminia spoke as she touched Kagome's cheek with her gloved white hand, "Ultimately the choice is yours, but do know...the people have faith in you." Queen Arminia's voice had been a deep yet soothing one, which was one of her many qualities.
'I don't want anyone to place any faith in me...' Kagome thought to herself. Suddenly feeling a sudden warmth slide into her hand Kagome would look at her digits to see Padme has slipped her hand into it with a reassuring smile on her face, "I would most happy to see you as my Queen." Padme's sweet voice caused Kagome to smile, "But what about Nefertiti Belew? Is she not attempting?"
"She has found she is pregnant, and decided to go to the country-side to raise their child," Queen Arminia responded, "Ah yes there is a gentleman to see you in your chambers, Ayem and Keyi are there inspecting him," the Queen continued, "I believe you should make haste. The man was quite handsome!" Queen Arminia chuckled as Kagome's eyes lit with a fire as she could only think of one person: 'Obi-wan Kenobi'. "Excuse me Your Majesty." Kagome would bow respectfully, "Padme darling, don't forget that you're coming over so I can tutor you tonight."
"Yes Lady Advisor," Padme responded with a questioning look upon her face as Kagome would leave the changing chambers with great haste. Kagome had been running towards her chamber in a beautiful emerald green dress. A dress that was very similar to the one she wore on the loading docks of Coruscant all those years ago, what a perfect dress to be wearing. She had missed him, oh so desperately, to the point that she still had dreams of him, and what could have been. But their love was a sacrifice was to be made so he would be able to continue with his training. Despite how things were ended so long ago, he was here. Running through the corridors, dodging butlers, maids, and handmaidens Kagome would rush to her room. Smoothing out her raven hair she would take in a deep breath as she stood outside the door,
"Now or never Kagome," She said to herself, exhaling slowly; attempting to calm her nerves. Inhaling once more her fingers would grasp at the door knob and would push open the door. The room was bright which caused Kagome to squint as she walked into the room. Though Kagome had the best scenic room in the whole palace she would dread when the sun would hit her room just right. Sitting next to the door were Ayem and Keyi who would simply point towards the balcony, no words were exchanged as Kagome would race towards the balcony, pulling open the doors and would look around the space and would see a man staring out at the planet of Naboo, the wind brushing back his brown hair.
"You."
The man had been wearing a form hugging, black leather suit, a helmet tucked beneath his arm against his side. Brown eyes met brown. With a step forward the man would move to hold the advisor's hand, bringing it to his lip so he could kiss her knuckles respectfully, "You look beautiful princess," Their eyes locked as Kagome would go numb. "Vi'ray." Kagome's heart sunk into her stomach. She should have know, should have... "What are you doing here?"
"I came to apologize princess, for what happened...me kidnapping you and everything,"
"Please don't call me princess. I am far from a princess." Kagome would state while her eyebrows had knit together in irritation as her brown eyes bore over his features. He looked the same as when he kidnapped her.
"Sorry, old habits die hard. Listen, I'm not the man I was before, I'm an honest man now. I want to redeem myself," Vi'ray would state as he leaned his right elbow on the railing of the balcony as he continued to watch Kagome, his eyes scanning over her which caused the advisor to blush.
"And how do you plan to do that?" Kagome would question as she smoothed out her dress that had wrinkled with her urgency to get the room in hopes of seeing someone less threatening.
"Allow me to be your guard. Allow me to protect you." Vi'ray declared as he got on one knee, "There is something about you princess...that I-"
"You kidnapped me! You TORTURED ME!" Kagome hissed, taking a step back, "and you think. I'm going to ask you to protect me? HAH!" Kagome placed her hand on her stomach as she emphasized her sarcasm.
"Give me a chance, I'll do whatever you ask." Vi'ray said bowing his head down, "I'll die for you milady,"
Sincerity. Kagome could hear it within his voice. Inhaling softly Kagome would shake her head, "I have nothing to be protected from Vi'ray. No attempts on my life, for one whole year. The last attempt was you." The man would lower his head more as he could already guess what she would say, "But I will give you a chance Vi'ray...I feel there is good in you. You held no pleasure when I was captured, you had took my interests and life into consideration." Kagome would say as she watched his face look up towards her, "You shall be my guard,"
The man would stand and would wrap his arms around her tightly, leaving little to no space between them, "I promise to protect you princess," Vi'ray whispered into her ear. "I'll die before you do, that's my oath to you." Warmth. When was the last time Kagome had felt such a touching embrace such as this? The leather of his suit would glisten in the sun-light bringing more heat to the duo. Taking a step back Kagome would clear her throat as she watched as Vi'ray would watch her, her heart had skipped a beat as she took another step back, "Please stop looking at me like that,"
"Why so princess?" He questioned as he leaned onto the railing of the balcony as he peered over her form once again.
