A/N: Love the fact I can actually write with clarity again! Good stress is high, bad stress low. Thank you all for the reviews! Love the positive and the negative. The dynamic between Eryx, Padmé, and Vader lives rent free in the minds of all! :P
Chapter 38: The Past is Never Forgotten
The songbirds that called Theed's palace home dispersed as Darth Vader approached. The cloud of their murmuration fluctuating as they retreated towards the gardens. Just from his master's tone, the apprentice knew it was one of disappointment and anger. The Sith Lord scrolled through what could have caused such emotions. Unfortunately for him there were many things Vader could have prevented or done better. The Battle of Queel was no doubt a sweeping victory but, he'd allowed not only one but three Jedi to escape. His jaw flexed at that as he trudged deeper into the palace to arrive at the throne room. This isn't good… he told himself while he registered the number of the emperor's guard awaiting outside the chamber. When they lugged open the massive hinged wooden doors, Vader fortified his mental barriers and approached his master without hesitation.
"You summoned me, my Master," the young lord announced lowly as he kneeled, head bowing as he awaited his master's acknowledgement.
"I expect Lady Vader enjoyed the celebration of her name-day," Sidious ruminated. The devious cheerful nature in his voice hiked Vader's nerves immediately. Even after all that time as his second in command, that tone made the apprentice's skin crawl. "Through all the adversity she has faced, it is quite fascinating how strong her courage has seemed to remain." Vader's teeth gnawed together, his head rising to stare at his master. "You could have broken her disobedience at any time. Yet here we are after months, and her meddling continues. That stunt she pulled at the Senate cannot be overlooked nor can your own failures."
It was instantaneous, the bolts of electricity that speared towards him. Pain ripped through his body, electrical current tearing him apart as his muscles seized. Vader roared, the bellowing sound of agony ricocheting within the chamber as he became suspended from the ground. His metal arm contorted until it tore from its place – blood pouring from the crux. The pain was excruciating as every old injury rushed to the surface. Old scars burst open. His sight failed him until his vision came crawling back. He wasn't sure how long he laid there. Only his vacant blurry eyes could stare. Even when boots approached, they made no waver, the only indicator he was even alive was when his neck twitched.
"Not once but twice, you allowed Kenobi to escape. Did you not believe the truth would eventually surface?" The hiss resounded within his mind, booming against every broken wall within his mental barriers. "You have failed me greatly, boy. You allowed the rebellion to kill the security of the Sith's reign. Allowed for them to terminate your own flesh and blood."
In and out of consciousness, Vader was forced to endure the pain and the repercussions for his failures. Even if he understood, his mind still remained empty. The shell of his body which had been glued back together by time – smashed apart. Something tugged at the collar of his tunic, dragging his limp torso from the floor.
"That woman's defiance was the cause of all this failure. I expect you to remedy her disobedience swiftly and use her for the only purpose she can serve." His master's voice glowered in his ear as his body was suddenly dropped back to the floor. The splash of blood resonated as Sidious forced his apprentice's heart to beat. "Let this be a reminder what will become of you if you defy me again." Vision waning, the young lord's eyes wavered. "Bring him back to her," a malicious voice ordered. By the time two sets of hands went to gather his body, the Sith's entire vision had raced towards the darkness.
The slosh of mud splashed against Kenobi's boots as he weaved through the dense streets. Head bowed, he continued to count the number of troopers in his peripheral. The number had increased even since that morning – he'd counted well over twenty, each one scouring, searching for him. His eyes went to R2, the droid mirroring his movements as he dipped into the mechanic's shop. Obi-wan nodded towards the teller and the man shut his eyes a moment before he gestured towards the back. Sporadic thoughts darted around the Jedi's mind. He needed to contact Ashoka – inform her to flee the planet. The number of troopers within the city were innumerable. The time for them to escape wanning every minute.
Shuffling deep into the recesses of the mechanic shop, Obi-wan found himself searching for a familiar shelf. The Jedi wrenched open the false wall, the shelving rumbling as it rolled open. Striding past the rebel insignia painted upon the wall, he reached the frequency generator. Checking his chrono, he knew he only had a little less than a minute to make the transmission. Sweaty palmed, he initiated the transmission. Even if they were running out of time, at least a new destination had presented itself. Tatooine.
As soon as the hologram of his padawan appeared the Jedi took no time informing her of where to meet him.
"We must leave this system, Ashoka. We will rendezvous on Tatooine-"
"Why?" She asked, the man shook his head.
