Revenge

Disclaimer: It's mine! All mine! Mwahaha- *cough* that is to say it belongs to Lucas, and I'm sure he wouldn't be willing to give it up to me... Especially , if he knew my intentions towards it.
Notes: For a brief and shining moment, I had a beta. But she had to go away on vacation, so this is still terrifyingly unedited. Sorry.
By the way, this is back to Anakin's POV, and it takes place shortly after we leave Obi-Wan in Chap. IV. I really feel like this chapter has a lot of problems.. But if you can get past those, I hope you enjoy. ^_^


Chapter V


"Excuse me, young sir. The captain has sent me to inform you that we will reach Coruscant within the hour." I nodded to the protocol droid, waving it from the room. After it had cleared the doorway, and disappeared from sight, I finished bandaging the long gash on my shoulder.

The wound hurt, terribly, but that was to be expected. It probably would have been wise to ponder the consequences before I did it. I had only meant to distract myself from the intense inner pain I'd been experiencing. But it hadn't worked. Perhaps something else would lessen the severity of my fits.

The first time I'd had one of these 'fits' was that night with Obi-Wan. I'd believed, then, that it was somehow his doing, or related to his presence.. Even a result of my actions towards him. But when it occurred twice the next day, I knew better. They've developed beyond the initial feeling of claustrophobia and panic.
That night, it had seemed like the Force was closing in on me, crushing me. But now it's inside of me.. hurting in the same way it had when I'd fought against it.. When I'd forced myself from the clutches of death.

After the third fit, finding a way to stop them became my top priority. Over revenge. Even over 'why' I'm here.. although I have a sickening feeling that the pain is connected to the latter.

I'd left Naboo, that next day, when the Nubian family I'd been staying with brought a physician to help me. They may have done so out of concern, and 'from the goodness of their hearts' but I couldn't afford to let attention be drawn to myself. Besides, the answers I need can't be found on that planet. And I have no desire to seduce Padme, at this time. She'd been in her mid-twenties when I won her heart.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself. But I can't even recall her as she'd been.. Or will be.. All I have of her are the words that would describe her.. Her passion for justice, and quiet intelligence. But there is no smiling face to go with these forced memories. I can only see 'him'. And it's driving me crazy. That could, very well, be part of the reason why I'm on a ship carrying produce to Coruscant. Of course, the reason I'm fooling myself to believe is that I need to get to the Jedi Temple's Archives. I don't know of a place, in the entirety of the universe, that could offer a better explanation of what I'm going through.

The captain of the ship is the only other live being aboard. And he wasn't keen on the idea of transporting me to Coruscant. But a Force implied threat, and a glimpse of my lightsaber decided him. He's gone out of his way to avoid me, and that's just fine. It would most likely agitate him to see me, now, anyway.. shirtless, in an overly warm room, with a large white bandage on my shoulder, and medical supplies scattered about, in a careless mess.

The leather glove, that usually covers my prosthetic arm, is lying somewhere down the hallway, where I'd been when my fit overtook me. I'd torn it off, in order to inflict more damage on myself.. Specifically, more pain. I hadn't even felt it until the fit subsided. Now my body is letting me know, quite assuredly, that the pain is there.

Unlooked for, an image comes to mind. Had Obi-Wan felt the pain, later, from where his thigh had been cut? When I'd unintentionally hurt him as he was laying there, beneath me.. Breathing heavily, his fists clenched, above his head. Submissive and defiant, all at once...

I'm finding myself leaning against the inner wall, which is almost unbearably hot. Just a few inches of steel separate it from the heat of the engines. My real hand is following the light trail of coarse hair from my naval.. dipping below the waistline of my loose fitting leggings. Despite the lack of privacy the room offers, I let my hand slide lower, sighing as fingertips brush hardened flesh. How many times have I been in just this position, in the past few days? Allowing myself these sordid fantasies.. It's shameful. And yet, I can't stop.

