Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
"The Emperor demands you make contact with him."
Vader hated– loathed those words. He loathed those words almost as much as he loathed his Master… almost. Vader looked at the time, it was almost two in the morning. Two in the morning? Vader frowned. Two in the morning was strange time for his Master to demand contact. The fact angered and annoyed him; just like everything else. This night was not going well, at all. First, he had spent more time in the Senator's room that he realized, than 3PO had caught him in the hallway walking back to his chambers. Vader could have kicked himself for that. Why had he allowed himself to become so preoccupied with his thoughts that he didn't sense 3PO approaching? Vader was already preparing himself for the questions that the droid would be asking him after his meeting. No doubt, 3PO would have asked the questions immediately if he was not carrying a message from the Emperor himself.
"The Emperor demands you make contact with him."
Why?
The Sith came to a dead stop, frozen in the middle of the hall as a thought passed through his mind. Did Palpatine know? Vader was sure he shielded his thoughts and actions. After all, when Palpatine said to get close to the girl, he hardly meant lay in bed with her every night. Vader reached out through their bond, looking for the reason of his Master's need for him. Immediately, he felt his Master's weariness and suspicious. Sidious mistrusted him, more than usual. Usually, his Master's mistrust was due to his fear of Vader overthrowing him; something they both knew was coming. This, however, felt different.
After a few moments Vader reached the communication center, he made sure to mentally prepare himself before he contacted his Master. He couldn't risk Sidious entering into his mind; his thoughts were too preoccupied. He would have to block the old man out completely; give nothing away. Blocking his Master out completely would cause even more mistrust between them, but it was something he had to do. After all, even though his Master had instructed him to get information from the Senator by any means necessary, he highly doubted his present method would be approved of.
When Vader was satisfied with his mental wall, he turned to a gray droid that stood silently at the far edge of the room. "Contact Emperor Palpatine." Vader instructed as he dropped to a knee, in a false sign of respect. The droid nodded towards his Master before it turned to the computer to fulfill its order. Within seconds a large imagine of a displeased Sidious formed in front of Vader.
"What is thy bidding, my Master?"
Darth Sidious did not respond, he only inspected the young Sith before him with dark, questioning eyes. Vader felt Sidious try to penetrate his mental wall; but continue to fail. Vader, however, did not fail. While Sidious was preoccupied trying to enter Vader's mind, Vader slipped easily pass Sidious's mental defenses and got his answers. Vader almost laughed. Sidious was suspicious of him; fearful of him, and afraid he was planning to overthrow him. Usually, those would be common things to fear about Vader, but now Palpatine was suspicious for the wrong reason.
"Rise." Palpatine spit distastefully, deciding to ask his questions then try to dig through Vader to their answers.
Vader did as he was commanded and rose slowly from the ground. He felt his Master's anger and annoyance begin to cover the traces of the mistrust that lingered inside the old man's shell.
"You have made progress with Senator Amidala." Sidious stated; making sure his apprentice knew it was a statement, not a question.
Vader caught on, making sure to give facts and not a simple answer. "I have broken through the first smaller layers of her mind–"
"The first few?!" Sidious questioned, "Why have you not made more progress than the first few? I expect more than that out of you, Vader! I would have thought you to be almost finished by now."
Vader's anger began to boil. His Master was questioning his abilities. How dare he expect more out of him. "As I have stated before, the Senator is well trained in blocking her mind." Vader explained, "She keeps her mind well blocked and filed, I could break them very easily; but it would cause insanity. Something I thought you did not want, my Master."
The Emperor's face turned disgusted but he allowed Vader to continue, "What were you able to figure out?"
"Nothing, besides personal issues and small insignificant information." the younger Sith reported. "This information, however, could be some use to us. Within this information, I have discovered her weaknesses and so I shall use them against her. When I begin to use them against her, her walls will begin to crumble by her own doing.
Darth Sidious was nodding along. "Where in her mind is the information about the Rebellion?"
Vader crossed his arms arrogantly, shifting to become steadier under his Master's gaze. "I have no doubt that she keeps the information about the Rebellion within the deepest wall within her mind." Vader replied, "When her walls crumble, I will be able to extract the information effortlessly."
"No." the Emperor said slowly, catching Vader off guard.
"No?"
"I have received the most distasteful news." Sidious sneered, narrowing his eyes in disgust. "I'm afraid we must put our plan on hold, Vader. That is why I had hoped you had made more progress."
"Our plan on hold."
