The Power to Save Her
Chapter 13
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.
The fleet of star destroyers zipped into space over Naboo, the blue atmosphere hazy and glowing. The Executor came into few seconds behind the fleet, imposing in its size. Piett, in Vader's private hanger, was overseeing the details of the landing party. He could hear the whispers of his men, though not wishing to get in the middle of the unrest, ensured that his men stayed silent about it in his presence. He didn't know how many disciplinaries he'd have to give before they too questioned his allegiance. Regardless, he'd keep order, with no tolerance for mutinous thinking.
In the main hanger, TIE fighter pilots scrambled for their ships, forming a squadron to fly over the capitol city of Naboo. In minutes the skies of the planet were filled with the hum of this infestation. Within the city, the people were gathered around the grave of the fallen former queen, whom they'd loved dearly. After wondering who'd done this, some remembered the heavy presence of Vader's fleet mere hours before the grave had been defiled and emptied. This was no coincidence and soon the rumors of what happened to her body became widely known. Not only was Vader violent, but he was also cold-blooded in his disrespect for the dead.
Days ago, some of the former queen's family had stepped forward, decrying this act, no longer silent in their disdain for the Empire. Though people did not see them in the gathering at the palace, there'd been word that they'd spoken with the current Queen about demanding answers from the Empire. Though the Emperor himself had promised answers, he'd elected to send Vader for whom the people were anticipating. Many looked up as the TIE fighters flew overhead, their faces solemn and angry. The skies were grey, nearly hiding the hundreds of fighters descending, but still a silent vigil was kept over the grave of the queen. They held up lights honoring her memory, its glow permeating the darkness of the city. Then overhead, came the roaring of Vader's shuttle. People watched it circle back, landing in the hanger of the Queen. Its occupants hidden from the citizens, but they knew he was here.
Within the hanger was an elegantly dressed woman, accompanied by several men, dressed in the uniform of palace guards. The ramp lowered, and the guards stiffened while the queen, dressed in lavender robes, awaited the arrival of Naboo's most hated man at the moment. Black polished boots were the first to be seen, followed by the blue skirts of a secondary figure appearing next to him.
To the astonishment of both the queen and the guards, there stood the dead former queen of Naboo.
Padmé felt the eyes on her as she descended with Anakin, taking in the familiar sights of the palace hanger. Feeling dread, she leveled her gaze with the current queen, who'd she'd never met, watch her with amazement. Clearly Padmé's face was familiar to her, for the queen didn't bother disguising her surprise. Cutting the moment short, Anakin stepped forward, and she followed in their approach to the queen.
"I believe I've been summoned on a fallacy?", spoke the voice of Vader, and immediately the queen's face broke from its trance, and turned into fear.
"I'm afraid so.", she answered, despite her fear. "The people of Naboo have been demanding answers for this apparent disgrace, and with you here now, we can set the record straight."
"You've no wish to accuse me?", asked Vader, a harder edge to his voice.
"I've no wish for suffering to come to my people.", she answered, clearly holding back her opinions. Padmé noticed the stolen glances her way. "Surely as this is the Emperor's home planet, the feeling is mutual."
"I've no interest in the daily squabbles of politics.", intoned Vader, truly showing his distaste. "Say what needs to happen and I'll consider it."
"The demands are not my own, but rather that of Padmé Amidala's family.", answered the Queen, glancing her way. "I believe speaking with them will be answer enough."
"My family is here?", Padmé asked, anxious to see them.
"No, they currently reside on Varykino.", the queen answered and glanced at Vader. "There were requests that they hide, to avoid stirring up the people."
"You mean the Emperor wanted to silence them.", Padmé clarified and the queen's eyes widened ever so slightly. Clearly no one was brave enough to have openly spoke against the Empire in front of Vader.
"How willing are you to clear this misunderstanding?", Vader asked, not bothering to address the open disdain that Padmé expressed.
"If the conditions are met, answers being given, Naboo should continue being at peace.", replied the queen, her voice even, though her face ashen at Padmé's earlier words. "I believe the other planet's leaders will want to speak with you."
"Good. We'll convene with them immediately.", Vader stated, leaving no room for argument.
