Vader's Angel

By: wertman25

Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…

She had to escape. There was no other option besides escape… or perhaps, suicide. It didn't seem like a terrible choice. Death seemed more welcoming than her other option, spending the next months, if not her entire life with a monstrous Sith Lord. A lifetime spent with Darth Vader if she didn't succeed with her escape, now that was truly terrifying. She was never one for death; at least not if it was with her own hand. Suicide was never the answer and she felt sorry for the souls that believed differently, but she herself, ironically, might have just become one of those poor souls.

Padme's mind was racing as the speeder pulled up to her veranda. She had meant to think of a plan before she reached her apartment, but she couldn't. Her mind was still in shock, but she knew she had to make up a plan and quick. Better late than never. The clone trooper quickly jumped out of the speeder and motioned for her to do the same. She obeyed silently; she exited the speeder and followed the clone into her home. All the while trying to pull her thoughts together.

You can do this Padme, she told herself. You just have to keep your head. Quickly, she formed a plan in her head, reassuring herself that everything would be fine. There is plenty of time to escape. The clone won't expect anything, I can out smart him. I can grab the blaster next to my bed and take him off guard. He will never see it coming. He doesn't suspect a thing. I can make my escape and be long gone before anyone even realizes. Lord Vader won't be leaving Palpatine's office anytime soon. He is still being briefed on whatever Palpatine has planed. I should have a good amount of time before–

"I'd watch your thoughts, Senator."

Padme froze and her plans of escape came crashing down.

No. Her mind screamed. It's not possible.

At the exact same time, the clone trooper beside Padme snapped into salute, showing respect to his beloved leader, "Lord Vader! Sir!"

Still not believing that she had heard his voice, Padme slowly turned in the direction the voice had resignation and immediately regretted her decision.

He was there.

Darth Vader stood motionlessly in the corner of the room, allowing the Senator and clone trooper to absorb his presence. The hardness of the air and cold temperature within her apartment suddenly made sense. It followed the Dark Lord everywhere. Padme damned herself. How could she be so stupid? She had felt the change in atmosphere as soon as they pulled up to the veranda; but she had passed the feeling off. Focusing too hard on her plan. What was worse is if he had not spoken, Padme wouldn't have even noticed him. He blended in perfectly, adapted flawlessly to his surroundings as if he belonged. He had managed to find darkness within her own home and was comfortably dwelling in it.

It's not possible! Her mind continued to scream… but the monster looking back at her whispered different response. It is very possible.

Even with the proof before her very eyes, the senator couldn't believe it. There was no possible way that he was in her apartment. The clone had taken her straight home from the Senate Building and they had left Vader in the Emperor's office. Even if he left directly after them, he couldn't have beaten them there. There was no possible way.

"How… How are you here?" Padme asked after recovering from her shock. She didn't care that he could probably hear the confusion and anger in her voice. He had already read into her mind. There was no reason for her to hide her true feelings about him now.

Vader ignored her question; instead his gaze fell on the clone trooper standing beside her. "Trooper TC-423"

"Yes, Sir!" The trooper responded loudly, again saluting his leader.

"You are relieved of duty, trooper." Vader announced, before motioning to the speeder that was parked outside. "You may return to the Senate Building."

The clone trooper shuffled uncomfortably. "Sir..." The trooper hesitated, showing the fear he did possess of his commanding leader. Immediately, Vader's head snapped towards the trooper; outraged that the clone had questioned his orders; but still the trooper continued. "I had strict orders from the Emperor to–"

"I know what your orders were!" Vader snapped, stepping towards the trooper, demonstrating the height and seniority difference between the two men. Vader towered over the trooper and the trooper instantly coiled back. There was no question of who was in charge. Vader made the rules. "These are your new orders and you'd be wise to follow them. I can handle the Senator from here. You are relieved of duty."

The clone trooper knew better than to question his leader again. Silently, he saluted Vader before turning and returning to the parked speeder taking all his fear with him. Padme watched helplessly as the speeder rose and raced away towards the direction of the Senate Building, leaving her with one fact. She was now alone with Vader.

Padme pushed all memories of the past deep down. It didn't matter if she was alone with Vader before. This was different. They were different.

After a few moments of silence, Padme regained herself, sliding on her senator mask that she had perfected. She turned to face the Sith Lord, ready to give him her terms and demands. However, Vader had a different plan in mind. Her first word never even left her lips before she fell to the ground… and everything was taken over by darkness.