Vader crossed his arms tightly over his chest, trying to control the anger that threatened to break his shell. He knew what those words meant. If he was no longer breaking down the Senator's wall, than he was no longer making progress. Which meant he would have to deal with her longer than he thought. She would live longer than he wanted. He was stuck with her.
"Naboo has signed a petition for the Senator to return to work." Palpatine continued displeased, "This entire situation has created an uproar in the Senate. I'm afraid she must be released."
A smile almost formed itself on Vader's face. Released? Perhaps he wouldn't have to be stuck with the Senator.
"The Senator will be released, Master?" Vader asked hopefully.
"No." Palpatine replied with a frown. "She will stay under your care and under your watchful eye until I see necessary."
Immediately Vader was reminded of why he was never hopeful. It got him nowhere. He was stuck with the ridiculous girl… forever. The thought worsened Vader's already fowl mood. He listened silently as his Master rattled off his new plan about allowing the Senator to return to work, but having her under constant watch. He wanted her to feel isolated and alone. He wanted to see her break gradually as she witnessed the terrors that were happening throughout the galaxy, the terrors that were happening within the Imperial Senate walls. They both knew it would destroy her.
"When does she return to the Senate?" Vader asked once Palpatine's briefing was finished.
"Today." Palpatine growled, "That is why I have contacted you at such an hour. We need her back immediately before we begin to lose the support of numerous systems within the Senate." Palpatine paused, before chuckling darkly. "She is just a naïve young girl, I have no idea why the Imperial Senate is creating such an uproar–"
A knock resonated from Palpatine's office causing the old man to turn away from Vader. "What is it?" He growled angrily.
A voice answered, but Vader could not hear what it said; but he guessed from his Master's change in expression that it was not good. Palpatine held up a long white finger before turning back to his apprentice. "Lord Vader, you have your instructions. I will send you the documents now. I will contact you soon."
Without waiting for Vader's reply, the image of Palpatine flickered off. Leaving Vader alone in the darkness of the communication center and with the anger growing inside of him. Vader's mind was a blaze as he stormed out of the communication center and into his quarters. His anger was boiling so hotly that he was sure he was about to burn. He felt the heat, he felt the fire, and he needed relief… now. Without thinking he striped off the black clothing that encased him and tossed them uncaringly onto the floor. When he reached his office he was clad only in his pants, boots, and single black glove; but still he felt the heat overtaking his body. Vader ran his fingers though his hair, tugging in frustration. Would he ever find relief?
The answer was simple. No, he would never find relief. Relief was not something Darth Vader was allowed to have. He had not had relief in a very long time; but then again, perhaps Darth Vader had never had relief; but the shell of the man had known relief, but Vader couldn't think about that now. The closest thing to relief that Vader could do was preoccupy his mind.
Grabbing the datapad that laid on his desk, Vader quickly searched through the recently received fills. He pulled up the document that had destroyed his plans of ridding himself of the Senator; the petition to allow Senator Amidala to return to work. Vader was slightly surprised to see that it was not just Naboo that had signed the petition, but other planets as well. Naboo, Alderaan, Chandrila, and countless other planets had all marked the document showing their full support of the petition.
A low growl resonated from Vader's chest. Why does the Senator have to make my life so difficult? It seemed even with the Senator's friends dead or in hiding; their planets still supported her. The only positive factor that Vader could find within this situation was that now he had a list of the individuals that supported Senator Amidala… and with that, the Rebel Alliance. They are rebels; they are all fools, and they will all be destroyed.
Vader slowly read the list, taking in every name that was written, making a mental note to destroy every individual on the list. Most names did not come as a surprise, most were important individuals that were known to be "secretly" against the Empire, but the Emperor had deemed them too stupid and spineless to speak their opinions aloud. They were deemed not a threat. It seems that they are not spineless enough… they have spoken their opinion about Senator Amidala. Vader thought annoyed. Why couldn't they have just kept their idiotic mouths shut? They will be the next to die.
As Vader continued down the list there were, however, a few names he did not recognize. He attempted to piece the puzzle together. He realized last names that belonged to royalty or important figureheads. The fools had their children sign the petition to acquire more names. The nerve.
After Vader made another mental note to torture or kill all the fools that had their children sign the petition, he paused over one name. Palo Campton. The name was not familiar to Vader. Not the first, nor the last, but he decided not to dwell on it. If Darth Vader did not know the man's name, than the man was insignificant.
He must be unimportant. He is nothing to me.
Alone. That was her life now. That was how Padme felt. She had no one. She woke up alone. She lived alone. Her life was loneliness.
