Title: Birth of Tyranny
Author: ewan's girl
Chapter 16
How long had he been up on that catwalk reliving that terrible battle in his mind? Minutes? Hours? Suddenly he realized that he had left She-ar-ah desperatly wounded to chase after his ex apprentice. He came back to reality, and mustered up what strength he could and rose to his feet. As he left the volcano behind he stopped and retrieved both his and Anakin's light sabers. At the bottom of the volcano he came face to face with Bail Organa and Padme Amidala, he wasn't ready to face anyone yet, but certaintly not Padme. She looked at the expression on his face as he came closer to them and she knew. He stopped and looked at her, he didn't know what to say to her, he didn't want to hurt her. This woman who he deemed as a friend, but was also the wife of the man he just killed.
"Obi Wan?" She asked softly when he came closer to her. He looked at her, but didn't say anything. Her experssion became one of sorrow then anger. She began to sob uncontrolably. "No." She said in a shakey voice, and Bail took her in his arms. She looked Obi Wan in the eyes, and gave him a look he would never forget, a look of hate. He simply continued to walk towards the palace.
**
Obi Wan stood in a waiting room in the palace medical quarters, he awaited word on his wife's condition. Bail entered the room and sat beside him.
"Padme is resting, she'll be alright." Bail broke the silence. Obi Wan nodded, he hadn't spoken since returning from the mountain. Bail thought about what else to say, but was interupted by a medical droid entering the room.
"Your highness." The droid addressed him. "We have captain Windu stabilized."
"Will she be ok?" Bail asked, concerned.
"The wound is very deep I'm afraid it destroyed one of her loungs, there is a 98% chance that she won't make it through the night." The droid answered unsimpathetically, Obi Wan came very close to hitting the droid, but stopped himself.
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Bail asked, noticing Obi Wan's anguish.
"No, I'm afraid I've done all I can do." The droid answered.
Obi Wan angerly grabbed the droid and held up his fist ready to strike, he was so close to the dark side he could smell it, suddenly he realized, and dropped the droid and instead punched the wall.
"Well there is a doctor on Courascant who has been doing experiments with replacing major organs with mechanical parts." The droid said in a hopeful voice. "But it hasn't been proven to work yet."
"Can I see her?" Obi Wan finally spoke.
"She's in too critical condition, I don't belive it's a wise idea." The droid answered.
Obi Wan had reached the end of his patience, he certainly didn't want to take orders from a droid. He simply walked past the medical droid and walked into She-ar-ah's room. When he walked through the door, his heart rose up in his throat. He saw the woman he loved, the woman who he was willing to leave the Jedi for laying in a hospital bed deathly still, he could hear all the machines beeping, keeping her alive. He noticed all the tubes tied to her, and a breathing mask over her beautiful mouth. He walked up to her, and ran his fingers through her hair. Suddenly the emotions of everything began to register in his brain, and he lost it. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, and began to cry as he laid down next to her, laying his head on her shoulder. He then felt soft fingers stroking his hair, to his surprise he saw that She-ar-ah was awake. She looked at him, and smiled through the pain, and around her breathing mask. He tried to smile back. She noticed the distress on his face, and it worried her. Using what little strength she had, she grabbed his hand in hers, and looked at him concerned. Obi Wan tried to blink back his tears, he knew a Jedi shouldn't act this way, but he was to the point that he didn't care. She reached up and with two fingers stroked his cheek, he couldn't believe how cold they felt, and it scared him. He then grabbed a chair, and sat next to her. He took her hand in his, and held it against his face. A few tears fell from his eyes, and she wipped them away. They sat in silence for a moment, just watching each other, then She-ar-ah began to remove her breathing mask.
"No, keep it on." Obi Wan protested, but she removed it anyways. His heart hurt when he heard the raspy breaths she struggled to take. She looked up at him, and with her last amount of energy tried to speak.
"Ben...Ben, you...you have to go...on." She struggled to say. Obi Wan who was lost in his emotions shook his head. She then began to cough, and he tried to force her to put the mask back on, but she wouldn't. "The force will be with you...always." She rasped out.
"She-ar-ah, I need you. You promised you would always be here when I need you." Obi Wan sounded like he was a little lost child.
Sleepy eyes looked into his tear filled blue ones. "I will always be with you...we will always be with you."
