Hi guys! It's great to have you all here once again, and I'm happy to present to you a brand new chapter to my Star Wars story. I have to be honest, this one may be a little slow-going but still good nonetheless. A great turning point in Ariel's life begins in this chapter, which maps out the rest of her life, and I'm excited to see what you guys think of it. As usual, if there are any questions or concerns, please let me know, and please don't forget to review. I love hearing your opinions/suggestions, it really does help me out. I will upload the next chapter soon, and I would like to thank all who have favorite/follow my story, it really keeps me going. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: All things Star Wars are not mine!
Chapter Six: To love and to Protect
BailPOV
By the time Bail and Milo had gone through the city, the rain was coming down nice and heavy, hitting the roof of the speeder. The dark clouds above them released a downpour of water that hit everything below in heavy pellets, creating huge puddles and causing most of the residents to head back into their homes to avoid getting wet. Thankfully that made driving a bit easier, but it also made it harder to spot Ariel through the thick curtain of rain. Bail kept an eye out, hoping that Ariel hadn't gotten caught in this terrible weather, all the while berating himself for letting this happen. How could he have been so foolish? He should have made sure the room was secure while having such a serious conversation with Breha. Now Ariel was gone and he was worried he wouldn't be able to find her. He and Milo continued driving, looking in all alleyways and peeking into open buildings.
"Senator, it doesn't look like the weather is letting up anytime soon," Milo informed him. "We can't search for her forever."
"There will be no need," Bail said. "Go along towards the eastern borders, that's where her house is."
Milo nodded and then started driving a little faster, the rain smacking against the speeder as it went. It took a little while but soon Bail found himself in the familiar neighborhood in which Ariel lived. He directed Milo through the streets, trying to remember the exact way he and Torten had took yesterday while trying to find Ariel's home. It took them some time, but when Milo turned around a corner, Bail immediately saw Ariel's house at the end of the road and he pointed it out to Milo. Milo stopped the speeder right outside of the house and Bail let himself out, quickly walking up to the door and rapping at it with his knuckles.
"Ariel?" he called, the rain already starting to soak his clothes as he stood there. "Ariel, are you in there?"
There was no a
nswer from the other side, and Bail tried knocking once again.
"Ariel, please open up," Bail said. "Let me explain…"
"She's not there, senator," called a sudden voice. Bail looked over at the house next door to see an elderly woman leaning through her open window, her white hair pulled back into a tight bun and her sharp gray eyes squinting through the deep wrinkles on her face.
"Not here?" Bail said, moving away from the door. "Where is she?"
"How should I know?" she said in an annoyed, clipped tone. "She came running through here close to a half hour ago, went straight past her house, upset about something. She was heading towards the gates, she could have gone into the forest."
"The forest?"
"Yeah, the old Kodian she lived with is buried out there," the woman said. "No matter how many times I advise against it, she doesn't listen and goes anyway. It'll be her own fault if she comes across one of the beasts in there—"
Bail didn't need to hear any more as he darted back over to the speeder and hurriedly climbed in.
"Where to, sir?" Milo asked.
"Outside the city, into the forest," Bail answered.
"Sir?!" Milo said in surprise, his eyes going wide.
"Yes, now let's get going," Bail said.
"Torten is going to kill me," Milo muttered before turning the speeder back on. In the next second, Bail and Milo were traveling through towards the edge of the neighborhood and in the direction of the eastern gates that would lead beyond the city borders. When they reached it, they wasted no time in flying past, leaving the cobbled streets and glistening building behind for the more rural and luscious green atmosphere of the wood that surrounded the capital city.
"Sir, look," Milo said, pointing out of his window to the ground below. "I think I see footprints in the mud."
