Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except for Anyrah. (Pronounced Uh-nigh-ruh), and later, Lyxee Hiranu. Also, I have only ever watched the movies (not recently) and some of the clone wars episodes,(again, not recently) so my Star Wars knowledge is far from complete. Please don't judge for innocent mistakes, but if you have any constructive criticism it would be greatly appreciated.
Warnings: This is the only warning for the entire "book". Will sometimes contain scenes of fairly graphic torture.
Chapter One
Qui-Gon Jinn
Qui-Gon Jinn sat across from his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, in their shared quarters, sipping on tea. They were enjoying the few quiet moments that had at the beginning of the day before it got into full swing. Obi-Wan was dutifully reading an assignment on his data pad, catching up on the lessons he had missed from the duration of their last mission, before he had to go to his classes that would take up most of the day. Qui-Gon had always appreciated his Padawan's focused work ethic.
The comfortable silence was abruptly interrupted when Qui-Gon's communicator beeped sharply. Obi-Wan looked up from his data pad to listen as Qui-Gon transferred the call to a holocall platform. The visage of Jedi Master Plo Koon materialized above the table, and Qui-Gon gave a respectful dip of his head in greeting.
"Master Koon. How may I be of assistance?"
"Supreme Chancellor Valorum has requested your presence." The Kel Dor informed them. "He says there is an urgent situation concerning Naboo and he is in need of assistance regarding some fraught negotiations. He dares not send any of his personnel for fear of danger, though he won't openly say as much, so we suggested you and your padawan for the job." Of course they did. Qui-Gon thought somewhat tiredly, but he knew he was widely recognized as one of the best known negotiators that the Jedi Order had, so he wasn't surprised.
"Then we will leave immediately." He said as he stood. Obi-Wan stood as well.
"May the Force be with you." Plo Koon intoned.
"And with you as well." The call disconnected, and Qui-Gon turned to his padawan. "Pack you kit quickly. It sounds as though we have no time to spare."
Obi-Wan gave a quick bow and, "Yes Master." And then hurried to his small room. Qui-Gon did the same, but a heavy feeling grew in his chest as he was packing his kit that had him mentally reciting the first line of the Jedi Code. There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no place for dwelling on foreboding feelings in the life of a Jedi.
He took a deep breath and felt calm return. The kit he and Obi-Wan packed was quite small, containing one change of clothes, a few minor medical supplies including a few small vials of bacta, a rebreather, and small amount of food and water, and that fit easily within a small satchel that was easy to conceal beneath their Jedi robes. Hardly any time passed before they were out in the halls, moving quickly to the hanger in order to take a speeder to the Supreme Chancellor's office. The moment Qui-Gon walked into the office, he felt a subtle shift in the Force. A warning perhaps. It was too unclear to be sure, so he did not allow himself to dwell on it, instead focusing his attention on the small amount of relief he felt from the Supreme Chancellor as they walked in.
"Thank goodness you're here. I need you to leave for Naboo as soon as possible. There has been unrest here recently with the outlying star systems regarding the taxation of the trade routes. The dispute is spreading farther than is good for the galaxy, and now the Trade Federation has set up a blockade that has stopped all shipping to the planet Naboo. If negotiations are not held soon, the planet will begin to starve, and the others around will go to war. We cannot allow that to happen." The Chancellor informed them in quickly but clearly. "The Congress of the Republic is debating this matter, with no end in sight, so I am dispatching you to go and take care of this conflict. Demand that they cease their activities with the blockade and negotiate for a peaceful solution. We have a starship ready for your immediate departure."
"I have only one question." Qui-Gon stated calmly. The Force was making it clear that he should go on this mission. He just wanted to know..."Why Naboo?"
"The young queen has been one of the most vocal in her opposition to the Federation, and other systems are looking to her for leadership in how to proceed. She has made it clear she does not want a war, but the taxation must stop. If she stops her resistance, so will many other systems, and the Federation will gain far too much power." Chancellor Valorum replied.
Qui-Gon gave a short bow and Obi-Wan followed suit. "Then, by your leave Chancellor, we will tarry no longer."
"Go." Chancellor Valorum waved his hand, and they did.
The trip to Naboo was uneventful and the Master and Padawan spent much of the time meditating and centering themselves for the upcoming mission. As they neared their destination, the two went to join the pilots in the cockpit, pulling the hoods up on their robes. As they approached the massive blockade, Qui-Gon spoke.
"Captain?"
"Yes sir?"
"Tell them we wish to board at once."
The captain was quick to do so and the viceroy was quick to agree. A little too quick, for Qui-Gon's liking. Their starship landed in a small hanger, and there they were greeted by a protocol droid.
"I'm TeeCee14, at your service." It spoke in a feminine voice. "This way please." Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan exchanged a silent look that went unnoticed under their hoods. Qui-Gon felt a ripple of unease flow across their force bond from his padawan and sent a calming wave back at him. The droid led them to a smaller room that contained a table and some chairs. "We are greatly honored by your visit, ambassadors. Make yourselves comfortable. My master will be with you shortly." They waited until the droid walked out and the doors closed behind it before they turned and removed their hoods.
Obi-Wan immediately gave voice to his misgivings. "I have a bad feeling about this."
"I don't sense anything." Qui-Gon stated. Which was true, in regards to that current moment in their mission. He saw no reason to encourage the vague flutters of…something, that clearly lay at the edge of both their senses.
"It's not about the mission Master." Obi-Wan was quick to reply. "It's something…elsewhere. Elusive."
"Don't center on your anxieties Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon warned. "Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs." They could pursue their curiosity once they were done with the mission.
