The Ties That Bind
Chapter 15
Padmé hummed softly to herself as she fixed her hair, running her brush through the gnarled strands. A smile crossed her lips as she stared at her reflection. She was free. Free from the responsibilities of ruling a world, free of dealing with all of the life-altering decisions for her people. She tugged the brush through the gnarled strands, her thoughts going to Anakin.
*Are they ever far from me, Angel?*
She grinned at herself in the mirror. Even a ways across the Theed palace, he could talk to her. *Of course not.* she replied, sending him the impression of a smile.
He chuckled, the sound slipping through her system like warm honey. *That's my girl. The council said I was to speak with them in the morning, in fact, Obi-Wan, Sabé and you are supposed to come to. From the sound of it, they're giving them an answer tomorrow.*
Padmé felt her heart skip a beat. *You mean they might have permission to do what you did to us?*
There was a pause before his hesitant reply came back. *I think that's what Obi-Wan said. When I talked to Master Yoda a few minutes ago, they didn't seem thrilled at the possibility of allowing it though.*
Padmé placed her brush on the dressing table and went to her wardrobe. She would stay in the palace until the new Queen was elected, which would happen in two days, and then her things would be moved to another room. Or, if she preferred it, to a house in the city. She pulled a long skirt from a hangar as she mulled over Anakin's revelation. *Is there anything we can do to help them?*
His mental sigh echoed in her mind. *We can try, but I don't know what good we'll do.*
She slipped into a loose shirt with flowing sleeves that left her stomach bare and hugged her breasts. The scooped neck didn't leave much fabric to cover her attributes. It was a shirt she'd never dared to wear before as Queen. It would have given the voters the wrong idea. She slid the skirt up her legs and belted it around her waist before checking the fastener at the front of her shirt a second time. She didn't want it to come undone, no matter how appealing it sounded.
Anakin's laughter sounded in her mind. *But, Angel!*
*Anakin! We're going for a walk, it's a nice night out and the guards say the gardens are safe. I'm having dinner brought to us on the upper terrace before we go explore.*
*Wow. I thought I was supposed to be in charge of dinner arrangements.*
*You don't mind, do you?*
"Mind?"
She whirled at the sound of his voice, her breath catching in her throat. She'd been so focused on their mental link she hadn't noticed him enter her quarters. She nodded.
He stepped towards her, smiling the sexy half-smile that set her heart thundering in her breast. "Why would I mind having a powerful, thoughtful woman who's able to read my thoughts and feelings set up a dinner date?"
She grinned, stepping into his arms and hugging him tightly. "Because it threatens your traditional role."
He ducked his head and placed a kiss next to her ear, his words barely a whisper. "Last time I checked, I was hardly traditional. You're in love with a rebel and a rogue, Ami, but then you know that already." She laughed softly, her breath hitching in her throat as he nuzzled her ear. "You look beautiful, Angel."
She pulled back blushing as she stepped away from him, catching his hand in hers instead. "Thank you, Anakin."
He lifted his other hand to gently caress her pink cheeks. "Don't blush, I mean it."
She smiled. "I know, that's why I'm blushing. Come on, or we'll be late for our dinner."
Anakin slid his arm around her shoulders, keeping their fingers locked as he tucked her into his side. "Now that you're not the Queen, can I be more affectionate in public? Or is that going to be frowned upon?"
She laughed softly, moving closer. "What do you think?"
"I think if you keep doing that I might kidnap you."
She grinned, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked. "That sounds heavenly."
They walked in companionable silence, enjoying each other's company, their thoughts centered mostly on the moment. Padmé could feel Anakin's nervousness about the upcoming meeting tomorrow, but was determined to take his mind off it. No Council talk for the rest of the night. No thinking of the trials and what might or might not happen. Lastly, no intrusions. She smiled, squeezing him around the waist. No intrusions sounded too good to be true.
They entered the upper terrace over looking the garden they'd been attacked in, and stopped. A table set for two backlit by the setting sun held two covered plated. Anakin escorted Padmé to her chair and held it for her while she sat. She was pleasantly surprised by the courtly gesture as he went to take his own chair.
"Where'd you learn that?"
He smiled boyishly. "You'd be surprised what one learns in the Jedi Temple."
She arched an eyebrow. "I saw what you learned at the Jedi temple, remember? I don't remember seeing that!"
He laughed, lifting one hand and pointing it at her plate. The cover on her foot lifted gracefully and settled to the side before manually lifting his. "Obi-Wan insisted I get some training after our last encounter on Coruscant. I was accused of being brash, impulsive and manner-less. The Supreme Chancellor ensured I was given the proper training."
She nodded. "That sounds like something he'd do." She lifted her fork and smiled. "Shall we?"
They ate slowly, allowing them time to talk about several mundane things. Anakin spoke of his time with the Chancellor, his lessons and of the respect he had for the older man. He spoke of the calm power he seemed to radiate and Padmé couldn't help but smile. He was very taken with her old friend. Nearing the end of the meal, she lifted her glass of water and took a sip. "Anakin?"
"Yes, love?"
She cocked her head at him. "I have a question about our... Force bond."
"Life-Bond."
"Ok, Life-Bond. I know it allows us to work together better, since I know your thoughts and you know mine, but is there any way to hide them, or shield them, from each other? Something that could help if one of us is ever again in great pain?"
He sighed, setting down his utensils and moving his plate to the side. "There is, but it's not easy for non-Jedi to learn."