Swiftly they left the hanger and out into the open palace grounds of the city. At the sighting of Vader, the crowds held at bay by stormtroopers murmured. Knowing that she'd be revealed as alive sooner or later, she turned her gaze at the crowd, and for a moment there was a hush. She could see recognition in the eyes of the older men and women, their eyes betraying confusion and concern. She offered a look as apologetic as she could make it and turned away, following her husband and the current queen. The murmurs only grew louder behind her.
The grounds of the palace were familiar and beautiful, even after all these years, despite its Imperial presence. It was still overflowing with life, despite its grey skies, as plant life decorated the columns and buildings in its beauty. This was home to her, even after all these years. In front of her was Anakin, dressed in black, strongly contrasting the colors of the city.
The main palace was in sight, its domes reaching into the cloudy skies, and at the bottom steps, a large presence of citizens. At the sight of Vader, they grew restless, and even more so when stormtroopers pushed to allow the Sith passage. Quickly, Padmé appeared at Vader's side letting them see her, and similar to the crowd by the hanger, the people expressed shock.
Quietly they passed through the masses, not acknowledging them, nor lingering to wait for them to recover. Only when they'd passed, did the whispers begin. Padmé could hear some of them, though she did not focus on it. They ascended the steps of the main palace and passed through the massive archways and halls until they made it to the throne room where several strangers were waiting.
The planet leaders stiffened at the sight of the Sith.
Then, eyes dropped to her, standing about a foot shorter than the Sith, and she could tell that several recognized her almost immediately. Though none had been in the court during her reign, she recognized that there were those who'd served under Queen Jamillia. She assumed that they currently had no true power over this planet, though held the titles for the love of their people. She guessed that some others present served by choice and approved of the Empire, judging by their Imperial uniforms.
There was silence as some grappled with the sight of the once dead queen.
"As you can see, Padmé Amidala is alive.", began the queen, opening the floor for conversation.
"I do, but how?", asked a man who appeared to be an Imperial governor of the planet.
"It was the will of the Force.", she answered, speaking for the first time to them. She glanced at Anakin, who'd no wish to speak, and then back to the governing body. "I am here to prevent the deaths of people on my home planet. What can be done to quell the unrest?"
"I believe your appearance alone would sooth it.", spoke the queen again. "Let it be known that despite all odds, you somehow survived."
"We do not have time to waste pandering to the planet.", answered Vader, clearly irritated. "I believe she has done enough."
"I believe this would be beneficial, but surely speaking with leaders of this unrest would be more efficient?", Padmé replied, trying to find a middle ground. Anakin's frustrations were apparent.
"The leaders are unknown, though we suspect an underground Rebellion circle is responsible for stirring the pot.", replied the governor with clear disdain. "Once found, they will be brought forward and executed."
"With all due respect, wouldn't that only lead to more unrest?", asked Padmé, not liking this one. He gave off a haughty smile at her words. This only pressed her to continue. "Surely to key to quelling the storm is to calmly wait for it to pass, not add more waves."
"Does she speak for you Lord Vader, or the Empire for that matter?", asked the governor clearly growing impatient, shaking his head.
The tension at his words could be felt.
"She speaks for herself, Governor, and you would do well to heed her words.", Vader replied, and Padmé could hear the edge to his voice. At the tone, the governor wizened up and kept quiet. He swallowed but nodded.
"I will make an appearance with the Queen, who will later testify the credibility of my identity.", continued Padmé, trying to move on. Then she turned her gaze to the queen. "There will be outliers who won't accept the truth, but the truth still deserves to be known."
"I believe this is the best approach.", agreed the Queen, relief shining in her eyes. Padmé could see that the peaceful solution was favored by the current monarch.
"Before this, however, I must speak with my family.", Padmé replied, and the Queen nodded with understanding.
"I will have your transport made ready.", she remarked, motioning to a handmaiden. The servant turned to exit the hall when a palace guard entered the room in a frenzy. He was breathing hard and had a hand at his blaster.
"The Rebel Alliance, they're here!", he cried.
Outside came the scream of TIE fighters and the district hum of X-Wing fighters. Through the massive window, Padmé could see a burst of orange flame as one of the ships exploded midair. The fire fell just outside the city walls and Padmé could hear the cries of the people outside the palace.
"This is Theed?", Luke asked, holding up binoculars as they spied on the city from a forest that bordered it. Even from here, he could see that the place was beautiful.
