[FYI: Totally do not own Star Wars, or any of its characters. Only Kathryn, and any other made-up person!]

Chapter 2: The Healing Begins

I came to in a spacious room, much like the one I woke up in a few hours ago. At least, I thought it was a few hours. In reality, it was probably more like six hours or so. I panicked, thinking that Prince Xizor had kidnapped me again, when I heard rhythmic breathing in a corner of the room. I sighed and sat back, knowing everything was all right. The bacta had done most of the work, but I still winced as I moved, realizing I was still sore from my, no our, encounter earlier. I remembered that Vader was wounded. In fact, everything was coming back to me, including the fact that he didn't use the force on them. This time, it was Vader who sighed.

"I know exactly what you are going to ask me, Kathryn. I've known you way too long. You are just too sharp."

"And what, pray tell, am I going to ask?" I asked pertly. I could swear he rolled his eyes, although I couldn't see anything behind those dark reflective eye pieces in his mask.

"You, Kathryn, were going to ask me what happened earlier and why I didn't use the Force." He was right. That was exactly what I was going to ask. Even after his initial puzzlement, he had managed to figure out a few things.

"And?" I asked inquisitively.

"I suspect Ysalamiri. When I was-"Vader halted his thoughts. It almost seemed that he was afraid to say something. He continued. "A long time ago, I read something about them blocking those of Force ability. It is a little-known fact. There are only two people that I can think of who would possess that information. Perhaps three. The first is my Master, and the other…" He did not complete that thought, but he didn't have to. I had already considered it a possibility that our favorite person had done it.

"Prince Xizor," I spat. He was not that top favorite person on either of our lists. He kidnapped me and he was after Lord Vader's spot as second in command. That louse. Vader nodded.

"Yes, I do believe that he has the appropriate contacts to find out that sort of information and is stupid enough to use it. He will have to be dealt with," Vader said ominously. I shivered; glad the anger wasn't pointed at me.

"I believe I am capable. The Emperor can't find out though. I somehow feel he would be a tad bit upset. The droids trained me in fighting techniques, and I've been lifting weights. Ever since I was accosted at night once, I learned to defend myself. I never wanted to feel that helpless ever again. I sensed Vader tense. Did he actually care? I sighed. No, it couldn't be, I thought. Mentally I laughed.

Lord Vader looked at me strangely, and for a moment, I thought he could tell what I was thinking. Then I remembered my Psi abilities and stopped worrying. No one had ever breached my mind, and I wasn't even that powerful. Finally, he spoke. "Kathryn, I don't want you risking your life. You think you're prepared? You don't even have any idea of what he is capable of. He's been around for ninety years. He's seen and done things you cannot even imagine." I decided to let it go for the moment. I really wanted to talk about our impending marriage.

"Well, moving on," I said, drawing his attention away from our discussion. "So, we're getting married. When? Where? I'd say how and why and all the other ones, but I think that's overkill."

"We're getting married here, if that is what you wish. The marriage my also occur whenever you wish. I am not particular. It is not as if I have to change my clothes." I heard a wheeze that sounded like a laugh.

"My Lord, I wish to do this as soon as possible. There is no use delaying it, and I know that both of my friends will be available for this. The 'where' is of no consequence. As long as the marriage occurs, I am also not picky." I really did want this marriage to happen. I felt as if I was on the verge of something, but I did not know what. I just knew there was something else waiting for me out there.

"What about the 5th; that's two days from now. There should be enough time for you to contact your friends and let them know what's going on," Lord Vader suggested. I pondered the idea. Two days from now? That sounded good.

"I like the idea, my Lord. The 5th, it is." I was rather excited about the idea of marrying Lord Vader. He was still a mystery, even after 15 years. I admired him, even as I feared him. Some small part of me worshipped him, I think. It was the worship of a silly puppy who doesn't know any better. I feared what he could do; I saw what he did to those who displeased him. Would marriage be the same way? It was rumored in certain circles that Vader once had a wife, but that the killed her. I was afraid to ask him if it was true, for fear of making this situation uncomfortable. Although I reflected that this couldn't get more uncomfortable than this. A slight wheezing cough startled me out of my thoughts. I apologized.

I am sorry, my Lord. I was just thinking." Please don't ask me what, I prayed. Thankfully the door beeped, saving me from possible questions. I looked at him as to whether or not I was to answer, and I receive a nod in response. I called, "enter." The door hissed open, admitting a golden droid.

"Miss, you have a visitor." These were not the words I was expecting. I am not sure exactly what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. I immediately swung my legs out of bed to stand up, but my head spun the moment my feet touched the floor. I almost fell, but suddenly Vader was beside me, holding me up. He shook his head at me, as if I was crazy.

"Kathryn, you mustn't get up yet. You're not strong enough." To the droid that stood waiting, Vader said, "tell whoever it is to return later." I decided to not argue for the moment. My head was still spinning. The droid left the room, and the door hissed shut behind it.

Vader turned his attention back to me, easing me back onto the bed. He was very careful not to jar or injure me anymore than necessary. I was grateful for the help. He sat with me for a while, then got up and paced. I watched him pace and wondered what he was so worried about. Finally I spoke up. "You're going to wear a hole into the floor over there. What's bothering you?"

He looked at me, not saying anything. I looked right back, and he answered. "I am worried about this recent attack, if you must know. I am not accustomed to losing my abilities like that, and it alarmed me. I managed this time, but what about next time? You were with me and got injured. What if I am unable to protect you and you die?" Now, I understood what was going on.

"This has something to do with the rumor that you killed your wife. I thought it was just a tale told people, but it was true in a sense, wasn't it?" His head jerked up in surprise. "Oh, don't worry; I don't mean that you killed her. I just mean that you were unable to protect her, and so she died. Am I right?"

With a tortured voice, he said at last, "how did you know?"

"Let's just say that I'm gifted and leave it at that, shall we? I put two and two together. If I revealed all my secrets to you, then you wouldn't be amazed anymore, would you?" I said teasingly. He did not laugh. Big surprise. I reached out a hand to touch his shoulder, but moved out of my reach. I sighed. "Look, I'm a perfectly capable woman. I can fight, shoot, sword fight, and talk like the devil. I'm not worried about anyone hurting me. Yeah, I did get shot, but I still took out my guys. Plus, I took out one of yours...all while being shot at and losing blood. So, there." I folded my arms, daring him to argue. He chuckled at that.

"Yes, you are quite capable," he conceded.

Sensing that I was about to win, I said, "look, if you teach me, then I will be well-prepared, right? You know almost everything I can think of about fighting. Surely you can teach me all you know?" I gave him my sad puppy dog eyes.

"All right, Kathryn. I will teach you everything I know. This does not mean that I will not worry." I nodded in agreement. "Now, get some rest. I have to go out and take care of some things. I will be back later. If you need anything, push that button on the table beside you, and someone will see to your needs." He pointed to the button, and I looked.

"That's nifty," I said. We didn't have such things at Conrath Manor. It was an old manor, built a few centuries ago, but it was sturdily built and had been in our family for a while. "I'll see you later then?"

"Yes, now close your eyes." I obediently closed them and soon dropped off to sleep.

A/N: Yeah, I know…not very interesting. Just working on setting the story up. I will make sure and address the reason why Vader chose to marry, and why her. I'm afraid it will be pretty…predictable, I suppose. Thanks to Nazi General and LauRa-ReaDinG-XoX for faithfully reading, and I hope you both enjoy where the story is going. I welcome reviews :-] But, I suppose you as fanfiction readers already know this!