Dark Angel
By Serena Kenobi
A/N: Mega thanks to all of my reviewers! I really appreciate each and every one of them. Couldn't keep writing without all of your encouraging comments.
(Sith and Princes are being strung up by their ankles in the Reviewers Temple)
Angel: (Looks at Qui-Gon and her father) Can I make them float? (Turns to Maul and Dooku, grinning) Zim is right. You all must die!
Zim: Of course I'm right! (Begins to hit Palps with a rolled up newspaper)
Palps: Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!
Arie Skywalker: You guys are starting to get on my nerves!! (Beast them over the head with a baseball bat)
Xizor: STOP!
Arie: NEVER!
Raven: (clears throat and stands on platform) I now declare... (everyone holds their breath) that the Sith must ride on an ever-continuing merry-go-round that goes 100 mph!
Pippin: Sounds good to me! Let's haul 'em away, people!
Angel: (laughs)
Raven: Ooh, this is gonna be fun!
Yes, I agree. Let's get back to the story, people!
Disclaimer: Some other chapter, you will look at.
Chapter 8
Vader watched his daughter until she was out of sight before turning his attentions back to the Emperor's Hand. "Jade! I demand an explanation for this," he thundered.
Mara blinked, feeling her eyes well up with unwanted tears. "I need to talk with you in private," she choked, furiously trying to control her raging emotions.
Vader nodded and swept away, cape billowing behind his tall form.
Jenson walked up to her, and she began to sniffle slightly. "Don't worry, I'm sure she'll be fine," he said, placing a comforting hand on her back. "She's had worse, trust me." He felt a bit unnerved by the broken down spirit of the usually stoic and cold Emperor's Hand, but he knew better than to say anything.
"You don't know the half of it," Mara said stubbornly, "She might die."
"Jade, I've seen Princess Skywalker blown up, captured more times than I can count, and survived severe blaster wounds," Jenson insisted. "I am sure she will pull out of this one."
Mara looked at him, silent. "It's all my fault," she burst out, covering her face in her hands.
After seeing that Elena was properly placed in the hospital, Vader went back to the palace and entered boardroom, pacing quietly. The only sound in the room was his breathing. He halted when the hiss of the doors was heard, and Mara came into the room, looking seriously depressed. She slumped down into a chair and put her head in her hands.
"Tell me everything that happened," Vader ordered.
Mara sighed and put her hands on the table. "It had been going as planned," she began, "We had found the Rebel base and were on our way. And then some bloody moron put a tracking device on one of their cargo shipments, and they evacuated the planet right within that day. They were gone once we got there.
"Then, to make things even worse, Elena suddenly told me that the base would self destruct. We had almost made it out, but it blew up just as we were getting out."
Vader studied her. "I sense something happened to you, Mara," he began, "What was it?"
An uncomfortable pause. "I died," she flatly admitted.
"What do you mean, you died?" Vader demanded. "You're not dead!"
"I know!" she suddenly yelled, startling him. She glared and abruptly stood up. "I was dead," she continued, furiously pacing the room. "But... Elena did something. I don't know how, but I felt myself being… revived. I was coming back to the real world; she was healing me somehow. She was using some kind of healing power to bring me back to life; but by using her own life force and power, she was draining herself."
Vader was in astonishment. He didn't know what to say.
Mara's green eyes were now filled with tears. "She sacrificed herself to save me," she whispered, voice breaking. "She's my best friend... like a sister. I can't lose her, not after what she's done for me." She sat back down, a few tears running down her face; but her tone had hardened. She then looked up at Vader, and her gaze changed back into her normal, calm self. "What's going on?" she demanded. "What can Elena do that she or you didn't tell me?"
Vader let out a breath of air. "I don't know if I can trust you, seeing as how you are the Emperor's Hand," he started.
"And you're not?" Mara asked indignantly.
"Jade you had best hold your tongue. However… you do have a point there," Vader admitted, "But I am her father. I need to protect her."
"I won't betray her," Mara added firmly. "Not after this. I never would."
Vader paced around for a second. "The only thing I can tell you is that she has a special healing ability," he said, "She can heal extremely quickly, but never before have I heard of her, or anyone for that matter, actually healing other people that quickly... much less bringing them back from the dead."
Mara sighed, rubbing her head. "It was as if she transferred her power, then, to me," she replied. "That must have been what she did, but she didn't know she was doing it. Did she?"
"She had no knowledge about this, I am certain," Vader answered, assurance in his voice. "She knew specifically that she could not use her power outside of this palace."
Mara stood up again. "I think I need to go see her," She stated.
Vader nodded. "That would be a good idea," he replied, and followed her out of the room.
Mara quietly entered the med room where Elena was lying. She sat down in the chair next to Elena's hospital bed and watched her friend silently for a moment.
Elena was in a dark colored robe, her hair down, spread out around her face, and her eyes closed as her chest slowly rose and fell. All of the cuts had healed, but she was still unconscious.
Mara's eyes threatened to fill with tears again, and she blinked them away before taking Elena's hand.
