Together we fly
Together we fall
Together we all see
The death of it all
-Rob Zombie
Vader and Dormé walked side by side through the hallways to the bridge of the ship. Dormé felt lingering looks from various officers, but her eyes were only on her dearest Dark Lord and did not pay them heed. It seemed the rebels were far more trained and prepared than anticipated.
‘Prepare my shuttle,’ Vader stated in firm tones, ‘we will be departing for the surface immediately.’
As the officers reported, she remained silent and supportive, rewarded with a glance from her beloved. Though she was unable to feel his emotions or even see him smirk, the mask was not so dark that she could not see his eyes. She smiled at him, eager to watch him in action for it had been too long.
She made a note to herself that she would have to tell him how she adored the confidence he conveyed in each action, in each word...how it amused her how utterly terrified the officers seemed whenever he was around. It filled her with such pride for him.
Far below on the surface of the moon, word reached the Alliance Captain that something had gone terribly wrong. Communications was beginning to falter before finally dying out as one by one their comrades’ ships began to fall prey to the approaching Imperial Fleet…
As recalled to other Alliance members:
‘They came out of the smoke: a woman in a gown of crimson as if stained by the blood of her victims, and a monster clad in black, his breathing distorted and ominous through his mask.
‘Goddess of Death, I pray to thee. Do not let us suffer needlessly! If death awaits, let it come swiftly!
‘An officer trapped by exploded rubbish was the first the goddess spotted, pointing him out to her death mate.
‘The blazing red sword, the colour of her gown, was brandished high and took the soul for his queen. She cackled loudly, he cackled lowly.
‘The goddess's thirst was not yet quenched.
‘Another and another, one after the other was killed mercilessly at her bidding.
‘When I expected the killing to be through, she set her sights on me. I continued fruitlessly to pray to her, to all of the gods, but no one seemed to listen to my cry.
‘She paused in front of me, tilted her head to the side as if to judge me. The incarnation of her power strode to her side, his sword blaring bright, but she put up her hand. "Leave her," she whispered, her voice melodious. I could not help but stare wide-eyed and unbelieving.
"Spare her so that she may tell our tale to serve as a warning to others who seek to interfere with the Empire."
‘And this is what I do, from this day forth. I live to tell of the horrors I have seen to serve as a warning to the Alliance... The Goddess's thirst will never be quenched. The Goddess of Death will show no mercy! The sword is always stained with blood!'
The Valkyrie at my side is shouting and laughing with the pure, hateful, bloodthirsty joy of the slaughter... and so am I.
– Sin City
Never before had Dormé been given the honour of seeing her Dark Lord in action like this. It was a venerable sight to behold, one which she would not soon forget. Effortlessly, his blade slashed through his opponents, barely allowing screams to escape their throats before being singed with the crimson lightsaber.
Walking through the battlefield unarmed was dangerously exciting and the thrill of each blaster shot heading in her direction being deflected by his lightsaber caused her blood to rush through her veins.
She fed off his displays of might being equally fierce in her direction in the battle's aftermath, pointing out remaining victims to bask in each of his conquering blows.
It was unclear how it came about, but she had an epiphany when she spotted the young rebel which she allowed to go free. It gave her a sense of power and pride that she had never felt so strongly before. She was as proud of the Empire's victory at her beloved's hand as she was of the masterpiece they created. How could she resist letting one live to speak of it—to tell the galaxy what awaited them should they resist?
Left alone amidst the order they restored, she wanted nothing more than to kiss her King and hold him close, but such a thing was not possible here do to the injuries Kenobi dealt him. As if sensing this strong desire, she felt his hand slip to her waist as they move to depart. As much as she relished their masterpiece, she had seen enough and was eager to celebrate.
Just how in accord they were was not lost to Dormé as the pair moved together through the hallways and back to their quarters, though her eyes remained on him the entire time.
Upon returning to their chambers, she was quick to help Anakin remove his helmet. Once free from his mask, she was thankful for the strong arms around her which aided her as she stood on tiptoe to fervently meet his kiss.
My love, you are as beautiful as you are deadly.
The whispered thought made her smile, feeling as though they were the sole rulers of this Empire. And in a sense, they were. Who else could have created such order from Chaos?
A more noble and gallant knight I have never known, she thought. And mine, all mine...
