"...this isn't going to work." I spoke up while observing my fiancé for the fourth minute since he'd walked in wearing the provided attire for our mission. The attire considerably lacking, and by that I mean he had no shirt and trousers that, well let's just say they were light enough that when he moved I could see everything. I mean everything. We were certainly going to have to discuss that before leaving but that was besides the point. He looked less like a slave more like a tribal god, and me? Well I just looked ridiculous. Anakin looked up and across to me, piercing blue eyes meeting mine with a shine.
"Why's that my dear?" He asked in a honey sweet voice that flowed through my mind like the finest silk. Oh he knew exactly what this was doing to me. The cheeky devil was purposefully trying to tease me and of course it was working. His muscled practically flustered in the ships low lights, I swear he must use moisturiser or something because no ones skin glow that brightly without product. Then against he really was that gorgeous naturally it wouldn't really surprise me. I rolled my eyes and walked over.
"This: even with the cha he of clothes it still seems like you should be selling me not the other way round, I mean come on Anakin, I could never beat you in strength alone," I pointed out gesturing between us as we stood there in the back of the gunship. Obi wan and Ahsoka were up in the cockpit giving us the space to change though I think both of them were just afraid to enter incase something else was going on in here. Anakin chuckled and stepped behind me as I checked myself in the mirror, wrapping his arms round my waist and propping his chin atop my head. "Maybe I should switch with Obi wan: I'm more a stealth person...I'm not sure I'd appeal to slavers..." I sighed while adjusting the various buckles and straps of the amour I'd been placed in. Supposedly I was meant to be a syndicate bounty Hunter looking to talk out a treaty with the queen. In theory it was a good plan, I had the knowledge to pull it off just not the looks nor confidence that came with being someone so devoid of morals. I caught Anakin give a frown I the reflection and felt and he used his hand to turn me round so we were facing.
"(Y/n) slavers would love you: that's exactly why I want to keep you away from them, your off limits this way and that's exactly how I want it." He explained resting his hands on my shoulders and maintaining a steady eye contact as he learnt closer until his forehead was gently pressed to mine and our noses touched lightly. I gave small smile from his protective nature though I still wasn't feeling all to confident about my role. If something went wrong it would be Anakin that got hurt, I don't think I could bare that. Ever since I'd known him Anakin had had scars, he never talked about them but they were easy to recognise. Whip lashes, long red lines that ran fainting down his back telling me his past without needing for words.
"I get that Anakin I just don't want to mess up: I'm afraid of loosing you..." I admitted with a heavy sigh dipping my eyes down for a brief moment before feeling his hand move to lightly claps my jaw. With a gentle grip he tilted my head so that I was facing him once more and our eyes could meet again, his warm breath washing over my cheeks as his gaze softened.
"Love you don't need to worry about that: I'll never leave you," he whispered while gently dropping his hands down and pulling me towards his chest in a warm embrace. Resting my head against his shoulder I let out w long sigh as he pressed a kiss to my forehead and held my upper torso in the grip of his strong arms. "I'm always going to be here for you (y/n): all your life, you never need to worry about I thing okay? I'll protect you from anything the galaxy throws our way." He added, stroking his fingers through my hair as I let my eyes close for just a minute. I enjoyed these little moments we got and always felt I should savour them even though technically we could be as close as we liked now. Still, I couldn't have complete faith in Anakin's words - don't get me wrong, I wanted to. However with his relationship with the Chancellor knowing what I know I still worried he'd become manipulated by the dark side. Palpatine had tempted him before when he had nightmares of me dying, I highly doubt he'd stop trying now.
A couple of hours arrived and we finally arrived at Zygeria, dropping Obi wan and Ahsoka off on their own private mission while Anakin and I flew on in the unmarked ship to the Zygerian capital, landing on the outskirts and settling the engines. My heart was pounding: these people, they were the lowest of the low, they traded lives for money. They made me sick and yet for now at least I had to pretend to be just like them. I could already feel my skin crawl as I stood there helmet in hand waiting for Anakin. He said he was making a few adjustments to his outfit so I'd have less to be jealous of when we met with the queen but honestly...I think he just needed a moment to get her his thoughts. He'd been pretty tense the entire trip over, any time the word 'slave' was mentioned I could feel a wave of anger crackle from him through the force. This was not a mission someone with Anakin's background should be on, nor a padawan, these were severe adult matters that should be treated as such.