"But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future." Obi-Wan retorted with a questioning tone in his voice.
"But not at the expense of the moment." It was a delicate balance, and Qui-Gon made a mental note to teach his Padawan more about that later. "Be mindful of the Living Force young Padawan." He replied. After all, the Force was a Jedi's greatest ally.
"Yes Master." Obi-Wan accepted the instruction respectfully, and Qui-Gon allowed a small glow of pride to ripple across their bond. He truly couldn't ask for a better padawan. He knew the time was fast approaching when Obi-Wan would no longer need his constant guidance. He was growing up. "How do you think this trade viceroy will deal with the Chancellor's demands?"
"These Federation types are cowards." Qui-Gon declared plainly. "The negotiations will be short." Of that he had no doubt. The real question was, how short. They stood by the window overlooking Naboo for a time before finally retiring to a couple of the chairs place around the table. More time passed, and Qui-Gon felt the Force ring with fear. That was strange. Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly feeling it as well.
"Is it in their nature to make us wait this long?" His Padawan inquired, just as TeeCee14 reentered the room with a tray of drinks.
"No." He replied instantly. He had been on more than enough negotiation missions to know that this was certainly not normal. "And I sense an unusual amount of fear for something as trivial as this trade dispute." For in his mind, the trade dispute itself was trivial, but now he was starting to get the sense that something much bigger was going on behind the scenes. Qui-Gon felt a wave of agreement from his Padawan. They both took the drinks proffered by the droid, turning their attention to the Force. They didn't have to wait long before they felt a surge of fear, followed by an abrupt wave of death. They both stood instantly, igniting their lightsabers as the sound of an explosion reached their ears. The Force screamed a warning just as their ears picked up the sound of hissing gas.
"Dioxis!" Qui-Gon exclaimed. Both him and his Padawan sucked in a deep breath and held it. Sheathing his lightsaber, he moved closer to Obi-Wan and motioned for him to stand by the door. The Force was telling him to wait. He felt his Padawan's discomfort as pressure built in their chest. Focus young padawan. Slow down and trust the Force. He sent his thoughts through their bond. He watched as Obi-Wan allowed himself to relax, and sent approval to him as well. The Force hummed another warning, and the doors opened. They allowed the protocol droid to leave the gas filled chamber, and then ignited their lightsabers once again.
"Uh oh. Blast them!" He heard a droid beep. Uh oh indeed. He and Obi-Wan expertly deflected the blaster bolts that sped towards them and then quickly jumped out of the deadly room and proceeded to demolish each battle droid in front of them. Part of him watched his padawan with pride as they continued to fight their way down the hall, following the guidance of the Force. It stoppped them in front of a set of doors and Qui-Gon wasted no time, shoving the point of his lightsaber through the metal and began to cut an entrance. Obi-Wan was having no difficulty defending himself and Qui-Gon from the last few droids standing.
He was nearly halfway through cutting the hole when he felt more resistance pile onto his blade. He paused for a moment, realizing they must have closed the blast doors. He withdrew his lightsaber and then plunged it straight back into the middle of the doors. He focused the Force on concentrating the heat and amplifying it, feeling the metal begin to melt. He was nearly through when his Padawan called out to him.
"Master! Destroyers!" Qui-Gon immediately withdrew his blade and turned to face the oncoming threat. Their lightsabers whirled as the deflected all the blaster shots aimed at them, but he saw the problem almost immediately.
"They have shield generators!" Obi-Wan shouted.
"It's a standoff! Let's go." He put his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder and they used the Force to amplify their speed, running to the relative safety of a ventilation shaft. He dove in, his Padawan close behind, and they began to crawl through the narrow passage.
"Master, what now?" Obi-Wan questioned as they continued to crawl.
"Patience Obi-Wan. For now we find another hanger." It did not take them much longer to do just that. They dropped silently to the floor and took in their surroundings. "Battle droids." Qui-Gon said, as if commenting on the weather.
"It's an invasion army." Obi-Wan noted. Qui-Gon's thoughts raced for a moment as he figured out a plan.
"This is an odd play for the Trade Federation. We've got to warn the Naboo, and contact Chancellor Valorum." Qui-Gon felt Obi-Wan's eyes on him. "Let's split up. Stow aboard separate ships and meet down on the planet.
"You were right about one thing Master." Qui-Gon looked at his Padawan, who had a mischievous glint in his eyes. "The negotiations were short." Qui-Gon couldn't help the slight smirk that crossed his face.
"Go on." He urged, seeing an opening for one of them to get on a transport ship. Obi-Wan expertly made his way onto the landing craft without being spotted, and Qui-Gon managed the same. The ride down to Naboo was silent, and he was content to let it stay that way. The Force around him gave a constant buzz of warning, but he made himself focus on his bond with Obi-Wan, making sure he was alright.
A few minutes after the ship landed Qui-Gon saw an opportunity to get off the craft and took it. Unfortunately, a droid spotted him and gave chase. Before he knew it he was sprinting through the forest he found himself in alongside many indigenous creatures of Naboo as the droids pursued him. His direction may have seemed random to a casual observer, but he was actually following his bond back to his padawan, whom he sensed was in a very similar predicament. He could feel the droid crafts getting closer and was trying to find a path to turn onto when he spotted one of the indigenous creatures merely standing in the middle of the chaos, panicking.
"Get out of the way! Get out of here!" He yelled, but the being merely panicked some more, jumped up and clung to his neck. Qui-Gon tried to keep running but the creatures weight pulled them both down to the ground. He lay flat on the ground as he felt the speeder pass inches over his head. Only when it was safely past them and lumbering off into the distance did he stand up. He gave the alien a quick glance and then set off in the direction his bond with Obi-Wan led him to.