The next time Padme's eyes opened, it was to an unfamiliar dark room. Her vision was somewhat blurry and she couldn't move but she pressed on. She investigated the walls, which she thought would be her best bet since she was on her back. She was wrong. It was a bad bet. A terrible one. Something that should have been so easy was beyond difficult. She could not see anything in the darkness. She couldn't make out anything on them. It was just a dark blank room.

Where the hell am I? Her thoughts screamed. What happened?

Trying to find answers, Padme pushed her willpower and began to move. She rolled over and attempted to push herself up from whatever it was she was on. She failed. Her arms gave out from underneath her and she fell back down. She embraced herself to hit a hard surface but was surprised to fall back into an extremely soft… something. A low groan escaped her lips when she became aware of the pain that ached through her entire body. Her head pounded like it was a drum at one of the ceremonies on Naboo. It was torture. Everything hurt. Nothing made sense.

Slowly, her mind began to turn, remembering what had happened before she had awoken. She remembered waking up and eating her breakfast. She had been slightly later than usual but Dorme had reassured her that everything would be fine. She had left her apartment and arrived at the Imperial Senate Building. She had worked quietly until the clone troopers came to her office. They had escorted her to Palpatine's office, where he had told her terrible news. Afterwards, a clone had taken her back to her apartment, when something had stopped them.

Padme's eyes widened as her brain completely clicked. Vader. He did this! He was in my apartment! The clone trooper returned to the Senate. We were alone. I turned to talk to him then he–"

"I'm impressed." Vader's voice said amused.

Padme flipped herself over, quite inelegantly, to turn towards the Dark Lord. It was only then that she realized that she was on a bed and Darth Vader stood over her. Hovering over the bed like a monster that had just escaped from beneath.

They were both silent. Vader drank in the Senator's fear as she took in her predicament. She could hardly see in the darkness, the room giving no clues away. The only thing she could comprehended was that she was in a room that was not her own. She tried to listen for any clue that would give away where she was but she heard nothing. Only silence. Her gaze turned back to the monster.

There was no escape.

Padme felt all hope inside her die and wither way. Her gaze fell to the floor. "What are you impressed about?" she managed to say, but only in a whisper.

"How quick you put the pieces together." Vader replied still seeming impressed. "Usually the poison's side effects last much long."

That was shocking news to Padme. "You poisoned me?!" She shrieked in horror, before covering her emotions and settled with glaring at him.

"Yes." Vader replied, acting as if it was the most casual thing in the world.

"Why?" Padme yelled, still shocked by his news. Without thinking her eyes moved to her own body, looking for any traces of poison. For a clue of anything that he had done to her. It was pointless to look in the dark.

"Please." Vader laughed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "I couldn't let you know the location of where I was bring you."

Padme's eyes snapped back to his hidden face. "I know where I am." She stated, her voice stern with all seriousness.

Vader was silent, challenging her to answer.

"I'm in hell." Padme replied mockingly. "Your home to be exact."

"I don't have a home, Senator…" Vader growled before calming his voice. "But I suppose, for a lack of better words. You are at my… establishments."

"I told you." Padme said, a smile pulling at the corners of her lips.

"But where exactly is that." Vader challenged, stepping closer to the Senator and leaning close to hear her answer.

His time Padme was silent. She had no answer. No one knew where Vader lived. No one knew if Vader even had an apartment, or a house, or even a place to sleep. He was just Vader. Yes, there were many questions about him but no one ever investigated where he lived. If someone asked where did Vader lived, that would imply that he was living. It would imply that he was not a machine, a monster, or an animal. It would imply an inconceivable fact that Vader was a man. No one wanted that to be true. A regular man was not capable of committing the acts that Vader has done… and if he was… no one even thought of that. The fact was that even if Vader was living, he was not 'human' enough to have a home. To the galaxy Vader was always commanding, completing missions, or with the Emperor. He was never relaxing at home. It just didn't seem possible.

"And that is why I poisoned you." Vader said as he leaned away from the Senator, knowing he had won.

"Poisoning a young girl so she won't know where you live…" Padme spit, as she did her best attempt to raise an eyebrow at the Sith Lord. "Isn't that kind of harsh Vader?"

Vader moved slightly and Padme was sure he had shrugged his shoulders.

"I've done worse." He replied, brushing off her insult and turning to leave the room.

Padme stopped him; she wasn't allowing him to go anywhere. She quickly jumped off of the bed, almost stumbling over her own feet. "So what?" She called as she walked almost drunkenly after the Sith Lord. "Now we are roommates?"

"No." Vader replied as he immediately paused and turned to face the girl that was attempting to chase him. "You are a prisoner, Senator. I am your judge, jury, jailer, and executioner."

