Mistaken: Chapter Six

I knew exactly what I was going to do.

After ensuring Padmé was resting comfortably, I knelt next to the bed and cleared my mind. Why had I not seen it before? Skirting along the edges of my consciousness was a dark void, silently ebbing to and fro, relentlessly searching for access. Immediately, I focused upon the Light of the Force that guided me and gave me strength. Anxiously, I drew its bright presence toward me. When it answered my call, I sighed audibly with relief as it chased the blackness away. My mind wasn't compromised after all, but the aggressiveness of this Dark Side user was intriguing.

What was her motive? Did I know her from a previous mission? Had I offended her or her family somehow? I couldn't recall ever having met her before. Master Qui-Gon had mentioned something once about the Dathomir witches, but I'd never encountered any of them myself.

I was at a loss, but I maintained my stance in the Light and settled in for a long night, drawing Padmé's spirit in along with me. She, too, was a powerful and bright presence within the Force. Although she lacked the required level of midichlorians, she would've made an excellent Jedi. She was always looking out for others and their needs ahead of her own. However, had to make sure she didn't carry her empathetic actions too far. There were those in the galaxy who would quickly take advantage of someone so giving. She may have been a queen and currently a senator, but she had lived a fairly sheltered existence so far and had no idea of the evil that resided in the hidden places of the Outer Rim.

Soon, she would be exposed to them, however, and there was very little I could do to prepare her for it. Just the thought of Korriban sent a chill down my spine. I was looking forward to confronting this mysterious woman, but I was not looking forward to visiting the planet. Apparently, I had no choice but to go there. If indeed, that was where our new friend was studying her dark arts and casting her curses, we had to find her and put a stop to it. I would not allow her to interfere in our lives any longer.

Although, I did have to wonder. If this dream was indeed formed in my mind through the Darkness, was it wise to pursue it at all? Were my present feelings for Padmé a result of Dark influence? Were they even real?

The question surprised me and I immediately opened my eyes to gaze at the nearby face of my lovely wife. Even though she appeared to be asleep, she was troubled. I reached over and smoothed away the ridge between her eyes with a gentle touch before softly running the back of my hand down her smooth skin. Immediately, her features softened and she began breathing more deeply. Even a slight grin appeared, which warmed my blood.

No. I would not allow the shadows to influence my passion for this woman or take away any ounce of happiness we could have together. There was no other person in this entire universe I cared more for or wished to protect. This was love. This was real and when I met this witch again, I probably needed to thank her for that.

Then, why? If her machinations were meant to kill me or Padmé, surely, there was be a better way. An easier way. There was no telling how much concentration and focus was required to open up a black hole, control the weather, and invade another's consciousness. I didn't have the ability to do anything like that and I wasn't even sure Master Yoda did either.

I was actually looking forward to speaking with this woman of Dathomir and learn for myself what made her tick and what powers she was capable of. I just hoped she was on Korriban.

Every thought about the planet brought Darkness to mind. Ironic, that it was the Light that was drawing me to it. For that fact alone, I believed we were on the right path and soon would come face to face with this witch.

As I stumbled around in my random thoughts, I fought to regain my composure and focus upon all the evidence of the Force that surrounded me: in Padmé's breath, the beat of her heart, the flow of her blood, the molecules that made up the hard floor beneath my knees, the metallic hull of the ship, and even in the stars themselves. I surrounded myself with that knowledge and kept the darkness at bay until Padme's voice drew me back. When I opened my tired eyes, she was gazing at me lovingly but also with concern.

"Didn't you sleep?" she asked, caressing the auburn hair out of my eyes. "You can't go on like this."

"I'll be fine," I assured her with a smile before leaning forward and stealing a quick kiss.

"No, you won't. Master Jedi or not, everyone needs rest. Your body has to recuperate or else you'll be too tired to concentrate, fight, or whatever it is you plan to do to protect me. And then what good will you be?"

She had a point, but how could I protect her if I succumbed to the fatigue that was pursuing me? If only…

"Listen," I told her, a new hope brightening my voice. "While I was meditating, I found your presence within the Force."

My confession raised a surprised brow on her face.

"I can teach you," I told her confidently.

"Teach me what? How to use the Force? I don't think so. It doesn't work like that."

I could tell by the twist of her smile she was kidding with me, so I chuckled to keep the mood light.

"No, not that. How to meditate on the Force – to surround us both and protect us." As I explained, her expression changed to confusion.

"To what? What does that mean?" she asked me sincerely. "I don't think I can do that." She came to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. "I mean, I've seen what you can do with the Force but I don't understand it."

She stood at that point and laughed as if I was the one joking around when I was completely serious. I could see no other way.

"Listen. Trust me," I implored. I really could use some sleep.

I caught her eye and beseeched her with a tender gaze. She rolled her eyes instead, but finally gave in to my request and knelt down in front of me.

"I have no idea what I'm doing," she admitted.

I grasped both of her hands and smiled. "Relax," I told her, deepening my voice. "Close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you. What do you hear?"

It took a few seconds before I sensed her presence settling within the Light surrounding me.

"The ship's engines, of course," she said skeptically. "The whistling sound that port window over there makes that I requested be fixed months ago."

She was using wit and sarcasm to escape any sense of discomfort. I was familiar with the tactic. It used to be a favorite of mine.

"Beyond that," I urged, discretely drawing her, though keeping my spirit hidden. "Reach deep down - down to the smallest particle."

Padmé was quiet for a moment and then her grip on my hands tightened. "I hear whispers," she told me with amazement. "But I can't make out what they're saying. Who is that?"

"Quiet your mind. Don't question it. Accept what you hear," I coached. It had been a long time since my first Force meditation. I'd forgotten all about the conversations of the midichlorians. I probably should've warned her. "Now, focus on everything that is good."

I merely sensed more confusion from Padmé and thoughtlessly sent a wave of comfort. I was hoping it would relax her, but it only caused her to jump from the shock of it.

"What was that?"

"That was me," I quickly replied before she completely withdrew. "Sorry. I was trying to help."

"Uhm, no, that's fine. I just wasn't expecting it."

Several moments of silence passed before I felt a question forming.

"Could you do that again, please?"

I sensed the hesitation in her voice and smiled in spite of the seriousness of our efforts. Again, confirmation had been made that everything we felt for one another was real. We both yearned for the other's presence. Once more, I sent forth a wave of comfort and this time felt her relax instantly. She took a deep breath, released it, and suddenly, all nervousness and doubt vanished. She was a total peace within the Force.

"This is amazing. There's a light. It's inviting and soothing."

"That's what I want you to focus on," I reminded her. "As long as it stays within your sight, we're safe. If any darkness tries to steal it away, wake me up immediately. All right?"

"This is incredible," she uttered before I slipped my hands from hers and crawled into bed. A half an hour would do me wonders.