"Hey wait!" He heard the being shout behind him, but nothing was going to stop him from getting back to his padawan. To his slight dismay, the creature began to follow him. "Oh muy muy, I wuv you!" It exclaimed.
"You almost got us killed! Are you brainless?" Qui-Gon was not impressed by the alien at all.
"I spake." It defended.
"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent." He retorted flatly. "Now get out of here."
"No no! Meesa stay! Meesa called Jar Jar Binks. Meesa your humble servant!" He exclaimed.
"That won't be necessary." Qui-Gon sighed, trying to ignore the overly energetic being. He could sense that Obi-Wan was nearby, but...
"Oh, but it is! Demanded by the gods it is." Jar Jar insisted. Before Qui-Gon could get another word in, a blaster shot rang out and he whipped around to see the running form of his padawan heading straight for them. He ignited his emerald blade and was quick to defend Obi-Wan even as Jar Jar burst into terrified babbling. As the last droid was blown apart, Qui-Gon turned to face his Padawan, and Jar Jar popped back up from the ground.
"You saved my again!" He shouted.
"What's this?" Obi-Wan asked, with amusement in his voice, as if he wasn't just running for his life a couple seconds ago.
"A local." Qui-Gon responded shortly. "Let's get out of here, before more droids show up." Him and his padawan began to jog off through the jungle.
"More?" Jar Jar shrieked. "More did you spake?" They were able to jog for maybe a minute before he began to babble again. "Ex-squeeze me, but the mostest safest place would be Gonga City. It's where I grew up. It is a hidden city!" The Jedi stopped in their tracks.
"A city?" Qui-Gon repeated.
"Uh-hu." Jar Jar confirmed.
"Can you take us there?"
"Uhhh...on second thought, no. Not really. No. No." Jar Jar seemed to be trying to convince himself of that more than the Jedi. Qui-Gon exchanged looks with Obi-Wan.
"No?" They chorused. Jar Jar seemed to notice their change in attitude and relented.
"Dis embarrasin, but uh...my afraid my have been banished. My forgotten. Da bosses will do terrible things to me. Terrible things to me, if me goin back there." A tree crashed to the ground in the distance. Qui-Gon pointed towards the noise.
"You hear that?" He questioned.
"Yeah?" Jar Jar nodded.
"That is the sound of a thousand terrible things headed this way." Qui-Gon felt a thrill of amusement run through his bond with Obi-Wan as the younger man caught on instantly. They both began to crowd the Gungan.
"And if they find us, they will crush us, grind us into tiny pieces and blast us into oblivion." Obi-Wan finished with a smirk. They watched as Jar Jar seemed to compute everything they had just said.
"Oh. Yousa point is...well seen. Dis way. Hurry!" He whipped around, his ears flopping about. They followed Jar Jar for quite some time before he led them to the edge of a lake. Finally, Qui-Gon stopped and asked the question that was on both his and his Padawan's mind.
"How much further?"
"Weesa goin underwater, okeeday? But my warnin you. Gungans nooo liken outsiders. So, don't spect a warm welcome." Jar Jar cautioned.
"Oh don't worry." Obi-Wan half chuckled as he drew a rebreather from beneath his robes. "This hasn't been our day for warm welcomes." They watched as the Gungan leapt into the water, far more dramatically than he needed to, and then proceeded to place the rebreathers in their mouths, and wade into the water. Jar Jar poked his head back above the surface.
"Yousa follow me now, okeeday?" He dove down and the Jedi followed. They didn't have to swim for very long before the water ahead of them was lit up by lights in a group of underwater dwellings.
Master? Qui-Gon heard Obi-Wan's voice in his head through their bond.
Yes Padawan?
I don't recall ever hearing about a species living underwater on Naboo? Did you know about this?
The Jedi have very few records of Gungans. We know of them, but we know very little about them. Be cautious.
Yes Master.
They followed after Jar Jar who led them to one particular bubble like building. As they took a cautious step in, they felt the water be pulled off them, leaving them standing completely dry in an air filled pocket. Having no further use for them, the two Jedi removed their rebreathers from their mouth and took in their surroundings.
"Soo good bein home!" Jar Jar sighed. The way all the Gungans in the building reacted was not lost on the two Jedi. Just who have I gotten myself mixed up with this time? Qui-Gon half mentally scolded himself. A Gungan rode up on a mount and began to speak to Jar Jar. It was clear the two of them were not friendly, but at least they were being taken to see the "boss" and not to a prison. Another Gungan rode up and pressed the end of a staff into Jar Jar's arm, which then emitted a small jolt of electricity. Qui-Gon tensed internally, though he made sure he was nothing but the perfect picture of calm on the outside. They better not try that on Obi-Wan.
Luckily, they were herded into a different bubble room without incident. Five Gungans sat on raised chairs, with the biggest one positioned in the middle. That one was clearly the boss. All went well, considering the fact that Qui-Gon only had to use the Force a couple times to convince Boss Nass to assist them. They were just about to leave when Jar Jar leaned forward to whisper urgently.
"Theysa settin yousa up. Goin through the planet core...baad bommin." He groaned. "Any help here would be hot." He laughed sheepishly. Qui-Gon stopped and turned back around.
"Master, we are short on time." Obi-Wan reminded him respectfully. Qui-Gon knew this of course, but...
"We'll need a navigator to help us get through the planet's core. This Gungan may be of help." He reapproached Boss Nass. "What is to become of Jar Jar Binks here?" He questioned.