No! You have Threepio and Vader. Her mind reminded her… but she knew that wasn't enough. As much as she loved 3PO, he was a droid and he wasn't human. She did have Vader, but that was only during a small portion of the night and she wasn't even sure if he was human. Do I have Vader? The more she thought about it, the more she didn't think so. They didn't talk. They weren't friends. He didn't even like her; he merely just stayed with her during the night so that he could get some rest. Honestly, she wasn't even sure how long he stayed with her, because he was never there when she awoke, but still…
Still? Still, what? Padme asked herself. Why do I even want Vader? Sith. I want Vader. The thought frightened Padme. Why would she even think that? Did she want Vader? No one in their right mind would want Darth Vader. He is a monster, a Sith Lord, and a murder… but yet… she wanted him. She wanted him to stay with her. She wanted him to protect her from her nightmares. She wanted him so that she was not alone. There were so many reasons that she wanted him, but she would never tell anyone that. They would all think she was crazy. Sith, she thought she was crazy.
You just been stuck with him too long. She told herself. You don't actually think this… But yet… she felt like that wasn't true either. She didn't know what to believe.
Padme sighed loudly, stripping off her clothes and running into the fresher. She closed her eyes, feeling the hot water spray across her skin. Showering was one of the simple joys in life that she was still allowed. The water washed away her fears and her worries… even if it was only for a few moments. Still, her mind seemed elsewhere and the shower did nothing to ease her mind. Annoyed, Padme turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. She sighed loudly when she realized that there were no towels in the fresher. Strange. Usually 3PO never forgets. I hope he is okay. What is Vader– No. He couldn't have.
Opening the fresher door, Padme pushed her worries for 3PO deep down, knowing Vader would never hurt him… or at least she hoped. I shouldn't worry so much. It is only six. He probably won't check on me for another hour or so. With that ease, Padme focused on her previous problem. She had no towels. Checking to make sure the room was clear, she rushed across her room to her closet, hoping that the droid wouldn't walk in while she was nude. She pulled out a dress but couldn't put it on. She was still too wet. She felt the water running down her body and onto the floor, but she didn't care. What actually could she do? Nothing. Just wait for herself to dry, there was no point in drenching her bed sheets or drying herself with dirty clothes. What do I care? It's not like anyone is going to come–
Padme froze as she heard the keys being pressed outside her door signaling someone about to enter.
3PO! Padme's thoughts screamed as she imagined herself standing there in the nude while the droid entered. She wouldn't be able to deal with that embarrassment. Quickly, she reached for the large robe that was stuffed at the bottom of her closet. She pulled the black robe around her body just as the door slid open… but the visitor was not who Padme had expected.
"Lord Vader!" Padme explained in complete surprise as the dark, large figure stalked into the room.
This was the first time since the first day that she had arrived that Vader had entered her room before midnight. She never saw him during the day, just their usual time at night. That was an unspoken rule.
What does he want? Why is he here?
Vader paused in the center of the room, looking directly at the Senator that stood in the corner. "Get ready Senator." He commanded.
Padme was once again taken back. "Get ready?" She asked, "For what?"
"You are returning to the Senate."
Padme's mouth dropped open in the most un-ladylike manner as she starred in disbelief at the Sith Lord. Had she heard him right? She was actually leaving Vader's establishments? She was actually returning to the Senate?
It took a few minutes but Padme regained herself from shock and eventually forced a frown onto her features. "Lord Vader…" She said disapprovingly, "If this is a jo–"
"I would not joke about this, Senator." Vader snapped.
"Why?"
Padme wasn't sure why she had asked, but the word escaped her lips before she could stop herself. Immediately, she wished she had stopped herself because the moment the word left her lips Vader was enraged.
"Why?" He repeated icily. The tone of his voice sent chills down Padme's spine and she felt as if she was frozen to the floor beneath her feet. She was helpless as Lord Vader approached her. He was angry, bewildered, and… pissed. Something was wrong. Something had happened. She, given her predicament, was stuck in the aftermath.
" –You think you would be grateful! After all the time you have spent here! After being locked in this room for weeks! And all you have to say is why?! You are just so–"
Vader continued to scream, but Padme locked her eyes on the floor. She was sure if she would look up, she would be able to see Vader's face… but she couldn't bring herself to. She was too frightened. She was too exposed. She was too… She didn't know. The way she felt around him… no matter what his mood, did not make sense to her.
"Is that mine?"
Padme removed her gaze from the floor and for the first time noticed that Vader had backend slightly away from her and was no longer screaming. "W–what?" She stuttered.
"That cloak." Vader said, his voice almost a whisper. "Isn't that mine?"