"Yes, where her family is said to be hidden.", replied Leia with some trepidation. Her dark eyes viewed the transports circling the perimeter. Though far way, they could see the white armor of stormtroopers guarding stations.
"I don't get it. What makes her so special to the Empire?", asked Han who'd come with them, despite their protests. He'd been allowed to come but limited to being on standby. Chewie was there, in support.
"That remains to be seen.", replied Luke, though he too wondered the same thing. Artoo came up to him and bumped him in the leg. Luke placed a palm on the silver dome.
He was then reminded of the connections this droid had with his father. Knowing the identity of Vader, it didn't take very long for him to understand that this woman was very important to him, and that there was more to her than met the eye. He suspected Leia knew something more about this woman, though he'd neglected to ask on their journey. Luke felt the implications, though he hadn't acknowledged them. He needed more proof.
"This place is crawling with stormtroopers.", muttered Leia, a look of concern on her face. "I don't know if we can get through without being recognized. Luke can you—Luke?"
Leia cut off, noticing the faraway look in Luke's eyes. Luke felt the familiar presence, feeling a coldness settle over him. He opened his eyes to see both Han and Leia watching him worriedly.
"Vader's here.", spoke the younger man, a haunted expression on his face.
"How do you know?", Han asked, clearly skeptical, though wary.
"I can feel his presence.", Luke replied, almost shuddering. Overhead there was a shuttle. Luke watched it descend into the city, knowing that it was the Sith on it. "We must act quickly."
"The location is near the center of the capitol, though we'll need to get there without being spotted.", Leia said, knowing this was easier said than done. Artoo projected a map, displaying the location.
"I hate all this sneaking around.", sighed the smuggler with some annoyance. Both Luke and Leia glanced over in exasperation.
"Well it's a good thing you're not doing any of that.", Leia reminded, causing Han to frown. Luke felt the frustration of the man.
"And I don't like waiting around either.", Han complained, and Leia rolled her eyes.
"You're not well enough to do more. Just have the ship ready for takeoff.", muttered Luke, walking away from the two, his stride clearly tense.
"Is it just me, or is he a little on edge?", Han asked, giving the Jedi a concerned look.
"He's clearly gone through a lot—we all have.", Leia said quietly, though glanced with concern.
"At least we're alive.", sighed Han trying to brush it off.
"Be ready Han.", Leia muttered to him. "We'll be back soon."
Luke waited by the edge of the forest, knowing he needed to meditate but wasn't able to because of the circumstances. His uneasiness only grew with the knowledge that Vader was there, probably lying in wait for him. Though Luke sensed no plot, he could never underestimate him. He clenched his prosthetic hand. Not again. He knew even by just being there, he was putting the operation in danger, but he couldn't exactly disobey the orders of High Command. He heard Leia approach him from behind, and sighed, beginning to form a backup plan.
He would fulfill his duties, but with a slight deviation from the plan.
Together, the two took to the city, followed by Artoo. Getting in was no problem, as there were crowds filling it. They blended in with masses, acknowledging the beauty of this place briefly, though they were too focused on getting through unnoticed. Luke could see in the distance, the palace, where a separate crowd seemed to be gathered near the steps. The two of them bordered the edge of this gathering, cutting around to their desired location.
In the back streets, which were quieter and less populated, they found a whole row of homes, the same tan stone color as the rest of Theed's structures. They came to a halt in front of an ordinary home, a vine of white flowers bordering its walls. Luke looked each direction for the sight of any Imperial presence. Without hesitating, after the coast was clear, Leia climbed the stairs to the door, alerting the homeowners of their presence. A minute later, the door opened with a hiss. An older woman with grey hair answered.
"Are you needing an art commission?", she asked, giving off a kindly smile.
"Yes. One depicting a new house and a garden of ryoo flowers.", Leia answered, nodding once.
"Welcome.", the woman answered quietly and ushered them inside. Her smile was gone and her tone urgent, though she was not unkind.
They followed her within and found themselves within the modest dwelling. It was quite beautiful, but unfortunately situated in a city occupied by Imperial forces. The woman with the greying hair led them through the entry hall and into a lounge room of sorts, where the people they were smuggling out would be.
"They're here.", announced the older woman to the strangers, and both Luke and Leia entered. Artoo rolled in behind.