Boss Nass eyed him for a moment before responding. "Heesin to be...puneished." The devilish smile that spread across the boss's face convinced Qui-Gon that he was doing the right thing.
"I saved his life." He stated. "He owes me, what you call, a life debt. Your gods demand that his life belongs to me now."
"Binksss..." Boss Nass hissed. "Yousa have da life claim with this hissa?"
"Uh hu." Jar Jar nodded. Boss Nass took a breath and then blubbered, something that might have startled anyone other than a trained Jedi.
"Be gone with him!" The Gungan exclaimed, waving his hand. Qui-Gon gave a small smirk and a bow, and then turned to depart. He hardly gave Jar Jar any attention as the Gungan talked himself out, and then back into going with them.
It wasn't long before they were shooting back out into the ocean, sat snuggly in a bongo. Qui-Gon opted to take the backseat, and let Obi-Wan pilot the craft. From Jar Jar's warning, he thought it might be best for him to be able to keep most of his concentration on their surroundings. He half listened to his padawan ask Jar Jar why he had been banished and the following conversation, but was quickly put on alert by a small warning in the Force. That was when he felt a large presence lurking behind them.
Master? He heard Obi-Wan's warning tone in his mind.
I sense it too Padawan, but the Force is leading us this way, so this way we go. Plus, I sense no serious threat to our lives. The Force is merely letting us know it's there. Qui-Gon responded soothingly.
Jar Jar isn't going to see it that way. Obi-Wan observed. Sure enough, when the creature grabbed them with its tongue, the Gungan's eyes nearly bulged out of his head. Qui-Gon turned to get a good look at it.
"Big goober fish! Huge-o teeth!" He shouted.
Any suggestions Master? This thing seems quite determined to eat us. Obi-Wan's mental voice seemed more amused than anything.
Patience. We have no need to do anything yet. He calmly waited for the right moment, for he had sensed an even larger presence lurking nearby. Sure enough, it shot out of its hiding place and chomped the smaller creature that had had a hold of them. Obi-Wan smoothly piloted the bongo away from the massive water dweller.
"There's always a bigger fish." Qui-Gon said with a smirk. He felt Obi-Wan's silent laughter through their bond.
And to think, we were just swimming in these waters.
Focus please Padawan. Where is the Force leading us now?
Down. And into a cave for whatever reason.
Then let's go.
Obi-Wan expertly navigated through the narrow tunnel.
"Where weesa goin?" Jar Jar asked.
"Don't worry." Qui-Gon consoled. "The Force will guide us."
"Oh. Maxi big, da Force." The Gungan commented. "But that smells stinkabee." Just then an alarm began to sound.
"We're losing power." Obi-Wan's voice had a slightly worried tone. Jar Jar groaned in dismay. The lights in the small bongo flickered out and they sank to the bottom of the tunnel.
"Weesa gonna die in here!" Jar Jar covered his eyes.
"Just relax." Qui-Gon chided. He had complete faith in the Force and his Padawan to get them to their destination safely. Obi-Wan began to open panels, searching for a solution to their problem. "We're not in trouble yet."
Jar Jar slapped his hands down into his lap. "What yet? Monsters out there, leaking in here. Ours sinking and no power? When da yousa thinkin weesa in trouble?" His voice steadily rose in pitch and volume, but Qui-Gon just ignored him and instead focused on Obi-Wan's work with a console of wires he found. There was a sudden spark of electricity and the systems all turned back on.
"Power's back." Obi-Wan noted just in time for Jar Jar to turn around and spot the massively toothed water creature straight in front of them. Que massive panic from the Gungan and cool evasión on Obi-Wan's part, and they were once again making their escape. Jar Jar was not calming down, so Qui-Gon eventually put a hand on his shoulder and sent him a strong Force suggestion.
"Relax." The Gungan seemed to melt, but was thankfully, finally, quiet. Obi-Wan glanced over at his suddenly silent passenger, and caught on immediately.
"You over did it." He stated dryly. That might be true, but the few seconds of peace and quiet were worth it. The toothy eel like creature was still very close behind them, but it wasn't long before they saw an opening up ahead. Obi-Wan sped up slightly, only to have an even bigger creature emerge from the blue. His Padawan pulled up sharply, and was able to safely evade death once again. Qui-Gon pointed ahead.
"Head for that alcove." He instructed, and Obi-Wan obeyed instantly. Jar Jar sat back up straight with a hand to his head, groaning. They followed the Force's lead through the winding tunnels of the planet core and were thankful when they ran into no more problems. Namely giant water aliens. Obi-Wan brought the bongo to the surface, following the urging he felt from the Force.
A tremor seemed to run through Qui-Gon as he stood to survey Theed. He wanted to dismiss it as a side effect of the pain he felt in the Force from the people of Naboo, but something in him said it was something else. Something darker and more, personal.
Anyrah Skywalker
Anyrah sat bolt upright in bed, gasping. That was horrible. She buried her face in her hands, trying to muffle the whimpering noises she couldn't stop from escaping. She didn't want to wake her mom, or her twin brother, Anakin. They needed all the sleep that they could get. She tried so hard to calm down, but her mind kept flashing back to the nightmare she'd just had.