As he drew back slightly, a smirk played on his features as touched her cheek gently. ‘I do believe celebratory drinks are in order,’ he murmured before moving to grab two glasses and a bottle of their favourite potent drink.
She was perfectly beaming, her cheeks slightly flushed as she nodded. She walked with him to the kitchen area, but allowed him to fetch the glasses and bottle of liquor, never taking her adoring glance from his ennobled form.
Returning her gaze, he gave another proud smile.
She always loved it when he smiled, noting the hint of mischievousness in it that made her heart race and her blood heat under his gaze.
‘You were magnificent today. Never in my life have I ever seen such nobility under fire. You truly are a Queen.’ He moved to give her another brief kiss as he added with a proud smirk, ‘My Queen.’
Dormé's slightly flushed cheeks burnt further at his compliment. Her hand slid over his which rested on the counter as he leant in to give her another brief kiss. 'I have been so honoured to have been given the chance to see you in action, my beloved Dark Lord,' she replied huskily before returning his kiss with one of her own. 'It is not an experience I will forget, but covet it for eternity.'
When he pulled back slightly, seeming to grow almost shy, she studied him with a possessiveness she never felt so intensely before.
‘I will cherish this moment forever, my love,’ he said huskily as he leant his forehead against hers.
She smiled, rubbing his hand contently.
Upon drawing back slightly, he studied her for a moment as his expression grew almost shy. ‘Actually, I would be honoured if you were to stand by my side and join me throughout all of my missions.’
Her eyes widened at the suggestion and her heart filled with such joy, she could not resist throwing her arms around him and kissing him once more.
When they parted Dormé replied sheepishly, 'Yes...I mean, I be honoured to accompany you, my love.' She caressed his scarred cheek as she spoke.
‘Had I known you would have been this eager, I would have asked sooner,’ he remarked with a grin as he leant into her touch. Brushing back a strand of her hair from her cheek, his expression softened. ‘Thank you,’ he sincerely added.
The timing was perfect for him to ask her. He couldn't have picked a better time and smiling, she just shook her head. Once again her cheeks flushed at his sincere expression of gratitude. If anything, her gratitude matched his. 'Thank you,' she replied softly.
After a moment, Dormé moved to fill their glasses, saying, 'I think we definitely have much to celebrate this evening.' She handed a glass to him, raising hers. It intrinsically reminded her of the first time she had come to his quarters years ago, when they toasted to the future. The future was here. Her eyes lit on fire.
At her words, his smile turned into a smirk. ‘Indeed we do. To think this is but the beginning…’ He took his glass letting his fingers briefly touch hers. ‘To our future. May it always be filled with moments like this and may all who stand in our paths burn in the flames of our fire.’
Dormé's glass clinked to his after the toast and as she took a long leisurely sip, her eyes never left his. It was so overwhelmingly wonderful to think there would be so many more celebrations of this nature to come.
‘It is too bad we can't be there to learn of the Rebel's reaction to our little...visit.’ He chuckled softly at the thought.
'A shame really,' she replied seriously though a hint of an impish smile gracefully working its way on to her features.
‘I can only imagine we've made quite the impression, you and I.’ He slipped an arm around her slender waist and tossed her a coy smile.
She pressed herself against him, wanting to always be as close to her Dark Lord as possible. Her own free hand explored the well-toned muscles of his chest as she spoke, 'And to think this will not be the last, my beloved.'
For years they had denied what they had only just fully realised to be true: that they were meant to be together as one--that their souls were forever entwined. Where her affections ended, his began and thus the all-consuming fire of their love would never be extinguished.
’I have never been so happy in my life and I have you to thank for that,’ he murmured, studying her features, relishing the look of love that weighed heavy in her eyes and the smile that danced on her lips.
She was touched by his words and this was evident in her expression. Dorme's hand slipped from his chest to caress his cheek momentarily, saying, 'Anakin, I want for nothing when you are by my side. Your happiness is my own.'
‘You are my universe, Dormé. When you are by my side nothing else matters,’ he murmured in reply as a gentle smiled crossed his features.
She smiled adoringly at him as her hand returned to his chest. 'I am so grateful to hold your heart for I love you so very much.'
At her final words he tightened his embrace as his eye opened once more to gaze lovingly at her. His hand slipped to her cheek now as he leant closer to her. "You will always hold my heart, my love, just as I am so honoured to be able to hold yours."