Milo rolled down the window and Bail leaned over to see that he was right—there was a small set of footprints leading away from the gate and into a nearby opening into the forest. That's where Ariel must have gone through. Bail directed Milo to follow the trail and the young guard complied, turning the speeder to face the correct direction before taking off, passing through the thick growth of trees. Bail rarely ever wandered out into the forest—in fact this would only be his second time—but he always admired the beauty that surrounded his home. Even in this storm, the trees, puddles, ferns and fallen trunks they passed were such a sight to see, and if it were any other situation, he would take more time to observe and appreciate it all. But for now, he had much more important things to worry about. Once they were actually in the forest, he told Milo to go a bit slower, that way they wouldn't lose sight of the footprints. Making sure to pay special attention, Bail kept his eyes on them as they led through a barely walked path, climbing over stones and criss-crossing their way through thick clumps of branches. As the minutes rolled by and they continued on deeper into the forest, Bail couldn't help but worry. What is Ariel doing, coming out here all by herself? She could get lost, or hurt. He tried to keep his mind from going over all the negative possibilities as he and Milo kept up their search. He wasn't exactly sure how much time had passed, but it didn't appear to be too long before they pushed their way through a cluster of bushes found themselves on the bank of a rather large lake that seemed to stretch on as far as the eye could see. Having never come upon this lake before, Bail's eyes traveled the length of it in wonder before his eyes snapped over towards the other end of to his left.
Ariel was sitting at the base of a large, towering tree up ahead in the distance with her back facing him, her knees tucked underneath her, and her hair dripping down her back as her dress stuck to her body.
"Shall I move closer, sir?" Milo asked.
"No," Bail replied. "Just give me a moment."
Milo nodded just as Bail opened his side of the speeder and stepped out, ignore the way his foot sank into the mud as he did. His clothes instantly became wet but he paid no mind to that either as he started making his way along the bank of the lake, walking over to where Ariel was kneeling. By the time he finally reached her, he found himself dripping and unsure of how to approach her. He had made sure to make noise as he walked so as not to alarm her, but she made no indication that she heard him.
"Ariel?" Bail said gently. She didn't answer him and after a few seconds Bail walked a few more feet forward until he was standing next to her. He knelt down to join her on the ground and tried to look at her, but her wet hair hung around her face, hiding her from view.
"Ariel, please talk to me," he said. "Why did you run away?"
"You…you don't want me," Ariel whispered after a moment, and Bail could hear the tears in her voice. "You h-hate me."
"What? Ariel, that's not true," Bail countered. "I do not hate you."
"But you don't want me with Leia, or in your home," Ariel said. "I heard you…you said I was dangerous because I'm a Castor."
"Oh, Ariel," Bail said, his heart heavy and greatly saddened. "I didn't know that you were there. You don't understand—"
"Yes I do," Ariel cut in, harshly, her voice trembling. "You don't like me, you only let me stay because you felt bad for me! I don't need anyone feeling bad for me, or giving me favors. I can do fine by myself. I just wanted to be friends with Leia."
"And you are her friend," Bail stated. "You have no idea how much she cares for you, how much we all care."
"You don't care," Ariel said, sounding as though she was trying to convince herself as well as him. "No one does…everyone ends up leaving me."
"Ariel, please listen, and let me explain," Bail asked her, moving his hair out of his eyes and sighing. "You didn't hear the rest of mine and Breha's conversation."
Ariel didn't respond to this, but Bail knew she was listening, somehow. He sighed again before speaking.
"It's true, I was surprised when I heard your full name, but in the way you think. I was surprised because…well, because I believe I know who your mother was. Her name was Karina, wasn't it?"
"Yes," Ariel muttered. "My Mama."
"I thought so," Bail said. "You see Ariel, a long, long time ago, I knew your mother. I haven't heard from her or seen her for years, and when you told me who you were, I instantly thought that you could be her daughter. Your mother was a very good friend to me, and to Breha, and I know that we must have sounded cautious and unsure at first, but then we agreed that your place was with us."
"What—what do you mean?" Ariel asked, finally turning her face to look at him. Bail wasn't sure where the tears mixed in with the rain, but the little girl's eyes were very red and puffy, etched with great sadness.
"Ariel, even before we learned your full name, we knew we wanted you to stay with us," Bail explained. "Leia adores you, as does Breha, and we didn't want to leave you all alone. We were going to offer you a place at the palace, doing whatever you'd like. A new home to call your own, where you and Leia would see each other all the time, and not have to be on your own. We love having you with us Ariel, and, if you want, you can stay with us. Knowing who you are just reaffirmed our decision. We want you somewhere safe, and where you would feel loved."
