Disclaimer: See chapter one
Hi, everyone. Yes I know it has been a long time since I posted a new chapter. But guess what, here is a new chapter!!!! And it is action-packed, yay:) And it is almost finished, still one chapter to go and then up to Episode 2.
Thanks again for beta-ing JediKnight!!!! kisses
Padmé and Hadrian followed by a handmaiden and the Jedi, stealthily they made their way toward the entrance to the main hanger. They were trailed by about twenty Naboo guards, pilots and troops. They stopped and Padmé used a small red laser light to signal across the plaza. Hadrian saw a blue light where Panaka and the rest of the group stood. Qui-Gon grabbed Hadrian who was startled and leaned over to Anakin.
"Once we get inside, Ani you find a safe place to hide and stay there."
"Sure." The boy said. Qui-Gon didn't quite believe him.
"And Stay there! Hadrian, you are going to watch him, understood!" Qui-Gon said sternly. Hadrian nodded, not to get on his bad side. Hadrian took his lightsaber and waited. Droid troops milled about the tank filled plaza. At the far and of the square, several droids began to run fire. Naboo soldiers began to fire back at the battle droids.
Hadrian and the Jedi ignited their lightsabers and reflected some shots back at their owners. As the ruckus erupted at one end of the plaza, Padmé and her troops rushed into the main hanger. Hadrian cut down some droids along the way, while keeping Anakin nearby. They fought their way inside. Captain Panaka and his soldiers continued to engage the droids outside.
Inside the central hanger battle continued. Hadrian reflected a blastershots and pushed Anakin behind one of the Naboo fighters, ducking as large bolts whizzed past and exploded near him. Hadrian ducked under a laser shot which almost go him and reflected another. He saw Padmé and the two Jedi destroy battle droids left and right. He looked back at Anakin.
"Stay here."
The boy nodded. Hadrian made a dash and razed some Droids with his lightsaber. He never felt so much alive. He has never killed before, but Droids didn't count. He used the force and pushed away some Droids that went splat against the walls. The Queen's troops and Eirtaé also blasted away at the Droids. Hadrian came close to Padmé. He reflected a bolt which shot back at the droid. Padmé signaled to her pilots.
"Get to your ship!"
The pilots and Artoo units ran for the Naboo fighter craft stacked in the hanger bay. Hadrian saw one pilot jumped into a fighter right above where Anakin was hiding. The boy entered a ship as well. Hadrian turned his attention back to the droids. Padmé stood by his side.
"If this is their idea," he reflected another laser shot, "of a birthday party. I'll give them a rain check." He said. Padmé laughed, blasting a droid down. "Good shot!"
Captain Panaka and the Naboo troops rushed into the hanger and overwhelmed the few remaining battle droids. Padmé, Hadrian and the Jedi joined forces with Panaka.
"My guess is the Viceroy is in the throne room." Padmé said. She looked at Qui-Gon.
"I agree."
They started to head for the exit, on the way passing the fighter where Anakin was hiding. Artoo whistled a greeting as Anakin peeped out of the Cockpit. Hadrian knew what was coming. Anakin shouted.
"Hey! Wait for me."
"No, Ani. You stay there. Stay right where you are." Qui-Gon said acutely.
Anakin pouted. "But, I…"
"Stay in that cockpit. Hadrian you stay with him."
Now Hadrian pouted. "Hey!" Qui-Gon gave him a stern look. Hadrian stopped half way, fuming. He saw them heading for the exit. As they were about to go through the door it opened on its own, everyone scattered, revealing a dark looking person standing in the doorway. Hadrian blood began to boil. Darth Maul. He saw Padmé and her troop backing away. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan stepped forward.
"We'll handle this."
The two Jedi took off their capes and ignite their lightsabers. Darth Maul took off his cape and ignited his laser sword in a fluent movement. The Jedi began to fight the Sith Lord. Hadrian breathed hard. He looked back and fort between staying with Anakin or helping out the Jedi. He soon made his decision. He looked at Anakin and ran up to him. Then he heard six wheel droids roll in and transform into their battle position. Droidekas! Hadrian cursed.
"Anakin! I'm going to help Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Stay in the cockpit and shoot these droids down!"
The droids began to advance and started firing on Padmé and her troops. Anakin looked at Hadrian in horror.
"How?!"
