Author's Note: Hey guys, I just got back from Buffalo, New York or I would've updated earlier. Anyway the long awaited confrontation between Padme and Arica has arrived. How will they interact with one another? Is everything cool with them? Hmm...you'll just have to read for yourself. Only one more chapter after this. Welcome to the story Arsenel!
The Lure of the Dark Side: Chronicle 1-The Turning of an Era
Episode IV: The Clone Wars
Chapter 13: A Revelation that's taken to the Grave
Padme, the other three Jedi and Chancellor Palpatine arrived at the Underground Transport Center underneath Five Hundred Republica fifteen minutes after leaving the train station. They did encounter some droids on their way but the three Jedi and Padme easily sliced them down. A few Magna Droids had also made to follow them but they lost them the street away from Five Hundred Republica.
Once there they all made to board the small transport vehicle that would take them to the security bunker that the Chancellors in the olden days during the after math of the Sith War era used to hide in times of danger. They all got in, with the exception of Shaak Ti that is. She remained outside.
"Shaak Ti, are you-" Padme started to ask, but was cut off.
"Get inside! Get to the bunker!"
"My dear, what about you?" Palpatine asked.
"I will stay and hold them off."
"Hold them off?" Padme asked in confusion.
"But we don't know if they're still following," Palpatine countered.
"Make no mistake, they are coming."
And when Padme stretched out with the Force ever so slightly she did feel the approach of more Magna Droids.
"Protect the Chancellor," Shaak Ti said to the other two Jedi who had come out of the transport vehicle and were standing in front of her.
Master Mudama said something again in his foreign language and Shaak Ti nodded. "And you."
"This selfless sacrifice will be long remembered in the archives of the Jedi Order," Palpatine said before they boarded the vehicle once more and were off.
On their way to the bunker Padme felt Shaak Ti engage nine of Arica's Magna Droids.
Too bad. Such a great Jedi should have faced a much better fate than to be killed by a bunch of dumb droids.
When they arrived outside the bunker a few minutes later Masters Corobb and Mudama led them outside the vehicle and up some stairs. They were now above ground. They than went down some stairs and the Jedi used the Force to have the metal sliding doors behind them close after they went through them.
Finally they arrived at the bunker when suddenly Arica popped up again behind them and began to fight the two Jedi. Padme was mildly surprised that she hadn't felt Arica approach before she saw her but wisely moved into shadows along with Palpatine to observe the show. The duel went on a few minutes but it was clear that Arica had the upper hand in the battle until suddenly the two Jedi slashed upwards at Arica's sabers, blocking her from moving her hands, for if she did she'd lose her arms.
Padme took this moment to step forward, call her saber to her hand and activate its red blade. Both Jedi stood wide-eyed at the sight of Padme while Arica merely smirked.
"Let go of your lightsabers, I've got an idea."
Arica nodded before doing so while Padme called the two Jedi's lightsabers to herself and pocketed them.
"I do believe these belong to me now," she said before decapitating both of them and shutting off her saber.
Arica smirked and nodded at Padme before turning the light to the room on and approaching Palpatine.
"You're mine old man," she growled.
"I'm not afraid of you. You wouldn't dare harm the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. Whatever would your master say." Palpatine smirked at the last sentence and Padme laughed.
Arica however looked livid and glared before grabbing a hold of Palpatine's front and lifting him into the air.
"You're lucky they want you alive."
"Chancellor!"
They all whipped around to see Shaak Ti running in the room.
"Shaak Ti my dear, you've come to rescue me," Palpatine said in what Padme knew to be a sarcastic tone though she wouldn't know it as that. Arica laughed and Shaak Ti let out a battle cry before charging towards her with her lightsaber raised.
Arica let go of Palpatine and struck Shaak Ti to the floor with her fist. She than lifted her into the air the same way she'd been holding the Chancellor, only she held her by her throat instead of her shirt.
"You're tired Jedi," Arica jeered as she snatched the saber out of her hands. "You won't be needing this. I've got something else for you."
Arica than turned to Padme and nodded before dropping Shaak Ti to the floor. Padme smirked as she stepped forward and once again ignited her Sith lightsaber. Shaak Ti looked at her wide-eyed in shock.
"Senator! I-I don't understand. What're you doing with a Sith lightsaber?"
"Well I would've thought that obvious," Padme jeered.
"But-you-no-no that's-that's not possible. Your the Sith master we've been looking for!"
This stupid pronouncement brought smirks from the evil three.
