Vader's Angel
By: wertman25
Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Star Wars…. Or Anakin Skywalker… Which is a pity…
Author's Note: Just wanted to say that it was so nice to talk to old and new followers. Honestly, you guys are the best. As for the concerns, although I have changed particular events in the past, at the end of the day this is my story. I can't promise that Vader won't be aggressive again, I can't promise that I can please all of you, but I can promise to finish this story in the way that I planned. So if you're willing to read, I'm willing to write. If you don't like the story's content, I'm not changing it, so just don't read if you're that unhappy with my work.
2nd Author's Note: Some of you have noted that you would like me to spell Anakin's nickname as "Annie" and although I truly understand, I like the spelling "Ani" better.
"No funny business today, Senator."
Padmé smiled at his comment, walking behind the large Sith as they entered into the Senate building and headed towards her office. "Lord Vader," she said, perfectly professional. "I have no idea what you mean, I am always professional."
He turned his head slightly as he walked, looking back at her but saying nothing. He didn't have to. Padmé could feel his slight amusement and anger with her comment. Palo always had his nerves in a blaze, but he also knew she was teasing… or at least, she hoped. She knew he had a hard time picking up on simple interactions and she never knew what to expect with him, but she was getting better at reading him. She knew she was pushing her limits and going against the silent rules, but he had broken one as well. He had spoken to her and so she had teased him. There was no harm. Although he had been gone by the time she awoke that morning, he had come to her without hesitation later. Vader was in a good mood, or at least as good of mood that Lord Vader could possibly be in, and she was fully willing to take advantage of that.
"There's my girl!"
Padmé cringed as she walked into her office, and instantly felt Vader's good mood shatter. She immediately cursed herself for not planning for Palo, practically forgetting about the man completely after last night– after the many times that Vader had taken her. She didn't move her gaze away from the Sith who also didn't move, but seemed to be giving her silent, deadly commands as he returned her gaze.
I mean it, Senator. Vader's voice growled within her head, before he turned and exited the scene, her eyes glued to him as he fled.
Palo smiled as Vader made his escape, grabbing onto Padmé and pulling her towards him in an attempt to kiss her. She moved quickly, turning her face so that his lips would touch her cheek instead of her lips.
The action caused Palo to frown as he pulled away and looked at her with concern. "What's wrong?"
"Palo," Padmé breathed, looking him into his dreamy eyes and taking a step back to get some space between them. "We… We have to talk…"
His mood changed almost immediately, concern turning to relief. He laughed, his embarrassment flashing across his face. For the first time, he stepped back, running his fingers through his curly hair as he gave Padmé her much needed space. "Yes, I know." He paused, the redness in his face only growing with each passing second. "I'm quite embarrassed myself," he continued. "I can't believe the Emperor and Darth Vader walked in on us. I promise next time will be–"
"No," Padmé interrupted, not wanting to hear anymore of his tale. "We aren't talking about that… because it's not going to happen again."
Palo frowned, shaking his head as he reached towards her again. "Padmé," he whispered, as he tried to take her hands. "Don't do this. Everything is fine. I won't press you, not again."
Padmé took a large step back, not allowing him to touch her. "That's not what I mean, Palo." she responded, looking away from his pleading and hurt filled eyes. "We can't do this. I don't want to do this."
His frown hardened, her words seeming to finally make sense. "What do you mean?"
"I– Please," Padmé stuttered, unable to find her words, or even believe what she was doing. "Palo, don't make this harder than it has to be, I don't want a relationship with you."
His frown leveled, his face becoming hard as his hands crossed tightly over his chest. He leaned back on his heels, looking down on her like a scolding parent. "What's changed?"
"Nothing," Padmé replied, using all her power to make her words sound true. "It's just–"
"It's him isn't it," Palo snapped, his eyes turning away from her.
"What?"
"It's him isn't it!" Palo repeated even louder, his eyes flamed with anger.
Padmé frowned, confused by his words. "Who?"
"Darth Vader!" Palo exclaimed, gesturing to outside the doors to wherever the Sith had fled to.
Her blood ran cold and her heart stopped as Palo's words hit her ears. Darth Vader. There was only one question in her mind: Did he know? He couldn't know! Palo couldn't have any idea to what was happening between her and the Sith Lord. It wasn't possible.
"What!" she exclaimed, pretending that the accusation was the most outrageous thing she had ever heard in her entire life. It actually was. She would never admit to herself what she was doing, let alone tell anyone else, but hearing the words come from someone else's mouth sounded simply ridiculous – outrageous and impossible even. "What is that suppose to mean!"
"He did this, didn't he?" Palo pressed, taking a step towards her, his anger seething. "He told you to end it with me!"
"Palo," Padmé replied, shaking her head. "Lord Vader doesn't care for you or me, so he certainly doesn't care about us." She paused, pushing away the way her words ate at her and forcing herself to continue. "This has nothing to do with him. This is about me, yesterday was unacceptable, and it made me realize–"
"Things just don't change over night!" Palo exclaimed, even more frustrated and bewildered than before. "You were with him! After I left, you were with him! What did he do?"
"Nothing!" Padmé retorted, her eyes growing wide as each statement he made inched closer and closer towards the truth. "This is me, just me! Darth Vader has nothing to do with this!" She paused as he began to advance on her, grabbing her before she could move away. "Palo!" she screamed, trying to fight her way out of his hands. "Stop this!"
She couldn't break free before he pulled her into him. She slammed into his chest, practically falling backwards as he pulled on her hair, revealing one of the many marks across her skin that was plastered on her neck.
"You let me mark you," he whispered, his voice trying to seduce her, while his face moved to mere inches away from hers. "Just yesterday. You let me do that."
Regardless of the situation, Padmé breathed a small sigh of relief, realizing that he thought the marks on her skin were from him– that he thought that he had marked her during their small exchange. It was a small win, one that angered her and brought her relief. Vader's plan had worked, as much as she hated it. Palo, and probably the Emperor thought that he had marked her and not Vader. Still, she hated that Palo thought she would have grown so low… She would never allow, or at least allow any other man to make advances on her such as Vader had. She would not allow Palo to mark her as a possession, like she was nothing but the ground beneath his feet.
"I didn't," she pressed, remembering her teasing and the actions he had taken soon after. "I didn't ask for it– I didn't mean to–"
"To tease me?" Palo finished, before shaking his head. "You didn't. It was mutual. You wanted it then. You wanted me!"
"I didn't, Palo!" Padmé equipped. "I really didn't mean–"
"Don't lie to me, Padmé!" Palo snapped, refusing to believe any statement that left her mouth. "That was wrong of me to get excited, but how couldn't I? I've been waiting for how long for you to make a forward invitation to me like that? From the moment I returned I know you have been thinking about our future too! Don't ruin it! It can still happen! Just like we planned!"