Soft gasps escape me, as I drag cold false fingers up my torso. There's still a light sheen of sweat on my chest from my last fit. And, of all the different words I could use to describe the feel of the skin beneath my fingers.. soft and sweaty, over hard muscles.. shivers, in reaction to the cold metal.. The sensory pads on my prosthetic fingers only tell me two things.. 'Warm. Damp.' I think if it read 'that' in response to my exploration of Obi-Wan's skin, I'd rip the limb off... But that's hardly fair, as I'm sure it doesn't have 'mine' in it's expansive list of adjectives.. and that's the word that would stand out, in my mind. My actions.. And Obi-Wan would have no doubts, either..

There hasn't been a single waking, or sleeping hour in which he doesn't bewitch my thoughts. When I realized that it wasn't Obi-Wan, himself, that caused my fit, I'd breathed easier.. Even with the horrible thought of just 'what' was causing them. Tantalizing images of Obi-Wan, hot and wanting below me, are driven aside by the memory of my last fit, my body aching at a phantom pain. It had seemed much more violent, and prolonged than the former ones. Hence the rash attempt to distract myself.

I want to say that I'm simply imagining the pain is becoming worse.. But then I recall that Jedi are discouraged from any such foolish notion as imagination, right from the start of their training. I suppose that's what makes daydreaming, now, so sinfully enjoyable, and I'm easily (gratefully?) distracted by my desires for him, once again.

I can see it.. Hazy, like a dream.. The best of dreams, where to wake up is to fall from heaven.
Obi-Wan is laying before me, wearing only a thin tunic.. stretched luxuriously, on his back, until he notices me. I can see him rising.. walking, slowly, towards me.. That walk.. Force.. That walk haunted me for years. Even after we'd become lovers. I can imagine him sinking down onto his knees, before me.. See that perfect smirk.. The subtle arch to his left eyebrow, as he leans forward..

Hands on my hips, steadying me, as I grip at his soft hair... Just long enough to be considered vain. Pulling, guiding.. as if he'd ever needed my guidance. I can almost feel it.. Having been blessed to know the actual sensations at one time. To be given access to those lips.. that body, of his own free will.

My hand is a poor substitute to Obi-Wan's mouth. Calloused fingers sliding and tracing where there's only want of lips, and tongue. But, it's enough. With my eyes closed, and a flick of the wrist.. Knowing how he would touch me. How he 'had' touched me. He would trace his tongue just along this- yes, this path.. and.. And then he would pull back.. My eyes were squeezed shut so tightly that I felt a headache was imminent. When I begged him to continue, Obi-Wan would slowly start to take in my length, humming some silly tune softly..

And all the while he would force our gazes to lock... Sending images along our bond.. images of him ravishing me.. our first time together, intimately.. when he'd let me know, with no uncertainty that 'he' would be the dominant one of our relationship... and then there were images of me returning the favor.. The words 'Fuck, Anakin, Please..More..' spilling from his mouth in an ever changing order, as I drove into him.. Letting him know that I really quite preferred to top.

When I was on the edge, he'd run his teeth lightly over my skin, causing me to yelp, and stare down at his laughing eyes.. making sure my attention was fully on the task at hand. And when he was sure of this, he'd drag his nails down the planes of my chest, leaving long, borderline painful, red lines across the slick skin. Driving me wild, until I would tighten my grip on his hair, holding him in place as I filled his mouth.. That soft, taunting mouth, that would smile, and criticize, and laugh.. He would close his eyes, then, nails digging into my hips, as he concentrated on his relaxing his throat.. Letting me set the pace, which was always fast and hard.. I wanted him, so badly, it was never enough...

It was around this time, that the protocol droid returned, and with a quick "Oh my.." turned and left. I would have laughed.. but I was so close now.. Biting my lip hard, as beads of sweat formed on my face and neck. Stroking faster, as my hand tightened. Falling a bit farther into this maddening obsession.

And then I was coming, with a sound not unlike a whimper. Breathing, heavily, through teeth grit so tight that my jaw ached. I let myself sink back against the wall, cursing his existence for the umpteenth time that day.. Cursing my own.

*******

It wasn't long, after that, when the ship reached Coruscant. Not even Force suggestion could convince the captain to drop me off, nearer the Jedi Temple. It was just as well, though. There would be too high a chance, of someone noticing me, this early in the morning, while the majority of the temple slept. Being noticed could lead to questions I can't answer. I should wait until midday. In the meanwhile, there's the slight problem of transportation. Namely, how I will 'pay' for it.

