A/N: So happy to get this chapter out in a rational amount of time. Tbh, this is going to be the last chapter for a while until I get my schoolwork under control. Anywho, buckle up this is a long one! (P.S. This has not been edited… reach out to me if any of you feel like correcting my grammar/sentence structure/other errors, even though I wish I could do it myself… I just don't have the time)
Chapter 41: The Dark Side
He'd counted the hours. He'd spent three days on foot venturing back towards his fighter. Vader knew what the emperor was planning - his suspicion galvanized. The Sith's thoughts churned, he was a pawn in the emperor's scheme. It was only logical, the apprentice supposed - Sidious knew there would come a time where Vader would begin to think for himself. Nothing could erase his childhood. The memories of his mother. The recollection of the past would never entirely disappear from Vader's subconscious and that was too much of a risk. However, there was something else he learned… something more subtle. Something that was even more powerful than knowing his master's plan or the future itself. The abilities I could unlock are untold.
As he staggered across the barrens, struggling to see past the sandstorm - he pondered. Shielding his eyes from the sharp dust, his attention locked upon his lightsaber. He knew what power resided within its hilt. Knew what he could conjure into reality from his own perseverance. He'd relied on it heavily. It's strength, determination - an identical match to his own. However, even with such a formidable weapon, Vader knew there was more within him that was yet to be shown. He'd experienced snippets. Very brief moments of absolute control and power that consumed him entirely. He needed to harness that. Needed to understand how to completely encapsulate what the Dark side of the Force provided.
Vader could feel it imbedded within the air. He could sense the omnipotent authority that he possessed contorting around him. It was salivating on Exegol. It's connection to the dark-side paramount to anything he'd experienced. The sensation brought him strength to move his wounded body as glass and earth cut into his skin. The pain null as it only brought him strength. There was no disturbance through the Force, there was only certainty. The presence that surrounded him roared with affirmation, acknowledging what needed to happen next. He had been able to summon the ultimate power of the dark-side in the past, against Kenobi, but it was frenzied. In order to assure his ascendance, he would need to control that power and not allow for it to consume his rationale.
Vader could have sworn he wasn't seeing straight as the form of his fighter came into view. It was in immaculate condition. Standing proud amongst the barren wastelands. It almost seemed like a mirage as he hoisted himself into the cockpit. Though it wasn't as he tossed himself into the leather seat, the material attuned to the desires of his strained muscles. For just a moment, Vader allowed his eyes to flutter closed. A deep inhale followed as his hands caressed the yoke. Fuck. It had never felt so good in his hands. Drawing his attention back to the dash, his fingers flipped on the various switches, igniting the shuttle seamlessly - as if second nature. Within moments, the fighter roared to life. The engines purred in perfect harmony, music to his ears. It had been uncanny entering the atmosphere, his entire fighter stalling before plummeting towards the surface only for the electronics to reengage at the last second. He'd saved himself from suffering a heinous death and miraculously fulfilled evasive maneuvers until he crash-landed into the forsaken plains of the world. He didn't question how his fighter had been rebuilt as he left the atmosphere unphased. His fighter screaming out of the storm into the incessant solar storm that surrounded the system.
Padmé couldn't bear to listen to the frivolous conversation that dwelled before her. Her attention lingered on the glass of wine as her nails gently tapped against the crystal. Perhaps she should have contemplated the consequence of inviting her sister over with a gaggle of her friends. They were all elites. Wealthy, high status, and they didn't have much to worry about besides the trivial drama between fellow acquaintances and their husbands. For the past forty minutes they'd been discussing one of their colleague's infidelities and Padmé couldn't properly hear them. It was so trivial that she almost felt like excusing herself from the room to return to her chambers for a nap. Sleeping seemed to be more productive. Her eyes lingered upon Sobek, his eyes catching hers as he gently shook his head – his own eyes rolling as if he knew her pain.
"What do you think Padmé?" The blond asked, Sara, the former Senator recalled her name.
"Ah… I mean isn't it none of our business?" Padmé shrugged, five sets of eyes budged – sans her sister's which only narrowed before she went to scoff. "I mean, you don't know what's happening within their relationship. I highly doubt that any of you have even asked her what she has been through. I highly doubt any of you even care," the former senator quipped.
"Lady Vader-" the blond dryly laughed as she began.
"I wasn't finished yet," Padmé snapped cutting her off. "You all sit here snickering about subjects you know nothing about. You don't even have the decency to question if -someone you call a friend- is actually 'okay.' It's insulting how you can speak of another woman in such a manner. It's divisive and rude. Why would you wish to make this a matter of discussion? You have no motive to help so why even bother conversing about it? I have never sat through such dull banter." When Padmé stood from her seat, she watched inquisitors straighten, immediately on guard as she moved towards the opening to the poolside. The former queen, senator witnessed her nieces and the younglings of the housewives' frolic in and out of the heated pool. They were completely ignorant to anything else but the moment, playing with no understanding of the pressing issues that faced the galaxy.