"Are you ready to go love?" I was suddenly aware of my fiancé asking from across the cargohold. Quickly I turned to face him relieved when I saw he'd covered up with one of Obi wans fire damaged robes - don't ask, turns out hairspray flame throwers are more deadly than they're given credit for. Anyway not only that but apparently he must put another pair of pants on because things were a hell of a lot more decent in the trouser department. The only things he'd really kept the same were the gold wrist clamps and collar set - again no questions at to wear this stuff came from, Obi wan had very red cheeks when I asked I wish he'd never told me. Anakin meanwhile, well he couldn't stop laughing. The things poor Obi wan does for us.
"Yeah I'm ready: are you..?" I asked in return giving him a gentle smile, the last I'd be able to before we left the ship. He walked over while tugging the tattered hood of the light beige robe up over his ruffled hair so only his beautiful blue eyes were visible. The blue was softened compared to past mission, a gentle kind hue that sort comfort rather than gave it so much. I hated that he had to go through this but Anakin was just to stubborn to let me take his role. He said is was because he didn't want other men to look at me that way but I knew what he was really doing. Anakin was making sure I was protected and never suffered the pain he'd been forced through as a child, he was sacrificing himself to his own fears to protect my innocence in the matter. For that I felt both gratitude and guilt, as a result I planned to look after him in return.
"I'm ready just..." he paused right beside me, staring straight down into my eyes. Before I could really react he'd leant down and pressed his lips to mine, stealing a drawn out kiss from my lips before leaning back again, leaving me wanting more. "Alright: now I'm ready, take me away." He added in a softer tone while tracing his thumb along my jawline, reluctantly lowering his hand once he was done. I nodded with apology in my eyes at what he was about to be put through. Even just for a few hours I'm almost certain this will not be an enjoyable experience on either side, but it's be worse for Anakin...
"Alright...just remember: signal me at any moment and I'll pull you out," I reminded him for probably the hundredth time as I reached my free hand out to lightly take his, trying to comfort him while I could. He nodded in understand and gave that 'it'll be fine' smile. I just hope that didn't jinx us. I mouthed one last I lived you as I pushed the panel to lower the ships ramp, sliding my helmet down over my head as I did so.
'I love you too Angel.'
He replied through the force as the end of the ramp touched down upon the planet and for a moment I felt butterflies in my stomach at those simple sweet words. No matter how many times I heard them, they still managed to give me that buzz of joy. Helmet on I grabbed the back of his robe and gave him a light shove out onto the ramp before drawing my blaster and proceeding out with all the confidence I could muster, trying not to choke on air as I caught sight of the disgusting market ahead. The place was teaming with slavers and the people unfortunate enough to end up in there possession, herds of disheartened woman men and children walking with lowered gazes behind their respective owners. It was despicable, these monster were willing to trade lives for money - to sell children into harsh work placements just to fatten their profit margins. It was horrible: truly, I couldn't believe people as sweet as Anakin and even Ari had come from such a terrible world.
Anakins po
I could feel the pain and heartache from (y/n) as my own through the force, the connection of our souls through the force only amplifying the feeling. She was so pure and sweet, exactly why I didn't want her here. These people are ruthless monsters playing an entirely unfair game, I knew she'd hate it but that didn't make the pain any less heart wrenching. I myself was trying not to look up, focusing my sights down on my feet so I didn't see something infuriating and loose control. Clenching my jaw as I heard various cries and whimpers I continued on and she pushed me forward down into the market place. Her actions around me were hesitant, mostly likely because of the guilt I felt from her. She was holding back afraid to hurt me. I love how kind she is.
'Angel you're going to need to be a bit more aggressive.'
I spoke through the force directly into her mind without looking round. There was a moments silence as she slipped us through the narrowed streets.
'But I don't want to hurt you...'
She replied quietly through the force, that pain from her intensifying and causing my chest to tighten once more. Gritting my teeth I had an idea of how to spark up her anger and mentally prepared for her to telepathically yell at me. Just as we where approaching the first set of palace guards I decided to try for a reaction.
'I kissed your master again.'
There was no hesitation after I spoke that little white lie, straight away I felt a punch to my jaw - which I had not been expecting. Stumbling back to try and keep with the act I just say I was a little offended see she actually thought I'd cheat of her. Then again, she had fair reason given my drunken mistake in the past. Cupping my jaw I looked up and tried not to smirk as I saw her standing tall most likely growling down at me.
'That's more like it, keep that energy up.'
I couldn't help but chuckle through our force bond as she yanked me back to her side and proceeded up to the fairly cautious looking guards.
'Wait so you didn-
'Nope.'
