|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Missing Scenes
Pre Revenge of the Sith: Coming to Blows
She is nervous. Excited even as she deftly moves the blade letting it clang against the two young handmaiden's blades. Both Nandi and Teckla were quite skilled with the melee they wielded and the Sabé was quite proud of Padmé's newest additions. With Yane and Eirtae both now engaged to be married, Sabé took it upon herself to prepare these two new recruits to replace the older handmaidens so they would be ready to enter service upon their resignation.
But tonight her thoughts lie elsewhere and it almost costs her a rather important move but quickly Sabé recovers and is soon lost in the battle of the swords once more. It isn't nearly as intence as her fights with the Jedi Master but it is challenging enough. Especially with two on one as it is now and with her thoughts once more lingering to the chance encounter with Obi-Wan. It was only by fate or as he would say the force that their pathes crossed once more and from it came a possible invitation she couldn't refuse. Now she is counting down the minutes till she could politely end the training and leave.
However from the corner of her eyes Sabé catches sight of another standing at the entrance of the main training hall of the small Dojo. She should be relieved for the distraction but at the sight of Anakin Skywalker she inwardly forces herself to find inner calm. He was the last person she wanted to see and the scars that still remain on her arms is but one of many reasons as to why.
Drawing back from the spar the handmaiden lowers her blades causing the two younger girls to step back as their attentions remain on thier teacher.
"That was an excellent beginning, but we should call it a day. Now you both go home and practice the moves I have showed you today and tomorrow we will continue."
She then realizes that the two have now noticed Anakin's presence and inwardly taking a deep breath as she knows she has no choice but to be a proper lady.
"Jedi Skywalker may I introduce you to Senator Amidala's newest handmaidens, Nandi and Teckla."
He nods politely to them once more the role of a proper gentleman.
"Nandi, Teckla, this is Jedi knight Anakin Skywalker."
Both bow politely to him their expressions a look of awe reminding Sabé that like many these two only regard him as the Hero with no Fear a title she inwardly feels is more then a little inappropriate. But she is careful to hide these thoughts as she grants them permission to leave to which they do quickly leaving her alone with Anakin once more.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Sabé says as amicably as she can reminding herself that she did promise Padmé that she would try to at least be civil. His expression she finally notices is smug. More so then usual, and it instantly sets her on edge.
"I know all about you Sabé."
She furrows her brow. What could that possibly mean? He smirks proudly, but something in his eyes seem dark and it causes her to step back instinctivally.
"Though I admit I'm a bit surprised at you. To think the high and mighty Sabé Nabish always so eager to look down her nose at everyone who isn't a perfect as she believes herself to be, isn't so perfect after all.
Really did you think I wouldn't learn of your little secret? Not that it matters anyways it's a dead cause and we both know it."
She blinks and raises a brow slightly.
"I really don't know what you are talking about Anakin. However I do have other matters to tend to that are of importance so if you'll excuse me."
She says turning away to head to her locker at the other end of the room curious to know what this is about and yet dreading it all the same.
"Stay away from Obi-Wan."
His words are direct to the point and it causes her heart to drop to her feet. He knew. Forcing herself to calm Sabé quietly turns to face him inwardly grateful the Dojo is empty because of the late hour lest anyone hear.
"Well that is going to be rather hard to do seeing I am Captain Typho's second in command and my duties include reporting to the council about any information found on the Droid movements."
She states sthly pretending like she doesn't know what he is getting at. Anakin moves forward and is soon within her personal space as he curls a lip in disgust.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about so you can quit the little innocent act. I know what you tried to do to Padmé and I know what you're trying to do with Obi-Wan. It won't work, so give it up."
Suddenly everything fell into place as she studies him in a new light. Behind the obvious anger that is radiating from the Jedi there as an undertone of desperation and fear. He truly believed she was trying to turn them against him. Did he not know or believe that they cared too much about him for such things?
"Anakin, I'm no threat to you and you know it. Why are we even having this conversation?"
He scowls.
"Don't try it Sabé, I know of the mindgames that you try to play on Padmé, she sees right through them and so do I. And I know about your feelings for Obi-Wan. I promise you if I even catch you making one wrong move towards my old master I will make your life miserable."
Her eyes widen slightly in surprise at his remarks but her instincts take over and she doesn't back down.
"Do you have such a low opinion of me that you truly believe that I would do such a thing?"
She says calmly as his scowl deepens.
"I would never do anything to bring discredit or dishonor to your former master's name if that is what you're worried about. Though I think you should have more important things on your mind then maintaining his good name.
After all how long do you think your little ruse is going to last? You've already done a fine job of disgracing the Jedi with your false loyalty."
She states plaintivally as his eyes flash in fury.
"Oh and your any better Sabé? You talk highly of honor and duty meanwhile you pointlessly chase after my former master, as if you ever had a chance to begin with.