Padmé took a deep breath, hoping it would bring her sanity. She truly understood Palo's frustration, and also knew that she was – that she had caused a large portion of it, but this had to stop. Some of his statements were true. She had, at some point, been thinking about their future together… but things were different now. She was different now. She couldn't be with him, not now, if ever. Perhaps, a few days ago she did want him, days ago she saw a future with him, but today was a new day and her future was unknown.
"Palo…" she whispered slowly, pulling her hands out of his grasp as she looked up at him with true sorrow. "I'm sorry, but things have changed–"
"How are they any different?" Palo interrupted again, his anger flaring visibly as he turned and began to storm the room. "I can mark you, but I cannot have you? I've waited for years, Padmé! I've waited years to have you, and now you do this?"
She frowned at his words, not liking the words he had chosen or the tone of his voice.
"I'm not a prize, Palo." Padmé growled, her own anger flaring just as his had. It was like she was a teenager all over again; just like that night he had left her because she had refused to have sex with him. Had really nothing changed? It suddenly seemed like it. What was she to him? A prize? A possession? A reward? Did he even care at all? Had she imagined the almost perfect days they had spent together?
"I never–"
"You didn't have to," Padmé snapped, turning away from him and walking towards her desk. He didn't have to say it, she had already heard it in his voice and it was too late to take back. She was through with Palo, with the conversation, and with feeling like nothing but a procession in the hands of a man. "Please," Padmé continued, regaining her professional tone and posture as she sat down behind her desk. "Let's just finish this work. Let's finish this as partners in the matter… Just professional partners, nothing else."
Palo looked at her for a long moment, frozen on the opposite side of the room. He licked his lips in irritation, breathing a low growl as he did. "We will see," Palo mumbled, before also returning to his work. "We will see."
"Captain Muun, Captain Contivo," Vader called as he entered into one of the numerous chambers where the troopers were being held. "Care to inform me what it was that was so urgent that you felt the need to disturb me?"
Both captains snapped into position upon hearing their leader, turning and saluting him as he paused before him. The two exchanged a quick look, before beginning their actions. Capatin Muun did not speak, allowing the older and more experienced male officer to step forward and speak the case.
"We've received news, sir."
"News?" Vader questioned, twisting his arms tightly over his chest. "I thought there was a situation that was to be handled?"
A strange look passed over both captains and the elder officer visibly gulped, but quickly tried to recover.
"It's complicated, my Lord." Contivo said, trying and succeeding at regaining his steady voice. "We just received direct word from the troopers that arrived back this morning."
"Arrived back?" Vader repeated, anger and shock in his voice.
Captain Muun shifted nervously, while the elder captain remained almost unfazed, a slight shuffle in his step giving the only clue that he was uncomfortable. "I'm afraid… Yes, sir." Contivo reported. "They were moved under the Emperor's orders."
Vader fought back a growl, but was sure his officers could hear it rumbling within his chest. They knew that he hated such commands without his knowledge or permission– that he hated the Emperor getting involved. It was, however, the one time that his officers could get away with such actions, such as moving troops without consulting him first. His officers would preform the duties just because the Emperor commanded them to, but that didn't mean they still didn't fear the consequences of their true commander, like if Vader were to finally snap… and he just might.
The fact that his Master was moving his troops without his permission not only made him question the motives of the man, but also made him question the reasons of why. What did his Master have up his sleeve? What was the man planning to do? Vader had strategic plans, he had military experience, and he had a reason for each fleet or squadron bring positioned where they were. Did his Master not trust him to do what was in the best interest of the Empire? Why would he bring in more of his troops from battle without consulting him? What was Vader missing?
"My apologies, Lord Vader." Captain Dovlis announced, stepping forward from the far side of the room to approach the Sith.
Vader frowned, watching the man as he joined the two other officers before him. "He brought in the Hoth regiments?" Vader nearly growled, knowing that Dovlis should have been on the frozen wasteland of where he had sent him. "Why?"
"I just arrived this morning, my Lord." Dovlis continued. "Along with a few smaller forces from nearby systems."
"He didn't remove all of the troops?" Vader asked, not conveying his surprise.
"No," the officer said with a shake of his head. "He did, however, remove most of us, leaving only a small amount of troops and the superior officers at their base."
Vader grinded his teeth, pleased that his Master had not removed all of his troops from their stations, but still pissed that he had been the last to know. "I assume," Vader asked. "Admiral Thyeta is still stationed where I commanded so that he may keep control of the nearby systems?"
"Yes, my Lord." Dovlis nodded. "He sends his deepest apologies and he hopes that you understand that he– we cannot, disregard the Emperor. The troopers wanted to stay, saying it was your personal orders–" The man shuffled, pulling at his shirt collar before adding, "–we all did, sir."
Vader breathed deeply, not showing a physical response, but he was pleased to feel that the man's words were true. At least someone was obedient and trustworthy, unlike his Master who was obviously avoiding him and up to something that Vader could not sense.
"Good," Vader breathed, before his voice regained it's commander ego. "I will deal with that issue later. Now… what is this news that the troops brought back with them?"
Captain Dovlis turned his head to look at Captain Contivo, the elder man motioning to the officer to finish while Captain Muun tried to melt into the corner.
"The Rebellion is breaking, sir." Dovlis said, turning back to the Sith.
Vader frowned. "Breaking?"
"It's splitting in two," Dovlis corrected, causing the Sith's irritation to grow.
"I believe I'm aware of the definition of breaking, Captain Dovlis." Vader stated slowly, trying to control his anger that was beginning to fill the room.
For the first time, Dovlis fear broke through his façade, the sweat beginning to pour down from his cap. "Forgive me, Lord Vader." he said, his voice shaking as his head fell into a small bow. "It seems that our latest attacks has shaken the Rebellion itself, and many of its members have begun to break away from their Rebel Alliance."
"So they are dispersing?" Vader wondered allowed, reaching out into the Force to receive his answers. "Creating their own, new alliance?"
"Yes, sir."
This was good news– but also a hassle. This meant the foundation on which the rebellious personnel stood was crumbling. That they were all becoming weak. The fear due to this news would rise and be carried to every corner of the galaxy. The Rebellion would have nowhere to hide, and would continue to lose the small amount of supports that it had left. People would flee from the Rebellion and have faith in the Empire. It could all come together and they would all be destroyed… but the hassle of it all. Now he would have to track down two traitorous leagues instead of one. He would have the same number of pests to exterminate, just in far more locations. It didn't matter if they were considered the Rebellion or not, because they were still traitors. He would exterminate them all.
The idiots, Vader nearly laughed to himself. They will all meet the end of my blade.
"That's not all, sir."
Vader sighed, being pulled from his thoughts as he turned to his officer. "What else?"
"It seems," Dovlis continued. "That many of the leaders of the Resistance–"
"Resistance?" Vader interrupted, questioning the term he had not heard before.
"The name they call themselves that, sir." Captain Contivo spoke up. "The Resistance is the Rebellion II, created by the members that have left the Rebellion."
The Rebellion and a Resistance?
