NOTE: *,....*means character thoughts
//....//means telepathic messages(I know I switch those a lot, but this is easier)
~*...*~dream/flashback
((....))my own personal thoughts on whatever-cruel-twist-of-fate-unfolds.....lol
Ch. 4
The ship circled the docking bay one last time, about to take off. Faith was crying in earnest now, not wanting to lose her father, just as she had lost her mother.
"There,"Qui-Gon pointed. Anakin was rushing towards their ship. The ramp lowered. Anakin leapt into the ship, falling to his knees on the deck floor.
Faith immediately rushed into Anakin's arms, hugging him tightly. Tears ran silently down her small face.
Meanwhile, Anakin just wrapped his arms around his child, relieved not to be alone again. His clear blue eyes were haunted as he looked up at his Master. The sight of Anakin like that chilled the older Jedi.
Anakin averted his gaze from Qui-Gon's compassionate eyes. He buried his face in his daughters soft hair, murmuring soft words of assurance to the child that he would not leave her.
Mace Windu and Yoda walked slowly into the passenger cabin once the ship was safely in hyperspace, destined for Tatooine. Grief was etched into their Force signature, not being betrayed in their impassive expressions.
Qui-Gon put a hand on his Padawan's shoulder. "Get some rest, Anakin. You need it,"he said softly.
Anakin looked up at Qui-Gon, his facial expression so lost it was almost childlike. "I miss her, Master,"he whispered, his control on the verge of falling away.
Qui-Gon nodded, sending soothing waves of the Force to his Padawan. No words could comfort Anakin. Any words said would be empty and meaningless in comparison to the agony of losing his beloved.
Obi-Wan reached forward and gently picked up Faith. "Let's let your Daddy get some rest,"Obi-Wan said. The child nodded mutely, clinging to Obi-Wan.
Anakin exited the room to another passenger cabin where Livia's body laid. He needed to be alone. Looking into the dark eyes of his child, which were so much like Livia's, broke his heart, seeing the grief of such an innocent being. What Anakin didn't see in Faith's eyes was the fear.
The fear brought on by sensing her Father's hatred.
* * * * * * * * *
Obi-Wan held Faith to his chest, rocking the child gently back and forth. Grief pressed down on him. Tears slid unchecked down his face.
Memories of his Padawan danced across his mind's eye. Memories of her space paranoia. Memories of her dry whit, which he had almost passed down to her. Memories........
"Uncle Obi-Ben....."a small voice called out, pulling Obi-Wan back to the present.
"Yes, my little one?"Obi-Wan asked, not even realizing the salty tears that made their way down his face to mingle in his beard.
"Don't be sad....I'm here,"Faith whispered, brushing the tears from Obi-Wan's face. Tears shown in her own dark blue eyes, yet she was trying to be brave.
Obi-Wan gave a small chuckle, gently rubbing Faith's back in comfort. "It's okay, little Jedi. Everything will be fine,"he murmured, hugging her tightly.
"Now, little Jedi, it is time you get some rest." Obi-Wan planted a sleep suggestion in Faith's mind, sending her into a deep, soothing slumber.
"I believe it is you, also, who needs rest, my friend,"Qui-Gon said, walking over. He placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. He could easily see that his friend was being torn up inside by the loss of his apprentice. Qui-Gon doubted that he would handle it so well if their positions were reversed.
"I'm not handling this as well as I appear. I feel.....dead inside. The girl—no, young woman that I looked on as my daughter is gone,"Obi-Wan said as if in answer to Qui-Gon's thoughts.
"Died as a true Jedi, she did,"Yoda said, walking into the room.
Obi-Wan shook his head, a bitter smile playing across his face.
"Some cold comfort that is."
* * * * * * * * *
Padme Amidala rushed down the hall into her ship. Her breathing came in short, nervous gasps as she tried to calm herself.
The Sith had just nearly gotten her!
