Hellooooo? Is anyone still reading this?
So...that awkward moment when you were supposed to update a story a few months ago but kind of forgot about it. Um. *flashes awkward smile* Hai! I know, I know, I am totally late and this was supposed to be updated, but real life is a pain in the butt and I may have kind of fallen into the rabbit hole known as tumblr. And school. But mostly tumblr. Oh, and Doctor Who.
...sorry. Here's a chapter for me to make it up to you!
Chapter Three. The Mark of Ventress
Part two of chapter three
The door suddenly swung open to reveal Anakin, along with a group of knights. "Over there," the young prince said, pointing at one of Qui-Gon's many bookcases. Obi-wan stared at him quizzically as the knights instantly started to rifle through the physician's belongings. Already reading the confusion radiating both Qui-Gon and Obi-wan, Anakin said, "Sorry – we're searching every room in town."
"What for?" Qui-Gon asked with a frown.
"The person behind the recent deaths," Anakin replied.
Qui-Gon didn't look too impressed by the prince's response. "And why would he be here?" he asked, crossing his arms. Anakin walked over to the other side of the room, already peering at the walls. "Just doing my job," he said, pressing his lips together. "Well, I have nothing to hide. Go on, search." Qui-Gon said, gesturing at the tables.
Obi-wan watched silently as Anakin and the knights went through the rest of Qui-Gon's belongings. As he observed, he couldn't help but to wonder if this happened frequently. If so, well…he was beginning to underestimate the amount of excitement that would stir Camelot. "What are these books and papers?" Anakin asked, holding up a few of Qui-Gon's notebooks. Again, the physician already had an answer. "My life's work, dedicated to science," the older man answered. "You are quite welcome to search through them."
Obi-wan didn't miss the small grimace that appeared on Anakin's face as he placed the books back on the table. (Obi-wan couldn't really blame him; while he himself found Qui-Gon's work interesting, the physician could be a bit enthusiastic upon explaining any concept…) The prince turned to the door at the back of the room – Obi-wan's door. "What's this room up here?" he asked.
"It's mine," Obi-wan said, clasping his hands behind his back.
"What do you expect to find in there?" Qui-Gon called as Anakin started to climb up the small set of stairs that led up to the room. The prince merely shrugged his shoulders. "I'm looking for any evidence that might suggest the use of the Force or other enchantments," he replied and without another word, walked through the door. Obi-wan stared readily after Anakin, and then, leaning over, Qui-Gon whispered, "What have you done with that book of the Force that I gave you?"
Eyes widening, Obi-wan looked back at his room. Where did he put that book? He might have put it in the cupboard…or the loose floorboard under his bed…but there was also a likely chance that it wasn't in any of the hiding places at all. It might even be on top of his own bed, and Anakin would open it and…
"Obi-wan, come here." Anakin said slowly from the room. "Look what I've found."
Heart hammering in his chest, Obi-wan left Qui-Gon's side and ran up the stairs. He entered his bedroom, feeling his entire stomach practically drop with anxiety, only to find that Anakin was standing at the other side of the room. "A place to put things," the prince said dryly. "It's called a cupboard."
Obi-wan managed a weak (and hopefully convincing) laugh as Anakin closed the cupboard and retreated to the window in the room. However, as soon as he was out of Anakin's sight, his eyes scanned the entire bedroom for the book. It actually didn't take him too long, either, because a minute later, his eyes landed on the familiar artifact, which was just a small distance away from his bed.
Obi-wan risked another glance at Anakin. He was sorting through his clothes now, completely oblivious to what might be happening behind his back. Holding his breath, Obi-wan extended a hand and with a quick call on the Force, let his blanket fall off the bed to cover up the book. It seemed like a smart move, too, because only moments later, Anakin turned around to look underneath the bed. Obi-wan pressed himself against the wall, his entire body taut with worry – if Anakin was to see the book – if anyone was to see the book, his secret would be revealed and then –
Standing back on his feet, Anakin gave Obi-wan a small nod and walked out of the bedroom. Obi-wan allowed himself a small sigh of relief and quickly followed the prince out, making sure to close the door. "How long do you think it'll take for you to find a cure?" Anakin was asking Qui-Gon. The older man's eyes travelled around his chambers. "It depends on the amount of irruptions I get," he replied.