"Continue," Vader pressed, turning back to Captain Dovlis, angry with himself for falling behind on things such as this. After all, these things don't happen over night, but he had been cooped up for too long– for far too long. His small adventures not fulfilling the cravings that he had, or helping him complete the duties that he had to accomplish. He hated being away from the action, away from his troops, and falling behind. He didn't belong in the Senate. He belonged in the battlefield. He didn't belong with senators or politicians. He belonged with his troops, his soldiers, and his officers. It wasn't just the lack of action that vexed him, but the feeling of commanding troops from anywhere but the frontlines. It was if he was a politician that refused to get his hands dirty, that waited and watched while others gave their lives in his place. He would never command his troops into an action that he would never do himself, unlike many others. If he commanded his troopers, he would be beside them, leading them into battles… but he wasn't– he hadn't.
"We have heard," Dovlis reported. "That the leaders of this Resistance are going to make attempts against the leaders of the Rebellion."
Vader's head snapped towards his officer upon hearing his words, truly surprised. "They are fighting against their own people?"
"It would seem that way, sir." Dovlis nodded. "They are unhappy, and feel the Rebellion leaders are unfit. They do not like their choices regarding certain matters and believe if they destroy the leaders of the Rebellion than the members might join them instead."
Vader was taken back. How stupid are these idiots? It seemed they were even more unintelligent than he first believed. He had always believed the members of the Rebellion or even the traitors of the Empire to be foolish, but never to this extreme. He at least gave them credit where credit was due, but knew he would never give them any sort of credit again. Yes, this made his job easier, but how idiotic could people get? Did they not understand that strength came in numbers? That they were going against their own people– people that had the same beliefs as they did? If they wanted even a chance at succeeding they should–
Why do I care? Vader thought to himself. Let them destroy each other.
He turned back to his three officers, his mind beginning to form its own questions. "Do we have names of the traitors that started and joined the Resistance?" Vader asked, still remaining open to the Force and trying to push down his irritation with feeling so clueless.
"Not yet, sir." Captain Contivo responded, taking a step forward. "But we will."
"Do we know where this Resistance is located?"
"Also unknown, sir." Dovlis answered. "Part of them were located on the planet of Hoth, thought to be the Rebellion until we captured a small squadron of soldiers who admitted to their affliction. "
"Where are these soldiers now?"
"Dead," Captain Muun finally spoke up, looking like a fierce beast as she pushed through the two men. "They killed them, Lord Vader." She paused, turning back to face Dovlis with burning eyes. "Quite a stupid decision don't you agree, my Lord?"
Vader decided to ignore Muun's outburst, as well as the way Dovlis nearly soiled himself upon her words. He could feel Muun's rage, and it was obviously a personal issue that she was bringing into play, one that he did not want to get involved with. In fact, he was growing sick of her outbursts involving personal matters. Captain Contivo spoke for the man's defense, not that Vader heard a single bit of what was pouring from the man's mouth. He didn't care. Muun had taken up the last space for all of his annoyance, and if she didn't stop soon, he had no hesitations about killing her. It would practically be a pleasure and relief at this point.
"What about their numbers?" Vader pressed, interrupting the blabbering man as the Sith remained still.
The captain hesitated, taking in the situation. He regained his composure as he realized Vader had become agitated, but not murderous. Still, he hesitated again, knowing that his news might just be what could send Vader over the edge. "Also unknown," Contivo responded slowly and quietly, his face falling to the ground.
Unknown.
The word unknown was pressing his nerves, causing his blood to boil. He hadn't known about the entire situation. They didn't know names. They didn't know locations. They didn't know numbers. Everything was unknown. Unknown was unacceptable! He would not tolerate it within his ranks, not like this. How could they be so clueless? His own troops!
"Then," he snapped, his voice ice as he moved for the first time, taking a large step toward his officers. "What do you know captains?"
Surprisingly, and impressively, none of his officers took a step back, but instead, melted harder into their stance. "Just what I told you, sir." Dovlis spoke up. "That the Rebellion is breaking, and that this Resistance is thought to have substantially smaller numbers than that of the Rebellion."
Vader stepped back, breathing out his anger and irritation. He was tired of this. Of idiot officers and imbecilic games. He could find answers, but he could do not do anything about it sitting here. He felt like a caged dog… a dog that was always wondering when would his Master set him free?
Master.
"Have you reported this to the Emperor?" Vader asked, his mind turning to his Master once again.
"No, sir." Contivo said, shaking his head.
"Good," Vader breathed, as he began to stride away. "Wait for my order, Captain. I will–"
"Though," Contivo called, causing the Sith to pause. "The Emperor has requested that you do not make further contact with him until he calls upon you."
Vader frowned, every alarm inside of his body sounding. "Who said this?"
"I was told by a member of the Royal Guard, milord."
Vader breathed out an irritated breath. When did his Master begin to use middlemen? What was the purpose? What was the old man up to?
"So be it," Vader growled annoyed, throwing his hand in the air as he walked in the opposite direction. "Wait for these attacks to occur, then. It will be easier for these fools to take each other out then to sacrifice more of our troops. When they attack, contact me and we will have a heading and hopefully a location of where each of these traitors are hiding."
"Yes, sir!" the three captains saluted, watching their commander stalk off towards his troops, all breathing a sigh of relief.
The rest of the week passed by slowly, Vader doing exactly as he had said he would do the night that he had slept with the senator for the third time. He ignored her as he took her to the Senate and the entire day while she worked, although she seemed more than willing to reciprocate the action after realizing the true reason for his disregard. To his relief and distress, the fool, Campton, kept his distance from her while Sidious never contacted him. There was no news of the Rebellion or Resistance, and so, Vader continued to wait. It was a stressful time, but the senator eased his nerves at least in the darkness. He took the senator every night as many times and for however long that she wanted – something that he could not, and would not try to explain.
"How– How as your day?"
"Why do you always have to talk in this position?" Vader grumbled at her ridiculous question, moving restlessly beneath her as his hips buckled upwards to push himself into her warmth. Somehow during their activities, she had maneuvered on top of him again, her inner thighs rest against his clothed hips. The feeling of her pressing against him like this drove him nearly to madness– madness that she always seemed to want to destroy.
"Humor me," she breathed, her head falling backwards with a soft moan as he continued to thrust himself into her core. Her naked body moved deliciously above him, her breasts jumping up and down with each one of his thrusts.
"I would," he breathed, buckling beneath her as he moved his flesh and gloved hands to her breasts where he began to play gently with her nipples. "But I'm too busy pleasing you." He rolled them over so that he was above her again, his face near her neck, kissing and sucking on her pulse. "And I don't think you want me to stop."
"I– I don't," she breathed, her hands scratching against the mattress as he pushed himself farther into her. "Bu– But you did m– move me before I could make a– a final demand."
"Hmm," he mused, his trail of kisses moving down her chest. "Is above me the only place you can make demands, Senator? I told you, I was becoming accustomed with your confidence."
