Luminous Dust 14-16/16 + Epilogue
I haven't dropped off the face of the earth . . . I'm back! I'm so sorry to have kept anyone waiting, I've been too darn busy lately and I hadn't thought anyone was actually reading here, so this poor little journal was what got neglected. ^^; But if by chance you have been waiting for more of Luminous Dust, I hope this makes up for my long absence . . .
Title: Luminous Dust
Author: Dolly (darthdolly)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Timeframe: post RotS AU
Summary: coming soon. maybe! ^^;;
Spoilers: possibly for RotS
Warnings: Contains slash and mentions of mature themes, but nothing explicit.
Notes: This is the sequel to my story What Comes of It, which can be found HERE. So you'll probably want to read that story before you read this one, but you could probably figure this one out even if you don't read it.
Click Here for Previous Chapters
New Chapters:
Chapter 14
One moment they were there, and the next they were not. Blinking in surprise, Padmé's heart leaped as she saw that the force shields had been deactivated.
“He did it! They're down,” Padmé called out to Master Windu, who was standing directly in front of the doors that kept their pursuers at bay and wearing a look of calm yet intense concentration. He had never stated what he was doing, but Padmé guessed that he was somehow using the Force to reinforce the doors. “How much longer can you hold up?”
“Not long, but it should be long enough for Kenobi to get back here,” he said in a calm but slightly strained voice, not even turning back to look at her.
Minutes passed; too many minutes. Padmé watched the corridors anxiously, but Obi-Wan did not appear.
“We have to go, now,” Master Windu gritted out. “Or we won't be able to make it at all.”
“But Obi-Wan--” Padmé protested.
“I know, Senator,” the tall Master said regretfully as he turned away from the door, visibly drained. “I know.”
~*~
His bond with Obi-Wan, Anakin had discovered, was far stronger than any training bond they may have had. At first he had worried that he wouldn't be able to find Obi-Wan, but such fears quickly vanished as he had found that all he had to do was stretch out his senses in the Force. Obi-Wan's bright presence shone like a beacon, beckoning him as surely as a drifting ship to a lighthouse.
And now that he had found out where Obi-Wan was, Anakin rather wished that he had though to bring along a part of the Imperial Fleet, instead of just this one cruiser. Though he certainly wouldn't have a problem getting Obi-Wan from a Rebel base by himself, it would have been much more rewarding to see that proper discipline was promptly administered to the base as a whole. But as it was, rescuing Obi-Wan was Anakin's top priority.
As they exited hyperspace to orbit the planet above the base, Anakin's heart ached with anticipation and anxiousness. He could sense Obi-Wan down below; so very close, yet still not close enough. But the presence was muted, somehow, and more so than any depth of sleep could account for.
Frowning, Anakin quickly gave his Captain his orders before stalking off of the Battle Cruiser's bridge and heading for the hanger. The trip down to the planet was short, and he expertly plowed his fighter through the doors of the Rebel Base's hanger. Obviously, they hadn't been expecting any intruders. At least none as brash as him, anyway.
Anakin hopped out of his ship and easily disabled the three lone guards that approached him, ripping their blasters out of their hands and slamming them into the wall with the Force. Not giving them another thought, he took off out of the hanger and down the corridors at a run.
His sense of Obi-Wan's presence increased, but even as his love's warmth rose in his chest he couldn't push down the accompanying sense of danger. His pace quickened as the feeling grew, and it was not long before the warm presence that Anakin sensed coalesced before him at the end of a corridor.
But Obi-Wan was not alone.
Rage swelled in Anakin's chest as he took in his love's form, lying limply in the arms of a uniformed man. Moving silently, and before the man could notice his presence, Anakin swiftly closed the distance between them and drew his lightsaber.
A split second before he ignited it, the man whirled and jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding the glowing blade that would have sliced cleanly through the back of his head. If only he hadn't moved. Anakin seethed, grasping the hilt of his weapon tighter and flexing his muscles in anticipation.
The man, who now seemed somewhat familiar, wore a look of shock only in passing. The man looked Anakin up and down, and his features settled into a semi-confident smirk as he seemed to asses the situation to be in his favor. Though Anakin didn't know who he was, he wanted to kill the man right then. And he could. But as he felt the darkness swirl around him at his call, he felt a faint stirring from Obi-Wan and the darkness stilled at his fingertips where it lay in wait.
“You should hesitate, Vader,” the man said smugly, taking Anakin's brief hesitation for something it was not. But Anakin could not deny that the sight of a blaster being pressed to Obi-Wan's side unnerved him. “I could kill your precious consort right now.”
“Who are you, and what do you want?” Anakin asked tightly, unsure of what course of action to take. He wanted to kill this man, to give him pain, so badly . . .
“Who am I?” the man asked disbelievingly. “I can't believe you don't recognize me, Emperor. Or didn't my presentations make an impression on you?” He sneered.
It had to be someone from the negotiations . . . “Captain Malen,” Anakin acknowledged, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the Rebel Captain. “I'm surprised that the Rebellion would kidnap one of their own. But whatever you were planning, its over now. Let him go,” Anakin demanded, his anger returning as Malen jabbed the blaster harder against Obi-Wan's exposed side.
“Over? I think not,” Malen shot back. “Things may not have worked out as I'd planned, but don't think I'm so foolish that I'd give up my ticket to safe passage out of here,” he said, jerking his head to indicate Obi-Wan. “Call off your fleet, Vader, and let me go if you want him to live,” Malen said threateningly.
“What fleet?” Anakin said scornfully, though he was somewhat surprised by the demand since he really hadn't brought his fleet. “I don't need my fleet to deal with the likes of you.”
It would be so simple, so easy. The dark energy of the Force swirled around him, just waiting for Anakin to call upon it to use its power to choke the hated Captain to death. Anakin knew he shouldn't, but he didn't know if he could do anything else. He couldn't not save Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan's eyes opened, slowly then, and locked with Anakin's. Don't give in, he seemed to be pleading with Anakin. You're stronger than that.
Am I?
Anakin didn't get the chance to find out. The vague presences that had been on the periphery of Anakin's senses closed in, and a single blaster shot sliced through the air and went cleanly through Malen's head. The traitorous Captain said not a word, his eyes open and vacant as his grasp on Obi-Wan slackened and he toppled backwards. For a brief moment, Anakin could only stand in shock, still not registering that the decision had been made for him. Shaking himself out of his daze, Anakin practically flew to Obi-Wan's side and wrapped him tightly in his arms. Sensing that Obi-Wan was not badly hurt, Anakin allowed himself to relax slightly.
“Imperial fleet, indeed!” General Radiin bristled, stepping out from around the corner across the hall, blaster in hand. Behind him and from the opposite hall, several other Rebels that Anakin presumed to be Radiin's people poked their heads out to see. “Fool doesn't even recognize our own Rebel fleet!” Radiin shook his head regretfully, toeing the now-still body. “Dead as a Wampa on Tatooine.”
“General Radiin,” Anakin managed, more than slightly surprised to see him here. “I don't know how or why you're here, but your presence certainly is timely,” he said guardedly. The General had only ever been a thorn in his side, but for once Anakin was actually glad to see the obstinate man.
“Thank you,” Obi-Wan spoke up from the safety of Anakin's arms. “Nice save.”
“Think nothing of it, Master Kenobi,” Radiin said gravely. “And as for what I'm doing here, let's just say that my assistant told me about his exchange with a certain Senator. And I couldn't very well leave you lot to all that trouble yourself, now could I?” He said with a grin. Turning to Anakin, he continued, “Though I'm sure you could have handled this yourself.” Radiin looked at him knowingly, and Anakin suddenly felt somewhat guilty, even though he hadn't actually done what he had been contemplating.
“The gesture is still most appreciated,” Anakin said graciously, relieved that Radiin didn't say anything further. Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.
“Well I see you're in good hands, Master Kenobi. Now my people and I need to get this rogue base secured. Can't have a rebellion in our ranks now, can we? Your Highness, you can have your ship contact my fleet if there's anything else.” The General gave a short bow - but it was a bow nonetheless - and gestured for his troops to follow him as he headed deeper into the base. “And I'll see you again when we get started on those negotiations!” he threw over his shoulder with a friendly wave.
Anakin looked after the retreating General for a moment, both miffed and bemused. Perhaps they could work something out, after all.
“Thank you for coming for me, Anakin.” Obi-Wan's soft voice brought Anakin's attention to him immediately. “Are you all right?” he asked, looking at Anakin concernedly.
“Am I all right?” Anakin said disbelievingly. “Only you would ask that at a time like this,” he said fondly, still holding Obi-Wan close to him. “Are you hurt?” Anakin raised a hand to Obi-Wan's head, carefully brushing the reddish waves aside to reveal an ugly bruise on his temple. Anakin mentally berated himself for letting his love be injured, and nearly cursed Radiin for killing Malen himself.
Obi-Wan winced slightly and batted Anakin's hand away. “It's nothing,” he said soothingly, sending waves of calm over their bond. “But we have to leave, now. This isn't over yet.”
Chapter 15
“How could she not tell me?” Anakin fumed, looking plaintively at Obi-Wan where he lay. As soon as Obi-Wan had expressed a desire to leave the base, Anakin has whisked him off to his battle cruiser and promptly deposited him in its small medical bay. The nervous looking doctor had quickly examined his head injury and told Anakin to put him to bed, with assurances that he would be fine. Obi-Wan hadn't much cared for the bed part, but Anakin was so glad to have him back that he hadn't even minded the Jedi's complaints.
