A/N: The new chapter is FINALLY here! I really wanted this out before the new year but time just got away from me… Anyway! Here it is, I made a couple changes to the beginning of this to make it flow more easily. Warning! This has not been edited. I hope you still enjoy despite some grammar or spelling errors.

Let me know what you all think! :Dx

Chapter 23: Flawed

Rays of sunset stretched across the sky, light lunging and longing to persist. Golden hour radiance decorated Padmé's skin, eyes honey kissed. Since she was old enough to understand, she knew the glistening sight reflecting off the lake was one she would never take for granted. Neither would she ever take the fresh breeze, nor the final warmth of the fading sun. Too long had she been on Coruscant. Too long had she been under artificial light. There was something unnerving about the dwindling light. The land would be left to the night, allowing darkness to prosper. However, on nights like the one they were about to enter – the stars and moon would shine through. It was when the clouds would persist for days that she truly felt uneasy, the darkness was incessant.

When dusk became night, the walk back through the woods to the lake house was in peaceful silence. Padmé found herself almost believing that they were a normal couple. Yet when her mind recalled all that had happened between them till that point – her mind shunned her for that conviction. Nothing between them, about them was normal. She figured neither of them were destined to be so…

Now she sat by flickering flames, the warmth of fire warming her fingers, her cheeks rosy and heated. With a glass of red wine nestled in her grip, she eyed the flickering light of the roaring fire. Taking a sip of red wine, she glanced to Vader catching him staring, seemingly content – not even looking away when she caught his gaze.

"I like watching you," he admitted downing the rest of his scotch before rising from the settee. Her eyes followed him as he slowly made his way to her, taking a place behind her – his hand brushing against the exposed skin of her shoulder. Flesh and leather glided up each of her arms before his fingers delicately danced across the skin of her neck. She'd worn a tight black strapless corset, it showed her figure – her cleavage. Leisurely, her eyes fell closed until she felt something cold - a chain pattering against her skin. Confusion drew her eyes open, even widening when she saw a gem dangling around her neck.

"Vader I-" She began to shift, recoiling from the crystal that seemed to generate radiance of its own. "You shouldn't-" she began to fret.

"Can we please not argue about this," he chuckled latching the clasp.

A pout crossed her lips as she daintily pinched the crystal. Shocked, her eyes didn't lie, the colors were swirling, sparking as they collided – a chromatic luster. She'd truly never seen anything remotely similar in her life. "W-What type of stone is this?" She wondered breathless watching it morph.

"It's a genesis crystal," he said quietly, watching the stone from over her shoulder.

"Where did you find it?" She whispered, fascinated by the light.

"On a planet within the unknown regions," he admitted, "I've had it for a few years now."

"What were you doing in the unknown regions?" She wondered, eyeing him.

A small but clear smile pulled at his lips, "Trying to find a planet," he laughed his cheeks flushing. "But I never actually ended up finding the one I was looking for…"

Padmé bit her lip as she turned to face him, "Well it's exquisite, thank you." Her eyes gazed into his golden ones, hand slowly reaching for his cheek – ghosting across the skin. She could plainly see him relax, falling into her touch as the tension released from his shoulders. When his eyes drew open to meet hers once again, they were like sapphires. A rich deep blue shimmered in the light yet, they seemedsad. Not understanding why, she gently leaned in to kiss him. The were passionately in sync but, his hold on her never tightened – almost cautious, prepared to let go if she wished. Noticing that, she kissed him harder, her gentle touch beginning to tug at his locks. Raking and coiling her fingers, she pressed her chest against his, straddling him. Finally, his hold that slid down to her hipbones tightened before they glided down to drive up her the brim of her skirt. Even though his hands had shifted pace, the tenderness of his lips hadn't. It reminded her of their time spent at the tavern. How he'd been gentle and even caring.

"I don't deserve you," he whispered, pulling away somberly – hands holding her still. Padmé drew back, facial features mirroring his own. She watched his eyes fall, they seemed like endless oceans oscillating rhythmically from the gem's wavering light.