She had underestimated the elderly man. Apparently, he had more 'kick' in him than she had thought. Now, he was back with a vengeance.
Amidala picked up her commlink.
"Have my quarters', as well as the Senatorial Chamber's security reinforced! I don't want anyone or anything that doesn't belong there getting through........."
* * * * * * * * *
Darth Sidious watched as the Supreme Chancellor's ship flew out of the docking bay. A small smile spread its way across his face. The Chancellor could run.....but she definitely could not hide.
Padme Amidala would soon be right where he wanted her. Then, there would be no escaping his wrath.
Little did she know, he had quite a few more 'cards up his sleeve'. He was far from done with her.
All the security guards in the galaxy would not be able to save her from his inevitable revenge.
* * * * * * * * *
Anakin knelt next to the body of his beloved. Silent sobs shook his slender, yet muscular frame. Uncertainty wormed it's way into his heart as the words of the Sith repeated themselves in his mind.
'Being a Jedi killed your lover. I merely served as the executioner. Being a Jedi is what sentenced her.'
Was it true?
Was everything he had trained to be a horrific lie?
Was being a Jedi a one way ticket to a horrible death?
There were too many questions buzzing in Anakin's grieving heart, numbing his mind of fathomable thought.
*Why.....? Why did you have to take her away from me?
I loved her...............................*Anakin thought, questioning the very Force that he served.
Anger flowed raw in his veins. Yes......it was true. The Force had betrayed him. The Jedi had led him to believe that there was no death, there was only the Force.
But how could that be when his beloved wife was dead? Nothing could bring her back to him.
Anakin pushed his anger down into a corner of his heart, shielding it from everyone. He rose as he heard the sound of the hyperspace beacon, telling him they were about to arrive on Tatooine.
He then strode into the passenger cabin where the other Jedi sat, a mask of neutrality on his face.
* * * * * * * * *
Their ship landed on the outskirts of a small moisture farm. They had just come from Mos Espa, where Watto the junk dealer had directed them to these coordinates. Shmi Skywalker was supposed to be on that moisture farm just ahead of them.
Anakin led the group of Jedi forward, holding Faith in his arms. Faith's dark eyes surveyed the barren wasteland. As the Jedi crossed the sand towards the house, a droid hobbled up to greet them.
"Hello, I am—"the droid began.
"C3PO?"Anakin supplied, arching an eyebrow.
The droid nodded, "Yes, oh, Master Anakin! How wonderful it is to see you—"
"Yes, it's just great, Threepio, but have you seen my mother?"Anakin asked, unable to conceal his impatience.
The droid nodded an affirmative answer and led the group of Jedi into the small farmhouse. Upon entering, an older, yet still loving, Shmi Skywalker greeted them.
"Ani? Oh, my little Ani, it is you! I've missed you,"Shmi said, giving her son an awkward hug, due to the child secured in his arms.
"I've missed you, too, Mom............this is Faith, my daughter,"Anakin introduced.
Shmi's eyes widened slightly, but returned to their normal size with a warm love. "She's beautiful, Ani,"she whispered, gently stroking the child's soft hair. Faith gave a small, shy smile.
"Faith, this is your grandmother,"Anakin said. Faith nodded. "She's a good lady,"Faith whispered to her father. Anakin nodded, then turned back to his mother.
"Who is her lovely mother?"Shmi asked, looking around.
Anakin cleared his throat, trying to rid himself of the lump that had just formed there at the sudden mention of his beloved wife. "She died. The Sith killed her,"Anakin murmured.
Shmi's gaze turned shocked and remorseful. "I'm so sorry...."she whispered. She nodded, understanding that it was a painful subject for her son to speak of in front of everyone else. He would tell her of everything later if he wished.
"Well, you look exhausted. Why don't you come in and have a seat,"Shmi invited, gently ushering the group of Jedi into another room of their house.