"I don't know! Hit some buttons!" Hadrian walked away from the fighter when it began to levitated. Hadrian knew that he will be alright. He turned around and saw Padmé and her soldiers exit into the palace hallway. The wheel droids started firing at Anakin. There were explosions all around him, but Hadrian turned away and dashed after the Jedi.
Hadrian saw the Jedi engaging a fierce sword fight with the Sith. They moved away from the hanger. Hadrian ran after them. The Sith Lord's move were incredible. He was fighting the duo at once, flipping into the air, outmaneuvering them at every turn. The Sith drove the Jedi out of the hanger and into the power generator area next do. The Sith used the force to levitate a junk which masked against the panel to open the door. Hadrian trailed after them, waiting for the best opportunity.
Hadrian reached to doors and saw them crossing the narrow bridge of the Theed power Generator. Darth Maul jumped onto the bridge above them. The Jedi followed, one in front of him and one behind. They continued their fighting in an intense display of swordsmanship. Hadrian looked up and wondering how in hell he was getting up their. He concentrated, started to run and took a jump. He felt he was flying and something was pushing him from beneath. He got onto the platform and caught his balance.
Hadrian took a breath and searched for them. Their laser sword battle continued a several feet away from where Hadrian was standing. They were standing on a small catwalk around the vast power pit. The Hadrian saw it. Darth maul kicked Obi-Wan off one of the ramps and fell several levels down. Then Qui-Gon knocked the Dark Lord off another ramp and landed hard on a ramp two levels below. Qui-Gon jumped down after him. Hadrian dashed for them jumped off the ramp too, ignited his lightsaber in mid air and took a stoke at the Sith who block his attack in surprise.
"Miss me." Hadrian joked. Qui-Gon was surprised too but angry as well.
"I told you to stay with Anakin!" He said, ducking low from the incoming attack.
"Anakin is out of my reach!" Hadrian resorted, slashing the Sith Lord with powerful strokes. He was right. Anakin was momentarily fighting in space. Way out of their reach. The Dark Lord backed away from the Jedi and the young boy along the catwalk into a small door. Qui-Gon and Hadrian followed as Obi-Wan ran to catch up.
Hadrian fought the Sith with all his might. He ducked under the incoming stoke, made a shoulder roll and stood up again. Qui-Gon took his place and continued to slash the Sith. Hadrian twirled his sword around and attacked. The Sith anticipated it and fought both enemies at the same time with his double sword. Hadrian never faltered, but needed to back away but got hit in the guts by a booted kick from the dark Lord. He yelped and stumbled back.
"Hadrian! Focus!" Qui-Gon shouted while fighting the Sith. Hadrian jumped back up and attacked again. In the corner of his eye he saw Obi-Wan catching them up. As rehearsed, Qui-Gon and Hadrian attacked the Sith in perfect choreography. Even Qui-Gon was surprised at Hadrian skills. They gave the Sith a hard time. But the Dark Lord was sly, he attacked the weaker one, Hadrian, much harder until he hit the boy with his lightsaber. Hadrian saw it coming, he didn't know how, but he jumped back but still caught hit on the leg.
He yelped in pain and fell on the floor, holding his burned limb. It wasn't bad but it hurt like hell. The Sith Lord, followed by Qui-Gon alone, entered a long hallway filled with a series of deadly rays that go on and off in a pulsing pattern that shot down the corridor every minute or so. Hadrian saw this and said screw his leg. He ran forward while not thinking about the pain. Darth Maul made it down several walls of deadly rays before they closed. Qui-Gon was one wall away from the Dark Lord. Hadrian stopped just one wall before the Jedi and Obi-Wan was just starting into it and was five walls away from the Sith.
The Jedi must wait until the next pulse to advance down the corridor. Obi-Wan was impatient and paced, waiting for the wall of rays to open. Hadrian checked his wound but kept an eye on the Sith. His own pulse was quickening. He could not afford to let Qui-Gon fall. Qui-Gon, at the other hand, sat and meditated. The Sith lord tried to patch up his wounds like Hadrian. The dark haired boy tried to steady his breaching. His wound was stinging. It was only on the surface, but it still made him a bit immobile.