A horned, red and black skinned alien paced back and forth in front of a kneeling man in a corridor, separated only by a red plasma shield. A young man was further down the hall separated by even more shields. They all seemed to be waiting for something, but Anyrah couldn't tell what. Then the red shield separating the first two dissipated, and a fearsome battle began, ruby and emerald blades clashing. The younger man raced forward as soon as the shield in front of him retracted, but was just too slow. The shields reactivated and he was cut off from the dueling pair. Anyrah could see his desperation to get to them, but there was nothing he could do. The pair continued to battle, but she could see the older man was tiring, and then the thing she had slowly began to fear, happened. The red and black creature smashed the hilt of his double bladed weapon into the man's face,knocking him back a step, and then stabbed him through the middle of the chest. Anyrah barely heard a heart wrenching "Nooooo!" before she awoke.
Tears leaked through her eyelids, and she shoved her fist in her mouth to keep from sobbing. Anakin was in bed right next to her and it was a miracle she hadn't woken him when she'd sat up. He must be really tired. She bit down on her fist, having to try something, to stop herself from screaming. Why was that dream affecting her so badly? She didn't understand. She felt something touch her arm, and it took her a moment to register Anakin's upright presence and other hand reaching up for the one she had shoved in her mouth. He gently guided it down to her lap and then wrapped her in a hug.
Guilt washed over her, but Anakin just tightened his hold. They sat there for a few minutes before she was finally able to relax, and Anakin let go.
Do you wanna talk about it? His voice echoed in her head. She went to reply, but found that she couldn't give voice, or even transmit coherent thoughts about what she had just dreamed. Finally she just ran her hands through her hip length sandy blonde hair with a sigh of frustration and looked at him.
Don't not want to. Can't. She opened her mouth to try and talk again, but still no words would come.
Ok. It's ok Anyrah. Just breathe. Oh. She hasn't realized she had stopped. She sucked in a deep breath and accepted the wave of calm that Anakin sent to her.
I'm so sorry...for waking you up. She apologized.
That's ok. He rubbed her arm with a small smile. We were going to have to get up soon anyway. But since we are up...do you wanna make breakfast for Mom?
Anyrah smiled back. Sure. Their mom was just recovering from an awful sickness, and was allowed to stay home for the day, but they still wanted to make it easier for her. They both silently rolled out of bed and made their way to their small kitchen. They scrounged together a suitable meal and had it halfway cooked before their mother joined them.
"Hi Mom!" Anakin greeted. "We decided to make breakfast!" Anyrah was in the middle of trying to get a stubborn pit out of a piece of fruit, and merely wiggled her fingers greeting. Shmi Skywalker gave a soft smile to her twins and quickly helped Anyrah before she cut her fingers.
"That's good Ani." She sighed. "Because Watto wants you at the shop early."
"How early?" Anyrah asked.
"Within the hour." Their mother responded.
"Then we gotta hurry!" Anakin exclaimed. "Come on Anyrah! We have to get dressed!" She stood frozen for a second, and then tore after her brother back in the direction of their room, leaving their mother with the cooking food. They barely had time to eat and say goodbye before they were rushing out the door.
She jogged shoulder to shoulder with Anakin through the streets of Mos Espa. She was honestly dreading going to the shop so much today. There were a lot of off worlders in the city for the Boonta Eve podrace, and off worlders made Watto...grumpy. Also, new people meant new selling prospects, and the mere thought of being sold away from her family made her shudder. She wouldn't be able to live without Anakin, and she knew he felt the same way about her. She thought she was doing a good job at hiding her feelings, until Anakin put an arm around her shoulders.
"Hey. It'll be ok. Just make sure to do everything he says the way he says it and keep out of sight as much as possible." He comforted her. They stopped down the street from the shop and he pulled her into a full hug. Plus, I'll be with you the whole time, even if I'm not right by you.
They pulled apart and she gave him a grateful smile, his blue eyes meeting hers. Anakin's eyes were the clearest, brightest blue she had ever seen, whereas hers had streaks of silver running through them. With them being so young still, their eyes, the length of their hair, and the sound of their voices were the only things that set them apart. Anyways, what he said was true. Their connection ran so deep, that they could even feel each other's presence when separated, and often even each other's emotions. They finished their well trod path to the shop, and Watto instantly set them to work. He had them clearing out rooms in the back of the shop, organizing the piles of supplies out back in the yard, and fixing droids without a break, but there was no grumbling. They were used to it, and years of work had their bodies strengthened more than your average nine almost ten year olds.
They were stacking crates that were nearly as big as them out back when they heard Watto yelling for Anakin in Huttese. He sprinted back into the shop with a quick, I'll be back, thought in her direction.
She eyed the crates that towered a good ten feet above her head and then looked at the three left on the ground. She knew Watto had called Anakin to watch the shop while he presumably came back here with a customer, and he would not be pleased to see her standing there waiting for Anakin. So she grabbed a crate and lifted with all her strength, grunting slightly as she tottered over to the makeshift stair pattern they made while stacking the crates, and then carefully stepped her way up the tower. She heard Watto conversing with someone below her, but was to focused on setting the crate down right to hear any words. She finally got the edges of the crate lined up properly with the other ones and went to start back down the makeshift stairs when disaster struck.
Somehow, her tunic had gotten caught under the crate, and her unwitting pulling on it made her, and it, totter precariously on their respective edges. She tried to right herself and the crate, and almost did, but a gust of wind picked up at that moment and sent the crate crashing into her, and her crashing down the hard steep decline. She rolled to a stop in a heap in the dust. There wasn't a single part of her that didn't feel bruised, and she wasn't entirely sure a rib or two weren't broken. She heard a choked wheeze and realized the sound came from her.
Anyrah! She felt Anakin's alarm flare up, but she indicated for him to stay in the shop like Watto had told him to. A moment later, when she gathered her wits, she realized she was sprawled across a pair of feet. She gasped her first real breath since she fell, and pushed herself upright, swaying slightly as she stood.