"Because it is inappropriate and makes me feel uncomfortable," Kagome would state, emphasizing each word as she made her way back into the room to see Ayem and Keyi shaking their heads at her, "Picked up another pathetic being haven't we?" Ayem rolled his eyes as he uncrossed his legs and stood.
"Alright macho-man let's get you acquainted with everything,"
"You three meet me at dinner tonight! I am tutoring Padme Amidala afterwards. " Kagome called out as Vi'ray had been abducted by Ayem and Keyi.
Taking in a breath Kagome would move to sit on her bed, "What are you getting yourself into Kagome?" she whispered rubbing her temple with her left hand she would see that her night-stand drawer had been slightly opened. Fear bubbled up within her as she pulled it open, one might think it was have been her under-wear drawer, but that theory would have been proven false as she pulled out a brown robe that had been neatly folded. "Obi-wan..." She whispered as she pressed her face into her fabric, though the smell was completely gone she couldn't help but be brought back to those memories. Memories that had brought on tears, tears of despair.
Night would quickly fall and only a few had met at the dining hall. Kagome, Ayem and Keyi were always the last ones to eat in the house out of choice and respect for the Queen and other staff in the house-hold. Setting the table with several chairs Kagome would wait for Ayem, Keyi and Padme to enter the dining hall as they did for every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Looking at the clock Kagome would huff slightly at the tardiness of everyone, walking towards the fire-place Kagome would watch as the fire had crackled, and bore into the wood, giving the dining area a sense of warmth since it was a cool fall night. Hearing the doors to the dining hall open Kagome would watch as Padme would walk in with a bit of haste, "Calm yourself darling. Go ahead and sit." Kagome would chuckle knowing that the female of only 11 years old would know she should have been scolded for her tardiness. "I'm so sorry Lady Advisor, my parents made me wear extra clothing fearing that I might catch a cold,"
"Understandable young Padme, we shall send some soup home with you tonight. I heard your mother is feeling ill," Kagome would say as she lit the candles at the dining table as the chandler above them would glisten a magnificent color. "I wonder where Ayem, and Keyi are..." Kagome would say as she would watch as Padme sat in the chair patiently for Kagome's body-guards to arrive. Hearing the large door open once more, she would look to see Ayem and Keyi enter the room, but was slightly shocked when she saw Vi'ray step into the dining hall. "Sorry Lady Higurashi, we had been tied up,"
"Tied up,"
"I was showing them some offensive maneuvers," Vi'ray would state as Keyi and Ayem would sit in their respective seats. Vi'ray would then look to see where he should sit and would find no other spot.
"Oh..." Kagome would blush from embarrassment as she had realized she forgot to set another chair, "Let me get you a chair!" Kagome exclaimed as her face flushed a bright red.
"No it's alright, I can get a chair." Vi'ray stated as he jogged over to where the former senator had made her way to. Placing his hand on the chair that she went to grab, her placed his hand over hers, "Go ahead milady sit and eat," Vi'ray stated as his brown eyes stared into her chocolate optics, his smile turning into a charming grin. Pursing her lips, Kagome would clear her throat as she pulled her hand out from under his and would make her way back to her seat.
The night would continue, as the small party would eat dinner and had brief small talk. However, Padme couldn't help but watch as Vi'ray would watch the former Senator as she ate, spoke, moved, his eyes were on her. She would be sure to question the Lady Advisor of her new 'friend'.
It had been approximately 8 in the night-time when Kagome and Padme had been studying in the palace's extensive library, "Kagome can I ask you a question?" Padme would ask as she turned her head to look at her while Kagome had been brushing Padme's light brown hair.
"Most definitely. You can always ask me anything," Kagome would answer as she allowed the brush to slide through Padme's hair.
"That man Vi'ray...do you love him?" Padme would ask as she looked at the mirror, watching Kagome's facial expression.