She was silent for a long moment, lost in her own thoughts before a series of giggles escaped her lips. He could feel and almost hear her amusing thoughts, but he decided not to invade.
"That was an invitation for a demand, Senator." Vader whispered, moving back up to her neck so he could kiss and bite her roughly.
"C– Can…. Ummm…" she stated, her nervousness mixing with her bursts of pleasure. "Can you sleep with me tonight?"
He frowned slightly as he pulled away, looking down at her. "Aren't I already doing that?"
"No," she breathed nervously, but he could here the fear in her voice. "Like actually sleep."
His frown hardened, realizing her true request, He could practically feel her want, her nerves, and her confusion radiating off of her. She couldn't see him through the blindfold, but he knew that they had an enough of a connection that she knew he was staring at her. It was only because his mind could never make sense of it. He shouldn't sleep with her. It seemed different than sex. He had fallen asleep with her before, but awoken some hours later, regretting his decision. He knew how wrong it felt– how wrong it was. He was almost peaceful when he slept with her – too peaceful– uncomfortably peaceful. The Sith didn't like it.
"Please…" she breathed, a small nervous smile on her face as snuggled deeper into the bed and in return, farther onto his member.
He groaned in contentment, shaking his head as he stared down at the woman– the angel beneath him.
Kriffing Sith Hell… this woman.
He wouldn't agree, but he kissed her lips, causing a large smile to blaster on her face, one that he also would not admit, caused a strange feeling to shiver down his spine. He could feel every instinct that had been trained within him react, telling him to flee, to escape, but he couldn't.
When they found relief together once more, he pulled himself off of her, securing his member back within his pants before lying beside her. He made sure everything was perfectly in place before he slid the sheets up her body and pulled off the blindfold. He wrapped his arms around her torso, the sheets wrapping around his arms as he did so from being position above them. He did not join her under the covers, knowing that if he would lay beside her naked body, even while he was fully clothed, he would never stop. He could feel her protest lightly, trying to squirm away from the confinements so that she could feel his clothes and flesh hand on her skin. She didn't want the feeling of the sheets against her skin, but his skin. It was a feeling that he wanted as well, but could not allow himself the pleasure. She continued to struggle for sometime, but finally settled on just snuggling into his chest before sleep finally overtook them both.
But unlike the senator, tonight, Vader did not find peaceful sleep.
He didn't know where he was– He didn't know who he was. He began to run, escaping into the horizon of nothingness. He didn't know where he was going, besides knowing that he was running away. He paused, something grabbing him, engulfing him like a wave of smoke. To his left, a dark mist crawled in, appearing out of nowhere. It was black and malevolent, surrounding everything around him. For a moment, he was afraid, but the feeling quickly vanished being replaced with nothingness. He couldn't feel, he couldn't fear, but he could embrace the darkness. Still, regardless of the darkness, he could see light– a bright light shining upon him, gleaming brightly across his body trying desperately to break through the darkness. It seemed like a never-ending battle that he was forced to just sit by and watch, sometimes the light would break through, other times the darkness would break through, neither one ever overwhelming the other completely. There was still no winner, the battle only continued– never-ending.
"Ani…"
He stiffened as he heard the voice calling to him; the warm and familiar voice sending a million shivers down his spine that felt like ice crystals driving down his bones. As she called out again, he turned slowly, almost hesitantly to face the voice and was greeted by a pair of brown eyes that he had not seen in a very long time… but they were eyes he could never forget. His breath hitched and his heart stopped as he met her gaze, taking a large step back before he froze within his place.
She looked emotionless as she stepped towards him, the darkness all but breaking as she passed. "Don't you remember me?"
He tried to open his mouth, he tried to talk – tried to answer her, but his mouth had run dry. He couldn't find words. He couldn't make any sense. He couldn't believe it.
"Do you remember me?" she repeated, her voice soft as she paused before him.
"M–Mom?" he stuttered, his disbelief visible across his face.
"Ani," she smiled, the joy never reaching her eyes. "It's– It's been a long time since I've seen you."
"Mom?" he repeated, still not believing his eyes, while his voice conveyed his shock.
She shook her head, the smile still upon her features. Her dark brown hair that was pulled into a braided bun on the back of her head shook as she did, revealing her moderately burned skin. She closed the distance between them, pushing back the garment that hid him from the galaxy before putting her hand upon his cheek.
"Oh, my sweet boy." she smiled, rubbing his skin as the tears began to swell in her eyes. "You're so handsome." She moved her other hand, grazing her fingers over some of the scars that covered his surface, before her fingers paused by his eye. "Look at what they've done to you."
His flesh hand moved to press her fingers against his cheek, breathing in deeply and closing his eyes as he felt the pressure. He could feel her fingers underneath his grasp and could feel the pressure of her hand against his face. "Mom?" he asked again as he opened his eyes and continued to look towards her in disbelief; his mind unable to make sense of what was occurring before his own very eyes.
"It's me, Ani…" she smiled, her face warm and just as he remembered. "It's me."
He could feel the tears beginning to stream from his eyes, the saltiness burning his face. He quickly grabbed onto her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. "I've missed you."
She smiled again, a soft, sad smile, one that made her eyes become even duller. "No," she whispered, her heart visibly breaking. "You have forgotten about me, Ani."
"No," Vader said shaking his head frantically. "I could never."
"You have," his mother disagreed. "You had to."
He was silent, her words burning him, while a true pain resonating from his chest.
"You had to," she repeated. "It was the only way." She paused thinking over her own words, shaking her head as she changed them. "You'll have to because it's the only way."
He opened his mouth, but found himself unable to form words. He wanted to tell her it wasn't true. He wanted to tell her that he had never– could never forget her, but he knew that she knew that. She meant something far worse.
"I don't want to forget you," he admitted, unable to stop what felt like a flood of tears from pouring down his face.
"Then don't," she pressed, grabbing onto his hands tightly. "Don't push me out."
"I have to," Vader wheezed, a heavy weight falling upon his chest as it felt as if he couldn't breath. "You know I can't– I won't be able– It hurts– I need–"
"Ani," she begged. "Pleas–"
"Mom, I can't!"
"You can," Shmi protested. "This path has been placed before you, Anakin. The decision is yours."
"My path has already been decided," Vader retorted, for the first time sounding angry. "I never had a choice!"
"No," she said shaking her head. "No one can choose your path for you, Ani. The choice to take it must be yours alone."
Vader shook his head, his frustration and pain threatening to overwhelm him. "You weren't there," he breathed, the painful memories flashing before his eyes. "You aren't here. My decision was been made long ago. I could not fight it! I tried, but I lost that battle a long time ago."
"You are here," his mother said, grabbing onto him. "You wouldn't be able to be here if it was decided."
He frowned, his mother's words brining him out of his pain and torture.
"But it has been a long time," she continued sadly. "A very long time."
"But I'm here?" Vader repeated softly, trying to understand the words himself. "You're here."