I replied before she even had to finish the question, feeling her relief through the force as her grip once more loosened a bit and we came to halt by the base of a grand staircase. The two guards stared down at us which was my que to return to staring as the floor nervously. Meanwhile one of the guards cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"This area is off limits to-
"My employer expects his gift to arrive on time: now unless you pair want to piss off the mighty Lord Schina I suggest you step aside." My fiancé spoke clearly without allowing the man to finish, a growl of warning to her words. By the worried expression that flashed across their faces it seems we are least picked out the right name. I felt a sense of pride in my future wife's engeertuity, she was so incredibly smart when it came to these things. I didn't even know who the guy she'd picked to pretend to work under was, she just seemed so certain they'd have heard of him here that I decided not to argue. The two guards shared a glance before looking back to my (y/n).
"Right this way: her highness will be expecting you." The first guard quickly replied while stepping side to let us pass. (Y/n) said nothing and just kept her head high while dragging me along at a brisk pace up the staircase. We where escorted by the first two guards to the entrance then they switched with another pair and we were led inside down a grand hallway until reaching a set of double doors ornately decorated. With confidence (y/n) walked forward and kicked the doors open while continuing to drag me along. Dear force I'm liking this side to her way to much, I wonder if she'll keep this energy up until we can get some privacy...
At the end of the hall sat a woman clothed in gold being waited on by several poor twi'lek females. She narrowed her eyes towards us and clapped her hands to signal her guards.
"How dare you enter my throne room without invitation." She scolded, scowling at my fiancé with a vicious glare. Then her eyes moved and lingered on me a little longer in a way I was far to familiar with.
"Forgive me your highness but I bring a gift from my employer," she spoke in a modulated voice altered to a monotone by the helpmeet she wore. Still looking at me the queen face a slowly nod and stood up, placing her glass upon the tray of the nearest serving girl. (Y/n) then subtly signalled me by tapping my arm then quickly tore the cloak from my body, exposing me entirely to her eyes. I gritted my teeth and kept my eyes lowered though I did glance to watch as the queen began to circle round me. "He is of the finest condition: my employer wishes to gift him to your majesty in exchange for a long term trade agreement, he is willing to provide you with more wealth in exchange for a large number of fine quality slaves." (Y/n) spoke though there was a slight harness to her words. I could feel her seething, presumably from the way to queen was looking at me. She was jealous, of course she was jealous. All throughout the republic our union was known, but right her and now the queen likely saw me and fair game. Still she had no reason to worry, I only have eyes for her and her alone. With that in mind when the queen reached out to touch my chest I struck my hand up with lightening fast reflexes and gripped her wrist, holding her hand back away from me and flaring now directly into her eyes. Only (y/n) got to touch me like that.
"It appears he will need processing." The woman spoke coldly as she yanked her hand from my grip and rubbed the now reddened area of her wrist. I had to seriously try to hold in my smirk as she flared my way, able to sense (y/n)'s own amusement from the interaction.
"Oh naturally,"
She spoke with a slight chuckle only I seemed to hear. "But rest assured he is the finest specimen you will find." She proceeded to say, looking my way for just a moment before back to the queen. The queen though annoyed seemed impressed and utterly captivated in staring my way. Though my attention was solely on my love.
'Am I now?'
I spoke through the force with an amused chuckle earning a pinch to the side from her hand still holding me. Though it now more felt as though she were holding me to keep me from the queen rather than anything else. The queen hummed and stepped back clicking her fingers to signal for the serving girl to walk back over. She took her glass back from the tray and sipped at the contents while her eyes trailed my body once again.
"...and who might your employer be..?" She asked with curiosity turning back to face (y/n). This is where we'd find out if our chosen host really did live up to the hype. I watched the woman carefully as (y/n) went to speak.
"Alexus Schina." She spoke clearly and to my relief the expression I saw upon the queens face was one of surprise rather than dismissal. It appeared we were in the clear with our lie by the way she slowly nodding seeming to be familiar with the name.
"I see..." she mused quietly before a man in the typical Zygerian amour store in and right up to her, whispering something in her ear to which she nodded then waved him away. "If you wish to access the quality of our stock I suggest you follow now and you may see the night of Zygeria for yourself and on behalf of your...employer." The queen spoke placing her glass aside once more and smoothing her dress out as she stored towards a door that led out this throne room into another hall.
"That would be most appreciated your highness." (Y/n) replied, reluctantly walking ahead alongside the queen while I followed on behind and quietly counted the number of guards around. The number seemed to increase the further we went, and this place was such a maze I'd already forgotten which was the exit lay. Perfect for trapping slaves I guess.
