Disclaimer: It's all George's.
AN: Thanks for all the great reviews! And sorry for leaving you guys with a cliffhanger. It's a very bad habit of mine. :)
Forever Destined
Chapter 27: Battle of Geonosis
Obi-Wan pulled at his chains, as the Reek was prodded toward him. It had a hungry look in his eye that Obi-Wan didn't like one bit.
"So, what's the plan?" Anakin called to him.
"There is no plan!" Obi-Wan called back.
"There's always a plan. Dad always has one," Anakin called. Obi-Wan glanced over at his father.
"Well, I'd really like to hear it if you do," Obi-Wan called.
"Ani's right...of course I have a plan," Qui-Gon replied calmly.
"Well, would you mind sharing it and quickly?" Obi-Wan said nervously.
"The plan is to stay alive long enough until your grandfather gets here with reinforcements," Qui-Gon replied.
"Some plan," Obi-Wan mumbled.
"Sorry I asked," Anakin mumbled, as he turned around and began climbing up the pillar, as the Nexu charged toward him.
"What are you doing?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Staying alive. Try it," Anakin replied.
"That's easy for you to say. If I climb up there, the Reek will just ram the pillar and knock me off," Obi-Wan said.
"So jump on him and ride him. You should be able to get control of him," Anakin called.
"Are you crazy?" Obi-Wan asked, but then thought about what he had just said.
"Don't answer that," he said. Anakin got a wild look in his eyes...a look that Obi-Wan didn't like.
"I've got an idea," Anakin said, as he began pulling against the chain that had him attached to the pillar, attempting to break the metal holding ring. The Nexu continued to try and jump up the pillar to get at its prey.
"Oh great...one of your ideas. Will you just hurry up!" Obi-Wan said.
"I'd like to see you break iron chains!" Anakin snapped back. Obi-Wan saw the Reek charging at him and gathered the Force underneath him.
"Well, here goes nothing. I've got a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan said, as he leapt up and onto the back of the Reek. The metal ring holding him to the pillar snapped free and the Reek bucked wildly. Obi-Wan threw the chain around his neck to try and handle him, but he lost his balance and was bucked off. Anakin winced, as he watched the Reek run off, dragging Obi-Wan along behind him.
"He's going to kick my butt for that one," Anakin said, as he cried out, feeling the Nexu scrape at his feet. He kicked the beast in the mouth, but it was determined and leapt up at him with a surge of adrenaline. The creature took a vicious swipe at him, tearing through his tunic and jerkin, leaving several deep lacerations on his back. Anakin screamed in pain, as the creatures claws tore through his flesh. Focusing on the creature, he used the Force to shove it down. The Nexu landed on its back with a painful yelp. Anakin gritted his teeth in pain, as he went about getting free again.
"Little bastard," Anakin swore. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon had managed to break away from the pillar thanks to the Acklay cutting through his chain. He was now fighting it with an abandoned stave. Anakin knelt down on the pillar and began concentrating on the lock on the shackles. He felt them twitch slightly and strengthened his focus. He was well aware that the Nexu had recovered and was pacing back and forth, debating its next move. Anakin finally heard the lock snap open and he released himself from the chains. He looked up at the balcony where Padme was and was determined to get to her. Obi-Wan managed to calm the Reek with the Force and tried to ride him again. Once he got control, he bounded for the Nexu and trampled it to death. Anakin climbed down.
"Thanks Ben," Anakin said.
"You owe me baby brother. Go get Padme and I'll help dad," he said.
"Thanks, I owe you twice," Anakin replied, as he ran off, headed for the balcony where Xanatos held his beloved captive.
Padme watched, as Anakin got away from the Nexu and made his way toward her. She had been vigorously working on picking the lock on her shackles with a hair pin, while Xanatos was distracted by what was going on in the arena.
"Jango, stop that brat," Xanatos said.
"NO!" Padme cried, as Jango used his jet power to propel himself down into the arena. Jango fired his blaster at Anakin and the young Jedi dodged him. Padme watched, as Anakin kept avoiding Jango's attacks.
"Your Jedi is not so tough without this," Gunray taunted, as he patted the light saber on the stand next to him. Somehow, Padme knew she had to get that light saber to Anakin. She heard the lock click open and she glanced up at Xanatos who was watching Qui-Gon fight the Acklay with a satisfied smirk. She called out to the Force for help like Anakin had taught her.