There is, in fact, a part of me that dreads returning to the temple. That seeks to delay my visit, at all costs.
I am not sure if I can face the long corridors.. Knowing that the last time I passed down them, it was with an intent to kill. A command to. I'm sure I won't be able to see the faces of the younglings without falling into a state of despair. But I must discover what this pain is that plagues me. I have to know how it is I came to transcend time. Is it a punishment for my sins.. A gift from some higher power?

If anything even remotely like this, has ever happened before, the Jedi Temple Archives will have it listed. But whether or not they do, I can feel deep down to my tormented soul, that the answer will not be to my liking.

I stood there, watching the constant traffic fly by, on poorly lit docking bay 83. After a moment, I sat on the warm steel ground, and began to meditate. It was difficult. The Force was swirling around me, and the more I tried to center myself, the tighter my chest felt, until I was sure if I continued, another fit would begin. That was the first time I'd ever had to stop meditating to obtain peace, and it disturbed me, deeply.

So I sat there, watching as the sun slowly started to rise into the sky, hidden in the shadows of the countless buildings. And my mind wandered to thoughts of my last few, normal days, before my 'death'. All the pain and suffering.. For a moment, I touched on the thought that it was 'I' who had betrayed 'Obi-Wan'.. But he had come to Mustafar with the intent of killing me... Hadn't he? I brought myself, harshly, out of this line of thinking. It was too painful to ponder that I might have been wrong. To think that the blood on my hands is justified, is all that keeps me sane.

Fortunately, morning has slowly given way to early afternoon. I stood and stretched lightly, looking for a transport in the endless stream of vehicles. All I had to do was stand by the edge, and raise my arm up above my head. In less than a minute, a large and dirty cab stopped. One look at the driver let me know that Force suggestion would be more than enough. I could probably get away with telling him, when he let me off, that I'd paid him before we left the docks.

The ride towards the Temple was uneventful. The driver never said a word. I suspected that he didn't know the common language of Coruscant.. or perhaps his species was unable to speak? I tried to think of other places on this miserable planet where information could be gathered, while staring out the streaked window. The list was short. And when I recalled that the few contacts I'd made, were probably still children, it was back to the Temple Archive as my only source. Unless...

Years ago, at the beginning of my training, another boy told me of a creature, within the temple, that could look into the past. And even see the future. I had never heard of him, and was fascinated by the concept of a seer. Rumor persisted that after his death, he haunted the ground floor eastern wing of the Jedi Temple. At least that was the popular story amongst initiates and younger padawans.

When another padawan had dared me to go to the eastern wing at night, I'd accepted, determined to prove my bravery. But as soon as I'd travelled only a few feet down the corridor, a feeling of such terror overtook me that I ran all the way back to Obi-Wan's room.

That was the one time I asked him about the creature. He'd assured me that it 'had' existed, that it 'wasn't' haunting the eastern wing, and that I'd behaved very stupidly, acting on childish dares. I knew my master would never encourage rumors, so I believed him, but I was so shamed by his unusually harsh rebuke that I never brought it up again. Nor did I ever forget.

It couldn't harm, at least, to look into the possibility of enlisting this being's help. Especially if the archive proved a waste of time.

******

My knowledge of the Jedi Temple turned out to be very useful, to my entering without detection. A little used door was opened with the Force and a considerable amount of concentration, just a few turns away from the temple archive. Fortunately, the only adult Jedi present were engaged with no less than twenty initiates, each. Clearly leading them on a tour of the room, and explaining it's purposes. Droids hurried about, straightening after the children, and adding to the general picture of chaos. The only attention I was paid was in apologetic glances from the teachers, for their pupils' noisiness. I could have laughed, and would have in a different time.

But the site of so many younglings had set me on edge, as I knew it would. Guilt tore through me, nearly as painful as my fits were, but in another way. Still, there was work that had to be done. So, I found myself unhappily, using the oldest systems, in a secluded dusty corner, to research my troubles. I did find several cases of Jedi suffering symptoms like my own. But they all included growing large amounts of feathers, and severe hallucinations. Besides, it was unlikely that I had 'Inter-Space Toxic Pregnancy.' Several small variations in the way I listed my symptoms all brought up the same result, and I abandoned that search in an effort to discover why I was here. Perhaps the answer to that question would tell me what caused my fits.