"Yes," his mother nodded. "Because of you. You're here… and you know what that means."
Vader was silent, taking in his mother's words. He had blocked his past out for a long time, as long as he could remember. Memories would resurface, but never this. If this was his mother, than Vader could not be here… and if Vader was here, but not there as Vader, that only meant...
No!
The monster flared inside of him, realizing that the man had escaped. No! He couldn't! He wouldn't allow him to! The darkness began to consume him, flooding his very soul and drowning the man within. The beast fought against every word the woman was saying. The outrage! The audacity! The horror! That man didn't existed! He was dead and whatever was left of him would soon burn. There were no other options! There wasn't another path! He was destined to become this– he had been destined for everything that he had done– what he was to do. His fate was to become Darth Vader, and if he had to burn to complete his destiny… so be it.
"You have a war to win, my love." Shmi continued, watching as the darkness and light fought for possession of her son. "But you have help now."
"You left," he cried, the man just breaking free. "You can't save me from this!"
"Not me," she smiled, her face becoming hopeful. "You have an angel, Anakin. You're not alone."
His mother began to disappear before his eyes, her lips touching his hand and squeezing it tightly. She pulled away from him, leaving him in a panic, trying to bring her back into his grasp.
"Mom!" he begged, reaching out to her. "Mom!"
But he couldn't stop it. She continued to fade, disappearing before his very eyes, and just like that, he was seven all over again, watching his mother ben taken from him. His heart was beating wildly in his chest and the tears were rushing down his eyes, but the darkness would not allow him to move.
"Shmi!" he screamed. "Shmi!"
"Shmi!"
"Vader!"
He pushed himself up, breathing heavily as he opened his eyes, taking in the black room around him. He wheezed deeply, trying to calm his racing heart that was slamming the sides of his chest painfully. The dream played itself over and over in his mind, with him unable to stop it… until he felt someone's hands on his sides.
"You were having a nightmare," she – the senator breathed.
He had forgotten she was in her room, but unlike usual, she was the least of his concerns. He looked at her from the corner of his eye, the sheet wrapped around her naked body and the blindfold still perfectly in place. Her curly hair was a mess and her voice sounded heavy. He had obviously awoken her from her sleep, which apparently resulted in her sitting up and feeling for him – or just listening, he didn't want to know which.
"Sith, don't have nightmares," he responded automatically, unable to find his anger as he moved his eyes away from her.
"I heard you," she breathed, and he couldn't respond.
He knew he should argue, but his mind was still ablaze. The dream that should have never occurred was eating away at him. This was yet another thing that was not suppose to happen. He looked towards his other mistake, remaining silent as he gazed at her. She sat with her legs to her chest, just barely covered by the sheets with her mind wrapped around his wellbeing.
Oh, Senator. Vader thought, making sure he was completely covered, before he pulled the blindfold off of her face and pushed himself into a sitting position on the bed. He could feel her eyes on him, trying to see him in the darkness. He could feel her questions, but he just hoped she didn't ask any of them. Right now, he just wanted her to stay silent. Her presence was soothing, helping him calm his raging nerves.
She did as he wanted, at least for a short time. Though, her silence and curiosity couldn't be kept at bay forever, and before he could even warm her, the question left her lips. "Who is Shmi?"
Vader couldn't stop his anger that erupted as she asked him the forbidden question. The room turned cold as his head snapped in her direction and he fought desperately against every instinct to kill her. "Don't." was all that he said, before he pushed himself up from her bed, his word was ice and bitter, the threat in the single word.
She didn't seem to be fazed by his anger as she moved across the bed and reached out to him, but he rejected her touch, pulling his arm away roughly.
"If you cherish your arm," he growled. "I suggest you rethink your actions."
She said nothing, her eyes burning into his back as he made his escape.
"Go back to sleep," he snapped, before leaving the room, knowing that or hoping that, she wasn't stupid enough to follow. He needed to be alone. He needed to think. He needed to stop whatever was happening.
Padmé tossed and turned within her sheets, unable to return to her slumber. It seemed nearly impossible without Vader there. She rolled onto his side of her bed, snuggling into his warmth and breathing in his scent. It was a comforting feeling, but didn't help her rest. In fact, his scent only woke her up, allowing the questions to form within her mind and her need to grow within her belly. She groaned dramatically, closing her legs and biting her lip as she tried to concentrate on her inquiry and not her need.
"Shmi!" he called out within his sleep, his body twisting and turning while his breath became shallow. "Shmi!"
She had heard him and felt him moving beside her. He had woken her up from her deep sleep, causing her to open her eyes against the blindfold. At first, she had been confused, startled even, until she heard him cry out again. The sound of Vader calling out in true terror to someone was a sound she never wanted to hear again. It frightened her, because what could frighten a Sith Lord? At the time, she had fought against her better judgment to remove the material covering her eyes, and instead just settled on calling out to him.
He had told her it wasn't a nightmare… but it sounded like a nightmare– it seemed like a nightmare. She tried to think of other scenarios, scenarios that would cause of Sith Lord such as Vader to become a puddle under its hold, but found none; it had to be a nightmare. He had to have been remembering something, or at the very least, being tortured by it.
Padmé thought of her conversation with Vader's droid when she had first arrived to his establishments, when she had first become a victim of night terrors.
"How do you know so much about nightmares?"
"You are not the first person I have had to deal with that has had nightmares, milady." 3PO replied kindly, before turning and exiting the room.
It hadn't made sense to her then, but it did now. Was it Vader that the droid had become experienced with? Had Vader been a victim to night terrors as well? It seemed that way anyways, but there was an even bigger question as well with no answer. Who was this, Shmi? Who was it that Vader had called out so frighteningly to? It sounded like a name, but the name of who? A friend? A lover?
Probably one of his past women, she thought before she could stop herself, and Padmé quickly tried to fight back her jealous that simmered deep within her belly. She knew it had to be true though. It had to be undeniably someone close. He had seemed so defensive, even angry when she brought it up– that wasn't just a friend… but Vader had said he didn't care? That he never loved anyone? If that were true, why would this affect him so greatly?
Unless… she thought to herself. He's lying.
She knew it was a possibility, one that she didn't want to think about. It hurt to know that perhaps Vader had lied to her. That maybe he had cared for one of his former lovers. Though she had no idea who would care for the insane Sith Lord, apart from her crazy self. He was impossible to care about– almost, but she also knew that he cared for no one, as much as she lied to herself… but maybe he had at one point in his life? He had, after all, appeared out of thin air and had a large portion of his life to live before he met her. It was a possibility wasn't it?
She hoped not. The jealousy flaring in her belly screaming, begging that it wasn't so. "Shmi," she repeated, testing the words against her lips, and not hating the way it sounded to her ears. She thought she would, but since she didn't, she knew she was missing something. What did this mean? Who was this Shmi?