“Now, Anakin, I'm sure Padmé just didn't have the time. And everything turned out fine,” Obi-Wan said calmly.
“Yes, they escaped and left you there to be caught again,” Anakin shot back, still quite upset that he'd been the last one to know about Obi-Wan's capture. As soon as they'd gotten aboard, Obi-Wan had insisted that Anakin call the Canis to make sure that his would-be rescuers had themselves escaped as well, which of course they had.
“They had no choice, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said in that annoyingly patient voice of his, the one that he used when he knewhe was right. And he probably was, Anakin realized. But that didn't make the matter any less vexing.
“I suppose you're right,” Anakin admitted grudgingly, sitting down beside Obi-Wan on the bed.
“Now, are you ready to listen to me?”
~*~
Finally, Anakin seemed to have calmed down enough to listen to him. Deep down, Obi-Wan hadn't been that surprised that Anakin had come to 'rescue' him, and had been more than a little worried when he'd woken to see Anakin confronting his captor. But even if General Radiin hadn't showed up when he had, Obi-Wan trusted that Anakin could have saved him without calling on the Dark Side for aid. Still, though, he sensed that Anakin was bothered by having been tempted as much as he was.
“What is it you needed to tell me?” Anakin said, dropping his somewhat petulant demeanor and giving Obi-Wan his full attention. “Is it about Malen?” he said, his lips curling upwards in a sneer as he spoke the man's name.
“Malen's dead; I'm hardly worried about him,” Obi-Wan said dryly. “And quite frankly, I don't even think that Malen was the brains behind the whole thing anyway. He wasn't working alone; he had contacts. Imperial contacts, one of which I'm sure is the one who was really in charge.”
“Tell me,” Anakin said tersely.
Obi-Wan quickly told Anakin about the others he had encountered in his captivity at the rogue rebel base, pointing out Jade as a likely candidate and mentioning how Thrawn, one of Anakin's top Admirals, had been present.
“Jade is very strong in the Force, and I sensed her leave before I escaped. I'd guess Thrawn would have gone with her, though, and I know how you keep a close eye on your Admirals,” Obi-Wan began, and Anakin quickly picked up his point.
“That I do,” he said grimly. “Thrawn can't know that I have you back, so he'll come to the Palace on schedule like always. He won't be hard to catch,” Anakin assured him, but then his voice darkened. “And then I'll be able to find this Jade, whoever she is, and see that she pays for what she's done,” he said angrily.
Obi-Wan reached out and placed a hand on Anakin's arm, not even needing their bond to sense the young man's agitation. “Of course, justice will be administered--”
“I'll kill her!” Anakin choked out, knocking Obi-Wan's hand off as he turned away. “She's a threat, to the Empire, and the New Republic, and the Rebels, and . . .” Anakin trailed off, his voice wavering by the end. Obi-Wan couldn't see Anakin's face, but could sense the well of anger and despair that sprang up from within him.
“And?” Obi-Wan prodded, drawing Anakin out.
“I was so worried,” Anakin whispered brokenly. “And angry. I wanted to kill, and I didn't even know who. It didn't matter . . . only you did.” Anakin turned back to look at him then, his eyes pleading and slightly wild. “And you didn't even know, I never told you!” He clenched his fist tightly on his lap. “I've been a fool,” he said bitterly.
Obi-Wan had thought that he knew what was troubling Anakin, but at this point he was fast approaching a state of confusion. But rather than inquire further, he simply lay his hand on Anakin's arm again and waited for the inevitable outpouring.
“I love you too,” Anakin said desperately, turning back towards Obi-Wan and grasping his arm tightly. “But I didn't tell you, you didn't know, and you were gone--”
“Hush, Anakin,” Obi-Wan cut him off gently, reaching up and placing his hand lightly over Anakin's mouth. “You didn't need to tell me; your actions tell more than words ever could,” Obi-Wan reassured Anakin. “Though I am glad to hear it.” He offered Anakin a warm smile, to which Anakin responded by grabbing Obi-Wan's hand away from his mouth and planting a kiss on his palm.
“But I almost did something terrible today. And I still could,” Anakin admitted sadly. “Can you still love me?”
“Always, Anakin, no matter what,” Obi-Wan said emphatically. “I know that there is still darkness in you, but as long as you try your best and overcome it you will still be you.”
“Try?” Anakin echoed doubtfully
“Sometimes, that's all you can do, despite what a certain small green Master might say,” Obi-Wan said with a hint of dry humour. “Try your best, Anakin, and it will be enough. I have faith in you.”
For a moment Anakin just looked at him with an unreadable expression on his face, and had it not been for what he was feeling through their bond Obi-Wan would have been quite worried. As it was, though, he was still quite surprised when Anakin descended on him with a fierce kiss. Obi-Wan wasn't sure how long it lasted, but when he finally broke it he found himself breathless. Anakin now lay on his side next to him on the bed, and was looking at him with wide eyes that burned with emotion.
“Was that enough, Obi-Wan? Or too much?” Anakin said quietly, licking his lips nervously.
“Neither,” Obi-Wan replied honestly. He wanted so much more from Anakin than a mere kiss, and he knew that Anakin wanted more from him as well. But Obi-Wan was not ready, and neither, given this, was Anakin.
Seeming to understand his nebulous feelings, Anakin drew Obi-Wan close to his chest in a light embrace. Obi-Wan relaxed into it, feeling its warmth, and gradually felt the hard contours of Anakin's body lose their tension as well.
“Sleep now,” Anakin said softly, his breath tickling Obi-Wan's cheek. “I'll be here waiting.”
Assured of Anakin's state of mind, Obi-Wan allowed himself to drift. Anakin would still be there, he knew, when he woke.
There was much to be done.
~*~
The Emperor's Consort must have escaped.
This was the only logical explanation for his current situation, and he cursed the Jedi for ever having existed. At this particular moment, though, he would have rather appreciated the presence of the Emperor's Consort. Because unlike the Emperor, his Consort seemed quite calm and rational. But the Emperor was the only other person in the room, and he was clearly Not Happy.
Somehow, he knew that this wasn't going to end well, and belatedly wished that he'd stopped at his apartment rather than the Imperial Palace.
~*~
Jade was not particularly attached to her minions, as she liked to call them. Nor, for that matter, was she particularly attached to anyone, save perhaps one small being. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of regret when she felt a wave of searing agony from Thrawn ripple through the Force. It was but a small ripple, since the man wasn't the slightest bit Force sensitive, but she had been monitoring him carefully. Not carefully enough though, it seemed.
Now, not only had she lost a valuable informant, but Skywalker must surely have found out about her. Because as loyal as Thrawn may have been, she knew that he would have succumbed easily to Skywalker's undoubtedly brutal interrogation and told him everything he knew. And though Thrawn didn't know everything . . . he still knew too much. Everything she had worked for, and what little she held dear, was in danger.
But she wasn't afraid of Skywalker. For all his strengths and his vast power in the Force, his weakness was such that she could defeat him easily; at least, if she handled things just so. And Jade was not one to leave such important factors to chance.
Turning to her nav console, she set in a course for Coruscant and then settled down on the floor to center herself. She would meet Skywalker on her own terms, and would be ready when the time came
Chapter 16
It had been nearly a day since they had returned to Coruscant, and though he'd never particularly liked the Imperial Palace, Anakin was quite glad to be back. More specifically, he was glad to be back with Obi-Wan. For all its shortcomings as a home, the Palace was infallibly secure, and Anakin was relieved to have Obi-Wan safely back in it and away from harm.
Finishing up the rest of the mass of reports that had piled up for him in his absence, Anakin gave a contented sigh and stretched as he rose from his chair. With the swift efficiency of a man with someone waiting for him, Anakin shut off everything in the room and hurried back towards his chambers.
As he traveled down the corridor, a wave of sinister energy flowed towards him in the Force, and Anakin nearly froze in shock. Before he had time to even guess what it could be, he felt an even more unwelcome sensation wash over him: Obi-Wan's pain. Tears nearly sprang to his eyes as he felt the silent cry of anguish from his love across their bond, and he took his lightsaber into his hand and broke into a Force-enhanced run. It wasn't until the door to Obi-Wan's chambers came into view that he even realized where he was going, and he ran in without even knocking or calling out.
Anakin flew through the empty sitting room and straight into the bedroom, expecting to find Obi-Wan and whatever dark thing was hurting him. And find them he did, though the sight that greeted him was anything but expected.
Obi-Wan sat crouched on the floor in a defensive stance, and a tall, leather-clad woman with vibrant red hair stood across from him, brandishing a vibroblade. Fresh crimson blood dripped down Obi-Wan's arm, and Anakin narrowed his eyes in anger. He had no idea how she had gotten in here, but it didn't matter at this point. He had been aching to kill her anyway, and now even more so.
“Jade!” Anakin called out as he burst into the room, intending to distract her and draw her away from Obi-Wan. Because as fine as a swordsman as Obi-Wan was, there was little that he could do against her without a weapon. At the sound of Anakin's voice, both Jade and Obi-Wan looked his way, but he held Jade's attention for less than a second as she whirled back towards Obi-Wan. Taking advantage of the Jedi's momentary lapse in attention, she blasted him back into the wall with a powerful wave of Force energy. Obi-Wan crumpled to the floor, and made only a small motion to get up before stilling completely.