Obi Wan reluctanly nodded, he then leaned down and kissed her passionately. As he kissed her he also took a silver ring from his tunic, and placed it on her third finger on her left hand. "I love you." He whisphered in her ear, and tears filled her eyes now. Suddenly she began to cough violently, and struggled to gain her breath. Obi Wan tried to get her to accept the breathing mask, but she wouldn't. She looked at him with a pleading look on her face, he finally rose to his feet, and placed his hand over her eyes and force suggested her to sleep. He removed his hand when he felt the violent cough attack stop. He watched her sleep for a moment, then watched as her body went completely still. The machines alarmed throughout the room, indicating something was wrong. Obi Wan turn them off, kissed her forehead one last time then watched her for a moment longer before exiting the room.
**
Between two majestic waterfalls stood a broken man. Exhausted, blood shot eyes watched the water fall to the ocean below him. He removed his hood and put his hands under the water, then ran his wet hands through his ginger colored hair that had begun to grow grey at the roots. Placing his hands in the cool water again, he then splashed his face, trying to sooth the burning sensation he felt in his eyes. He stood there for a moment, his emotions threatening to take over again, but being the Jedi that he was he tried to combat them. Suddenly he felt a presence behind him.
'She-ar-ah?' He thought to himself, and he began to grow hopeful, that perhaps this had all been a bad dream. But reality struck him again when he saw the presence behind him came in the form of Senator Padme Amidala. She was dressed in a simple black dress, and a black veil hung over her face. She stepped carefully on the slippery surface towards the Jedi. Obi Wan turned away from her, he couldn't stand to look into her mournful eyes knowing he was the cause of her pain.
"Obi Wan?" Padme called out to him over the water.
"How did you find me?" Obi Wan asked, not sure what to say to her.
"Bail told me this was She-ar-ah's favorite place. I thought you might be here." She said, and noticed his body tense when she said She-ar-ah's name. "I'm...I'm very sorry about She-ar-ah." Padme said, feeling awkward. "I know what you are going through."
Obi Wan turned and faced the Senator, he saw that she was trying not to cry, but was failing. He walked towards her, took her hand and knelt in front of her with his head down.
"Obi Wan? What are you..." Padme started.
"Senator Amidala, I beg you forgive me." Obi Wan said, not looking at her. "I know I have no right in asking this of you." He looked up at her, and saw a look of compassion on her face. "I'm so sorry about Anakin, I wish I could do something to make it alright..."
"Obi Wan, deep down I know this was the only way to save Anakin." Padme said cutting Obi Wan off. "I'm sorry I was short with you earlier when you told me what happened."
"You had every reason to be short with me m'lady, I was the one who killed your husband." Obi Wan turned away from her.
"My husband was dead before the volcano." Padme stated, and Obi Wan turned to face her. "The darkness inside him was what killed him."
"I guess that's true...from a certain point of view." He smiled a sad smile at Padme. He then looked at her with a curious look on his face. "There is something else that is troubling you." He walked towards her.
"Yes." She looked away from him. "Obi Wan, I have been blessed to have you as a friend, and protector. You have been there for me through the blockade of my planet, even when your own master was killed, you were still there for me." She continued to look away from him. "You even jumped through a window to stop someone from assassinating me. I don't think anyone could've asked for a better friend or even ask you to do more." She finally looked at him. "But I'm afraid I have no choice, I still need your help." Obi Wan looked at her, and encouraged her to continue. "Obi Wan, I'm...I'm with child." Padme finally blurted out, and Obi Wan looked at her stunned, then he turned and faced the waterfall. "I'm sorry to ask this of you, but I don't know what to do. Keeping our marriage a secret was difficult enough, I don't know how the Jedi handle a situation like this." Padme continued.
Obi Wan chuckled to himself. "Neither do I." He then turned towards Padme. "One thing is certain, it must stay a secret that this child is Anakin's. If the Emperor found out, he would come after the child."
Padme grew worried. "What should we do?"
"I'm not sure, the force will guide us." Obi Wan stated, and noticed that didn't make her feel much better. "One thing I do promise you Padme. I promise I will watch over this child."
She looked up at Obi Wan and tried to smile. "You promise?"
"I swear on my life as a Jedi." Obi Wan answered.
"I don't like that promise Obi Wan, swear as a friend." Padme commanded.