"But…but I heard you say it would be dangerous to have me, that there were risks," Ariel said, confusion clear in her voice. "What did you mean?"
It was here that Bail hesitated. They were now in the point of the conversation that he desperately wanted to avoid, the same type of conversation he knew he would have to make in the future. What can he say? How can he put it in terms that an eleven-year-old girl would understand? He took a moment to think to himself before speaking.
"As I said, your mother and I were good friends in the past," he began, slowly. "Have you ever heard of the Clone Wars?"
Ariel nodded her head.
"Well, during that time, your mother and I made some enemies, and Karina…she suffered losses that no one could possibly ever understand. Some of those enemies are still around, I'm sure, affiliated within the Empire. Close to the end of the war, Karina ran away to escape from those who wanted to harm her. And you. I believe that she went into hiding to protect you, because if someone bad were to find out who you really are, then you could be in danger."
"And—and anyone who takes care of me?" Ariel said, and Bail could hear the fear she tried to hide.
"Yes," Bail said. "That was why Breha and I agreed that, should you decide to come and live with us, certain precautions would have to take place."
"What precautions?" Ariel asked.
"Well, the main thing is, you would have to change your name. It would be the only way to guarantee your safety," Bail continued at the look on Ariel's face. "I doubt there are much Castors left out there, if any. If the wrong people were to get suspicious, it could be bad, and I don't want anything to happen to you. Also, you would have to keep anything I just told you a secret, no one else could ever know."
The expression on Ariel's face was heart-breaking, and she looked so utterly lost. She returned her gaze to the tree in front of them, becoming silent once again.
"I don't understand," she mumbled. "Why did people want to hurt my Mama? Why…why was she killed?"
"What? Killed?" Bail said in shock.
"The Empire killed her back on our home world, when I was six," Ariel said. "I don't know why."
"Ariel, I…I'm so very sorry," Bail said, his throat feeling tight. "I'm afraid I don't have all the answers as to what happened, but there is more to this than you know. But I'm afraid I can't tell you more, at least not until you are older and can understand."
Bail reached over and placed his hand on Ariel's shoulder.
"Your mother was a beautiful, kind, and brave woman who was dear to me and Breha," Bail told her. "I am very sad that she is gone, but I am also very glad that I had the chance to meet her daughter. You actually remind me a bit of her, and you look like her, too."
"I do?" Ariel asked.
"Yes," Bail answered with a tiny smile. "Especially your eyes. Ariel, I know that this is a lot to take in, and I know there's still so much you want to know. I promise, when the time is right, I will help you to understand it all. Myself and my family enjoy being with you, and we would love it if you would agree to live with us. We would love you and protect you no matter what, and we'll make sure you're never alone again. But if you do not want that, I understand, and I will not be upset. Even if you choose to go home, just know that I will still look out for you, and be there if you should ever need anything. It's up to you."
There was a period of silence after he spoke, and Bail waited patiently while Ariel sat next to him, lost in her thoughts. The rain continued pouring down on them, soaking them to the bone, but Bail didn't care. He had meant what he said to Ariel. Even if she chose not to stay with him and his family, he would make sure she was well taken care of. That's the least he could do for her. After a little while, Ariel turned her gaze back over to him and she wrung her hands in her lap, appearing nervous.
"You really want me with you?" she asked.
"Yes," Bail said with a nod of his head. Ariel was quiet for a few more seconds before she sniffed and wiped at her eyes.
"Okay," she whispered. "I'll come back."
Bail smiled at her, feeling incredibly happy and relieved. A sense of enthusiastic joy and tenderness overcame him, and he made a silent vow that he would do everything in his power to care for and protect Ariel as well as Leia. Always. He moved his sight to the tree that stood before them and he was surprised to see that there was a stone placed at the base of it. Upon closer inspection, he saw that it wasn't just a stone—it was a grave marker. Across the stone were the words, Kudo Barren, Brave Warrior and Beloved Friend. Bail suddenly realized that this was the burial site of Ariel's guardian. How could he not have noticed it before?