"I do not have time to explain-" The droning sound of sirens cut him short, the sound of thundering boots above the surface snagged his attention as he quickly turned back. "We need to leave. I will explain there." Swiftly cutting the transmission he then shattered the communication device. Synching his cloak tightly, Obi-wan made his way through the secret tunnel system - knowing there was a stealth fighter on the other end. There was no hesitation when he leaped into the cockpit, R2 swiftly making his way on board to become familiar with the ships system. With unmatched haste Kenobi initiated the controls watching as the port above drew open while spotlights circled the hanger. In seconds, they were up and off the ground zooming towards the surface as R2 set the hyperspace coordinates. The Jedi's gaze drew vast as he witnessed Vader's Fist approaching. But within a blink of an eye, they'd vanished, escaping into the vast, everlasting whirl of hyperspace.
Checking the chrono, Padmé continued anxiously pacing the foreroom. Vader had said he'd be back within the next hour. However, the entire day had dragged on. The sun had already waned beneath the mountain range in the distance. The cold autumn air rushing through the quiet home. "He should be back by now Threepio," the woman whispered, glassy eyes once again checking the time. It was already past seven. "I should go find him-"
Threepio shook his head, gently guiding her to the sitting room. "It is much too dangerous, my lady."
Thoughts were racing too quickly within her mind for her to wrap her head around everything clearly. Gnawing on her lip, Padmé knew that she had pushed the boundaries before the assassination attempt on her life. Now that her birthday was over, there was nothing keeping Palpatine from reprimanding both of them. Brushing a hand through her hair, she thought of other reasons he could be gone. He'd never vanished on her before. If he had a mission or obligations, he'd always tell her the duration of his leave. This was different. Contemplating everything that had led up to where she sat now, Vader had played his role for the emperor perfectly. He squashed the rebellion. Even with all of the heir's success, Padmé thought about what Palpatine would see as failures… His inability to kill the remaining Jedi was one of them and from what she understood, all of them were on Queel.
With her eyes fluttering shut, the woman tried to calm her mind. Yet she couldn't. It kept prodding. The speech she gave after the vote pushed boundaries that she probably shouldn't have. Everything sat before her within the form of a timeline. Her first days as queen and Senator. It all seemed so simple during those days. Even though she had nights where she never slept- too consumed in her next speech or mission. The stress upon her now could never be matched. She had to work against her own beliefs. Something she never had to do in the past. Vader had muddled with her mind. Where she saw herself now, she tried to tell herself that she needed to help him subvert Palpatine. In her new mindset, anything was better than what the galaxy was now.
A sudden crash in the foyer sent Padmé's senses on high alert as she lunged from the sofa. Up on her feet in an instant, she jogged towards the sound. The panic caused her heart to skitter. "Vader?" Her voice whimpered breathlessly. He was hunched over on the ground- his hand grasping the wall in attempts to drag himself off the floor. His whole body quivering. The plume of charred flesh and fabric emitted off him.
"W-Why are you still awake?" He asked almost catatonically.
Padmé swallowed hard, slowly moving towards him in the dimly lit chamber. When he all but collapsed back to the floor- horror speared through her body as she bolted towards him. Her hands were on him in an instant, he was completely unresponsive. "Vader!" she cried as she tugged him over. Another whole wave of true panic flooded her at the gruesome sight of blood."Threepio!" Padmé hollered at the droid. "H-He's covered in blood! It's a-all over!" She wailed.
"Oh dear, I'll call for the medical droids," 3PO flustered.
"Vader…" Padmé whispered pulling the man's head into her lap- his eyes were closed, still completely out-cold. Immediately her hands move to his robes, blood was gushing from his chest- arm- everywhere, his prosthetic gone! "Holy shit," she whispered. "Threepio, help me get him into the living room," she begged the droid. He waddled over immediately. Slipping Vader gently from her lap, both her and Threepio managed to hoist his heavy body just enough to drag him into the other room. Padmé all but chucked the pillows and blankets away as they attempt to set him down gently onto the leather. "What happened to him?!" She sobbed, trying to remove his robes as fast as possible.
When she finally peeled off the layers, what the woman saw burned in her mind like a brand. Every scar that she'd seen on him had been re-opened. The leg that had taken over a month to heal was gushing, the massive lateral scar across his chest hemorrhaging. It was all she could do to keep her hands from shaking as she snagged a blanket from the floor, pressing heavily against his chest.