"We never meant to bore you, my lady," she heard Sara breathe, fear imbedded within her tone. Padmé pulled air between her teeth, she had forgotten what weight she carried – forgotten whom she married. That stirred thoughts she dared not to think about. It had been months since Vader left. Padmé had stopped counting the days weeks previous. It crushed her not knowing if he'd ever return. Debilitated her not knowing if she could ever strategize with him and once again understand where his motives resided. Not only that… she missed his touch and in some ways his presence and the warmth he occasionally carried. It was now cold. The leaves fallen. The life of Naboo in dormancy for the winter months.
"I only wish for you to understand that it is uncouth to discuss those who are not present to defend themselves. It is malicious to make assumptions when you haven't even bothered to understand the facts in their entirety," she chided turning towards the clique. "I am not someone who will feign interest. I retract my last statement. Every single one of you do bore me," she muttered turning back towards the younglings. A small smile formed across her features witnessing them play water-tag. Splashing and laughing – completely innocent.
"M-my apologies, my Lady. What do you wish to discuss?" Another announced, Padmé could see her face in her mind, not turning to the question. Striking green eyes, fair skin, jet black hair – Elizabeth had asked the question.
"I wonder how many of you have visited the outer colonies?" She wondered with a slight notch of her head, her attention never returning. "How many of you have actually travelled the galaxy and have witnessed what I have?"
"I was raised within the lower levels of Coruscant, my Lady. I have seen enough of poverty to understand that you have not personally understood that struggle," a voice she hadn't heard since introduction announced and immediately Padmé's muscles constricted, her attention shifting back. "You can visit the lower levels all you want to try to comprehend but, you have been gifted the life you live. Not including marrying the emperor's heir." Deep brown eyes stared at her sharply, the first sense of humanity on display since the day began.
"How did you arrive on Naboo?" Padmé wondered as she spun completely, her shoulder resting upon the glass doorframe.
"I received a scholarship to UofC and met my husband there," she explained shifting her sitting position. "I am a tenured professor now and am here on vacation." Padmé's brows furrowed slightly as she folded her arms across her chest. The University of Coruscant was an elite publicly funded university. Even if Padmé's heart wanted to curl inwards, she commended the woman for accomplishing such an achievement. Padmé had been waitlisted before her time as Queen. The institution had claimed that she was too young to be admitted and eventually she was rejected. Padmé now viewed the denial as a reprieve – if she had been accepted, she would have never been Naboo's queen.
"Finally, a conversation worth continuing," Padmé breathed, returning to her seat. "What was your major?"
"Anthropology," she admitted. Suddenly, the former Senator's thoughts started to solidity. Her attention focusing tenfold as she realized whom this woman was – it was a travesty she did not identify her sooner. Padmé had met her before.
"Kleya," Padmé announced her name, recognition flooding her all at once. "I am ashamed to have not recognized you sooner as it has been years-"
"Luthen has always held you in high regard. I know you have spoken with him many times while we have only met once – briefly I may add," she smiled lightly, cutting her off to save her from the embarrassment. Padmé clutched her glass of wine, taking a modest sip as she briefly contemplated her next move. Just as took a breath, her commlink sounded on the side table, her attention snapping to it. Chocolate orbs stared at the buzzing thing in trepidation and excitement. Vader's name displaced.
"My apologies, if you will excuse me," Padmé smiled wirily, shakily she snagged the device before returning to the recesses of the terrace beyond the pool. Once away from prying eyes, the woman stared at ID… her heart thundering. "Vader?" she breathed, not knowing what else to say.
"Padmé," when she heard his voice a gush of relief coursed through her veins, tears pricking at her eyes as she clutched the balustrade. She held the stone with vigor, her manicured nails bending. Eyes hammering shut, she took a deep breath in an attempt to squander the emotions that went to consume her composure.
"Good to know you're alive," she dryly chuckled, her words broken even if she tried to keep them patched together.
"I'm sorry," he sighed, his voice weak. "Are you okay?"
"What the hell kind of question is that?" She gaped her eyes popping open as she turned, leaning back against the rail. "I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be my line." It was reflex as she tugged at the turtleneck beneath her sweater.
Hearing him chuckle sent tremors down her spine, "I'm sorry it took me so long," he said, clearing his throat. "How have you been?"
Padmé scoffed, head shaking as her heart throbbed, "Been bored as hell, how 'bout you?"
"Wish that I could say the same," he said quietly, the sound of an engine humming in the background caught her ears.
"Are you coming back?" she wondered after a moment, her eyes latching upon the women laughing within the sitting room – the younglings splashing in the pool.
"I wouldn't have sent a transmission if I weren't," he admitted, "I am currently enroute to the Executor," he informed her, seeming distant as she heard a voice in the intercom of what she believed to be his fighter.
"We need to discuss something once you return," Padmé said quietly, her eyes lingering on Kleya until the former senator spun to gaze at the waning sun.
"That doesn't sound good," he sighed, she could imagine him raking a hand through his hair – a nervous smile crossing his features.
"I would decide that when you hear what it is," she murmured truthfully. If Kleya was there… it meant Luthen was able to attain her a meeting with Thrano – that was something both Vader and Padmé could potentially benefit from.
"Guess you haven't been too bored then…" he muttered.
"Don't be so sure. Believe me, I have had enough family time for now," she retorted, her elbows resting on the railing. A small smile rose upon her features as warmth encompassed her being – he'd be home soon. The monotony of the past few months would soon be at an end, she thought.