"You can do this baby. I need your help Padme," Anakin told her through her bond. Padme took a deep breath. He was right; he needed her this time and she had to do something. Padme swung her arms up and hit Xanatos across the face hard. She threw the shackles on her wrists off, as he cried out in pain. She kneed him in the groin and then knocked Gunray down.
"Stop her you fool!" Xanatos cried. Gunray stumbled to his feet and grabbed her arms.
"Let go of me!" Padme screamed, as she kicked Gunray as hard as she could in his abdomen. Gunray was thrown back against the railing and the momentum from the kick sent him stumbling over the side...and to his death. Padme looked stunned for a moment, before she quickly recovered and grabbed Anakin's light saber. She looked over the railing and called to him.
"Anakin!" Padme said, as she tossed it down to him. Anakin called his saber to him with the Force and ignited the blade.
"Let's make this a fair fight, Fett," Anakin said, as he dropped into a defensive stance.
"You don't scare me kid," Jango replied. Anakin heard Padme scream and Jango laughed evilly and fired his flame thrower. Anakin evaded it and then blocked Fett's blaster bolts with his saber. Anakin grit his teeth in determination, as Jango charged at him again...
Padme screamed, as Xanatos grabbed her by the hair and shoved her to the ground. Xanatos pulled her up and slammed her back against the railing.
"That was...a really big mistake," Xanatos growled at her.
"Go to hell!" Padme spat at him.
"Oooh...you are a feisty one," Xanatos said, as he held her arms and looked her up and down.
"Take your hands off me, you bastard," Padme growled. Xanatos tugged her by the neck chain and spun her around so she could watch the battle.
"First, your going to watch the demise of your lover and then you're going to pay for that little stunt you just pulled," Xanatos said, as held her arms tightly.
"If you think for one second that Fett stands a chance against Anakin...then you're in for a grave disappointment," Padme snapped. Xanatos laughed in amusement.
"Such confidence in the man you love...how truly touching. But even if the little whelp does get by Jango, I assure you that he will not get past me, my dear," Xanatos hissed in her ear.
Qui-Gon jabbed at the Acklay with the stave, successfully shoving it between the monster's teeth. His smile disappeared, when the monster's jaws snapped it in two like nothing. Qui-Gon ran and hopped on the back of the Reek with Obi-Wan. But now, the Acklay was not their only worry. Droidekas rolled into the arena and set aim on them.
"This is not good," Obi-Wan said.
"It would be a wonderful time for father to finally get here," Qui-Gon mentioned.
Anakin expertly blocked blaster bolts from both Fett and the droidekas that had ganged up on him. Fett laughed, as he raised his hand and signaled to the natives. The gates of the arena opened, revealing a sea of droids.
"Do you think you can block us all, foolish Jedi?" Fett sneered. Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon were all surrounded by the army of droids.
"Still so confident in your beloved?" Xanatos asked. Padme turned her head and glared at the evil man.
"How could you do this?! Qui-Gon is a wonderful man who raised and cared for you!" Padme said.
"No, Qui-Gon destroyed my life!" Xanatos yelled.
"No, you did that yourself. You're pathetic," Padme spat. Xanatos wrapped his hard around her neck.
"You would be wise to watch that tongue of yours, Senator. If I'm not mistaken, it has made you the target of just about every bounty hunter in the galaxy," Xanatos taunted.
"It would be even wiser for you to take your hands off my granddaughter," a deep voice said. Xanatos smirked.
"Well, well, Count Dooku himself. How nice of you to join us," Xanatos said, as he ignited his saber and held it in front of Padme.
"Let her go, Xanatos," Dooku ordered. Xanatos wrapped his arm tightly around her shoulders. Padme sunk her teeth into his arm and he shoved her into the railing.
"Little bitch," he screamed in pained anger. Padme screamed, as the railing broke and she went through it. Padme hung onto the edge and looked down at the long drop.
"Damn you Xanatos," Dooku said, as their sabers clashed. Xanatos laughed evilly.
"Hold on Padme," Dooku said, as he blocked Xanatos' strike.
"Yes Padme, we don't want you to fall," Xanatos taunted, as he slashed at Dooku.
Anakin was backed into the center of the arena with his father and brother, who were still on the Reek. Jango laughed evilly and shot the Reek in the head. The beast fell over dead, dumping Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan off its back.