"But you could try and teach me?"
His mouth quirked. "There is no try."
She coughed, trying not to laugh into her water glass. "Is that another Jedi mantra?"
He shrugged, smiling. "Kind of."
"Kind of?" she echoed. "If it's not part of your Jedi training, then where did it come from?"
"Master Yoda is always telling that to the younger padawans. You have no idea how many times I've heard that lecture."
She laughed, "I can imagine, Anakin. You're quite the Jedi paradox."
"Why thank you, Angel."
"Trust you to take it that as a compliment."
He smiled, winking at her. "That's why you love me. Do you really want me to teach you how to shield your thoughts from me?"
She nodded. "Don't look so serious about it, I just want to be able to protect you if something should happen to me. I love sharing your thoughts and feelings, the connection we have lets me know you're alright and that you'll never leave me alone, but I like having some of my thoughts to myself."
He reached across the table and gently stroked the back of her hand with his index finger. "It bothers you that you can't think without me listening in. I'm sorry, Padmé."
She twined her fingers through his. "Don't be, Anakin. I may want to have a thought or two to myself but that's not a reflection on our bond. I love you, being this close to you is... mind blowing, but I still need space to be me. I feel as if you're inside my head all the time, and while I love knowing what you're feeling, I'm having trouble finding where we separate."
His head bowed for a moment and she could feel his thoughts pull from her mind, the emotions dampened as he shielded his mind and feelings from her. When he met her gaze again, his eyes were serious. "Is that better?"
She swallowed hard, feeling as if something was totally wrong with the question. Better? Better in what manner? She'd been feeling his pain, his thoughts for such a short period of time, yet without them she was bereft. She tugged her hand from his, folding them in her lap as she began to shake. She felt empty.
"You understand now."
She took a deep breath, lifting her face to meet his gaze, tears inexplicably pooling in her eyes. "Wh- what did you do?"
"I'm completely shielded from you, Angel. You can feel that I'm alive, right?"
She nodded.
"But you can't hear my thoughts or feel what I'm feeling, right?"
She shook her head.
"Are you sure you want to learn how to shield yourself from me?"
She searched his face, seeing the lines of tension around his mouth. He was as affected as she, but better at hiding it. She nodded slowly. "I want to learn how to shield part of my thoughts, Anakin. But never to that extent." She shuddered, clasping her hands on her biceps and rubbing them to shake off the shiver running through her frame.
His emotions slowly came back to her. Relief mixed with trepidation. His thoughts still remained a mystery, but she felt her body slowly relax and stop shaking.
"Feel better?"
She nodded. "What did you do?"
"I allowed the connection to be partially unshielded. Having one or the other will put not only you, but me too, at ease. With the Life Bond as strong as it is, it won't suffice forever. Eventually the shields will have to be dropped so that we can both feel complete again. I'm sorry, Angel, I really didn't mean to do this."
"I know, Anakin." She took a sip of her water, shivering slightly. "Do you think you can show me how to shield myself?"
"You're still determined to learn?"
She nodded. "If for no other reason than I should know, Anakin."
He sighed, allowing his shielding to drop away. *I'll teach you.* he told her silently as he rose from his chair. "Come on, Angel, we'll start with our first lesson tonight. What do you say we retire to the garden?"
She rose to her feet and smiled, clasping the hand he extended to her. "Thank you."
He pulled her close, tucking her against his side again. "Anything for you, Padmé. I can't say no to you."
She smiled, snuggling next to his side as they made their way from the terrace and down towards the garden. She was looking forward to having him alone in a romantic setting, and though she wanted to lean how to shield her thoughts, she was determined to start in the morning. For now, she would simply enjoy his company.
The moonlight bathed the main garden of the Theed palace, casting its soothing glow on an area built for peace. The peaceful quiet was broken by the soft sound of a woman's laughter as a young couple stepped into the garden. The woman hugged the man's arm, seeming to hang on his every word. Her dark hair reflected the moonlight as they walked the main path and around several large trees and bushed to the outer edge. Pausing near the outer wall, the man smiled down at his companion. His eyes closed as his head came down to steal a kiss from the small woman. She shifted, pushing his lightsaber to the side with her hip as she kissed him back, her eyes remaining open. Absorbed, he couldn't sense the threat as there was a sudden flash of silver and her arm came back, the vibro-blade plunging downwards and burying itself in his back. Her other hand, surprisingly strong on the base of his throat, held him where he was.
She swallowed his screams with her mouth and carried him to the ground as his body twitched in its death throes. She tore her mouth from his and stood. Her green eyes were hard as they looked at the slain man. He would be the first of six to die. Turning on her heel, she left the gardens and keeping to the shadows. She'd learned the valuable lessons of playing on men's passions. Jedi, with their repressed emotions and hard fought for control, were the most rewarding targets. The most rewarding kills. With the Jedi council unaware of her presence here and most of them, human or not, eating out of her palm, this would be more than easy. It would serve her Master well. A hard smile crossed her lips as she slipped through the shadows. Tonight would be a productive night.
Anakin held Padmé under one arm, keeping her close, as they stepped into the private garden. He smiled down at her, letting his feelings of contentment flow through their bond. An outside force, shock and death, suddenly slammed into him and he froze. "Something's not right," he said quietly, his head coming up.
She shivered, a sliver of fear racing up her spine as she scanned the garden. "I feel it too. I left my comlink in my quarters..."
