Chapter 38 – Raxus

DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD

Author's Note: In which Ahsoka and Anakin discovered uninvited guests at the Separatist Senate... ;) How many of you thought this would happen? xD

~ Amina Gila

"So, this is the Separatist Senate," Ahsoka declares as she looks around the room with curiosity. "It looks different from what I expected for some reason."

"Well, I guarantee you that it is exactly as boring as you expected," Anakin replies dryly. He's in the shadows, arms crossed, hood pulled up, unlike Ahsoka who is leaning forwards with avid curiosity. They're both sitting in the place where visitors can observe the goings on, and their shields are raised as usual.

"How can Dooku stand it?" Ahsoka whispers, eyeing the Count who is standing at the podium in the front of the room. He rarely attends these sessions in person but given the motion that is about to be presented by Senator Mina Bonteri, it was necessary. Besides, Dooku took her and Anakin to speak with the Senator personally – not that she did anything other than chat with Mina's son, Lux. She's the first trained Force user he's met other than Dooku, and he was especially curious about the fact that she used to be a Jedi.

"Would you like to ask him?" Anakin deadpans, and she elbows him. He's being a lot more lighthearted than usual, probably because he's finally able to do something to help people. She has no idea what the ramifications of their support of clone rights will be, but she knows that they will be far beyond anything she can currently conceive.

They watch as Mina begins to give a speech, talking about the anti-slavery laws in the Republic, and how they have purchased clone troopers from Kamino who have been fighting for them. "We use droids," she declares. "We would never stoop so low as to enslave fellow humans or any species for that matter. In every battle, the Republic is sending these men who were bred, born, and trained for war to the front lines. They do not have a choice! What the Republic is doing is wrong!"

The Senator pauses, looking around the chambers as murmurs and whispers, both friendly and antagonistic, sweep through the assembled. "How many lives on both sides have to end before we see the futility?" Mina demands. "Surely there's room in the galaxy for Confederate and Republic planets to coexist. I move that we immediately open peace negotiations with Chancellor Palpatine on Coruscant."

Ahsoka jerks upright with a frown. "That wasn't part of the plan," she whispers to Anakin, who feels as unease as she must look. "What changed?"

Anakin's body is coiled and tense, and he shakes his head, eyes closing as he reaches out with the Force. Suddenly, he jerks, shock flaring, before he smothers it. "There's a Jedi here… and Padme is with them," he says grimly pulling out his commlink. "I'll tell security to lock down the building quietly so no one can get out."

"Okay, do you want me to tell Dooku?" Ahsoka questions.

He looks at her, glancing down to the podium. It wouldn't be that weird for her to slip down there; many will probably think she's a young aid or trainee. "Hurry," is all he says. Ahsoka rises, excusing herself as she walks behind the rows of seating and reaches a staircase in the back. She takes it down to the main level, entering the main floor and approaching Dooku. He's calling the Senate to vote on the bill, so she waits until the voting is done – the Senate supports Mina's calls to make a public statement about the immorality and illegality of a clone army as well as opening peace talks – before stepping up to the podium.

Anakin's urgency is ringing through their bond, and she can only imagine how he must be feeling. Why would Padme be here, and with a Jedi? It's illegal for Republic citizens or military officers to enter Separatist space, especially without permission or unless it's a military operation. None of this makes any sense, and she knows that as much as it might hurt Anakin, he is responsible for the security of the Separatist Senate, at least for today, and if their uninvited visitors will cause problems, they need to know. Besides, they don't have a right to be here in the first place.

"What is it?" Dooku asks quietly.

"Senator Amidala is here along with a Jedi escort," Ahsoka informs him.

There's a flicker of surprise in Dooku's brown eyes, but he gives her a sharp nod. "You and Anakin should go and arrest them. Until we know what they want, we cannot risk letting them leave. Take them to my private holding cells, and keep the area secure, personally if you must."