To his credit, Anakin looked down at the ground, a definite note of embarrassment evident on his face. "Of course," he murmured. "I'm sorry." He looked up at the knights and raising his voice, said, "We're finished here!" With that, the knights filed out of the room, Anakin as the leader of the line. The minute they were gone, Qui-Gon closed the door and turned to Obi-wan, hissing, "We have to hide that book."
"No," Obi-wan argued. Lips quirking into a smile, he added, "We must use it."
"Don't be stupid," Qui-Gon instantly rebutted. Obi-wan leaned forward over the table, eyes bright. "My legacy – what is it for?" he asked excitedly. "You keep telling me it's not for playing tricks!" Qui-Gon shook his head. "You want to use the Force when Palpatine is hunting for anyone practicing suspicious activity? Are you mad?" he hissed. Turning around to grab more books, the physician continued, "You're destined for more important things."
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Obi-wan groaned, "But if I don't practice, then how do I become this – this great Jedi?"
Qui-Gon pointed a glass vial at Obi-wan, a stern expression on his face. "There will come a time when your skills will be recognized," he said. Obi-wan threw his hands up in the air. "When?" he asked. "How long do I wait?"
"Patience is a virtue," was the physician's response.
"Sitting by and doing nothing is a virtue?" Obi-wan retorted.
"Your time will come," Qui-Gon said firmly, placing the vial back down on the table. Obi-wan pressed his lips together into a determined line. "I could cure that man we saw!" he pointed out. Qui-Gon let out a small sigh and leaning forward over the table, said, "I know it's tempting to use your skills when it's easiest, Obi-wan."
"It is when it would save a life!" Obi-wan protested. Qui-Gon pointed a finger at Obi-wan, saying, "It's no good saving one life! We have to discover how this is spreading." Obi-wan looked over at the door and exclaimed, "Anakin is looking for the user!"
"A user this powerful will never be found searching the town!" Qui-Gon shot back, standing up. Obi-wan pushed himself away from the table, biting down the inside of his lip. "So what can we do?" he asked slowly. Qui-Gon reached down and collecting the rest of the vials, replied, "Hope that science can find us the answer before it kills us all."
•◊•
"We've searched everywhere – the entire city," Anakin explained to his father, walking into the throne room. "Nothing?" the king asked, eyes wide. Anakin shook his head in disbelief. "I don't know where else to look," he said quietly. Shaking his head, Palpatine turned around and said, "I want you to impose a curfew. No one is allowed to be on the streets after the bell."
"Father," Anakin nodded.
"And cordon off the lower town," Palpatine added.
Anakin frowned. "Why?" he asked slowly.
"Because that's where most of the victims are," the king responded. "Let's isolate it – stop this disease from spreading." Anakin blinked at the older man, bewildered. Shifting his weight from foot to foot, asked, "What about the people who live there?"
"Don't you think I haven't considered it?" Palpatine asked sharply, looking back at the prince. "What else can I do? I have to protect the rest of the city." Anakin clasped his hands together. He didn't like the idea of putting away the other citizens – not one bit. It was, sadly, in times like these in which he dreaded ever having to make the same decisions as his father.
Anakin only nodded and left.
•◊•
"What's different about this victim?" Qui-Gon asked, pointing at the fresh corpse on the table. Just like the rest of the victims, her skin had gone a sickly pale color, only barely accented with blue and greys. Obi-wan was still trying to get used to seeing them, to be honest. His eyes scanned up and down the victim and after a pause, he replied, "She's uh…a woman."
Qui-Gon's voice was dry when he spoke. "Sometimes, I do wonder if your abilities were given to the right person," he said. With a sigh, he gestured again to the body. "Anything else?"
"Um…" Obi-wan's voice drifted as he looked back down. The victim was dressed in fine clothing – jewelry dangled around her neck, her hair still done in a fine up-do. "She's a courtier?"