"No my dear," Palpatine said stepping forward. "I'm afraid that would be me. Padme here is my daughter and it's only natural that a father teaches his child all he knows. Even to the extent of teaching them the path of the dark side." He gave a dry laugh. "But enough of this talk, Lady Baynetta, kill her."
"Gladly," Baynetta jeered.
"No. This can't be." Shaak Ti was now backing away from the advancing Padme in shock and disbelief. She glanced over at Arica, who was simply watching with a smirk.
"You, why are you just standing there Arica?"
"Why am I just standing here?" Arica repeated. "I'm so enjoying the show."
"You mean you don't intend on kidnapping the Chancellor?"
"Of course I do. It's all part of the plan."
"What plan?"
"For the Jedi to become extinct and the Sith to rule once more," Sidious cackled.
"No, it won't- it'd never- you'll never-"
But at that moment Padme stabbed her lightsaber through Shaak Ti's heart, killing her. She fell to the ground dead. Padme nodded with satisfaction before kneeling down and picking up her fallen enemies' lightsaber. She placed it inside her cloak and turned to Sidious and Arica, who were both cackling.
"You have done well, Baynetta," Sidious cackled.
"Thank you my master." She gave him a mock bow.
"I think we should be getting you onboard my ship Sidious before more Jedi fools arrive and later come to rescue you."
Sidious nodded. "Yes you are right Arica."
Arica clapped and two of her Magna Droids came stalking in. They bound Palpatine and led him out. Arica turned back to Padme before following. For a moment the two said nothing, simply staring at one another. Arica had grown a lot over the past few years just like Antellica. They were only 16 but they could both pass for 23 in appearance and attitude. Although Arica was staring back at her with an arrogant expression Padme could easily see the hurt and anger blazing in her eyes.
"We shall see each other again," Padme stated. "After the war and when we do we shall talk."
Arica nodded and turned to go, when suddenly she stopped herself. "Where is Antellica?"
Padme's eyes flashed with anger. "Maybe if you didn't block your mind from her you'd know."
Arica glared at Padme and began to stalk out before stopping once more and whipping around to face Padme one last time.
"I'm sure you'll think of a good cover story as too why I left you alive yet slaughtered and kidnapped the others."
"Oh I have," Padme spat right back. "And believe me, it's quite good actually."
Arica snarled before officially stalking out.
She caught up with her Magna Droids and followed them onboard her small transport ship. A Republic gunship was now flying by as they began to take off. The hatch door to the ship hadn't closed behind her yet so she saw Jedi Master Mace Windu jumped off the ship and glare up at her. She activated two of her lightsabers and smirked sarcastically down at him as their ship continued to rise higher into the air. The Jedi Master surprised her slightly when he than used the Force to choke her slightly. She coughed and reached for her throat dropping her lightsabers in the process. The grip on her throat suddenly vanished and she fell backwards kicking the button on the panel on the side to close the door behind her with her high-heeled shoe. She than headed for the bridge.
After Arica had stalked out Padme took out her lightsaber again and sliced up her arms a bit to make herself look more battle worn. She did not scream for she had long been accustomed to pain. She than whipped the saber out of sight, messed up her hair, and sprawled herself on the floor not far from Shaak Ti waiting to be found by the Jedi.
About a minute later Master Mace Windu came running in. She heard him gasp at the sight in front of him and Padme took that moment to let out a groan.
"Senator!" she heard him say. She was rolled over from her side and she made another groan before opening her eyes and seeing Master Windu looking down at her as well as Master Yoda approaching.
"Senator, are you all right?" Master Windu asked.
She let out another groan and slowly sat up, clutching her head. "Oh my head."
"Get you looked at by the Jedi Healers we will," Master Yoda said. He was now standing in front of her on the floor and looking at her wounded arms. She groggily nodded and slowly got up.
"I'm all right I guess. A little scratched and banged up but all right I suppose," she said in her best-tired voice.
Master Windu nodded before looking back over at the slain Jedi.
"Shaak Ti," he said mournfully, crouching down beside her and rolling her onto her back to where her stab in the heart was clearly visible.
"One of our best she was," Yoda said just as mournfully.
They looked at the other two a moment before glancing back at Padme.
"Do you remember what happened here Senator?" Master Windu asked gently. "I must say I'm a bit confused as to why you were here anyway."
Padme sighed again and clutched her head.
"Later these questions will be answered," Yoda said looking up at her sadly.
"Take her to the temple we will," he added to the clones who were now entering the room.
Padme groggily shook her head and willed herself into unconsciousness. She fell to the ground as if dead. The Jedi and clones hurried over to her and picked her up. She was taken to the Jedi Temple on a stretcher.