"I know I haven't been the best friend," Mara began slowly. "I haven't always been there for you... but you were right. I am stubborn... and I am bitter. I'm bitter at most people... even myself sometimes. But I could never be bitter at you, because you are the only person in this galaxy who even gives a bloody bantha about me. Ever since we first met, I realized that you were the one person who was unlike any other in the Empire. You're not like them, Elena. And you never will be. You're kind, caring, and think about others. You may not think of yourself as this... but you are. Elena, in your heart, you are a Jedi. That doesn't bother me, even though it should. And I think you always will be a Jedi. No Emperor or Sith Lord could change you." Mara squeezed her hand, stood up, and left the room. "Tell me when she wakes up," she told the nurse.
Vader had given Mara some time alone with his daughter, but now came into the room and sat down in the chair that she had sat in, silently watching Elena. He slowly put a gloved hand up and stroked her hair lightly, remembering when she had been younger. This must what it means to be a father, he thought to himself.
Meanwhile, Elena was in a deep slumber, but was right back on the lake house in Naboo, talking with Luke and Leia. "It was so strange!" she rambled on, pacing the room. "I've never done anything like it before in my life!"
"Are you sure she was fully dead?" Leia questioned. "I mean, suppose she was simply unconscious."
Elena shook her head firmly. "No, she was dead, I'm certain. There was no heartbeat, no pulse, no Force presence. She was fully dead, and I brought her back to life by transferring my healing power to her."
Luke whistled. "Wow, if you can do that, then we can, too," he said, standing up. "But I've never been in that situation before."
"This is terrible!" Elena burst out. "If word of this leaks out, I'm dead! Mara might go tell the Emperor, and then Force knows what he'll say to me! He's wanted me dead for a long time... he just might kill me now! Or worse... order Dad to do it for him!"
"Elena, calm down, I don't think Mara's the kind of person who will betray you to the Emperor," Leia chided coolly. "She trusts you, and now that you've saved her life, she wouldn't go and do something like that."
Elena sighed. "I hope so," she replied worriedly. "Oh well. Come on, let's get on with your lightsaber practice."
Leia nodded and ignited her weapons. "So, when you do think you'll be coming to Alderaan?" she asked as they began to duel.
Elena blocked a jab from her. "Soon, I hope," she replied. "I have to get this mess straightened out first. And I've been so busy with Imperial politics. Why on earth do you want to be a Senator, Leia? It's so..." she made a face, as if to further prove her point.
"That's why I'm doing it, to try and help bring the corruption out of the Senate," Leia remarked. "I'm doing good, and I think it's good for me, too."
Luke shook his head. "Sometimes I think it's good that I'm staying way out Tatooine," he added, watching them, "But then I think of all the good I could be doing in the core, and I get guilty and restless. I feel so useless out here, Elena, I need to come to Coruscant." He stood up, irritated.
"Luke, you know why you can't do that," Elena reminded him, spinning around; "First of all, Dad would have a bantha, secondly, the Emperor would want to kill you, and thirdly... we all need more training, and, frankly, we all know that the Force doesn't want you to come out yet."
Luke sighed and nodded. "Yeah, I know," he replied quietly. "It's just that we've known each other for what... nearly four years? And I've never even seen your face in real person. Either of your faces."
"Luke Skywalker, I will see you, don't worry about that," Elena retorted, detirmined, bringing up her lightsabers again, "Trust me, I'll come and find you. Maybe after I visit Leia – nice block, Leigh!"
"Thanks, you too," Leia muttered, trying to hold her balance.
- - -
A few minutes later, the two girls were caught in a block, and both of them knew that neither of them was going to win.
"Truce?" Elena gasped.
"Truce," Leia replied, and they both pulled back. Luke clapped as they stood there, gasping for breath.
"That was wonderful, you two," he complimented, "Leia, you're doing brilliantly, we'll make you a Jedi in no time. Elena, fantastic, as always."
Elena put a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks, bro," she panted. "We're one heck of a family, I can tell you that. But guys, even though I'd love to stay around, I gotta wake up soon, or Father will freak. I have to talk to Mara, anyways."
"All right, take care of yourself," Leia called as Elena jogged down the steps.
"Don't get into too much trouble!" Luke added.
Elena glanced back, grinning. "Trouble is my middle name," she quipped, saluting them. She then disappeared, waking up back into the real world.
Leia sighed. "Well, I have to say one thing. This is one of the most odd situations I have ever heard of." She ruefully smiled at Luke, who just laughed in return.
It was a bit dark in the room when Elena slowly opened her eyes. She heard faint noises coming from the other people and droids in the hospital, but other than that it was generally quiet. She lifted her head up and saw a few vases of assorted flowers on the side table, along with some cards. She picked up one and read it:
Dear Elena,
I'm really sorry that you got hurt. That must have been terrible, getting blown up like that. And it happened to you twice! I don't know if I could have been as brave as you were in that situation. Well, everything's normal here at the academy: Hobbie always making us laugh, Keira coming up with insightful comments, the usual. We all miss you. Come back soon, and get well!
Your close friend,
Beyoncé Rodan
PS: Did something happen to M. J. on your last mission? She's been acting very strange ever since she's come back, and we don't know what to do about it. She won't tell us, either. If you know something, please tell us! Thanks.