“Obi-Wan!” Anakin cried desperately, before turning a furious gaze on Jade. He wanted to run to Obi-Wan's side right then, but he somehow knew that Jade would not let him. “You'll pay for that, Jade, and everything else you've done,” Anakin threatened, moving closer to her with smooth, measured steps.
Jade only smiled at him, as if to mock him, before dropping her vibroblade. Before it even hit the floor, a bright red blade had sprung to life in her hand in its place. “You are the one who will pay, Skywalker,” she said confidently. “And you owe more than you know.”
With a cry, Anakin lunged at her, aiming his lightsaber for her exposed neck. Jade easily blocked him with her blade, using it to push him off of her. Surprisingly enough, she did not take an offensive position, but Anakin was more than happy to give her something to defend against. He lunged at her continuously, and his blows were firmly met and deflected with each attempt. Tirelessly, he continued, and and the room was silent save for the skidding of boots and the hum of their lightsabers. Anakin grit his teeth in frustration, his ire rising as sweat began to form on this brow. Just who was this woman to challenged him so openly?
“Getting angry, are you?” she tisked, sidestepping yet another blow. “You really shouldn't allow your temper to get the better of you, you know,” she said conversationally. “It is quite telling of your inexperience.”
“My inexperience?” Anakin said incredulously, pausing his attacks momentarily. This woman looked scarcely older than he, and surely had no business calling him, of all people, inexperienced.
“I have been learning the ways of the Force since before I could speak,” she said scornfully, “and am unhampered by Jedi training.”
At this, Anakin lunged towards her again, aiming his blade for her seemingly unprotected midsection. But at the last instant she whirled to the side and yet again deflected his attack with her 'saber. But this time, she pushed back. Anakin leaped backwards and managed to land gracefully, but only just.
“Who are you?” Anakin ground out, directing her a smoldering glare as he stood his ground across from her.
Jade smirked. “I'm not surprised our Master didn't tell you about me. But then, you were just a chance for him; a whim that robbed him of his senses. I begged him not to do it, but he didn't listen. He took you as his apprentice, and you ruined everything,” she hissed, a hint of anger briefly visible through her calm facade. But the moment passed, and her features returned to an impassive state.
For a moment, Anakin simply could not move; nor could he register what he had heard. If what Jade had said was true . . .
Then he had been deceived even further by Palpatine. The Sith Lord had always told him that he was his single, valued apprentice, and Anakin had believed him when he'd said that he didn't have anyone else to help him.
Resentment boiled up inside him and clouded him thoughts, and he rushed blindly at Jade with an inarticulate cry of rage and frustration. Now, he didn't think that he wanted to know why Jade was here; whatever it was, he knew he wouldn't want to hear it. And killing her would be the best way to ensure that he wouldn't have to.
Jade met his attack with a feral grin, her teeth flashing white in the shadows. Their blades locked, forming a vivid red cross, and Jade seemed almost enthusiastic now as she engaged him. Her previous lack of offense had vanished as surely as Anakin's composure.
“Do you feel it, Skywalker? The power is there for you to harness, just as you did before. Or does it frighten you now?” she taunted cruelly.
“I fear nothing, least of all you,” Anakin said tightly as he whirled to block yet another of her strikes. Dark Force energy coalesced at the edge of his consciousness, just as it seemed to swirl around Jade herself. Anakin felt her reach for it with an expert touch; it was a touch that Anakin knew he had as well.
“You fear the Dark Side,” she countered, slashing her 'saber downwards. “And that will be your downfall.”
Perhaps it was true. Jade was strong; maybe too strong for him to defeat with his energies divided as they were between battling Jade and resisting the urge to call the surrounding darkness to his aid.
Don't fight the Dark, Anakin, he could hear Obi-Wan telling him. To truly defeat it, you must instead embrace the Light.
Anakin swung his blade up to meet Jade's with an even stronger blow as he let the Light energy of the Force flow through him. But for an instant, he saw a glimmer of himself in his opponent's eyes.
“No, Jade,” Anakin said in a low voice as he tensed every fiber in his body, “It will be yours.” Focusing his senses on the here and now with perfect clarity, Anakin sprung up into the air and descended on Jade with his blade at his front.
Finally, she fell, as Anakin scored a red gash across her shoulder and side. She dropped to the ground as he landed behind her, and Anakin positioned his red blade against the back of her neck. It would be the last time that he would use it, he promised himself. He would build a new one with Obi-Wan.
“I don't want to kill,” Anakin said harshly. “Live or die?” he asked her, hoping that she would simply surrender. He had been able to keep himself from tapping into the Dark Side, even in the heat of battle . . . but he was not so sure that he was ready to kill now, even though he had wanted to so badly before.
“Live,” Jade said calmly, her breath slightly jagged. She dropped her lightsaber to the floor, and Anakin swiftly called it into his hands with the Force. Satisfied, he tucked it into his belt. Jade's injuries were serious, but she would survive.
“Stand up,” he ordered harshly, taking a step back from her. He could see her stiffen for a moment, but then she slowly rose.
The slowness did not last.
With a speed that Anakin had thought impossible, Jade whipped a blaster around towards his head and her finger closed in on the trigger. Anakin was aware that it was happening; but it was happening too fast, even for him. He didn't even have the time to curse himself for his mercy as he brought his 'saber up with the intent of to deflecting the impending shots back at her.
But an instant before her finger could pull the trigger, Jade suddenly lurched forward with a gasp. The blaster dropped to the floor, and Jade slowly but surely followed it as she crumpled to the floor on her side, breathing raggedly. There, embedded in her back, was her own vibroblade. She had casually dropped it beside Obi-Wan's unconscious form . . . but Obi-Wan had woken up, and had used her abandoned weapon against her to save him.
“Curse you,” she gasped, drawing in a wet sounding breath. And somehow, Anakin didn't think she was talking to him.
“Thank you,” he said to Obi-Wan quietly, leaving the woman where she lay as he moved to help Obi-Wan up. “You didn't have to do that though, I could have . . .” I could have killed her.
“I know, Anakin. I know,” Obi-Wan replied simply, and Anakin knew then that Obi-Wan understood.
A feeling of warmth infused Anakin's spirit as he regarded his almost-Consort, and he knew that it was from Obi-Wan. Anakin nodded gratefully, and as Obi-Wan returned his look Anakin knew that no more needed to be said on the matter.
“You're hurt,”Anakin said worriedly, looking at Obi-Wan's pale face. “I'm taking you to the medics.”
“Don't forget about Jade,” Obi-Wan said softly as they walked over towards her and the door.
Anakin nodded curtly and eased Obi-Wan into a nearby chair before kneeling down beside Jade's still form. “I thought for sure that she was dead,” he said, surprised to feel a pulse beneath his fingers when he checked for one. He turned his head as he spoke to Obi-Wan. “I'll com for the medics to--”
Anakin broke off sharply as a hand reached up and clenched his arm. Wild green eyes looked up at him, and had it not been his robotic arm that she clenched Anakin was sure her grip would've left a bruise. Anakin tried to shake it off, but the hand stayed and with it seemed to come a flow of memories from its owner.
A small redheaded girl, all alone . . .
The cold consolation of an old man's presence . . .
Touching the Force the wrong way for the first time . . .learning to like it . . .
The pain of failure . . . she wasn't enough for him . . .
Betrayal.
Defeat.
A precious, small redheaded girl that couldn't be alone, not again . . .
. . . but a different girl, this time.
“She's . . . mine!” Jade said breathlessly, and the air left her lungs for the last time. Anakin could only stare at her body numbly for a moment, not sure if he could believe what she had somehow showed him. But whether she had meant to do it or not, Anakin could not ignore it.
“What is it?” Obi-Wan asked concernedly.
“Mara,” Anakin breathed. “Jade's daughter.”
~*~
This, Padmé decided, would be a good time for a vacation.
She couldn't even begin to fathom how it had happened, but somehow Anakin and General Radiin had managed to interact with each other in a civil manner for long enough to get all the documents drawn up. And not just any documents, but the ones that contained the provisions for the New Republic.
She watched as Anakin signed them with a small flourish, and the room burst into celebratory applause. And now that certain uncooperative people had been rooted out on both sides, there were far fewer unhappy faces than there would have been before.
Perhaps she would take Bail up on his offer to come visit her on Alderaan. Though she'd only been there once, she recalled that it was a beautiful planet, and surely Bail wouldn't mind some company. The poor man must have been terribly lonely since his wife had died.
The crowd of officers, diplomats, and secretaries gradually flowed out of the meeting hall, and once again Padmé found was surprised to find herself face to face with her former husband. But he wore no falsely charming smile this time, and seemed more interested in whatever he had on his mind than her. Which was good . . . she hoped.
“Congratulations, Your Highness,” Padmé said formally, smiling sincerely. Though it was hard to think of him as an Emperor, she thought it only fitting to show him this courtesy after such an accomplishment.
“Thank you, My Lady,” Anakin replied graciously, reciprocating the gesture. “But please, let's not be so formal.”
“Is there something I can do for you?” Padmé asked, sparing him the requisite chatter. With Obi-Wan still recovering from his injuries, she knew that Anakin wouldn't be here talking to her now if he didn't have something specific and important to say.