Padme was taken back, but not fully surprised. "I thought Emperor Palpatine said you were protecting me. That I was innocent."

"You know his true meaning as much as I."

"So, you are choosing to skip the bantha shit." Padme muttered with a scowl.

"Correct."

"Won't Palpatine be mad that you aren't playing along?"

"I'm no politician, Senator." Vader replied honestly. "I play by my own rules. There is no reason lying when we both know the truth."

Padme was reminded over her conversation with her friend, Bail Organa, so many months ago. Bail had said that Vader was no politician and he did not lie like Palpatine. Vader had proved that statement to be correct. Padme could accept that. She would not admit to anything, but she also would not live a lie. Accepting Vader's facts were better than creating a fantasy in her head. It was better than believing Palpatine's lie.

Padme held in the emotions that were threatening to break through. She would not cry in front of Darth Vader. She would not let him know how much this was already breaking her.

For the second time, Vader turned and made an attempt to leave the room, and for the second time, Padme stopped him.

"How long will I be here?" she asked quietly.

Vader paused and slowly turned to face her. Padme felt his annoyance growing, his temper heating, and his patience thinning.

"For as long as the Emperor feels is necessary." Vader replied coldly.

Padme snorted, knowing the true meaning behind his words, "So until I become useless."

Vader's postured relaxed, showing his annoyance with her, their conversation, and their new arrangement. "If that is how you choose to view it." He replied uncaring.

"Then he will kill me."

Vader crossed his arms. "Please," he laughed darkly. "He won't kill you."

She knew what he was implying. Emperor Palpatine wouldn't bother getting his hands dirty, that's why he had Vader. That was the reason Vader had laughed at her comment, because he would be her murderer. His words clicked in her head, "I am your judge, jury, jailer, and executioner." He had literally meant every word. If she was to die, Vader would be the one to take her life. Darth Vader would be her death.

Padme's face-hardened as she turned to face the Sith standing beside her. "I can't stay here forever."

Vader laughed, sending chills down Padme's spine. "I don't plan on it."

"Then how long?" She asked, turning away from Vader. She had to know how long she would stay there. How long she wouldn't see her family or friends. How long she wouldn't see anything she loved ever again. How long she would suffer. How long she would rot in that room before slowly dying. How long until Vader killed her. Would it be soon? Or would it be later?

Thoughts raced through her mind, conjuring up just how she would die. Hopefully, he would kill her in her sleep though she doubted it. There was no torture for her, no fun for Vader that way. Still she hoped. Perhaps he would kill her in her sleep, but only after he had had his way with her.

That was it. She couldn't take it. She needed answers.

Vader still didn't respond, or acknowledge her question.

Padme decided to press on; she would force Vader to answer her. Using her perfect Senator's voice, she turned back to him, "Lord Vader… if you won't answer me–"

"Trust me Senator," Vader growled annoyed, "if you would like a shorter visit, I'll more than happily oblige."

"Happily? Did you just say happily?" Padme laughed mockingly, "That's a new emotion for you."

"Senator." Vader's voice growled, sending her a clear warning. She was pushing his limits, playing with his nerves and nothing good ever came out of irritating Vader.

She didn't care. If she had to be miserable, so did he. Maybe if she got him angry enough, he would react against her. She hoped he would. She hoped he would skip the small things and go straight to just killing her, save her from the terrible future that was laid out before her.

No. You have to have faith. She told herself. He doesn't want me here as much as I don't want to be here. Maybe he will be reasonable. Maybe he will let me go.

"What?" Padme asked lightly, trying not to get her hopes too high, "You'll let me go?"

"No." Vader snapped, crushing all of her hopes with one, cold word. His answer was clear; death would be her only escape from this living hell.

Padme growled, her anger getting the best of her. "Then what?" She yelled angrily. "You'll kill me like you did Rush?"

"Who?" Vader asked not actually caring about the answer.

"Rush Clovis." Padme stated angrily. She couldn't believe Vader had forgotten the man. Did he forget all his victims?

Once again, Vader remained silent, not giving a response.

Somehow, Padme knew Vader was not taking their conversation seriously. She could feel his enjoyment of his ability to fluster her and it only flustered her even more.

Padme laughed hotly, anger releasing itself over her features. He was getting under her skin, but she couldn't stop him. She just had to react. She had to release what she was holding inside. "What did you forget about him too?"

Vader crossed his arms, turning towards the angry Senator beside him and for a split second, Padme was sure she saw teeth. Is Vader enjoying the conversation so much that he is smiling? Hearing her thoughts, Vader pulled away slightly, but still took pleasure in knowing he was pushing the young girl's nerves. "Who else did I forget?" He asked. His voice was so innocent that Padme was sure he was mocking her.