Proceeding on I squinted as sunlight became apparent ahead, struggling to make out what was there until we got closer. As we walked out onto a platform I realised in was a colosseum much like the one we fought with on Geonosis only far less dilapidated. Beyond lay crowds of eager spectators, the scum of the universe all gathered within one place. What I wouldn't give to burn this place to the ground right here and now. Stood behind the queen as she took her seat I resisted the urge to strangle her and instead looked ahead down into the arena as someone was brought out. My heart sank at the sight: there tied to the stand was Obi wan, which meant their mission failed, that him and Ahsoka had been captured. I didn't even pay attention to the announcement, I was to busy trying to control my anger.
I swear if they hurt Ahsoka I'll burn this place, she's just a kid...
"You: show the Jedi their place." My attention was suddenly drawn back as I realised the queen was addressing (y/n), feeling the uncertainty from her as the queen held out an electro whip. For a moment she glanced to me clearly seeking some kind of advice but all I could do was give a small sad nod. Reluctantly she looked back and grasped the device in her hand.
"Gladly." She spoke clearly though I'm sure behind the helmets modulator their was uncertainty to causing a tremor in her voice. I watched sadly as she turned and jumped over the railing down into the railing, feeling her uncertainty as she ignited the whip and proceeded to walk round master Kenobi a few times while the crowds called out for blood. I was so distracted by the tricky situation my future wife had been placed in I barely noticed as another man walked out onto the platform. He only caught my eyes due to the grandeur of his attire and the fact he sat himself directly beside the queen. She whispered something to him and my eyes narrowed, something just didn't feel right but I couldn't place what. Then without looking round the man face a gesture and I was caught by surprise and two guards suddenly stepped beside me and took a firm hold of my arms. At first I believed they were just being cautious but then I noticed the soldiers getting ready at every exit to the arena.
"Oh please: you couldn't seriously be expecting not to be recognised, general Skywalker."
The man spoke with a low chuckle looking back over his shoulder towards me with a cruel smirk. The pace of my heart quicken in fear as I looked from his eyes out across to where (y/n) had set Obi wan free and begun to fight an impossibly outnumbered battle. I rushed forward with all my strength pulling and lore guards appeared to hold me back.
"It's a trap! (Y/n)! Get out of-
Before I could finished I found myself tackled down and pinned to the ground. Of course immediately I went to through my captors off with the force only to feel something metallic clamp round my neck and my connection suddenly severed. I growled and cursed under my breath, breathing heavily in anger as my cheek pressed against the cold stone of the platform floor.
"I want him Alexus: you may have whatever else you desire but I want to take Skywalker." I heard the queen speak as two distinct sets of feet came into my view. I gave a growl as she spoke of me like an object wishing to be free so I could choke her for leading us into this trap. She must've known the second we lied about where we came from who we were if not sooner, she led us into this knowing exactly how it would go down. She put my future wife in unnecessary danger, she was going to pay for that.
"Our agreement was already settled your highness: you receive the padawan and the master, I take Skywalker and execute his little pet, that was the deal." That man spoke in response turning to face her. Giving a growl i flickered my eyes up and glared into the side of his head.
"Lay a hand on (y//n) and I swear you'll suffer a fate far worse than death..!" I yelled the best I could while speaking the strength to fight back and push against those holding me down once again. The man: the scoundrel that sought to take my Angel from me, he laughed and crouched down before me so that our eyes could meet.
"I admire you courage general: I really do, but your sentiment leads you astray, she weakens you...I'll be doing you a favour by ending her," He chuckled darkly and I just tried to get a single punch in as rage flooded through my system. Without braking eye contact he stood back up. "Now, goodnight General." Before I could process his words I caught sight of his foot fast approaching my face, barely having time to widen my eyes before feeling the harsh impact. A high pitch ringing filled my ears moments later and black spots grew to consume my vision.
My last thoughts where of (y/n), praying for her safety in all this. I still don't get why she's targeted so often: it's not like this could be Dooku's doing, at least I highly doubt it. Perhaps I would do some digging and try to figure out why her life's in constant danger, it would be the best way to protect her. There must be some way I can stop all this from happening to her...maybe the Chancellor would be able to help.
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I'm just going to stop this extra long chapter on that wonderful bit of irony, enjoy.
Oh also I lost my list of plot points so if there's specific clone wars stuff you want in here before revenge of the sith please comment, I'm going to do the mendolore bit soon and sabotage but if there's anything else please do let me know.