Dark Angel

By Serena Kenobi

A/N: (ducks and hides) I KNOW! I'm SO sorry to have kept you waiting! But I was trying to decide where I wanted this story to go - and I think I've pretty much decided what I want to do. The sequel will probably be shorter, because that'll be the final punch and the resolution. But I was thinking about doing a story after that, maybe of the next generation. Haven't decided yet.

In answer to Super Tinfoil Man's question, Yoda is not dead. He just hasn't shown up yet. And I don't really like him at all, so he won't be a main part in the story, as you can see already. But he will make an appearance or two.

Thank you for all the wonderful reviews! You guys keep this story going and make me want to write more. Almost to 200 reviews! Can we make it?

Disclaimer: One's enough. We all know I don't own anything but my own characters. And I just borrow the amazing Darcy from Pippin Baggins from time to time. Pippin, you rock!

The story's really going to pick up now. The climax is coming...


Chapter Nineteen

Elena stood a few yards away from the warehouse, staring out into the forest, bag slung over one shoulder and a gift from the mutant party in her free hand. Leia came up beside her and said quietly, "Let's walk." The two began to stroll through the forest, simply enjoying the last few moments they knew would from then on be very few. After a moment, Elena asked, "Do you think this will work out?"

"What?"

Elena motioned back to the warehouse, buzzing with noises from the mutants as they conversed with one another. "This. All these mutants. Do you think this whole warehouse will last for much longer?"

Leia shook her head. "Honestly, no. We're getting too many people, and most of them are runaways. We'll have to think of something else soon. And if there are as many mutants on Coruscant, they'll simply double the amount, and we'll have to think of somewhere else to send them."

"But what do we do with them?" Elena persisted. "Most of them have no money, no family, no jobs…" She rubbed her head. "Well, I guess we can think about it. We'll house them here – you find someone to be in charge when you're away, and we'll take it from there."

"Sylina," Leia instantly said. "She's older than us, and the best leader. But I agree. Something needs to be done."

Elena paused. "Leia…"

Leia looked at her. "What?"

"I've been thinking…"

"Never good."

"Amusing. But seriously, I have an idea. Not sure if it's one you'll like, but…"

Leia stopped. "Out with it."

"I know the Alliance is having trouble finding trustworthy recruits," Elena whispered, "but what about them? What if we added them to the fight?"

"You mean… like an army?"

"Maybe. What if… what if we started our own secret legion of specially trained units? What if we created an underground league… not a league, but more like an enlarged strike team. We have the power to hit the Empire, hard."

"But what about their identities? Their powers?"

"Like I said, it's just a thought. We can't hide forever, I've been realizing."

Leia nodded. "It's a thought. Something like… Mutants Underground?"

"Yeah. But that's going a little too far." Elena continued to walk. "Right now I have to focus on helping Coruscanti mutants. Which is why I have to leave now." She turned to her sister and smiled. "I love you, sis."

Leia pulled her into a hug. "Love you, too."

Elena smiled, then strode off into the forest and disappeared in abamf. Since she couldn't teleport into the hangar bay, which had many guards, she decided to take the more scenic route and go around the outer forest, then catch a speeder into the city. It was a beautiful sunny day, and the forest was extremely pleasant to walk in. After one bamf, Elena stopped and inhaled deeply, getting lost in the presence of the Force –

Which was screaming something at her that instant!

Without warning, a raging black beast dropped down from below, foaming at the mouth and screaming shrilly. Elena barely had time to duck and roll out of the way of its large, open mouth full of razor-sharp fangs that gleaming cruelly. Elena stared at it as it dropped onto all four paws and crouched low, hissing and snarling.

"By the Force!" Elena shouted, then held up a hand as the creature lunged at her –

Only to drop down, smacking dead on into the bluish force field. It lay there for a second, moaning in pain.