A few hours later, they rode to the Senate in silence, Vader's fowl mood only seeming to triple as they rode through the Coruscant sky. Neither of them had returned to their slumber after being awoken from Vader's dream, both instead had been consumed by their thoughts with no prevail. Even after they parked and began their walk, their minds remained in the past rather than in the present, thinking and reasoning about the hours before. Vader left her at the edge of her office without a word, not even acknowledging her as he turned and headed in the opposite direction.
It saddened Padmé, but what she didn't know was that Vader felt his Master pulling him through their invisible bond, commanding him to come report to him. The Sith walked rapidly through the halls, answering obediently like the slave that he was. When he arrived, the red guards let him in without delay, allowing him to pass by and enter into the Emperor's large red throne room. Vader followed his Master's Force signature to the other side of the room, where he paused before a large armchair, and knelt to the ground.
"My Master," Vader greeted, bowing his head in false respect.
"Vader," Sidious replied without looking up from the datapad within his grasp. "I feel you are most displeased with me."
Vader raised his head, but not his body, looking towards the Emperor and deciding to tell the truth. "You're hiding something from me, Master." Vader replied, making sure to keep himself and his mind heavily guarded against his Master's tricks.
Sidious almost laughed at his comment. "And you from me, my young apprentice."
He didn't acknowledge his Master's statement, knowing that if he denied the fact, there would be consequences. Instead, he remained silent, returning the Emperor's gaze without fail. He felt as his Master's presence moved over him, trying to prick apart his mind and knock down his mental walls in an attempt to figure out what he was hiding, but Vader remained strong– the old man being no match to his skill, while he even played his part perfectly, acting as if he was unaware of his Master's acts.
"The Rebellion has broken into two," Vader announced, after growing sick of Sidious's games. "Now we have two enemies, the Rebellion and the Resistance."
The Emperor pulled away displeased, turning back to his work unperturbed by the news. "Yes, I know." he finally announced, causing Vader to frown.
He waited for the Sidious to continue, but the elder man remained silent, almost ignoring the younger Sith that stood before him, testing Vader's patience.
"Master?" Vader finally pressed. "What action would you like me–"
"They are of no threat to us, Lord Vader!" Sidious exclaimed, looking up from his datapad in annoyance. "They shall be exterminated soon enough."
"But when?" Vader asked, his own annoyance flaming, as his anger became tangiable.
The Emperor laughed, returning to his usual self, breathing in Vader's anger. "Don't worry, Lord Vader." he replied, with an amused smile. "You will deal with them soon enough."
Vader breathed, knowing he was pushing his limits due to his irritation. The fact angered him, that he was letting his useless emotions get the best of him yet again. Just because of a dream. "Yes," he replied obediently. "Forgive me, Master."
"Good. Good," the Emperor crackled, rising from his desk and circling it to stand above his apprentice. "Your anger brings you focus, my apprentice. It makes you strong."
Vader nodded his head, "Yes, my Master."
"Patience, Lord Vader." Sidious reminded, "It is only a matter of time before the real plan begins."
Vader frowned, looking back up at the man before him. "Real plan, Master?" he asked, not attempting to hide his confusion. "You mean, extracting information from Senator Amidala?"
"Lord Vader," Sidious snapped, almost appalled and disappointed that his apprentice would bring up such an old strategy. "That time has come and passed, you now have a new mission."
"And what is–"
"Patience!" Sidious snapped again, motioning for the Sith to rise and walk with him. "Lord Vader, everything is happening exactly as I have foreseen."
Foreseen? Vader thought. What exactly has he foreseen?
Vader fought against the bile rising in his throat and his raging emotions that told him that somehow his Master knew – knew of his actions towards the senator and his disobedience to his commands… but it was impossible. The old man couldn't know. Senator Amidala had been his mission since the beginning, and he would expect her to treat her as such.
"You now have a new mission."
His Master's words echoed in his head, causing Vader's turmoil to only grow. Apparently, Senator Amidala was his mission, but was not anymore. But then why was she still with him? Why had his Master not commanded him to end her?
"But what of the senator?" Vader asked, his voice void of any emotion.
Sidious only flicked his wrist as they continued down the hall. "We will deal with that later," he replied uncaringly. "For now, the Resistance is about to expose themselves. You will deal with them as the traitors they are, and then you will receive the information you need to sniff out the rest of the Rebellion. It is only a matter of time, Lord Vader, until you will bring and restore peace and justice to the galaxy."
Vader smiled, wickedly, the announcement making his body flare. "Yes, my Master."
"The time is soon, Lord Vader." Sidious announced. "And when they reveal themselves, I leave them to you. I feel that you have been denied a good hunt for far too long."
Vader gritted his teeth, his smile widening, as a different sort of pleasure rushed through his body. "Yes, Master."
"Now we–" Sidious paused, his face becoming neutral as he turned to the hallway outside his chamber. "Do you feel a disturbance, Lord Vader?"
Vader frowned, how could he feel anything but pleasure after that announcement? He could practically see himself bathing in the traitors' blood. The feeling and thought made him shiver with delight.
"Lord Vader," his Master repeated, his voice angry and urgent.
Vader sighed annoyed, pushing his thoughts away as he reached out into the Force, thinking he would find nothing before he immediately frowned. Unfortunately, he did. He felt a disturbance. He felt a disturbance around on particular person– someone that was close… a threat against… He closed his eyes tighter, reaching out deeper into the Force to find his answer. His eyes flashed open as he did, his heart freezing within his chest… Senator Amidala.
"Padmé," Palo called as he entered into her office. "You remember, Senator Alavar?"
Padmé smiled as she looked up from her work, her gaze meeting the pair as they entered. "Of course," she replied, rising from her seat to greet the senator. "How are you, Nee?"
Senator Alavar smiled, returning the gesture. "Hello, Senator Amidala."
"This is a pleasant surprise," Padmé smiled, before a small frown appeared on her features. "But forgive me for asking, is there a reason for this visit?"
They both remained silent, staring at her awkwardly until she began to feel uncomfortable. She frowned as she looked between them, the silent pair frozen to their spots on her floor.
"Is there?" Padmé asked again, taking a small step backwards to accommodate for her uneasiness.
Then, she heard R2 beep from behind them, for the first time causing Palo to move. "Troopers are gone," he said as he turned, allowing R2 to enter as he shut the doors firmly behind him.
Senator Alavar moved too, looking between the man and the droid. "They won't be gone long," she stated. "We have to hurry."
Padmé watched the scene unfold in front of her with confusion, her mind not fully grasping what was happening before her. "I take that as a yes?" Padmé question, causing the pair to look at her.
"Yes," Senator Alavar responded, for the first time dropping her act as her face became hard. "Remember when you assisted my planet against the blockade and I remarked about a rescue mission?"
Padmé paled, her eyes becoming wide. "Yes," she nodded, even though she had completely forgotten. How could she have forgotten that?
Because it's not possible.
"Palo," Senator Alavar continued, gesturing to the man beside her. "Has obtained enough information, that we have been given permission to inform you to be ready."