"I swear as a friend. I will forever protect this child." Obi Wan smiled.
"Thank you Obi Wan." Padme said.
"Don't call me that." Obi Wan said, and turned towards the waterfall. "Obi Wan Kenobi died with his apprentice." Obi Wan stated.
"What should I call you?" She asked, curious.
"Call me Ben." He stated plainly.
She looked at him and reluctantly nodded. "Thank you Ben."
**
Obi Wan looked over the flat horizon of the planet of Tatooine, he watched as the two suns began to set.
Owen Lars walked up next to him.
"Beautiful sunsets." Obi Wan expressed as Owen watched the suns with the Jedi.
"The only time we like having two suns." Owen admitted.
Obi Wan turned towards Owen. "I want to thank you again for letting us stay here. It's just much safer for her here."
"Just remember, this is for her and my brother's child not for you." Owen said with a hint of anger.
Obi Wan looked at Owen. "I understand. And I once again am sorry for what happened to your brother."
"Well you should be. If it wasn't for you Jedi coming here in the first place none of this would've happened, and my brother would still be here." Owen said in a very angry tone.
"No offense Owen, but you hardly knew your brother." Obi Wan said in a defensive tone.
"Thanks to you." Owen claimed, and walked away from Obi Wan.
Obi Wan hung his head, his thoughts were interrupted by an angelic voice.
"Ben?" He turned around as he heard Padme's voice calling for him. He smiled as the very pregnant Senator made her way out of the homestead as she looked for him. Although she was apparently very uncomfortable being in her condition in the intense heat of Tatooine, she still looked radiant. Obi Wan walked towards her.
"Yes M'lady?" He asked as he helped her with the last step out of the homestead.
"Are you alright?" She asked when she saw that he looked almost distressed.
"Yes Padme, I was just thinking." Obi Wan answered.
"About her?" Padme asked, and Obi Wan looked away. "It's alright to think of her Ben." She put a hand on his shoulder.
"No it's not, I'm a Jedi." He moved away.
"But you loved her." She stated, not questioned.
"Yes." He softly answered. "But the code forbids what we had."
"It's natural for people to fall in love, it just depends on how you act on those feelings." Padme looked down at her stomach. "Some of us make better decisions then others."
Obi Wan turned to her, he could sense how uncomfortable she was. "Was there something you wanted Senator?"
"I want to go home." She said in almost a begging tone. "I hate being pregnant here, I don't want to give birth here." She said, trying to reason with him.
"I'm not sure it is a wise decision Padme, the Emperor will have an easier time finding you on Naboo." He tried to reason with her
"Please Ben I miss my home." She gave him a face that no man could say no to, even the most disciplined Jedi.
Obi Wan reluctantly nodded. "Pack your things."
**
Jedi master Garen Muln fought off several imperial troops with his light saber, he was tired, and was slowing down. His apprentice laid on the ground a few feet in front of him, but he tried desperately to ignore the pain of losing his padawan, and focus at the task at hand. Suddenly he noticed that the troops had backed him into a corner. He prepared himself to jump over the troops, but he then heard a sound that gave him chills. He heard the sound of heavy rhythmic breathing coming from behind the troops. He glanced up and saw a tall figure dressed all in black heading towards him. Suddenly his light saber flew out of his hands, and was crushed by the dark figure. His eyes grew in fear as the figure walked towards him with a red light saber held by a mechanical hand.
**
"Breath." The voice of the chambermaid said as the medical droid spouted off conditions. "Come on Senator, you're doing great." The chambermaid continued.
"Ahhh!" Padme screamed as the pain worsened.
"Ok, this contraction is...done." The medical droid answered. "It should be anytime now."
Padme laid back as the chambermaid put a cool cloth on her forehead. "Ben?" She moaned "Ben?" A strong, yet gentle hand held hers tightly, a bearded man leaned down and kissed her hand.
"I'm here. I won't leave you." An exhausted Obi Wan Kenobi answered softly.
"General Kenobi." A just now noticed Captain Typhoo called into the room. "His highness Bail Organa would like a word with you."
"Padme, I will be right back." Obi Wan said, rising to his feet.
"That's what Anakin said." Padme stated, with tears in her eyes.
Obi Wan leaned down, and kissed her forehead. "I'm not Anakin." With that he left the room to find Bail Organa pacing outside.