"No, of course not. He's just my body-guard. He's an excellent fighter." Kagome would say with a tone that would imply that what she said, was about it.
"Well I think he is in love with you Kagome, he was staring at you all night," Padme would give a school-girl smile which Kagome couldn't help but smile at. "No, I think you are over-tired from all of your studying. Perhaps we should get you home, you're mother and father should be worried. I'll walk you home."
"Kagome you don't need to do that,"
"Yes, I do. It's dark out Padme, and I couldn't bear it if something happened to you!" Kagome would state as she tied up Padme's hair in a beautiful bun. Finishing Kagome would lightly grip Padme's shoulder and would stand smoothing out her attire. "I'll go get some soup for your mother, ready your books and notes and meet me down stairs." Kagome would state as moved towards the door, "Kagome?" Padme would call out as she stood looking at the older female, "Yes?" Kagome would answer as she placed her hand on the door frame her head turning to look at Padme, "Have you ever been in love?" Padme questioned, "Yes, I have." Kagome would answer as she gave a soft smile before leaving Padme to take care of her books.
The former senator would slowly make her way down the stairs, at the bottom of the stairs Kagome would see Vi'ray standing with his arms behind his back as he looked over at her, "Princess."
"Didn't I tell you not to call me that Vi'ray?" Kagome grumbled as she made her way towards the kitchen, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
"Dreadfully sorry, what should I call you?" Vi'ray would smirk as he followed the advisor into the kitchen leaning in the door-frame as he watched her ready some home-made soup for Padme's mother.
"How about Lady Advisor? Seems suitable ne?"
"Oh princess, I think are past the honorifics." Vi'ray would chuckle as she glared at him from across the kitchen. "You think Little Amidala will be able to carry that big bowl of soup and all of those books?"
"Of course not, I'm carrying it. I am walking her home." Kagome would say as she sealed the bowl with a cover and would hold it as she waited for Vi'ray to move from his place at the door.
"Ah. Ah. Ah Princess, not without me."
"I am fully capable of taking care of myself thank you!" Kagome would attempt to squeeze past him, but was blocked as he put his arm up and held his hand on the opposite side of the door frame. "Just like when I kidnapped you? I'm going with you." Vi'ray said taking the bowl from her hands, "Don't forget your coat princess, can't afford for you to get sick." Kagome would glare as the man removed his arm from blocking her. As the duo walked out Padme was bundled within a thick jacket as she held her books to her chest, "You know you don't have to walk me home Milady, it's could be dangerous for you to walk home by yourself,"
"Don't worry about that squirt, I'm coming too!" Vi'ray winked towards Padme who was began smiling towards Kagome as she watched her groan with provocation. Covering herself with a suede green jacket, the trio would make their way towards Padme's home. Suddenly Kagome and Vi'ray would hear Padme gasp, "LOOK!" Padme cried out as she pointed towards the sky, "It's snowing!" Kagome and Vi'ray would look to see as small snowflakes gently fluttered towards the earth.
"Well look at that." Vi'ray stated as he kept his grip on the bowl of soup, "We better hurry before the soup gets too cold," Kagome would nod her head in agreement. Within minutes the trio had made it to Padme's home, opening it Padme would go inside, "Mama! Papa! I'm home! Lady Advisor is here!" Padme stated as she pulled off her boots and jacket, placing her books on the entry-table.
"Oh. Padme! I don't want to get the Lady Advisor sick!" Kagome heard from the other room as she and Vi'ray took their boots and heels off in respect for the Amidala home. "I brought you soup Adia," Kagome would say as she made her way into the resting room where Padme was sitting next to her mother. "Oh dear, Adia have you been resting like Dr. Hopper and I have mentioned?" Kagome questioned as she went towards the kitchen to grab a bowl and spoon from the kitchen.
"Ooh! Lady Advisor! A suitor?" Adia questioned with a smile on her face, which mimicked the one of her daughter's.
"Oh dear, no!" Kagome would say as the mother would chuckle as the bowl was handed to her from Vi'ray who had been throughly inspected by Adia Amidala. "Here eat this, I'll stop by tomorrow with some medicine, it's getting cold so you need to take in as much antibiotics and fluids as you can,"
Adia would smile as she touched Kagome's cheek, "You are always so helpful and caring, you take my daughter under your wing, you do so much for this family. How can we ever repay you?" she questioned as the bowl would be sat on a stand in front of her from Padme.