"I'm so sorry! I-" She began to apologize in basic. Her throat closed up when she finally looked at the face that belonged to the pair of feet she'd been practically laying on moments before. It was the man in her dream. The one who had been stabbed. She stared at him with wide eyes and an open mouth before a hand smacking the back of her head alerted her to the other presence nearby. Watto wasted no time before he began to scream at her in Huttese.
You idiotic slave girl! Look at the mess you made. And in front of a customer!
Anyrah immediately clasped her hands and bowed her head in submission before trying to apologize. She hated having to put on a "perfect submissive slave act" but it was sometimes able to get her out of some pain. I'm sorry Master, I-"
"You may be sorry but you aren't nearly sorry enough! Go to the Room, and wait until I get there!" He screeched. Well. So much for that. She felt her eyes widened involuntary, and for a moment she thought about begging him to reconsider, before she steeled herself, and stood to her full height. She would not beg for herself. Not now. Not ever again. She turned, every muscle rigid, and marched herself out of sight and to an old shed that housed a room separate from the rest of the buildings. She stopped in front of the door, and then forced herself to enter, knowing it would be worse if she didn't.
In the middle of the room was a short stone pillar with manacles attached to them, and along the far wall on a countertop, was the assortment of whips. This was officially one of the worst days ever. She blinked back tears and sat on the floor. She reached out to Anakin with her mind.
Ani I-
Anyrah! Watto just told me I could leave after finishing stacking the crates, but he didn't say anything about you, and I heard the crash, and felt your pain, and you aren't at the crates anymore. Where are you?
Anyrah swallowed hard before forcing herself to tell him. The Room. She felt his thoughts go deathly still, and then,
What happened?
I fell trying to stack a crate and landed right between a customer and Watto. She could practically feel him processing that information before he finally responded.
I'll wait for you.
No. Ani, please. Get as far away as you can. Maybe then you won't be able to feel it this time.
I'm not going to leave you. Just like I know you'd never leave me. We never have, and we never will.
Anakin please- She hated how much pain she caused her twin because of her mistakes, and that thought had started to grow much bigger in her head here recently. Her thoughts were cut off when Watto burst in, wings flapping, and muttering something about Republican credits. When he saw her, he glared and snapped one word. Strip. She instantly began to obey, knowing the faster and more compliant she was, the quicker she could just go home. Watto never whipped any of his slaves with their outer tunics on, complaining that it would be a waste of money to buy them new ones. Her outer tunic and soft inner tunic were piled on the floor in no time, leaving her only in her billowy pants and underwrappings that helped keep the heat of the two suns off of her skin.
As soon as she had done that, Watto grabbed her arm, dragged her over to the stone pillar, shoved her to her knees, and clapped her wrists in the manacles. She felt her breathing speed up.
You embarrassed me. In front of an outworlder no less. Watto said. He yanked her long hair over one of her shoulders , and she heard him flap over to the whips. So I say one lash for every second you laid on the ground and stared at my customer like a simpleton. I believe eight is close enough. He flapped into her line of sight and showed her the whip he had chosen. She couldn't prevent a small gasp from escaping her lips. He had chosen the nerve whip. He must be really angry. The nerve whip didn't cut as deep as some of the other ones, but it had a type of toxin that targeted the nerves and made the pain last longer, and be more excruciating than it had any right to be. It also made the healing process take longer than normal. The most lashes she'd ever gotten with that was three, and that was when she'd accidentally started a fire in his shop a few years ago. It was the worst pain she could ever remember feeling and it lasted three weeks.
She closed her eyes and began to chant in her head. I will not scream. I will not scream. She has never screamed during a whipping, not wanting to give Watto the satisfaction, and she wasn't going to start today. She heard him flap behind her and began to chant faster. I will not scream.I will not scream.Iwillnot- There was a hiss-thwack, and her small body jolted as a line of fire blazed across her bare shoulders. She felt more than heard the groan that escaped her lips, but didn't have time to think about it before the next hiss-thwack. Her muscles seized. Hiss-thwack. Hisss-thwack. The nearly incoherent thought of, halfway there, barely flicked through her mind before the next hiss-thwack rang out in the Room. The next two came quick, almost without pause.
She couldn't think anymore. She only felt the pain in her back. But when there was no more added pain, she forced herself to think back. There had only been seven... so where was the last one? Did Watto lose count or-hiss-thwack. She had never come so close to screaming then she did in that moment. Her whole back felt like it had been ripped to shreds. There was a click, and she fell to the floor as the manacles that had been supporting her suddenly released.
One of these days, I'm going to get you to scream, slave. Watto sneered. Get your clothes on and leave. You'll be of no use the rest of the day. Anyrah heard the flutter of his wings, the door opening, and the door closing. She took shuddering breaths. She couldn't move. That was when she felt Anakin's presence pressing up against their bond. I'm coming.
She tried to find the energy to dissuade him, the closer he was, the more he would feel, but the door was already swinging open and she couldn't deny the relief she felt at his presence. The soft patter of Anakin's footsteps headed straight for her, and she made herself roll onto her side to face him. There were tear stains on his cheek as he bent to pick up her tunics. He slowly helped her sit up slowly, following a horridly familiar routine. They managed to get the tunics on without her passing out, which was a miracle in and of itself. She could feel how much he wanted to hug her, but instead slowly helped her to her feet.
"Come on. Let's go home, and fix you up." His voice was hoarse. She tried to take a step, and instantly regretted it. Anakin was quick to steady her, but he put a hand on her back to do so, and she cried out. He tore his hands away and she just stood there, trembling and breathing hard, but as shallow as she could.