"The Emperor," 3PO stated almost inaudibly.
"This has happened before?" Padmé gasped, glancing back to the golden droid. "Vader," she whispered brushing his locks from his eyes. Fisting his blood-soaked hair, she needed to rouse him. Wake him up so he could heal himself before bleeding to death. Locking the sides of his face between her hands she shook his head, "Vader!" She demanded brokenly.
"Anakin," 3PO stated quietly from behind.
Everything in her world stopped, heart wobbling as she stared back at the golden machine in utter astonishment. "What?" She murmured.
"His name," he uttered in hesitation.
Anakin, she reiterated in her mind- it was a beautiful name, much more befitting for him than Darth Vader. Padmé turned back to the comatose man, "Anakin," she shook him again, "Anakin! Please wake up!" She cried. Relief gushed through her as his eyes struggled to peal open. "Anakin," she gushed relieved, "You're hurt- The medical droids-"
It was a blur as a hand shot out, fingers coiling around her neck so brutally that her eyes bulged.
"Master Ani!" Threepio cried rushing towards them. Suddenly, the golden droid was heaved across the room as Vader twisted them, a feeling of weightlessness taking her before she was knocked of air. Her teeth chattered violently as she smacked the floor - eyes speckling as her fingers raced to the flesh hand crushing her windpipe. Legs thrashed against the body that crushed her. She couldn't get him to relent - her mind swimming with the fear that he would finally be her end.
A muted grovel fled her vocal cords. Strength depleted as her body remained deprived its most important element. It wasn't until her vision began to fade that her last resort appeared. One of her hands weaseled its way to jab him in the shoulder, digging her nails into one of his more serious injuries. The Sith howled in agony as his grip buckled enough for her to shove his face away. Squirming to make an escape, a hand caught her ankle to drag her back. Without even a second thought, she twisted around to boot her free leg, clocking him in the jaw. Finally, she felt him release, it was all she could do to hoist herself off the floor to race towards the nearest exit. A foot away, the barrier crashed shut - every exit in the room latching. Padmé swung around, frightened eyes only able to watch as Vader hoisted himself against the now stained sofa.
A rumble quaked the structure, chandeliers quivering until the mirrors and glass patio doors burst. The crystal fixtures plummeted from the ceiling only to shatter against the ground. The woman ducked, clinging her ears as she cowered against the wall – attempting to make herself as small as possible. Shivering, tears cascaded down her cheeks. Teeth clamped. Terrified. Her nerves only bubbled over as she heard him chuck the caf table. The sheering sound of glass smashing piercing the echo chamber.
Then the room fell completely silent. Only the whispers of air whistling through fragmented transparisteel floated the suddenly chilling space. Then a distinct thump reverberated, the sound forcing her head to whip up. Jaw trembling, Padmé's shimmering doe gaze analyzed the Sith's body. He'd collapsed again, face first against the cold floor. She wanted to go to him, however fear kept her muscles locked. Her attention shifted as three medical droids entered in from the hall. Two of them rolled to Vader while the other approached her.
Flinching away as it reached for her neck, she stared up at it. "Please let me assess your injuries," it requested, its arm drawing back – waiting for her response.
"I'm fine," she hoarsely whispered, hand massaging the tender skin of her neck.
"We must move him to a warmer area," the droid from across the room mentioned. It was effortless when the two hoisted his body, carting him towards the guest wing. Even within the sparse light, she could see the wound across his chest clearly. It was no longer bleeding, however it still remained fresh. Part of her wasn't sure if she should feel relieved or terrified that he was still alive. He must have healed himself at the last moment before he lost consciousness again. Hoisting herself from the ground, she brushed past the medical droid. Even if it protested, she limped towards 3PO only to find that his power-circuit had been ripped out.
Collapsing onto her knees, she crumbled against the golden machine. Unrelenting sobs fled her as she coiled against him. "I'm sorry," she whimpered, her trembling hands gathering his parts. Staring at the pieces, her heart sank unsure where to start.
"Let me," a mechanical voice stated from behind her, frazzled she stared back at the medical droid as it rolled forward. "It should be an easy fix," it stated blankly. "I find it odd that this droid means very much to you, so it would seem."
"He's a friend," she whispered.
"Hmm," was its only response as it began to solder wires.
"I miss my droid," she forlornly laughed, "my astromech…"
"Why?" It asked back, continuing to work effortlessly.