"Ah," Qui-Gon nodded approvingly. Obi-wan frowned, crossing his arms. "And how does that help us?" he asked. Qui-Gon pointed a finger down at the corpse. "Courtiers seldom go to the lower town. What does that mean?" the older man pushed. Obi-wan pressed his lips together, searching his mind. This was beginning to be a regular thing between Qui-Gon and him, and Obi-wan was realizing that the physician was slowly growing to be more of a teacher. "She hasn't spoken to many townspeople," Obi-wan inferred. Qui-Gon pressed his lips together. "Yes," he replied, "but it suggests that the disease isn't spread through contact."
"They probably eat different food," Obi-wan added. Qui-Gon nodded again. "Good," he commented. "Anything else?"
"Doubt they breathe the same air," Obi-wan continued, searching his mind for a correct answer. "So what's the only thing that they do share?" Qui-Gon asked. Obi-wan felt the words drown in his throat after a moment, and then, looking back down at the corpse, replied, "Water…?" The physician nodded excitedly at the response, confirming the answer. Obi-wan frowned. "You think the disease is spread through water?" he asked.
"Obi-wan, you're a prodigy," Qui-Gon said, and leaned over to grab a bucket. He handed it over to Obi-wan; his intentions were clear. Taking it, Obi-wan rushed out of the chambers. The disease was spread through water? Obi-wan's stomach churned at the thought of how many people would have – or might be – infected. People used water every day, after all…
•◊•
Meanwhile, on the other side of the town, Padmé was throwing her cloak over her shoulders. "It's time to get up, Father," she said quietly, looking down at the figure in the bed of the house. To her bewilderment, Padmé's father did not move. "Father!" she called again. She strode over to her father and planting her hands over his shoulders, turned him around, only to let out a cry at the sight before her.
Padmé could barely recognize her father – thin, blue veins had stretched across his face like little cobwebs, giving him a ghostly look.
It was the disease.
Letting out a cry, Padmé stumbled backwards. Heart pounding loudly in her chest, she bolted out the door. She sprinted through the towns, blindly pushing past other citizens and ignoring the shouts of protest aimed at her. Her father had the disease. He was going to die. He was going to die, he was going to die.
"Padmé?" a familiar voice called out. Padmé only barely noticed Obi-wan standing by the well, his brow furrowed in concern. Padmé couldn't even stop. She ran forward, ignoring her friend's stunned calls. It wasn't long before Padmé finally reached the physician's chambers.
"Padmé," Qui-Gon said, surprised.
"Qui-Gon," Padmé gasped. "Do you have the sickness?" Qui-Gon asked worriedly, already searching her face. Padmé shook her head frantically. "My father," she sobbed. "Please, Qui-Gon, he's all I have!" Qui-Gon shook his head sadly in reply. "Padmé, I don't have a cure," he said quietly. Padmé brought her hands to her face. "I'm begging you!" she cried. "There has to be –"
"I wish there was something I could do – anything – but so far, the remedy is beyond what I can achieve," Qui-Gon replied mournfully. He reached out a hand, clasping it over Padmé's. "I'm sorry."
Feeling tears slide down her face, Padmé ripped her hand away and ran out the door, almost crashing into Obi-wan. The man stared down at her. "Padmé?" he asked uneasily. The young woman only shook her head and fled out of the building.
•◊•
"There has to be something we can do!" Obi-wan said when hearing the news. Qui-Gon only took the bucket of water, replying, "Let's hope this can provide some answers." Obi-wan stared after him. "But that'd be too late for Padmé's father," he said. Qui-Gon cast a solemn look at the younger man. "I fear you may be right," he replied. Obi-wan's heart sank. Shaking his head, he stormed into his room.
Obi-wan paced around, mind running through the possibilities of what he could do to help Padmé's father. He knew about Qui-Gon's warnings – knew that it wasn't the smartest thing to do – but Padmé was his friend. He couldn't honestly just stand by, knowing that he could have done something to help.
Quite suddenly, Obi-wan's foot hit something from underneath the blankets on the floor. He leaned down on his knees and pulling back the sheet, found the book that Qui-Gon had given him. Grabbing onto the book, Obi-wan sat down on his bed and started flipping through it. The water might provide some answers for Qui-Gon; the book might provide some answers for Obi-wan.