Padme looked down at her body, at the material that hid herself from the man in front of her, and felt herself die inside. Bantha shit. I'm wearing his cloak! Sith! She sheepishly looked up at Vader who stood silently in front of her, she opened her mouth, but no words formed. She could not speak.
They stood there in silence, gazing at each other for what seemed like forever. Padme knew that his cloak covered her body, but still she felt helplessly naked under his hidden gaze. She desperately wanted to know what he was thinking. For once, she moved her gaze to meet Vader's. She couldn't see that their gazes matched, but she felt it. The coldness… the darkness… the curiosity… The moment, however, was short lived, almost immediately after their gazes' meet Vader turned away.
"Be ready. Ten minutes." He growled.
And once again, Padme was left alone.
Confusion. That was the only word to describe how Vader was feeling… and he hated it. It was so strange, so unfamiliar, so… intimidating. It was a feeling that made the Sith Lord feel weak. And that fact alone made Vader's anger boil. Weakness and confusion were two things that Vader did not tolerate… but then why was he feeling them? Vader knew that answer. It was the same answer to all his problems.
Senator Amidala.
Thoughts of the young girl began to over take Vader's mind. It was a common occurrence, but still Vader hadn't learned to control it. He tried desperately to push the thoughts of her away, but it seemed the more he pushed, the deeper they pressed into his mind. He could not escape her. She was his hell.
Hell.
Hell was a place that Vader had always welcomed. After living under his Master for so long, he was sure he had understood the definition of the word. The word meant pain, suffering, death; which were all things that Vader knew too well. They were things that he had come to accept and were comfortable with. They were the only constant things in his life. That was however, until Senator Amidala entered his life. When she entered into his life, she brought a whole new meaning to the word.
Hell. Confusion. Torture. So many words had a new definition because of Senator Amidala. She was changing his life. She was becoming a problem. He needed to be rid of her, but that seemed inevitable. It seemed that he would be stuck with her for a far longer time than he had planned. That was the reason he had been so enraged when he entered her room. That was the reason he had been so carefree upon entering. What was he to fear from not preparing? Nothing. Vader was never taken off guard… That was, until today.
Nothing in all his years of training could have prepared him for the sight he had seen within that room. Imagines of the Senator played through his mind. Big frazzled brown eyes, long wet brown hair, perfect skin that was only covered by one article of clothing. His cloak.
Why? Vader's thoughts asked. Why did she still have my cloak? Why was she wearing it? Obviously to hide her body from me, but it goes deeper. I can feel it.
Vader paused within the hallway, throwing back his hood, and running his fingers through his wavy locks. Stop this. He told himself as he tried without prevailing to push the imagines of the soaking wet Senator from his mind. A foreign heat rose through his body and he struggled to control his senses. What is happening to me?
Vader didn't know, but he wanted it to stop. This was all too much. Needing relief, he closed his eyes, and reached far out into the Force. He grasped onto the evil that he felt, he called the darkness to his side, and when he opened his golden eyes again, he felt nothing but hate and anger. The confident Darth Vader was back and ready to succeed.
Vader kept his word and arrived at Padme's room exactly ten minutes later. Thankfully by then, Padme had managed to ready herself into something that was somewhat presentable, at least by some standards. Wasting no time, Vader quickly explained to the Senator that she would not be able to see until they arrived at the Senate. Padme obviously did not like the idea, but halfheartedly agreed. After all, she had no choice. And so, it was without another word that Vader tied a black cloth around her head and lead her out of the room.
Padme watched peacefully as Vader landed the large speed on the Coruscant ground. She was thankful that he had allowed her to remove the blindfold before landing. She could only imagine how she would have felt if someone were to see her in that state, but embarrassment would not even have covered it.
"Don't talk to the Press." Vader commanded before jumping out of the speeder and approaching her side.
No problem there. Padme thought before she followed his lead. She jumped out of the speeder and formed into his protective shadow. The Press screamed her name, but she ignored them just as Vader had commanded. Usually, the Press would not stop until that received an answer, but today was a different day. When neither Vader nor Padme responded to the thousands of questions, the Press quickly dispersed, too frightened of Vader to peruse her. When the Press all but evaporated, Padme decided to walk ahead of Vader, trying to show off that his home might but his territory, but this was hers. It surprised Padme that instead of voicing a complaint, Vader settled into a slower pace, taking a comfortable spot behind her. The mental image caused Padme to smile; she was not done, she still had power left.
The Senate had changed in the long weeks that Padme had been gone. It seemed empty and dark. There were clone troopers stationed at every corner. Darkness loomed within the very air. It was no longer a place of debate, but a place of pure corruption. As she walked through the halls, Padme held her gaze forward, ignoring the whispers and stares that were happening around her. She felt Vader hot on her hells, acting as her personal shadow.