Elena frowned thoughtfully but moved onto the next letter. She knew that she wouldn't tell the truth about what happened on the mission. She just hoped that Mara didn't spill to the Emperor. Sighing in worriment, she picked up another letter, this one from Keira.
My dear Elena,
Are you going to be all right? We are all worried sick about you, so please get better soon. I miss you exceedingly, I need someone with real sense at school. But Beyoncé has been trying to keep up our spirits the best she possibly can. She's doing a fairly good job of it, too.
I wish you didn't have so
many missions now, you're away more than ever on different
assignments, sent by your father, the Emperor, or someone else
of high standing. Or did you choose to come on some of these
missions? I don't know. I've been on a few adventures (if that's
what you want to call them) with my father, mostly on your father's
ship, and I was bored out of my mind. I honestly don't know how
they stand it. But your missions are probably more exciting. I
don't want to get blown up, though.
Get better soon, we miss you. By the way, is something the matter with Mara? I don't know what's gotten into her! She's different now, but I can't explain it. What happened? If you know more, I'd like to know as well.
Sincerely,
Keira Piett
Elena sighed. "No, I really can't tell you," she said quietly, more to herself. "Sorry, guys." She moved onto the next letter, but found that she had to give a special code before being allowed to read its contents.
My daughter,
This note is specially coded so that only you can read it. Delete its properties as soon as you have finished reading it. I am proud of you for doing the best you could on your assignment, it was not your fault that the Rebel base moved to another location without your knowledge of where they were going. From Mara Jade's perspective, the amount of Rebels was not worth sending a legion of troops in there, in case you had managed to contact me. Do not worry if you think that you failed, because you did not.
Mara told me everything that happened during your stay on Dantooine, and I am concerned about your health. Is it a habit of yours to get blown up by the enemy, or is it just one of your favorite pastimes?
"Oh that's so hilarious," Elena muttered sarcastically, rolling her eyes at her father's dry humor.
I must say I am surprised by what you did for her. Transferring your power to her body, and then bringing her back to life is astounding. No other Jedi or Sith has ever accomplished that feat before, not even the Emperor. But it was of a high cost to yourself, and I do not like that. However, I am proud that you saved her. It was a noble thing to, even if you did not know that you were doing it.
But be warned, Elena. This cannot leave our palace walls. You know the consequences.
I also do not
know how many more times I will be forced to see you in the hospital.
I do not enjoy these visits at all.
"You're preaching to the choir," Elena grumbled.
May the Force guide you back to consciousness, daughter. You are strong in the Force and will return to full health, I am certain. Also your stubbornness and strong will might help as well.
Your father,
Lord Darth Vader
Elena shook her head as she read the letter from her father. She mentally pictured her father's real name there instead of his Sith title, but right now she could only dream. "One day..." she said to herself. The next letter was from Mara, and then after that, one from Leia. "Word travels fast," Elena remarked.
Hey Elena.
I don't really know
what to say. I hope you feel better. Force, is that the
understatement of the year or what. I'm sorry. I don't know how
to go about this, I'm not good at this kind of stuff, you know,
confessions and all that rot. I just wanted to say... you were right.
I am bitter. But I could never be bitter at you. You're the only
one who really... you know... likes me, I guess. Aw Sith, I'm
getting all mushy here.
Look, before I start to cry again, (yes, I have, more than once, if you must know) I want you to know that I thank you. For everything. You're a real friend. Thanks.
Mara Jade
Elena didn't know what to say, either. "Oh Force..." was all she could muster. Instead of trying to figure that letter out, she decided to move onto Leia's, which was the last one.
Dearest Elena,
Are you all right? Goodness, being blown up twice is certainly not on my list of things to do. I shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry. I wish I could come and see you, but my father has me working extra hard in school and politics, so I guess that means you will have to get well and come to visit me as soon as possible. You could come to the Alderaan Academy with me while you are here, I'm sure it would be fine.
I just want you to know that I'm here for you. You're a good person, Elena. We need you to stay alive. All of us.
Sincerely,
Leia Organa (S.)
Elena was confused at the S at the end of Leia's name for a second, and then it hit her. Leia was writing her name as Leia Organa Skywalker. Elena wished she could keep the letter, but because of safety reasons, she knew that she couldn't. She erased her father's and Leia's letters from the datapads, gave a big sigh, and thought for a minute.
I'm gonna have to figure out a way to transfer my power to other people without nearly killing myself, she thought. I just need more practice. But Elena knew that would be the hard part. It wasn't like any of her friends were just going to drop dead at any moment for no good reason.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. She'll have to learn, I guess.
Isolder: Where's Leia?
Zim: Shut up.
Xizor: Where's Leia?
Arie: Shut up.
Maul: Where's Lei... wait, who's Leia?
Raven: Shut up.
Han: (swaggers in) Where's Leia?
Pippin: Shut up.
Han: Huh?
Pippin: Whups! I didn't mean you.
Angel: Then who did you mean?
(Pippin shrugs)
Until next time! Reviews make me happy! Happy people update sooner!! Hey, there's a good idea... May the Force be with you all!