"Hold on a second, please." She wheezed. She caught her breath as much as she could, and then began to imagine cool, healing water being poured on her back. Some of the pain seemed to go away, plus, adrenaline, and possibly a little shock were setting in, so she was able to reach for Anakin. "Ok. Now let's go." They slumped out of the accursed building and through a side passage out into the streets. She forced herself to stand up as straight as she could. Showing any sort of weakness in the streets of Mos Espa was as good as a way to get you killed as death sentence ordered by Jabba the Hutt. Anakin understood this and gave her some space, but not too much. She kept her eyes on the ground in front of her, more to keep her grounded than anything, and set off in the direction of home.
They had made it almost halfway when she heard Anakin mutter, "Oh no." She pulled her gaze from the ground and followed Anakin's line of sight to an alien who was getting choked by Sebulba, one of their least favorite residents of Mos Espa. She looked at Anakin out of the corner of her eye, and then back at the others.
What is it?
I just met that guy. He came with an older man and a really pretty girl, just before you- his thoughts cut off for a moment. You know. Anyrah was pretty sure all the emotions shifting through their bond didn't all have to do with that, but she let it go.
Well, let's go help him then.
They walked up to the Dug, Anakin in front and Anyrah at his shoulder. She made herself cross her arms and wipe all traces of pain from her face. She knew as soon as she got home and actually was able to acknowledge the pain, it was going to be unbearable, but adrenaline and necessity kept her strong for now.
Careful Sebulba. Anakin warned in a slightly taunting voice. Big time outworlder, this one. Hate to see you get diced before we race again. This one's very well connected. Sebulba growled but let go of the poor creatures throat.
Next time we race boy, it will be the end of you. If you weren't a slave, I'd squash you right now! But I'd get your sister first and make you watch! Anger raced through Anyrah at the threat to Anakin, barely even registering the one meant for her, but he remained calm, so she she let it go.
Yeah. It'd be a pity if you had to pay for us! He called after the mean alien as he left, with a parting shove to the one he'd been strangling moments before. Anakin turned and smiled at Anyrah, who smirked back. Then they became aware of a tall presence walking towards them. They both turned to see who it was and Anyrah froze for the second time that day. It was that man again.
"Hi." Anakin greeted.
"Hi there." The man replied kindly. Anakin gently elbowed Anyrah and she gave a little wave.
"Hi." Her voice still sounded awful. Anakin went on with an explanation to try and cover it up.
"Your buddy here was about to be turned into orange goo. He picked a fight with a Dug. An especially dangerous Dug called Sebulba." They watched as the man bent down and helped the creature to his feet.
"Meesa haten crunchen. That's the last thing meesa wanten." Anyrah almost laughed at the strange way it spoke.
"Never the less, the boy is right. You were heading into trouble." Anyrah found the man's deep voice calming, and allowed herself to relax slightly. She and Anakin had an uncanny ability to sense a person's character, and all she got from this man was a calm kindness. That was something extremely rare for anyone on Tatooine. A girl walked up to the group, tailed by an astromech droid, as they started to make their way back down the street.
"Meesa done nuttin!" The creature defended.
"He saw how scared you were. You didn't need to do anything else." Anyrah stated.
"Yeah." Anakin concurred. "Fear attracts the fearful. He was trying to get over his own fear by taking it out on you. Be less afraid." That was at least the front they put on for everyone, and it worked...to a point.
Anyrah was having trouble keeping the pace the group had set, the man had quite long legs, and of course Anakin noticed, so he stopped at Jira's stall. Jira was an old woman they had befriended long ago.
"Hello Jira!" Anyrah called as they walked up.
"How are you today?" Anakin asked.
"Hello you two." Croaked the old woman. "You know the heat has never agreed with me."
"Speaking of heat, we found an abandoned cooling unit! It needs a little fixing up, but I'm sure we can get it working for you!" Anakin's exuberance was contagious, and the old woman was smiling.
"You two are sometimes too kind for your own good." Jira said affectionately. We both just shrugged away the compliment, before Anakin dug into his pocket.
"We'll take five pallies today." He said, half turning to the girl. "You'll like these Padmé." Hmm. That must be her name. He pulled out some coins, but accidentally dropped one into the dust. The tall man bent down to pick it up, and for a split second, Anyrah and Anakin glimpsed the hilt of a fabled weapon. The name of it escaped her. Laser sword? No that wasn't it. Great. Now she couldn't even think straight. But did that mean this man was...he had to be a Jedi. And she knew without a doubt that if he were to ignite his blade, it would be a dazzling green. Should she try and warn him about what she had seen? She didn't know. He might not even believe her. She didn't know if she believed herself. The man handed the coin back to Anakin.
"Thanks Mister..." Anakin trailed off when he realized they didn't actually know the man's name.
"Qui-Gon Jinn." The man supplied simply. Anakin smiled, and then counted his coins.
"Oops. I thought I had more than that. Looks like we can just get four." He noted.
"That's ok." Anyrah interjected quickly. "I'm not hungry." She saw the sharp glance Anakin gave her as he handed over the coins, which she returned an eyeroll for, but completely missed Qui-Gon's searching one. Jira handed them the pallies just as a gust of wind blew down the street. A flurry of activity broke out all along the road as owners rushed to close up their shops. Oh no. Of course. One just had to come today.
"You two had better get home. Sandstorm's acomin." Jira warned. Anakin and I nodded.
"Thanks Jira." Anakin smiled. "See you around."
Anyrah turned to Qui-Gon as a thought struck her. "Do you have shelter?" Her voice still grated unpleasantly.