Elena slowly, warily made her way over to the creature, which was some kind of feline, and said, "Hey, hey, I'm not going to hurt you." She felt confident to use her powers on an animal. An animal can't tell people if I'm a…. mutant. Elena's eyes narrowed. Something… something was telling her this creature was more than just… a creature.

The creature stopped moaning and stared at her with hateful green eyes. They were an icy green, and seemed more intelligent than they should have been. Elena stopped as it rose to its four paws and snarled.

"Whoa!" She stepped back. "I'm not going to hurt you!"

But the creature roared and rushed forward at an alarming rate and tackled her to the ground. Elena struggled against its large sharp claws, trying to avoid its large open mouth as it growled and snapped at her. Finally, she'd had enough. She phased herself down into the ground, then back up behind the creature, which was now staring at the position she had just occupied. Elena's eyes whitened, and she flung a lightning bolt at the creature. It screamed and knocked against a tree, unconscious. Elena would've left the creature there, but after a second, something happened. Elena frowned and walked towards it.

The creature began to change. Its ears flattened and grew pinker, its body changed shape and morphed into a more human one, and its fur disappeared and became skin, except for the head, where the fur became long, curly black hair. The next second, Elena found herself staring a young human male dressed in black. A lightsaber hung at his belt. But his hands were slightly hairier than most male hands she'd seen, and his fingers contained claw-type nails rather than normal human fingernails.

"By the Force!" Elena breathed. Suddenly, she was filled with a horrible thought. Was the Emperor already experimenting on mutants? Was this man an experiment gone wrong? Was she too late? Elena looked down at the man. She needed answers, and she needed them soon. Sighing, she picked up the young man, who looked to be around her age, and brought him over to a little clearing. She started a fire and then waited for him to wake up.

But then she froze. He's seen my powers!


Around an hour later, as Elena was staring into the fire, she heard a noise. Looking over, she saw the young man slowly move his body. He groaned, more of a growling in his throat, and then opened his sharp green eyes. They glinted, stared at the fire, and then rested on Elena. He bolted upright and snarled, sounding just like an animal.

"Oh, shut up."

He looked down. Closed his eyes and muttered something under his breath. He then hopped to his feet and reached for his lightsaber –

Which was currently sitting beside the girl.

"Hello," Elena said calmly. "I'm Elena."

He snarled, revealing gleaming white teeth. Two of them were smaller fangs that hung down from his upper jaw. Elena stared at him. Suddenly, he snapped his mouth shut. "What happened?" He hissed.

"You tell me," Elena snapped, rising to her feet. "It's not every day I see a beast turn into a guy. Or maybe you don't need to become an animal. Maybe you already are a beast."

He glared at her furiously. "Give me my weapon."

"No. Not until you tell me how you changed into an animal."

"I didn't change into an animal."

"No, you changed into a man from an animal."

"You lie!"

She studied him. "Do you… remember being an animal?"

He growled at her once more and suddenly darted off into the forest. Elena sighed again.

"That went well."


The return to Coruscant was both a relief and a matter of dread for Elena. She didn't know what to expect when she arrived at the castle, but she wasn't looking forward to any meetings with other mutants or even with her father. She hopped out of the N-1 fighter and was not surprised to see Jenson standing there at attention. She walked up to him, all stern and cold, mirroring his own expression, but after a tense minute, she broke into a smile – as did he – and on impulse hugged the Lieutenant who had been her first friend in her father's castle. "Hey, Jen," she grinned, pulling back.

"Milady," Jenson said, his chestnut eyes sparkling. "Nice to have to you back."

"Nice to be back. Where's Dad?"

"With the Emperor." Seeing Elena's sour expression, he hastily added, "He didn't want to go, I assure you. But Prince Xizor's here – back from Falleen – and the Emperor wanted your father to greet him."

Elena scowled. "Bet he loved that," she muttered.

"Of course. Look, I'd love to hear about your trip, but Lord Vader's demanding a report – so I'll talk to you later?"

Disappointed but determined not to show it, Elena flashed him a false smile. "Certainly!" She watched as he walked away, but before he went too far, she called out, "Oh, hey, Jen!"