"Ready?" Padmé repeated, her eyes moving to Palo in shock, the pieces finally beginning to fit together. "Force!" she exclaimed. "Palo, you're a spy for the Rebellion?" She almost couldn't believe it. Palo Campton? A Rebellion Spy? It didn't make sense... but it also did. "That's why you asked me all of those questions!"
Yes," Palo nodded, taking a step towards her as his face became soft. "Padmé, we need you out of here. I told the Rebellion that it's now more than ever. I fought for you, and they agreed."
Padmé frowned, taken back, slightly confused. "What?"
He took another step forward grabbing her hands and holding them within his own. "Vader," he breathed, "he can't keep us apart Padmé. I love you."
Padmé's mouth ran dry at his confession. Her eyes becoming saucers as she looked between the man and woman in shock. This was so much information coming to her in such a short amount of time, and she hadn't been prepared for it. Was this even actually happening?
"Yes. Yes," Senator Alavar pushed, pulling the man away from Padmé. "We don't have time. Go, Palo! Contact them! Tell them that we have informed, Senator Amidala."
"I'll be back," he whispered with a smile, kissing each of her hands before he fled.
As he did, Senator Alavar turned to her, not even sparing a second. "I must go now too," she said. "I'm sure, Palo will have the final news when he returns. I just wanted to be sure to tell you myself. "
Padmé tried to find words, but found herself almost speechless. It felt like a dream… but strangely also like a nightmare. "I– I can't thank you enough," she stumbled, unsure of what to actually say, but regardless reaching out for the senator's hand and shaking it kindly. "Thank you so much."
A sad look passed over Senator Alavar's face and she nodded, before turning to exit. She paused, however, as she made it to the doorway, turning back to Padmé with even more hurt filled eyes. "Senator," she called. "Again, I would like to thank you for all of your help. I want you to know that it was greatly appreciated." She paused again, shaking her head. "I'm so sorry."
Padmé frowned, "Sorry for?"
The senator shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips. "I'm just sorry."
Padmé continued to frown as she watched the woman leave, still not understanding the woman's apology. She told herself it was probably because of the bantha-load of information that had just been placed upon her plate, and her mixed feelings about it. It still felt like a dream to her, like it had happened too quickly without a real explanation.
Because there is no explanation, a voice sounded inside her head. Something is out of place.
She knew it was true. Something didn't make sense. There was no motive for her rescue, nor would the Rebellion risk telling her about the rescue in such an open and unsecure location. It had happened too fast and without warning. Something was out of place– something was off. She told herself she wasn't excited about the news because she knew it was a lie, but something inside of her ached, something she didn't want to think about. She didn't have to think about it though, because she wasn't going to be rescued. She knew that– she felt that after she gave herself time to think. Someone was playing a game, and had fooled the pair in the works of it.
She heard someone walk through her doorway, followed by R2's beeps and whistles sounding from somewhere behind her, drawing her out of her thoughts.
Palo, Padmé thought. He can get me to the bottom of this.
She raised her head to continue her conversation with him, to ask him the flood of questions that had entered her mind. "Palo, who was it that–" She stopped as she realized the man before her was not Palo, but a dark-skinned human male, one that looked extremely like the senator who had just left her office. The man looked visibly upset, taking Padmé off guard, as she had never seen this man before in her life.
"I'm sorry," Padmé whispered, taking step near him. "Are you alright?"
The man didn't say anything to her, instead, continued mumbling to himself as his hands fidgeted behind his back, a look of frustration covering his face.
"Sir," Padmé continued softly. "Are–"
The man's head snapped towards her as he swung his arms to the front of his body, revealing the bomb and detonator in his hand. Padmé realized the threat too late, and as her mouth opened in horror, all she could do was watch the man threw the bomb towards the center of the room.
"Senator!"
The loud boom shattered throughout the room, breaking walls and shattering eardrums. It took under a second for the bomb to devastate all that were near. A torrent of fire filled the room, and Padmé was only able to watch in horror as her world flew apart around her, a sheer pain radiating through her body. She was about to be engulfed by the flames, before she felt as a large heavy mass push her away from the path of harm and shield her body with his own until the force of the detonation sent them both flying in opposite directions.
When she opened her eyes again, the pain that radiated through her body was almost unbearable. Her head was thumbing, her body was aching, and she could almost feel her ribs move with each breath. She moaned painfully as she tried to push herself up from the blood and filth covered floor that she laid upon, falling back down will a loud humph as her arms gave out from underneath her.
She laid still for a moment, trying to regain her strength as she began to make out the sounds of yelling voices somewhere outside her office. Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself up, looking around at the pieces and shards of her office. As she reached her full height, she stumbled almost falling back onto the ground, her vision blurring as her mind began to spin. She could see that there was smoke everywhere, engulfing the ceiling as it rose. Debris from everywhere, her desk, her ceiling, her walls, was scattered along her floor, and there were two small fires that burned in the corner of her room. She saw the man, or half of the man, lying on the opposite side of the room in a pool of blood, the bomb having been thrown back at him somehow, but she couldn't remember how or any of the details.
She felt a pain in her side, and only then did she realize that she was bleeding as well. She looked down at her own pool of blood, only then registering the small bits of metal that were poking out of her side. It hurt, but she didn't complain. It should have been worse…
Why hadn't it been?
Her mind moved within her skull, causing her to let out a small cry as she tried to make sense of the entire situation.
The man's head snapped towards her as he swung his arms to the front of his body, revealing the bomb and detonator in his hand.
A man, a man had tried to kill her! A man that was laying in pieces! She had almost been killed by… Who even was he? She had a number of attacks during her lifetime, but never did she expect this. If anyone, she had expected Vader to try to end her life. That Vader would be– Vader!
"Senator!"
He had yelled out to her!
She was about to be engulfed by the flames before she felt as a large heavy mass push her away from the harm and shield her body with his own until the force of the detonation sent them both flying in opposite direction.
Vader had pushed her out of the way!
Her heart stopped as she gazed around the room. Where was he? Where was Vader? She looked around frantically, her vision beginning to clear as she tumbled forward, tripping over shards and sliding across blood. She tried to find her voice, but could only rasp. The pain shooting through her like lightening bolts.
She paused as she heard the rattling of metal, turning to face the opposite side of the room from where she had landed. She watched as giant piece of the ceiling that lay along the floor was pushed upwards and a man pushed himself out from underneath. She watched mesmerized for a moment, her brain in such pain that she couldn't even think properly.
The man looked at the metal that had held him prison before he turned to face her, a small frown across his features. She audibly gasped as his gaze met her, for the first time taking in the sight that stared upon her. The man gazing back at her was incredibly more handsome than anything she had seen in her entire life. His skin– or what she could see of it, was tan and covered with dirt and blood, lightly scarred in areas such as his eye that had a large straight line down it. His jaw was firm and strong, an accenting feature on his face, but nothing compared to his full lips. His hair was a dark blond, brown mess of shaggy locks that framed his face in a way that quite literally took her breath away. His eyes were a piercing fiery yellow, staring at her with such cold calculation that she had to glance away.