"You say that as if it was a chore," he ruminated, his deep voice sending chills down her spine. Force, she struggled not to think about what she'd do when she saw him. Stand in complete stillness out of astonishment or jump on him out of wanting. Both outcomes were from the same emotion- seeing him again would send her emotions ablaze.
"Currently my sister is over with her friends, their kids and her own – you tell me what you think I'd feel?" she laughed.
"Fuck, I'm on my way," he uneasily chuckled, "I can't imagine that…"
"Exactly," she muttered, "You seriously left me to the kriffing luftgriffs on this one. I can't even think straight. Planning tea parties is not my forte."
"I understand," she could picture him nod with a smile, "I will be there before the week's end."
When Vader ended the transmission with Padmé, he was on the way off his fighter – his brows furrowing when he was met by Piett, his eyes apprehensive. "What is it?" Vader sighed, not in the mood to hear the negative information. The admiral was resistant however he finally formulated his thoughts.
"Your inquisitors went to the surface of Csilla a week ago and we have yet to hear from them, my Lord." Darth Vader let out a loud sigh, his boots halting. Vader should have known that they would have grown impatient. Eryx seemed to have learned little of his home world – there were elders who knew the ways of the Force. Even if all others were deemed to be inferior, those old cretins knew. Vader shook his head, the natives were familiar the terrain, were in the graces of their own planet's connection with the Force while his inquisitors were not informed.
"Prepare a shuttle," Vader muttered to Piett as he beelined for his quarters to change. Even if the apprentice didn't look it –he'd lost significant muscle mass- mentally he was never more prepared for a mission. Whomever had captured his inquisitors would not be aware of the Sith's connection with the Force. That was his advantage. It would strengthen what he'd learned, but what he didn't consider as he quickly modified his attire, was what it would do to his timeline. Depending on how long it would take him, it would alter his timetable to finally see his wife.
When Vader arrived on the surface of Csilla, it had been a few hours since his landing back to the Executor. Boots touched down against thick snow. The Sith lord stared out into the never-ending darkness – the planet consumed by it the majority of its solar year. He could see clearly what other eyes couldn't. In the distance, he witnessed the dim lights of a village, the same ones Vader had trudged towards after his fighter crashed. It wasn't until he laid eyes on him that Vader knew he was meant to liberate Eryx the first time. Vader let out another aggravated sigh as his gaze drew towards the opaque sky. Aker must have convinced him, was all he thought as he lugged himself through the snow. Eryx would never come to this place if he wasn't persuaded.
The Sith reached out with the Force and identified his Inquisitor's signatures, it seemed that action of liberation would have to be made again. With a squadron of death troopers folding in formation behind him, Vader ventured into the darkness with every sense of confidence cloaking him. There was no doubt within him– no question, no uncertainty. Trudging through the ice and snow, Vader's anger simmered. He was wasting precious time to return to the known regions. The rescue mission was a waste of time in many ways yet a necessity in others. He needed them – whether he liked it or not, he'd need Eryx and Aker for the future. Both of them were too loyal to let hang. Even if they should have known the history of the planet, it was only logical for them to believe they could eliminate the locals. Vader had taught them to believe such. False confidence was better than none.
The Sith's head shook. Perhaps if he had been more truthful, they would have not attempted venturing to the planet. However, as Vader dragged on, he knew that it would be a good experience for them – to not be so arrogant to think a backwater planet had no offensive tactics against them. They should have held their reservations high, no matter the planet – no matter the intel.
When the squadron arrived on the mountain's ledge, the town's sentinels were dispatched with in an instant. Vader's binoculars magnified the town. Hawk eyes gazed into the village – their unique heatseeking ability reaching fruition as he identified where his comrades were being held. With unmatched stealth, Vader's men advanced into the village while the Sith strode down the main road unmatched.
His authority remained unrivaled until an elder man stood before him. He was cloaked, a citrine lightsaber with a bone hilt challenged him. Without waver, Vader drew his own saber – the deep, bloody crimson roaring to life. The depth of its power was arcane, though it carried a monstrous presence. Through the Force, Vader could hear his saber's contending snarl. Stepping towards the opposing light, the Sith Lord watched the elder shift into fighting position. It was an obvious method to wait for an attack – a technique utilized by every Jedi. It was taught to be defensive more so than offensive.
"You don't have the time to wait for me to attack," Vader sighed, "My men will have your entire village detained within the next few minutes. You have no chance to defend against me," the Sith smirked and within milliseconds he was in the man's face, his saber clashing against the guardian's. Golden light collided again crimson. A grumble left the final sentry defending the sacred land. The old man put up a good defense, even if his moves were a known calculation for Vader - he wondered if the prediction of his movements could be used to further his knowledge. Flipping back to a safe distance, Vader disengaged his saber. The sheer golden glow was the only light illuminating their surroundings as he analyzed the planets attachment to the Force. It was not light nor dark.