He turned around. "Yes?"

She licked her lips. "Did you… have you talked to Jix lately?" Jix and Jenson had gotten along well during Elena's growth in the castle and were usually quite polite to each other. They both respected the other for having worked for Vader for so long.

Jenson shook his head. "No, he's been gone ever since you were. Sorry."

"It's okay." Elena gave him another fake smile and walked off in the opposite direction. Had her father found out? Did he… fire Jix? Or kill him? Had Jix run off, never to return? Elena was troubled.

"Lady Vader!"

Elena turned to see a young man, one whom she had never seen before, hurrying towards her. She guessed he was a new aide. Upon reaching her, he bowed. "Milady," he said, reddening. "Er, I, um, wish to give you some information."

Elena looked at him, realizing he was probably around her age. "Okay," she said. "And it's Lady Skywalker – I don't use the 'Vader' surname."

He blushed even more. "Oh, my apologies, Lady V- Skywalker," he spluttered. "I hope I haven't offended you."

Elena smiled. "Don't worry about it. What's your name?"

"Private Brin, Milady."

Elena stuck out a hand, which he hesitantly took. "Nice to meet you. I'm guessing you're new here."

"Yes, Milady."

"Still getting used to it all?"

He nodded emphatically. "Yes!"

"Hope you stay. What's the information?"

"Oh! Right. The information." He handed her a datapad. "It's from a Mara Jade of the Imperial Palace."

Elena beamed and eagerly took it. "Thanks!"

He blushed again and hurried away.

Elena read the datapad on the way to her room – it was mostly just small talk and information about school and questions about Alderaan. Elena was not surprised to get a com call from Keira. "Elena!" The young woman said. "How were Alderaan and Leia?"

"Great! It was nice to get away. What's up?"

"Oh, I know this sounds crazy, but I wondered if you could do me a favor. I'd ask Bece or Mara, but they're busy. I wondered if you could go to an apartment in Coruscant and check it out for me. I'm getting ready to move out of my father's place."

"All grown up, huh?"

"Something like that. Could you see what it's like and take holos? I want your opinion. You'll know if the landlord's trying to cheat me."

"Certainly." Elena took down the address and the date of the appointment, which would be in around two weeks.

"Oh, thank you! I really appreciate it. Oh, and I got you a late life day present. It should be with your droid."

"Thanks, K."

"No problem. Bye!" The comlink ended.

Elena looked around for any sign of Geenine, but the little brassy droid was no where around. Frowning, she looked on her bed and saw a wrapped present. She smiled and went over to sit on her bed. Opening the present, she found that it was a journal. There was a note from Keira on a flimsi that read: "Elena – something to write down your thoughts. It's coded to have a password if you want. Happy life day!" Elena turned over the book- shaped datapad and smiled. She took out a stylus and began to write.

Hey. I've never had a journal before, so I guess it's for writing down what you're thinking or what your life is about. Well, whatever. Guess I'll just improvise and write whatever I feel like.

So here's the dealio: I live with a Sith Lord in a castle on Coruscant. I'm eighteen, and although Dad doesn't know, I'm training to be a Jedi. Matter of fact, there's a lot of things Dad doesn't know. I feel horrible for not telling him, but then again, every time I feel guilty, I remember that he's a Sith. Can I even trust him? Wait, how can I say that? Of course I can trust him. He hasn't betrayed me to the Emperor, and it's been over four years since I first moved in. But still, I can't tell him about Luke and Leia, or about the others.

Force, I feel so alone. Leia now has all those other mutants to keep her company – they're like an extended family. Luke, I guess, feels the same way I do. He doesn't have anybody either. I, at least, have Mara. Don't know about Jix. Haven't seen him in a while. I don't know if our relationship can ever be repaired. I shouldn't have kissed him. That was stupid. But it just felt so right! He's been my friend ever since I first met him – he's stuck with me this whole time. He knows about my secret and was fine with it. He's just… I don't know.