"You can get better, that is all the payment that I need."
"You are a good woman, you'll make a wonderful mother and wife one day."
Kagome would smile ever so softly, "No Adia, my place is with the people. I have no time for love."
"I wouldn't be so sure Kagome, you might be very wise, but I have years on you. I believe love can be right in front of you and you are too blind to tell."
"Mama!" Padme would be astonished that her mother would say something like that.
Laughing Kagome would kiss Adia on the forehead, "We shall discuss this when you are better, I wouldn't want to debate with a woman that is sick!" Kagome teased as she stood,"Padme's by the way has been doing excellent with her studies, you have a wonderful child Adia."
"The gods have blessed me with a wonderful life, that I am sure." Adia smiled as she hugged her daughter who was nearly a spitting image of her. "Now go dear it's late. Enjoy the first snow," Kagome would simply smile as she nodded towards Padme, "Have a good night ladies, please tell Vargas that I say hello,"
Vi'ray was standing outside when Kagome had been placing her heels on. "You didn't have to stand outside Vi'ray," Kagome stated as she shut the door behind her as she stood next to him. Placing her gloved hand onto his shoulder he looked at her, "When I met you princess, I knew there was something about you. You're a wonderful person." Vi'ray's voice was soft as he held out his arm for her to grab a hold of as he lead her down the steps that had been wet and slightly slippery from the snow melting. "I wouldn't say that much, everyone has their demons to bear." Kagome stated as she took his arm, her hand on the leather of his suit.
"You are a pure being princess, you gave a low-life thief like me a chance. I don't care what you have done in the past, it's the you I see right now that is the person that is a selfless person."
Kagome would simply shake her head, "I don't think I'll ever get used to you calling me princess." She would state as she sat down on a bench and stared up at the sky. Feeling him sit next to her she would feel him rub her shoulders for warmth.
"We have time."
Days had come and went with the slightest of ease, Kagome had been elected to succeed Queen Arminia. For days the people Naboo had celebrated in Kagome's honor, trusting her with their lives. Ayem and Keyi had worked as representatives for Kagome while Vi'ray became her loyal and lone body-guard. Her main focus was working for the better days for her people, working to maintain prosperity and freedom. Over the days that passed Vi'ray and Kagome held a tightly bonded relationship, of trust and confidence. Vi'ray was with her at all times, fearful that something that might have happened now that she once again held a place of high authority. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, there was no rebellions, which went well for the people of Naboo.
On a warm summer night Kagome had decided to take a day of relaxation as she went to the summer home on the lake. It had been just herself and Vi'ray as she laid out on the sand basking in the sun, allowing herself one day of not worrying about anything. One day was all she needed. Vi'ray had been siting under a tree in the shade as Kagome continued to lay in the sand wearing something very similar to a bikini. "Vi'ray don't you ever take that leather suit off? I swear I have never seen you out of it," Kagome would call out as she rolled over onto her stomach as she looked up towards her friend, her confidant. It was strange that years ago he was sent to abduct her, and he did; yet here they sit relaxing by the lake, just the two.
"Are you saying you wish to see me out of my clothing? Princess that is just highly inappropriate!" Vi'ray would state with a tone that playfully teased her for her words.
Kagome would shake her head, apparently after all that the two had been through she did get used to him calling her princess. She was grateful for her friendship with Vi'ray, he never questioned her past, or brought up those that were in it. He was her largest supporter, and never failed to flirt with her to get her to cheer up or direct her anger towards him. Sure, she had Keyi and Ayem but they both led different lives than what they did 3 years ago. They were married, and Keyi even had a baby-girl with his wife Isabella. And sweet Padme had become her prodigy, her apprentice-queen-in-training.
"Why won't you come swim with me?" Kagome would question as she stood and made her way to sit next to her guardian. "If you don't know how to swim, I can teach you!" Kagome said as she grabbed at his gloved hands in attempts to pull him up which only lead to her falling on her bottom.
"I think I'll stay up here," Vi'ray said as he kept his brown eyes shut with his arms crossed, but was immediately shocked when he felt his legs being tugged. Opening his eyes he would watch as the Mighty Queen of Naboo had tugged towards his boots dragging him down into the sand. Vi'ray would then stand causing Kagome to move her hands with the fear of them being stepped on, completely unaware that he had rushed towards her and picked the female up and ran into the lake dropping her in the cold mass of liquid without warning.