•◊•
It was dark when Obi-wan managed to venture out of the chambers, but he knew it'd have to be if he were to help Padmé's father without getting his powers revealed. He did a decent job sneaking past Qui-Gon, who didn't stir whatsoever in his sleep. Obi-wan had a harder time trying to get past the groups of guards strolling around the city. (In fact, there were a number of close calls.)
But eventually, Obi-wan managed to reach Padmé's house. He looked through the window to see Padmé curled on the floor, her head resting on her father's shoulder. Obi-wan allowed himself a small smile. In the morning, everything would be back to normal again for her. Quietly, he opened the door and walked into the house. The floorboards creaked only slightly, but Obi-wan was still quick to do his work.
Reaching into his pocket, Obi-wan pulled out a small poultice – something that the book had suggested him to make to bring a body back into proper health. It was tricky, no doubt about it – and Obi-wan had to make it without getting caught by Qui-Gon, but it was worth it. He gently placed it underneath Padmé's father's pillow, and stepping back, cast the two a satisfied smile.
He retreated out the door, and, positioning himself by the window, watched as the color slowly returned to Padmé's father's face. The man stirred in his sleep, and letting out a soft sigh, propped himself up by the elbows on the bed. He placed a hand over Padmé's head, causing her to instantly wake. Her eyes lit up, whispering, "Father?"
In a flash, the young woman's arms were wrapped around her father. "What happened? I can't believe it!" she was saying happily. Obi-wan's heart warmed at the sight. Tucking his hands back in his pockets, he left before anyone could see him.
•◊•
"Don't touch it," Qui-Gon said, looking down at the vial of water sitting on the table. King Palpatine and Anakin were gathered around him, all staring at the water with equally confused expressions on their faces. A single flower was in the vial, its petals – once full of color – now opaque. "I had this in the water for no more than a few hours," the physician added.
"Where is this water from?" Palpatine asked, eyeing it warily.
"From the pump where the people take their daily water supply," Qui-Gon answered. Furrowing his brow, Anakin murmured, "We have to stop the people from using it." Qui-Gon looked over at Anakin. "We can't stop the city from using water," he said. "It'd be impossible."
"We have to find the person behind this," Palpatine said determinedly. Anakin looked up at his father. "I don't believe he's inside Camelot," he supplied. Palpatine shot a glare at the prince. "Then extend the search to the villages!"
"We've started, but I can't search the entire kingdom," Anakin responded. "And I can't stand by and watch the people die," Palpatine shot back. Letting his arms fall to his sides, Anakin strode back out of the room.
•◊•
Obi-wan found Padmé in Ahsoka's room, cleaning and collecting clothes. "How's your father?" he asked, trying to make his tone as nonchalant as possible. "Is he feeling better?"
Padmé smiled. "Yeah, actually," she replied softly. "It's incredible. It's a miracle." Obi-wan returned the smile, asking, "So his skin's clear? Back to normal?"
Padmé nodded. "Yes," she said happily. Obi-wan took a few steps away from the doorway. "Great," he remarked. "You don't sound surprised," Padmé said, lifting an eyebrow. Obi-wan shook his head. "No, no, I am. It's a miracle, just like you said," he replied earnestly.
Padmé walked over to him, a small frown crossing her face. "But how did you know he was well?" she asked slowly. Obi-wan stared, searching his mind for an answer. He looked back at the door and then replied, "Because…you're smiling."
"That's really weird, though, because I haven't told anyone," Padmé said quizzically. "How could you know?"
Obi-wan pressed his lips together. "Yeah, alright," he murmured, stepping forward. "You finally found out…so I'll tell you." Padmé tilted her head, puzzled. "Obi-wan?" she asked uncertainly. Obi-wan, then, making his face as straight as he could, replied, "I'm psychic."
An amused grin spread across Padmé's face. "No, you're not," she said with a laugh. "It's true!" Obi-wan replied, pretending to be wounded. Padmé rolled her eyes and, shifting the clothes in her arms, asked, "Then what am I thinking?"
"That…I'm not psychic," Obi-wan answered, pretending to concentrate. Padmé giggled again, saying, "You're strange." After a pause, she quickly added, "I don't mean that in a nasty way. You're just very…funny. I like that." Her head bobbed up and down, and then, clearing her throat awkwardly, looked down at the ground.