Hadrian stood up and felt it coming. He ignited his lightsaber at the same time as Obi-Wan. The electric rays cycled as Qui-Gon sad meditating. The wall of deadly rays turned away and Obi-Wan started to run towards his Master, Hadrian and the Sith. When the Wall between Qui-Gon and the Sith opened, the Jedi was in a split second fighting the Dark Lord. Hadrian jumped into the fray. They were fighting with a ferocity not seen before. They moved into the area at the end of the corridor called the melting pit, a small area that is mostly made up of a deep hole.
The electron ray gates began to close up. Obi-Wan tried to make it but was caught one gate short. He slide to a stop just before he hit the deadly electron field. Qui-Gon, Hadrian and the Sith battled around the melting pit as a frustrated Obi-Wan watched. Hadrian tried to hit the Sith with all his might but the bastard kept blocking him. He ducked low, stroke low but was pushed away from his enemy. Qui-Gon continued. Hadrian got angry. His eyes were blazing. He considered to use his fire gift to hurt the Sith. He saw Darth Maul advance on the Jedi but Hadrian didn't let him. The Sith wanted to strike Qui-Gon but suddenly a field of red fire exploded in front of him, protecting the Jedi. Shocked, the Sith turned around and saw a grinning boy.
"Hey Reddie! Pick on someone of your own seize!" Hadrian attacked again, forgetting about his leg. He gave all his training into it and Qui-Gon joined the fight again. Together they fought the Sith Again, but not for long. The Dark Lord had some trick of his own; out of nowhere, he produced a lethal looking blade. Because all the commotion, Hadrian didn't saw it, but was too late to noticed. The Sith used a Force shield to hold back the Jedi and attack the boy. Darth Maul stroke out, slashing Hadrian across the face and added some Force behind it. Hadrian felt pain across his face between the eyes then a sudden impact on his back when he smashed against the wall. He was left in a daze. That action lasted for a few seconds.
Qui-Gon was shocked and lost his concentration. The Sith made a quick move, bashed his lightsaber handle into Qui-Gon's chin and ran him through. Qui-Gon slumped to the floor in a heap. Hadrian got his bearing when he heard a scream. He looked from the floor and saw Qui-Gon lying on the floor, unmoving. Hadrian stared in shock. He looked up and saw the Sith looking at him. Blood was dripping from his face when the Sith advanced toward him. The pulsing electron gate opened and the Sith Lord turned around, attacking Obi-Wan who came in with his sword swinging. The Dark Lord was relentless in his assault on the young Jedi. Obi-Wan and the Sith used the Force to fling objects at each other as they fought. Darth Maul seemed to have the upper hand as Obi-Wan grew weary.
The Sith Lord caught Obi-Wan off guard and the Jedi slipped into the melting pit. He was barely able to hold onto a nozzle on the side of the pit. Darth Maul grinned evilly at the Jedi as he kicked Obi-Wan lightsaber down the endless shaft. Then he turn his attention back to Hadrian. Hadrian meanwhile was standing up, holding his silver lightsaber in front of him. His tunic was soaked with blood which was still dripping from his face. Anger was flowing off of him. His eyes were blazing in a bluish glow. He attacked fiercely forgetting everything, he screamed every time he struck a blow on the Sith's double lightsaber until he slashed it in half. Blue fire engulfed his body when he attacked the Sith.
Darth Maul got hit with the fire and screamed in agony, but not for long. The Sith attacked, backing the younger boy against the wall. Hadrian didn't gave up and created a field of fire. The Sith backed away and Hadrian assaulted again. Meanwhile Obi-Wan called upon the Force. He concentrated to get his master lightsaber and felt it. Hadrian slashed in fury at the Sith, cutting off his arm. At the last moment before the Sith fell into the pit, Obi-Wan jumped up out of the pit, called Qui-Gon's lightsaber to him. He jumped over the Sith while Hadrian made way and swung with a vengeance, cutting the Sith down in half. Darth Maul looked shocked and fell into the melting pit to his death.
Obi-Wan rushed over to his Master, who was dying. Meanwhile Hadrian stumbled back against the wall and sat down, hugging his legs and rested his aching head on his knees. Crying silently. He heard what was being said a few feet away.
"Master! Master!"
"It's too late… It's…" Qui-Gon struggled.
"No!" Obi-Wan said, holding his Master head in his lap.
"Obi-Wan promise… promise me you'll train the boy… and keep an eye… on Hadrian…"
"Yes, Master…"
"He is the Chosen one… he will… bring balance… train him!"