"Then be the person you think would deserve me," she murmured back. That caught his attention, his gaze returning to her own.

She saw his jaw tighten, "I can't." His words were sincere but there was brutal honesty behind them… Padmé's felt her heart collapse as if her rib cage had fallen. She tried to brush the feeling off but it was incessant, painful… she needed to know.

Drawing back an inch, her fingers intwined in his hair. "Why can't you?"

He sighed, lifting her off his lap with ease to place her beside him once again, "I am a Sith-"

"You are," she nodded, "But is that who you want to be?"

His eyes fell away from hers once again. Moons…What she would give to understand what was going through his mind… "The ways of the Sith and Jedi are both flawed," he divulged, inching away from her.

That was the first time she'd ever heard him not agree with his teachings – not agree with the way things were. She watched him a moment, "Then what do you want then?"

A forlorn smile crossed his features, "There is no in between Senator."

The dark and light side of the Force… Padmé thought about his statement, who created the line? That boarder between good and evil? Just and unjust? There wasn't a blurry line – there was a finite wall. One that had been crafted eons before them. What Palpatine had done to overthrow the Republic was evil. There was no doubt in her mind. He'd done it for own personal gain. But what made everything that the Sith knew evil? Did everything that was known need to be thought through pain and suffering? Biting her lip lightly, Padmé stood from her place – her gaze once again falling on the flickering flames. The Jedi and the teachings of the Sith were different but both had rules. Rules that would enslave anyone who was thrown into it. The Jedi would recruit, collect Force sensitive children – take them from their parents so they'd never become attached. Having someone, something close enough to mean something was a threat to both sides it seemed.

The more she thought about the parallelisms, the more she found herself in agreement. The Jedi thought of themselves as righteous and noble - keepers of peace. Only using their knowledge, power for defense. Giving up a part of themselves to do good. Yet, they were slaves to the Order… Slaves to what was destined for them because they never even had the opportunity to live a normal life. What choice did those children have? A sigh fell from the Senator's lips. Vader was no different, Palpatine had abducted him as a child – his mother's death only pouring fuel onto the broken and enraged youngling's soul. A thought was rooted from the woman's mind, before Vader, Palpatine's apprentices were older, closer to around his age or in early adulthood. From what she knew, Vader was Sidious' first apprentice that he'd had from malleable age. One that he could shape in any way he wanted and what he got was a death incarnate. Why did Palpatine decide to take on a lone six-year-old child? Unless… Unless he knew something- something significant. Padmé eyed the Sith who was no doubt listening to her thoughts. An expression of concentration shrouding his own features as well.

"You're strong in the Force," she whispered stating the obvious as her thoughts danced around the idea. The tales she'd read those weeks ago in his bed chambers on Coruscant made her mind dart around the idea that maybe Palpatine was afraid of Vader – even as a child, the Sith knew of the youngling's strength. "Your midichlorian count must be high… How high?" She whispered, her lips parting a fraction.

A perplexed expression covered Vader's features, "Over twenty-three thousand."

Padmé rubbed her temple, racking her brain - thinking it to pieces. She tried to recall the story in which she struggled to remember. A being that would be more powerful in the Force than any other. From what she could recall, the story did not designate whether the individual would be a Sith or Jedi – all that was said is that they would bring balance back to the Force.

"You're letting your mind wonder Senator," Vader sighed standing from his seat.

"You said it yourself – you aren't sure what you want."

"No, I hadn't decided how I wished to rule." He clarified, his shoulders broadening a fraction. Padmé frowned, it was pathetic of her to think of him as something he wasn't. Her mind was left in sadness, not even glancing to see Vader stand from his seat and leave. She didn't care where he went, at least that was until she heard another voice. One that was too familiar. Eryx. Her ears tried to pinpoint what they were saying beyond the doors of the sitting room. Yet they were too deep, muffled. His presence worried her, Vader had told his men to stay in Theed in preparation for the Emperor's arrival. His presence was unforeseen, to her at least. Pulling the end of her lengthy braid, she stood from her place – gently taking a sip of wine before striding towards the doors. The voices stopped as she eased open the pivot door. She was hopping their expressions would give something away, yet both of them were completely neutral – not giving an ounce away.

