*Author's Note: Well, this is the first part of a three-part epic starring
Padme Amidala. What happens to her when her husband, the love of her life,
the father of her children, goes evil? How will she deal with the
separation from her children? Those and more are answered.*
Part One- Life All Alone
Padme Naberrie Amidala Skywalker wrapped her cloak tightly around her bulging form. She couldn't let anyone see her growing stomach, for in these uncertain times it was impossible to determine good from bad, demons from saints. The mask of the Dark Side of the Force was clever, tricky, and deceiving. The Dark Side claimed lives and souls, as it had her husband Anakin.
Padme's small home was made up of only three rooms. A bedroom, refresher, and central kitchen/dining/living area. Padme used to live in a giant lakeside palace on her home world of Naboo, but had since moved to a this tiny apartment in Coruscant.
A knock sounded on the door, and Padme wished once again that she could command the Force, and feel the presence of the visitor outside her door.
But Padme was as blind to the Force as a Tusken Raider to compassion. Sighing, she let the cloak billow out, shielding her bloated figure. She walked slowly to the door, one hand on the blaster she kept close by her side.
She carefully opened the door, and directly in front of her stood a sweaty, tired, and bleeding Obi-Wan Kenobi.
"Master Kenobi! What happened? Are you alright? What assistance do you require?"
The tired and ragged Jedi Master sighed, and stepped through the doorway. "Enough with the formalities, Amidala. He's gone." Padme felt a surge of joy. "You have overthrown Palpatine?"
Obi-Wan shook his head, a sad look on his handsome face, a face Padme had grown to love and admire over the past fifteen years, ever since he saved her, back when she was a young queen. "No, Amidala. Palpatine is still the Emperor of our galaxy. I am talking about Anakin."
The joy disappeared, replaced by a sickening dark torment and a empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. "He is dead then."
"No. He is alive, but barely. He has become Darth Vader. I saw it with my own eyes. I thought I had killed him. But then, Palpatine tore him from a certain death, and in front of my eyes replaced his limbs with machinery and donned him black armor. He is a machine, with no capable emotions other than anger. He is worse than alive."
Padme took a deep shuddering breath. "He has no human form left whatsoever? What about his face?"
"Covered in a black breath mask. Black is his only color now. I always felt he was far too attached to it. You should have seen his wardrobe. But then again. You probably had seen it, am I right, Padme?" He looked pointedly at the non-descript ring on her finger.
"I'm so sorry, Obi-Wan. I didn't want to deceive you. But I loved Annie, and he loved me. Had I foreseen this I would never had married him. Is there no hope left?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine have ordered a Jedi Purge. Most of the Jedi are already gone. Masters Yoda and Windu are organizing a last stand, much like the Battles of Naboo and Geonosis. It is the Republic's last hope."
Padme sighed. "How can I help?"
Obi-Wan smiled faintly at her. "You can't, Miss Amidala. You are Darth Vader's wife. He openly stated that at a conference with Palpatine. It was a smart move on their part, eliminating any influence you might have had. People will consider you as big a traitor as Palpatine himself."
Padme was astonished. In her long political career (although she was only twenty-seven, she had become Queen of Naboo at fourteen, and continued as a Senator after her reign was over), Padme had helped countless refugees and others in need. She had organized shelters and food drives. Why, at the age of seven she helped relocate some species to a different planet when their sun started imploding! She was the beloved Queen of her people! They had wanted her to be Queen for life! She had served as Senator for so many years, always sacrificing her needs for those of her peoples. How could they betray her like this? "But, Master, this is different! I was always kind to the Naboo, they are my home people! And I helped countless others as well!"
Obi-Wan took her hand, and led her to the couch. He hadn't expected for this to be easy. Quite the contrary, actually. Padme was a woman he admired and looked up to. But her heart was too pure, too untainted, even though she had seen much bloodshed in her short life span. She remained faithful in the goodness of people's hearts. But there wasn't always such a thing.
Padme remained silent and drawn, so Obi-Wan continued. "Palpatine was always kind to his people as well. He too, had been a Senator to the Naboo. They are not very trusting at the moment, I am afraid." Obi-Wan became positively dismayed at the look on the woman's face. He uneasily wrapped her in his arms.
Padme hugged Obi-Wan back before she realized what she was doing. It felt so good to hug someone again. Ever since her Anakin left her eight and one half months ago tomorrow, Padme had forgone any physical touch. She would save herself from her husband.