Where could she even begin to start? R2-D2 had been with her for years, it was during the Clone Wars where she'd gifted the droid to Obi-wan. The two of them could keep each other safe or that's what she had hoped. She had never imagined that the droid would never be able to return… the war did not end as she had thought it would. "Well, he was also my friend. I mean… he helped me through a lot. I wasn't able to get him back before the collapse of the Republic-"
"Do you mean the rise of the Empire?" The droid wondered; its head tilted. The woman's heart fell, her shoulders following as she turned away.
"I suppose."
"You can acquire another astromechanic droid if you wish," it responded impassively.
"Artoo was different, much different than any other."
"That is an impossibility. Droids are programed to the master's desires. You may program a droid however you see fit."
With a sudden shamble of sound, 3PO's head shook as he sat up straight. "Lady Padmé, bless my circuits… You are safe." Finally, a sense of relief washed across her body as she leapt to hug him tightly. "My Lady-"
"I'm so happy you're alright," she wept. Padmé wasn't even paying attention as the medical droid rolled towards the guest wing.
"You are injured milady," 3PO announced, her brows furrowed – eyes wondering down towards the ground. Blood was seeping from the side of her foot, A glass shard protruding. Startled, she inched back – it was impossible. "A piece of broken glass can be atoms thin. It is possible you might not have felt it…"
A wrenching sound at the front door whirled Padmé's senses as she instinctively reached for a dagger of glass atop the cold floor. The uncanny crimson glow of a lightsaber illuminated the foyer, she only clutched the shard harder until Eryx appeared beyond the wall. The piece clanked to the ground. The woman's eyes remained on the Inquisitor's saber. The color seemingly monotone in comparison to her husbands. Yet, her attention only remained on the glowing crystal for a moment as Eryx raced towards her.
"What the hell happened here?" The man demanded as he deactivated and holstered his weapon. He kneeled before her swiftly, his eyes examining the puddles of carmine, his studying gaze lingered upon her neck. "I see," he said quietly. "How is he?" Eryx wondered, his attention lightyears away.
"I don't know," Padmé meekly whispered.
"I'm sure he'll snap out of it," Eryx muttered clearing his throat. His eyes traveled down to her feet, a frown crossing his visage at the sight of her own wound. "Let's get you cleaned up, okay? I'm sure he won't remember any of this when he awakens-"
"Won't remember?! He almost killed me!" Padmé hollered, tears spilling from the corners of her eyes. "I've been able to talk him down in the past-"
"You should have left him alone," he harshly barked, suddenly a growl escaped the emerald eyed man. With one swoop of his arms, she was inside them before he delicately set her upon the counter. "There's no doubt the emperor knew this would happen. Judging from all the blood, I'm surprised you're still alive… You can't approach him when he is injured in such a way. There isn't any sense of reason within him. Only the self-preservation to live remains."
"I was trying to help!"
"It does not matter your intention, my Lady," he sighed, utilizing the force to remove the glass imbedded within her foot. The woman winced and the shard clattered atop the counter. "He is unable to distinguish the difference."
"Why are you doing this?" She whispered, her tear-stained glistening eyes staring at him widely.
"What do you mean?" He frowned, vexed.
"Helping me? Helping… him?"
"He's like a brother," Eryx said quietly after a moment of silence. "I owe him everything I have…" Padmé watched his eyes glance to her lips for a split second and within the same motion he was backing away. "He is also my Commander-"
"Why do you covet what he has?" Padmé wondered, Eryx reeled slightly his eyes narrowing.
"You are the only thing he has that I have ever wanted," the inquisitor admitted, "there is nothing in this galaxy that could ever make me want to take his place. No amount of power, wealth, or status. I never could have accomplished what he has or will, nor could I have endured what he has endured."
The woman's jaw flexed as she watched him shuffle through his robes. He dragged out a bacta wrap, starting to unwind it – Padmé snatched it from him. "I can patch myself up, thank you," she softly huffed. The man clicked his tongue taking a step back as he placed his hands behind his back. Carefully, she began wrapping her foot in the linen. With her hands still shaking, it was a more difficult task than she had anticipated.
"Please let me," he muttered as his jawline flexed. "You're still coming out of shock. It's better if I do it."
Trembling, her dainty hands dropped the roll as she nodded. The second she gave the okay, he began expertly bandaging the limb. Padmé analyzed his focused eyes. Underneath his concentrated stare, she could see the kindness within them. Even if he had committed horrible acts, there seemed to still be some care within them. Feeling her heart sink, she adverted her gaze. "How long do you think he will be unconscious for?" Padmé whispered.