Her anger exploded. "You are unbelievable!" She screamed as she threw her hands into the air. "How don't you remember me?"

Vader took a step towards the Senator, forcing Padme to look up at the towering figure before her. They were so close that if there was light, Padme could have easily seen Vader's face. But there was no light. Only darkness. All thoughts of what Padme thought she saw underneath the hood disappeared. Vader had no face, only a black abyss.

"Well I've had many women." Vader replied hotly.

Padme immediately took a step back, appalled at what he was applying. "You never had me." She snapped, making the fact known that she had never and would never be Vader's. He would never have her. The thought of his touch absolutely sickened her.

"Then that's probably why." He replied arrogantly; and Padme was sure there was a smirk on his face.

"What?" Padme spit, sickened by the monster beside her, "You remember the women you've had and then killed!"

"Just the ones that made an… impression…" He replied, sounding once again bored, "And as you have so kindly pointed out, I knew I've never had you, because if I did. You'd be dead… just like all the others."

Padme couldn't help but take another step away from him, in attempt to get as far away from him as possible. He was a monster, one that she now wanted nothing to do with, but she couldn't deny that she still wanted answers. "Then what did you mean?" She asked quietly.

"Just that you must have been so insignificant that you weren't even worth the time or effort to remember."

That statement silenced Padme, for some reason it hurt her deeply. Why? She didn't know. It felt as if he had punched, repeatedly, square in the stomach. What the hell, Padme? Her mind shouted at her, Why do you care if Darth Vader remembers you or not? Why do you care about whatever he says? It's Darth Vader! He's a monster! She didn't have the answer to her mind's question. She wasn't sure if she wanted to know the answer. It would take her down a path that she could not follow. Keeping her eyes locked on the ground she managed to push out a small sentence; "Well…I remember you."

"Glad I made an impression." He replied, pure arrogance in his voice.

Padme had wanted to slap him during the whole conversation that had just unfolded. She had tried to repress the violent urges, she had wanted to hide her anger; but all was destroyed with his arrogant response. Glad I made an impression! That's all he could say? That stuck up, no good, kriffing nerf herder! His statement was threaded with pure arrogance and pride. Something he should not have. Something he didn't deserve to have.

She didn't care about the consequences of her actions. She didn't care if she died or if he killed her. Anything would be better than the weeks, months, or lifetime she was about to endure with Darth Vader. She turned; targeting her prey, ready to hit him… hard. Her arm moved fast, at a speed she knew would hurt but before her hand could make contact, it froze in place… right before his hood.

Padme was silent, completely in shock as she looked between her intended prey and her frozen hand. What just happened? Why can't I move my hand? Why can't I hit him? She tried to move her hand and failed. No matter how much she tried, she couldn't move. She was frozen. Her eyes fell back to Vader, who remained unmoving as if time had stopped.

The feeling that surrounded her body screamed her answer. The Force. He was using the Force on her.

Immediately, images of Vader using the Force on Rush Clovis flashed through the Senator's mind. The memories made her panic.

"Let go!" She screamed, trying to break her hand free from the Devil's invisible grip. She couldn't.

A low laugh resonated from Vader's chest, obviously seeing her confused face. Without acknowledging the hand beside him, he turned and walked away. "I'm afraid you'll have to try better than that."

The moment that Vader left the room and the door slid shut behind him, Padme's hand became free. She dropped to the ground holding her limb to her chest, rubbing it fondly, and trying to chase away the coldness of Vader's invisible grasp. It seemed silly, but she couldn't help it. It was something she couldn't explain, but she was relieved to have her hand back in her control.

Padme could not find the strength to get up off the floor. It was too much. Reality was shattering around her. She might as well not exist. The galaxy no longer mattered. The four walls around her were going to be her reality for the next… she didn't want to know. It scared her. She was in hell… a prisoner in Vader's…. establishments. That fact alone made her tears started to fall.

Gently Padme wrapped her arms around herself, bringing her head to her knees. She closed her eyes, and began breathing deeply, trying to collect herself. She could not break… not yet. She could survive this; she just couldn't give up. She had to calm down… She had to… rest. She needed her strength. The tears began to slow from Padme's eyes, as she realized how tired she actually was. The day had taken so much out of her that she hadn't even realized. I can rest and be ready for tomorrow. Vader will not break me yet. I can put up a fight. I can– Padme never got to finish her thoughts. She was too tired. Too stressed. Sleep over took her while she was still on her new bedroom prison floor.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Drop a review!