"I will," she promises, turning and going back the way she came. Anakin meets her half-way, expression troubled. His concern only grows when she repeats Dooku's orders.

"Come on then, Snips," Anakin tells her, gesturing. "We need to hurry. They know that I know. The Jedi is shielding them, but they'll never get away." They make their way towards the main exit for visitors, carefully keeping themselves intermingled with the other people milling about so they can't be readily spotted. "I don't know what she's even doing here," he grumbles as they walk. "She ought to know how dangerous it is."

"Do you think she's spying or what?" Ahsoka queries worriedly.

"I don't know," Anakin replies through clenched teeth, "But we're going to find out." His anger is radiating into the Force, the Dark Side readily responding to it. Ahsoka can't help but fear for him. The last time he spoke with Padme, it left him devastated and reclusive. He'd spent most of the time with Obi-Wan, probably not wanting to let Ahsoka see him like that. She can only hope that this second encounter won't leave him in a similar state.

"Over there!" Ahsoka realizes, pointing at the side exit. "I'll try to slow them down. You go around to cut them off."

Anakin doesn't comment about her telling him what to do which is a sure sign that he's too stressed to be bothered. He might officially be her master, but between them, they're equals. He moves out the main exit, while Ahsoka pushes her way through the people – a temporary recess was just called – trying to reach Padme and the Jedi before they have a chance to escape. As she gets closer, she realizes who the other is: Siri Tachi.

She catches up to them right as they step out the side exit. "Excuse me," she calls, "But you seem to be in quite a hurry."

Siri tenses, turning finally to look at her. Recognition dawns and her eyes widen. "Ahsoka."

Before any of them have a chance to say anything, Anakin stalks up followed by two MagnaGuards. They're his personal escorts, modified to protect him – and Ahsoka – even if he doesn't truly need the protection. His eyes are glowing yellow, expression set in stone. "Arrest them," he orders, gesturing to Siri and Padme.

Ahsoka can feel the extent of Anakin's conflict through their bond, though he's doing his best to shield, and the Dark Side is clouding his Force signature to the point where most Force sensitives would be unable to get a clear picture on how he feels unless they're bonded to him. The MagnaGuards move forwards, and Padme glares at Anakin. "This is not necessary," she protests, backing away from the droids. "We were planning to leave anyways."

Anakin crosses his arms, face remaining as empty and blank as it was when he first walked up. "You shouldn't have come here, Padme," he says instead. He's obviously counting on neither of them putting up too much of a resistance lest they draw attention to themselves. Already, passersby are looking at them with curiosity and suspicion. "It was foolish."

"It was the only way!" Padme protests vehemently, struggling as one of the droids grabs her arms, putting her in cuffs. The other droid does likewise to Siri. Anakin gestures, and the procession begins moving through the halls of the Senate towards the exterior. Dooku has a small mansion on Raxus, and that's where they'll be confining Padme and Siri. Since the holding cells there are likely not meant for Force sensitives, Ahsoka imagines that she and Anakin will be remaining there to guard them.

"It was a mistake." Anakin's voice is toneless.

"Why are you doing this?!" Padme practically yells as she and Siri are shoved into a transport, Anakin getting into the pilot's seat.

"Unless I'm very much mistaken, you are a Republic Senator, and she is a Jedi. You are enemies of the Confederacy," Anakin replies.

Ahsoka glances nervously between Anakin and the two women in the back. "Why are you here?" she asks them finally, hoping to alleviate some of the tension.

"Senator Amidala was hoping that she could bring about a peaceful resolution to the war," Siri explains slowly, as if unsure how much to divulge, "And she insisted that the only way we would have a chance is if we came here."

Anakin stiffens, though he doesn't look back at them. "You spoke with Senator Bonteri," he states. It's not a question, and neither of them answers.

"Isn't that… illegal?" Ahsoka queries, looking at Anakin. He's radiating pain and fear into the Force, though he's trying to mask them under anger. "Skyguy, hey, we'll figure this out," she says, hoping to reassure him.