But still. There's something missing. I guess it's that our family, our estranged family, will never be together unless Dad turns to the Light. He's the catalyst, and he's the only one who can repair the damage he's created.

Well, that's it for today. Thanks for this, Keira.

Elena leaned back in her bed and glanced out the window at the artificial sunset.

"About time you came home."

Elena turned to see her father, unmasked and unsuited, leaning against the doorjamb, smirking. "Hello yourself," she said dryly, rising to her feet and greeting her father with a hug. "How've you been?"

"Can't complain, I suppose," he shrugged.

"And Old Dry Bones?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Same as always."

"That bad, huh?" She returned to her chair. "And the lizard?"

Anakin's eyes hardened. "It was ridiculous." He began pacing the room as she looked on calmly. "The Emperor made me welcomethat slimy piece of bantha dung! It was disgraceful! Why would the Emperor make me do such a humiliating thing?"

"Because he can." She leaned forward. "Don't you see he's trying to control you? Play you against Xizor?"

Anakin glared sullenly at her but knew she was right. "I don't trust the Emperor anymore," he said distantly, walking over to the large window and staring out through it. "I haven't trusted him in a long time. And he doesn't trust me either. Not that I care."

"I know," Elena replied serenely. "I think you should know he's already trying to replace you."

Anakin looked at her. "What do you mean?"

"I ran into a young man on Alderaan," Elena told him. "I read his mind. He's got direct ties to Palpatine. He tried to kill me. I think we both know the Emperor either wants me dark side or dead. I'm a nuisance to him now. I have been ever since I got here." She took in a breath.

Anakin's eyes narrowed. "Why do I get the feeling there's something you're not telling me?"

"Because your feelings are right." Elena put her head in her hands. "Father, the man I met was a mutant."

Anakin stared at her. "A mutant? You mean Palpatine has mutants working for him? He might be onto you as well…"

"I know!" She cried. "I'm trying to figure this out, here. I have to try and help him – maybe I can convince the guy that Palpatine is going to hurt him."

"Always trying to help people, aren't you?" Anakin said.

She nodded. "Yes."

Anakin's lips pressed together, and finally he said, "I think it's time to consider… other options."

"Meaning?" Elena held her breath.

"Meaning… we take over the Empire."

Elena deflated. "Oh."

"You and I together are more than a match for the Emperor and anyone else he has with him," Anakin pressed. "This is our chance to make the galaxy a better place! Make things the way we want them to be!" His eyes were lit with a strange fire.

Elena froze. "That's just what you said to Mom."

Anakin stared at her. Hard. "What are you implying?" he questioned dangerously.

She rose to her feet. "I'm implying that asking me to take over the galaxy is going to get you the same place it got you the first time you suggested that."

"You'd fight me?" His voice was dark.

She shook her head sadly. "No. But I won't help you."

"You're not allied with me?" His voice was shaking with rage.

Elena's eyes filled with tears and she said carefully, "I'm your daughter. I love you. I'd do almost anything for you. But Iwon't turn to the dark side, and I won't be part of your plan to take over the galaxy. I'd kill Palpatine in a heartbeat – but I won't be with you if you take over as Emperor. I'd help rebuild a new Republic – a new democracy – but I won't see you rise as a dictator." She fell silent.

Anakin contemplated this information and eventually said, most of his anger deflated, "So you will not comply with the Emperor's wishes?"

"No."

He sighed. "Then I suggest you watch your back. The Emperor will attempt to have you killed."

"Why not just do it then?" She baited.

"The public loves you too much." His eyes were saddened. "As do I." He turned sharply and left the room.

Elena fell back into her chair, inhaling shakily, and stared at her clawed hands.


The next day as Elena was looking over some reports, her father entered. He locked the door behind him and took off his helmet. His face was so grim Elena immediately leaned forward. "What's the matter?"

Vader ran a hand through his hair. "There's something I failed to mention yesterday," he said. "However, I didn't want to plague you as soon as you arrived home."