Before she finished the sentence he was handing the comlink from his belt to her. She managed a small smile as she nodded her head in thanks. Anakin spun from her side as she clicked it on, his un-ignited lightsaber at the ready. She flipped to a security channel, "This is Padmé Amidala. Security is needed at the private gardens immediately."
The unit crackled. "Roger. We're on our way."
She flipped it off. The nice thing about being a former Queen was that people credited your words and didn't waste time with useless questions. She wasn't sure what she would have told them anyway. "Anakin?"
*Two steps down the path, around the large fuzzy tree.*
She could have laughed at his description except for their serious circumstances. What was it about the garden that was making it feel ominous? She stepped cautiously in his direction, her hand sliding to the holdout blaster she'd strapped to her thigh earlier. It seemed like a good idea after the attempts on Anakin's life the night before. She stepped around the tree and stopped. Anakin was crouching in the shadows, his hands busy with something on the ground. She heard him grunt, felt him pull on the Force for strength and then watched as he dragged a humanoid creature into the light. She gasped.
Anakin knelt next to the slain man. The slain Cerean, he silently corrected himself. Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. Anakin took a deep breath, trying to smother his sudden flash of rage. It was no use as the darkness began to swirl inside him, simmering, threatening to boil over and into a killing rage.
"Anakin, no!"
He froze. Padmé's frightened voice snapping him out of the shock. She was in his arms, her arms held tightly around his neck. "Don't give in," she pleaded softly, clinging to him.
He hugged her, held her tightly, and allowed the rage to fade. A Jedi Master had fallen. He closed his eyes, collecting his thoughts. "I'm alright."
She pulled back slightly, looking up into his eyes questioningly.
"Yes I'm sure. We need to see what killed him."
She swallowed, nodded, and moved away, kneeling on the other side of the Jedi. Anakin carefully searched the body of the deceased Jedi Master for clues. Nothing on his front to indicate death, beyond his shocked, pained, expression. Grasping the front of the Cerean's tunic, he rolled him onto his stomach. Glaringly obvious in the moonlight was the handle of a vibro blade.
The sound of running feet could be heard and Padmé rose to greet the security people, meeting them on the other side of the tree and carefully explaining the situation. Anakin simply sat back on his heels and stared at the knife handle protruding from the Jedi Master's back. Ki-Adi-Mundi had been a powerful Jedi. If he could fall to an assassin's blade, what could stop them if they came after him again? He swallowed hard. Master Yoda would have to be alerted. From what he could tell from the cold flesh, the Jedi Master had been dead for some time. He carefully reached up and closed the Cerean's eyes.
Padmé stepped around the tree and straight to his side, clasping his hand in hers. With an insistent tug, she pulled him away from the scene. The security personnel would deal with it now.
Anakin allowed her to lead, his good mood shattered. Seeing the dead Jedi had brought back all of his anguish. Padmé pressed close to his side, her presence soothing him, allowing him to control the dark urges that welled up inside his soul. He wasn't sure what he'd do if she was ever taken from him.
"Don't think like that."
"I can't help it, Angel."
She sighed. "We have to find Obi-Wan and then inform the council of what happened."
"You're reading my thoughts."
She nodded. "You'd better believe it. Hang in there, Anakin, you'll make it through this, I promise."
Anakin frowned, something nagging at the back of his mind, but not quite clear. What was it about the Jedi's death that bothered him so much? Ki-Adi-Mundi hadn't liked him much and the feeling had been mutual, so why was he grieving for him?
"You didn't fell it through the Force."
He jerked at her soft words. She was right. He hadn't felt the death of the Master through the force. Someone as powerful as he should have caused ripples since his death had been murder.
"I don't like this, Ani."
"Neither do I. You're right, let's go find Obi-Wan and then talk to the council."
She nodded, allowing him to take the lead back towards the floor with their rooms.
Obi-Wan was waiting for them when Anakin and Padmé stepped onto the upper floor, in the process of fastening his robe about his shoulders. "What's happened?"
Anakin's composure was hard fought for, but he was glad when his voice didn't tremble or break. "Master Ki-Adi-Mundi is dead."
Obi-Wan's sharp intake of breath was the only outward indication he'd shocked the Jedi Master. Through the force, he felt the ripple of instant sadness followed by determination. Obi-Wan looked from Anakin to Padmé, "When did this happen?"
Anakin closed his eyes for a moment before responding. "From what I could tell, he'd been dead for several hours already."
Obi-Wan nodded. "How?"
"He was stabbed in the back with a vibro knife."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "Come, we must speak with the council."
Anakin and Padmé trailed along behind as Obi-Wan led the way through the corridors. Padmé linked her fingers with Anakin's, offering him the silent support she knew he'd need. He was still fragile from the loss of his mother and she was afraid he'd be unable to stop himself from falling into that void of despair and anger. *I'll be alright, Angel. You're here.*
She squeezed his hand but was silent as they neared the rooms allocated to the members of the Jedi Council. Something was wrong. Anakin frowned. The feeling he'd had in the gardens came back and he froze. "Something is wrong, Master."