Even though his body remained weak, his mental strength was unmatched as he consumed himself with the darkness of the world. Vader could feel nothing as the snow drifting from the sky froze into ice. It spliced into everything around him, thrashing against the ground like blaster fire. The elder utilized every tactic to evade the barrage. The Sith was past recognition, the orbs of his eyes consumed by the darkness, his veins pumping black ink. When he finally re-ignited his saber, Vader poured power into his kyber crystal. Fire pulsed against the metal of his hand, the heat scorching away his glove until it ran bare to the beskar. When Vader's attention was finally torn away from the blade, the elder was sprinting in the opposing direction in an attempt to flee.
Everything before Vader came to him in flashes, the dismemberment, the pungent smell of burning flesh. Before he knew it, he was standing over a mutilated body, limbs strewn across the snow as they swiftly became buried. Vader's saber sang a desolate song as it roared in agony from the energy it had consumed. Hollow eyes stared at it perplexed. It was innate when he withdrew his power. Within seconds the glow vanished back into the hilt. It pulsed for a few moments before it completely fell dark.
Even more confusion washed over the Sith Lord. He had not disengaged it; the crystal had receded out of its own volition. When Vader went to ignite it again, his thumb froze over the switch – a vision flashed before his eyes. A warning. If he tried to summon it now, the kryber would explode, shatter the hilt, and consume him in the blast. Gently, Vader stowed his saber as his eyes returned to their normal shade of gold.
"Both of you have wasted a great deal of my time," Vader muttered as he sensed his inquisitors close by. The death troopers must have freed them.
"Lord Vader, we did not-" Aker began, however the dark lord cut him short.
"You should have not been so hasty to believe you hold ultimate power. Your arrogance will get you killed. I may not be there the next time you do something so foolish," the Sith snapped, abruptly turning towards his inquisitors. Both of gazes dropped, their shoulders bowing as they conceded. "I ordered you to remain aboard the Executor during my leave. You failed to follow that directive." Both of them tensed. Their minute muscle movements were obvious to him even in the sparse lighting. "Draw your sabers," Vader demanded, their heads shot up in unison. "If you believe you hold an authority greater than my own then strike me down." He could sense their hesitation, "Draw your sabers!" Vader roared and immediately both of their crystals ignited, the ruby neon hue illuminating the terrain as his troopers stepped back. The Sith's hand rested upon his own lightsaber, the heat radiating off of it signifying to him that it was not ready for a duel.
Drawing his hand away, Vader placed his hands behind his back and waited. "If you do not make the first move. I will." That was all it took for them to lunge forward, yet the young lord's swiftness was incomprehensible. Even if the two men had trained under him for years, they would never achieve the swiftness Vader possessed. He dodged their attacks effortlessly, ducking and sliding back or to the side as fire came millimeters from his tunic or skin. His hands remained fixed in place as he waited. He was patient… anticipating the perfect moment where there would be an infinitesimal slip in their technique. That's when he saw his chance, Aker had overextended, and Vader did not hesitate to strike. Beskar constricted around flesh and bone, in milliseconds there was a snap. Aker hollered in pain as Vader snapped his wrist disarming him and stealing his lightsaber.
The Sith Lord knocked him to the side at the same time he blocked Eryx's attack with his newly attained saber. With what physical strength he had remaining, Vader shoved Eryx back long enough to twist Aker's wrist until it popped out from the joint – the pain sending the inquisitor to his knees. With one punch of his boot, Aker was slammed into the icy ground writhing in agony. Within seconds Vader refocused upon his other opponent. Aker's saber revolving in his hand as he swiftly resituated. Eryx's eyes were bolted wide staring at his comrade in the snow. "Pay attention to whom your fighting," Vader snarled as he lunged. It was all the inquisitor could do to stave off the Sith's unrelenting attacks. He was like a viper with unlimited stamina, striking without any possibility of fatigue.
A pulse through the Force snagged part of his attention as he continued his assault, his own saber calling to him – craving to be unleashed. It was a blur when Vader reached for his own lightsaber, the deep burgundy blade roaring to life in the same instant Eryx's lightsaber was knocked from his grip. The inquisitor fell to his knees as two blades of pure fire crossed, each hissing blade on either side of his neck, resting just above his shoulders. With one movement, Vader could end his life. Fiery orbs stared down into a pair of fearful-wide emerald eyes.
"No matter how long you train - you will never find the strength to defeat me," Vader snarled, with a twitch of his neck, Vader inched the two blades closer to Eryx's skin. "This will be your final warning. If you decide to defy me again, understand that it will result in your death." With that declaration, Vader thrusted a boot into Eryx's chest plate, ramming him into the ice as he disengaged both lightsabers. The young lord tossed the hilt of Aker's saber aside as he holstered his own. "I told Padmé I would be back on Naboo within the week, both of you better hope I am able to keep that promise," Vader hissed as he stormed towards the shuttle that had begun descending on their location.
Cracking the knuckles of his only authentic hand, a gush of power trickled down the Sith's shoulders as he hiked up the cargo ramp. It was like night and day, his ability to control his own power and where he decided to place it. Vader knew Sidious would not be so easy to disarm nor defeat. However, if he could utilize the power he had learned on Exegol at the perfect time, there was a chance Vader could defeat him.