"Is this your guardian's grave?" Bail said.
"Yes," Ariel replied with another sniff. "We used to come here almost every day together. It was our favorite place."
"Well, whenever you want to visit him, I'll bring you here," Bail said. "Would you like that?"
"Yes please, sir," Ariel said, and for the first time since finding her, Bail saw a smile creep into the corners of her mouth. After a couple more minutes, both Bail and Ariel stood to their feet and he led her back over to the speeder, where Milo was still waiting for them. Within the next minute, they were once again heading off to the palace, with Ariel tucked into his side.
ArielPOV
When Ariel, Bail and Milo were back at the palace, she was instantly pulled into a tight hug by Leia and fretted over by Breha. She was touched that the princess and her mother were so concerned for her, and also ashamed for leaving the way she did. She apologized to the both of them, and heard Bail give Leia a brief explanation, telling her that Ariel misunderstood when he and Breha talked about having her stay with them at the palace from now on. It was true, but as Ariel now knew, there was more to it that was best kept on the low for the time being. Although Leia was positively thrilled at the thought of having Ariel stay with them, so the two girls could see each other and play together all the time. The rest of night was spent with Ariel and the Organas sitting together by a cozy fire just talking. When it was time for bed, Ariel once again slept in Leia's room with her, until Breha could have another room set up for her.
"Where do you think your parents will have me?" Ariel asked as she slipped into her nightgown.
"I'm sure they will place you wherever you are most comfortable," Leia replied as she sat on the bed, stroking Snow's back. "I know mother suggested having you as my personal handmaiden, but I don't want you serving under me like that."
"I really wouldn't mind, Leia," Ariel said.
"But I would. No friend of mine will be my servant in any shape or form," Leia stated. "Maybe you could be a pilot to one of our ships! We could take so many trips together."
"I don't know, I've never really been one for flying a ship," Ariel said. "Maybe I could work in the kitchens?"
"We would rarely get to see each other though," Leia pointed out. "Some of the meals take hours to prepare, especially when Father hosts gatherings at the palace. There has to be something here that you can do. Are you interested in anything specific?"
Ariel hummed in thought as she walked over to the entrance to the balcony, staring out through the rain to the vast land that covered the grounds of the palace. She took notice of the small port that held the royal family's personal ships. Perhaps she could learn to deal with it and be a pilot? Flying through space sounded like a nice job to have, and she could travel to so many different systems with the Organas. She also remembered the beautiful gardens that Queen Breha showed her earlier that morning, and the thought of tending to the gardens crossed her mind as well. But she hasn't tended to any kind of plants since she was back on the farm with her mother, so she wasn't sure if she'd be any good at it. The queen's flowers were so lovely; she didn't want to do anything that could hurt them. Ariel stood there for a moment before her eyesight landed on something else. She stared out at a distant building, it's shadow visible even through the rain and her eyes widened.
That's it! It's perfect!
"Ariel?" Leia said.
"I think I might know what I want to do…"
…
The next day, Ariel found herself staring up at the huge building that housed members of the royal guard and she was nearly shaking in her boots. She gazed up at it with wide, fearful eyes, trying to hold on to some of the courage she had built up in herself just the previous night. This morning it started to waver a bit, so she had gotten dressed as quickly as she could before she lost her nerve, telling Leia she would be back soon. She had told the princess about her plan last night, and needless to say Leia was definitely surprised. No female has ever attempted this before, and she expressed her concerns to Ariel about it. Yet Ariel insisted that this position would be perfect for her, and it was something she could see herself dedicating her life to. When she had left the palace, she asked Leia not to mention anything to her parents before she got back. Even if Bail and Breha agreed to this, there was one person she needed permission from before having the royal family give the final word on it. She looked up at the building for another moment before taking a deep breath and stepping through the main entrance.
What awaited her on the other side was a large and brightly lit lobby area, held together with pillars that stretched up to the ceiling. There were many windows, allowing the sunlight to come streaming through, and there were also holo pictures on the walls that held what looked like faces of past soldiers and generals. There were a few members of the guard scattered about, talking amongst themselves although they paused briefly to stare at Ariel as she made her way deeper into the room, her green eyes taking in everything with caution and awe.