But she let her guard down and hugged this man. Padme luxuriated in his embrace, and let the tears flow slowly down her cheeks. She was astonished however, when Obi-Wan pulled back abruptly.
She stared at him. "What's wrong?"
Obi-Wan's eyes were huge, and he could feel his heart pounding. "Your.your.your.your pregnant!"
Padme gasped. "Oh! Oh my! Oh dear I have messed things up! I'm sorry Obi- Wan! I had planned to just give birth. And then say that I had found the child in the street.Oh dear."
Obi-Wan stared back at her. "Your pregnant."
Padme nodded.
"Your pregnant."
Padme snickered. "I thought we had established this, General."
Obi-Wan shook himself. "Do you know what this means? Anakin Skywalker had the highest midi-chlorian count ever recorded! Any child of his is bound to be incredibly strong in the Force, even though you are blind to it!"
Padme huffed indignantly. "So?"
Obi-Wan jumped up, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Does Anakin know you are pregnant?"
A shadow crossed the woman's delicate features. "No. He left before I could tell him. In fact, I didn't know until after he left."
Obi-Wan laughed at this, leaving Padme to think he had gone quite mad. "Anakin's heir! And he doesn't know! This child! It could be trained to be the downfall of Vader AND Palpatine! This child could liberate us!"
Padme spoke quickly and harshly. "No child of mine will ever see the face of war. I forbid it. These children will grow not knowing the power and calling of the Force. They will grow untainted by the evil that surrounds us. I will not let the same force the corrupted my husband steal my children!"
Obi-Wan stared at her. "Children?"
Padme gaped. "I.don't know. It just came to me. Twins."
They both stared at each other, an amazed look on Obi-Wan's face and a determined look on Padme's. Obi-Wan smiled, breaking the thick tension. He hugged Padme again. "Let's not worry about this now. First we'll concentrate on getting these kids into the galaxy. Then we will think about their future.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Five weeks later, Obi-Wan rushed to a private medical facility within the Jedi Secret Headquarters. Inside the tiny cubicle already sat Masters Windu and Yoda. On the bed, Padme Amidala reclined with two wailing bundles, one in each arm.
Obi-Wan's face split into a wide grin. The delivery had been successful. Padme was smiling, and tears of happiness were being shed. Master Yoda sat pondering, his green face drawn. Master Windu had a serious look on his face, but his presence in the Force was one of great happiness.
"Obi-Wan! Oh, how glad I am to see you! My children are fine. They are in perfect health. A boy and a girl, you see. Luke and Leia." Padme's face shone with admiration and astonishment.
Obi-Wan smiled at the reclining woman. "My deepest congratulations. I am sure you will make a fine."
He was cut off by Master Windu. "We will have to take these children from you, Mrs. Skywalker. We cannot allow them to remain with you."
Padme stopped smiling, and her face was set as hard as stone. "I will keep my children with me. They are mine. I love them. They will not be taken by the Jedi only to then be corrupted by the Dark Side. They will not follow their father's path."
Master Yoda sighed. "Difficult to convince, you are. But, Senator, you will soon see that right we are."
Padme shook her head. "They are my own. They are my only memory of Anakin. Look here, at Luke. Already he looks like Anakin. And Leia. She looks like me. I am sure that when they grow, they will almost be like living replicas. People will surely see them for who they truly are."
"Which is exactly why we must take them away. Give them to a good home, where they can be raised right. Luke, he will go somewhere far away. We will send an agent to keep an eye on him, to wait until he is ready, and then train him to be Vader's undoing. Leia, we will adopt her into a fine family's home. Raise her to be a politician. Hope that she will try and see the truth of Palpatine's rule. But we cannot guarantee that your children will grow up right. It all depends on destiny." Mace Windu's face was set in stone.
Padme sighed. "But I can ensure that they grow up right!"
Obi-Wan laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I will go with Luke, Padme. I will take him to his new home, and watch over him. I will make sure he grows up right. Please Padme. This is for your safety, as well as that of your children's."
Padme looked up into Obi-Wan's face. "Master, am I correct in assuming that you have no children?"
Obi-Wan nodded, skeptical.
"Neither did I, until twenty minutes ago. But the second I realized that Luke was in my arms, I knew that being a parent was my true calling in life. To have my children with me for these twenty minutes has eased the vacant hole in my heart, left by Anakin. And now? Now my children, too, will be ripped away from me. I cannot do anything for them. I must let them go." Padme sighed, tears streaming down her face. "Take Luke to the Lars home. They live on Tatooine. Cliegg, Owen, and Beru. They are good people. Anakin's mother was Cliegg's wife. They will care for my son."
