Chapter 8: A Strange Duet

Through the mist and darkness of her empty mind, Padmé suddenly became aware of the pole that was aiming swiftly and dangerously at her right shoulder. In a flash, she parried it, sending a loud cracking sound reverberating off the walls and ceiling.

Although the mask and hood covered his face and eyes, Padmé could tell that the Phantom was surprised by her sharp reflexes and strength. For a moment, he just stood there regarding her before whipping the weapon at her so quickly that it was impossible for any mere human to block.

But she did. The blows did not stop coming. Furious was his pace, and the mist and wind of his passing weapon cooled Padmé.

Not once did her eyes blink or stray away from where his surely held hers under the death-like hood. Somehow, something was guiding Padmé's hands and feet, causing her to be in the precise position at the right moments. She dimly knew that it was he who was guiding her body and mind, but Padmé had neither the will nor strength to fight his dominion.

All of the sudden, the Phantom ended his attack and rested the pole stiffly at his side.

Not even sweating or taking a shallow breath, Padmé came to an abrupt stop also.

"You have talent, Miss Padmé," he whispered from beneath his mask, "just as I knew you did." A black gloved hand was extended to her as the pole fell to the ground. Oddly enough, she did not hear it hit the ground.

Once more, she slipped her cold fingers into his hand but was surprised when the Phantom whipped her body around and pressed her against him. Her back against his front, her waist was slowly encircled by his hands.

Padmé did not even so much as tremble. Resting her curly head against his hard chest, Padmé closed her eyes and allowed his overwhelming presence to take over her.

The Phantom had won in his battle over her mind and soul, and he knew it. While she rested against him thus, one of the Phantom's hands strayed from where he held her to caress one of the brown spirals that tumbled over the blackness of his robe.

At last, after many long years, the Darkness had come to embrace the light, though it would take time to fully heal.

Even as she stood there, Padmé had the strongest sensation that she had been in the Phantom's arms before and that she inevitably belonged there. The strong arms that held and caressed her were as part of her as her own body. His heart, now slowed to beat in tandem with hers, pulsed with fervor for her and was forever sealed to a destiny of her choosing.

Beneath the mask and away from the sight of man, something flickered in the Phantom's eyes and his body suddenly went rigid as a faint sound was heard. "I have taught you enough for one night," he murmured before lightly placing his fingers on her temple.

Sound asleep with fearless sleep, Padmé was scooped up into his arms, her head resting once more against his chest.

That was too close the Phantom silently cursed himself as he escaped the room by a secret route only known to him. We should have been quieter

But, the Angel in his arms calmed his fears and stirred even more emotions within him. For years, the Phantom had fought against the light, hating the goodness and feelings that came with it, but, before he'd even realized it his soul had embraced and made room for it.

Perhaps it was time.

Minutes later, he silently stole into Padmé's quarters and gently tucked her into bed, but not without kissing her pale forehead.

This is for you He placed a red rose on the dresser next to her before slipping out of the room unnoticed.

Or, so he thought.

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