Mistaken: Chapter Eight
Korriban was an infected planet, plagued by the Dark Side. Who would want to even visit such a place? Extensive scans indeed revealed scarce lifeforms. There were very few species capable of surviving its cold and arid environment, not to mention its limited amount of daylight.
We approached on the far side of the planet and flew over a row of ancient ruins. There had been numerous battles here in the distant past and there was still evidence of them revealed in the scarred rock formations, the piles of rubble, and the damaged tombs and temples we saw.
At one time, Korriban had been a fascinating feat of architecture. I'd studied holovids of its history while attending the Jedi Academy. It was disappointing to see it now in such a sad and dilapidated state.
"There's a clearing just East of the main temple," Padmé informed me. "Three kilometers, to be exact."
"Perfect," I replied, steering the ship in that direction. "A short walk will do us some good. I could use it."
The fact that this dark woman most likely already knew we were here and there was no way we could hide, was information I'd keep to myself. We could land right next to her and I seriously doubted it would make any difference. I agreed with Padmé's idea, however, since there was no need to add worry to an already troubling situation.
Once the dust had cleared, we exited the ramp and I turned to fasten Padmé's hood more securely. Even in the middle of the day, the temperatures on Korriban hovered close to freezing and the shadows were already lengthening. We didn't have a lot of sunlight left.
"Whatever happens, remember that I love you with all my heart. I would never do anything to harm you. Don't let her get in your head."
Her upper lip curled into a smirk. "I know that. But you need to remember it as well. I would do nothing to harm you. I have plans for you, ya' know."
"Oh really?" I teased, toying with the ties of her coat beneath her chin. "Do you intend to take advantage of my knowledge? To study more about the Force? I wouldn't be surprised if you become a better Jedi than I am."
She knew I was joking, but slid her arms around me anyway. "No, silly. We still have that family to create. You know, the three children you promised me?"
How could I forget? "Of course. Any time you'd like to start, just let me know." I wasn't joking any longer, but I had the suspicion she knew that.
"If we make it out of this alive, then I say we should take advantage of every second we have. Who knows what will happen next?"
Padmé was wise beyond her years. I imagined it came from having to grow up too quickly. She'd been burdened with too many responsibilities at such a young age.
"Agreed," I stated simply before receiving a tender kiss. I touched her face after withdrawing to seal my promise to her, staring deeply into her eyes. "Focus on the Light and stay by my side," I encouraged her before we stepped toward the line of tombs we'd seen from the sky moments before.
There was one large structure that had been used as a training academy for the Sith. It was at the far end of the plaza and was the one building whose structure appeared to be sound. If I were hiding here, that's where I would set up shop.
"Let's approach that largest structure at the end of the street," I suggested as we rounded about a crumbling statue of some anonymous ancient dark warrior.
"That was their training facility, correct? I read about it while you were asleep."
Of course, she did. By this time, she probably knew more about Korriban than I did. "I have a feeling our friend is inside."
The closer we got to our destination, the stronger my call to the Force became. I wanted to be aware of any hint of trouble. If something was going to happen, I wanted to see it coming.
As soon as we stepped inside the dimly lit building, I was alerted on two fronts. On my right, the floor was in danger of collapsing, and on the left, a detonator beam shot across in front of my waist.
"Don't move," I tried to warn Padmé, although I was a fraction of a second too late. She lost her footing as the stone beneath her feet gave way and she plummeted below. At the same time, her fall activated the detonator and the arch above my head groaned and disintegrated, sending a shower of heavy stone and debris toward my head. I quickly dove and rolled out of its way, immediately hearing the sound of cackling laughter echoing amongst the ancient pillars.
"You fool. Do you honestly think you can withstand my powers? You have no idea who you're dealing with. It would be best if you retreated. But then, Jedi don't do that, do they? Not unless of course, they are face to face with unexpected responsibilities. Not unless they are required to give something of themselves!"
I had no idea what she was talking about and had yet to see the face that matched the voice, but I didn't have time to look before the Force alerted me to another danger. This time, a series of deadly arrows came flying in my direction from the far wall. I hadn't sensed a trigger of any kind and assumed she had shot the things at me herself. This time, I leaped straight up and grabbed hold of a stone jutting down from the ceiling. Quickly, I dropped back down into a crouching position but refused to bring forth my weapon.
"Listen," I pleaded. "I only came here to talk. I mean you no harm. You've gone to a lot of trouble to complicate my life, and all I want to know is why."
A long silence followed my request. I had hoped to hear footfalls, but when she made her appearance, I was surprised to discover she was floating about a third of a meter off the floor. When she did land, her feet planted softly upon the sand-covered tiles.
She was exactly as I remembered from the bar. A light-skinned Nightsister from Dathomir, covered with black markings noting an association with a clan. From the patterns I could see, I determined she was from the Mountain Clan – one of the more peaceful societies on the planet. I was very interested in finding out what had brought her to this point.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi. It's been a while. I hope you enjoyed your journey."
"It was a pleasant enough flight," I mentioned, rising from the ground while staying focused on my surroundings. If I was reading the Force correctly, Padmé had fallen to a lower level. She was injured, but thankfully still alive.
"Not that journey, you fool," the witch hissed at me, the sleeve of her red cloak flapping as she dismissed my nonsense with her hand. "Your travels into the What-If. I wanted you to see what you could have had if only you had been worthy. But you are not worthy of happiness, Master Kenobi. And I will make sure you don't find it. You may think you found it already, but nothing hurts more than losing something you love. Trust me, I know."
This was an angry and hurt woman. I could hear it in her voice and see it in the lines etched into her tired features. She was consumed by hatred and therefore had opened herself up to the evil that was threatening to destroy her.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about. What have I ever done to you?"
She cackled once again, although this time with added fury. "That is so typical of you! Not only do you shun your responsibilities, but you deny any knowledge of them! That is why I will enjoy seeing you suffer."
I didn't have time to speak my case before her hand shot out and a cloud of dust rolled up from where Padmé had fallen. Soon, my wife's body rose through the opening as well, only it was encased in a dark cloud that cyclonically swirled around her lifeless body.
"Let her go!" I screamed in vain. "It's me you apparently want! Do what you will with me but leave her alone!"
The evil smile creasing the witch's face expressed her glee in causing me pain and she squeezed her hand tight, hissing her intentions.
"All these years, you were alone and wanted nothing more than to be loved. The child inside the senator's womb will pay the penalty for your crimes. Say goodbye to your firstborn, Obi-Wan."
It took a mere second to register in my frantic mind what she had said and I had no other choice but to ignite my lightsaber and lunge toward the woman. I had meant to decapitate the creature but halfway there, I found myself encased in a shroud of darkness instead.
Some Master Jedi I was. I had lost my focus. I had panicked. And not only would I pay the price, but Padmé and our unborn child would as well.