The Golden Butterfly

Chapter 16

Ellie's POV

I was being escorted alone as the Geonosian guards took Anakin and Padme elsewhere. Shit, shit, shit! I knew they wanted to meet with me and they're not taking any chances having a Jedi and a Senator from Naboo to ruined that. And I was escorted to a room where Count Dooku was waiting for me. 

"Ah, the Butterfly of the Force, our Creator. We meet at last." Count Dooku greeted me. 

"Can say the same. I know we have a lot to talk about." I said as I was forced to sit down. 

"In fact we do." He said with a smile. 

"You are holding Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi. I am formally requesting you to turn them, and my two companions over to me. Right now." I demanded in my senatorial voice. 

"They have been convicted of espionage, my dear Butterfly." Dooku answered, carefully. "And so will Senator Amidala and her Jedi friend as they are being convicted right now. They will be executed in just a few hours, I believe." 

"They're officers of the Republic as Senator Amidala is a member of the Senate." I testified, calmly. "You cannot do that."

"We don't recognize the Republic, Butterfly." Count Dooku counted before saying with a sly smile, "But... if you would me and have Naboo join our Alliance...." he trailed off. 

I knew he was playing with me because I'm the Creator of the Force and the only Jedi Senator of not only Naboo, but the whole Republic. I had more power than Padme so that's why he wants me, not her. I was heavily influenced by not only the Republic, but the Jedi Order. And this is where I knew I was very valuable and had so much power for the first time.

"I will not forsake all I have worked hard for to be a puppet in your little game. I will not betray Naboo, the Jedi Order, and the Republic." I answered clearly. 

I knew me and Naboo will never bound to the Separatists and have Dooku use me as a puppet, despite, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme's lives are in stake. I couldn't feel help but feel guilty that they were in this situation all because of me. 

"Then you will betray Senator Amidala and your Jedi friends. Without your power and cooperation, Butterfly, I cannot do anything to stop their execution." Dooku sighed, even though I sense he feels a little guilty by having Qui-Gon being executed since he was his former Master.

"What about me?" I asked as I noticed he didn't mention my execution. 

"I'll take the necklace as it has your power, which reveals your true form. But these are individuals who have a strong interest in your demise, my dear Butterfly." He responded as he looks at my necklace. "It has nothing to do with politics, it's purely personal." 

Of course, he was referring to Gunray as he was the one who was behind Padme's attempt assassination and mine since I was the Butterfly and aided her in the counterattack a decade ago and my rise in power. 

"I'm certain that they will push hard for you to be included in the executions. I've done all I could without your cooperation. I will be taking your necklace once you're dead and drained of your power." Dooku finished. 

"Come on, Butterfly. Get ready to see your friends one more time." Jango chuckled as he drags me by the arm and drags me away. 

TIME SKIP

I was charged with espionage and somehow was happy to see Anakin and Padme as they just been charged as well, but haven't left to be chained up in the arena, because the driver has been informed to wait because of me. I was pushed in and was right in between them. 

"I guess you didn't take Dooku's offer." Padme spoke. 

"I won't let Naboo fall into the hands of the Separatists. He also wants me but I refused to join and let myself be tortured with a Sith Lord to be his puppet." I told her. 

"I'm really glad you didn't. I would done the same if I was in your shoes." Padme smiled, knowing she would done the same. 

"Don't be afraid, Ellie." Anakin said, sensing my nerves. 

"I'm not afraid to die." I sighed as I knew I was done fighting with these damn feelings. "But I've been dying a little bit each day since you came back into my life." 

"What are you talking about?" He asked, carefully as if he knew what I was about to say next. 

"I'm done with this fighting of myself denying this.... I love you." I said it. 

"You love me?" Anakin breathed out as his eyes got watery. "I thought we decided not to fall in love. That we would be forced to live a lie. That it would destroy our lives. That we cannot rewrite the stats." 

"Our lives are about to destroy anyway if you haven't look around. I do believe that we can't rewrite the stars, the path, and the prophecies that were written for us. But what I do know is that in the stars, my heart, my love, and my soul, and being are yours. That you are my sky and I'm your star. I truly, deeply love you, and before we die, I want you to know that." I said before I kissed him. 

I knew what I want and I do want him. As we pull away, I felt a tug and turned to see Padme as she wants to say something, "Ellie, I have something to tell you... I love you. I have loved you since the moment we meet all those years ago. I've died every day since you came back into my life. And before we die, I want you to know too." We leaned in and kiss. 

I have doubts that she has feelings for me and know I have come to accept it. We pulled away slowly as the driver crackled his whip, making the cart pull out of the tunnel. The crowd cheered louder as the three of us emerged out.