The guards at her office doors stood at attention at the sight of her and the Sith Lord. Without looking at the pair, the guards opened the doors and allowed them to pass into the office. Gasps from Naboo delegates echoed throughout her office as the duo entered. Padme's eyes locked with her best friend, Dorme, who stood behind her desk. Dorme looked on at the scene with scared questioning eyes. Padme tried to speak but she couldn't get the words out before Vader spoke.
"You all must come with me. The Emperor is expecting us." Vader commanded turning towards the door and motioning at the Naboo delegates to follow.
At his command, all of the delegates froze; their eyes locked with the form of the retreating form of the dark Sith. It took a few moments for anyone to move, but they knew better than to keep the Emperor or Vader waiting. Quickly, the delegates welcomed Padme back before they shuffled out of the room leaving Padme alone with her two friends.
As soon as the room was clear Dorme and Jar Jar ran to Padme's side. Dorme wrapped Padme up with a tight hug as the tears began to fall down her face. "I'm so glad you are here!" Dorme cried into Padme's hair, "I was so worried."
"Yousa okeeday?" the Gungan asked full of concern.
Padme couldn't find words, but she nodded trying to give some reassurance.
It didn't. If anything, it only made things worse. Dorme backed away to look her friend in the eyes, before showering her with questions. "What aren't you telling me? What happened? Where were you? How was Vader? Did he treat you well? Oh Sit! Did he rape you –"
Padme remained silent as she processed Dorme's questions and silently answered them to herself. I've been held against my will. I was in Vader's establishments. He was fine… when I saw him. Beyond well, amazing actually. No! He didn't rape me… At that moment, Padme stopped listening to her friend's questions. Instead she imagined what could have happened if Vader was different or what would happen if she told Dorme what had actually been happening between her and Vader. Oh Dorme… If you only knew…No, be didn't rape me… but he has been sleeping with me. Not sex. Sleeping. Oh Dorme, I wish I could tell you. I wish you could give me advice.
Padme quietly looked at both of her friends' faces taking in every detail. They had not changed in the weeks they had been apart, but their eyes were so much different. Their eyes no longer showed joy, but pain, suffering, and slight relief. It was all too much. Immediately Padme began sobbing as she buried her face into Dorme's shoulder, before hugging her helplessly. Jar Jar began to rub her back as Dorme continued to stroke her hair.
"Shh, it's all right," Dorme whispered. "He's gone. He can't hurt you now. It's all going to be okay."
"Da is right. Yousa safe now." Jar Jar spoke softly as he continued to rub her back.
Padme whispered her thanks, before becoming silent. She allowed herself to become calm and melt into her friends' touches. After a few moments she regained her composure and pulled away from Dorme's embrace. She gazed back at her two friends giving them both a small smile, "I've missed you both so much."
"We missed you too." Dorme said with a smile.
"And wees has been worry about yousa!" Jar Jar added causing Padme's smile to widen. Some believed the Gungan to be nothing, a simple bother that had no reason being in the Senate, but Padme knew the truth. Although Jar Jar was crazy and slightly insane, he brought nothing but happiness to her life and she would defend her with ever fiber of her being.
"I've been worrying about me too!" Padme laughed before becoming serious. She knew that she had to get the attention off of herself, but she also wanted answers–answers that she could get from her two best friends. "But you have to tell me…" She said, using her best professional voice. "What has been happening while I've been gone? I can see from–"
"No! No! No" Dorme yelled, waving her hands back and forth. "We will have none of this today. Today is about you! We have to make sure you are okay!"
"Dorme." Padme groaned, "We don't have time for–"
"For you?" Dorme asked raising an eyebrow, "Padme. I thought I would never see you again! I only have time for you."
"Please Dorme." Padme begged, "I need to know something. Just one thing."
Dorme looked away, trying to hide the fact that she was biting her lip. It was a sign that would give away the fact that she was hiding something. The act, however, was in vain. She could not hide from Padme. They had known each other for too long. Padme immediately realized that Dorme was trying to hide something. She reached out to her best friend and urged her to look back at her. "What aren't you telling me, Dorme?" She asked.
"I'm not allowed to tell you." Dorme confessed lowly before turning back to Padme. "The Queen has commanded me not to talk unless–"
BAM.
The doors of Padme's office swung open with brutal force, shaking the entire building. Jar Jar, although a loyal friend, left the two women alone in the center of the office as he ran for cover as an obviously pissed Sith Lord stormed into the Senator's office.