Padmé shook out the match in her hand, the lighter snuffing while the candle remained lit. She gazed around the bedroom; everything was in place and flawless. "Threepio did you get the roast out of the oven?" she called racing down the stairs. Brushing past Njord, she skipped towards the kitchen – the aroma from the kitchen was mouthwatering and as Padmé checked the time her heart fluttered.
"Of course, Lady Padmé," 3PO nodded, "Everything is cooked to perfection!" The young woman nodded as she stared at the door. The smile upon her face was one of excitement until it drifted, a wave of anxiety flooding her swiftly.
"Do you think this is too much?" Padmé quickly asked the droid as she entered the kitchen. "I mean what if he isn't even hungry or… in a bad mood?"
"I am sure even if he is, seeing you will place him in a better one, Lady Padmé," 3PO assured her, she gazed around the home and something in her heart told her maybe she'd been too overzealous… even if the feng shui was magical, romantic, inviting… she never really considered that perhaps Vader would not see it as such. The former queen stared down at her dress; it was a tight long-sleeved silky navy dress that was cut higher than midthigh with a modest décolletage. Not too formal but not too casual either. She'd spent hours selecting it with her sister, Force, she had never spent so much time deciding on a dress before.
"Maybe we should just ditch the dinner," Padmé fretted as her fingers pressed into her palm, "what if he already ate?"
A hoot echoed somewhere behind her, "Rest assured my lady, Lord Vader has not eaten," Njord chuckled as he emerged from his post beside the stairs. She rolled her eyes at him and trekked towards the foyer. Raking a hand through her buoyant curls she stared into the home. Dormé, 3PO, Njord, Sobek – were all there. Dormé was finishing up the dessert, 3PO was lighting the candles in the other room at the dinner table while the inquisitor's just stood there in wait.
"Do you think I should bring up the meeting tonight?" Padmé wondered to the inquisitors as her nails dug into the bed of her hand.
The two men took glances at one another, "Perhaps waiting till tomorrow would be more ideal unless he asks," Sobek advised. Padmé nodded as she shifted in her heels.
"Do I look okay?" She wondered, until she felt the need to shove the question back down her throat.
"You look beautiful-"Njord began
"Adequte," Sobek interjected, cutting off his fellow comrade.
"I'm not too skinny am I?" she wondered self-consciously, glancing down at herself - both sets of their eyes narrowed and followed.
Sobek glanced to Njord, "You look beautiful my Lady," he said kindly with a small smile and a nod of his head.
"You're lying to me," she whispered, her heart dropping.
Both of them shifted in their boots, "You have lost weight the past few months, I would be prepared for Lord Vader to notice-" Njord smacked Sobek's arm. "What?! You want me to lie to her?" the giant snapped turned towards his brother. The younger man rolled his eyes.
"Do I really look that bad?" She gaped, her heart plummeting to the floor.
"You don't," Sobek assured, "Lord Vader is just particular," he muttered, "I'm sure he will have you prescribed a diet when he returns. It will be fine." Now it was Padmé's turn for her brows to furrow, she was about to question what the hell he meant until she heard the sound of a shuttle landing beyond the doors. Padmé tipped her head and immediately the two of them disappeared out onto the terrace and towards the perimeter of the property. Padmé took a deep inhale as she brushed down her dress. Fuck they are right, she cringed glancing at her wrists. She was smaller than she used to be… she hoped it would go unnoticed.
Taking a deep inhale, she engaged the door controls and stepped out. Her heart fluttered watching a shadowy man descend the cargo ramp of the lambda shuttle. His cowl was raised, Eryx and Njord fell in behind him until they veered off – no doubt to go find Sobek and Njord. Padme's feet felt like bricks. Excitement and trepidation hit her all at once. Her heart leapt and suddenly she found the courage to break free from the snare of her own reservations and raced down the stairs. It was all a blur as she threw her arms around his neck, practically tossing herself at him. She heard him chuckle as he hoisted her up, her legs wrapping around his waist. Burying her head into his chest, tears pricked her eyes. It wasn't until that moment she realized how much she actually missed him. Neither of them spoke. Vader only held her as his nose buried into her curls, his arms molding around her tightly. Nails digging against the fabric of his robes, the high of her excitement tapered – her hands starting to explore him. In an instant she realized something was different about him. He'd lost weight – a significant amount of muscle mass completely gone. She hated to wonder what could have happened to him.
"Don't worry about it," he sighed, her heart skipped a beat as he replied to her internal concern. Padmé finally withdrew her face from his chest, her weary eyes staring up into his hood. His hair was longer, cheekbones more prominent, his eyes sunken – he was the embodiment of the word exhausted. Vader set her back down onto her heels, "you look beautiful," he murmured with a small smile, his leather-clad fingers brushed against her cheekbone.
"T-There's dinner," she blurted, her index finger moving slightly, gesturing towards the house. "I-I didn't know if you'd-" Padmé was briskly cut off by a wild kiss, his lips pouncing on hers before he pulled away.
"Thank the gods, I'm starving," he groaned, within seconds he'd scooped her up – carrying her bridle style up the stairs and through the door. Padmé watched his expression intently as he set her down, his brows furrowing ever so slightly as he gazed around the home. "You decorated," he commented, sloughing off his cloak. Gazing around at the winter decorations, she shifted in her heels. The entire home was teaming with the aroma of indigenous conifers. Fresh cut garlands donned with twinkly lights accented the elegant interior.