As Kagome rose she would gasp for air and would glare at the guardian who had turned to walk up towards the shore. Running after him Kagome would tackle him, but not before he would throw his communicator onto the sand to prevent it from getting wet. As she tackled him he would fall face first into the swallow end of the lake and would quickly raise his head from the crystal clear water. "See, I might not even need your protection anymore." Kagome grinned as she backed up several feet in the water. "Now since you're all wet you might as well just take off the suit and come swim with me." Kagome said as she placed her hands on the curve of her hips.
"Kagome."
His words were stern and his facial expression was not that of a happy one. His brown eyes would watch as Kagome's eyes would move towards the water, "You're right...sorry." Kagome would whisper out as she would make her way up to the shore but was stopped as Vi'ray grabbed her arm. He was silent, his eyes looking into hers, a look that perfectly resembled that of the first day he became her guard. "Vi'ray don't look at me like that..." Kagome whispered as she couldn't take her eyes off of him, not like the last time.
"It doesn't make you feel uncomfortable princess, you don't have to lie." He whispered as he took a step towards her so he was completely facing her. Kagome would stare up at the taller man who had his hands on her arms as he stared into her eyes. The hot Naboo sun had already begun drying their torsos as they stood as they did.
"You are a good woman, you'll make a wonderful mother and wife one day."
Was Adia right? Vi'ray had done nothing but show her loyalty, respect and friendship. She enjoyed his company, she enjoyed his presence, it calmed her when she felt as if everything was about to break. But...all of her thoughts at the end of the day drifted back towards Obi-wan. For years she had been content with being alone, as if it were her punishment to bear. She had come to terms that she could never ever be with Obi-wan, but just the thought of being with someone else felt as if she were betraying him. Part of her would rationalize that it had been years since they have seen each other, he had done as she asked and stayed so away and never sought her out. Should she feel guilty? Should she give Vi'ray a chance? She knew that young Padme was right all those nights ago, but could she look past her love for Obi-wan and find it in her heart to love the retired thief back? Perhaps in Vi'ray she could find some sort of purpose other than to rid the world of evil. A child, a family, a life, someone to grow old with, something that Obi-wan and her could never have. Questions and attempts at reason flooded her mind as she stared into the deep brown pools of Vi'ray's eyes.
"Princess are you alright?"
"Yes...sorry about that, I zoned out..." Kagome whispered as she went to move away from her Royal Guard but was ceased once again, "Princess..." He whispered as he lowered his head towards hers.
Ba-bump. Ba-bump.
Suddenly the communicator would begin to jingle in the sand where Vi'ray had aimlessly threw it. Growling out the man would release his hold on the Queen and would snatch it from the sand. Clicking it on he would glare at Ayem who had been the one to interrupt the moment as he watched Kagome grab her clothing and went behind a tree to change.
"What?"
"Oh! So testy! Queen Higurashi has a meeting tomorrow in Coruscant tomorrow that none of the representatives can attend in her place." Ayem stated as he looked at Vi'ray who was dripping wet, "Bloody hell man, what happened to you?"
"The Queen decided to make me go for a swim." Laughter filled the communicator, "You know full well Ayem that she does not want to go to Coruscant."
"I know that full well, but Vi'ray you know it's been years, she can't keep avoiding that planet forever if she plans on working with the Republic. Just keep the council away from her, take her to go things, you know how to make the Queen smile. Better than any of us that is for sure." Ayem replied, "I have to go, please remind her. Senator Palpatine will be meeting her at the loading docks to greet her." Rolling his eyes he would see Kagome had placed on a nearly see-though cover and still wore her bikini, the cover greatly resembled an Indian veil, with it's bright crimson color and several stitches.
"What happened?" Kagome questioned as she brushed out her hair walking towards Vi'ray who had been walking up the sand bank.
"You have a meeting tomorrow with Senator Palpatine," Vi'ray answered as he gathered their belongings, unable to look his Queen in the eyes.
"But isn't Senator Palpatine in..." Kagome's eyes would widen with anger, "No, no, most definitely not! I will not go!" Kagome hissed as she snatched up her clothing and practically ran up the back to head towards their transport.
"Yes well I'm so terribly sorry about that your majesty, I attempted to bring that valid point up and apparently you need to be there." Vi'ray stated as he grabbed her towel and pushed it over to her, "You should get dressed, you don't look like a queen,"
"And pray tell what is wrong with that?" Kagome would snap as her brown eyes filled with fury.