"Senator," Eryx announced, bowing his head slightly – his hands folding behind his back.

"There is something that requires my immediate attention, Eryx will stay with you until I return," Vader informed her before turning and heading towards their chambers.

With a sour expression she scoffed, "What?" following after him, leaving Eryx to remain a statue in the foyer. "What is going on?"

"That is none of your concern," he replied coldly as he changed into his ghoulish robes and tunic.

The woman rolled her eyes, "You said that we could stay here for a few days and it wouldn't be an issue."

Padmé heard him audibly sigh as he opened the drawer to grab his lightsaber. Clipping it to his belt, he turned grabbing his cloak to throw it over his shoulders. "It's wasn't an issue at the time and it still isn't – I should be back within twenty-four hours." He said firmly, ending the discussion.

Cracking of bone, rang through Vader's ears as the Naboo Queen fell from her place. Frigid golden eyes speared towards Sidious with confusion. Jaw taught, the apprentice remained a statue – unmoving as a wicked smirk shrouded his Master eyeing the throne. Talons screeched across marble, sulfur eyes gleaming with supremacy. A chill brushed through the chamber as Sidious inhaled, eyes rolling back as he took her place. "A man has not sat on this throne in over four millennia." When his eyes reopened, Vader forced himself to remain still even though his instincts were imploring him to recoil. Crimson were Sidious' irises, pupils demonic black.

"Every system is mine to rule," Sidious declared, slowly easing back against stone. Vader could not sway the chill that trickled down his body – fingertips running cold. The power emanating from his Master was formidable; something in him had changed. Instincts guided the apprentice as he slowly fell to one knee. Fear was the ice against his skin as his head fell – gaze locked to the floor. Incomprehensible pressure fell onto the Sith's shoulders. Creaking of joints, rumbling of muscle hummed through the hall as Vader struggled to hold himself in position. Vader's thoughts remained absent as his Master tested both his physical and mental barriers. Sidious' power had become stronger, with every ounce of strength Vader tried to thwart the collapse of his barriers that would send him face first to the floor.

Vader knew the rules of this game, he could lockdown his body and hold his Master off but he could not be offensive. Attacking or defending with the Force was defiance. Sweat rolled down his neck, palm holding some of the weight became numb as he resisted. That was until something snapped, his arm completely fracturing under the weight of his Master's pressure. Roaring in agony, Vader felt himself shatter – physically and mentally sending him to the floor. The weight of star systems rested on his body. Jagged splinters from the force scarred the floor, leaving the imprint of blood and weight. Just as the pressure was there, it was gone. Leaving the apprentice bruised and bones broken.

"That was for your failure on Almas," Sidious snarled, his footsteps halting a few inches from Vader's cowl – his only shield. "That Jedi was not one we could afford to let live."

"Yes… my Master," Vader uttered automatically.

"Why should I allow you to leave this hall?" Sidious hissed, "Failure after failure," he drawled, circling him like a predator would prey. "Perhaps your mind has been elsewhere for quite some time…"

In that instant, he felt Sidious begin rummaging through his mind. Vader could no longer hide his intentions with the Senator, could no longer hidewhat she was to him – her importance to him personally. The apprentice could feel his Master touching each memory – rather each memory that Vader flooded to the forefront of his mind. He needed to protect what he could, that meant surrendering what needed to be sacrificed.

"So it seems our Senator hasn't been as faithful as you claimed her to be," Sidious sneered, plastering the memory of the rebel alliance insignia in Vader's mind – the one engraved onto her ring.

"I have control of her now," Vader argued, "She is no longer a threat-"

"Yet you lied because of her," he glowered, "To protect her."

"Yes," Vader admitted, spitting out the blood that had accrued in his mouth. "But, since when did either of us trust one another?"