* * * * * * * * *
Anakin looked out at the desert. Just ahead of him, laid the remains of his beloved. The funeral had been held earlier that evening. Anakin could stand it no longer when his daughter had begun to cry. He had thought his heart would break all over again.
Now, the twin suns of Tatooine had begun to set, cooling the air into it's usual nighttime chill.
The relief and happiness of seeing his mother safe and happy almost drowned out the choking grief that constantly bore down on him.
Almost....
"Oh, Force, why...? I loved her.....she was my wife, the other half of my soul! Why did you have to take her from me?"Anakin murmured heart brokenly.
The hurt of deep betrayal ran through him. The Force he had dedicated his life to had broken him, had betrayed him. Anakin wanted to scream at the heavens. He wanted to kill something.
Yet he knew neither would do any good.
Either way, Livia would never come back to him.
A shiver of fear ran down Anakin's spine at the thoughts running through his head. The emptiness of his soul was a small part of the fear. Anakin was afraid of the hatred that made his blood boil in his veins as he thought of the Sith's words.
Anakin knelt, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Self-loathing rammed into him at crushing force.
No....he couldn't hate the Jedi.
He was one.
This had to be a nightmare........
It had to be.
***********************
oh...dark....depressing.....
Great, now that I've gotten myself good and depressed, what to do now?
please review!!!!!!!!
In the future/coming chapters..............
The Jedi had thought their nightmare was over when they had found shelter on Naboo, but apparently, things weren't as they seem.
As one Jedi pleas that his life be a nightmare, that none of the week's events have ever happened, the seeds of anger and hatred grow within him, pulling him closer to the darkness that beacons. Will he have the strength, after his weathered heart is put through life's trials, to resist?
The 'perfect beings' that Amidala spoke of are underway. Will they have the chance to be used in her plans? Or will fate take a turn?
The Sith's power is growing, despite Amidala's best efforts to do otherwise. Will the Dark Lord of the Sith's reign begin, or will the Republic stand?
Only reading will tell.......
Signing out for now,
Lina Skye
//....//means telepathic messages(I know I switch those a lot, but this is easier)
~*...*~dream/flashback
((....))my own personal thoughts on whatever-cruel-twist-of-fate-unfolds.....lol
Ch. 4
The ship circled the docking bay one last time, about to take off. Faith was crying in earnest now, not wanting to lose her father, just as she had lost her mother.
"There,"Qui-Gon pointed. Anakin was rushing towards their ship. The ramp lowered. Anakin leapt into the ship, falling to his knees on the deck floor.
Faith immediately rushed into Anakin's arms, hugging him tightly. Tears ran silently down her small face.
Meanwhile, Anakin just wrapped his arms around his child, relieved not to be alone again. His clear blue eyes were haunted as he looked up at his Master. The sight of Anakin like that chilled the older Jedi.
Anakin averted his gaze from Qui-Gon's compassionate eyes. He buried his face in his daughters soft hair, murmuring soft words of assurance to the child that he would not leave her.
Mace Windu and Yoda walked slowly into the passenger cabin once the ship was safely in hyperspace, destined for Tatooine. Grief was etched into their Force signature, not being betrayed in their impassive expressions.
Qui-Gon put a hand on his Padawan's shoulder. "Get some rest, Anakin. You need it,"he said softly.
Anakin looked up at Qui-Gon, his facial expression so lost it was almost childlike. "I miss her, Master,"he whispered, his control on the verge of falling away.
Qui-Gon nodded, sending soothing waves of the Force to his Padawan. No words could comfort Anakin. Any words said would be empty and meaningless in comparison to the agony of losing his beloved.
Obi-Wan reached forward and gently picked up Faith. "Let's let your Daddy get some rest,"Obi-Wan said. The child nodded mutely, clinging to Obi-Wan.
Anakin exited the room to another passenger cabin where Livia's body laid. He needed to be alone. Looking into the dark eyes of his child, which were so much like Livia's, broke his heart, seeing the grief of such an innocent being. What Anakin didn't see in Faith's eyes was the fear.