"We'll head back to our ship." The man seemed to be in no rush.
"Is it very far?" Anakin inquired.
"It's on the outskirts." Padmé informed them.
"That's way too far!" Anakin objected. "You'll never make it in time!"
"Yeah, these sandstorms are super dangerous, and come way faster than you think. This one's shaping up to be a bad one!" Anyrah confirmed.
"Come with us!" Anakin exclaimed! "Our house isn't far from here!" He didn't give them a chance to object and took off in the direction of home. The group followed him, but as soon as Anyrah tried to run, her back exploded in pain. She gasped and stumbled, but refused to fall. She felt Anakin's flare of worry, as she staggered over to a nearby post to keep herself upright, but pushed back against it.
Keep going. Get them to shelter. I can mana-
She cut off her mental transmission when she felt a large hand encircle her arm. She looked up to see Qui-Gon's bearded face. The wind was picking up, whipping their clothes about. She felt sand pelt her tender back, and wanted to just black out, but tried to pull her arm out of his grip anyway.
"Don't worry about me." She didn't like attention, especially in her weakened state. "You have to keep going." Anakin suddenly appeared beside her.
If you think we're just going to leave you in this storm, you've lost it. He thought to her. She glared at him, but it didn't have any real heat behind it. He grabbed her other arm in support, and they took off once again. She could barely think past the pain of the next step, but she did notice every time Anakin would gasp in pain alongside her. After what felt like an eternity of pounding steps and sand, they finally pushed their way into their front door.
"Mom! We're home!" Anakin yelled. Anyrah extricated herself from the supporting grips on her arms. She didn't want her mom to see her and worry. She had enough on her plate already. Their mother walked around the corner and stopped short when she saw the crowd of people.
"Oh my." She gasped. "Ani? What is this?"
"These are our friends!" Anakin explained. "They were just about to get stuck out in the sandstorm!"
"Your children offered us shelter here, but if it's too much trouble I'm sure we can find somewhere else." Qui-Gon said respectfully.
"No. No, it's alright." Their mother assured him. "Feel free to stay. I must warn you though, we don't have much in the way of comfort."
"That won't be a problem." Qui-Gon assured her. Anyrah tried to focus as they all made introductions, but a rush of lightheadedness nearly floored her.
"I...have to go to the 'fresher." She choked out, and then turned and rushed as fast as she could away from the group. She made a quick stop in their room to grab a change of clothes, and then stumbled into the 'fresher. She collapsed onto the floor, barely stopping herself from hitting her head on the counter. She shuddered. She could feel every small shift of her clothes against her ravaged back, but she couldn't find the strength to take it off yet.
A knock sounded on the door behind her. She pushed herself somewhat upright.
"Ju-just a minute." She stuttered.
"Anyrah?" She recognized Qui-Gon's deep voice. When she finally made herself focus, she realized she could actually sense both him and her mother outside the door.
"Anyrah," Her mothers voice. "Mister Jinn has some medical supplies, and has offered to help you." She sounded slightly hesitant. Her mother knew Anyrah never liked anyone seeing her soon after she'd been whipped. To many times had the free children of Mos Espa taunted her whenever she had shown a hint any of the beatings she had endured. She guessed she'd just began hiding her pain from everyone, including her Mom and brother. Normally she'd ask them to leave, and deal with it herself, but this was quite possibly the worst beating she'd ever endured.
Where are you? She asked Anakin mentally. One thing she did know was that she didn't want him to see her wounds anymore than he already had. Him feeling it was bad enough.
In our room showing Padmé C-3PO. Why?
Can you please just, stay there for a bit? She could feel him almost reject her request when he felt her tumultuous emotions.
Yeah. Yeah, no problem.
Thanks Ani. She then made herself use her voice. "You can come in." She rasped. The door opened slowly, and Qui-Gon knelt in front of her. She was taking short gasping breaths by now, and tears were streaking down her face. She squeezed her eyes shut and angled her face away in shame. Of all the days to get a whipping, and all because of that stupid gust of wind. She felt Qui-Gon's large warm hands on her shoulders, which gently leaned her forwards and away from the wall she'd collapsed down. She tried to stifle the sounds of pain that wanted to escape, but wasn't very successful.
"Let's get this tunic off of you, and see what we're dealing with." Qui-Gon said gently. She didn't want to, but wanted to do that all at the same time. Part of her agony was from the material rubbing against her back, but she also knew it would hurt really bad to get it off. She suddenly felt Anakin's presence press up against her mind. She let him in, and suddenly the pain decreased. Qui-Gon smoothly lifted the tunics off and above her head, and the pain she could have felt was muted somehow.
What are you...doing?
I just couldn't not do something anymore. So I tried to imagine a bubble between you and the pain. Is it working?
Y-yeah. Anyrah suddenly came back to herself when her mother drew in a sharp breath and Qui-Gon sighed. "Take her to my bed." Her mom suggested. "You can treat her better there." Anyrah felt one arm slide under her legs, and the other go around her back. She whimpered as he stood, but he was able to position her so that most of her weight was leaned against his chest, and not against the arm supporting her from behind. The walk to her mom's room was dizzyingly swift, and she soon found herself being placed on her stomach on a soft surface.
Suddenly, she felt Anakin's concentration waver, and then it felt as if the bubble he had constructed around her popped. All the pain came crashing back down onto her. She arched her back, clawed at the the sheets, turned her face into the mattress, and screamed. Her young voice broke from the force of it. Every nerve in her back seemed to be being ripped apart. Time lost all meaning, and when she just couldn't take anymore, she blacked out.