Obi-Wan's lightsaber was already in his hand, held at the ready but un-ignited. He motioned for Anakin to flank the door on the other side of the hall. He looked at Padmé for a moment and she jerked when she felt Anakin relaying Obi-Wan's message to her directly. *Watch our backs, whoever can take down a Jedi Master is a force to be reckoned with.*
She nodded, pulling out the blaster she was carrying and scanning the area around them as the Jedi forced open the door. The room was quiet, darkened as if for meditation, but Obi-Wan and Anakin could feel the wrongness in the room. It was too quiet.
Anakin waved his hand over the light switch and the room lit up. He fell back in shock. The Thisspiasian Jedi Master, Oppo Rancisis, lay on the floor in a pool of his own blood. Anakin swallowed hard, feeling Padmé soft presence in the back of his mind. He held his temper, but could still feel the rage clamoring to get free. He turned away from the sight as Obi-Wan knelt next to the reptilian Jedi, checking for vital signs. He stood slowly. "He's been dead for a while. Come, Let's find Master Yoda."
Anakin found himself wondering if they wouldn't find Master Yoda in the same condition. He hoped not. For all his dislike of the little Jedi Master, he was fond of him. Yoda was a wise mentor and a powerful Jedi. He was also the backbone of the Jedi order, without him, things would begin to fall apart.
Obi-Wan walked swiftly down the hallway and knocked on the last door. After several moments it was opened by the tiny, green Jedi Master. From the look of him, he'd been meditating.
"Master Yoda." Obi-Wan bowed, Anakin following his lead. Padmé inclined her head to the Jedi.
Yoda looked at their grave faces and motioned for them to come in. "Wrong, something is?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes Master. Two Jedi Masters have been killed this evening, we fear there may be more."
Yoda stopped, his eyes becoming sad as he listened to their news. Two Jedi Masters dead and no indication from the Force? He frowned. How was this possible? "So sure, are you?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Anakin and Padmé found Master Ki-Adi-Mundi's body earlier and just now we found Master Rancisis slain in his quarters. We thought to warn you first and didn't take the time to look for the way he'd been killed."
"The assassin favors vibo-knives." Anakin's voice was soft. "Master Ki-Adi-Mundi took a blade in the back. Whoever did this knows the physiology of both their species very well. From the looks on their faces, they both died from the first strike."
Yoda searched Anakin's face. "Think you this the assassin who is trying to kill you?"
Anakin nodded. "Yes Master."
Yoda frowned as he slid into his repulsor chair and powered it up. "Check, we must, on the other Masters. Meditating they are, shielded from on another."
The Jedi left the room quickly, heading for the next three rooms and knocking to get the attention of the Jedi Masters. When they received no answers, they forced their way in. Padmé watched Anakin's back as Obi-Wan and Yoda worked across the hall. They found three more dead Jedi and one empty room. The remaining Masters were Yoda, Mace and Adi Gallia. The other three having been left on Coruscant in case of a crisis. Adi, a human female, quickly took stock of the situation, and took her leave to contact the remaining council members. Mace took Obi-Wan and went to find Master Eeth Koth. From the look of the slain Jedi Masters, the odds of finding him alive weren't good.
Anakin's hands were white knuckled as he clutched the doorframe of the last room he'd opened. Master Plo Koon had been cut in half with his own lightsaber and his body lay in separate halves, having fallen apart when Anakin had tried to shake his shoulder. He swallowed convulsively. It was a sight he wasn't going to soon forget.
Padmé stood from behind the Jedi's corpse and carefully covered the body with a blanket before going over to stand with Anakin. He pulled her into his arms, needing the solid contact, and buried his face in the curve of her neck. He was shaking, shaking so badly she was amazed his teeth weren't chattering. Hugging him tightly she gently stroked his hair. She could feel the memories of his mother's death, the Tusken Slaughter, fresh in his mind, and tried to soothe him. Slowly his inner turmoil was replaced by a determination strong enough to make her gasp. *I'm going to find who did this, Angel, and I'm going to make them pay.*
She gasped. "Anakin, no! That's the Darkside talking!"
He pulled back a little to look down into her face, his jaw set. "They can't get away with this, Padmé. The assassin needs to be brought to justice."
She gently framed his face with her hands. "Justice yes. But you're not judge, jury and executioner. It's not your place. Bringing whoever did this back to stand trial is a beginning of justice. This is a matter for the council to decide."
He closed his eyes, hearing the wisdom of her words. "I feel so helpless. We've lost five, maybe six, Jedi Masters... in one night! It's simply unheard of."
She shook her head. "You're not invincible, Anakin."
"I know that. I just... They're Masters. Masters! They don't deserve to die like this."
"Who does?"
He choked back what he was going to say, stunned by her soft question. She was doing that alot. "Nobody, I suppose." He bowed his head in defeat. "I don't like being so powerless to stop this."
"Nobody does. Look at me Anakin."
His eyes slowly opened, tears shimmering on his lashes. Her heart went out to him and she offered him a slight smile. "There are still Jedi who can find the assassin, you're one of them. I don't think Master Yoda is going to go looking for assassins, but Master Windu and Master Gallia will probably team up to search. You, Obi-Wan, Sabé and me can search on our own if need be."
He blinked back the moisture in his eyes and nodded. "You're right. Let's talk to Master Yoda and see what he thinks. He may insist you and Sabé have nothing to do with this. It's now Jedi business."
She reached up and gently tugged on his padawan brain. "This Jedi is my business so it's mine too. I'll go if he wants me too or not."
He hugged her before stepping back. "Stubborn woman."
She grinned. "You love me for it. Come on. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can do something about it."