"Ariel?"
Ariel looked over to see Milo coming from a side door with a data pad in his hand, surprise on his face as he caught sight of her. Thankful at seeing a familiar face, Ariel hurried over to him and stood with her head held high, trying her best to not let her nerves show.
"Hello, Mr. Elvenore," she greeted. "I would like to see Mr. Torten, please."
"Torten?" Milo repeated. "He's in the middle of training right now."
"Please sir, it's important," Ariel insisted. "It can't wait."
"Ariel, Torten is busy right now," Milo explained in a patient voice. "I will tell him you were here, and you can stop by later."
"But I can't wait until later," Ariel argued, knowing that if she wanted, she would be sure to lose her nerve and back out. "Please, I—"
"What's all the ruckus out here?"
Both Ariel and Milo turned around to see Torten himself coming through the same side door, and by his side was the boy Ariel had seen with him yesterday. What was his name again? Xander? Torten came over to them with his usual deep scowl on his face, his eyes sharp and shining with irritation as he observed them all. The sight of him made Ariel quiver, but she knew she had to do this. Before she could get too scared, she strode past Milo, walked straight up to the captain with her hands balled up into fists at her side and forced herself to look at him in the eye.
"Mr. Torten, I want to train to become a member of the royal guard."
There was absolute silence after she spoke, not even a whisper drifting in the air. Ariel knew that Milo, along with the other guard members around them was sure to be staring at her with various looks of surprise and disbelief, but she kept her gaze on Torten. His expression barely changed at her bold declaration—there was only a twitch of his lips and his eyebrows furrowed, making him almost look angry.
"Is that so?" he said. "What makes you think you can demand to be trained as a member? What gives you the right?"
"N-nothing," Ariel said, faltering slightly under his piercing stare. "But it's something I want to do, and I want you to teach me!"
"Ariel!" Milo said.
"No, Elvenore, let her speak," Torten ordered, his glare narrowing. "You want me as a teacher? Why in the world should I teach you?"
"Because…because out of everyone here, you're the only one I'm scared of," Ariel replied. "You terrify me, sir, but my guardian said that you should always face whatever or whoever you're afraid of, and learn from them."
"We do not train women, girl!" Torten snapped. "This facility is for men only."
"I can fight!" Ariel protested, some of her courage returning to her. "And I will work hard to prove myself."
"It's not some walk in the park, you need nerve, skill, and strength to get through this program."
"I will work harder than any man here!" Ariel said, a spark in her eyes as her lips thinned. "I'm not weak!"
"Really, now? Then prove it," Torten said, turning to Xander. "Gully, show her how we handle things here."
"But sir—"
"Now, Gully."
Xander looked positively torn for a moment, his dark brown eyes going from Torten to Ariel a few times. Eventually he sighed and then before Ariel could blink, he was striding swiftly towards her and in the next second, she was roughly pushed to the ground, landing on her rear and letting out a surprised "Oof!" She didn't even have time to register what had happened before Xander came at her again with a raised fist, and she had to quickly roll out of the way so as not to be struck. She hurriedly scrambled to her feet only to back away as Xander moved towards her. He started throwing hits at her, and while Ariel could dodge a few of them, he still managed to get her in the abdomen area as well as her arms, causing her to grunt in pain. There was power in his hits, and he moved so quick she couldn't keep up. This went on for about a minute before she was once again shoved roughly to the ground, hitting her knee painfully as she fell. Her sides and arms were beginning to hurt and she stared up at Xander, who finally ceased his attacks.
"Just stay down," he said to her. "You're going to end up getting hurt, anyway."
Ariel's eyes flashed at his words, and she grit her teeth. Taking a deep breath, she ignored her pain and got back up to her feet, charging at Xander with a loud cry. She tackled him to the ground, punching his sides and for a moment the two of them rolled around on the floor. She shoved him off of her and hastily got to her feet, but not for long. Xander swung his foot around to trip her, sending her back down on the ground and before she knew it, he grabbed hold of her hand and twisted it back, pinning her in place. Ariel cried out in pain but she wouldn't give up, continuing to struggle and get out of his hold. However Xander pulled on her arms just slightly and pressed his weight down into her, finally causing her to cease in her movements.