Didn't think I knew did you? Like I said I can ruin your life. You know as well as I do what would happen should he learn of your feelings."
He states with a proud but cold look. Sabé knew without question what would happen. Obi-Wan ever a nobleman would cease to share her presence again, out of concern and respect for her name and she in turn would do the same for the exact reasons as well. With the rush of fear comes a flood of anger as the handmaiden finds herself baffled at the fact that Anakin of all people would do try to blackmail her with this.
"You of all people have most to lose in all of this. You dare try to slander my good name or Obi-Wan's with this little bit of nonsense you believe, I will ensure the entire council knows of you facade! I will tell them everything."
He laughs harshly.
"You think they'll actually believe you?"
He states as she glares at him in fury.
"Yes. Because I have all the evidence, afer all I was the one who arranged to have the priest marry you both. Oh and I'm sure they'd be more then interested to know how I got the scars on my arms as well."
"You even breath a word about Padmé and myself; I will kill you!"
He growls moving swiftly toward her only to be stopped by her blade as Sabé places it between them forcing the Jedi to stop dead in his tracks. Anakin eyes burn with a dark fire as he growls grabbing his lightsaber.
"Do you think that is going to make a difference?"
He hisses drawing his own blade as she returns his glare subconciously realizing the hatred that now burns in his eyes is a reflection of her own.
"No, but I don't imagine it will look too good either having a Jedi strike down an obviously inferior opponent. Even if you are the chosen one the odds certainly won't be in your favor."
"You're hardly unarmed and hardly untrained."
He retorts sharply activating his lightsaber as a flicker of fear crosses Sabé's eyes. He means to do it, she inwardly thinks.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you."
She states quietly as his eyes narrow a malicious smile playing on his features.
"Do what? You're the one with the blade pointed at me not the other way around."
She nods slightly in reply before letting her eyes drift to the small hidden camera against the wall. Yet despite this hidden assurance the blade in her hand starts to waver slightly as she feels the blind hatred pouring off of him in waves. She inwardly wonders what it is keeping him from killing her and can only surmise only one answer.
"You can't kill me Anakin because if you do I will win. Padmé will never forgive you, Obi-Wan will never be able to look at you again without shame in his eyes. You believe that I'm trying to turn them against you, but it is your actions that will result in the loss of Padmé's love and Obi-Wan's friendship. You know that as well as I do."
"What do you know about loss Sabé? You on your mighty throne of ice thinking your so damn perfect. You don't know what its like to lose everything you've ever loved and cared for. To know that in a heartbeat it could all dissapear and crumble away. I know what it's like and I will not let it happen. Not again."
Sabé is unable to move as the darkness evident in his eyes reveals the fury, pain and fear that is driving him forward. She hears the hum of the blade growing louder as she catches sight of the glowing tip is mere centimeters from her throat causing her eyes to widen further as she struggles not to panic or reveal her fear.
"Stay away from Obi-Wan. He does not love you and never will love you. And if I catch you trying to put your little hooks into him or trying to poison Padmé's thoughts about me, I will not hesitate to kill you. Slowly. Understood?"
She nods weakly unsure what else to say as he lowers the blade and shuts it off before with a flick of his wrist he uses the force to remove her sword from her hands causing it to land on the floor with a clatter. Then without another word he promptly departs leaving Sabé more then a little shaken by his actions and fearful for Padmé and Obi-Wan.
The Council meeting that morning had been full of hopeful news. The Jedi reported missing had been found and a Seperatist colony had been delivered back to the Republic.
Though it had been nearly a month since his official initiation into the Jedi Coundil, Obi-Wan was still in incredibly high spirits. It still felt new and exiciting to be sitting in his chair, albeit a little intimidating. He knew that being surrounding by so many wise Jedi Masters would be one of the most extremely rewarding experience in his life.
Master Yoda had given Anakin the leave he'd been adamantly requesting for the past how many months now, so everyone seemed to be getting their just rewards.
And now, he was hoping his plans with Sabé hadn't been deterred by any other duties. He had only seen her in passing that afternoon. Brief and formal as the conversation had been, they'd arranged to meet after her handmaiden training. Obi-Wan figured she'd like a picnic in the Jedi Temple's gardens. A meal was always a welcomed event after a hard workout.
There was a spring in his step as he made his way to the Dojo, not noticing the pair of dark eyes following him. His fingertips danced on the hilt of his lightsaber absentmindedly, brushing the etching that was inherently Nabooan.
She is on edge and almost jumpy from the events that had occurred only minutes ago. Quietly she packs her things but hesitates ensuring the Tonto remains hidden away properly in its usual place on her body. She knows she should know better but after the display given it was hard to shake the feeling of darkness that seemed to linger.