Luke saw a middle-aged woman, and two younger women who looked to be only a little older than both he and Leia. Familiarity filled his being. He could tell instantly, and the Force confirmed his feelings. There was a striking resemblance between these people and Padmé Amidala. The three however, didn't seem to know them, for they had grim expressions on their faces.
"I'm Sola and these are my daughters Ryoo and Pooja.", spoke the middle-aged woman first. "I've been told the Rebel Alliances wishes to get us off planet."
"Yes, unfortunately they believe you'd be targeted by the Empire.", Leia responded seriously, with a nod. "My name is Leia Organa, and this is Luke Skywalker. We're here to escort you."
"Skywalker? Are you related to Anakin Skywalker?", asked Sola, turning on Luke who felt some surprise at the question.
"Yes. He—was my father." Luke replied, quickly catching himself. The woman was tilting her head curiously. "You knew him?"
"He was assigned to protect my sister, many years ago.", nodded Sola, her gaze calculating, before she turned to Leia. "The rebels here told me of my sister… is it true?"
"Yes, which is why we're here.", Leia answered, trying to focus on the task at hand. "She's in the hands of Darth Vader, and you could be made to suffer for your connection to her."
"She's always been caught up in the mess of things.", replied Sola, furrowing her eyebrows. Luke could feel the woman struggle with the confirmation of the truth. "We must save her."
"We will," assured Leia, doing her best to remain neutral. "But first, you and any family remaining must get out from under the thumb of the Empire."
"I understand, but how are we to get out?", she answered glancing at her daughters who were silent. "They've told us stormtroopers have been searching the streets, looking for us specifically."
"We have a ship waiting on the edge of the city.", came Leia's answer. "We will get you there and if there's any trouble Luke's been able to master the mind trick."
"Learn it Leia, not master it.", Luke corrected, but saw the worried looks on their faces. Luke assured them, "It won't be needed."
"Is this your whole family?", Leia asked and Sola nodded.
"Both parents died ten years ago and my husband only two years back. We're all that's left in the House of Naberrie."
"I'm sorry.", was all Leia said, though refocused on their task. "We'd better get out of here before anyone knows we're here."
"And now is when I must leave you.", cut in Luke with some reluctance, knowing Leia wouldn't be happy.
"What are you talking about?", demanded Leia, creasing her eyebrows.
"Vader is here, and if I'm with you, I put you all at greater risk.", Luke insisted, noting the concern on Sola's face. "He's after me."
"Why?", asked the woman.
"Because Luke's the one that destroyed the Death Star.", replied Leia for Luke. She let anger cross her features. "And to add to it, the son of a Jedi who he killed."
"It still doesn't mean we should leave you.", Sola replied, almost protectively.
"I'll meet you at a rendezvous point somewhere else," Luke assured, when the party of women watched him. "But first, you must make it to the Falcon."
"Luke, remember what happened on Bespin.", Leia warned not liking this idea.
"I remember, Leia, but this is important.", Luke reminded, sensing that Leia had more to say. "I cannot risk putting you in danger. Vader knows I'm here."
"Only if you promise to be safe.", she insisted, though relented.
"I will do my best.", replied Luke, nodding assuredly.
Finally, they discussed the place they'd reunite, and then the five left the safe house behind, keeping their heads down. Luke turned to the right, and Leia and the family to the left. Luke glanced once more at their retreating forms and then turned away, slipping through a communal courtyard. Artoo followed him closely. He came upon the outskirts of the palace where the crowd still gathered, but circled, putting as much distance between himself and Leia.
Suddenly, there was an explosion in the sky, and Luke saw an X-Wing that fired, twisting away from the successful target. Luke felt shock at the sight, as several of the Rebel fighters appeared overhead. Chaos erupted in the square and Luke had to keep steady from being knocked over by the fearful crowds. He could feel their fear mixed with his own.
For some unknown reason, the Rebel squadron had been ordered to engage.
Vader could sense Luke in the Force, reacting in fear to the battle over Theed. He'd felt his presence the moment he arrived on the planet, but he'd kept silent about it. Now he could no longer ignore it as he felt the boy's emotions as his own. Next to him, his angel stood petrified at the sights of the fight. The queen had been escorted elsewhere and his own troopers advised they'd get a move on.
Vader ignored them, walking up to stand behind her.
"Padmé.", he called out and she shifted her gaze away from the battle in the skies. "Luke is here."
"Here?", she asked, voice shaken. She looked to the skies, fear rolling off her in waves.