"You are the Queen of Naboo, you need to go to this meeting despite your fears. I will be beside you the entire time, but you can't live like this. Not anymore." Vi'ray said as he handed her the dress she had brought to change into. "I'll wait out here while you change." Kagome would then snatch her clothing up, obviously not to happy with she was being forced to do."
"Also do that bun thing I like princess!" Vi'ray called out at attempt to redirect her anger.
"SHUT UP VI'RAY!" Kagome yelled from the ship as she quickly changed into an emerald dress.
"You look beautiful..." Vi'ray would state as he stood behind her as she zipped up the back of her dress.
"Vi'ray..." Kagome would attempt at scolding but was cut off, "That's the dress that you gave me another chance in. I think that dress is lucky for me," He said as he set their belongings into the compartment as he readied their short-distance ship to head back to the palace.
Kagome and Vi'ray returned to palace late at night. Retreating into her room Kagome would strip her clothing and step into the shower. Allowing the hot water to cover her trembling flesh she would let out a soft sob. She couldn't understand why she was being tormented. To go to that place, with the mere chance that she could bump into him shattered her heart. For a good hour the Queen of Naboo would shower. Getting clean she placed on her pearl colored chemise, stepping out of the shower room she would see her fire-place had been lit and to see Vi'ray sitting down watching the flames.
"Vi'ray?" She called out. He had no longer been wearing his leather suit but a white shirt with a long pair of sleeping pants. "Since you complained you never see me without my suit, I placed this on to please my Queen." He stated as he stood up to look at Kagome. She was beautiful, the way her skin looked in the dim fire-lit light, the way her hair fell down the curve of her back, the way the chemise hugged her form; she was an angel. Upon looking at her face Vi'ray would notice that her eyes were slightly puffy and red. Sighing he would walk over to her bed and would part the covers and slide in, before patting the bed next to him. Kagome's eyebrows would knit together in bemusement as she held herself with her arms, "Come on princess, you know I won't bite." He whispered. Reluctantly the female would sit down on the bed and slip beneath the covers. "I promise, no funny business." He said as he wrapped his arms around her. Pressing his chin against the top of her head, Vi'ray would suddenly feel her shaking softly and hear soft sobs come from the beautiful woman in his arms. "Shh. I'll be with you all day. I'll protect you. I promise." He whispered as he covered the two up before letting her cry herself to sleep in his arms.
The day would greet the two, and they would both start their day. Several of the handmaiden's shocked to see a groggy Vi'ray exit the Queen's room. Kagome would ready herself physically and mentally as she would board the ship 4 hours later with Vi'ray at her side. She was calm with the fact that he was there with her, in fact she never left his side. It would be merely hours before they would reach Coruscant. As they pushed through the atmosphere, Vi'ray would place his hand on top of the Queen's gloved one.
"Calm yourself Kagome..." She would whisper out to herself as the deck lowered so Vi'ray and Kagome could exit. Upon heading down the steps she would see Senator Palpatine who had a smile on his face, "Your majesty..." he bowed which Kagome returned with a curtsy. Blue eyes locked with brown as Kagome stood close to Vi'ray. The Senator would explain the predicament to the Queen and her guard as they made their way to the Senate. Apparently this whole meeting was so the Senate would be able to meet her, not as a senator but as Queen of Naboo. Everything was still the same, the texture, the smell, the lighting, the sounds...Kagome inhaled as she fought off the urge to cry, but had been immediately distracted as Vi'ray held his hand to the curve of Kagome's back. "Take a breath princess," Vi'ray leaned forward whispering in the Queen's ear. Placing on her noh facial expression Kagome would gracefully introduce herself to the Senate as Queen Higurashi. The senate seemed to adore her even more than when she was in the senate, everyone cheered except one person. Senator Palpatine.
The meeting was brief as she met with several of the senators, with Vi'ray firmly at her side.
"How good it is to see your face again! I was so sad when I saw that you had resigned!" Aldo from Corulag spoke as he shook hands with the Queen. "It is refreshing to see everyone again, almost makes me want to come back," Kagome would smile as Aldo patted her on the shoulder before leaving The Queen and her guard.
Inhaling softly she would look towards Vi'ray who had his charming as ever smile on his face. "How did I do?"