He barely lifted his fingers and her sword literally slipped out of her fingers and onto the floor. All along he could have removed the sword but he didn't because he wanted her to believe she was in charge of the situation. Another shiver runs down her spine at the thought. Would she ever have a chance of stopping him should he ever actually showcase his real strength? She promptly pushes down the thought for it is in truth too frightening for her consider.
Suddenly sensing the familiar hum of a force sensitive presence her eyes narrow her body stiffening as she draws the blade from its hiding place. Moving swiftly into position she prepares to pounce at the one who dares to enter her mind no longer of conscious thought but in full instinctive fight or flight.
Elsewhere Dorme feeling honored to have the mighty Jedi Skywalker ask her to act as his eyes and ears quietly lingers and follows Obi-Wan from a distance. Though she knows she hasn’t completed her training with Sache in the arts of espionage she is confident enough her limited skills will prove useful in aiding the Jedi knight in question.
In silence she notices Obi-Wan entering the infamous Dojo where she once trained as well and inwardly smiles. This is certain to bear something of use she surmises quietly nearing but trying to be careful to keep her distance.
The lift arrived on the proper floor and Obi-Wan made his way down the hallway to the training rooms. He didn't notice the turbolift next to the one he had just got off had also just arrived on that floor.
His thoughts were on other matters, namely of what he would be able to acquire for said picnic in a pinch, should she take the idea. At least there weren't many people on this level so broaching this topic with her would not be an issue.
The dark eyes kept up with him.
He rounded a corner and approached the doorway....
As he nears the doorway the former decoy closes her eyes her body tense in anticipation only to stop in mid poise as her eyes suddenly snap open.
"...Obi-Wan!?"
She jerks back quickly hiding the blade as her eyes widen and her expression a look of shock, fear, concern and a brewing fury that is certain to emerge.
Stepping back she takes a breath and tries to calm her rattled nerves and regain some of her lost composure.
Dorme continues to follow lingering briefly though already planing to find away to gain access to the security office of the Dojo. It would certainly make her job easier not to mention evidence would be helpful too.
Obi-Wan palmed the door open and felt a rush of apprehension and fear clouded by anger.
When the door slid shut, he asked, 'Sabé? What is it?'
He wondered if something had happened with one of her students. Perhaps one had been injured. 'What's wrong?'
She steps back trying to regain some control over her senses. But instead of the quiet calm she had hoped for instead all she feels is fear and the burning edge of fury.
At his question she frowns deeply trying quietly hide her dagger as best she can. She struggles with her words as her hands clench and unclench into strange fists as though she is imagining she is gripping her blades as she does so.
"I am so tired of having to listen to all the nonsensical excuses, having to watch as everyone turns a blind eye to the obvious, or better yet letting things slide in pertaining to your great and almighty "Chosen One"
She spits out as her temper begins to get the better of her.
"Am I the only one who sees whats really going on here?"
Gobsmacked by her outburst, Obi-Wan didn't take a further step towards her as he originally intended. Instead, he crossed his arms, his brow furrowing in confusion.
He opened his moutht to speak, but refrained. Instead of drawing conclusions, he gave her the opportunity to explain.
She glares at him briefly in obvious frustration before turning away unable to hold back her anger.
"And please spare me the nonsense about him still learning to control his temper, because at his age he should have long since learnt how to do it. Chosen one or not. Or the other stupid line about how its not his fault he's been through alot! Because i've known others who have been through worse and they aren't nearly this out of control!"
She whirls around to face him once more.
"This isn't even about him being a spoiled little brat who thinks he's king ofthe universe which we all know he thinks he is. This about darker things. Things...Things i know the Jedi aren't supposed to be about. Gods I can only wonder what he would do if Padme made him as angry as I do..."
She says as fear now enters her voice.
"...I'm scared for her Obi-WAn...And I'm scared for you."
She admits softly the fire of her temper now cooling.
Obi-Wan let her vent her frustrations, curious as to what had provoked them, but knowing if she wanted to tell him, she would in her own time.
She didn't need to say she was afraid, for it was gushing from her Force signature in a deluge.
He risked a few steps towards her, noticing the weapon in her hand. 'Scared for me?' he asked.
She takes a deep breath as she glances away remembering Anakin's words and the threats uttered. More importantly the hatred that burned in his eyes and the fire she could feel exuding from him.
"...You former Padawan carries a great darkness within. No one else seems to notice this but I do."
She states simply glacing back to him before slipping the blade back into the hidden pouch of her outfit.
Obi-Wan thought of their last successful mission together, their witty banter and his snarky ripostes. In battle things often got dark, but they made the best of it, usually through humour.
He couldn't see anything like this darkness she was referring. 'He does react overly emotional to things, especially in regards to the senator, but certainly this 'darkness' you speak of--'
His blatant denial sparks another inferno as she balks at him before cutting in.
"I don't believe i'm hearing this! You of all people should be able to see through his little innocent act! You're smarter then that Obi-Wan!"