"From the amount of blood loss, it could take him a day or two-"
"How long should I stay away?"
Eryx's hands froze, his eyelids falling shut as a sigh escaped him. He shook his head, conflict evident across his features. "I don't know. The droids can watch over him. At least they can be replaced. You should stay at your family's home until then. There's no sense for you to remain here. By the time you return, the home will be restored." The woman nodded as his hands went back to finish the securing the bandage.
"I don't even know what to tell them," Padmé breathed, "I can't risk them seeing me like this…they don't know anything, and I want to keep it that way."
The inquisitor bit his lip, "I don't know what you want me to say," he admitted resting against the counter. "You are safest in the city."
A small sigh escaped Padmé's lips as she hopped down from the counter. Her attention was drawn to the guest room until another gust of air whipped through the room. Goosebumps rose across her skin, her tears beginning to dry as she stepped carefully towards the sofa. Lugging the blood drenched throw from the floor, a frown cloaked her visage. Her eyes dragged over the amount of blood. She wondered how Vader could still be alive, he'd lost so much blood even in the little time on the couch.
"You care about him. I always imagined it would different," Eryx quietly admitted.
Eyes narrowed, she stared back to him, "Do you think I should be disappointed that he is still alive?"
His shoulders straightened, emerald eyes evading hers as he took a step forward. Beneath his boots, glass crunched as he approached to lift the broken caf table that had toppled over. "He has no influence over you while he is in such a state," he revealed, "What you feel now is the truth."
With a frown, her eyes fell to the slick and stained marble, "I've seen the good in him. I-I- can't find it in me to hate him. I am relieved that he will recover."
The sound of his boots drew closer until they were only inches from her small feet. "You should go to your sister's. She would understand your situation more-so than your parents."
The young woman glanced at him from the corner of her eye, "I just need to pack a few things." When Padmé turned to head up the stairs, she only made it as far as the archway until a firm hand caught her swiftly. A stern grip forcing her to remain still.
Take her. Something within the far reaches of the inquisitor's mind demanded. Eryx froze, the surface of his skin clammy as he stared at the perplexed woman. The grip he had on her arm was unrelenting. Do it. The man's neck slightly contorted as he took an unintended step forward. He recoiled immediately; his body nor mind were making sense. An internal war raged violently. "Eryx?" The young woman wondered. An itch bubbled within him as his gaze drew down her body. Without much choice he struggled to squander the tempting voice in his mind with a step forward – shoving her back against the doorway. The woman's voice became inaudible. It would be simple to subdue her. It encouraged. Seize what you desire. The man tried to shake the thoughts away but, their demand became overwhelming – every avenue of evasion becoming excruciating.
"You need to leave. Now," the inquisitor struggled to warn.
"You need to let me go," she replied calmly. The man could sense it, she was trying to suppress her nervousness, her fear. "What is going on?" She whispered, "You're scaring me." Something inside his mind snapped when he saw her plump lips pout. Within a fraction of a second, he had the damaged flesh of her neck in his opposing hand. The lady's eyes bulged wide, her hands scampering to shove him away. With the Force, Eryx caught each limb – his eyes suddenly void of any recognition of what he was doing.
"Eryx, stop!" Her hoarse voice brokenly begged, her hands fighting hard against the Force. The Inquisitor scaled her ravenously, his emerald eyes seeping sulfur –a color that could only be conjured by a Sith Lord. Padmé had never seen Eryx's eyes change color before. However, there was something eerily familiar regarding the shade. She'd seen the pasty tint in one other person's eyes – Palpatine. "Eryx this isn't what you want!" she struggled to speak, "Palpatine… he wants this!" A hand clamped over her mouth, and it was suddenly released when her lips felt locked. Tears welled within her eyes as an inhale dragged against the skin below her ear. Languidly, two hands trailed up her stomach – kneading harshly before they reached her décolletage. With one sharp tug, the beads of her nightdress spilled, pattering to the ground as the tearing of fabric resounded.
Suddenly, Eryx's movements froze – his hands ghosted above her skin. The only movement he made was when his face burrowed within the nook of her neck. Padmé felt tears splash against her collarbone as the man's body quaked. It was a blur; she was dropped from his hold as he tore himself back. "Get away!" He roared, grasping his veined forehead. He didn't have to tell her twice. Snagging a blanket on the way out, Padmé fled – sprinting towards the gated entrance.