"How is she?" He asked, concerned.
"It should be anytime now." Obi Wan answered while going to the water fountain, and splashing his face with the cool liquid.
"You look exhausted old friend." Bail commented.
"The last 15 hours have been more exhausting than any battle I've ever been in." Obi Wan sighed.
"You're a good man Obi Wan, Alderaan owes you so much. You will always have a place in our hearts."
"As will all of you in mine." The two men then shook hands when Dorme stormed in.
"It's time!" She called, and with that Obi Wan disappeared through the door with her.
Taking his place at Padme's side, Obi Wan gripped her hand. Her screams of pain grew more intense.
"Ok, time to push Senator." The droid ordered.
"Ok Ami, let's do this." Obi Wan called her by the nickname he gave her with a smile.
"I'll trade you places." Padme said, her face soaked with sweat.
"You know I would if I could." He answered her with a kiss.
"I know I...Ahhh!" She began to scream.
"Ok now Padme, you're going to have to push." The chambermaid demanded.
As Padme began to push, her screams intensified.
"Push Ami, you're doing great." Obi Wan coaxed.
"The head is out." The droid claimed. "Just one more push."
"I can't." Padme insisted.
Obi Wan gripped her hand tighter. "Yes you can Ami, the force is with you."
"Obi Wan I can't."
"Please Ami, for me." Tired eyes begged her.
"Ben I can't." She insisted.
"For Anakin then." He finally stated.
With that, Padme pushed one last time.
"He's out!" The droid exclaimed.
"He?" Padme asked, breathing heavily.
"Yes Senator, you have a son." The chambermaid stated.
"Ben, I have a son!"
Obi Wan took the child from the droid. Tears filled his eyes. "He looks just like his father." As he began to bring the child to the mother, Padme began to scream again. "What's going on?" Obi Wan asked, concerned.
The droid examined her. "She's having another one."
"What?" Obi Wan and Padme said in unison.
"She's having twins, and this child needs to come out now!" The droid continued.
"Ben, I'm scared." Padme confessed to her friend.
"It's ok, I'm here. But Ami, you need to push now."
"I can't, I don't have the strength." She cried.
"Ami, use that strength you used when your planet was under attack. Use that strength you had when you fought the senate. I know you have it in you." Obi Wan coaxed.
Padme shook her head.
"Padme Amidala you must push, or this child will die; now push!" Obi Wan commanded.
Mustering up what strength she had left, Padme pushed.
"That's it! Good girl!" Obi Wan shouted, still cradling the first-born.
With one last scream the second child was free. Still holding the first, Obi Wan went to the medical droid.
"It's a girl. A beautiful little girl." He said, beaming with pride.
"Yeah?" An exhausted Senator asked.
"Yeah, beautiful just like her mother." Obi Wan said, as he smiled at his friend. Cradling both in his arms he kissed both on the tops of their heads. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
"I thought Jedi didn't show emotions." Padme joked.
Obi Wan smiled. "We make exceptions." Carefully he handed the children to their mother. "I better go inform Bail, and the counsel." He said, giving Padme her precious new gifts. As he turned to leave, he took another look at the family. He and Padme exchanged glances, both knew what was missing.
**
Later that evening, Obi Wan found himself at the nursery. He looked over both the infants. The boy began to cry. Obi Wan searched for the chambermaid, but she was nowhere to be found. He carefully scooped the child in his arms. "Shhh." He said in a soothing tone, trying to calm the child. "Luke, you have a temper on you just like your father. That'll get you into trouble someday." Suddenly the baby stopped crying, and smiled at the Jedi. Obi Wan smiled back, and tickled the child under his chin.
"He likes you." Padme said behind him.
"I think he's hungry." Obi Wan said, handing Luke to her.
"You would've made a wonderful father." She said putting a hand on his arm.
"Maybe." He said, stroking the child's hair. "But I'll settle for teacher." He said, kissing the top of Luke's head.
"Thank you for everything." She looked him in his blue green eyes.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do more." He said as he backed away.
"Ben, you've done so much. What more..."
"I could've saved Anakin." He said, as he hung his head.
"Do you really blame yourself?" She moved towards him.
"I don't know."
Both sat in silence, not knowing what to say next.