He gives her a sideways look, nodding slightly, though the movement is jerky. "Yes, she should have reported them as soon as she knew they were coming," he tells her with a sigh. He brings the speeder down to the landing platform at Dooku's residence. "Take them to the holding cells," he instructs the droids.

"Why can't you let us leave?" Padme demands indignantly, twisting to look at him as the MagnaGuard practically drags her away.

Anakin gives her a tight-lipped smile. "Orders."

"Since when do orders matter to you?" Padme cries, "And why are they more important than protecting me?"

Anakin flinches, looking away from her. Despite how awkward Ahsoka feels, she moves to Anakin's side, pouring affection and trust through their bond as she rests a hand on his arm to ground him. He remains in place, watching as the duo are taken into Dooku's mansion through a side door. "Dooku has to tell Sidious," Anakin whispers to her once the door has closed behind them. "I don't know how he'll react."

Ahsoka slips her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. "We won't let anything happen to Padme," she assures him. "I'll do whatever I have to do to help her and you, too." Since Padme is important to Anakin, she's important to Ahsoka, by default. While Ahsoka has only known Padme briefly, she can readily see why Anakin cares for her so much. She's passionate and dedicated, caring more for her people than herself, unlike most politicians.

"Thank you." Anakin's voice is quiet, but she still hears him. He wraps his arms around her, holding her close to him for a moment. "Come on. We had better go ensure that they remain secure. It won't be good for any of us if they escape on our watch." From the almost audible dread in his voice, it's clear how afraid he is to face Padme, but they both know from experience that avoiding something unpleasant rarely makes it go away.

**w**

Padme and Tachi have been confined in separate holding cells, a ray shield between the cells and across the door. Both of them are clearly unhappy about their new accommodations, their disgruntled feelings echoing strongly into the Force. Anakin could care less how Tachi feels; it's Padme that worries him. Her brown eyes are filled with passionate determination and anger, a combination which will definitely be unpleasant to face.

Ahsoka takes up a position in front of Tachi's cell without having to be asked, for which Anakin is grateful. "All the things you're doing Anakin, how could you?" Padme demands as soon as Anakin steps into view. He finds that he can't meet her eyes, focusing instead on the floor as her words lash into him. "I came here, because I hoped that I could find the truth." He says nothing, remaining silent. He doesn't think he's ever loathed himself more than he does in this moment, but such is the nature of the Dark Side. He tries to act without regrets, and yet, he often… mourns the lives he's been forced to take.

"Can you give me the truth?" Padme asks, something in her tone almost pleading.

He looks up despite himself, meeting his angel's gaze. "I am under no obligation to give you anything," he forces himself to say, "But if I can, I will."

"Are you Darth Vader?"

Anakin blinks at her, completely taken aback. How could she have even heard that name? She shouldn't even know it. None of the Jedi should. "What?" He doesn't even need to fake the hysterical note in his voice.

"Well, are you?" Her voice is level, unwavering.

He's saved from answering when he senses Dooku arriving outside. "Dooku's back," he comments, turning towards Ahsoka. The rest remains unsaid. She can feel his fear, just as he can feel her own. Neither of them knows what will happen when Dooku tells Sidious of the most recent occurrences, but no matter what, Anakin will not let Padme come to harm. Now more than ever, he fears that he'll lose one of the people he cares for. Sidious has likely been waiting for an opportunity like this.

"Oh." Ahsoka's voice is faint, and a tad higher than usual.

Anakin swallows hard, looking back at Padme. "I'm sorry for this," he tells her quietly, knowing that he's not answering her question and that by not answering, he'll likely make her wonder even more, but he can't bring himself to lie to her. His hands clench as he battles with his emotions. "This is… you should not have come here. You have only made everything more difficult, Padme. I'll do whatever I can to protect you, but I cannot guarantee that you'll emerge unscathed."