The second Padmé was gone from his sight, Eryx's back clashed against the wall. His mind splitting in agony, the pain forcing him to his knees. Vision blurry, heart pounding, he tried to regain his own thoughts. There was someone else in his mind with him. With every ounce of strength, he scanned his own mental barriers. His heart thundered as he recognized their weakness and who was on the other end of his urges. "Everything I've felt… all this time it has been you," the inquisitor snarled aloud, knowing the emperor would hear him. Within seconds a weight was lifted from his mind, the presence that had tried to take hold of him fleeing. Nausea encased him as he hurled the lone stomach acid that resided in his stomach. The sour and acidic taste lingered in his nose and mouth. Panting, the silence that surrounded him became too disturbing. Using the strength, he had remaining, he urged himself off the floor, returning to his speeder.
Anger simmering, the weight of his own disappointment tore apart his composure. "Fuck!" Eryx bellowed slamming his fists against the yoke. With an ear-hammering roar, he tugged at the material harshly. His forehead bowed as he pressed it deep against the stick.
Self-doubt raced in his mind. How could he have allowed something so detrimental to go unnoticed for so long? How could he have missed the augmentation of his own mental barriers. It was inexplicable how the emperor had the power to do such a thing. Eryx always believed Lord Vader would have known if such a change had happened. Glassy emerald eyes stared at the dashboard. Is everything I've been feeling for her only a construct of his manipulation? Was everything I felt only a means of driving a wrench between Lord Vader and myself? Clutching his forehead, Eryx knew it was a possibility. Everything he'd felt for her till now was all too convenient for Sidious. Vader would kill him if he'd stepped too far out-of-line. However, Eryx was his most trusted ally amongst all of them. Even he knew that.
Sprinting down the sparse streets of Theed, Padmé found her feet burning in pain against the cobblestone. The bandage that Eryx had placed was now torn. She was once again bleeding, her entire body exhausted from shock as she pressed herself against the wall of a nearby alley. Half-dressed, she had no commlink – her sister's flat still eight blocks away. With a defeated sob, she collapsed to the ground. Whimpering, the woman shielded her eyes trying to contain her tears as she quietly wept into her hands. Her mind was like a pinball machine, her thoughts darting around like a ball struggling to stay in play. She couldn't understand Palpatine's motive. Could not understand why he would coax such a thing from one of the inquisitors. However, as her thoughts pondered the idea further... she realized the true intention. It was to divide. Palpatine was an expert on the subject. The woman's heart fell, if Vader decided to kill Eryx for what he'd done - he would lose one of his most trusted men. From his restraint, Padmé knew that Eryx's loyalty ran deeper than that of Palpatine's manipulation and that is what struck her the most. Her thoughts swam with the question of how long- how long had he been manipulating Eryx's emotions?
A scuff of footsteps then snatched her attention, her glassy eyes darting to the sound watching three men stumble down the alley – no doubt on their way home from the nearby cantina. Within seconds, she collected herself. Padmé knew she was in no condition to be out so late. No condition to be in so little, in such a dimly lit place. A jeering whistle came from behind her as she scurried along, her mind repeating no blaster and injured.
A sharp yank caught the back of her blanket, the grip pulling so violently that a yelp escaped her throat as she was tossed back into the arms of three men. "Where are you going beautiful?" One of the men slurred, ripping the cover away from her hands. Fear shred down her spine as another hand clamped down her mouth. It was a blur when she was tossed to the pavement. Her knees scraped roughly as she was shoved face first into the ground. A muted screech escaped her as she thrashed, tears spilling from her eyes as she fought against the hands holding her in place. "Looks like she's damaged goods, boys," one of the hooted as the shift of a belt rang clear through her ears. Suddenly she was spun over, three sets of deranged eyes leered – analyzing what they'd caught. As soon as they were prepared, each one reeled away.
"The heiress!" The one on the left said, his dark eyes fearful as he launched back. That's when the hand on her face tore away, and without another word the three of them scampered – back down the alley. A cry fell from her lips, face bloodied and knees torn. Crawling back towards the street, the pain in her skull was unrelenting. Her vision was blurry when she heard a call from someone down the road.
"Call for medical assistance! Miss are you okay?" A woman's voice hollered. It was then something soft cloaked her gently, two sets of dainty hands shifting her softly. "Queen Amidala…?"