One result did seem to match my predicament. An old news article claiming 'Respected activist, and famed senator Cort D-Rion claims he has "travelled back in time." but when I tried to access the full article, I was denied. It took the work of only a few minutes before I broke the security code. The rest of the article went on to tell how he'd actually suffered a negative reaction to some drugs he'd obtained illegally, and imagined the whole thing. There was mention of a seedy bar, and shady deals, as well. I couldn't fight the twinge of amusement in my disappointment. The Jedi, it seemed, were steeped in politics more than they let on. This man had donated hefty sums of money to the temple. In return, the records on his indiscretions were not open to the public.

Even the restricted files held nothing of use to me. I would have to go to plan B, it seemed. So I quickly did a search for all possible information regarding a creature, within the temple, that could read into time. I have to admit, I was mildly surprised to receive clear results. Master Yoda, of course, was listed. As well as several other elders who I'd met at some point or another. The only unfamiliar name was one Ynin Tstee from a planet called Raawl K'dn. A bit more research showed that he was, indeed, residing in the eastern wing of the ground floor. Room 638 to be precise. And I found nothing to indicate he wasn't alive and well.

My exit from the Temple Archive proved far more difficult than my entrance. The children were still running rampant, as their teachers huddled in a corner, talking amongst themselves, and leaving the hyper-active jedi-in-training to the care of the hassled droids. It was when I headed for the large archways leading from the room, that the trouble began.

Mace Windu, and another Jedi master who looked vaguely familiar entered , not twelve feet from where I stood frozen.

"All I am saying, Master Windu, is that you should at least give the Skywalker child a chance. He could, indeed, prove to be the chosen one." The other master appeared utterly serene. Sure in his confidence, but Mace quickly waved him to silence.

"I sense his presence here." My heart skipped a beat, but his eyes began to scan the many clusters of children.

"He most likely stopped by earlier today. Visiting with a different group. He does have a strong presence." Mace's mouth twitched into a frown.

"Too strong. I don't trust him." I hardly noticed the other master's indignation on my behalf, for my own fury. He didn't trust me, at nine? A child... For the first time, I looked back on his death with satisfaction, grim though it was. I had, apparently, caused myself much senseless grief, for my participation. After all, what sort of Jedi could harbor a grudge for years, and still not foresee his death at that person's hands. Well.. aid in his death, at any rate. I stepped back, hidden by a stone bust of some long dead Jedi, until they continued on. And then I slipped quietly from the room, drawing strength from my anger. Nursing my hate for the man.

The eastern wing of the ground floor, was eerily empty, as I'd always recalled it to be. There were signs in every imaginable language saying that you must be accompanied by a master, or authorized to enter. All the same, my progress went unhindered. But, before I could turn down the first long hallway, a sense of dread overtook me, and I found myself gripping at my lightsaber. The moment of fear passed, and I scoffed at my cowardice. Here I was, frightened of ghost stories, from my childhood.

All the same, I couldn't shake the sense of foreboding, as I wandered along, noting room numbers. 600.. 602.. The closer I got, the more I felt the hairs on the back of my neck sticking up, until I reached it. Room number 638. I didn't bother knocking, but took a long moment to brace myself, before I pushed the door open, not bothering to wonder why it was unlocked. The sight that met me is one I shall never forget.

The creature sitting twenty-some feet from me was one of the most frightening I could ever recall. Not because of his bizarre build, what with his thick, armless body, or scaly head. Rather, for the three blood-red eyes that watched me intensely. I felt like I was drowning, and it took me many long moments to realize I wasn't having another fit.

My true hand gripped my lightsaber so tightly that I was sure it was bleeding, but I couldn't look down to confirm it. I did manage to bring my eyes to his mouth instead, hardly any less terrible, but not entrancing like the orbs were.

"You do not belong in this time." I swallowed hard as rows of sharp teeth showed while he talked, still struggling to conquer my fear. It was a slow process.

"I know of the pain that plagues you. The confusion.. I know of 'him..'"

There was no point in my denying any of this, but irritation filled me, nonetheless. I couldn't place it's origin, except in the mysterious voice of this creature. It terrified me. Infuriated.