Nelvaan
Anakin had arrived back not five hours after he left for the droid factory with a league of Nelvaan warriors following. Only they didn't look like Nelvaan warriors, they looked like large savage monsters who stood at about ten feet high, easily making Anakin look small and insignificant. Antellica and all the other Nelvaanians gasped at the sight of them while Obi-Wan merely raised an eyebrow. They'd gone to meet them as they approached over the horizon. A few minutes later the Nelvaan warriors met up with them and stopped. Antellica and Obi-Wan stayed off too the side, as did Anakin, but across from them with his bantha. A few of the female Nelvaanians were backing away from the warriors in horror filled shock. Than suddenly Litera's son Joshua ran forward and cautiously approached one of the warriors. He reached up and took one of its fingers in his hands.
"Hapo!" he said.
The warrior, who Antellica guessed was Joshua's father, took him up into his arms and hugged him. All the females than ran forward, tears in their eyes, as they went to embrace their loved ones. Antellica smiled, turning away from this happy reunion to look over at Anakin. He smiled softly before stroking the bantha's head next to him and turning away. A few minutes later the warrior that was still holding Joshua walked over to Anakin and patted him on the back. Anakin smiled softly up at both of them and the warrior began to speak. Anakin turned questionably towards Obi-Wan.
"He says that they'll be able to fix up your arm a bit if you come with them back to their medical facility."
Anakin nodded and said, "Lead the way," to which Obi-Wan translated.
As Anakin was led away Antellica, Obi-Wan, and the rest of the Nelvaanians followed. At the Nelvaan Medical Facility one of the nurses put a cocoon stump, that had Indian like drawings on it, over Anakin's stump of an arm, for when Antellica took a closer look she saw that his whole artificial arm was gone. Anakin nodded his thanks and observed his cocoon stump with a smile. Antellica went over to Anakin, who was still bare-chested, and wrapped his Jedi cloak around him. She also hooked her right arm around his neck in a side hug. He looked over at her and smiled before giving her a peek on the cheek.
Preparations were than made for a celebration bonfire later that night. In the meantime Anakin told them about his journey. He'd gone to the cave by listening to the mother and made his way to the droid factory where the warriors were being held captive in chemical filled machines. After overhearing from some aliens that Arica had ordered them all captive and intended on using them as some type of monster army, he'd than seen Litera's husband being placed inside one of the machines and watched the transformation start. He than however began destroying the various battle droids that were manning the controls. When the aliens spotted him they unleashed the rest of the warriors and ordered them to attack. Anakin begged with them not too but they did anyway with their strap on blasters. Litera's husband than suddenly broke out of his glass cage and began to stop the warriors from attacking by pulling off their strap on blasters. Anakin joined in doing so.
After all the blasters were off the warriors seemed to come back too themselves and Litera's husband, who Anakin guessed to be the leader, began talking to them. After they all ran off he turned to Anakin and spoke. Anakin had no idea as to what he was saying but by the leader's gestures towards a bright blue glow of light that was a crystal straight ahead in force field connected to a beam and his crushing motions with his hands towards it, Anakin knew to destroy it. So that's what he did. When he got to it he attempted to cut the shield down with his lightsaber-
This bought a cough from Antellica and a sniff from Obi-Wan.
-but that didn't work so he reached his artificial hand into the beam (Antellica gasped and Anakin puffed out his chest while Obi-Wan coughed) and called the crystal to his hand with the Force. Once he crushed it, the force field was destroyed along with his artificial arm, (another gasp) and the entire beam. He along with the other warriors than destroyed and killed all the other droids and aliens in the building.
Once outside Anakin noticed the sun had come out and the snow begin to melt. He than led the warriors back to the settlement.
Obi-Wan and Antellica both nodded when Anakin finished recounting his tale. He than asked them what they'd done while he was gone. Antellica answered by saying that they'd played with and entertained the little Nelvaanian children. Anakin nodded with a smile.
By that time the preparations were ready and the bonfire began. It was dark again. The three Jedi watched from a distance on top of a cliff while the Nelvaanians celebrated beneath them.
"You've done a great thing for these people," Obi-Wan said to Anakin appraisingly. "Well done Anakin. But tell me more about your experience in the cave."
"I listened to the mother just as the Sharmen said," Anakin explained. "I was shown a vision. Do you think, they'll be able to reclaim their old lives?"
"I sense they will," Obi-Wan replied. "As long as each of them accepts themselves."
From standing behind him Antellica saw Anakin nod his head slowly before he turned and left. She made to follow him but was stopped by Obi-Wan. "He needs sometime to be alone."