"I was bored," Padmé dryly laughed, "I must give Dormé, Sabé, and Rabé props they actually found everything." Vader stepped through the foyer his gaze analyzing. That was when she saw his jaw drop slightly, his hand freezing over a buckle on his glove.
"Where did you get that?" he breathed, immediately venturing towards the large genesis crystal – Padmé hadn't forgotten about it… but she had become accustomed over the past month. She'd forgotten it would have been new to him. Swiftly his orbs went to the gem around her neck before returning to the massive geode.
"I have a friend on Coruscant who is very effective at locating rare pieces," she shrugged. "I loved the one you gave me so much that I wanted a bigger one for the house."
"They move in unison," he muttered, examining the large stone.
"They seem to react in the presence of one another," she explained, "Neither Luthen nor I knew of the characteristic until he brought it here." A small scowl crossed the Sith's features at the mention of the man's name. "I actually wanted to speak with you about what we discussed while he was here, perhaps over dinner or at another time. I was just really looking forward to you being home." Vader's detached gaze finally recentered, as if his ears had caught onto something she'd said. Tossing his cloak onto the back of the sofa, her cheeks flushed as he clutched her hips – pressing them flush. His nose nudged hers before he kissed her softly. Vader's hands skimmed down her back, gripping her globes tightly, he hoisted her up into his arms again.
"I didn't anticipate that I would take so long to return. If I could've – I would have sent a transmission sooner-" He began, his forehead resting upon hers.
"You don't have to explain…" she whispered while her delicate fingers brushed across his jawline. A frown crossed the man's features as he gently set her back down to the floor. "W-We should eat," she mumbled, "I'm sure under any other circumstance, Threepio would have flustered about the food getting cold."
The evening was quiet, Vader had shoveled down two servings of food by the time Padmé had finished her salad. She was thankful for 3PO planning a balanced meal for him, she couldn't really look past the concept of eating animal protein, but it was obvious the man across from her needed it. Shoving a bit of lettuce with her fork, she tried not to concern herself with how much weight he'd lost – she was sure he'd gain back whatever he lost promptly. His fitness routine was second nature… there must have been a good reason why he'd lost what he did.
She placed her silverware upon her plate and folded her hands in her lap and watched him with a small smile. Padmé was convinced that he would devour the entire roast. She'd never seen him eat so much. It was her secret hope was that he was actually tasting the food while practically inhaling it. It wasn't unusual for her to be shocked by animal protein prices, but when 3PO came back with the bill she almost choked on her own spit. The droid had said it was some extremely rare rabbit that he'd had imported… leave it to her to make the mistake of leaving the golden motormouth with her creditslip.
A few hours later they were within the lounge room, nestled near the fireplace. Her cheeks were humming. Perhaps it was the heat from the fire or the number of glasses of wine, but she'd never felt so at ease nuzzled against Vader's side. "How long can things stay like this?" Padmé wondered as her fingers toyed with the hilt of Vader's saber – ensuring to stay clear from the activation switch.
"Not long," he said regretfully as his fingers eased through her curls, "I am running out of time."
"About that," Padmé whispered, "I have a strategy of how we can secure the affluent neutral systems… If we can do that, there wouldn't be any one to contest your succession. The transition of power should be seamless after…" she drifted off at that as her eyes stared at the crackling flames.
"So that's why Luthen was here," Vader concluded, his grip tightening around her softly.
"It was the only way I could think of contacting Lord Thrano. Naboo and Kuat used to have a flourishing diplomatic relationship. Even on a more personal level we were close friends through the duration of my tenure as Queen. Once I became a Senator and Palpatine began amending the constitution, the relationship soured. I haven't spoken with him since before the Empire was established," she explained. "He is a fair, honorable, and rational ruler, his people voted to allow him to remain in power until his death."
"You held a personal relationship with him?" Vader wondered and immediately Padmé rolled her eyes.
"We had a drink or two together, we held very similar views… he was easy to talk to-"
"I wonder how that didn't lead to a more serious commitment between you two."
"We both believed the duty to our worlds was more important than matters of personal affection," she muttered, knowing where his line of questioning was headed. "I don't have any hard feelings against him completely severing our communication – he had to do what he felt necessary to protect his system. I would have done the same if Palpatine were not a birthright citizen of Naboo. When he seized power and dismantled the Republic, Naboo was practically forced into complying and accepting his reign. There was nothing the Queen or I could do."
"So, what's your plan?" Vader asked as his fingers fiddled with the ends of her curls.
"I know for certain he will need iron clad assurances that his system will be able to conduct itself the way he sees fit-"
"Kuat would need to join the Empire, if they remained sovereign, that would not comply with the Imperial Charter."