A sinister laugh left his Master, "I can hear it in your voice - your anger has been diluted." Sidious turned towards his royal guard, "I want Senator Amidala brought to me - immediately, if she is not here by daybreak kill her," a grisly smile broke across the old man's cracked lips. "Let this pain be a reminder of your place, Lord Vader." In a beat, Vader's body was suspended, contorting as electrical current splintered through his body. Agonizing roars and the putrid smell of burning flesh penetrated the throne room until the young apprentice was sent flying, breaking through the wooden doors before crashing to the stone floor. He was bloodied, broken, and burned – tunic singed, yet it was only rage he could feel as he somehow gathered himself.

The stormtroopers flanking the halls parted, turning their heads knowing it was a sight that would never be discussed. Mustering the energy, he dipped into a private hall. Using the Force to slam the doors closed behind him. Warmth encased him, the familiar feeling of blood pooling beneath him. His leg throbbed, the wound from the leviathan must have reopened. Without another thought, he attempted to heal what he could without losing consciousness. Skin clammy, heart pounding off beat, he hastily coaxed the bone in his broken arm – setting it before it started to heal.

"Fuck!" Vader roared, his durasteel arm crashing through the stone wall. He was livid, Vader couldn't understand how, where Sidious had acquired the power to break his barriers. It didn't make sense, the old cretin even looked younger. Vision blurry, Vader wrenched his fist from the wall. Shuffling through his robes he needed to contact Eryx, get Padmé to Theed before Sidious' men could find her. Yet overall, he needed to find out where… where Sidious went to acquire that power. Each time Vader narrowed the gap between them, his Master always found a way to increase his strength. Could it be that planet, the young Lord pondered as he limped down the hall. That fucking planet I can't find… there must be away through the storm.

Pouring a glass of wine, Padmé eyed the man sitting on her couch. His legs were stanced wide, head resting back on the velvet as his eyes lingered on the fire."I don't need a babysitter you know," the Senator muttered taking a sip of wine, resting back against the wooden liquor cabinet. Eryx turned towards her with a mischievous gaze, one that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand.

"He's testing me," Eryx chuckled, downing the rest of his bourbon. "That's the only reason why I am here Senator."

Padmé's eyebrows furrowed, she hadn't expected him to be so blatant with his purpose. Vader was testing him? Well, let me not make this easy for him… The woman hummed, rolling her nails against the wood before she sauntered closer to him. "Seems Vandor changed things," she muttered spinning the liquid in her glass, taking a seat on the armrest beside him. Padmé watched his eyes linger on her chest slowly moving up to her eyes.

"You remember," Eryx registered before a deep swallow rolled down his throat. Satisfaction washed through her noticing his discomfort, the room had become warmer - seemed heartless monsters could become nervous.

"I do," Padmé nodded, shifting her braid to shield her shoulder. "I also remember what you told me," she mused, her tone daring. "How you could help me off Vandor." Eryx shifted in his seat slightly, his jaw tensing ever so slightly. "My question is," Padmé purses her lips to take a sip of wine, a coy smile played across her features, "what did you mean by that?"

Eryx's palms pressed against his thighs, "You have claws," he muttered his emerald eyes connecting with her own.

"That doesn't answer my question. And while you're here there are actually many I have for you," she flippantly mused, placing her glass atop the table. "I suppose you aren't required to answer… I can't torture you," she shrugged glancing back at him. That statement was in and of itself a warning, she could tell Vader everything. Padmé knew the Sith Lord had too much on his mind to check her memory. His injuries had been more severe then he'd claimed. He had spent a day away while they were in Theed, no doubt reconstructing his leg. "But you can't blame me for being curious. The others seem to hate me… while you don't."

"First," he dryly laughed, "The others don't hate you. They are just disappointed that the Lord won't share… And so am I."

Padmé's tongue brushed across her bottom lip, her eyes suddenly looking anywhere but his emerald eyes. "Well… I suppose I should feel grateful I'm not some slave that's passed around," she retorted professionally yet indignant.