“As a matter of fact, there is,” Anakin admitted, and Padmé's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in skepticism as she listened to his request.
But she would do it, of course.
~*~
“She hates us.” Anakin declared glumly, closing the door to the girl's room behind them.
“I would hardly say that, Anakin. She's just upset now, and understandably so.” By some strange act of the Force, before she died Jade had managed to communicate to Anakin that she had a daughter, and where she was. Anakin had immediately decided that the girl would be retrieved and brought to the palace, and had grudgingly agreed with Obi-Wan when he had suggested sending Padmé to do it, since neither of them had been able to go right away. Obi-Wan didn't know what Anakin had been expecting, but the frightened, hostile little six-year-old that Padmé had handed off to them so gladly didn't seem to be it.
“She doesn't hate us,” Obi-Wan assured Anakin as they headed back to Anakin's chambers in the palace. “She doesn't know us well enough for that,” he pointed out.
“I suppose you're right,” Anakin admitted, opening his door for them both to enter. “But I hope she warms up to us eventually . . .” Anakin paused for a moment. “Obi-Wan, I was hoping she could stay here, with us,” he said hesitantly as he sat down beside Obi-Wan on the couch.
“Oh?” Obi-Wan was slightly surprised, as Anakin had never been unusually fond of children. But then, Mara was different; even Obi-Wan could see a bit of Anakin in her.
“'Oh?' Is that all you have to say?” Anakin seemed a bit frustrated, but took in a deep breath that seemed to calm him. “What I mean to say is, can we keep her?”
“Anakin, you're the Emperor of the galaxy,” Obi-Wan said patiently, slightly amused and more than slightly surprised by the question. “Who am I that you should ask my permission for anything?” he asked. “But I think its a fine idea, anyhow. Mara is quite strong in the Force and will need proper guidance and supervision,” Obi-Wan added.
Anakin's mouth opened, and then shut, and then opened again before he finally spoke. “I'm glad you agree,” he said, but he appeared pensive rather than happy at Obi-Wan's words.
Silence ensued for a short stretch of time, but it was more anticipatory than awkward. Anakin clearly had something else to say, and Obi-Wan would simply wait for him. Anakin looked down at his hands, fiddled with his robe, and then finally stilled and looked up.
“You're my Consort,” Anakin began quietly. “I was asking you as my Consort; as my companion who is legally recognized as my equal.” At this, Obi-Wan started slightly, and wondered once again just how much Anakin had granted him when he had modified the original document. “But you never agreed to such a position. I never asked you.”
“Anakin--” Obi-Wan attempted to interject, but Anakin continued on.
“So I'm asking you now,” Anakin said sincerely, capturing Obi-Wan's gaze with his own quietly fierce one. Anakin then moved closer to him, so that they were touching at the hip, and took his hands in his own larger ones. “Will you be my Consort, Obi-Wan? In the truest sense?”
Now this, Obi-Wan had not seen coming. Certainly, he loved Anakin, and Anakin loved him. They both knew it. But this . . . this was still a surprise. But it was a good one, Obi-Wan decided. Looking into the anxious ice-blue eyes of his dear friend, Obi-Wan answered the only way he could.
“Yes, Anakin. I would be honored to be your Consort.” Obi-Wan smiled, and Anakin's expression melted to one of relief and joy.
“It is my honor,” Anakin conceded, bowing his head forward briefly. He was silent for a moment, and then let out a deep breath with a whoosh of air. “You have no idea how long I've been wanting to ask you that,” he admitted, breaking into a grin. “And now that you're truly my Consort, would it be presumptuous to ask if you would care to share my chambers?” Anakin said impishly, his grin turning to a hesitant smile.
Obi-Wan thought this over for a moment, but only just. He and Anakin had lived together in close quarters around the galaxy for years, and despite all that happened Anakin was Anakin again. Obi-Wan had always found his partner's company to be pleasant then, and he suspected that he would still find it to be so.
“Not at all,” Obi-Wan replied graciously. “Though are you sure you won't get tired of me? We do spend a lot of time together already,” Obi-Wan remarked, leaning back against Anakin's shoulder.
“Oh, I can think of plenty of other things to do together, Obi-Wan,” Anakin said with a smirk, looking straight at him.
“Such as?” Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and met Anakin's gaze.
“This,” Anakin tilted Obi-Wan's chin up and gave him a swift, loving kiss. “And this,” Obi-Wan felt Anakin's strong arms snake around his waist, followed by light kisses and nips on his neck.
Then Anakin's hands moved lower. “And--”
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan admonished, pressing his hands against Anakin's chest. Anakin immediately stopped and leaned back, and Obi-Wan could see the beginnings of concern on his face. “I certainly hope I didn't just agree to move into rooms that don't have a bed,” he said pointedly.
“Oh, you'd like to see the bed, would you?” All worry was gone from Anakin's face as he flashed a devilish grin, and in one fast, smooth motion he scooped Obi-Wan up into his arms and started towards the bedroom.
“And what do you think you're doing?” Obi-Wan asked, somewhat miffed by the fact that he was being carried like a child. Not that he really minded going to the bedroom with Anakin, though.
Anakin's steps came to a stop, and he looked down at Obi-Wan intently. “This is different, than before . . .” he said softly. When I forced you.
“I know, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said gently, wrapping his arms around Anakin's neck to show his willingness and submission. “I know.”
Thus it was with great delight that Anakin carried Obi-Wan to the bedroom, where even more delights were to be had.
Epilogue
She was scared again.
Her mother had always told her not to hold onto her fear, and she tried hard to let it go now. But her mother wasn't here now, and her fear wouldn't leave.
She hadn't been scared yesterday, after she'd been here in this big palace for so many tenday. She missed her mother, in a way, but she hadn't been alone. The men that looked after her had been nice.
“Come along, Mara,” came a kind voice from beside her. “It's time to go in now.”
Mara looked up at Obi-Wan and nodded shyly, and then allowed him to take her hand and lead her to the big set of doors. She didn't want to like anyone here, but Obi-Wan was so gentle and calm that she just couldn't not like him. He wasn't at all like her mother though. Her mother felt wild, fierce, and warm in her head, while Obi-Wan's presence was soothing and quietly affectionate.
“Are you ready?” a deeper voice asked, though Mara wasn't sure if Anakin was talking to her or to Obi-Wan.
Anakin was different than Obi-Wan. Her mother had said that name often, and somehow Mara knew that Obi-Wan's Anakin was the same one that her mother had hated so much. Even though Obi-Wan liked Anakin, there was something about the taller man that gave her a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. But she didn't think it was a bad feeling . . .
“Of course we're ready,” Obi-Wan replied calmly, and Mara followed him and Anakin through the doors.
The room they were in was big, tall, and round, and on a raised platform in front of them sat a dark man, a strange looking woman, and a little green creature. There were a few other people sitting off to the side, and they were all dressed in the same brown robes that Obi-Wan always wore and had given her to wear this morning as well.
“Welcome, young Mara. Greet you, I do, on behalf of the Jedi Council,” The little green creature said, giving her a funny smile. “Master Yoda, I am. Know why you are here, do you?”
“I . . .” Mara looked up at Obi-Wan uncertainly, and he gave gave her a nod and smiled down at her. “Yes Master Yoda sir,” she replied. She remembered what Obi-Wan had told her.
“Good, good,” Yoda said approvingly. “Then do this, we will.” He banged his stick to the floor with a small thump and then motioned Anakin to come closer and join them. Anakin looked nervous, which was strange since he always seemed so confident at the palace. But Anakin came closer anyway, and Mara saw him take Obi-Wan's other hand.
“Strong in the Force you are, Mara Jade, and trained in its ways by the Jedi, you will be. Much is there to be undone, but even more is there to be learned.” Yoda had been looking at her, but at that moment he shifted his gaze briefly to Anakin instead. “Grant you the rank of Jedi Padawan, the Council does,” he continued, looking back at her. “Accept this girl as your Padawan do you, Master Kenobi?”
“I do,” Obi-Wan said clearly, squeezing her hand reassuringly. Suddenly, the light feel of Obi-Wan's mind became stronger, and Mara started slightly as she felt a pulse of reassurance and welcoming in her head. It was from him! She looked up at Obi-Wan and saw that he was smiling at her, and she shyly smiled back.
“Thank you, Masters,” Mara said respectfully, and then bowed first to her new Master and then to the other Jedi.
After some more talking Master Yoda dismissed them, and Mara left with her two guardians, one of who was now her Master. She was still a little nervous though, and she was glad that Obi-Wan didn't mind when she held tightly to his hand, something that her mother had never let her do. Anakin was holding Obi-Wan's other hand again, though, which very nearly annoyed her.
“It looks like you have two Padawans now, Master,” Anakin said to Obi-Wan with a smile, and Mara's eyes widened as he kissed Obi-Wan, square on the lips.
Seeing her looking, Anakin looked down at her and gave her a wink so brief that Mara thought she may have imagined it. “You'll get used to it.”
As they left the Temple in their ship, Mara felt a pang of sadness as she looked down at the grand building from the window.
“What's wrong?” Obi-Wan asked gently.
“There's no one there,” she said softly, her gaze still focused on the Temple as it faded into the distance. “It's so empty.”
Obi-Wan lay a hand on her shoulder, but he wasn't the one who replied.
“Give it time, Mara,” Anakin said, his face calmer than she had ever seen it. “The Jedi will return.”
And she knew she could believe him.