Chapter 15
Padmé hummed softly to herself as she fixed her hair, running her brush through the gnarled strands. A smile crossed her lips as she stared at her reflection. She was free. Free from the responsibilities of ruling a world, free of dealing with all of the life-altering decisions for her people. She tugged the brush through the gnarled strands, her thoughts going to Anakin.
*Are they ever far from me, Angel?*
She grinned at herself in the mirror. Even a ways across the Theed palace, he could talk to her. *Of course not.* she replied, sending him the impression of a smile.
He chuckled, the sound slipping through her system like warm honey. *That's my girl. The council said I was to speak with them in the morning, in fact, Obi-Wan, Sabé and you are supposed to come to. From the sound of it, they're giving them an answer tomorrow.*
Padmé felt her heart skip a beat. *You mean they might have permission to do what you did to us?*
There was a pause before his hesitant reply came back. *I think that's what Obi-Wan said. When I talked to Master Yoda a few minutes ago, they didn't seem thrilled at the possibility of allowing it though.*
Padmé placed her brush on the dressing table and went to her wardrobe. She would stay in the palace until the new Queen was elected, which would happen in two days, and then her things would be moved to another room. Or, if she preferred it, to a house in the city. She pulled a long skirt from a hangar as she mulled over Anakin's revelation. *Is there anything we can do to help them?*
His mental sigh echoed in her mind. *We can try, but I don't know what good we'll do.*
She slipped into a loose shirt with flowing sleeves that left her stomach bare and hugged her breasts. The scooped neck didn't leave much fabric to cover her attributes. It was a shirt she'd never dared to wear before as Queen. It would have given the voters the wrong idea. She slid the skirt up her legs and belted it around her waist before checking the fastener at the front of her shirt a second time. She didn't want it to come undone, no matter how appealing it sounded.
Anakin's laughter sounded in her mind. *But, Angel!*
*Anakin! We're going for a walk, it's a nice night out and the guards say the gardens are safe. I'm having dinner brought to us on the upper terrace before we go explore.*
*Wow. I thought I was supposed to be in charge of dinner arrangements.*
*You don't mind, do you?*
"Mind?"
She whirled at the sound of his voice, her breath catching in her throat. She'd been so focused on their mental link she hadn't noticed him enter her quarters. She nodded.
He stepped towards her, smiling the sexy half-smile that set her heart thundering in her breast. "Why would I mind having a powerful, thoughtful woman who's able to read my thoughts and feelings set up a dinner date?"
She grinned, stepping into his arms and hugging him tightly. "Because it threatens your traditional role."
He ducked his head and placed a kiss next to her ear, his words barely a whisper. "Last time I checked, I was hardly traditional. You're in love with a rebel and a rogue, Ami, but then you know that already." She laughed softly, her breath hitching in her throat as he nuzzled her ear. "You look beautiful, Angel."
She pulled back blushing as she stepped away from him, catching his hand in hers instead. "Thank you, Anakin."
He lifted his other hand to gently caress her pink cheeks. "Don't blush, I mean it."
She smiled. "I know, that's why I'm blushing. Come on, or we'll be late for our dinner."
Anakin slid his arm around her shoulders, keeping their fingers locked as he tucked her into his side. "Now that you're not the Queen, can I be more affectionate in public? Or is that going to be frowned upon?"
She laughed softly, moving closer. "What do you think?"
"I think if you keep doing that I might kidnap you."
She grinned, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked. "That sounds heavenly."
They walked in companionable silence, enjoying each other's company, their thoughts centered mostly on the moment. Padmé could feel Anakin's nervousness about the upcoming meeting tomorrow, but was determined to take his mind off it. No Council talk for the rest of the night. No thinking of the trials and what might or might not happen. Lastly, no intrusions. She smiled, squeezing him around the waist. No intrusions sounded too good to be true.
They entered the upper terrace over looking the garden they'd been attacked in, and stopped. A table set for two backlit by the setting sun held two covered plated. Anakin escorted Padmé to her chair and held it for her while she sat. She was pleasantly surprised by the courtly gesture as he went to take his own chair.
"Where'd you learn that?"
He smiled boyishly. "You'd be surprised what one learns in the Jedi Temple."
She arched an eyebrow. "I saw what you learned at the Jedi temple, remember? I don't remember seeing that!"
He laughed, lifting one hand and pointing it at her plate. The cover on her foot lifted gracefully and settled to the side before manually lifting his. "Obi-Wan insisted I get some training after our last encounter on Coruscant. I was accused of being brash, impulsive and manner-less. The Supreme Chancellor ensured I was given the proper training."
She nodded. "That sounds like something he'd do." She lifted her fork and smiled. "Shall we?"
They ate slowly, allowing them time to talk about several mundane things. Anakin spoke of his time with the Chancellor, his lessons and of the respect he had for the older man. He spoke of the calm power he seemed to radiate and Padmé couldn't help but smile. He was very taken with her old friend. Nearing the end of the meal, she lifted her glass of water and took a sip. "Anakin?"
"Yes, love?"
She cocked her head at him. "I have a question about our... Force bond."
"Life-Bond."
"Ok, Life-Bond. I know it allows us to work together better, since I know your thoughts and you know mine, but is there any way to hide them, or shield them, from each other? Something that could help if one of us is ever again in great pain?"
He sighed, setting down his utensils and moving his plate to the side. "There is, but it's not easy for non-Jedi to learn."