Her heart skipped a beat, but her mind was still unable to make sense. Just who was this man and where was Vader? She tried to think if there had been more than just one assassin, but her brain refused to put the pieces together. She couldn't remember.
She turned back to the man, her head thumping even harder as she met his gaze once more.
"W–Who," she frowned, her voice crackling. "Who are you?"
He stared back at her, a hard frown on face but something hidden within his eyes. He didn't respond to her, as he let out a loud groan, suddenly pulling out a large piece of metal that was piercing out of his side. She gaped at him in astonishment, watching a new flow of blood drop onto the floor, but he breathed a sigh of relief instead of pain. Neither of them moved as a army of troopers entered the room, acting as if they had seen this all before and moved along with their business without acknowledging the two of them.
Padmé wanted to scream as the troopers continued to pass. Why weren't they looking for their commander? They had to find Vader! He had been here! Where was he?
"Sir," a trooper said catching Padmé's eye, as he ran up to the gorgeous man across the room that turned to face him. "We believe the assassin was a suicide bomber, killed with his own blast. We also believe he was apart of the small amount of members that broke away from the Rebellion."
"Believe?" the man snapped, his voice undeniably like the Sith and his face becoming so angry that Padmé herself was intimidated. "Why don't you figure out who exactly this scum is!" the man shouted, gesturing to the pieces of human lying upon the floor. "And more importantly, how the son of a bitch found his way in here!"
The trooper took a large step back, obviously frightened by the man. "Yes, Lord Vader!"
Padmé froze as the trooper's statement reached her ears, her heart literally stopping within her chest.
"Yes, Lord Vader!"
Her gaze slowly moved towards the man, her mind screaming on thing: It can't be!
"Vader," Padmé repeated in shock, staring wide-eyed at the man in question. "Lord Vader?"
He said nothing, his face becoming hard as he looked towards her and back to his troops that were surveying the area.
She refused to believe it. It couldn't be Vader! It couldn't be! It didn't make sense! This man was far too human– too young to be Darth Vader! He couldn't be that much older than her! For the first time, she inspected him again. His shaggy hair, his golden tan, and his strong features– he was gorgeous! Her eyes moved to his clothes: the black tunic, black cloak, and lightsaber that hung from his belt – exactly identical to that of Vader!
"As in Darth Vader," Padmé continued, her shock only growing.
He didn't turn to face her, but Padmé could see his eyes roll at her comment, almost angered and annoyed, before his head snapped towards the doorway.
"Ah, Vader."
Padmé followed his lead, turning her head to see the Emperor entering her office, flanked by more guards and troopers than usual. He waved them off as he entered, having them return to their work as he approached the young man.
"It seems that you got here just in time," Palpatine smiled, patting the man lightly on the back. "Well done, my friend. Well done!"
Vader didn't respond, but his yellow eyes remained glued to his Master, who turned away from the Sith to look towards the young senator.
"Handsome isn't he, Senator?" Palpatine laughed, eyeing the Sith that stood motionless beside him. "It's why I keep his face away from preying eyes. He would become quite the catch, and not in the way I want. Don't get too attached though, he won't have it for much longer." Palpatine smiled, a far more evil and devilish smile than before. "Isn't that right, Lord Vader?
"Yes, my Master."
Padmé continued to stare at the Sith in shock, still not believing that that boy could be the monstrous Darth Vader. It didn't seem possible, and her mind could not wrap her head around it.
"My Lords," an officer stated as he walked into the room, bowing slightly to the two men. "The man was one of Senator Alavar's representatives, one that had fled sometime ago, but before now had no connection to the Rebellion."
Vader's face turned cold, his eyes becoming fire. "And what?" he barked. "We just thought he fled– disappeared off the face of the galaxy because he got sick of working in politics?"
The officer shook his head, "He wasn't thought of as a threat, si –"
"A threat?" Vader snapped. "Well he certainly–"
"Our apologies–"
The man's head turned in a complete circle, never having the opportunity to finish his interruption to Vader's comment before the Sith killed him. As the man fell to the floor, Padmé remained frozen in her place, watching as a type of beast formed over the Sith. Palpatine smiled at his apprentice, Vader's eyes becoming deranged and his breath was audible from across the room. He turned to his clones, his anger even more ballistic. "Get, Senator Alavar!" Vader commanded. "She is connected to all of this!"
"Yes, sir!"
As the clones ran out the opening of her office, the red guards seemed to become agitated, trying to move the Emperor along as they entered into the room.
"Calm now," Palpatine responded, his voice conveying false concern. "This threat was against one of my nearest and dearest senators. I must care for her first." He paused, turning to the rest of the troopers that remained within the room. "Trooper," Palpatine instructed. "Take Senator Amidala to the nearest medical bay, she needs to be looked after."
The trooper hesitated, looking towards his true commander, before turning back to the Emperor. Padmé did the same, only then realizing that Vader's gaze was upon her, his eyes angry, but she knew instantly that it was not with her.
"And what of other attempts, my Lord?"
"There will be none," Palpatine said, throwing his hand into the air. "Vader will be sure of that."
"With all do respect," the trooper responded. "I believe my commander needs to be looked after as well."
Palpatine's eyes grew vicious, his head snapping back towards the clone. "Are you disagreeing with my orders, trooper?"
The trooper shuffled back, his head turning towards his commander who eventually gave him a small nod. "No, sir." The trooper responded, walking over to Padmé's side and putting his arm gently around her. "I got you, ma'am."
Padmé leaned on the clone for support, but looked towards Vader, his gaze hotly burning into her skin, before he turned to his Master.
"Vader," Palpatine breathed darkly. "You know what to do."
Vader's face became a void as all sense of emotions disappeared from his features. Slowly, he reached behind his head, pulling up his hood and becoming the usual Sith that the galaxy saw him as. He was perfectly back in place, as if he had never been revealed. Padmé gazed beneath the hood, but found only darkness like before, not a single trace of the man she had seen underneath.
"MW-925," he stated, his voice dark and monotone. "Escort the senator to the nearest medical bay. I will hold you personally responsible for her… The rest of you, come with me."
Vader exited without another word, the Sith Lord, Darth Vader perfectly back in place, ready to bring an end to the Rebellion and restore justice to his Empire.
Author's Note: Well, know that I love you because it's 4am my time… So if any mistakes, I guess someone will point them out. Sorry this took so long, I couldn't get it to flow as it is a bit jumpier than my usual chapters, then I had to cut a lot out for next chapter. Let's just say, Kenzie not happy. Either way, what's going to happen now! Drop a review! Thanks lovelies!
Author's Second Note: I had the Resistance written before "The Force Awakens" so Star Wars copied me! Not really, just a happy coincidence.