The End
And that's it! I'm so sorry for the wait, and thanks for reading anyway if you're still here. :)
Title: Luminous Dust
Author: Dolly (darthdolly)
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Anakin/Obi-Wan
Timeframe: post RotS AU
Summary: coming soon. maybe! ^^;;
Spoilers: possibly for RotS
Warnings: Contains slash and mentions of mature themes, but nothing explicit.
Notes: This is the sequel to my story What Comes of It, which can be found HERE. So you'll probably want to read that story before you read this one, but you could probably figure this one out even if you don't read it.
Click Here for Previous Chapters
New Chapters:
Chapter 14
One moment they were there, and the next they were not. Blinking in surprise, Padmé's heart leaped as she saw that the force shields had been deactivated.
“He did it! They're down,” Padmé called out to Master Windu, who was standing directly in front of the doors that kept their pursuers at bay and wearing a look of calm yet intense concentration. He had never stated what he was doing, but Padmé guessed that he was somehow using the Force to reinforce the doors. “How much longer can you hold up?”
“Not long, but it should be long enough for Kenobi to get back here,” he said in a calm but slightly strained voice, not even turning back to look at her.
Minutes passed; too many minutes. Padmé watched the corridors anxiously, but Obi-Wan did not appear.
“We have to go, now,” Master Windu gritted out. “Or we won't be able to make it at all.”
“But Obi-Wan--” Padmé protested.
“I know, Senator,” the tall Master said regretfully as he turned away from the door, visibly drained. “I know.”
~*~
His bond with Obi-Wan, Anakin had discovered, was far stronger than any training bond they may have had. At first he had worried that he wouldn't be able to find Obi-Wan, but such fears quickly vanished as he had found that all he had to do was stretch out his senses in the Force. Obi-Wan's bright presence shone like a beacon, beckoning him as surely as a drifting ship to a lighthouse.
And now that he had found out where Obi-Wan was, Anakin rather wished that he had though to bring along a part of the Imperial Fleet, instead of just this one cruiser. Though he certainly wouldn't have a problem getting Obi-Wan from a Rebel base by himself, it would have been much more rewarding to see that proper discipline was promptly administered to the base as a whole. But as it was, rescuing Obi-Wan was Anakin's top priority.
As they exited hyperspace to orbit the planet above the base, Anakin's heart ached with anticipation and anxiousness. He could sense Obi-Wan down below; so very close, yet still not close enough. But the presence was muted, somehow, and more so than any depth of sleep could account for.
Frowning, Anakin quickly gave his Captain his orders before stalking off of the Battle Cruiser's bridge and heading for the hanger. The trip down to the planet was short, and he expertly plowed his fighter through the doors of the Rebel Base's hanger. Obviously, they hadn't been expecting any intruders. At least none as brash as him, anyway.
Anakin hopped out of his ship and easily disabled the three lone guards that approached him, ripping their blasters out of their hands and slamming them into the wall with the Force. Not giving them another thought, he took off out of the hanger and down the corridors at a run.
His sense of Obi-Wan's presence increased, but even as his love's warmth rose in his chest he couldn't push down the accompanying sense of danger. His pace quickened as the feeling grew, and it was not long before the warm presence that Anakin sensed coalesced before him at the end of a corridor.
But Obi-Wan was not alone.
Rage swelled in Anakin's chest as he took in his love's form, lying limply in the arms of a uniformed man. Moving silently, and before the man could notice his presence, Anakin swiftly closed the distance between them and drew his lightsaber.
A split second before he ignited it, the man whirled and jumped backwards, narrowly avoiding the glowing blade that would have sliced cleanly through the back of his head. If only he hadn't moved. Anakin seethed, grasping the hilt of his weapon tighter and flexing his muscles in anticipation.
The man, who now seemed somewhat familiar, wore a look of shock only in passing. The man looked Anakin up and down, and his features settled into a semi-confident smirk as he seemed to asses the situation to be in his favor. Though Anakin didn't know who he was, he wanted to kill the man right then. And he could. But as he felt the darkness swirl around him at his call, he felt a faint stirring from Obi-Wan and the darkness stilled at his fingertips where it lay in wait.
“You should hesitate, Vader,” the man said smugly, taking Anakin's brief hesitation for something it was not. But Anakin could not deny that the sight of a blaster being pressed to Obi-Wan's side unnerved him. “I could kill your precious consort right now.”
“Who are you, and what do you want?” Anakin asked tightly, unsure of what course of action to take. He wanted to kill this man, to give him pain, so badly . . .
“Who am I?” the man asked disbelievingly. “I can't believe you don't recognize me, Emperor. Or didn't my presentations make an impression on you?” He sneered.
It had to be someone from the negotiations . . . “Captain Malen,” Anakin acknowledged, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the Rebel Captain. “I'm surprised that the Rebellion would kidnap one of their own. But whatever you were planning, its over now. Let him go,” Anakin demanded, his anger returning as Malen jabbed the blaster harder against Obi-Wan's exposed side.
“Over? I think not,” Malen shot back. “Things may not have worked out as I'd planned, but don't think I'm so foolish that I'd give up my ticket to safe passage out of here,” he said, jerking his head to indicate Obi-Wan. “Call off your fleet, Vader, and let me go if you want him to live,” Malen said threateningly.
“What fleet?” Anakin said scornfully, though he was somewhat surprised by the demand since he really hadn't brought his fleet. “I don't need my fleet to deal with the likes of you.”
It would be so simple, so easy. The dark energy of the Force swirled around him, just waiting for Anakin to call upon it to use its power to choke the hated Captain to death. Anakin knew he shouldn't, but he didn't know if he could do anything else. He couldn't not save Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan's eyes opened, slowly then, and locked with Anakin's. Don't give in, he seemed to be pleading with Anakin. You're stronger than that.
Am I?
Anakin didn't get the chance to find out. The vague presences that had been on the periphery of Anakin's senses closed in, and a single blaster shot sliced through the air and went cleanly through Malen's head. The traitorous Captain said not a word, his eyes open and vacant as his grasp on Obi-Wan slackened and he toppled backwards. For a brief moment, Anakin could only stand in shock, still not registering that the decision had been made for him. Shaking himself out of his daze, Anakin practically flew to Obi-Wan's side and wrapped him tightly in his arms. Sensing that Obi-Wan was not badly hurt, Anakin allowed himself to relax slightly.
“Imperial fleet, indeed!” General Radiin bristled, stepping out from around the corner across the hall, blaster in hand. Behind him and from the opposite hall, several other Rebels that Anakin presumed to be Radiin's people poked their heads out to see. “Fool doesn't even recognize our own Rebel fleet!” Radiin shook his head regretfully, toeing the now-still body. “Dead as a Wampa on Tatooine.”
“General Radiin,” Anakin managed, more than slightly surprised to see him here. “I don't know how or why you're here, but your presence certainly is timely,” he said guardedly. The General had only ever been a thorn in his side, but for once Anakin was actually glad to see the obstinate man.
“Thank you,” Obi-Wan spoke up from the safety of Anakin's arms. “Nice save.”
“Think nothing of it, Master Kenobi,” Radiin said gravely. “And as for what I'm doing here, let's just say that my assistant told me about his exchange with a certain Senator. And I couldn't very well leave you lot to all that trouble yourself, now could I?” He said with a grin. Turning to Anakin, he continued, “Though I'm sure you could have handled this yourself.” Radiin looked at him knowingly, and Anakin suddenly felt somewhat guilty, even though he hadn't actually done what he had been contemplating.
“The gesture is still most appreciated,” Anakin said graciously, relieved that Radiin didn't say anything further. Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.
“Well I see you're in good hands, Master Kenobi. Now my people and I need to get this rogue base secured. Can't have a rebellion in our ranks now, can we? Your Highness, you can have your ship contact my fleet if there's anything else.” The General gave a short bow - but it was a bow nonetheless - and gestured for his troops to follow him as he headed deeper into the base. “And I'll see you again when we get started on those negotiations!” he threw over his shoulder with a friendly wave.
Anakin looked after the retreating General for a moment, both miffed and bemused. Perhaps they could work something out, after all.
“Thank you for coming for me, Anakin.” Obi-Wan's soft voice brought Anakin's attention to him immediately. “Are you all right?” he asked, looking at Anakin concernedly.
“Am I all right?” Anakin said disbelievingly. “Only you would ask that at a time like this,” he said fondly, still holding Obi-Wan close to him. “Are you hurt?” Anakin raised a hand to Obi-Wan's head, carefully brushing the reddish waves aside to reveal an ugly bruise on his temple. Anakin mentally berated himself for letting his love be injured, and nearly cursed Radiin for killing Malen himself.
Obi-Wan winced slightly and batted Anakin's hand away. “It's nothing,” he said soothingly, sending waves of calm over their bond. “But we have to leave, now. This isn't over yet.”
Chapter 15
“How could she not tell me?” Anakin fumed, looking plaintively at Obi-Wan where he lay. As soon as Obi-Wan had expressed a desire to leave the base, Anakin has whisked him off to his battle cruiser and promptly deposited him in its small medical bay. The nervous looking doctor had quickly examined his head injury and told Anakin to put him to bed, with assurances that he would be fine. Obi-Wan hadn't much cared for the bed part, but Anakin was so glad to have him back that he hadn't even minded the Jedi's complaints.