"But you could try and teach me?"
His mouth quirked. "There is no try."
She coughed, trying not to laugh into her water glass. "Is that another Jedi mantra?"
He shrugged, smiling. "Kind of."
"Kind of?" she echoed. "If it's not part of your Jedi training, then where did it come from?"
"Master Yoda is always telling that to the younger padawans. You have no idea how many times I've heard that lecture."
She laughed, "I can imagine, Anakin. You're quite the Jedi paradox."
"Why thank you, Angel."
"Trust you to take it that as a compliment."
He smiled, winking at her. "That's why you love me. Do you really want me to teach you how to shield your thoughts from me?"
She nodded. "Don't look so serious about it, I just want to be able to protect you if something should happen to me. I love sharing your thoughts and feelings, the connection we have lets me know you're alright and that you'll never leave me alone, but I like having some of my thoughts to myself."
He reached across the table and gently stroked the back of her hand with his index finger. "It bothers you that you can't think without me listening in. I'm sorry, Padmé."
She twined her fingers through his. "Don't be, Anakin. I may want to have a thought or two to myself but that's not a reflection on our bond. I love you, being this close to you is... mind blowing, but I still need space to be me. I feel as if you're inside my head all the time, and while I love knowing what you're feeling, I'm having trouble finding where we separate."
His head bowed for a moment and she could feel his thoughts pull from her mind, the emotions dampened as he shielded his mind and feelings from her. When he met her gaze again, his eyes were serious. "Is that better?"
She swallowed hard, feeling as if something was totally wrong with the question. Better? Better in what manner? She'd been feeling his pain, his thoughts for such a short period of time, yet without them she was bereft. She tugged her hand from his, folding them in her lap as she began to shake. She felt empty.
"You understand now."
She took a deep breath, lifting her face to meet his gaze, tears inexplicably pooling in her eyes. "Wh- what did you do?"
"I'm completely shielded from you, Angel. You can feel that I'm alive, right?"
She nodded.
"But you can't hear my thoughts or feel what I'm feeling, right?"
She shook her head.
"Are you sure you want to learn how to shield yourself from me?"
She searched his face, seeing the lines of tension around his mouth. He was as affected as she, but better at hiding it. She nodded slowly. "I want to learn how to shield part of my thoughts, Anakin. But never to that extent." She shuddered, clasping her hands on her biceps and rubbing them to shake off the shiver running through her frame.
His emotions slowly came back to her. Relief mixed with trepidation. His thoughts still remained a mystery, but she felt her body slowly relax and stop shaking.
"Feel better?"
She nodded. "What did you do?"
"I allowed the connection to be partially unshielded. Having one or the other will put not only you, but me too, at ease. With the Life Bond as strong as it is, it won't suffice forever. Eventually the shields will have to be dropped so that we can both feel complete again. I'm sorry, Angel, I really didn't mean to do this."
"I know, Anakin." She took a sip of her water, shivering slightly. "Do you think you can show me how to shield myself?"
"You're still determined to learn?"
She nodded. "If for no other reason than I should know, Anakin."
He sighed, allowing his shielding to drop away. *I'll teach you.* he told her silently as he rose from his chair. "Come on, Angel, we'll start with our first lesson tonight. What do you say we retire to the garden?"
She rose to her feet and smiled, clasping the hand he extended to her. "Thank you."
He pulled her close, tucking her against his side again. "Anything for you, Padmé. I can't say no to you."
She smiled, snuggling next to his side as they made their way from the terrace and down towards the garden. She was looking forward to having him alone in a romantic setting, and though she wanted to lean how to shield her thoughts, she was determined to start in the morning. For now, she would simply enjoy his company.
The moonlight bathed the main garden of the Theed palace, casting its soothing glow on an area built for peace. The peaceful quiet was broken by the soft sound of a woman's laughter as a young couple stepped into the garden. The woman hugged the man's arm, seeming to hang on his every word. Her dark hair reflected the moonlight as they walked the main path and around several large trees and bushed to the outer edge. Pausing near the outer wall, the man smiled down at his companion. His eyes closed as his head came down to steal a kiss from the small woman. She shifted, pushing his lightsaber to the side with her hip as she kissed him back, her eyes remaining open. Absorbed, he couldn't sense the threat as there was a sudden flash of silver and her arm came back, the vibro-blade plunging downwards and burying itself in his back. Her other hand, surprisingly strong on the base of his throat, held him where he was.
She swallowed his screams with her mouth and carried him to the ground as his body twitched in its death throes. She tore her mouth from his and stood. Her green eyes were hard as they looked at the slain man. He would be the first of six to die. Turning on her heel, she left the gardens and keeping to the shadows. She'd learned the valuable lessons of playing on men's passions. Jedi, with their repressed emotions and hard fought for control, were the most rewarding targets. The most rewarding kills. With the Jedi council unaware of her presence here and most of them, human or not, eating out of her palm, this would be more than easy. It would serve her Master well. A hard smile crossed her lips as she slipped through the shadows. Tonight would be a productive night.
Anakin held Padmé under one arm, keeping her close, as they stepped into the private garden. He smiled down at her, letting his feelings of contentment flow through their bond. An outside force, shock and death, suddenly slammed into him and he froze. "Something's not right," he said quietly, his head coming up.
She shivered, a sliver of fear racing up her spine as she scanned the garden. "I feel it too. I left my comlink in my quarters..."