"Believe me, out of the women I've had - I'd trade them all back to have you for one night," he facetiously admitted, his eyes trailing down her frame.

Padmé cringed, rolling her shoulders back, "You're vile," the Senator hissed, suddenly finding herself needing air. Trekking to the balcony, the waning warmth of the late summer night wrapped her tightly. The moonlit, starry night would wait it seemed, humidity of an approaching storm bedewing her skin. Chirping and luminescent insects floated above the lake like little flickering stars. She supposed it calmed her, yet still the tension in her shoulders persisted. Why would Vader leave her here with him? She couldn't help but think if one of the other inquisitors would be better suited, but then again if what Eryx explained was true - they were all sick and twisted in their own ways. Who knows what they'd do if she triggered them. From what she'd seen at least Eryx wouldn't hurt her…

"I wasn't in the best mindset when I spoke to you that day," Eryx announced, from the corner of her eye she could see him resting against the doorframe ready to light a deathstick.

She mulled over his response a moment thinking back to her first question. "I wanted Lord Vader to lose something that day," he admitted before taking a drag. She could have sworn he'd said something else as well but it was only in a whisper, inaudible to her ears.

"Why? -because he rearranged your face a bit?" Padmé pertly said turning to face him, folding her arms over her chest.

"No, that's not why," he muttered shaking his head, pushing himself off the doorframe to move closer.

"Then why?" She pressed needing to understand.

"I don't answer to you Senator," he reminded stopping short of her a few inches. His closeness made her uneasy, it reminded her too much of that day on Vandor.

Feisty brown eyes connected with his emerald ones, "I came out here to get away from you," she muttered, "mind stepping back?"

"That is what you want." He intoned, however the more she replayed what he'd said the more his tone sounded like a question. "I know the way I made you feel that day."

Padmé swallowed hard, her body humming from the alcohol - she'd always found Eryx attractive. Why couldn't she play a bit? It wasn't like- What the fuck are you thinking!? Her conscious screamed. Snapping out of it she countered his claim, "You scared me. Congrats," she muttered sarcastically, rolling her eyes to brush off his suggestive tone. She was a lot of things but even tipsy she wasn't about to lead him on.

Eryx shook his head before taking a puff of his smoke. Padmé analyzed him as he took a step around her to the balustrade. He seemed older, perhaps it was because of the new scars? Internally she disagreed with herself. There was something else…. She'd learned to read Vader's infinitesimal body language signals, applying her knowledge, Eryx almost seemed conflicted.

"Vader trusts you…Why?" Padmé wondered, her voice soft enough to float away with the wind. Her tone was to extend an olive branch perhaps they could get along for the night.

Eryx glanced towards her, "Because I know where my loyalty ultimately lies." Padmé's eyes widened a fraction, shocked by his honesty. That's when her eyes traveled away from him to the cloudy sky. She wondered if that meant Vader's other inquisitors were above all else loyal to Palpatine. That had to be the case; it was the Emperor the inquisitors ultimately served. "One day the others will see… but they don't- not yet," he continued quietly.

Padmé nodded softly, "If that is the case, why hasn't Sidious killed you?" she whispered knowing it was a bold question to ask.

"I am loyal to the Empire and in return the Emperor," Eryx cryptically explained, his word choice extremely calculated. Padmé understood in that moment that in Eryx's mind, Vader was labeled the Emperor. The title hidden from Sidious - the old cretin believing that title was only reserved for himself. As she continued contemplating what Eryx had shared she found herself wondering why? Why would Vader want four other Force wielders with him? The Rule of Two would still apply even if Vader was successful in defeating Sidious- wouldn't it?

"Why do you trust me with this?" Padmé wondered, eyes flashing to him.

"When the time comes and you see his plan - you will be loyal as well," Eryx assured her, snuffing out his deathstick.