"Surrender Jedi...and I might let you live," Jango taunted. The snap hiss of a light saber sounded and a purple blade extended.
"This party is over," Mace Windu said, as he arrived. Dozens of light sabers were ignited at that moment, as the arena was surrounded by Jedi. Mace tossed two light sabers to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Hundreds of Jedi descended into the arena behind the Jinn family. Suddenly, Anakin's attention was pulled away by Padme's terrified scream.
"PADME!" he screamed, as he saw her dangling from the balcony above them.
"ANI! Help me!" she called.
"Hang on Padme!" he called, as he pulled out his grappling cord.
"Ani...I'm slipping!" she cried.
"No!" he cried.
"Hey Anakin, this will work better!" Aayla called to him, as she tossed him an ascension gun.
"Thanks Aayla!" Anakin called, as he fired the gun and it carried him up. Just as Padme lost her grip on the edge, he wrapped his arm around her waist and caught her.
"I've got ya angel," he assured her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder, taking a relieved breath. Suddenly, they both cried out in immense pain, as Force lightning hit them both, thanks to Xanatos. The cord broke, sending them both falling to the ground.
"NOOO!" Dooku screamed, as he turned his attention away from Xanatos. This is exactly what he wanted, as it diverted Dooku's attention from him. Dooku reached out with his hands to slow their fall as best he could. Finally, they landed softly as possible in the sand. Anakin helped Padme up.
"Are you both all right?" Dooku asked, as he landed beside them.
"We're fine, thanks grandfather," Anakin replied. He nodded and handed a blaster to Padme.
"Thanks," she replied, as they ventured off to help the rest of the Jedi in the battle against the droids.
Qui-Gon shed his cloak, as it caught fire, thanks to Jango's flamethrower. Jango fired several blaster bolts at Qui-Gon who blocked them. Jango used his jet power to propel himself over Qui-Gon's head and landed behind him. He shot at Qui-Gon, who ran at him while blocking every single blast. Qui-Gon spun around and his saber whisked through Jango's neck, beheading him. Qui-Gon bowed his head slightly, hating that he had to kill the man, but knowing there was no other way, especially if they were going to keep Padme safe. From the balcony, young Boba Fett looked on in mourning at his father's death. Meanwhile, in the arena, the Jedi numbers continued to fall, as the droids vastly outnumbered the Jedi. Gradually, the Jedi were forced together into the center of the arena. The droids surrounded them and Xanatos raised his hand for them to stop.
"Surrender Master Windu and your lives, at least some of them, will be spared," Xanatos said.
"We will not be hostages to be bartered, Xanatos," Mace replied.
"Then I'm sorry. Kill them," Xanatos ordered. The droids raised their weapons again, preparing to fire on the small group of Jedi. Padme stayed close to Anakin's side, as their situation seemed increasingly grim. Suddenly, they heard something from above.
"Look!" Padme pointed. Four large transports descended into the arena, bringing Master Yoda on one of them. Hundreds of Clone Soldiers began firing upon the droids. Xanatos saw the situation was deteriorating and he quickly headed out on a swoop bike.
"Come on, we need to follow him!" Qui-Gon said, as he and Obi-Wan hopped on a transport, while Dooku stayed behind to help the others.
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan called. Anakin pulled Padme along with him, as they boarded the transport.
"Follow that man!" Qui-Gon ordered. The Clone pilot swerved around explosions and blasts from the droid ships and canons.
"Aim for the fuel cells!" Anakin called to the Clone. The soldier shot one of the canon's fuel cells, causing it to implode.
"Good call Ani," Qui-Gon said. The ship shuddered violently, as they had several near misses from other canons. Suddenly, one got too close and the ship jolted sharply on it's side. Padme lost her grip on Anakin hand and fell out, hitting the sand hard. She rolled several feet down a hill, until she finally stopped and fell unconscious.
"PADME!" Anakin screamed, as he jumped down into the sand after her.
"Anakin!" Obi-Wan called.
"They'll be fine. We need to keep going or Xanatos will get away!" Qui-Gon said. Obi-Wan nodded when he saw that Anakin had landed safely and was running toward Padme.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan rushed into the hanger after Xanatos. Waiting for them however, were hundreds of battle droids. Thinking quickly, the two Jedi dodged behind some storage containers.
