Amazing – Thanks as always! Yep, she's evil but, remember, Palpy did threaten her babies.
Phantom – Thanks so much. Yes, he is, of course, evil. He was just being nice because he wanted her on his side. I think he may get more than he bargained for…
Author's Note: I was going to make this one chapter but it will have to be two, with the actual duel coming next.
A Twist of Fate 8: Prelude to a Duel
She had killed the young ones. The thought of what she had done sickened her but what other option did she have? Palpatine had threatened her own children and, if her heart broke for young lives lost, it was hardened by the knowledge their deaths would keep her tiny daughters alive.
She thought that she might yet make Palpatine yet regret his intimidation but quickly cut off that line of thought. He would sense treachery.
That was why he wanted her to kill the children. He wanted her to prove her loyalty, her willingness to embrace the Dark Side. She wondered what else he would have her do. She prayed that Obi-Wan had been dispatched by the clones like the other Jedi, if only so she would not have to be the one to destroy him. There was a glint in her eyes when she thought that it was too bad Bail had escaped but then she remembered his arms around her and her heart softened.
After reporting back to the new Emperor, Anakira got her next assignment. She was to do away with Nute Gunray and the Separatists. It would be her pleasure. She remembered how they had caused this awful war with their disloyalty and rebellion. Why, even when she had been a small child and first met Obi-Wan, Padme, and Qui-Gon they had been there causing trouble. Quin-Gon…Why did she think of him now? He would certainly not have approved of her path. The thought of him shamed and saddened her but she shook it away.
As if conjured by her thoughts, there was Padme. She had hoped to leave without seeing her but she was not surprised she had come. She often thought the woman she counted as an older sister could have been a Jedi.
The older woman ran up to her, a desperate look in her eyes. "Anakira," she said with relief, "you are okay! The Chancellor just said there was a plot by the Jedi to kill him and overthrow the Senate! It can't be true. Do you know where Obi-Wan is?"
Anakira looked down at her sternly and said, "It is true. I saw Mace Windu's attempt at assassination with my own eyes." She neglected to say that she had killed the Jedi Master.
Padme pleaded, "But where is Obi-Wan?"
Anakira shook her head and said, "Many Jedi are dead. If he is loyal to the Chancellor and the Republic, he has a chance."
Padme cheeks flamed and she retorted, "The Chancellor has declared himself Emperor!"
Anakira voice was stone when she said, "Democracy will be restored once we have peace. Now, I have to go. Look to your own loyalties, Senator. I know where mine lie. The Separatists are in the Mustafar system. I am about to take care of them. When did the Jedi or your Senate ever come close to that?"
Padme spoke her name and put her hand on the younger woman's shoulder to stop her. The Sith Lady whipped around to face her and growled, "Don't stop me." Padme felt a tightening in her throat but Anakira released her and sped off toward Mustafar.
Padme thought she would know if Obi-Wan had died but she could not be sure. She lay in her room weeping when he entered quietly. She jumped up to embrace but did not make a sound because he was quiet and she feared an exclamation might attract those who were hunting the Jedi. The held each other for a long time and her tears dampened his shoulder.
"Obi," she whispered, "I was so afraid. Anakira said…"
He shushed her with a kiss, then said, "These are dangerous times and I can not promise I will always come back to you but I can promise to try. I am afraid I have terrible news about her."
He told her what he learned from the security recordings. He stepped away from her and covered his face with his hands when he told her about Anakira, their Anakira, killing younglings. "This is my fault, Padme," he choked out.
She grabbed his hands and said, "Never! If Anakira has joined the Sith, that was her decision."
He shook his said, "I was her teacher. I failed her. I have to find her."
Padme looked at him, full of love and resolve, and said, "I will tell you where she has gone but only if I go with you."