Okay! Next chapter. Let's see how it goes. (Oh, and don't kill me, okay?) Also, this chapter title also kind of sucks. I couldn't think of a better one. Sorry.
Chapter Two
Darker
David groaned as he came back to reality. He put a hand to the back of his head and winced as he felt the bump there, probably accompanied by a larger bruise. He sighed and proceeded to try to figure out where he was through his pounding headache. He bolted upright, cringing again as his head rang out in protest at the movement; but he shook his head to clear it and ignored the pain. He was lying on a comfortable couch in a small but luxurious room.
How in the world could I have gotten here? David thought. The last thing he remembered was tumbling down the steep incline of their meadow. Now, he was all of the sudden lying on a couch in a room that he did not recognize. I think I hit my head too hard.
Suddenly, someone entered his room. David gasped as he saw the all too familiar hard, white uniform and helmet with black eye coverings. The figure before him just set a tray down on a table next to him and left without saying one word or showing a kind of emotion at all. He had seemed… void.
Well, in any case, David knew he had to eat; and the food was so tempting. The steam floated up from the tray, signifying that the food was still hot. There were pancakes, sausage, and a piece of toast. Accompanying the meal was a small bowl of butter, a small bowl of syrup, and a glass of milk. Finally, David gave into his stomach, which reminded him that he had not eaten for quite some time. In all truth, David didn't know how long it had been. He just knew that he hadn't eaten since dinner of the day that he had tumbled down the incline of the meadow with his sister. His sister! Where was she? David dropped his food and looked around, but his spunky sister was nowhere to be found. Sam was not with him. That made David want to know just exactly where she was.
David slowly and cautiously got up. He was in regular clothes, and, after looking in a nearby mirror, he assessed that his hair looked okay. Now, he needed to find out where he was, why he was there, and where his sister was. He strode toward the door, intent on opening it and walking out; but somebody got there before him. The door opened, revealing a dark, looming figure. David definitely did not have the advantage of height, seeing as how this person was probably six feet tall and still growing.
"Leaving so soon?" the figure asked menacingly. David gulped and backed up. He certainly did not want to provoke a fight, seeing as how the figure wasn't alone. Accompanying him were two figures wearing the same familiar hard, white uniforms and helmets. David backed up and sat down on the couch that he had been lying on, and the figure and his guards stood on the opposite side. At that moment, David was glad that a table sat between the two; although he was sure that, if need be, the figure would be able to smash it into bits without a flinch. "Allow a proper introduction. I am Lord Darth Vader," the figure said. "And you are?"
David was too stunned to answer. This had to be a dream. This man just said he was Darth Vader! "Look, mister," David said. "I know that some people can get a little eccentric with Star Wars, but this has gone too far. Now let me go, or I promise you will pay dearly."
The figure clenched his fists, and David could almost see the fiery eyes beneath the mask burning a hole into him. "I am Lord Darth Vader," the figure repeated. "And I would kindly like it if you would tell me who you are."
The facts clicked into place in David's mind. Of course! This must have something to do with his and his sister's previous trip to the time and place of the great mouse detective Basil of Baker Street! That meant that this was as real as their stay in London with Basil had been. Uh! Oh! David thought. He had really done it. It was a good thing Vader was being so nice to him. Well, David only had one choice. It wasn't a choice he liked, but he had to do it. He couldn't just tell Vader that he was from a totally different universe in a totally different time, so he chose his only other option. "My name is David Canter."
"David Canter," Vader repeated metallically. David listened through the long, hard minutes of silence. The only thing that could be heard was Vader's irregular breathing. "It is not a common name from around here," Vader finally said.
David let out the breath he had been unconsciously holding. If he could get on Vader's side, he had less of a chance of dying and a better chance of finding his sister. However, it would mean that he would also have to pretend to be on the Dark Side for a little while; and he couldn't betray the fact that he was a little scared and nervous about being there. The most important thing, however, was that he couldn't let them influence him. He had to stay strong and not give in to evil. He took a deep breath before saying, "No, my Lord. I'm not from around here."
"Where are you from?" the Dark Lord asked. He was relentless. That was for sure.
"Um…" David said, trying to think of a planet, "Tatooine. I lived on the streets of Mos Eisley, scavenging for my food." Tatooine had been the first planet he could think of that a name like his could come from, and he figured if he could give Vader some past of evil, he would get the Sith Lord's approval.
"Mos Eisley, huh?" Vader said. "Then you must have become very strong and cold. Surely Mos Eisley did not just accept you and let you slip by. You must have brushed the law many times. After all, Mos Eisley is a place of the most ruthless and cunning people. You must be a very talented person to have survived this long."
"Yes, sir," David replied. "I have had many times where I have gone hungry or had to escape or fight my way out of many things." Say, this could be really fun. No, David reminded himself, slightly shaking his head. This is what Vader wants me to do. If I do this, I could be lost forever. I have to keep a clear focus so I can find Sam.
"Well," Vader said, startling David out of his thoughts and making him jump slightly, "what would you think about becoming my apprentice? I am a Dark Lord, and I could train you in the ways of my path. Before long, you will be ready to take the reigns for me when I pass on."
"Oh, yes!" David replied a little too enthusiastically. "I would like that very much!"
Vader nodded and left. Just outside the door, he told his guards, "The boy is lying. I want you to keep a close eye on him and report back to me the moment you see any suspicious activity. Understand?" The guards nodded, and Vader left. The boy was lying, and Vader wanted to find out why and what exactly he was up to. Then again, the boy himself hadn't seemed to know what was going on for a time. Well, that would change, one way or another.
I know. I know. It's a little bit of a shorter chapter, but I'll try to get the next one up soon. What did you think? I didn't think this was quite as good as the first chapter, but I want to know what you think. Click on the review button and tell me!