"He shared with me that he wasn't sure how he wanted to rule," she whispered, talking to herself more than anyone. It was minute but Padmé saw it, his eyes narrowing just a fraction. She'd shared something that was conflicting with what he knew, perhaps she should have left the thought in her mind.

Soft beeping caught both of their attentions, breaking them from conversation. Eryx stepped away, answering his commlink. From the greeting, she knew Vader was on the other end of the transmission. Padmé glanced at the chrono inside the house, it had been over a few hours since he'd left. He would have reached Theed within an hour; she wondered what could have happened? Eryx's expression remained neutral, not giving anything away. Yet something must have happened - Vader would not have called unless something significant had.

"Understood," Eryx said quietly before shoving the device back into his robes.

"What is it?" Padmé asked, Eryx's face had strained a fraction - something bad had happened.

"Imperial troops are on their way to gather you."

"W-What?" Padmé breathed, "Why?"

"Palpatine wishes for you to be brought before him. Gather your belongings, we need to leave before they arrive." Eryx explained, quickly making his way back inside, Padmé raced after him.

In her bedroom, Eryx snagged a duffle started to throw essentials into the sack. "Why not let them come for me?" Padmé asked, watching Eryx stuff away her clothes.

The inquisitor shook his head before hastening his movements, "The men coming are under Sidious' direct command, they are brutal."

"And you're not?" Padmé guffawed with an eye roll.

His emerald eyes shot fear in her chest as he intently stared, "This is not a game; his men will torture you. They don't care who you are or whether Lord Vader has you under his protection. Under the authority of the Emperor, they can do whatever they please. I- I can't stop them and neither can Lord Vader," Eryx warned, tossing the duffle over his shoulder. The inquisitor's eyes flashed to the window as headlights appeared through the dense thicket from the road. "Fuck," Eryx cursed snatching her arm practically dragging her out of the room.

"Wait! The bongo!" Padmé breathed, "It's in the port out back."

Eryx nodded, not a word spoken. Suddenly, Padmé found herself whirling around the spiral staircase to the secrete passageways beneath the house. The dark and narrow corridor lead directly to the port; a perfect escape. When she had become queen, the architects were instructed to create multiple escape routes - however Palpatine undoubtedly knew about them. Which meant, the men coming to get her did as well.

"We will be long gone, that's not an issue," Eryx assured her, Padmé gasped, he'd heard her thoughts.

Racing into the small port, Eryx practically tossed her into the bongo before launching himself into the pilots seat. Methodically, Eryx effortlessly powered up the vehicle and before she knew it they were maneuvering through the underwater cave system leading directly to the lake. The cave was narrow, walls jagged, only an experienced pilot could weave thought them. Racing through the twisted rock, headlights luminesced what lied beyond, recognizing the path they had to travel - her nerves hit an all time high. She knew what lurked in the center of the lake, swimming beyond the island was suicide, the animals were too dangerous. That's when her thoughts were jerked away from that worry straight into another, Eryx had heard her thoughts.

"You can hear my thoughts," Padmé announced, Eryx's jaw tightened.

"Lord Vader allowed me to do so," He explained, his eyes focused to the front. Glancing at the motion tracker, the Senator gulped, five markers were at the exit of the cave and with that thought Eryx's hands twisted tighter around the yoke.

"We can't go this way, there is no way in hell we can get past them - this thing has minimal defense capability." Padmé explained her voice struggling to remain tame.

"We don't need to get past them, we just need to get under them," the Inquisitor reasoned calmly. His grip on the yoke had loosened, yet the woman soon found herself being thrown back in her seat. Clutching whatever was closest, she remained silent as they raced full throttle towards the exit. "Hold onto something - tightly," he instructed, she immediately followed, grasping the seat on either side. That's when Eryx flipped the headlamps off, Padmé held her breath - it was pitch black, only the light at the end of the tunnel was a shade brighter.

"They can see us on the tracker - it doesn't matter!" Padmé breathed, "You're going to crash! Turn the lights back on!"