"Well, who says that the laws must remain the same once Palpatine is gone?" Padmé whispered, "Perhaps a documented assurance that laws will be augmented will be enough for him to support your succession. Even with how affluent Kuat has remained, I know for certain that it must not be easy for Thrano to obtain a number of basic necessities for his people. It will only become more difficult as time passes. I also have something else that may convince him – something that I may not even mention if he decides not to be difficult," she declared. "I have evidence that he is responsible for outbidding the Empire in the purchase of over forty-three tons of coaxium. In order to outbid the Empire, he paid thirty-two percent over market value. It would leave him, the system bankrupt if the public became aware. Right now, his citizens are ignorant – continuing to work even though the credits which are being paid to them are not backed by intrinsic value – they are only backed by the system's reputation. If that reputation and security was shattered, his reign not ending well is putting it lightly," she scoffed a laugh as she took a sip of her wine. "I mean he could always attempt to sell the coaxium to make back some of the credits he spent but no one would be willing to pay that price. No system could only the Empire has the capital to make a purchase of that size."
"I recall this investigation. There were no tracers to locate the buyer," Vader claimed, shaking his head, "How can you be certain?"
"I have the physical documents, Vader," Padmé hummed, snuggling into him. "I told you Luthen is quite skilled in locating things not easily found."
"We need to act quickly then, we have less than a calendar year," Vader whispered, taking a sip of his own drink.
"What do you mean?" Padmé breathed.
"Once the Emperor's ultimate weapon is completed, there will be no one left to challenge him. Even Kuat will vanish from the galaxy if they do not concede."
"DS orbital battle station," Padmé whispered.
Vader flinched as his voice thickened with annoyance, "It slipped my mind that you'd gone rooting through my server."
"How long do we have?" Padmé probed, seriousness cloaking her swiftly as she ignored the irritation in his tone.
"I can extend the project by maybe a few months at most. Its construction is supposed to be finalized within the next two."
"You're saying at the most we have five months?! Kriff… I wish you'd told me that before you left. I may have accomplished more if you would have been transparent," she chided.
"It is not as complex as you believe. The military is mine," Vader affirmed, "No Moff would dare question my command once he is dead."
"Thrano agreed to meet with me on Kuat, but I wasn't told when… only that I would be contacted when he was prepared. You need to delay as long as possible. I need more time…" she breathed, raking a hand through her curls. Her brows furrowed, creases forming across her forehead as thoughts raced through her mind. When a pair of lips pressed against the sensitive space below her ear, the tension across her body drifted.
"You don't know how many times I thought of this," Vader deeply intoned, his hands sprawling across her body – feeling every inch of her curves. "Don't concern yourself with the future. There is no sense concerning ourselves with what has yet to happen."
"Then you best move quick to still my thoughts," she sultry murmured. Craning her neck, Vader kissed her softly – shifting discretely to allow his body to consume her own. Warmth encapsuled her from his grip. A cloud cloaked her, the familiar sensation of the Force tugging on her pleasure receptors. It was tantalizing, something extraordinary and unique. His hands edged up her dress, the juxtaposition of the warm and the chill of metal sent shivers down her spine as she writhed against him. Their kiss depended as he splayed her back onto the leather daybed. They moved in sync but, their patience grew thin. Padmé couldn't stand denying to herself that she needed him fiercely – it had been too long. She needed him. Without any reservations, she gripped his tunic. Vader drew away only for a moment to discard the article until his attention was solely upon her body.
Her movements were fervent, her fingers clawing at his skin as their lips melted effortlessly. Worried thoughts plagued her mind, her concern swirling around how different he felt. However, they were only present for a second – Vader's hot breath moved to the space beneath her ear as he tore away her panties. Once he was buried deep, a sharp inhale fluxed into her lungs. His thrust had knocked away any other sensation besides pain. A squeal erupted, her nails digging into skin as she pressed her face into the crook of his neck. She was too ardent in wanting him. Tears split from her eyes as he froze.
It was unfair when sudden euphoria took her, Vader effortlessly wrenching her pleasure sensors as he never waited. His thrusts were relentless, her mind foggy as his hand collapsed around her throat, pinning her to the sofa. She could have sworn she'd teleported into space – the stars she saw were clear while complete ecstasy stole her other senses. She couldn't hear her own sounds, nor Vader's – her hearing mute until a wave of something she'd never experienced gushed through her like a monsoon. It was the purest pleasure she had ever felt – not once ever feeling the complete embodiment of the sensation. Vader had stolen her own Force signature and latched it to the energy that he'd summoned in the air. A loud groan called her back to reality, her signature emptying back into her body as if Vader had poured her back into the physical realm.
Padmé was panting, her eyes were wide and as they focused – her heart thundered violently at what she witnessed. There was little gold left in the Sith's eyes, the rest mirrored the color of his pupils. Black orbs speckled with gold stared back at her. Every muscle in her body became paralyzed. She's seen them before. In that instant, Vader drew away, his eyes fluttered closed and when they reopened they were back to their usual honey golden. Part of her wondered if she'd seen him clearly just a few seconds ago. Whether his eyes truly mirrored that of an empty void. He drew away completely then, hoisting himself to the edge of the daybed as he grabbed his drink from a nearby table. He chugged the entire thing before refilling it and repeating the action.
Within a few moments, the woman shifted tugging herself against the armrest to shift her dress back down over her legs. "Vader," Padmé whispered, the Sith shook his head grabbing the liquor bottle and pouring another stiff drink. "Vader," she called again, when he went to chug the glass she snapped out of it – towing her discombobulated body quickly to thwart his action. She grabbed his arm, snatching the drink from his grasp to shove it back onto the table. "What did you just do to me?" She asked; however, it came out as more of a demand.