Uncertainty flits across Padme's face, and Anakin slams the button to lower the ray shield. He trusts her. He knows that she won't hurt him. She doesn't move when he steps closer, closing some of the distance between them. "I don't understand. What would be so difficult?" She frowns. "Is Dooku –?"

"If Dooku has a choice, he'll keep you safe," Anakin interrupts. He resists the urge to touch her, to pull her close to him and never let her go. "You have nothing to fear from him or from me. But Angel –" The endearment slips from him before he has a chance to censor it. "– We don't call the shots. Our master – he – the decisions are his."

Sucking in a slow breath, Anakin forces himself to say something that he should have said before. "It would be better for you if you stayed away from me. Don't – don't do this to save me." He knows his eyes are still yellow, the Dark Side is still held tightly in his grip. "There's nothing to save. This is who I am. I am… not a good person."

It's the first time that he's even come close to admitting how much he loathes himself, especially with the war going on for so long and all the death he's brought about. When he's in the thick of things, it's easy to let go of his inhibitions and slaughter without mercy. It's afterwards that's hard. It's the aftermath, seeing the thousands of dead clones, knowing how much death and devastation he brought about, that's when he struggles. He's concealed the truth for so long, that he can almost blind himself to it entirely as he lets himself slip closer to the edge of no-return. Immersing himself in the Dark Side dulls the hatred, though it feeds on it, magnifies it at the same time.

Ahsoka gasps, and Anakin remembers, with a jolt, that he's not alone. He whirls in time to catch the Togruta who comes barreling into him. "Don't say things like that!" she yelps, crushing him in another hug.

"It's true," he replies, even as he gives in and hugs her back. It might not be easy for her to acknowledge, given how much she looks up to him, but he has to make her see and accept the truth. "Recite the Sith Code, my young apprentice."

Ahsoka rests her head on his shoulder, and a wave of affection for her steals the Dark Side from his grasp. "Peace is a lie, there is only passion," she recites dutifully. "Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power I gain victory. Through victory my chains are broken. The Force shall free me."

Anakin smiles with a touch of pride. "Well done. What does the first line mean?"

Her face scrunches up as she thinks. "We draw strength from our emotions. It's how we draw on the Dark Side," she explains.

"Yes, and what emotions are best?" This is the first time he's ever worked her or anyone through the logic of how Sith draw on the Dark Side, or at least how he does. Maybe it's different for others, but this is what he's found works best.

"Dark ones," she replies, finally pulling back from him. Anakin can keenly feel her protectiveness and desire to help him. "Anger. Fear. Hatred…" Her voice trails off as it dawns on her. "Oh," she realizes quietly.

Anakin gives her a small, sad smile, gently pressing his palm against her cheek to help calm her. "I know you love me dearly – just as I love you – but that does not change the truth about me. Don't let your affection blind you."

Ahsoka scowls. "I hate him," she declares fiercely. "He deserves every kind of torture which has been invented." She adds in a few swears which she's definitely picked up from him. "I don't care what he's told you, but you're more than what he makes you. Anakin, you're the best person I've ever met, and I don't want you to think otherwise."

He sighs, stepping back from her. "I know that's what you like to think, but you know the truth in your heart."

She huffs with irritation. "I'm going to tell Obi-Wan," she announces. "I know you're not going to listen to me."

Anakin turns, meeting Padme's stricken gaze. She says nothing, but he can sense her sorrow. He doesn't need to ask why. "Anakin, Sidious wants to talk to you," Dooku sends through their bond. "Please tread with care." There's an underlying note of… fear, one which sends a chill of dread through him. Somehow, whatever happens next, Anakin knows that he won't like it. He's probably about to face his master's wrath.

"Sidious is requesting my presence," he tells Ahsoka, reactivating the ray shield over Padme's cell. "Keep watch."

"Be careful," she calls after him as he leaves without looking back.

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