SouL PurPosE

Chapter Eleven

Leaving Stewjon put my life at some risk, even though the vehicle the women had borrowed was fully equipped for defense. My life wasn't all that important and I had never valued it above any other's. But this was Padme. Someone who was dear and special to me. Doing what she asked was absolutely necessary. Which is why I couldn't understand why I was so hesitant to go.

I had the ability to hide my Force signature so I wouldn't be detected if I did run into someone hunting me. The last thing they'd probably believe was that I would be gallivanting around the galaxy. Least of all, would anyone suspect I would be visiting the tomb of Senator Amidala. I wasn't all that worried about detection or getting caught, but something was definitely bothering me.

As we made our way to Naboo, I diagnosed my unexpected anxieties and came to the conclusion that I apparently wasn't willing to let her go – for a second time. Both women were suffering though, and I had no choice but to fulfill her desire – even if it meant allowing her to leave me for good. At least I'd had the opportunity to share the truth with her before she was gone, although the thought didn't make me feel any better.

I wasn't going to stop her since it needed to be done. She obviously knew something I didn't and seemed to have a purpose. I'd never been in her situation, so there was little advice I could offer. I would cooperate. I wouldn't stand in her way.

For the moment, her assistant was still resting though fitfully. Padme was apparently quiet as well, residing safely within the confines of her friend's mind. I had stayed on the bridge, avoiding the inevitable, though each parsec we traveled led me closer and closer to the goodbye I didn't wish to say.

After realizing I was going to have to face the truth soon, I left the ship in control by autopilot and went back to check on them. I was surprised at my earlier selfish thoughts and took a seat next to the sleeping cot, placed a calming hand upon Dorme's troubled face, and sent forth a wave of peace and reassurance. Everything was going to be okay, I reassured her, regardless of my reluctance to believe that myself.

"Are we almost there?"

The softly spoken question startled me and I gazed down into the discomfited gaze of Padme's assistant.

"A couple more hours," I informed her. "How are you feeling?"

"Crowded," she replied, an answer I was surprised to hear and one that brought a short-lived smile to my face. "My head is splitting."

I'd already given her the maximum dosage of pain reliever and wouldn't risk giving her anymore.

"Hang on," I encouraged. "It won't be much longer."

"You know," she whispered so softly it was difficult to hear and I leaned my head down. "As crazy as this sounds, I'm going to miss her. Even though she's been a literal pain, It's been kinda nice having her around."

I completely understood the sentiment. This wasn't going to be an easy thing to do. It wasn't as if I was transporting her body. I was delivering her living spirit to be released into the Force for all eternity, with no certainty we would ever be together again. As Qui-Gon had, I may be able to regain my consciousness within the Force after death, but as he'd explained to me, it took a great deal of concentration and effort, as well as Force manipulation to achieve awareness. Padme most likely would not be able to accomplish the same and we would be separated forever.

Such thoughts were spiraling me into a pit of despair and I entered into a deep meditation to purge such emotional turmoil. I needed strength to be able to help guide her if she required it. By the time I'd emerged from my reflections, I had managed to regain some semblance of peace and acceptance, though I was still troubled.

The vicinity alarm blaring helped bring me back to reality and I quickly acknowledged its call and brought the ship out of hyperspeed. It was too late for meditation, too late to ponder the many regrets that would stay with me. I contacted the Theed Control Tower and requested permission to land. Under the circumstances of such chaos and disruption across the galaxy, the security protocols had been upgraded and I was forced to stretch the truth of my destination and purpose for arrival.

I had no intention of touring the falls or viewing the palace with my new bride, as I'd informed flight control. And despite their warnings that I was not following their guidance to the port, I muted communications and landed on the outskirts of city. We would be within walking distance of the mausoleum from this point and it wouldn't be too far for me to carry Dorme if I needed to.

Dorme assured me she was able to stand on her own two feet although I offered her my arm just in case. Slowly, we made our way across a grassy plain and then through a wooded area, though each step closer to our destination filled me with increasing dread. As Qui-Gon had suggested earlier, my concentration was lacking where Padme was concerned, and I began to wonder if it was actually releasing her spirit I was worried about or if there was something else. Just to be sure, I checked and was surprised to discover there was a disturbance in the Force that was not centered on myself or the woman holding onto my arm. Its location was straight ahead and appeared to be originating from the Queen's tomb itself.

We needed to be careful and I advised Dorme to follow my lead as we took a more indirect path and came up through the thicker brush on the western side of the building.

The actual structure consisted of numerous stone-encased tombs with open walls between them supported by elaborate pillars. Above each tomb was a picturesque window depicting each royal member contained inside. Padme had been a beloved leader and her window revealed her strength and beauty. It was a lovely and fitting resemblance of her, but it wasn't where the disruption was located.

Kneeling at the base of the tomb itself was a dark figure, cloaked in black, surrounded by an angry and powerful aura. I was in danger here and I realized it, nearly as quickly as I came to discover who the figure actually was.

"What's wrong? Why have we stopped?" Dorme asked just before I pulled her down behind a dense shrub.

"It's Anakin," I informed her quietly as I strengthened my shielding to hide my presence.

"Are you serious? That sonofasith! What are you waiting for? Go kick his ass!"

Her reaction was reasonable, though, under the circumstances, it may be better just to stay hidden and observe. We were delivering precious cargo and I couldn't take a chance of failing my mission.

It was obvious he was upset, which confirmed my belief that he was regretting his actions. Regardless, of whether he'd meant to kill Padme or not, it was a little too late for apologies and I couldn't understand what he was doing here. Unless, of course, it was to ensure she was actually dead. Maybe he sensed something I couldn't. All my life I'd been told that the Dark Side was more powerful, and again I guarded my mind.

Anakin didn't even pause as he pulled open the drawer and inspected its contents. He stared at the lifeless body for several minutes before stepping back. Seemingly satisfied Padme was obviously deceased, he closed it again and limped away, only to slow down and coming to a standstill as he came to be parallel with our position. We both held our breaths as the imposing figure presented himself a few meters before us.

He shouldn't be alive. The burns and amputations he'd suffered during our battle should've ended his life. I suspected the rage inside him and his desire for revenge were the only things keeping him moving. As a result of his injuries, he was now wearing a respirator, mask, and full chest armor. Beneath the dark uniform had to be painful scarring and uncomfortable implants, all of which he blamed me for. The hatred I sensed emanating from him, however, was all Anakin and there was nothing I could do to help him.

The Force was quite clear. I needed to stay on course and achieve my goal; return Padme's essence to her body, thereby releasing her into the Force. All we had to do now was wait. Anakin had always been impatient and it wouldn't be long before he gave up and left.

After a raspy command into his communicator for someone to ready his ship for departure, the black-cloaked figure that barely resembled the Padawan I had once known and loved, stalked away, descended the steps, and headed off toward the spaceport.

It was several more minutes before I remembered to breathe, much less approach the tomb.