"I don't know," he replied honestly, troubled eyes staring back at her. "I need some air," he breathed, hoisting himself up. He snagged a container of deathsticks as he left. Activating the glass wall, he ventured out onto the terrace. Frigid air rushed into the house, the candles humming around the room blown out by the sudden gust of wind. Padmé snagged a blanket from the back of the couch and wrapped herself within it tightly. The second her toes touched the cold floor; she knew her legs were wobbly – as if they'd atrophied. It was a different sensation than any other time, they truly felt like disjointed from the rest of her as she tried to move.
It took her sometime, but when she finally became accustomed she followed Vader out onto the patio. He was staring at the pool, his golden eyes consumed with worry as he let out a shaky exhale of smoke. "Can you please tell me what happened while you were gone?" She pleaded quietly. "Vader-"
"I don't know what's happening to me," he revealed, flicking away his deathstick, "why I…" Vader trailed off, his eyes trailing towards the sky. "I went searching for something that I already had," he murmured. "When I left Exegol, the connection – my ability to control the Force around me seemed tenfold to what it was before… I don't believe that was a correct assumption to make."
"What do you mean?" she whispered with a shiver.
"Before I returned, I had to detour to Csilla. When I executed the village elder, I poured every drop of energy that I had accrued around me into my lightsaber. I've always done this. It makes the crystal more powerful – able to strike down opponents that would otherwise stand a greater chance against me. But this last time… it was different. The kyber crystal was on the brink of rupture, unable to consume the power that I was storing within it. Every time I reach into the Force and bend it to my will, I consume it. I've begun to wonder how much I can take. And if I do decide consume power, how much of myself do I lose in the process?" He divulged.
"It wasn't my imagination then… your eyes," she said quietly.
Vader shook his head, "It's as if my entire mind empties. Worst of all, since my return – that part of me seems closer than it was before. I need to learn how to control it, or risk completely losing my mind."
Padmé stood there in silence, unsure of what to say to him. To be frank with herself, she knew nothing about what he was going through. She hadn't ever heard of a Force-sensitive individual being able to do half the things Vader was capable of. "What would you become if you completely lost yourself?"
"A living manifestation of the dark-side," he whispered scarcely. "At first, I thought that was what I was always meant to be. I was always taught to harness its power, use it how I see fit. But everything comes at a price to those who dare to utilize its power. Why would something so powerful allow a mortal body to use it without extracting something in return? I can still feel the hollowness, the chill of the air that surrounds me. Whenever my senses return from that state, I can hardly recall what had happened. That is what terrifies me the most." A sudden wave of ice washed down her spine as she realized the ramifications of what he meant. He could kill those closest to him without even recognizing what he'd done… until it was too late. Her eyes fell away from him. "I do not wish for you to ever be in my presence if I am consumed in that state. If I ever hurt you-"
"Anakin," Padmé breathed, stepping closer to him. His attention snapped in her direction; his golden eyes wide. "Aren't you the one that told me not to consume myself with the future?" She smiled weakly. "What we do now is all we can control. We've discussed this, the future isn't certain."
"Is it?" He murmured, "Is it coincidence that Sidious knew I would find that bear in your room? He knew that I would be there, in that moment, almost two decades ago."
"He's focused on his own desires longer than you have," she shrugged. "Even if he had foresight, he focused on the outcomes he wanted and made them happen by any means necessary. Right now, we are discussing what we fear, we are giving focus to what scares us… We should focus on what we want in our future. Even if some of our fears do come to pass, we should not let that possibility control what we do now."
Anakin released a shaky breath, his shoulders falling as he approached. She could see his jaw clench as his hands went to clasp around her arms. His gaze ran across her body until it connected with her eyes. "You need to promise me something," he gently ordered, "you will tell me if you ever become pregnant-"
Padmé's shoulder's fell, "Anakin-"
He shook his head, "You've been taking the contraceptive I left with Threepio before my leave, correct?" The woman's heart froze before it dropped like a stone. "Padmé?"
"I- I forgot to start taking them again," she admitted, a pained groan fell from his lips as he cursed in that foreign language she'd yet to identify. "I wasn't sure how long you were going to be gone! I've never had to take a medication every day, it's archaic!"
Vader's eyes hammered shut as he expelled a breath, "Fucking hell, Padmé. That was the one thing – the one thing that I asked of you-"
"I just got off my cycle so it's fine," she mumbled, "I'll resume taking them tomorrow-"
"Tonight," he snapped, "The last thing I need is for him to have even more leverage over me." Vader brushed past her back into the house, leaving her standing idle by the pool. Mind and heart alike in shambles she turned slightly watching him finally down the drink he'd poured earlier. As she stood in the frigid air of Naboo's winter, she stared up at the stars – watching as a stray meteor dashed overhead. With a frown, she thought about what may have sparked that topic into his mind. Shaking her head, she ventured back inside to rejoin her husband. She snuggled up to him, sipping her wine as she flipped on a holodrama. Before she left the poolside, she'd decided to table any other heavy discussions for the night.