The three Jedi nodded, respect for this woman growing immensely.
Padme let out a shuddering breath. "I will take Leia to the Organa's home. Bail Organa is a leader in the fight against the Emperor, and one of my closest friends and supporters. He and his wife Gena will care for my daughter. I will stay on Alderaan, until my husband comes for me."
Windu nodded. "That is an acceptable plan. Master Yoda and I will leave you with your children now. Come to us when you are ready to part with them."
"One more thing, Masters. I wish to fight in the upcoming battle against the Emperor. I may not be a Jedi, but my husband was one. I will do his name justice."
Mace Windu and Master Yoda nodded, then left, talking quietly.
Padme exhaled deeply, and leaned back into the bed. "Why must I part with them, Obi-Wan? Why me?"
Obi-Wan sat down gingerly on the bed next to her. He took Luke in his arms. "If I may say so, milady, you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. My apprentice does not deserve you. No man does."
Padme looked at him. "I am assuming that is a compliment."
Obi-Wan smiled. "Oh yes. Most definitely."
For the next hours, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme Naberrie Amidala Skywalker sat talking, laughing, crying. Padme seemed to be overcome with tears a lot of the time, and Obi-Wan provided her with a shoulder to lean on. They talked endlessly about anything and everything.
Finally Obi-Wan got up to leave. "Visiting hours is over."
Padme laughed and swatted him with her free hand. "There are no visiting hours here."
Obi-Wan grinned, and placed Luke back in her arms. "Well, I do have to get some sleep, and I believe your children here do as well." He was indeed right, both children were yawning and stretching.
Padme sighed. "Oh but of course. I'll sleep for the next hour or so, then be up again, crying and feeling sorry for myself. Then I'll sleep for two minutes, then these little ones will wake me up.Oh it'll be a fun night for sure."
Obi-Wan laughed. "I admire you, Padme. Always bringing humor into the direst of situations. Anakin used to say that of you. that you were his light in the darkness. I see that he was right. You are amazing." He leaned down and kissed her quickly on the mouth, but enough to cause an electric shock within Padme. "Good-bye."
Padme stared after him, and did indeed stay up late that night, pondering the events that had just occurred.
Part One- Life All Alone
Padme Naberrie Amidala Skywalker wrapped her cloak tightly around her bulging form. She couldn't let anyone see her growing stomach, for in these uncertain times it was impossible to determine good from bad, demons from saints. The mask of the Dark Side of the Force was clever, tricky, and deceiving. The Dark Side claimed lives and souls, as it had her husband Anakin.
Padme's small home was made up of only three rooms. A bedroom, refresher, and central kitchen/dining/living area. Padme used to live in a giant lakeside palace on her home world of Naboo, but had since moved to a this tiny apartment in Coruscant.
A knock sounded on the door, and Padme wished once again that she could command the Force, and feel the presence of the visitor outside her door.
But Padme was as blind to the Force as a Tusken Raider to compassion. Sighing, she let the cloak billow out, shielding her bloated figure. She walked slowly to the door, one hand on the blaster she kept close by her side.
She carefully opened the door, and directly in front of her stood a sweaty, tired, and bleeding Obi-Wan Kenobi.
"Master Kenobi! What happened? Are you alright? What assistance do you require?"
The tired and ragged Jedi Master sighed, and stepped through the doorway. "Enough with the formalities, Amidala. He's gone." Padme felt a surge of joy. "You have overthrown Palpatine?"
Obi-Wan shook his head, a sad look on his handsome face, a face Padme had grown to love and admire over the past fifteen years, ever since he saved her, back when she was a young queen. "No, Amidala. Palpatine is still the Emperor of our galaxy. I am talking about Anakin."
The joy disappeared, replaced by a sickening dark torment and a empty feeling in the pit of her stomach. "He is dead then."
"No. He is alive, but barely. He has become Darth Vader. I saw it with my own eyes. I thought I had killed him. But then, Palpatine tore him from a certain death, and in front of my eyes replaced his limbs with machinery and donned him black armor. He is a machine, with no capable emotions other than anger. He is worse than alive."
Padme took a deep shuddering breath. "He has no human form left whatsoever? What about his face?"
"Covered in a black breath mask. Black is his only color now. I always felt he was far too attached to it. You should have seen his wardrobe. But then again. You probably had seen it, am I right, Padme?" He looked pointedly at the non-descript ring on her finger.