Though she was unable to feel his joy, she could hear it in his voice and see it in his blue eyes. She did not know how she existed before they acknowledged their feelings for he truly was her other half and she wanted nothing more than to be with him, so long as she made him happy. She set her glass down on the counter before embracing him once more.
They shared a pure kiss that could not be matched by any before this moment. Here she had first spoken with her dearest friend and it was here that she first took in all of him. If she were to die, this is where she would choose to. There was something unearthly about it as if they had already ascended to a higher place which was unreachable to anyone else.
When they parted, she rested her head on his chest, holding him possessively.
Closing his eyes he let his hand run through her dark hair enjoying the silky feel between his fingers as he sighed in contentment.
Dormé loved the way it felt in his arms, to have him running his fingers through her hair and both feel and hear his contented sigh. It was so wonderful to be loved like this and to be able to share such precious moments with him. However, her thoughts turned to their glorious battle and recalled how dominating he was, feeling a rush of pride at the thought. She could not help but wonder if he considered ruling the Empire as he would always rule in her heart. 'Have you ever thought about ruling the Empire yourself?' she wondered offhandedly. 'After seeing you today...your powers...the way they cowered in fear...I just can't help but wonder if you ever thought about it.' It was more hypothetical than something for Palpatine to be concerned with. Dormé was curious by nature and very proud of her Dark Lord. She wanted whatever would make him happy and couldn't help consider the possibility that he might desire to rule.
At her question, Anakin's eyes opened as he furrowed his brow. ‘...Politics isn't something that interests me,’ he admitted carefully before glancing away momentarily. When he returned his attentions to her once more, he shyly continued, ‘To be honest, the thought of ruling an empire is a bit...overwhelming. Frightening even…’
Noting his furrowed brow and sheepishness, she felt a pang of guilt for having brought it up. She too had never been much interested in politics. Though her background in handmaiden training had covered some political content, most of her training was physical. When he admitted to rule would be overwhelming and even a bit scary, she took it in empathetically. 'I'm not exactly politically savvy either,' she said shyly.
Giving her a gentle but shy smile, he touched her cheek. ‘You always understand,’ he admitted quietly the relief evident in his voice.
She was of the same mind as Anakin. It was true, there was no one else in the universe who understood her the way he did. 'I do think that if anyone could do it, you could.' She had so much faith in her friend and dearest love that she could not help but express it. She smiled at him and gave him a squeeze to accent her feelings.
His expression turned sheepish again as he bowed his head shyly in reply. ‘I think you have to be the only person in this universe who thinks I'm capable of such a position.’
His remark and wry grin while sweet was a bit disheartening. He truly didn't think himself capable of such a responsibility and with how much respect and love she held for him, she didn't want such a thing to stand in the way of his destiny.
‘I know you'd make a wonderful Empress. After all, you already are to me…my beautiful queen and angel. I just fear I may not be worthy to stand by your side as an Emperor…that I would bring shame to you somehow.’
His humbleness made her shy and she felt her cheeks burning at his words. 'You would never bring shame to me, Anakin... I would be more afraid of causing you dishonour somehow...'
As her cheeks warmed and her expression turned shy, he touched her cheek once more. Her words made his heart both swell and ache. ‘Dormé you could never bring me dishonour. You are my pride and joy, the true light of my life.’
When she raised her eyes to look back at him once more, she said with a slightly mischievous and almost teasing voice, 'If I were an Empress, I would not choose another to stand by my side except my King and dearest love. No one is more deserving.'
He laughed pulling her close once more as he leaned in for another kiss. ‘Good. After all, I'm not one for competition…at least not that sort, he teased back with a wink.
His laughter was a joy to her and after his kiss and light teasing, she giggled. 'And should you,' she said, pointing a finger to his chest, 'become Emperor, you had better not choose another for your Empress. I wouldn't want to have to kill another woman for making eyes at you.'
’Kill another woman?’ he asked curiously as his eyes danced with amusement.
It was not until his coy query that she caught herself. Opening her mouth slightly to reply, her eyes fell to the floor briefly as she admitted shyly, 'It was...I mean...' She met his blue eyes finally getting the courage to admit the truth. 'After the order that I was to be transferred, I spotted this officer watching you so intently. She was a slim woman with very short red hair. I don't remember her name...but anyway, I knew I was leaving and wouldn't be here with you and I couldn't help but think some other woman like that would catch your eye...and I, well...I found out she had a food allergy and made sure her dish was laced with it.