"No they can't, this particular vessel has cloaking, Lord Vader assured me of that," he was confident, she couldn't see a damn thing but his voice was reassuring enough. That's when the submarine took a dive - exiting the cave - the silhouette's of the Emperors vessels quickly disappeared from sight as they dove down into the depths of the lake. Padmé felt her stomach leap to her throat, her heart hammer in her rib cage as they plunged into the void. At a complete ninety-degree angle, Padmé clung to her seat for dear life until Eryx sharply evened out, flipping on the infrared headlamps. They had reached the very bottom of the lake, the sub swinging side-to-side as he evaded rocks and aquatic flora.

Padmé glanced at the tracker again, no motion. Relief washed through her body as she rested back in her seat. "Thank you," she whispered sincerely. Eryx's jaw tightened so he glanced at her briefly. "I just don't understand how Vader will explain this…"

"He doesn't have to, as long as you are there by daybreak."

"What about you? Won't Sidious know you helped Vader outmaneuver his men?" Padmé worried quietly.

"Back in your bedroom I told you that this was not a game. For you its not, for Sidious it is - he is testing Lord Vader-"

"And yourself…"

"I answer to Lord Vader unless directly instructed by Sidious, he has not directed me to do anything. Lord Vader has, so I follow his command."

"And if Sidious had instructed you to let his men take me?" Padmé whispered.

Eryx's jaw clenched, "I already explained allegiance."

The Senator remained silent after that, she didn't need to know a finite answer. What had transpired between them over the past few hours was enough. He would have done the same thing and dealt with the repercussions.

Revealed by the red hue, a shower of organic matter sprinkled around the craft as they continued their journey towards Theed. Checking the temperature and pressure outside they were deep, almost pushing the limits of the submarine. The darkness at this depth of the lake was mysterious, she hadn't been to these depths since she was queen. Now the sight of the barren floor gave her chills, there were creatures that lurked the depths - ones she would prefer not to encounter. A soft beeping from her brassiere caught her attention, she ignored the look Eryx gave her as she pressed in the earpiece, answering the transmission

"Senator," Vader's sonorous voice serenaded through her ear. There was relief in his voice that she had answered, her heart fluttered a fraction as a blush touched her cheeks.

Her eyes flashed to Eryx a moment, "We are on our way," Padmé said her voice soft, quiet.

"I will meet you at the docks when you arrive. Do not speak a word to anyone, even if they instruct that you must. Let me speak with Eryx for a moment," Vader instructed, his voice hoarse. Padmé glanced to Eryx handing him the main device as she popped out the earpiece. She watched the Inquisitor chew the inside of his cheek until he uttered an 'understood, my Lord.' With that, he ended the transmission, returning the device.

After the call, it was quiet for a time. Padmé found herself dosing off - her head nestled against the frame. It was late, she'd taken a nap during the day but the adrenaline had taken its toll. Even if she wanted to nap, her mind was racing. The only topic Palpatine could possibility find important enough to send men to capture her and bring her to the capital had to do with the Rebellion. What vexed her was that Vader was so sure of himself, confident that their secrets could be kept. Her thoughts tormented her until she somehow fell into the void of slumber.

Loud, her mind groaned, within a split second of that thought she was jostled awake, sirens exploding through the submarine. "Eryx!" Padmé yelped, feeling the entire bongo shutter. The motion tracker was practically absorbed by red, a mammoth creature above them.

"It's okay, just give me a minute," he replied, "I tried to keep you out…"

"What so I could drown in my sleep!" She cried until her head swung upwards to witness a roaring giant gliding above them. Eryx was calm, too fucking calm! "What the hell is your plan?!" The inquisitor's jaw tightened, as he dipped down into a ravine, testing the limit of the bongo's pressurization mechanism. More alarms echoed through the cabin, the ship couldn't withstand the pressure they had reached, within minutes they'd implode.