"You have upset the very balance of time, and it will right itself. Your foolish struggling against the Force has upset the very fabric of time.. Has placed you within your own past, where you cannot dwell. The strengths of the attacks will grow, until inevitably, the Force restores you to where you belong."

Death, then.. Panic rose in the back of my throat, as palpable as bile, but I fought it back down. The Force had failed once. I would defeat it again. Death would never claim me. I was too powerful for that.

"You cannot defeat the Force."

I turned my attention back to him incredulously. It is not possible that he read my thoughts.

"I already have."

I was able to draw my gaze up, now. Look him in the eyes without fear. This was just another Jedi creature, with simplistic views. Doubting in my abilities, despite being able to see into the future. If it had seen what I achieve (a galactic empire at my feet) it wouldn't dare say these words.

"You will not defeat the Force. Your arrogance will bring suffering and death to all you know and love. Your own wife shall perish by your doings. Anakin Skywalker, you are doomed."

"You would have done better to never say my name."

My lightsaber was ignited in a moment, but I hadn't taken two steps towards him, before I had to dodge aside. Barbs, from it's mouth, hit the wall just behind where I'd been standing. In the split second I'd looked away, he'd disappeared. But I could sense his presence, as I rose back to my feet slowly, saber at the ready. The room was vast, but nearly empty. Nothing large enough to hide behind.. And then a sickening thought occurred to me. I looked up, just as he finished positioning himself above me. Eyes glowing just slightly, and mouth opened to where I could see every jagged yellow tooth, he dropped from the ceiling.

More barbs were released, and I cried out in anguish as one struck me in the shoulder. In nearly the same spot as I had wounded myself, only a few hours ago. I narrowly avoided it's enormous mouth, as I felt whatever toxin was coating the barbs seep into my blood system. I had to act quick.. My arms already felt sluggish. With the advantage a split second afforded me, as it righted itself (confident in it's victory) I brought my leaden arms around, cutting into the creature. This movement took an incredible application of the Force. I was using myself as a puppet, willing the Force to lift my arms.. keep my hands gripping the lightsaber. Ynin gave a soft, horrifying scream, as green liquid oozed from the curiously un-cauterized wound. A swift stroke later, with the last of my strength, and the head fell with a dull thud to the ground.

My saber dropped lightly, the effort of holding it, too much. I only just managed to stay on my feet as I reached up, biting back a shout as I pulled the three inch barb from my shoulder. Blood seeped through my tunic, spreading warmly down my front. But the wound wasn't too deep. It would stop bleeding, soon. As for the substance coursing through my veins... It was a simple sedative. Potent.. But not so potent that one trained as a Jedi couldn't fight it off. I would be groggy for quite a few minutes to come, however, so I needed to get somewhere where I could recover quietly.

More of the Raawl's green blood spread slowly across the flooring, and I retrieved my saber, stepping back to avoid it. He had to have been wrong. I couldn't have killed Padme.. she was alive, when- She was alive. And I 'had' defeated the Force. Would continue to do so, if necessary. That was all there was to it. The red eyes glared up at me, dully, seeming to contradict my thoughts. Another flare of hatred went through me, towards the thing at my feet. I couldn't stay here any longer. The body might be discovered soon, and I have to leave the temple before they begin searching for the culprit. I must find Obi-Wan.

As I'm walking, brusquely, to the door, straightening my clothes, and hair, I can't help but look over my shoulder at the mess that used to be an asset to the Jedi temple. Another moment of irrational anger.

"I guess this means your ability to read the future wasn't so great, after all."

TBC...


I suppose I decided that I really didn't like Ynin, after all... Hmm. Well, I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! It turned out much longer than I'd intended.. which is why you may have discovered more errors than in previous chapters. While I was trying to proof read this, I kept getting distracted. Adding, and deleting things, and then I'd have to start all over again.
Anyway, I'm sorry our leading men didn't meet up in this one. I think I said they would.. The entire sixth chapter will be based, mostly, around their encounter (of course I may throw some more confusing plot into it, as well).

Reviews are greatly appreciated, as well as constructive criticisms and/or suggestions. Especially suggestions.