Before she finished the sentence he was handing the comlink from his belt to her. She managed a small smile as she nodded her head in thanks. Anakin spun from her side as she clicked it on, his un-ignited lightsaber at the ready. She flipped to a security channel, "This is Padmé Amidala. Security is needed at the private gardens immediately."
The unit crackled. "Roger. We're on our way."
She flipped it off. The nice thing about being a former Queen was that people credited your words and didn't waste time with useless questions. She wasn't sure what she would have told them anyway. "Anakin?"
*Two steps down the path, around the large fuzzy tree.*
She could have laughed at his description except for their serious circumstances. What was it about the garden that was making it feel ominous? She stepped cautiously in his direction, her hand sliding to the holdout blaster she'd strapped to her thigh earlier. It seemed like a good idea after the attempts on Anakin's life the night before. She stepped around the tree and stopped. Anakin was crouching in the shadows, his hands busy with something on the ground. She heard him grunt, felt him pull on the Force for strength and then watched as he dragged a humanoid creature into the light. She gasped.
Anakin knelt next to the slain man. The slain Cerean, he silently corrected himself. Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. Anakin took a deep breath, trying to smother his sudden flash of rage. It was no use as the darkness began to swirl inside him, simmering, threatening to boil over and into a killing rage.
"Anakin, no!"
He froze. Padmé's frightened voice snapping him out of the shock. She was in his arms, her arms held tightly around his neck. "Don't give in," she pleaded softly, clinging to him.
He hugged her, held her tightly, and allowed the rage to fade. A Jedi Master had fallen. He closed his eyes, collecting his thoughts. "I'm alright."
She pulled back slightly, looking up into his eyes questioningly.
"Yes I'm sure. We need to see what killed him."
She swallowed, nodded, and moved away, kneeling on the other side of the Jedi. Anakin carefully searched the body of the deceased Jedi Master for clues. Nothing on his front to indicate death, beyond his shocked, pained, expression. Grasping the front of the Cerean's tunic, he rolled him onto his stomach. Glaringly obvious in the moonlight was the handle of a vibro blade.
The sound of running feet could be heard and Padmé rose to greet the security people, meeting them on the other side of the tree and carefully explaining the situation. Anakin simply sat back on his heels and stared at the knife handle protruding from the Jedi Master's back. Ki-Adi-Mundi had been a powerful Jedi. If he could fall to an assassin's blade, what could stop them if they came after him again? He swallowed hard. Master Yoda would have to be alerted. From what he could tell from the cold flesh, the Jedi Master had been dead for some time. He carefully reached up and closed the Cerean's eyes.
Padmé stepped around the tree and straight to his side, clasping his hand in hers. With an insistent tug, she pulled him away from the scene. The security personnel would deal with it now.
Anakin allowed her to lead, his good mood shattered. Seeing the dead Jedi had brought back all of his anguish. Padmé pressed close to his side, her presence soothing him, allowing him to control the dark urges that welled up inside his soul. He wasn't sure what he'd do if she was ever taken from him.
"Don't think like that."
"I can't help it, Angel."
She sighed. "We have to find Obi-Wan and then inform the council of what happened."
"You're reading my thoughts."
She nodded. "You'd better believe it. Hang in there, Anakin, you'll make it through this, I promise."
Anakin frowned, something nagging at the back of his mind, but not quite clear. What was it about the Jedi's death that bothered him so much? Ki-Adi-Mundi hadn't liked him much and the feeling had been mutual, so why was he grieving for him?
"You didn't fell it through the Force."
He jerked at her soft words. She was right. He hadn't felt the death of the Master through the force. Someone as powerful as he should have caused ripples since his death had been murder.
"I don't like this, Ani."
"Neither do I. You're right, let's go find Obi-Wan and then talk to the council."
She nodded, allowing him to take the lead back towards the floor with their rooms.
Obi-Wan was waiting for them when Anakin and Padmé stepped onto the upper floor, in the process of fastening his robe about his shoulders. "What's happened?"
Anakin's composure was hard fought for, but he was glad when his voice didn't tremble or break. "Master Ki-Adi-Mundi is dead."
Obi-Wan's sharp intake of breath was the only outward indication he'd shocked the Jedi Master. Through the force, he felt the ripple of instant sadness followed by determination. Obi-Wan looked from Anakin to Padmé, "When did this happen?"
Anakin closed his eyes for a moment before responding. "From what I could tell, he'd been dead for several hours already."
Obi-Wan nodded. "How?"
"He was stabbed in the back with a vibro knife."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened. "Come, we must speak with the council."
Anakin and Padmé trailed along behind as Obi-Wan led the way through the corridors. Padmé linked her fingers with Anakin's, offering him the silent support she knew he'd need. He was still fragile from the loss of his mother and she was afraid he'd be unable to stop himself from falling into that void of despair and anger. *I'll be alright, Angel. You're here.*
She squeezed his hand but was silent as they neared the rooms allocated to the members of the Jedi Council. Something was wrong. Anakin frowned. The feeling he'd had in the gardens came back and he froze. "Something is wrong, Master."
Obi-Wan's lightsaber was already in his hand, held at the ready but un-ignited. He motioned for Anakin to flank the door on the other side of the hall. He looked at Padmé for a moment and she jerked when she felt Anakin relaying Obi-Wan's message to her directly. *Watch our backs, whoever can take down a Jedi Master is a force to be reckoned with.*
She nodded, pulling out the blaster she was carrying and scanning the area around them as the Jedi forced open the door. The room was quiet, darkened as if for meditation, but Obi-Wan and Anakin could feel the wrongness in the room. It was too quiet.