'Before I left I heard of her death, but I didn't feel any better for it. I was jealous and she probably only wondered what was beneath your mask. She probably had no interest other than curiosity.' She sighed, thinking he might consider her actions baseless and despicable, but told him the truth anyway.
‘You have no reason to be ashamed, for I behaved no differently in your absence.’
Anakin's understanding and the touch of his hand to her cheek warmed her heart. She was thankful her jealous actions had not put a rift in their relationship, for she would die before losing his friendship. No one else had ever gotten as close as he had. No one understood her as well as he did.
‘During our time apart I...heard from others that you were courting Lt. Piett..." he began shyly. ‘I was overcome with jealousy as well. I tried to refrain to stay out of it because I promised myself I wouldn't interfere. But in the end, I just couldn't standby and—so I decided it was best if I put in the transfer. I told myself it was because I couldn't refrain. In truth it was also because I couldn't bear the thought of you with him.
"But then I received his request to be transferred to the same ship as you and I..." His voice trailed off at the thought as his cheeks warmed. ‘I was so enraged with jealousy and sorrow over losing you that I broke into his quarters and killed him. I couldn't stop myself. I wanted to kill him so badly before, but I was afraid if I did, you would hate me for it…that any chance I might have had in repairing the damage I did to our friendship would be ruined because of it. But in the end, I did it anyway and...’
His slow revelation that he had killed Lieutenant Piett caused her mouth to drop open in shock. She had not thought of the young lieutenant since Vader stopped her from leaving, requesting she stay with him. Her brief thought of guilt at having not said goodbye to the officer were replaced with such honour there were no proper words to describe it.
He took a step back from her. ‘...I understand if you'd rather not be with me because of...I just couldn't bear the thought of another being with you...of the possibility that I would be forgotten, that all we had would disappear because I gave in to my feelings for you,’ he concluded despondently.
Never in a million years had Dormé expected anyone to be so in love with her. Even though they thought they had made a mistake by being together, their souls cried out that this was indeed meant to be, no matter what obstacles got in their way, no matter who attempted to come between them. She slowly recovered from shock, almost unbelieving that anyone would ever care so much for her a former Nabooan handmaiden from a lower-middle-class family who didn't have the proper upbringing or education as the other girls in handmaiden training had, who only knew of life from her experiences. It was then she registered just how far he had moved away from her...and because he thought she—She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly as she opened them again to look at him. 'I'm so sorry I hurt you,' she murmured. 'I never intended...’ she began.
‘Why are you apologizing? I am the one who pushed you away and forced you to try and move on,’ he admitted softly.
'He became attached to me and I thought nothing of it until he—' Dormé didn't want to say it, but knew she had to be honest with Vader. 'He spoke of marriage after only a short time together and I was only courting him to try to put what could not be out of my mind. I thought—'
Closing his eyes, he drew in a deep breath.
Dormé closed the distance between them, reaching up to place her hands on his shoulders as a sly grin worked its way onto her features. 'Anakin, I never thought anyone could ever love me so much...’
At the feel of her hands on his shoulders, he opened his eyes once more, gazing down at her with a look of fierce possessiveness and love.
‘…so much that they would—oh, Anakin!' Never before had anyone looked at Dormé the way Anakin was looking at her now. The fierce possessiveness and fire in his eyes spoke volumes, causing her blood to race and she kissed him.
’...My dearest friend and love, I will never let anything come between us again. We are meant to be, you and I. For you are the other half of my heart, my spirit, and my soul,’ he said in a fierce tone that was laced with sincerity and love.
Dormé found she could not be close enough to him, pressing her body against him, whilst holding him tightly. She touched his cheek, murmuring, 'And you are mine,' before kissing him again.
May the fires of our love burn through all eternity, he whispered into her thoughts as he ran his fingers through her long locks of hair while eagerly returning her kiss.
His kisses sent sparks through her igniting and reigniting that all-consuming fire within her, parching her, causing her to thirst for more. The more she received, the more she wanted. It was a never-ending cycle, but one she would never trade for all the universe.
on to chapter seven
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