"We're leaving." Vader hissed as he paused in front of the two women.
"What!" Both women yelled in shock.
"We just got here!" Padme cried.
"And now we are leaving." Vader answered, highly annoyed as he turned to leave her office.
"No." Padme said, putting her foot down.
"What?" Vader ask icily, as he turned to face the young woman in disbelief.
"No." Padme repeated as she crossed her arms firmly over her chest. "I'm not going anywhere."
A low growl resonated from Vader's chest and before anyone could react, Vader was across the room and grabbing the Senator. Padme felt as his gloved hand wrapped around her arm and grasped her tightly… too tightly for a flesh hand. He pulled her along as he walked, ignoring her own pleases, and Dorme's shouts of protest. Several others cried out in alarm at the sight of the infamous Sith Lord pulling along a beloved Senator, but that didn't matter. Nothing could stop Vader. As she continued to struggle, Padme felt his grasp tighten. The pressure on her skin was almost unbearable. She felt the metal hand and the leather that covered it form to her skin. It hurt, badly. She wanted to scream, but she couldn't find her voice; but she knew that she had to do something. Without thinking, Padme reached for his hand that encased her arm and tried to scratch free; but all she felt was coldness and solid metal.
He has a mechanical arm! Padme's mind screamed. Knowing he had a mechanical arm was information that Padme could use to solve the mystery that was Darth Vader. It was a piece to the puzzle and if under different circumstances, she might have been ecstatic; but all Padme could think of was the pain.
The Senator stumble forward as the Sith Lord continued to drag her roughly through the halls of the Senate. She tried desperately to keep up with his long strides, but her small frame just couldn't accommodate for such giant steps. Her mind raced with ways of breaking his grip, of ways to free herself from him. Thousands of training practices during her time as the Naboo Queen came fresh into her mine as she formed a plan. She didn't think it would work, but she had to try. As she came near the exit of the Senate Building she readied herself for what she was about to do. She closed her eyes, counting down.
Five. Four. Three. Two. On—"Ahh!"
Before Padme could reach her count, Vader came to a sudden stop and released the Senator, but it was already too late. Padme stumbled over her dress and crashed to the Senate floor.
When she had steadied herself, she pushed herself off the floor and turned to make an escape. She had no idea where she would go, but she just had to get away…. She never got the chance. As Padme turned to make her escape, she came to a sudden stop before almost running into the chest of the giant Sith Lord. She was about to protest his treatment of her, scream at him for humiliating her, beg him to allow her to stay when his hand shot out and grabbed her by the neck. Instantly, Padme's eyes went wide in terror and she began trembling, but didn't say a word. She only looked back at the darkness of the hood, imaging the face of the monster that was underneath.
He tightened his fingers around her neck, like a carnivore teasing the prey before the kill. Vader did not speak. He only remained silent, allowing the Senator to understand their predicament. Allowing her to understand the fact that the end of her life was within his grasp. The clock was ticking and not in her favor. Her time was running out.
"Don't tempt me, Senator." Vader threatened, death tingling on every word, "Because I will have no regrets."
"Lord Vader!" Dorme screamed moving to stand beside the Sith Lord before making her demand. "Let. Her. Go."
He didn't let go, nor did he acknowledge that Dorme had even spoken to him. His hidden eyes remained locked with the Senator's as they continued their wordless battle.
Dorme looked between the two figures before speaking again. "I have come to give my Senator this." She said as she held up a datapad, "The Queen has requested her to look over the files."
Padme broke away from his gaze to turn towards her friend, silently begging for help. Dorme nodded with her eyes signaling her protection of her best friend. Vader, however, remained motionless as his gaze remained on the Senator.
Padme silently begged for Vader to release her, but after a few moments it was obvious that he had no such plans. It was impossible to break the monster's grasp and there was nothing anyone could do about it… or so it seemed. Knowing that Padme was in distress, Dorme thought of ways how she could encourage the Sith to let go.
"Of course, the Emperor has already approved of this." Dorme added with a small smile. "We would never do anything without the approval of his Majesty."
To that statement, Vader instantly responded. He snorted loudly, making his distrust known. He could see through their plan. "We will see." He responded coldly.
And without another word, Vader released the Senator from his grasp and watched as she fell to the floor gasping for air. Dorme was immediately by her friend's side voicing her concerns, but all seemed well. Vader had not caused much damage besides frightened nerves and a few bruises. It could have been much worse and everyone knew it. When Dorme was satisfied with her friend's well being, they both looked up to see that the Sith had become motionless once again. Frozen in place. But Padme did not need words. She knew he was waiting, commanding her to his side. Wordlessly, Padme nodded to Dorme as she took the datapad from her hands. They both rose from the floor, hugging tightly before Padme turned away. Only then did Vader regain motion as he turned and walked towards the exit of the Senate, and Padme was forced to follow.