"You were wonderful as always Your Majesty," Vi'ray responded as his brown eyes looked past the Queen's head to see an all too familiar man. It was him. "Milady, did I inform you," he would state as he would place his hand on the curve of her back and would lead her in the same direction as the padawon Obi-wan was headed, "that I have a surprise for you?"
"A surprise? Vi'ray, I know you. You don't do surprises! You know, I don't know why I was so scared! I highly doubt I would see-"
"Kagom-" a voice would speak out but before Kagome could turn her head she would be lead to Bail Organa from Alderan.
"Kagome Higurashi, or should I say your majesty? Do you look lovely as ever?" Organa would bring Kagome's hand to his lips, "You still have this handsome man as your body-guard?" Organa would chuckle as Vi'ray stood next to Kagome checking his peripherals to make sure that the man named Obi-wan would not come up to the Queen.
"It has been far too long Senator Organa," Kagome smiled as she would hug the man, "But I fear I do have to get going apparently my Guard has a surprise for me,"
"Well I shall not keep you, stay well Your Majesty. Please come to Alderan for a visit sometime." Kagome would nod her head, "As to you Senator," it was then that Kagome and Vi'ray would start making their way out the doors, only to hear a muffle. "Ah Obi..."
Kagome would then turn her head to look to see what Senator Organa had been saying but had been whisked away with Vi'ray through the crowd of Senator's that had decided to stand outside the chambers. This helped Vi'ray as he led the Queen through the mass of people. As if on cue her transport was readied and in front of them. Vi'ray allowed the queen to enter and fasten himself in. The guard would then look up towards the entrance of the Senate Chambers to find his brown eyes locked with blue, smirking he would tap the top of the transport as he quickly got inside with the Queen. The transport was off.
At that point in time two brown robed men would stand outside the entrance and would be immediately followed by Senator Organa, "Is everything alright Master Qui-Gon? Young Kenobi?"
"I...thought I saw someone, perhaps just my imagination." Obi-wan responded as Qui-Gon would stare at where the transport took off too.
In the transport Kagome would watch as Vi'ray constantly looked behind them as if fearing someone were following them. "Vi'ray what is wrong?" Kagome questioned as she turned her head which only caused the guard to push down on her head, "You know you are the most hardest woman to protect sometimes?" Vi'ray growled as she grumbled at him.
"Where are you going to take me anyways?" Kagome questioned as she sat in her proper place.
"Well you are going to clean all that gunk off of your face, put on something nice, and you'll see where I am going to take you."
"It's not gunk, it's make-up!" Kagome retorted as she glared at the man in the back of the transport with her. "It's gunk if I can't see your beautiful face, how am I supposed to kiss you if you have layers of gunk on your face!" he joked following suit with the Queen. "Vi'ray!" She scolded as he let out a chuckle at her temper. On the outside he would put on a joking face but on the inside, his heart had been pounding, he really dodged a bullet. He truly couldn't imagine what would have happened if Kagome had seen him. She probably would have bowed down from being Queen, and went back to more simplistic jobs, perhaps as an advisor or a tutor. He didn't want to think about it, he was able to get her in and out there with as little conflict as possibly. Vi'ray however did know that Obi-wan and his master had seen him, especially his smirk.
"You know princess, you really should pay me more," He chuckled as the transport stopped at their destination. It was one of Coruscant's finest hotels. The guard would escort the Queen to her room and stood outside as he allowed her to shower and change. Within moments he decided to head down to main lobby as he went up to the front desk, "I need you to set me up with the finest seats in the Opera house, I need everything the works..." Vi'ray stated as he handed the front-desk associate the card. "You do know how expensive that is sir?" the lady would question. "I know, she's worth it." Vi'ray waved his hand as he wanted to make it as quick as possible. "Also throw in the booth to put cherry blossoms and lilies," Vi'ray would say as the lady was rapidly typing placing reservations for all the hot spots in town, "Also make dinner arrangements at a nice place, but not too fancy-"
"Sir, I'm a woman I know what she'll like." Sighing Vi'ray would rub the back of his head as the woman simply smiled. "Alright sir, all set. There will be a transport to pick you up within the hour. Inside will be an agenda for the night. Times and places for all the reservations. Good luck tonight sir." The lady would smile, "Also there is a jewelers area right there if it's that type of night." Vi'ray would look behind him and nod his head. What good was all the money he stole, if he couldn't use it on the woman he loved. Yes he loved her. He loved her from the moment that he kidnapped her.