“Now, Anakin, I'm sure Padmé just didn't have the time. And everything turned out fine,” Obi-Wan said calmly.
“Yes, they escaped and left you there to be caught again,” Anakin shot back, still quite upset that he'd been the last one to know about Obi-Wan's capture. As soon as they'd gotten aboard, Obi-Wan had insisted that Anakin call the Canis to make sure that his would-be rescuers had themselves escaped as well, which of course they had.
“They had no choice, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said in that annoyingly patient voice of his, the one that he used when he knewhe was right. And he probably was, Anakin realized. But that didn't make the matter any less vexing.
“I suppose you're right,” Anakin admitted grudgingly, sitting down beside Obi-Wan on the bed.
“Now, are you ready to listen to me?”
~*~
Finally, Anakin seemed to have calmed down enough to listen to him. Deep down, Obi-Wan hadn't been that surprised that Anakin had come to 'rescue' him, and had been more than a little worried when he'd woken to see Anakin confronting his captor. But even if General Radiin hadn't showed up when he had, Obi-Wan trusted that Anakin could have saved him without calling on the Dark Side for aid. Still, though, he sensed that Anakin was bothered by having been tempted as much as he was.
“What is it you needed to tell me?” Anakin said, dropping his somewhat petulant demeanor and giving Obi-Wan his full attention. “Is it about Malen?” he said, his lips curling upwards in a sneer as he spoke the man's name.
“Malen's dead; I'm hardly worried about him,” Obi-Wan said dryly. “And quite frankly, I don't even think that Malen was the brains behind the whole thing anyway. He wasn't working alone; he had contacts. Imperial contacts, one of which I'm sure is the one who was really in charge.”
“Tell me,” Anakin said tersely.
Obi-Wan quickly told Anakin about the others he had encountered in his captivity at the rogue rebel base, pointing out Jade as a likely candidate and mentioning how Thrawn, one of Anakin's top Admirals, had been present.
“Jade is very strong in the Force, and I sensed her leave before I escaped. I'd guess Thrawn would have gone with her, though, and I know how you keep a close eye on your Admirals,” Obi-Wan began, and Anakin quickly picked up his point.
“That I do,” he said grimly. “Thrawn can't know that I have you back, so he'll come to the Palace on schedule like always. He won't be hard to catch,” Anakin assured him, but then his voice darkened. “And then I'll be able to find this Jade, whoever she is, and see that she pays for what she's done,” he said angrily.
Obi-Wan reached out and placed a hand on Anakin's arm, not even needing their bond to sense the young man's agitation. “Of course, justice will be administered--”
“I'll kill her!” Anakin choked out, knocking Obi-Wan's hand off as he turned away. “She's a threat, to the Empire, and the New Republic, and the Rebels, and . . .” Anakin trailed off, his voice wavering by the end. Obi-Wan couldn't see Anakin's face, but could sense the well of anger and despair that sprang up from within him.
“And?” Obi-Wan prodded, drawing Anakin out.
“I was so worried,” Anakin whispered brokenly. “And angry. I wanted to kill, and I didn't even know who. It didn't matter . . . only you did.” Anakin turned back to look at him then, his eyes pleading and slightly wild. “And you didn't even know, I never told you!” He clenched his fist tightly on his lap. “I've been a fool,” he said bitterly.
Obi-Wan had thought that he knew what was troubling Anakin, but at this point he was fast approaching a state of confusion. But rather than inquire further, he simply lay his hand on Anakin's arm again and waited for the inevitable outpouring.
“I love you too,” Anakin said desperately, turning back towards Obi-Wan and grasping his arm tightly. “But I didn't tell you, you didn't know, and you were gone--”
“Hush, Anakin,” Obi-Wan cut him off gently, reaching up and placing his hand lightly over Anakin's mouth. “You didn't need to tell me; your actions tell more than words ever could,” Obi-Wan reassured Anakin. “Though I am glad to hear it.” He offered Anakin a warm smile, to which Anakin responded by grabbing Obi-Wan's hand away from his mouth and planting a kiss on his palm.
“But I almost did something terrible today. And I still could,” Anakin admitted sadly. “Can you still love me?”
“Always, Anakin, no matter what,” Obi-Wan said emphatically. “I know that there is still darkness in you, but as long as you try your best and overcome it you will still be you.”
“Try?” Anakin echoed doubtfully
“Sometimes, that's all you can do, despite what a certain small green Master might say,” Obi-Wan said with a hint of dry humour. “Try your best, Anakin, and it will be enough. I have faith in you.”
For a moment Anakin just looked at him with an unreadable expression on his face, and had it not been for what he was feeling through their bond Obi-Wan would have been quite worried. As it was, though, he was still quite surprised when Anakin descended on him with a fierce kiss. Obi-Wan wasn't sure how long it lasted, but when he finally broke it he found himself breathless. Anakin now lay on his side next to him on the bed, and was looking at him with wide eyes that burned with emotion.
“Was that enough, Obi-Wan? Or too much?” Anakin said quietly, licking his lips nervously.
“Neither,” Obi-Wan replied honestly. He wanted so much more from Anakin than a mere kiss, and he knew that Anakin wanted more from him as well. But Obi-Wan was not ready, and neither, given this, was Anakin.
Seeming to understand his nebulous feelings, Anakin drew Obi-Wan close to his chest in a light embrace. Obi-Wan relaxed into it, feeling its warmth, and gradually felt the hard contours of Anakin's body lose their tension as well.
“Sleep now,” Anakin said softly, his breath tickling Obi-Wan's cheek. “I'll be here waiting.”
Assured of Anakin's state of mind, Obi-Wan allowed himself to drift. Anakin would still be there, he knew, when he woke.
There was much to be done.
~*~
The Emperor's Consort must have escaped.
This was the only logical explanation for his current situation, and he cursed the Jedi for ever having existed. At this particular moment, though, he would have rather appreciated the presence of the Emperor's Consort. Because unlike the Emperor, his Consort seemed quite calm and rational. But the Emperor was the only other person in the room, and he was clearly Not Happy.
Somehow, he knew that this wasn't going to end well, and belatedly wished that he'd stopped at his apartment rather than the Imperial Palace.
~*~
Jade was not particularly attached to her minions, as she liked to call them. Nor, for that matter, was she particularly attached to anyone, save perhaps one small being. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but feel a slight twinge of regret when she felt a wave of searing agony from Thrawn ripple through the Force. It was but a small ripple, since the man wasn't the slightest bit Force sensitive, but she had been monitoring him carefully. Not carefully enough though, it seemed.
Now, not only had she lost a valuable informant, but Skywalker must surely have found out about her. Because as loyal as Thrawn may have been, she knew that he would have succumbed easily to Skywalker's undoubtedly brutal interrogation and told him everything he knew. And though Thrawn didn't know everything . . . he still knew too much. Everything she had worked for, and what little she held dear, was in danger.
But she wasn't afraid of Skywalker. For all his strengths and his vast power in the Force, his weakness was such that she could defeat him easily; at least, if she handled things just so. And Jade was not one to leave such important factors to chance.
Turning to her nav console, she set in a course for Coruscant and then settled down on the floor to center herself. She would meet Skywalker on her own terms, and would be ready when the time came
Chapter 16
It had been nearly a day since they had returned to Coruscant, and though he'd never particularly liked the Imperial Palace, Anakin was quite glad to be back. More specifically, he was glad to be back with Obi-Wan. For all its shortcomings as a home, the Palace was infallibly secure, and Anakin was relieved to have Obi-Wan safely back in it and away from harm.
Finishing up the rest of the mass of reports that had piled up for him in his absence, Anakin gave a contented sigh and stretched as he rose from his chair. With the swift efficiency of a man with someone waiting for him, Anakin shut off everything in the room and hurried back towards his chambers.
As he traveled down the corridor, a wave of sinister energy flowed towards him in the Force, and Anakin nearly froze in shock. Before he had time to even guess what it could be, he felt an even more unwelcome sensation wash over him: Obi-Wan's pain. Tears nearly sprang to his eyes as he felt the silent cry of anguish from his love across their bond, and he took his lightsaber into his hand and broke into a Force-enhanced run. It wasn't until the door to Obi-Wan's chambers came into view that he even realized where he was going, and he ran in without even knocking or calling out.
Anakin flew through the empty sitting room and straight into the bedroom, expecting to find Obi-Wan and whatever dark thing was hurting him. And find them he did, though the sight that greeted him was anything but expected.
Obi-Wan sat crouched on the floor in a defensive stance, and a tall, leather-clad woman with vibrant red hair stood across from him, brandishing a vibroblade. Fresh crimson blood dripped down Obi-Wan's arm, and Anakin narrowed his eyes in anger. He had no idea how she had gotten in here, but it didn't matter at this point. He had been aching to kill her anyway, and now even more so.
“Jade!” Anakin called out as he burst into the room, intending to distract her and draw her away from Obi-Wan. Because as fine as a swordsman as Obi-Wan was, there was little that he could do against her without a weapon. At the sound of Anakin's voice, both Jade and Obi-Wan looked his way, but he held Jade's attention for less than a second as she whirled back towards Obi-Wan. Taking advantage of the Jedi's momentary lapse in attention, she blasted him back into the wall with a powerful wave of Force energy. Obi-Wan crumpled to the floor, and made only a small motion to get up before stilling completely.