Elena looked at him keenly but said nothing.

"Elena…" his eyes met hers, and she was shocked to discover the helpless expression on his face. "The Emperor…" He inhaled. "The Emperor has ordered me to tell you… had ordered me to tell you that you must find a husband within the next month or he will do it for you."

Elena stared at him, not sure if he was joking or not. "I'm sorry?"

"I would rather not repeat myself," he said, irritated. "You have to get married by the end of next month or he will force you to marry someone of his choosing."

"But why? What's the point?" She was baffled at this move. "And why now? This is so out of the blue!" Was this all just a strange dream?

"I think that he wants you out of the way and married to someone he can control. If push comes to shove, he will kill you. It's all rather sudden, and I'm not certain myself of his true intentions. Maybe… maybe it's to remind me of my allegiance to him."

Elena's eyes flashed at the Emperor's using her to get to her father. "I won't do it."

"You must, Elena."

"But there's no one to marry! I'm not marrying some Moff!"

Anakin studied her closely. "You're an adult and perfectly old enough to be married. Are you sure there's no one you would want?"

Elena paused and blushed. "Well… er… I haven't really thought about it." Her anger suddenly rose. "And this is all just a little sudden, don't you think?"

He nodded slowly. "Yes. I apologize for the bad timing. But remember, Elena, if you don't choose – he will choose for you." His eyes were saddened as he turned to leave. "I'm sorry, daughter. I didn't want this for you."

Elena watched him leave and put her head in her hands. Why is my life falling apart?


"Making you get married?" Luke was tremendously furious. "I can't believe Dad's actually agreeing to this!"

"It's not his fault," Elena said tiredly as she watched him pace the stone patio. "He doesn't have a choice in the matter either."

Leia's eyes flashed. "Why do you keep defending him?" She demanded. "He could just-"

"Just what?" Elena snapped, fixing her with an icy gaze. "Just kill the Emperor? Take over his place?"

Leia leaned back. "What did he say to you?"

"He suggested just that," Elena sighed miserably. "I was wrong. He doesn't want to turn back – I thought it was good that he doesn't trust the Emperor – but he just wants to take his place as the ruler with me by his side."

Leia looked down and squeezed Elena's hand in her own. "I'm sorry."

"No. It's not your fault." Elena looked at her siblings. "But I think we should start thinking of new possibilities…"

Luke sat down. "What are you saying?"

Elena paused, licked her lips, and said, "I'm saying we should consider other options. If Father doesn't return to the light side, then we have to come up with a backup plan. A plan to protect our kind. Our brothers and sisters." She looked at Leia. "Leia, I think you should continue to look after the mutants in the warehouse – maybe move the warehouse to a more remote location – and begin to train them. Those who already have fighting skills can help."

"You mean build up an army?" Leia said, growing interested. "Like what you were talking about before?"

"Exactly. Luke – if you sense any mutants, try to compel them to meet with Leia. Aid them in any way you can. I'll do what I can under the radar, but I'm watched like a hawk now. The Emperor's closing in on me. He might already be taking in mutants and experimenting on them."

Luke frowned and said, "What do you mean?"

"I think the Emperor's going to replace father with a new apprentice he's training. I met him on Alderaan – and he's a mutant. He can turn into any animal he chooses."

Luke whistled. "Powerful. And Force-trained."

"That's why I think we need to start moving now. Get ahead of Palpatine."

Luke nodded. "I agree. We're not just Jedi. We're mutants. We need to do what we can to stop the Empire."

"Will you stop Vader if you have to?" Leia questioned.

Elena had a pained expression on her face and was silent for a long time. Finally, she whispered, "Force help me – if I have to, then yes."


And the plot thickens! I decided to throw that little twist in there - you'll see why later. The Emperor's finally closing in on Elena... what will she do? Find out in the next chapter! Reviews are always welcome.

MtFbwy,

- Serena Kenobi