"Blast! How the hell are we supposed to get through all these droids?" Obi-Wan said.
"Patience Ben," Qui-Gon replied.
"Hands up Jedi," one of the droids said. Seeing that they were surrounded, the two Jedi extinguished their sabers and slowly walked out.
"You fools fell right into my trap," Xanatos laughed.
"So, I suppose you'll kill us now. Then what will you do Xanatos? You will get your revenge and then you will be at a loss as what to do with yourself. The Sith cannot be trusted," Qui-Gon said.
"Yes, I know, for I am aspiring to be more than just a Sith lackey or assassin. You see, I will be the new apprentice soon," Xanatos said.
"So, you plan to kill Darth Maul then," Obi-Wan stated.
"Well, I will if I have to, that is if your youngest doesn't have what it takes," Xanatos smirked evilly.
"What are you talking about?" Qui-Gon demanded.
"Maul has gone to confront Anakin and get his own revenge against the brat for taking his arm. I believe he plans to take the brat's head as a consolation prize...that is if Maul does fowl it up and get himself killed. If the kid kills him, it will save me the trouble. If not, then I'll kill him myself and you'll be burying your youngest son. It's a win, win situation for me," Xanatos taunted.
"You're sick Xanatos. You need help," Qui-Gon said.
"Save it old man. I'll be leaving now. Kill them," Xanatos said, as he boarded his ship.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan drew their sabers and began fighting off the droids. Fortunately, Mace, Yoda, and Dooku arrived moments later and they destroyed the droids.
"We have to get back to the desert. Maul has gone to confront Anakin," Qui-Gon said. The other men nodded, as they headed for the transport.
"Padme! Padme, are you all right?!" Anakin called, as he knelt down beside her in the sand. She whimpered, as she began to come around.
"Ani...what happened?" she asked.
"You fell from the transport. Are you hurt anywhere?" he asked.
"I...I don't think so. Just a little dazed," she replied, as he helped her sit up.
"Thank the Force. I was so worried," he said, as he kissed her hair.
"I'm fine," she replied, as he helped her to her feet and hugged her tightly. She hugged him back, but then her eyes widened and her entire body tensed, as she stared at the figure over Anakin's shoulder.
"Anakin," she said, nudging him to turn around. The figure dropped his cloak, revealing his horrifying tattooed visage and horned scalp.
"Stay back Padme," Anakin said, as he pushed her off to the side. Maul launched at him, double ended crimson saber blazing. Anakin's sapphire saber hummed to life, blocking the Sith. Furiously, the Jedi and the Sith clashed at a breakneck pace, trudging through the sand, as they fought. Anakin expertly dodged and defended against Maul's vicious slashes, as he fell deeply into Soresu, his brother's signature fighting style. Anakin waited for the right moment and slashed Maul's saber in half, taking him down to just one saber. Maul snarled and decided he would take more drastic measures against the Jedi, noticing Padme who watched nearby.
"You're going to pay for giving me this..." Maul hissed, as he flexed his metal arm.
"You're just mad, because you got beat by a kid, right?" Anakin taunted. Maul growled.
"You took something from me...perhaps I should take something from you!" Maul growled, as he glared and Padme. She grabbed her throat, as he began choking her with the Force.
"NOOO!" Anakin screamed, as he lunged at Maul, toppling him to the ground. His Force choke on her was released, as Anakin began punching him. She dropped to her knees and gasped for air, watching the battle continue. Maul wrapped his metal hand around Anakin's neck, trying to choke him as well. The Sith Lord shoved his feet into Anakin's chest, kicking him off. He Force pushed Anakin back and the Jedi went falling down a sandy hill. Anakin landed on his back and Maul jumped down after him, snarling with a malicious look.
"Time to die, Jedi scum. This will teach you what happens when you cross a Sith!" Maul said, as he ignited his crimson blade again, preparing to drive it through the young Jedi's heart. Padme's hands shook, as she plucked her blaster from the sand. Shakily, she stumbled down the hill and fired her blaster. Maul had never even remotely considered her to be a threat, so he was completely unprepared when the petite young woman pumped his chest full of blaster bolts.
