Disclaimer: I own nothing but plot and my characterization of the Force
Padmé sighed, her eyes closed. So much had happened as of late. So many had joined this afterlife. But her children... her kindhearted Luke and her willful Leia... they were safe. Alive. And for that, she was grateful. Though, Luke had only escaped moments ago from the Second Death Star, she knew he would be alright. He was just like his father in that regard... pulling everything off just in the nick of time. His father... he...
Padmé started at the sound of footsteps. She heard someone clearing their throat.
"Hello Angel."
Padmé whirled around, tears already filling her eyes.
"Ani?"
Her husband gave her a broken smile a shrugged his shoulders, his own face wet with tears.
"Yeah. Yeah, it's me Angel." He made to take a step forward, then stopped. Padmé brought her hands to her face. It was her Ani. Not the man who choked her, filled with rage and half out of his mind. No, this was the man who called her an angel and held her whenever he could. Who broke every law in the Jedi Order just to marry her. Who swore to save her, no matter what sort of mess she got herself into. Who was so eager to be a father, and would press his hands against her belly were the children grew at every chance he had. This was her Ani. Padmé gave a loud sob, and threw herself at him. He collapsed against her, tears soaking the shoulder of her dress.
"I'm sorry I'm sorry Oh Angel I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hurt- I never wanted to hurt- please oh Angel please I'm sorry forgive me please I'm sorry I love you-"
"I know." She whispered, "I love you too. I forgive you. I'm sorry I couldn't save you."
Anakin laughed weakly.
"I think that's my line."
"Not your fault Ani. My death wasn't your fault."
Padmé ran her fingers through Anakins' hair as she nuzzled against his cheek.
"I love you." She whispered again, "I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you."
Padmé woke up nestled comfortably in her husbands' arms. She smiled at the peaceful look on his face. It was good to see him like this; the last twenty-three years of his life had been torment. It had broken her heart watching the fate her beloved husband had suffered through. He didn't deserve it. Neither did their children. Their beautiful children… Padmé sighed and slipped out of bed and on to the balcony. She smiled, looking up at the stars. It was peculiar, this afterlife had no suns nor moons, but there were plenty of stars. Her children… what were they doing now? Still celebrating? Anakin had visited them earlier, when the party was apparently just beginning.
Hello Padmé
Padmé spun around, but there was no one there.
"Ani?"
No
"Pardon?"
No, I'm not Anakin.
Padmé looked around, trying to find the source of the voice.
Padmé, would you like to try again?
"I'm sorry, what do you mean by 'try again'?"
You were right. Anakin didn't deserve his fate. He had a destiny, but was doomed to fulfil it in the most painful way possible.
"I know that. Believe me, I know that."
Would you like to save him from that fate?
"Of course I wish I could have saved him! I tried. I went after him. I was too late."
I can send you back in time. Will you save him?
"You can send me back in time?" Padmé asked doubtfully.
Yes. Will you save him? Your children? From their fates?
"Given the chance, I would. Why would you do this?"
I love him.
"You… love him?"
Yes. He is my son, my only child. Your children, my grandchildren. I love them. It is my fault that they have suffered so. For balance. But you, my dear daughter-in-law, the love of my sons' life, you can save them. Will you take the chance? Place your faith in me, for the sake of those we both love?
Padmé stared down at her hands. Save them… she could save her family. But she had to trust the one who had destined them for such a fate to begin with. Anakin's father. The Force itself.
Padmé took a deep breath and cleared her mind the best she could. This wasn't even a question. Not when it concerned those she loved. Padmé looked back up at the stars.
"Yes. Send me back. Help me save my family. Our family."
Good answer. Please… don't fail.
"I won't."