Vader and Padme sat in silence as the Sith steered his speeder through the Coruscant sky. It wasn't like Padme to hold her tongue, but the pain she felt through her body was dreadful. She could do nothing but concentrate on it. It was only when Vader commanded her to put on the blindfold that Padme acknowledged his existence.
"Oh? You're not going to do it for me?" Padme growled, raising an eyebrow at him.
"I will if I have to." Vader responded emotionlessly.
"Y-you can't just lock me away forever!" Padme cried, finally turning towards the monster beside her.
"And why not?" Vader growled, as his head snapped towards her. The feeling of his gaze on her sent chills through her body and if she was not reminded of the monster that Vader was moments ago, she certainly was now.
"I- I just mean." Padme stammered, turning away from his intimidating glare. "I just need some human interaction."
"Am I not human?" Vader asked.
"I don't know!" Padme yelled, turning back to Vader. "Are you?"
Vader shifted in his chair, as his hands tighten over the controls of the speeder and his gaze moved back towards the traffic of the Coruscant sky. "That is none of your concern." He growled.
"Exactly!" Padme exclaimed, "I need a real human being. I have done nothing wrong during my time with you! Just allow me to return back to my home and to work–"
"No."
Padme wanted to scream. He is so cruel. Does he enjoy making everyone suffer? "Lord Vader," she began again regaining he composure, "Just allow me to return home. Allow me to return to work full time. Allow me to have my life back! You may watch me–"
"I have more important things to do than watch a foolish girl play senator all day." Vader growled, once again cutting off any of her attempts to change his mind.
"Foolish girl play senator?" Padme growled, angered by Vader's comment. "Are you saying that a woman can't be a true senator? Are you just like Palpatine? Because let me tell you–"
"Senator." Vader growled in annoyance, "I did not mean to insult your gender and no, I am not like my Master. The Emperor is a fool to believe that all men are stronger than all women. So do not call me sexist."
"Then what did you mean?" Padme whispered as she turned away. She couldn't help but to feel small once again in his presence. He was so intimidating. He was so heartless. He was so… interesting.
No! No! No! Padme screamed at herself. Stop thinking of him in that way! He just had his hands around my neck! He could have killed me!
But he didn't. Her mind responded.
Ugh! This is so confusing. Padme didn't know what she wanted more; to jump out of the speeding speeder to her death below or to stay in the speeder to learn more about the mysterious monster beside her. Actually, she didn't know what to think anymore.
Don't get off topic! She reminded herself. What did he mean?
When she received no answer, she turned her gaze back to Vader and realized that he was ignoring her. Immediately, she crossed her arms tightly over her chest, and fell back into the passenger seat like a spoiled child. "It's not mature to ignore people." She growled.
Vader didn't miss a beat. "It's not mature to pout." He retorted.
Padme groaned, throwing her face into her hands. "Please, just allow me to–"
"No."
"How can you be like this?" She cried, unable to stop herself. She had so many questions and not enough answers. He was so confusing. Nothing made any sense. She just needed something. "You locked me in a room for weeks!" Padme shouted, "You stayed with me! You allowed me to return to work for five minutes! You almost strangled me to death–"
"If I was going to strangle you to death, you would know it, Senator." Vader interrupted. "Now put on the blindfold."
Without another word, Padme reached for the black fabric and tied it securely over her face. She wasn't sure if Vader trusted her or he just didn't care, but he set the speeder down without checking to see if the blindfold was secure. It seemed like a reckless thing to do, but Padme thought passed it. She listened as Vader got out of the speeder, before he came to her side and opened up the door. Fear washed through her as she remembered the feeling of his hand on her arm. Closing her eyes tightly behind the blindfold, she waited for the pain… but it never came. Instead, Vader softly grabbed her other arm as if knowing about the pain he had inflicted at the Senate. As relief flowed through her body, Padme allowed Vader to pull her along. She attempted to memorize the path he took, but failed. There were so many ups and downs, lefts and rights, lifts and doors. She was helpless.