She nodded and sat down on the ledge of the cliff. Obi-Wan soon joined her. She turned and smiled at him, he smiled back and for a few moments they simply sat in silence, observing the scene below them. The Nelvaanians were now dancing around the fire. Suddenly Antellica broke the silence.
"Do you get the sense that there was more to that vision Anakin was talking about, than he was letting on?"
"Yes I do. But I do not think it wise to bother him about it. I'm sure he'll tell us when he's ready. And if he doesn't than oh well."
"Yes." Antellica nodded her head. "But I wonder something else. Is it true that the 'Chosen One', Anakin, can see into and have visions of the future?"
"Hmm." Obi-Wan looked thoughtful. "Well to tell you the truth I really don't know much about that. I never really looked into any of that 'Chosen One' stuff. All I know about it is that the 'Chosen One' is supposed to bring balance to the Force. I'd suggest you ask Anakin. He would know a bit more than I."
"But than can normal Jedi, like yourself for example, see into and have visions of the future?" Antellica pressed.
"Oh no, no, no. Not a Jedi like me. Only a really powerful one, like Yoda for example. But uh-why all these questions about the future? Are you expecting something?"
"Oh no. Just curiosity actually. Just wondering if perhaps Anakin saw an end to the war in his vision, if it was one of the future I mean."
"Hmm, well let's hope so. This war's gone on for far too long."
They sat in silence again the next few minutes before bidding the Nelvaanians farewell and going to look for Anakin. They headed back to the transport ship and after not finding him onboard asked one of the Clone Commanders if they knew where he was. They'd said they'd flown him back earlier so he was somewhere on the Star Destroyer Vigilance. They had the Commander than take them up as well and after looking in the medical lab Obi-Wan suggested they look in the hangerbay, which is exactly where they found him. He was talking to R2 while the droid used a torch on his artificial arm.
"No R2," Anakin was saying in reply to R2's worried beeps. "There are things far more painful."
"You weren't in the med. lab," Obi-Wan said upon approach. "We thought we might you here."
"We're just finishing up," Anakin said lifting up his new darker looking artificial arm and putting a black glove over it. "See! Good as new."
"Anakin, the most difficult trial a Jedi must face is looking inside one's self," Obi-Wan said gently. "Often we find things we don't like. But these aspects are not set in stone. It is our maturity that shapes are destiny."
R2 suddenly beeped quite urgently, bringing an end to Obi-Wan's boring monologue.
"An urgent message from Crouscant," Anakin said urgently. "Patch it through."
R2 did so and a life-size holograph of Master Windu appeared.
"Kenobi, Skywalker, Grievous," he greeted gravely. "Crouscant is under siege! (Antellica gasped) And General Grievous has abducted the Supreme Chancellor."
"What!" Antellica gasped but Windu continued on.
"You must return immediately! You must rescue Palpatine!"
The communication than ended.
"Grievous," Anakin growled. "This time you've gone way too far little girl."
He than got up and began barking out orders.
"Battle stations! All crew to your fighters. Prepare to jump into hyperspace! Move! Now!"
All the Clones began running around, doing as Commander Skywalker had commanded. On their way over to their Jedi starfighters Antellica's mind was racing.
"Why would Arica want to kidnap the Supreme Chancellor? It just doesn't make any sense. He was always a good friend of hers."
"Well she's with the Separatists now Antellica," Obi-Wan said, obviously thinking she was talking to him. "So there you are."
"She's not your sister anymore Antellica," Anakin said while getting into his yellow starfighter. "Just remember that when we rescue Palpatine from her clutches in the event we run into her."
Antellica appeared not to have heard either of them. "It just doesn't make any sense. Unless of course- No. No of course not. Surely they wouldn't-"
"Wouldn't what?" Obi-Wan asked.
It was than that Antellica realized that she was speaking her thoughts aloud. She blinked and shook her head. "Nothing." She got into her own starfighter.
Obi-Wan merely shrugged before doing the same however Anakin was still looking at her, almost suspiciously. She looked over at him. "What?"
He said nothing, just merely continued to stare. After a few short moments of this however he stopped and activated the roof over his starfighter before taking off. Obi-Wan, Antellica, and a fleet of Clones followed him out the Star Destroyer.
"All craft, this is Commander Skywalker speaking," Anakin said over the main comline. "Prepare to jump into hyperspace on my mark."
"Standing by," Commander Cody and a few others acknowledged.
Anakin's starfighter than made the jump and they all followed, Delta 7 Aethesprite and ARC-170 starfighters and Republic-class Star Destroyers, bound for Crouscant.