The fear brought on by sensing her Father's hatred.
* * * * * * * * *
Obi-Wan held Faith to his chest, rocking the child gently back and forth. Grief pressed down on him. Tears slid unchecked down his face.
Memories of his Padawan danced across his mind's eye. Memories of her space paranoia. Memories of her dry whit, which he had almost passed down to her. Memories........
"Uncle Obi-Ben....."a small voice called out, pulling Obi-Wan back to the present.
"Yes, my little one?"Obi-Wan asked, not even realizing the salty tears that made their way down his face to mingle in his beard.
"Don't be sad....I'm here,"Faith whispered, brushing the tears from Obi-Wan's face. Tears shown in her own dark blue eyes, yet she was trying to be brave.
Obi-Wan gave a small chuckle, gently rubbing Faith's back in comfort. "It's okay, little Jedi. Everything will be fine,"he murmured, hugging her tightly.
"Now, little Jedi, it is time you get some rest." Obi-Wan planted a sleep suggestion in Faith's mind, sending her into a deep, soothing slumber.
"I believe it is you, also, who needs rest, my friend,"Qui-Gon said, walking over. He placed a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. He could easily see that his friend was being torn up inside by the loss of his apprentice. Qui-Gon doubted that he would handle it so well if their positions were reversed.
"I'm not handling this as well as I appear. I feel.....dead inside. The girl—no, young woman that I looked on as my daughter is gone,"Obi-Wan said as if in answer to Qui-Gon's thoughts.
"Died as a true Jedi, she did,"Yoda said, walking into the room.
Obi-Wan shook his head, a bitter smile playing across his face.
"Some cold comfort that is."
* * * * * * * * *
Padme Amidala rushed down the hall into her ship. Her breathing came in short, nervous gasps as she tried to calm herself.
The Sith had just nearly gotten her!
She had underestimated the elderly man. Apparently, he had more 'kick' in him than she had thought. Now, he was back with a vengeance.
Amidala picked up her commlink.
"Have my quarters', as well as the Senatorial Chamber's security reinforced! I don't want anyone or anything that doesn't belong there getting through........."
* * * * * * * * *
Darth Sidious watched as the Supreme Chancellor's ship flew out of the docking bay. A small smile spread its way across his face. The Chancellor could run.....but she definitely could not hide.
Padme Amidala would soon be right where he wanted her. Then, there would be no escaping his wrath.
Little did she know, he had quite a few more 'cards up his sleeve'. He was far from done with her.
All the security guards in the galaxy would not be able to save her from his inevitable revenge.
* * * * * * * * *
Anakin knelt next to the body of his beloved. Silent sobs shook his slender, yet muscular frame. Uncertainty wormed it's way into his heart as the words of the Sith repeated themselves in his mind.
'Being a Jedi killed your lover. I merely served as the executioner. Being a Jedi is what sentenced her.'
Was it true?
Was everything he had trained to be a horrific lie?
Was being a Jedi a one way ticket to a horrible death?
There were too many questions buzzing in Anakin's grieving heart, numbing his mind of fathomable thought.
*Why.....? Why did you have to take her away from me?
I loved her...............................*Anakin thought, questioning the very Force that he served.
Anger flowed raw in his veins. Yes......it was true. The Force had betrayed him. The Jedi had led him to believe that there was no death, there was only the Force.
But how could that be when his beloved wife was dead? Nothing could bring her back to him.
Anakin pushed his anger down into a corner of his heart, shielding it from everyone. He rose as he heard the sound of the hyperspace beacon, telling him they were about to arrive on Tatooine.
He then strode into the passenger cabin where the other Jedi sat, a mask of neutrality on his face.
* * * * * * * * *
Their ship landed on the outskirts of a small moisture farm. They had just come from Mos Espa, where Watto the junk dealer had directed them to these coordinates. Shmi Skywalker was supposed to be on that moisture farm just ahead of them.