"Well," Obi-wan said. "I'm pleased for you."
Padmé looked back up. "Thank you," she replied. It was Obi-wan's turn to frown. "What for?" he asked. "I haven't done anything." Padmé shrugged her shoulders. "Thank you for asking," she simply said. Obi-wan grinned. "Didn't like you seeing you upset, that's all," he replied.
•◊•
Anakin was more than confused when he saw the blacksmith pounding away at a sword that afternoon. A small crowd had gathered around him, all murmuring and whispering to one another. "The story was that you were sick," he said, looking around at the crowd. The blacksmith looked as equally surprised. "Not anymore," the man replied. Anakin frowned. "Perhaps…it was some other ailment," he said.
The blacksmith shook his head grimly. "Oh, you're joking," he murmured. "I felt like death itself. I didn't even have a strength to stir the air."
"Then…what happened?" Anakin asked.
"I don't know," the blacksmith responded. "Suddenly it was gone. I'm almost positive I'm fitter than I was before." Anakin narrowed his eyes at the man. "That's remarkable," he said. "Was anybody with you when all this happened?" The man shook his head. "Just my daughter, Padmé," he replied.
Anakin retreated out of the area, still staring after the blacksmith. "I'm going to search your house, if you don't mind," he said slowly. The blacksmith frowned. "I've got nothing to hide," he responded simply, and went back to his sword.
Anakin really hoped that the blacksmith was right as the knights scoured through the small house. They went through the cabinets, looked underneath beds, and checked the walls if there were any hollow areas that might contain something of suspicion. Anakin was almost certain that there wasn't anything to see until a knight pulled back a pillow to reveal a strange pouch – a poultice.
He sighed. It would seem that the user had been found.
•◊•
Padmé was re-organizing the flowers in a vase in Ahsoka's room when the guards stormed in. "Seize her," Prince Anakin said, not looking over at Padmé. She frowned as the guards took her arms. "No," she said, her voice quiet. The vase dropped from her hands as Anakin went on, "Padmé Amidala, I'm arresting you for crimes in contravention to the laws of Coruscant that you practiced the Force or enchantments of some kind."
Hearing the commotion, Ahsoka appeared from behind a pillar. "Padmé?" she called, eyes wide. Padmé looked over at her, saying panically, "I haven't done anything! Help me!"
Ahsoka whirled around to look at Anakin. "What are you doing?" she asked. Anakin walked past the younger woman. "We found a poultice in her house," he replied. Ahsoka shook her head. "That's ridiculous," she shot back. Anakin stood in the doorway. "How else would you explain her father's recovery?"
"She's innocent!" Ahsoka protested. "I know she is!"
Anakin shook his head. "What can I do?" he asked, lifting his arms. "I can't turn a blind eye!" With that, he headed out of the room.
•◊•
"You have to listen to me!" Padmé shrieked, still struggling against the guards. "I haven't done anything wrong! Please!" She stared at Anakin's back, pleading, "I'm innocent, I swear! Let me go! I swear to you –" She turned around wildly, hoping that someone else might step in. Her heart jumped in hope when she caught sight of Obi-wan, who was staring at her. "Obi-wan!" she called. "Obi-wan, please help me!"
Instantly, her friend started running forward, his arms stretched out. "Padmé!" he called, only to be stopped by another man – Qui-Gon. Padmé felt hopelessness grab at her again. "Why isn't anyone listening to me?" she shouted.
A/N - I know what you Anidala shippers might be thinking - "wait, no, Anakin loves Padmé! He wouldn't ever do something like that to her!" Let me remind you that Anakin still isn't totally aware of Padmé...yet. YET. YET. YET. YET. *winks*
As always, reviews are welcome! And so is constructive criticism! But flames are not! (And I also know that I usually insert character rants or something in this story...or was it this story? Or was it another story? Gawd, I'm forgetting. Either way, if I do character rants in this story, I'm sorry if you miss it! (I've received a few messages saying, "I want the old katierosefun back!" There is no old katierosefun or new katierosefun - there is just me.) I'll bring in a character rant in the next chapter, though. Probably. That is, if I don't forget...*crawls underneath my blankets to avoid any possible glares/stares*)