"Come on you fucking thing," Eryx cursed to himself, his eyes widening a fraction. That's when Padmé saw a flash of light strike through the water, yet it wasn't lightening, it was something much more terrifying. An Goliath electric eel, rushed past them with furry - ensnaring the creature in pursuit of them. Swiftly, Eryx pulled up on the yoke returning the sub to a rational depth. "Why the fuck would anyone ever go swimming here? That is the fifth fucking monster I've seen in the past hour."

"People don't; we stick to the shallows - you realize this is the center of the planet," Padmé breathed flopping back in her seat.

"It still doesn't bother you that you are literally the smallest creature in the water?" He asked shocked, she stared at him - he almost sounded like an upset teenager. "What the fuck," he whispered running a hand through his hair.

"Well, are we almost there," the Senator asked, her eyes flicking back to the viewport. "Yeah, one more cave system," he assured checking the coordinates.

Scanning the impending underwater mountain, Padmé's eyes narrowed in on the cave system on the navigator. Then her attention flashed back to the mountainside, "Kriff," she breathed, "Eryx, turn around - "

"What…?" He asked until his face went pale.

A gigantic ominous yellow eye popped open - sando aqua, the Senator's mind numbly muttered. What they were looking at wasn't a cave system - it was the cavernous tunnel of a mouth. Padmé flung around in her seat, shoulder whipping against metal as Eryx tore upwards on the yoke - dodging the trap of the creatures jaws. The snap of its hinges rattled the submarine, Eryx glided the sub across the mountainside, sticking close to avoid being caught out in the open. "Fuck," he muttered annoyed, a scowl etching into his features.

"I hate to break it to you but that thing is catching up," Padmé whispered, glancing back at the monstrous creature in hot pursuit, unfortunately what was behind them was indeed the largest creature in the water - unless there was a larger one out there.

"I know; hold onto something," Eryx ordered flipping two switches on the dash, suddenly light swept into darkness and then there was weightlessness, only sound of the engine screaming could be heard as he flipped the submarine, propelling upwards before flinging them upside down above the creature. Harshly the submarine leveled out, Padmé could feel the sweat condensing on her forehead as her stomach churned. The cave system was meters away - they needed to reach it before that creature could turn.

"I assume you know exactly where the system starts?" Padmé asked, Eryx only nodded - he was fixated on what resided ahead. Padmé's mouth went dry as she saw another glob of red appear on the tracker. Something massive resided ahead - moving straight towards them.

"Fucking hell, I just can't fucking win," Eryx cursed slamming forward the throttle.

Every muscle in her body became ridged as they propelled full speed towards the jaws of another giant. All they needed was to reach the cave system before that creature did. She scanned the navigator, it will be close… but possible. Relaxing back into the seat, Padmé calmed herself - she had no doubt in Eryx's ability. It almost seemed to happen in slow motion, within a fraction of a second they were horizontal against the mountainside then plunging into the cave system. A second sooner and they wouldn't have made it. Padmé glanced in the man's direction - his eyes already on her. "Nice," Padmé nodded, looking forward.

"You're a difficult woman to impress," he laughed, resting back in his seat - hands becoming comfortable on the yoke once again. "The drag underwater is a nuisance but I must admit, it's been awhile since I've had this much fun."

"Well the puddle in my seat would argue against the fun part," Padmé muttered resting her head against the doorframe.

Eryx chuckled, "I could feel your emotions - you weren't even scared. You trusted me," he argued playfully. "That puddle is nonexistent."

A small smile tugged at Padmé's cheeks, "You're right. I trusted you," she whispered.

"You had zero doubt - even I doubted myself just a bit," it was hard to see it but a light blush had crept to his cheeks.

After hours of weaving through underwater cavern systems, they finally saw light at the end of the tunnel - it was closing in on day break. Accelerating from the tunnels the submarine rushed to the surface, slowly moving towards the port. More fear than any giant creature could make her feel encompassed her body as she stared at the numerous guards waiting at the docks.

"Remember what the Lord said, not a word," Eryx warned, playful emotions evaporating. Nervousness crawled across the Senator's skin noticing the Emperor's royal guards at the helm of troopers. Do not speak a word…