"Enough, Gully," Torten instructed. Xander let go of Ariel's arm and stood up. For a little bit Ariel just laid there, breathing deeply and cringing at the pain in her side.
"Had enough yet, girl?" Torten said. In response to this, Aril set her jaw as she tenderly stood up straight from the ground, holding back a whimper. Once she was upright, she glared at Torten fiercely.
"Is that the best you've got, sir?" she asked. She heard the murmur of admiration from her specters and her heart was pounding in her chest with exhilaration. She would not give up on this. Not now, not ever! Even if she spent years convincing him, Ariel would accomplish this!
"Why do you want this so much, Ariel?" Milo said in wonder.
"The guard protects the royal family with their lives," Ariel said boldly. "They devote themselves to them, I saw the way you and Mr. Torten stayed by the senator's side. The Organas have taken me in, they're willing to watch over me and care for me. I want to repay them by making sure they are watched over and protected. They have done so much for me, and given me something I haven't had in a long time. In return, I will learn how to fight and protect them. I will make sure nothing ever hurts them. Ever."
Everyone stared at Ariel as she spoke, and she had never before felt so brave. Just from the look on her face, they knew she would never back down from this. Torten's expression remained the same as he stared at her, and after what felt like forever, he grunted.
"There is a beginner's session that every new initiate goes through when they come here," he said. "We like to think of them as pre-trials. In order for me and the other heads to even consider this, you need to prove you can survive them. You would receive no special treatment, you would be given the same instruction as any man or boy who comes through here. Should the senator and queen agree, you would live here, in separate quarters of course, no fancy luxuries at the palace. This is not something you can walk away from—it's a lifelong service. If I hear one complaint, one whine, or if you prove to be incompetent, you will be removed before you are considered for higher courses of training. Do I make myself clear, girl?"
"Yes sir," Ariel answered, no hesitation or quiver in her voice.
"Good, now get out of here and take care of your arms before they start to bruise," Torten ordered. "Be back here in two days' time at dawn for the pre-trials, and don't you dare be late."
Ariel nodded her head vigorously before turning on her heel and bolting out of the lobby as fast as her feet would take her, running out of the main door and then up the path that led back to the palace.
…
"Ariel, are you sure this is what you really want?" Breha asked, a little apprehensively.
"Yes, your Majesty," Ariel answered, determined. "I truly do want this."
"Well, if you say so, then we will respect and abide by it," Bail stated, giving her a smile. "Your training sessions will take up most of the day, but Leia will be in her lessons during that time, so it won't be too bad."
"And let me know if Torten is mean to you," Leia put in sternly.
"I'll be okay, Leia," Ariel told her, giggling as Snow jumped up into her lap, demanding to be pet.
"Now, since that is all settled," Bail said, taking on a more serious tone. "Ariel, Leia, you both know that for safety reasons, Ariel's name cannot be known. I will have the proper documentation taken care of should the time call for it, but you will have to be known by another name, Ariel. Have you thought about what you would like it to be?"
Ariel was silent for a minute, going into thought. She really didn't like the idea of changing her name at all, but if Bail was right, then it would be safer for her and for everyone if it was different. She tried to think of something that she liked, something she wouldn't forget. All of a sudden, her morning walk with Breha in the gardens came to mind, and it hit her. She looked back up at Bail and nodded her head, feeling bittersweet about her decision.
"Lotus," she said, remembering her favorite beautiful and deadly flower in the garden. "Ariel Lotus."
So, what do you guys think? I know I have Torten and others seem kind of sexist, but I did that on purpose because I know around the time "A New Hope" came out there were not very many strong female leads in movies, and Carrie Fisher played one of the first ones as the iconic Princess Leia. I wanted to input that kind of scenario in my story, for Ariel to push through other's expectations and prove she is just as strong in what she sets her mind to. There are other reasons, of course, but it will be revealed in later chapters. I really hope you all liked this chapter, and I'll see you in the next one.