“Obi-Wan!” Anakin cried desperately, before turning a furious gaze on Jade. He wanted to run to Obi-Wan's side right then, but he somehow knew that Jade would not let him. “You'll pay for that, Jade, and everything else you've done,” Anakin threatened, moving closer to her with smooth, measured steps.
Jade only smiled at him, as if to mock him, before dropping her vibroblade. Before it even hit the floor, a bright red blade had sprung to life in her hand in its place. “You are the one who will pay, Skywalker,” she said confidently. “And you owe more than you know.”
With a cry, Anakin lunged at her, aiming his lightsaber for her exposed neck. Jade easily blocked him with her blade, using it to push him off of her. Surprisingly enough, she did not take an offensive position, but Anakin was more than happy to give her something to defend against. He lunged at her continuously, and his blows were firmly met and deflected with each attempt. Tirelessly, he continued, and and the room was silent save for the skidding of boots and the hum of their lightsabers. Anakin grit his teeth in frustration, his ire rising as sweat began to form on this brow. Just who was this woman to challenged him so openly?
“Getting angry, are you?” she tisked, sidestepping yet another blow. “You really shouldn't allow your temper to get the better of you, you know,” she said conversationally. “It is quite telling of your inexperience.”
“My inexperience?” Anakin said incredulously, pausing his attacks momentarily. This woman looked scarcely older than he, and surely had no business calling him, of all people, inexperienced.
“I have been learning the ways of the Force since before I could speak,” she said scornfully, “and am unhampered by Jedi training.”
At this, Anakin lunged towards her again, aiming his blade for her seemingly unprotected midsection. But at the last instant she whirled to the side and yet again deflected his attack with her 'saber. But this time, she pushed back. Anakin leaped backwards and managed to land gracefully, but only just.
“Who are you?” Anakin ground out, directing her a smoldering glare as he stood his ground across from her.
Jade smirked. “I'm not surprised our Master didn't tell you about me. But then, you were just a chance for him; a whim that robbed him of his senses. I begged him not to do it, but he didn't listen. He took you as his apprentice, and you ruined everything,” she hissed, a hint of anger briefly visible through her calm facade. But the moment passed, and her features returned to an impassive state.
For a moment, Anakin simply could not move; nor could he register what he had heard. If what Jade had said was true . . .
Then he had been deceived even further by Palpatine. The Sith Lord had always told him that he was his single, valued apprentice, and Anakin had believed him when he'd said that he didn't have anyone else to help him.
Resentment boiled up inside him and clouded him thoughts, and he rushed blindly at Jade with an inarticulate cry of rage and frustration. Now, he didn't think that he wanted to know why Jade was here; whatever it was, he knew he wouldn't want to hear it. And killing her would be the best way to ensure that he wouldn't have to.
Jade met his attack with a feral grin, her teeth flashing white in the shadows. Their blades locked, forming a vivid red cross, and Jade seemed almost enthusiastic now as she engaged him. Her previous lack of offense had vanished as surely as Anakin's composure.
“Do you feel it, Skywalker? The power is there for you to harness, just as you did before. Or does it frighten you now?” she taunted cruelly.
“I fear nothing, least of all you,” Anakin said tightly as he whirled to block yet another of her strikes. Dark Force energy coalesced at the edge of his consciousness, just as it seemed to swirl around Jade herself. Anakin felt her reach for it with an expert touch; it was a touch that Anakin knew he had as well.
“You fear the Dark Side,” she countered, slashing her 'saber downwards. “And that will be your downfall.”
Perhaps it was true. Jade was strong; maybe too strong for him to defeat with his energies divided as they were between battling Jade and resisting the urge to call the surrounding darkness to his aid.
Don't fight the Dark, Anakin, he could hear Obi-Wan telling him. To truly defeat it, you must instead embrace the Light.
Anakin swung his blade up to meet Jade's with an even stronger blow as he let the Light energy of the Force flow through him. But for an instant, he saw a glimmer of himself in his opponent's eyes.
“No, Jade,” Anakin said in a low voice as he tensed every fiber in his body, “It will be yours.” Focusing his senses on the here and now with perfect clarity, Anakin sprung up into the air and descended on Jade with his blade at his front.
Finally, she fell, as Anakin scored a red gash across her shoulder and side. She dropped to the ground as he landed behind her, and Anakin positioned his red blade against the back of her neck. It would be the last time that he would use it, he promised himself. He would build a new one with Obi-Wan.
“I don't want to kill,” Anakin said harshly. “Live or die?” he asked her, hoping that she would simply surrender. He had been able to keep himself from tapping into the Dark Side, even in the heat of battle . . . but he was not so sure that he was ready to kill now, even though he had wanted to so badly before.
“Live,” Jade said calmly, her breath slightly jagged. She dropped her lightsaber to the floor, and Anakin swiftly called it into his hands with the Force. Satisfied, he tucked it into his belt. Jade's injuries were serious, but she would survive.
“Stand up,” he ordered harshly, taking a step back from her. He could see her stiffen for a moment, but then she slowly rose.
The slowness did not last.
With a speed that Anakin had thought impossible, Jade whipped a blaster around towards his head and her finger closed in on the trigger. Anakin was aware that it was happening; but it was happening too fast, even for him. He didn't even have the time to curse himself for his mercy as he brought his 'saber up with the intent of to deflecting the impending shots back at her.
But an instant before her finger could pull the trigger, Jade suddenly lurched forward with a gasp. The blaster dropped to the floor, and Jade slowly but surely followed it as she crumpled to the floor on her side, breathing raggedly. There, embedded in her back, was her own vibroblade. She had casually dropped it beside Obi-Wan's unconscious form . . . but Obi-Wan had woken up, and had used her abandoned weapon against her to save him.
“Curse you,” she gasped, drawing in a wet sounding breath. And somehow, Anakin didn't think she was talking to him.
“Thank you,” he said to Obi-Wan quietly, leaving the woman where she lay as he moved to help Obi-Wan up. “You didn't have to do that though, I could have . . .” I could have killed her.
“I know, Anakin. I know,” Obi-Wan replied simply, and Anakin knew then that Obi-Wan understood.
A feeling of warmth infused Anakin's spirit as he regarded his almost-Consort, and he knew that it was from Obi-Wan. Anakin nodded gratefully, and as Obi-Wan returned his look Anakin knew that no more needed to be said on the matter.
“You're hurt,”Anakin said worriedly, looking at Obi-Wan's pale face. “I'm taking you to the medics.”
“Don't forget about Jade,” Obi-Wan said softly as they walked over towards her and the door.
Anakin nodded curtly and eased Obi-Wan into a nearby chair before kneeling down beside Jade's still form. “I thought for sure that she was dead,” he said, surprised to feel a pulse beneath his fingers when he checked for one. He turned his head as he spoke to Obi-Wan. “I'll com for the medics to--”
Anakin broke off sharply as a hand reached up and clenched his arm. Wild green eyes looked up at him, and had it not been his robotic arm that she clenched Anakin was sure her grip would've left a bruise. Anakin tried to shake it off, but the hand stayed and with it seemed to come a flow of memories from its owner.
A small redheaded girl, all alone . . .
The cold consolation of an old man's presence . . .
Touching the Force the wrong way for the first time . . .learning to like it . . .
The pain of failure . . . she wasn't enough for him . . .
Betrayal.
Defeat.
A precious, small redheaded girl that couldn't be alone, not again . . .
. . . but a different girl, this time.
“She's . . . mine!” Jade said breathlessly, and the air left her lungs for the last time. Anakin could only stare at her body numbly for a moment, not sure if he could believe what she had somehow showed him. But whether she had meant to do it or not, Anakin could not ignore it.
“What is it?” Obi-Wan asked concernedly.
“Mara,” Anakin breathed. “Jade's daughter.”
~*~
This, Padmé decided, would be a good time for a vacation.
She couldn't even begin to fathom how it had happened, but somehow Anakin and General Radiin had managed to interact with each other in a civil manner for long enough to get all the documents drawn up. And not just any documents, but the ones that contained the provisions for the New Republic.
She watched as Anakin signed them with a small flourish, and the room burst into celebratory applause. And now that certain uncooperative people had been rooted out on both sides, there were far fewer unhappy faces than there would have been before.
Perhaps she would take Bail up on his offer to come visit her on Alderaan. Though she'd only been there once, she recalled that it was a beautiful planet, and surely Bail wouldn't mind some company. The poor man must have been terribly lonely since his wife had died.
The crowd of officers, diplomats, and secretaries gradually flowed out of the meeting hall, and once again Padmé found was surprised to find herself face to face with her former husband. But he wore no falsely charming smile this time, and seemed more interested in whatever he had on his mind than her. Which was good . . . she hoped.
“Congratulations, Your Highness,” Padmé said formally, smiling sincerely. Though it was hard to think of him as an Emperor, she thought it only fitting to show him this courtesy after such an accomplishment.
“Thank you, My Lady,” Anakin replied graciously, reciprocating the gesture. “But please, let's not be so formal.”
“Is there something I can do for you?” Padmé asked, sparing him the requisite chatter. With Obi-Wan still recovering from his injuries, she knew that Anakin wouldn't be here talking to her now if he didn't have something specific and important to say.
“As a matter of fact, there is,” Anakin admitted, and Padmé's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in skepticism as she listened to his request.
But she would do it, of course.
~*~
“She hates us.” Anakin declared glumly, closing the door to the girl's room behind them.