"I'm so sorry, Obi-Wan. I didn't want to deceive you. But I loved Annie, and he loved me. Had I foreseen this I would never had married him. Is there no hope left?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine have ordered a Jedi Purge. Most of the Jedi are already gone. Masters Yoda and Windu are organizing a last stand, much like the Battles of Naboo and Geonosis. It is the Republic's last hope."
Padme sighed. "How can I help?"
Obi-Wan smiled faintly at her. "You can't, Miss Amidala. You are Darth Vader's wife. He openly stated that at a conference with Palpatine. It was a smart move on their part, eliminating any influence you might have had. People will consider you as big a traitor as Palpatine himself."
Padme was astonished. In her long political career (although she was only twenty-seven, she had become Queen of Naboo at fourteen, and continued as a Senator after her reign was over), Padme had helped countless refugees and others in need. She had organized shelters and food drives. Why, at the age of seven she helped relocate some species to a different planet when their sun started imploding! She was the beloved Queen of her people! They had wanted her to be Queen for life! She had served as Senator for so many years, always sacrificing her needs for those of her peoples. How could they betray her like this? "But, Master, this is different! I was always kind to the Naboo, they are my home people! And I helped countless others as well!"
Obi-Wan took her hand, and led her to the couch. He hadn't expected for this to be easy. Quite the contrary, actually. Padme was a woman he admired and looked up to. But her heart was too pure, too untainted, even though she had seen much bloodshed in her short life span. She remained faithful in the goodness of people's hearts. But there wasn't always such a thing.
Padme remained silent and drawn, so Obi-Wan continued. "Palpatine was always kind to his people as well. He too, had been a Senator to the Naboo. They are not very trusting at the moment, I am afraid." Obi-Wan became positively dismayed at the look on the woman's face. He uneasily wrapped her in his arms.
Padme hugged Obi-Wan back before she realized what she was doing. It felt so good to hug someone again. Ever since her Anakin left her eight and one half months ago tomorrow, Padme had forgone any physical touch. She would save herself from her husband.
But she let her guard down and hugged this man. Padme luxuriated in his embrace, and let the tears flow slowly down her cheeks. She was astonished however, when Obi-Wan pulled back abruptly.
She stared at him. "What's wrong?"
Obi-Wan's eyes were huge, and he could feel his heart pounding. "Your.your.your.your pregnant!"
Padme gasped. "Oh! Oh my! Oh dear I have messed things up! I'm sorry Obi- Wan! I had planned to just give birth. And then say that I had found the child in the street.Oh dear."
Obi-Wan stared back at her. "Your pregnant."
Padme nodded.
"Your pregnant."
Padme snickered. "I thought we had established this, General."
Obi-Wan shook himself. "Do you know what this means? Anakin Skywalker had the highest midi-chlorian count ever recorded! Any child of his is bound to be incredibly strong in the Force, even though you are blind to it!"
Padme huffed indignantly. "So?"
Obi-Wan jumped up, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Does Anakin know you are pregnant?"
A shadow crossed the woman's delicate features. "No. He left before I could tell him. In fact, I didn't know until after he left."
Obi-Wan laughed at this, leaving Padme to think he had gone quite mad. "Anakin's heir! And he doesn't know! This child! It could be trained to be the downfall of Vader AND Palpatine! This child could liberate us!"
Padme spoke quickly and harshly. "No child of mine will ever see the face of war. I forbid it. These children will grow not knowing the power and calling of the Force. They will grow untainted by the evil that surrounds us. I will not let the same force the corrupted my husband steal my children!"
Obi-Wan stared at her. "Children?"
Padme gaped. "I.don't know. It just came to me. Twins."
They both stared at each other, an amazed look on Obi-Wan's face and a determined look on Padme's. Obi-Wan smiled, breaking the thick tension. He hugged Padme again. "Let's not worry about this now. First we'll concentrate on getting these kids into the galaxy. Then we will think about their future.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Five weeks later, Obi-Wan rushed to a private medical facility within the Jedi Secret Headquarters. Inside the tiny cubicle already sat Masters Windu and Yoda. On the bed, Padme Amidala reclined with two wailing bundles, one in each arm.
Obi-Wan's face split into a wide grin. The delivery had been successful. Padme was smiling, and tears of happiness were being shed. Master Yoda sat pondering, his green face drawn. Master Windu had a serious look on his face, but his presence in the Force was one of great happiness.