Anakin led the group of Jedi forward, holding Faith in his arms. Faith's dark eyes surveyed the barren wasteland. As the Jedi crossed the sand towards the house, a droid hobbled up to greet them.
"Hello, I am—"the droid began.
"C3PO?"Anakin supplied, arching an eyebrow.
The droid nodded, "Yes, oh, Master Anakin! How wonderful it is to see you—"
"Yes, it's just great, Threepio, but have you seen my mother?"Anakin asked, unable to conceal his impatience.
The droid nodded an affirmative answer and led the group of Jedi into the small farmhouse. Upon entering, an older, yet still loving, Shmi Skywalker greeted them.
"Ani? Oh, my little Ani, it is you! I've missed you,"Shmi said, giving her son an awkward hug, due to the child secured in his arms.
"I've missed you, too, Mom............this is Faith, my daughter,"Anakin introduced.
Shmi's eyes widened slightly, but returned to their normal size with a warm love. "She's beautiful, Ani,"she whispered, gently stroking the child's soft hair. Faith gave a small, shy smile.
"Faith, this is your grandmother,"Anakin said. Faith nodded. "She's a good lady,"Faith whispered to her father. Anakin nodded, then turned back to his mother.
"Who is her lovely mother?"Shmi asked, looking around.
Anakin cleared his throat, trying to rid himself of the lump that had just formed there at the sudden mention of his beloved wife. "She died. The Sith killed her,"Anakin murmured.
Shmi's gaze turned shocked and remorseful. "I'm so sorry...."she whispered. She nodded, understanding that it was a painful subject for her son to speak of in front of everyone else. He would tell her of everything later if he wished.
"Well, you look exhausted. Why don't you come in and have a seat,"Shmi invited, gently ushering the group of Jedi into another room of their house.
* * * * * * * * *
Anakin looked out at the desert. Just ahead of him, laid the remains of his beloved. The funeral had been held earlier that evening. Anakin could stand it no longer when his daughter had begun to cry. He had thought his heart would break all over again.
Now, the twin suns of Tatooine had begun to set, cooling the air into it's usual nighttime chill.
The relief and happiness of seeing his mother safe and happy almost drowned out the choking grief that constantly bore down on him.
Almost....
"Oh, Force, why...? I loved her.....she was my wife, the other half of my soul! Why did you have to take her from me?"Anakin murmured heart brokenly.
The hurt of deep betrayal ran through him. The Force he had dedicated his life to had broken him, had betrayed him. Anakin wanted to scream at the heavens. He wanted to kill something.
Yet he knew neither would do any good.
Either way, Livia would never come back to him.
A shiver of fear ran down Anakin's spine at the thoughts running through his head. The emptiness of his soul was a small part of the fear. Anakin was afraid of the hatred that made his blood boil in his veins as he thought of the Sith's words.
Anakin knelt, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. Self-loathing rammed into him at crushing force.
No....he couldn't hate the Jedi.
He was one.
This had to be a nightmare........
It had to be.
***********************
oh...dark....depressing.....
Great, now that I've gotten myself good and depressed, what to do now?
please review!!!!!!!!
In the future/coming chapters..............
The Jedi had thought their nightmare was over when they had found shelter on Naboo, but apparently, things weren't as they seem.
As one Jedi pleas that his life be a nightmare, that none of the week's events have ever happened, the seeds of anger and hatred grow within him, pulling him closer to the darkness that beacons. Will he have the strength, after his weathered heart is put through life's trials, to resist?
The 'perfect beings' that Amidala spoke of are underway. Will they have the chance to be used in her plans? Or will fate take a turn?
The Sith's power is growing, despite Amidala's best efforts to do otherwise. Will the Dark Lord of the Sith's reign begin, or will the Republic stand?
Only reading will tell.......
Signing out for now,
Lina Skye