“I would hardly say that, Anakin. She's just upset now, and understandably so.” By some strange act of the Force, before she died Jade had managed to communicate to Anakin that she had a daughter, and where she was. Anakin had immediately decided that the girl would be retrieved and brought to the palace, and had grudgingly agreed with Obi-Wan when he had suggested sending Padmé to do it, since neither of them had been able to go right away. Obi-Wan didn't know what Anakin had been expecting, but the frightened, hostile little six-year-old that Padmé had handed off to them so gladly didn't seem to be it.
“She doesn't hate us,” Obi-Wan assured Anakin as they headed back to Anakin's chambers in the palace. “She doesn't know us well enough for that,” he pointed out.
“I suppose you're right,” Anakin admitted, opening his door for them both to enter. “But I hope she warms up to us eventually . . .” Anakin paused for a moment. “Obi-Wan, I was hoping she could stay here, with us,” he said hesitantly as he sat down beside Obi-Wan on the couch.
“Oh?” Obi-Wan was slightly surprised, as Anakin had never been unusually fond of children. But then, Mara was different; even Obi-Wan could see a bit of Anakin in her.
“'Oh?' Is that all you have to say?” Anakin seemed a bit frustrated, but took in a deep breath that seemed to calm him. “What I mean to say is, can we keep her?”
“Anakin, you're the Emperor of the galaxy,” Obi-Wan said patiently, slightly amused and more than slightly surprised by the question. “Who am I that you should ask my permission for anything?” he asked. “But I think its a fine idea, anyhow. Mara is quite strong in the Force and will need proper guidance and supervision,” Obi-Wan added.
Anakin's mouth opened, and then shut, and then opened again before he finally spoke. “I'm glad you agree,” he said, but he appeared pensive rather than happy at Obi-Wan's words.
Silence ensued for a short stretch of time, but it was more anticipatory than awkward. Anakin clearly had something else to say, and Obi-Wan would simply wait for him. Anakin looked down at his hands, fiddled with his robe, and then finally stilled and looked up.
“You're my Consort,” Anakin began quietly. “I was asking you as my Consort; as my companion who is legally recognized as my equal.” At this, Obi-Wan started slightly, and wondered once again just how much Anakin had granted him when he had modified the original document. “But you never agreed to such a position. I never asked you.”
“Anakin--” Obi-Wan attempted to interject, but Anakin continued on.
“So I'm asking you now,” Anakin said sincerely, capturing Obi-Wan's gaze with his own quietly fierce one. Anakin then moved closer to him, so that they were touching at the hip, and took his hands in his own larger ones. “Will you be my Consort, Obi-Wan? In the truest sense?”
Now this, Obi-Wan had not seen coming. Certainly, he loved Anakin, and Anakin loved him. They both knew it. But this . . . this was still a surprise. But it was a good one, Obi-Wan decided. Looking into the anxious ice-blue eyes of his dear friend, Obi-Wan answered the only way he could.
“Yes, Anakin. I would be honored to be your Consort.” Obi-Wan smiled, and Anakin's expression melted to one of relief and joy.
“It is my honor,” Anakin conceded, bowing his head forward briefly. He was silent for a moment, and then let out a deep breath with a whoosh of air. “You have no idea how long I've been wanting to ask you that,” he admitted, breaking into a grin. “And now that you're truly my Consort, would it be presumptuous to ask if you would care to share my chambers?” Anakin said impishly, his grin turning to a hesitant smile.
Obi-Wan thought this over for a moment, but only just. He and Anakin had lived together in close quarters around the galaxy for years, and despite all that happened Anakin was Anakin again. Obi-Wan had always found his partner's company to be pleasant then, and he suspected that he would still find it to be so.
“Not at all,” Obi-Wan replied graciously. “Though are you sure you won't get tired of me? We do spend a lot of time together already,” Obi-Wan remarked, leaning back against Anakin's shoulder.
“Oh, I can think of plenty of other things to do together, Obi-Wan,” Anakin said with a smirk, looking straight at him.
“Such as?” Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow and met Anakin's gaze.
“This,” Anakin tilted Obi-Wan's chin up and gave him a swift, loving kiss. “And this,” Obi-Wan felt Anakin's strong arms snake around his waist, followed by light kisses and nips on his neck.
Then Anakin's hands moved lower. “And--”
“Anakin!” Obi-Wan admonished, pressing his hands against Anakin's chest. Anakin immediately stopped and leaned back, and Obi-Wan could see the beginnings of concern on his face. “I certainly hope I didn't just agree to move into rooms that don't have a bed,” he said pointedly.
“Oh, you'd like to see the bed, would you?” All worry was gone from Anakin's face as he flashed a devilish grin, and in one fast, smooth motion he scooped Obi-Wan up into his arms and started towards the bedroom.
“And what do you think you're doing?” Obi-Wan asked, somewhat miffed by the fact that he was being carried like a child. Not that he really minded going to the bedroom with Anakin, though.
Anakin's steps came to a stop, and he looked down at Obi-Wan intently. “This is different, than before . . .” he said softly. When I forced you.
“I know, Anakin,” Obi-Wan said gently, wrapping his arms around Anakin's neck to show his willingness and submission. “I know.”
Thus it was with great delight that Anakin carried Obi-Wan to the bedroom, where even more delights were to be had.
Epilogue
She was scared again.
Her mother had always told her not to hold onto her fear, and she tried hard to let it go now. But her mother wasn't here now, and her fear wouldn't leave.
She hadn't been scared yesterday, after she'd been here in this big palace for so many tenday. She missed her mother, in a way, but she hadn't been alone. The men that looked after her had been nice.
“Come along, Mara,” came a kind voice from beside her. “It's time to go in now.”
Mara looked up at Obi-Wan and nodded shyly, and then allowed him to take her hand and lead her to the big set of doors. She didn't want to like anyone here, but Obi-Wan was so gentle and calm that she just couldn't not like him. He wasn't at all like her mother though. Her mother felt wild, fierce, and warm in her head, while Obi-Wan's presence was soothing and quietly affectionate.
“Are you ready?” a deeper voice asked, though Mara wasn't sure if Anakin was talking to her or to Obi-Wan.
Anakin was different than Obi-Wan. Her mother had said that name often, and somehow Mara knew that Obi-Wan's Anakin was the same one that her mother had hated so much. Even though Obi-Wan liked Anakin, there was something about the taller man that gave her a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach. But she didn't think it was a bad feeling . . .
“Of course we're ready,” Obi-Wan replied calmly, and Mara followed him and Anakin through the doors.
The room they were in was big, tall, and round, and on a raised platform in front of them sat a dark man, a strange looking woman, and a little green creature. There were a few other people sitting off to the side, and they were all dressed in the same brown robes that Obi-Wan always wore and had given her to wear this morning as well.
“Welcome, young Mara. Greet you, I do, on behalf of the Jedi Council,” The little green creature said, giving her a funny smile. “Master Yoda, I am. Know why you are here, do you?”
“I . . .” Mara looked up at Obi-Wan uncertainly, and he gave gave her a nod and smiled down at her. “Yes Master Yoda sir,” she replied. She remembered what Obi-Wan had told her.
“Good, good,” Yoda said approvingly. “Then do this, we will.” He banged his stick to the floor with a small thump and then motioned Anakin to come closer and join them. Anakin looked nervous, which was strange since he always seemed so confident at the palace. But Anakin came closer anyway, and Mara saw him take Obi-Wan's other hand.
“Strong in the Force you are, Mara Jade, and trained in its ways by the Jedi, you will be. Much is there to be undone, but even more is there to be learned.” Yoda had been looking at her, but at that moment he shifted his gaze briefly to Anakin instead. “Grant you the rank of Jedi Padawan, the Council does,” he continued, looking back at her. “Accept this girl as your Padawan do you, Master Kenobi?”
“I do,” Obi-Wan said clearly, squeezing her hand reassuringly. Suddenly, the light feel of Obi-Wan's mind became stronger, and Mara started slightly as she felt a pulse of reassurance and welcoming in her head. It was from him! She looked up at Obi-Wan and saw that he was smiling at her, and she shyly smiled back.
“Thank you, Masters,” Mara said respectfully, and then bowed first to her new Master and then to the other Jedi.
After some more talking Master Yoda dismissed them, and Mara left with her two guardians, one of who was now her Master. She was still a little nervous though, and she was glad that Obi-Wan didn't mind when she held tightly to his hand, something that her mother had never let her do. Anakin was holding Obi-Wan's other hand again, though, which very nearly annoyed her.
“It looks like you have two Padawans now, Master,” Anakin said to Obi-Wan with a smile, and Mara's eyes widened as he kissed Obi-Wan, square on the lips.
Seeing her looking, Anakin looked down at her and gave her a wink so brief that Mara thought she may have imagined it. “You'll get used to it.”
As they left the Temple in their ship, Mara felt a pang of sadness as she looked down at the grand building from the window.
“What's wrong?” Obi-Wan asked gently.
“There's no one there,” she said softly, her gaze still focused on the Temple as it faded into the distance. “It's so empty.”
Obi-Wan lay a hand on her shoulder, but he wasn't the one who replied.
“Give it time, Mara,” Anakin said, his face calmer than she had ever seen it. “The Jedi will return.”
And she knew she could believe him.
The End
And that's it! I'm so sorry for the wait, and thanks for reading anyway if you're still here. :)