An hour later Vi'ray would sit on the bed as he watched the television for the recent news, and Queen Higurashi was the number one hit. From Senator to Queen she had won the hearts of her people as well as the majority of the senate. Sighing he would see Kagome was still in the showering area. "Jeez how long does it take a woman to bathe?" He whispered and heard the door click open softly. Brown eyes would turn to see Kagome exiting the bathroom. She had her hair pinned into a side-bun with a few strands, dropping out of the bun, as a beautiful red Asian lily pinned into the bun. She whore a beautiful emerald strapless gown that hugged at her frame and gently swept out at the bottom. Several jewels were embedded on her bosom, that gently glittered down to her right hip which would soon bring attention to her matching heels. The Queen wore no make up other than simple lip-gloss and a small bit of mascara. She looked radiant, radiant enough to make Vi'ray's jaw literally drop. "You look..."
"I know...beautiful" Kagome finished as she held out her hand for his. He of course would not be garbed in anything but his leather suit but it still fit with the occasion. He would lead the Queen down the stair-case. Sure she was Queen of Naboo, but at this point in time, she felt like a princess. Sucking in a breath she would watch as the other guests and staff watched as the duo came down the spiral stair-well, gasps, and compliments emitting from their mouths. Kagome couldn't help but blush as Vi'ray would lead them out of the hotel towards a readied transport. "Milady." Vi'ray would bow as he held open the door.
"Well thank you kind sir," Kagome would say as she slipped into the transport and let out a big gasp. The transport had been filled with cherry blossoms, her favorite flower because it reminded her of home. "Vi'ray..." she let out a soft whisper as he slid in next to him. "Alright, alright Princess don't cry. You'll get gunk all of your face." He grinned as she lightly smacked his arm as he shut the door with his other hand. "Thank you." She whispered as she leaned over kissing Vi'ray's cheek.
The duo were completely unaware that as they had exited the hotel they had missed a very important person, a person with a pair of beautiful blue eyes, "So Senator Palpatine is right...Kagome is here...and with him?" Obi-wan's voice was low as he watched as the transport sped off.
x-x
A/N: So this one took me literally all day. I hope you guys liked it, let me know what you think! Also I think a very good song to listen to this chapter is LOST- Life & Death theme from Sam Cox, just type that up in Youtube and you should find it. It's 22:23 minutes long. If you are not instrumental person that's okay too. Just a suggestion. That is what inspired me to type up this chapter through my aching fingers. So this chapter was MUCH longer than any of my other chapter's before, so please let me know how I did. I didn't feel right ending it any earlier than this so I didn't. I might make chapter's this long again, depending on the circumstance. Now for my reviewer replies! :)
LittleNK: I know, I kind of cried inside typing it out. I had to watch a bunch of sad videos to really get in the mood for that part. I was dreading typing it out, but I think it went better than my original plan. Thank you so much for becoming a new reader of my fan fiction as well as reviewing. :)
Kedakumi: I think it was because they can't be conditioned to learn to let go or take yourself emotionally out of the situation. I felt bad doing it but I have to do it! :( I think that whether or not Obi-wan knew it was Qui-Gon he would understand, especially after these two years of consistent training. Thanks for reviewing dear! :)
Sleiwd: I know it was horrible. My boyfriend kind of was silent at that part too when I read it to him. I had to make Qui-Gon mean, but believe me he plays a more pleasant role in the future.
Spastic Freak: I bet you weren't think of this kind of reunion huh? ;) But yes, I feel terrible for Obi-wan but you have to understand that Qui-Gon is just looking out of Obi-wan's best interests.
YunaNeko: Thank you again for reviewing! :)
PuripuriBeth: Yeah he was pretty messed up when she left, but Kagome thought it was for the best. :( Thanks for coming to read and review my fan fiction. Always great to see another reader jump on board! :)
AnimeMoonlightGoddess: Thank you so much for that lovely review! Like I said it's wonderful to get new readers and reviewers. Hope you enjoy the story!
Thanks to all my reviewers for keeping me motivated to type these up. I do however want to let you know that I will not be posting between October 25th and the 30th. Just wanted to give you guys a heads up! Don't forget to review! Have a great night everyone! :)