She shoves up the sleaves of her shirt revealing the scars on her arms.
"Oh and I suppose this is just a mild case of over reaction?"
Taken aback, he felt like he needed more information, but knew she was not in the d to provide it.
'Anakin can be aggressive, I know,' Obi-Wan said, centering himself with the Force. It was all he could do not to take offence at what she was saying about his former padawan. After all, he had trained him since he was a small boy and should he do anything to disgrace himself, it would also reflect poorly on Obi-Wan. 'And he often acts before thinking things through...'
She frowns deeply in response.
"Can be? Try down right murderous. He has no sense of consequence. He figures because he's the almighty "chosen one" he can get away with anything because he's the "will of the force"
She retorts no longer hiding her disdain from Obi-Wan any longer.
"Not a day goes by since, since this"
she says motioning to her scars.
"When i don't fear for PAdme's safety. When i'm not thinking that if anything should happen to her I will be helpless to do my duty. Anakin is a menace. There is a darkness in him that I've seen first hand.
The same kind of darkness I saw that day at the Palace when we encountered the creature with the double edged blade.
If I can see this why is it that you can't? Or the rest of the council for that matter?"
She says her voice growing concerned almost fearful.
"Or are you all turning a blind eye because you can no longer control him and are afraid that if you try to reign him in he will sever ties with the Jedi and become Sith?"
Clearly her anger is clouding her judgement, he thought ruefully. Anakin had probably overreacted to her again and Sabé had this uncanny ability to get on his former apprentice's nerves.
'A menace? What in the blazes makes you think he's a menace?" Obi-Wan couldn't hide his shock.
Her other words cut him deeply. 'It is not in his nature,' he maintained, refusing to beleive what he was hearing.
He faced her off directly, his heart beating wildly as he tried to calm his nerves. Then she hit the wrong one.
'Anakin has never let me down and he is not going to fall from the Order. Being a Jedi means everything to him; it's been his dream since he was a child!'
She shakes her head in dismay the memories of the previous events flushing through her mind. She wants to tell him what happened but then he'd know Anakin knew of her affections for him and it would end their contact completely.
"As if our last encounter wasn't enough evidence for you?
What if it was Padme instead of myself!? Then what? I can hold my own but even then if the Senator hadn't intervined I don't even want to imagine how that fight would hav eended."
She sniff at his remarks as she rolls her eyes.
"Not his nature. You sound like Padme. I think you're letting your emotions blind you Obi-Wan. Which is saying alot all things considering."
She paces more as she continues to clench and unclench her fists in barely controlled fear and rage. But at his final remarks she stops and stares at him in sad disbelief.
"I can't believe he has you wrapped round his finger too!
I really am the only one who sees the truth aren't I?
If being a Jedi means everything to him Obi-Wan why is he so eager to break the oaths that binds him to the Order? Why is he so willing to throw it all away?
When I said I would dedicate my life to serve the Senator and my former Queen I meant after word of it. I follow those rules and oaths given to me as a Handmaiden becuase it is dream and it is my greatest honor and pride. The same is for you. Now look at him do you see any of those traits? I hardly think so. He's barely even worthy of the title.
He dares to call me a knock off clone of Padme well he's a knock off clone of a Jedi!"
When she concluded her tirade, Obi-Wan said in a shakily calm voice, 'I'm sorry you feel this way.'
He turned to leave, knowing there wasn't anything he could do at this point to have a civil conversation with her. Her emotions were too high.
He turned back slightly saying, 'He's like a brother to me, Sabé.' And with that, he left the dojo, mind laden with heavy thoughts which would take much meditation to get past.
His words were unexpected. She would have rather he fought, to have argued, to have challenged her, anything, but this. She doesn't say anything to his quiet reply, watching instead helpless as he quietly turns to leave.
She wants to frantically try to warn him to convince him this is no laughing matter, that she isn't trying to be mean, that this is painfully real. She only wanted to protect him, to protect her queen and friend. They were like family to her now as much as her real one.
As though sensing her thoughts he pauses and turns back quietly delivering the only attack that had any effect on the raging inferno of her temper. Anakin was as much a brother to Obi-Wan as Padme and her fellow handmaidens were her sisters.
Family breeds harmony and from harmony comes unity, inner peace, strength, and honor. The walls of the spirit are strong but none any stronger then that of the outer wall. The strength of family.
Suddenly with his words the raging fire that was there moments ago burns out leaving only ashes, charred embers and what feels like the remains of her heart.
Quietly she turns away feeling the ache of loss beginning to consume her.
"...what have i done?..."
She whimpers moving swiftly to the freshers lest anyone see the tears the begin to spill. For only in the cleansing water of the showers does Sabe find the security and solace to succumb to the pain within. Leaving her racked in pain as she shakes with tears of a heart shattered.
