Chapter 6: "T.G? Who the Heck is He?"
Soon, Padmé found herself reunited with her peers in one of the Temple's many sparing rooms. Whether it was part of the curriculum or due to the presence of the Phantom, the Nubian ladies were to learn self defense. Their weapons were long poles that, when wielded correctly, could protect them from any enemy.
Sadly, Padmé knew that a metal pole would do very little against their lurking adversary. Despite this knowledge, she found herself paired up with Sabé.
"What did the Healer say?" Sabé asked worriedly though she kept her eyes adverted.
Padmé quickly decided that it would not be best to share everything she had just learned with her friend. Fortunately, she was spared having to lie because, at that moment, they were handed their poles and instructed on the basics of how to wield them.
Because of the fact that her nerves were still raw from the confrontation with the Phantom, Padmé did quite poorly. Numerous times, Sabé hit her with blows that not only hurt her but shocked Padmé. The instructor, as he passed by to observe their practice, frowned and hurriedly wrote something down on his notepad.
"What is he doing?" Padmé asked apprehensively as Cin Drallig, the instructor, walked off. Her practice had not improved her skills, and Padmé was getting even more frustrated by it.
"Critiquing us so he can place us in the proper levels," Sabé explained, tiredly brushing her sweat-covered bangs out of her eyes. With great effort, she swung the heavy pole at the still-dazed Padmé.
A loud crack filled the room and Padmé's arm throbbed from the impact. "You'll be put in the highest one," Padmé moaned as she rubbed the tender spot.
Feeling sudden dread, she watched with large eyes as the instructor rushed towards them.
"Please do not count her down for that," Sabé pleaded, becoming very defensive for her friend. "She just got out of the Healer's ward, and I did catch her off guard."
"You are never to let your guard down- an enemy will do much worse than whack you with a stick," Cin Drallig intoned as he resumed his writing.
Had Padmé not been so concerned that unfriendly eyes were watching her, she would have seen the compassion that flitted through the Jedi's eyes. "Aye," he said. "Master Kenobi told me about it, but I will still have to place you in which level I feel is best for you."
Nervously swallowing and nodding, Padmé turned back to her friend a she walked off, but neither of them resumed their sparring.
"Are you alright?" Sabé whispered, her pole resting limp at her side.
Over the course of the lesson, Padmé had become increasingly white but, as she paused for a moment, a distinct shiver went down her spine. Crying out, she whipped around and scanned the room.
He was watching her.
The hand gripping the pole became clammy as Padmé began to tremble. Though she had not seen him, Padmé felt the pressure of his unfeeling eyes on her exposed back.
"Padmé, what is it?" Sabé asked in trepidation, not missing how terrified her friend looked.
"He's here," she whispered, her eyes momentarily flitting shut.
At this, Sabé looked about but too saw no one. "Padmé, there is no one there."
"There is," Padmé insisted, suddenly feeling dizzy. The pole fell to the ground as she turned and stumbled to the bleachers.
By then, she had attracted the attention of the entire class.
Rushing to her side, Sabé caught Padmé moments before she nearly fell to the floor. "I need to take you back to the healer."
Padmé was inclined to agree this time, and she collapsed onto a seat and held her head in her hands. Moments later, Sabé began to rub her back, whispering assurances that everything was going to be alright.
"Back to your positions!" Drallig bellowed at all the other ladies, sending them scurrying back to their spots. Once they were gone, he knelt down in front of Padmé and gently pulled her hands away from her tear-soaked face. "There is no reason to fear, Miss Padmé- I will protect you with my very life."
Though grateful for his unnecessary but kind words, Padmé could not stop sobbing. Soon, the Jedi walked off, leaving Sabé to tent to the distraught woman.
Finally, the class ended and everyone, including Padmé, sat in a group on the floor before Drallig. "I have categorized each one of you according to your abilities." Pausing, he leafed through his stack of papers. "Level One is for beginners while Level Four is for those who are more advanced. Because Level Four is extremely hard to enter into, most of you shall be placed in Level Two."
With a sinking feeling, Padmé already knew which level she was going to end up in.
"Those who shall be in Level Four are Rabé and Sabé."
All of the women cheered while the two said ladies grinned broadly. Excited for her friend, Padmé gave Sabé a big hug.
Next, he announced who was to be in the Third and Second Level. Once again, everyone cheered and congratulated each other.
Except for Padmé. Her name hadn't been called, but no one besides Cin Drallig and Sabé had noticed.
Unbeknownst to them, the being lurking in the shadows saw and heard all.
Even before the hissing started, Padmé knew that he was there. Cin Drallig too knew that something was wrong and became suddenly silent.
The Phantom was not pleased.
"What is the meaning of placing such a talented young woman in the most pathetic level?" the voice boomed.
Everyone in the room became deathly silen.
Ignited lightsaber in one hand, Cin Drallig called out, "Who's there?"
There was no reply.
The Jedi ignited his blade, causing all the young ladies to jump. In a mere instant, all of the Nubian women had crowded around him.
"It's him," Padmé breathed. In a daze, she remained still in her spot a good distance away from where the other's huddled, leaving her vulnerable. Sudden drowsiness washed over being and her body began to say.
Cin saw what was going on and shoved the woman to the floor, immediately ending the trance that had been placed on her. "Leave her alone!" he cried out, waving his lightsaber in challenge at the unseen predator. "You do not belong here!"
The shadows remained silent, but behind them, there was a small fluttering sound.
A letter with the skulled seal laid on the floor, causing everyone to immediately glance up at the ceiling.
Timidly, Cin Drallig picked up the note but did not lower his lightsaber. He handed it to Sabé without saying a word.
Quickly, the blond-haired woman read it for her friend. "It's signed T.G.," she whispered, looking up at the Jedi with wide eyes. She then turned her gaze to Padmé who looked as if she were about to faint.
"Temple Ghost!" Cin breathed. "Everybody leave now and do not separate until you reach your quarters!"
Numbly, Padmé started to follow the others.
"Miss Padmé, I would like to have a word with you before I escort you to your quarters," Cin announced as everyone quickly fled the sparring room."
Exchanging terrified looks with Sabé, Padmé obediently followed Drallig out of the room.
"I am sorry I had to do that to you," he apologized for his harshness. In an act of consolation, he placed one of his large hands on Padmé's shoulder.
"It's alright."
"You may practice here whenever you wish," he continued, "and, perhaps with a little effort, you will be able to join your friends in a different level." He suddenly became stern. "But I do not want you to be her alone."
The Shadow listened, and beneath the mask, the Phantom smiled.
It was time.
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Okay,
for the spoiler... Chapter 6: A Strange Duet (I combined several
posts into one, btw).
Summary: Padme decides to get in some late
night practice against the wishes of her friends and the Jedi.
Closing her eyes, Padme tried to rid herself of her tears of deafeat and, most importantly, of him...
And then it was only her and the pole. With fluid movements, she twirled and jabbed with it, immagining a petrifying foe before her.
On and on Padme battled this invisible enemy and, in the back of her mind, Padme knew that she was winning. As she progressed, her strength increased and her battle became more furious. Triumphant, she raised her pole for a final blow. With a furious swing, Padme hit with all her might...
...and hit something with a loud 'crack.'