"No, not up there, but in the city.", He spoke, voice low. He placed a hand on her shoulder. "He's here for someone. I can sense it."
"How long was he here?", Padmé asked, gaze wary.
"Before we arrived.", he replied, glancing down at her. He could tell she was measuring each word he spoke. "It seems the Rebels want to make themselves known, though this attack was a surprise to him."
"We must help him.", she insisted, but Vader shook his head.
"He is in no danger, other than that of patrols and checkpoints.", replied Vader, wanting to fight the impulse to find him and propose a common goal. "As long as he doesn't get caught, he will be safe."
Vader's comm chimed.
"Lord Vader, the TIE pilots have engaged the enemy. How else do you wish to proceed?", came the voice of Piett.
"Draw the fight away from Theed.", Vader commanded, thinking of the crowds gathered and exposed in the streets. "The Emperor would be most displeased if his home came under ruin."
"Yes, Lord Vader, but what of the ground assaults?", asked Piett, and Vader considered.
"What is their target?", he demanded.
"The Rebels found a checkpoint earlier and attempted to sabotage the communications.", relayed the Admiral.
"They're not here for the insurrection, they're here for extraction.", Vader concluded looking up to the skies. "The aerial assault is a diversion. Fortify the communications and search the crowds for any Rebel leaders."
"What of the city perimeters?", Piett questioned.
"Keep to the defenses."
"And the extraction?", the admiral asked.
"I will deal with that myself.", Vader replied and Piett spoke in affirmative, the connection fizzing out. Vader turned to Padmé who seemed ashen that her city was under siege once more. Vader snapped her out of it, by speaking to her. "Ensure that your family is safe. Take an officer with you and I'll meet you there."
"Anakin, you promised me you wouldn't hunt Luke.", she reminded, gaze firm, despite the battle around them.
"I'm not.", Vader replied simply, meaning it. "He'll get out of Theed, whether by his own merit or mine."
"If you break your word—", Padmé began, her expression torn. Vader knew she hadn't much of a choice.
"I promise you. I will honor your wishes." He insisted, removing his hand from her shoulder. "Go. Alert your family."
She nodded and then backed out of the hall, and Vader turned out the other doors, taking a side entrance. Through the arches he could still see the crowd gathered at the palace steps, troopers raking through them, checking for the faces and identities of the people there. Many wished to flee, as the battle raged overhead. He walked on, knowing that Luke wasn't among them.
He could feel him hiding, somewhere.
Vader ascended steps leading up to a balcony, flanking the location of his son, who was close. Overhead, he could see troopers patrolling the pathways between buildings. They were doing their jobs well, but they were headed in the direction where he knew the boy was hiding. Subtly, a slight Force suggestion was sent, and they turned the opposite direction, away from the hidden Jedi. To Vader's astonishment, it hadn't been by his own hand.
Luke's growing Force abilities had tricked the guards.
Vader witnessed as the blonde head cleared a corner and continued down a street, clearly trying to exit the city. Then a familiar astromech droid rolled behind the young Jedi. The boy's senses were attuned to feeling Vader's presence, but not enough to recognize when he was right above him on a balcony. Vader watched, seeing now that Luke was alone, though Vader was certain that the boy had to be there for a reason. He couldn't be alone. Vader followed at a sedate pace from a distance.
Luke was nearing the edge of the city when a patrol stepped in front of him. Luke stopped when one of the two troopers aimed their weapon at him, and Vader waited back, wanting to see Luke use the mind trick ability again. Luke waved a hand, stating that he was allowed to pass. Nothing happened. A sense of growing wariness overcame him, as Luke tried and failed several times. It was abundantly clear that his trick was something he was still mastering. Now Luke was out of options as one trooper leveled a blaster at his son's face.
"You do not want to shoot me.", Luke tried again, waving his hand while his face remained blank.
"I think I do Jedi.", remarked the trooper.
In milliseconds, Vader assessed the situation. Luke had a blaster on his person, but it looked that he still hadn't constructed a new lightsaber. The trooper need only to pull the trigger and it'd be over. Suddenly, the trooper's blaster clicked, and Vader acted. With one hand, he used a Force pull to yank the blasters from the two troopers. Now out of immediate danger, the young Rebel shot them down quickly.
Luke turned sharply at the source of the Force pull and froze at the sight of him.