So instead of focusing on the path, Padme closed her eyes and breathed in the man beside her. Even after everything he had done, his scent was still so soothing. His presence, at least when he wasn't "Darth Vader", was so comforting. When she was around him she felt safe and scared at the same time. Why do I feel like this? Padme asked herself. Why is he so intimidating, but comforting at the same time? Why do I hate him… but…
Padme felt a rough push on her back, motioning her to step forward. She did without question and after a few seconds heard the door close behind her. She wait in silence, making sure that he was truly gone; even though she knew in her heart that he was. She could feel the evidence around her. The room was not cold like it was when he was near. The air surrounding her was already less dark from his lack of presence. The sweet scent that she had come to love was all but vanishing from his lack of closeness. Hesitantly, she reached up for the blindfold and untied the tight bow. In her room she dropped to the floor, once again alone.
It had been hours since Padme had seen Vader and yet he was the only thing on her mind. She had done nothing since he had returned her to her room. She couldn't work. She couldn't talk. She couldn't eat. Of course, she was mad at him, furious even… but yet, all she could do was think about him. Millions of questions raced through her mind as she thought about the days' events.
What was wrong with him?
Was he still mad?
Would he harm her?
Would he even come?
Padme had no answers to her questions, but the fear sat deep in her belly. Fear that Vader would no come and leave her to be consumed by her nightmares. The only thing she could do was wait… and so she did.
Padme waited, watching the time inch towards Vader's arrival. The softness of the bed formed around her body, but still, Padme found no comfort. Her mind continued to race and her body refused to relax. What is happening to me? Padme thought. What is happening to Vader?
Time passed slowly and to Padme, it felt as if midnight would never come. But by the time it did, Padme almost wished it hadn't. Fear was beginning to consume her and there was nothing she could do about it. Padme heard the door to her room slide open and footsteps enter. She watched silently as the dark form of the Sith Lord circled the bed and moved towards his side. Padme leaned back into the mattress, a small sense of relief flowing over her, and she turned over so that her back was to Vader. She winced slightly as the pressure of her body pushed her bruised arm into the mattress. Shifting, she found a far less comfortable position that allowed her back to remain towards Vader. Like always, the mattress dropped, signaling that Vader was now again on her bed.
As always, they both laid in silence. Padme remained awake, trying to listen for a sign that there was a human beside her. A heartbeat or an intake of air, but she could only hear her own.
"You will be ready at eight every morning." Vader said breaking the silence and Padme was instantly shocked.
That was the first time Vader had spoken since the first night of coming into her room. There was no conversation involved in his actions. He never spoke to her at night, he only came, and left. That was it.
"That is…" Vader hissed, "Unless you do not want to return to work."
Work! That's what he meant! He's allowing me to return to work!
"I do!" Padme yelled as she shifted with joy. The tiny movement once again, caused a shock of pain to race through Padme's arm and she instantly quivered with pain.
"Are you in pain, Senator?" Vader asked, and Padme was alarmed to hear what sounded like concern in his voice.
"It's… It's just my arm." Padme said softly pushing her face deeper into the pillow. "Where you grabbed it." She added, hoping he wouldn't hear.
Vader remained silent for a moment before responding. "Perhaps, you should take the weight off of it."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"That would require me to turn over." Padme said pulling her face away from the pillow so that he could again hear her clearly. "And that's against your rules. Remember?"
"Indeed." Vader responded before becoming silent for another long moment. "But perhaps," He began. "We could find a solution."
Padme couldn't believe what she was hearing. Had Vader really just said that? She opened her mouth to question him, but stopped as she felt motion beside her on the bed. Moments later, he was next to her, demanding her not to move. She didn't and with a quick motion Vader slid the familiar black fabric over her eyes.
The blindfold! Padme's mind clicked. I can't see with it on so I can face him.
Padme felt Vader settled onto his side of the bed and took that as her cue to move. Cautiously she turned over, making sure not to move too far into Vader's space. She nestled down quietly into her pillow, instantly feeling relief.
"Why are you breaking the rules?"
The words left Padme's mouth before she could stop them. She hadn't meant to say them aloud, but it had just happened. Not expecting a response, the tired Senator nuzzled into her pillow, making sure to hide from Vader.
He felt him move beside her, but he did not leave. "Think of it as an…." His voice was low, but still, he did not finish his sentence.
Holy Sith!
"An apology?" Padme asked quietly, but Vader did not respond.
Padme couldn't help but to smile to herself as she pulled the pillow tighter to her face. It wasn't exactly an apology, but it was all Vader could give. True apology or not, the meaning was there. He regretted hurting her and that was enough for Padme.
"Thank you." Padme whispered before she pushed farther into her pillow and drifted off into a calm, heavy sleep.
If only she could see the look in the eyes of the monster lying beside her.
Author's Note: Drop a review!