"Obi-Wan! Oh, how glad I am to see you! My children are fine. They are in perfect health. A boy and a girl, you see. Luke and Leia." Padme's face shone with admiration and astonishment.
Obi-Wan smiled at the reclining woman. "My deepest congratulations. I am sure you will make a fine."
He was cut off by Master Windu. "We will have to take these children from you, Mrs. Skywalker. We cannot allow them to remain with you."
Padme stopped smiling, and her face was set as hard as stone. "I will keep my children with me. They are mine. I love them. They will not be taken by the Jedi only to then be corrupted by the Dark Side. They will not follow their father's path."
Master Yoda sighed. "Difficult to convince, you are. But, Senator, you will soon see that right we are."
Padme shook her head. "They are my own. They are my only memory of Anakin. Look here, at Luke. Already he looks like Anakin. And Leia. She looks like me. I am sure that when they grow, they will almost be like living replicas. People will surely see them for who they truly are."
"Which is exactly why we must take them away. Give them to a good home, where they can be raised right. Luke, he will go somewhere far away. We will send an agent to keep an eye on him, to wait until he is ready, and then train him to be Vader's undoing. Leia, we will adopt her into a fine family's home. Raise her to be a politician. Hope that she will try and see the truth of Palpatine's rule. But we cannot guarantee that your children will grow up right. It all depends on destiny." Mace Windu's face was set in stone.
Padme sighed. "But I can ensure that they grow up right!"
Obi-Wan laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I will go with Luke, Padme. I will take him to his new home, and watch over him. I will make sure he grows up right. Please Padme. This is for your safety, as well as that of your children's."
Padme looked up into Obi-Wan's face. "Master, am I correct in assuming that you have no children?"
Obi-Wan nodded, skeptical.
"Neither did I, until twenty minutes ago. But the second I realized that Luke was in my arms, I knew that being a parent was my true calling in life. To have my children with me for these twenty minutes has eased the vacant hole in my heart, left by Anakin. And now? Now my children, too, will be ripped away from me. I cannot do anything for them. I must let them go." Padme sighed, tears streaming down her face. "Take Luke to the Lars home. They live on Tatooine. Cliegg, Owen, and Beru. They are good people. Anakin's mother was Cliegg's wife. They will care for my son."
The three Jedi nodded, respect for this woman growing immensely.
Padme let out a shuddering breath. "I will take Leia to the Organa's home. Bail Organa is a leader in the fight against the Emperor, and one of my closest friends and supporters. He and his wife Gena will care for my daughter. I will stay on Alderaan, until my husband comes for me."
Windu nodded. "That is an acceptable plan. Master Yoda and I will leave you with your children now. Come to us when you are ready to part with them."
"One more thing, Masters. I wish to fight in the upcoming battle against the Emperor. I may not be a Jedi, but my husband was one. I will do his name justice."
Mace Windu and Master Yoda nodded, then left, talking quietly.
Padme exhaled deeply, and leaned back into the bed. "Why must I part with them, Obi-Wan? Why me?"
Obi-Wan sat down gingerly on the bed next to her. He took Luke in his arms. "If I may say so, milady, you are the most amazing woman I have ever met. My apprentice does not deserve you. No man does."
Padme looked at him. "I am assuming that is a compliment."
Obi-Wan smiled. "Oh yes. Most definitely."
For the next hours, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padme Naberrie Amidala Skywalker sat talking, laughing, crying. Padme seemed to be overcome with tears a lot of the time, and Obi-Wan provided her with a shoulder to lean on. They talked endlessly about anything and everything.
Finally Obi-Wan got up to leave. "Visiting hours is over."
Padme laughed and swatted him with her free hand. "There are no visiting hours here."
Obi-Wan grinned, and placed Luke back in her arms. "Well, I do have to get some sleep, and I believe your children here do as well." He was indeed right, both children were yawning and stretching.
Padme sighed. "Oh but of course. I'll sleep for the next hour or so, then be up again, crying and feeling sorry for myself. Then I'll sleep for two minutes, then these little ones will wake me up.Oh it'll be a fun night for sure."
Obi-Wan laughed. "I admire you, Padme. Always bringing humor into the direst of situations. Anakin used to say that of you. that you were his light in the darkness. I see that he was right. You are amazing." He leaned down and kissed her quickly on the mouth, but enough to cause an electric shock within Padme. "Good-bye."
Padme stared after him, and did indeed stay up late that night, pondering the events that had just occurred.