Vader could already see those eyes calculating all his escape routes, though Luke remained where he was. He planted his feet on the cobbled ground before instinctively taking a step back. Upon seeing the blasters on the ground at Vader's feet, those calculating eyes grew confused. Vader could sense that the boy was doing everything in his power to stay focused and calm in the Force.
"Why did you do that?", Luke asked finally, eyes never leaving his opponent.
"Your death will not service me.", replied Vader coolly, though he knew that there was more reason to it.
"You have every reason to now.", Luke replied stubbornly. "I will never fight the Emperor with you."
Vader would not argue with him.
"That is not why I am here.", Vader stated, crossing his arms. "The insurrection brought me."
"I don't believe you.", came the terse response, though Vader sensed Luke didn't believe his own words. Then he added, "About any of it."
"You have not accepted the truth.", Vader replied, not surprised, though growing impatient. "It is unfortunate. Tell me, has Obi-Wan himself denied this fact?"
Luke's eyes widened at the mention of his master, and then he shook himself.
"You claim to be Anakin Skywalker, my father, but won't use the name.", replied Luke, grimly. He narrowed his eyes. "Why should my father be alive when the man claiming to be him wants his name to be forgotten?"
"Perhaps it is shame that has kept it hidden.", Vader replied, not knowing why he voiced this. The Sith glanced down at R2-D2, who'd rolled up behind the boy. "Search your feelings Luke. It is my name. You know it and your droid knows it."
Here Artoo rolled forward, a series of beeps and whistles directed at the Sith. Vader felt some amusement at the questioning of the peculiar droid. It had been many years since they'd seen each other.
"Our first flight was over this city, destroying the Trade Federation control center.", replied Vader to the astromech. Luke glanced at the droid and then back at Vader. "And our last flight ended on Mustafar."
Artoo then beeped excitedly, rolling up to the imposing Sith boldly. Luke's face betrayed shock even as the droid continued in binary. Vader processed what the droid was saying, weighing his options. Briefly, he glanced at Luke, who was still skeptical, and knew this was the best choice.
"Yes, give him the access he's requested.", Vader replied, needing no interpretation. "He deserves to know it all."
Artoo beeped in affirmative, and then there was silence.
"What aren't you telling me?", asked Luke, after having watched the interaction between his droid and Vader carefully. Distrust was on his face, though Vader could sense some form of acceptance. The Sith addressed the boy.
"You are here to rescue someone.", Vader stated, ignoring the question. He could sense the plan at the edge of the boy's mind. Luke's eyebrows rose. "Yes, your thoughts betray you."
"They are long gone.", replied Luke bravely, his hand raised over his blaster. A second later he dropped his hand, knowing the weapon would be useless against Vader.
"If that were true you wouldn't have separated yourself from them. You're biding your time.", Vader replied, sensing the boy tense. Luke's mind instantly went to the people he'd hoped to protect. "Yes, Leia Organa is among them, as well as…"
Suddenly, the visions of a woman with her daughters came to view. She was much older, though he knew the face and the two girls were grown. It was Sola Naberrie and the younger two were clearly Ryoo and Pooja. Realization of their identities overcame the Sith.
"They are not on Varykino.", Vader spoke, not to anyone in particular.
Then something clicked and the Sith took a step back, and quickly turned, glancing back at the palace where Padmé had departed from. The explosions continued beyond the city, it's light silhouetting the elegant domes of the palace. Sudden, blind panic filled Vader's mind, even as he felt Luke's confusion in the Force. Vader reached out beyond the palace, hoping to sense her close, and it was only upon this action that he felt it.
The swirling void.
The endless hate.
The presence of evil.
Sidious.
A/N: Isn't it great? I follow one cliffhanger chapter with another cliffhanger chapter! ;) Things are most certainly escalating on Naboo! We're not near the end yet, but there is a certain inevitable finale I have in mind.
Sorry for the delay, I've been a little busy with real life stuff and I wanted this chapter to be perfect. I've read and revised this so many times over the last couple days, it's ridiculous! And it ended up being one of my bigger chapters. I hope you all enjoyed it :)
Special shoutout to RyanSquad, Reconzilla117, Jeda31, and MMM73181 for reviewing the last chapter! And thank you all for favoriting and following my story! Please, if you have any thoughts, don't be too shy to let me know! Thank you for reading! :)