Anakin waved his hand over the light switch and the room lit up. He fell back in shock. The Thisspiasian Jedi Master, Oppo Rancisis, lay on the floor in a pool of his own blood. Anakin swallowed hard, feeling Padmé soft presence in the back of his mind. He held his temper, but could still feel the rage clamoring to get free. He turned away from the sight as Obi-Wan knelt next to the reptilian Jedi, checking for vital signs. He stood slowly. "He's been dead for a while. Come, Let's find Master Yoda."
Anakin found himself wondering if they wouldn't find Master Yoda in the same condition. He hoped not. For all his dislike of the little Jedi Master, he was fond of him. Yoda was a wise mentor and a powerful Jedi. He was also the backbone of the Jedi order, without him, things would begin to fall apart.
Obi-Wan walked swiftly down the hallway and knocked on the last door. After several moments it was opened by the tiny, green Jedi Master. From the look of him, he'd been meditating.
"Master Yoda." Obi-Wan bowed, Anakin following his lead. Padmé inclined her head to the Jedi.
Yoda looked at their grave faces and motioned for them to come in. "Wrong, something is?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes Master. Two Jedi Masters have been killed this evening, we fear there may be more."
Yoda stopped, his eyes becoming sad as he listened to their news. Two Jedi Masters dead and no indication from the Force? He frowned. How was this possible? "So sure, are you?"
Obi-Wan nodded. "Anakin and Padmé found Master Ki-Adi-Mundi's body earlier and just now we found Master Rancisis slain in his quarters. We thought to warn you first and didn't take the time to look for the way he'd been killed."
"The assassin favors vibo-knives." Anakin's voice was soft. "Master Ki-Adi-Mundi took a blade in the back. Whoever did this knows the physiology of both their species very well. From the looks on their faces, they both died from the first strike."
Yoda searched Anakin's face. "Think you this the assassin who is trying to kill you?"
Anakin nodded. "Yes Master."
Yoda frowned as he slid into his repulsor chair and powered it up. "Check, we must, on the other Masters. Meditating they are, shielded from on another."
The Jedi left the room quickly, heading for the next three rooms and knocking to get the attention of the Jedi Masters. When they received no answers, they forced their way in. Padmé watched Anakin's back as Obi-Wan and Yoda worked across the hall. They found three more dead Jedi and one empty room. The remaining Masters were Yoda, Mace and Adi Gallia. The other three having been left on Coruscant in case of a crisis. Adi, a human female, quickly took stock of the situation, and took her leave to contact the remaining council members. Mace took Obi-Wan and went to find Master Eeth Koth. From the look of the slain Jedi Masters, the odds of finding him alive weren't good.
Anakin's hands were white knuckled as he clutched the doorframe of the last room he'd opened. Master Plo Koon had been cut in half with his own lightsaber and his body lay in separate halves, having fallen apart when Anakin had tried to shake his shoulder. He swallowed convulsively. It was a sight he wasn't going to soon forget.
Padmé stood from behind the Jedi's corpse and carefully covered the body with a blanket before going over to stand with Anakin. He pulled her into his arms, needing the solid contact, and buried his face in the curve of her neck. He was shaking, shaking so badly she was amazed his teeth weren't chattering. Hugging him tightly she gently stroked his hair. She could feel the memories of his mother's death, the Tusken Slaughter, fresh in his mind, and tried to soothe him. Slowly his inner turmoil was replaced by a determination strong enough to make her gasp. *I'm going to find who did this, Angel, and I'm going to make them pay.*
She gasped. "Anakin, no! That's the Darkside talking!"
He pulled back a little to look down into her face, his jaw set. "They can't get away with this, Padmé. The assassin needs to be brought to justice."
She gently framed his face with her hands. "Justice yes. But you're not judge, jury and executioner. It's not your place. Bringing whoever did this back to stand trial is a beginning of justice. This is a matter for the council to decide."
He closed his eyes, hearing the wisdom of her words. "I feel so helpless. We've lost five, maybe six, Jedi Masters... in one night! It's simply unheard of."
She shook her head. "You're not invincible, Anakin."
"I know that. I just... They're Masters. Masters! They don't deserve to die like this."
"Who does?"
He choked back what he was going to say, stunned by her soft question. She was doing that alot. "Nobody, I suppose." He bowed his head in defeat. "I don't like being so powerless to stop this."
"Nobody does. Look at me Anakin."
His eyes slowly opened, tears shimmering on his lashes. Her heart went out to him and she offered him a slight smile. "There are still Jedi who can find the assassin, you're one of them. I don't think Master Yoda is going to go looking for assassins, but Master Windu and Master Gallia will probably team up to search. You, Obi-Wan, Sabé and me can search on our own if need be."
He blinked back the moisture in his eyes and nodded. "You're right. Let's talk to Master Yoda and see what he thinks. He may insist you and Sabé have nothing to do with this. It's now Jedi business."
She reached up and gently tugged on his padawan brain. "This Jedi is my business so it's mine too. I'll go if he wants me too or not."
He hugged her before stepping back. "Stubborn woman."
She grinned. "You love me for it. Come on. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can do something about it."