"Get away from him!" Padme cried fiercely. Maul looked at in stunned horror and raised his arm, preparing to launch Force lightning at her even as he died. Anakin wasted no time and jumped to his feet, catching the Force lightning with his saber and absorbing it. Anakin spun around and drove his saber through Maul's heart. The Sith Lord slumped dead to the sand. Padme dropped her blaster and ran clumsily down the hill, before throwing herself in Anakin's arms. Anakin caught her and lifted her off her feet, as he hugged her tightly, while she buried her face in his neck.
"You saved my life Padme," he told her.
"I...couldn't let him take you away from me," she cried into his chest.
"Shh...I'm fine, thanks you to, my angel," he told her, as he tilted his head and slanted his lips over hers in a passionate kiss. Padme linked her arms around his neck and moved her lips desperately over his in a several deep, sensual kisses. Their lips met again and again, until they felt the wind and sand stir around them. They held each other close, as they watched the transport land. Qui-Gon jumped out and ran to them.
"Are you both all right?" Qui-Gon asked, as he noticed Maul's body behind them.
"We're fine dad," Anakin replied.
"You defeated him," Qui-Gon said, with a smile.
"Actually, it was Padme who shot him and saved my life. I just made sure he was finished," Anakin replied, as he smiled softly at her. Qui-Gon's eyes widened.
"You?" he asked her.
"I don't think he considered me a threat and he was going to kill Anakin, so I shot him. He didn't see it coming. I guess that will teach the Sith not to underestimate a woman in love," she replied, as she smiled at Anakin. Qui-Gon chuckled and hugged them both.
"Come along, let's get off this Force-forsaken sand box. It reminds me too much of that awful place your mother used to have to live before I found her," Qui-Gon said, as he ushered them to the transport. About an hour later, the small group of Jedi were aboard Padme's Nabooan cruiser.
"So, it's okay to return to Coruscant?" Anakin asked. Qui-Gon nodded.
"Fett is dead and so in Gunray. The majority of the threat against Padme should decrease now...especially since they've gotten just what they have wanted," Qui-Gon replied.
"A war," Padme said.
"We're afraid so darling," Dooku replied. Mace Windu sighed deeply, as he entered the sitting area where they were with Master Yoda behind him. They all turned to them expectantly, as they sat down.
"You just spoke with the Chancellor?" Obi-Wan asked.
"We did and it is not good news," Mace replied.
"Hard to hear, this will be, for all of you," Yoda said, looking in particular to Padme. She squeezed Anakin's hand, trying to calm the storming emotions inside her.
"What did our good Chancellor have to say?" Dooku asked, recalling the conversation he'd had months ago at Anakin and Padme's engagement party.
"I would certainly hate to see it come to war. Nothing would break my heart more than to see your young grandson shipped off to one of those awful planets and torn away from the woman he loves,"
"I'm afraid that the battle at Geonosis has escalated the conflict with the Separatists. They have declared war on the Republic and battles are breaking out across the galaxy. I am afraid in your absence Senator, Representative Binks put forth a motion to give Chancellor Palpatine emergency powers. We believe your naive employee was coaxed into it, believing it would solve the dire situation the Senate faced with the Separatists. The motion has passed. The Republic is deploying its Clone Troopers to various parts of the galaxy to fight against the Separatists. The Chancellor has charged the command of the Clone troopers to the Jedi. The Clones will be leaving in four days...and will have to have Jedi Commanders appointed to them by then," Mace said sadly.
"Deeply troubling this war is. Jedi we are, soldiers we are not," Yoda said regrettably.
"I am deeply sorry milady, but there is no way we can exempt any Jedi from duty. Anakin will be going as Obi-Wan's second in command with the military rank of Commander. Obi-Wan, you will be commanding your own battalion as General, as will Qui-Gon and most of the other Masters and Knights. For now, we are keeping the younger padawans out of this. Senior padawans, however, will be going as well.
"Four days?" Padme asked.
"Deeply sorry we are, milady. Want this, we do not. A choice, we do not have," Yoda said, as his ears bent in sadness. Anakin squeezed her hand tightly, as they let the implications sink in. He was going to marry the woman he loved...and then he was going off to war. They were going off to fight a war that none of them believed in. A war that they all believed could have been avoided and they didn't know when or if they would return. And he knew he cared not about himself, but about the pain and sadness Padme would live with everyday. She would not know if he was okay or when he would return to her. He would not be there to hold her in his arms at night or kiss her good morning.
"Begun the Clone Wars have..." Yoda said in despair.