Qui-Gon died, breathing his last breath. Obi-Wan cradled his Master, quietly weeping. Hadrian cried because he couldn't save him. He clenched and unclenched his fist. He couldn't believe this. He was suppose to save him. Not letting him die. He cursed to Force for giving him this hard task. Seeing it on the white screen wasn't so bad because nothing was real. But now, here; it was real. He knew the man. He ate, slept and fought along side with him and now he was dead because he couldn't save him.
"I failed. I so fucking failed." He said.
Obi-Wan heard the boy speak, totally forgot about him. He wiped away his tears, laid his master gently on the floor and walked over to him. Hadrian was rocking himself back and fort, saying things Obi-Wan couldn't hear. He squatted in front of him and saw some blood on the floor.
"Hadrian."
Hadrian looked up. His face was bloody, a large diagonal gash between his eyes portrayed his visage. Obi gave him a pained look. And that wound on his leg didn't looked very good as well.
"I failed him, Obi-Wan. I failed him. I knew… I knew…" Hadrian cried. Obi-Wan held the boy by the shoulders.
"Shhh… it's okay. It's not your fault… it's not…"
The boy sniveled, rubbing his forehead. There was blood on his tunic and sleeves and it kept coming. He started to feel light headed because of the blood loss. Obi-Wan shredded some of his tunic and pressed it against his wound. Hadrian groaned.
"Keep pressure on it. It will stopped the bleeding. You need Medical attention, right away." The young Jedi stood up. Hadrian got up with the help of his friend. He hopped on his good leg to avoid the other. "Are you able to walk?"
"I'm fine." Hadrian whispered. He collected his saber, clipped it on his belt while holding the cloth against his forehead. Obi-Wan picked up his Master and together, in silent, they left the Generator Room.
The pain was unbearable. Not the visible wounds, but the wounds in the heart. Hadrian didn't dare to look at the Jedi. Afraid Obi-Wan would reject him. He kept his eyes fixed on the floor while they walked. It took at least half an hours to get back to familiar ground. Hadrian started to limp because of his leg and Obi-Wan was caring the fallen Jedi Knight. Both of them were in deep thoughts.
They arrived not far from the main hanger. Medics rushed toward them. Obi-Wan handed Qui-Gon over to them and the Naboo Medics laid him on the stretcher. There was a tear trailing down his cheek. Hadrian sniveled, taking away the cloth. Blood oozed from his wound, dripping on his tunic. Tears and blood got mixed, but Hadrian didn't look up.
"I… I'm sorry Obi-Wan. I haven't been honest with you." He looked up. Obi-Wan gave him a confused look. "I… I knew about this. I knew what was about to happen… Qui-Gon… God… Qui-Gon. I knew about the future, I knew…"
Obi-Wan gripped his shoulder. "The future is always clouded, Hadrian. You can't always relay on it."
Hadrian shook his head. "No. The future, this future I know was set. There wasn't anything clouded about it. That's why I'm here. The Force brought me here. Can't you understand! I knew what was about to happen before I came here!"
Obi-Wan was lost for words. The Force? Was it because of this, that the boy was so strong? The Jedi looked down. He felt anger. Anger toward the boy before him. But he couldn't. He stared back.
"I… don't know what to say." he started. "But… but maybe Qui-Gon's death was meant to be. You can't change everything."
"You're not mad … because of me?" Hadrian asked.
"No, why would you think that? You did everything in your power to protect Qui-Gon. You did moves even I've never seen before, even the Council was impressed. You're a thirteen old…"
"Fourteen, actually. It's my birthday today." He answered him sadly.
"Oooh…"
There was a silent. In the distance some Jedi headed over to them. Obi-Wan had seen then them and nodded sadly at them. He turned his attention back to Hadrian.
"I'm not mad at you. You have shown some very good qualities, and are very good friend, Hadrian. But now you need medical attention." Obi-Wan said. Hadrian sighed and nodded. He turned around and saw some Council Members heading their way. When Mace Windu saw Hadrian's bloody face, he looked quiet shocked. Obi-Wan and Hadrian bowed before them. Some medics rushed in and took Hadrian away, against his will of course. Obi-Wan smiled and nodded. Hadrian put the cloth back to his wound and limped along with the healers.
What a chapter and I hoped you all liked it. Last chapter is coming soon….
Don't forget to review, I need fuel for my muse, plz!!!!!
Kisses
Jessie