"Well if you need me just call for me. I think I'm going to retire for the evening." Obi Wan finally broke the silence. As he began to leave, Obi Wan stopped suddenly and grew pale.
"Ben?" Padme noticed he looked like he was in pain.
A look of dread overcame his features.
"Obi Wan?"
He collapsed to his knees. Padme put Luke down and rushed to him.
"Ben? What's wrong?" She looked at him with great concern.
"I feel a great disturbance in the force. I sense pain...death." He answered in a shaky tone.
"I don't understand." She looked at him, not sure how to help.
Obi Wan's eyes grew wide with fear. "I have to get back to the temple, something's wrong." With that he left the puzzled Senator.
Author: ewan's girl
Chapter 16
How long had he been up on that catwalk reliving that terrible battle in his mind? Minutes? Hours? Suddenly he realized that he had left She-ar-ah desperatly wounded to chase after his ex apprentice. He came back to reality, and mustered up what strength he could and rose to his feet. As he left the volcano behind he stopped and retrieved both his and Anakin's light sabers. At the bottom of the volcano he came face to face with Bail Organa and Padme Amidala, he wasn't ready to face anyone yet, but certaintly not Padme. She looked at the expression on his face as he came closer to them and she knew. He stopped and looked at her, he didn't know what to say to her, he didn't want to hurt her. This woman who he deemed as a friend, but was also the wife of the man he just killed.
"Obi Wan?" She asked softly when he came closer to her. He looked at her, but didn't say anything. Her experssion became one of sorrow then anger. She began to sob uncontrolably. "No." She said in a shakey voice, and Bail took her in his arms. She looked Obi Wan in the eyes, and gave him a look he would never forget, a look of hate. He simply continued to walk towards the palace.
**
Obi Wan stood in a waiting room in the palace medical quarters, he awaited word on his wife's condition. Bail entered the room and sat beside him.
"Padme is resting, she'll be alright." Bail broke the silence. Obi Wan nodded, he hadn't spoken since returning from the mountain. Bail thought about what else to say, but was interupted by a medical droid entering the room.
"Your highness." The droid addressed him. "We have captain Windu stabilized."
"Will she be ok?" Bail asked, concerned.
"The wound is very deep I'm afraid it destroyed one of her loungs, there is a 98% chance that she won't make it through the night." The droid answered unsimpathetically, Obi Wan came very close to hitting the droid, but stopped himself.
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Bail asked, noticing Obi Wan's anguish.
"No, I'm afraid I've done all I can do." The droid answered.
Obi Wan angerly grabbed the droid and held up his fist ready to strike, he was so close to the dark side he could smell it, suddenly he realized, and dropped the droid and instead punched the wall.
"Well there is a doctor on Courascant who has been doing experiments with replacing major organs with mechanical parts." The droid said in a hopeful voice. "But it hasn't been proven to work yet."
"Can I see her?" Obi Wan finally spoke.
"She's in too critical condition, I don't belive it's a wise idea." The droid answered.
Obi Wan had reached the end of his patience, he certainly didn't want to take orders from a droid. He simply walked past the medical droid and walked into She-ar-ah's room. When he walked through the door, his heart rose up in his throat. He saw the woman he loved, the woman who he was willing to leave the Jedi for laying in a hospital bed deathly still, he could hear all the machines beeping, keeping her alive. He noticed all the tubes tied to her, and a breathing mask over her beautiful mouth. He walked up to her, and ran his fingers through her hair. Suddenly the emotions of everything began to register in his brain, and he lost it. He leaned down and kissed her forehead, and began to cry as he laid down next to her, laying his head on her shoulder. He then felt soft fingers stroking his hair, to his surprise he saw that She-ar-ah was awake. She looked at him, and smiled through the pain, and around her breathing mask. He tried to smile back. She noticed the distress on his face, and it worried her. Using what little strength she had, she grabbed his hand in hers, and looked at him concerned. Obi Wan tried to blink back his tears, he knew a Jedi shouldn't act this way, but he was to the point that he didn't care. She reached up and with two fingers stroked his cheek, he couldn't believe how cold they felt, and it scared him. He then grabbed a chair, and sat next to her. He took her hand in his, and held it against his face. A few tears fell from his eyes, and she wipped them away. They sat in silence for a moment, just watching each other, then She-ar-ah began to remove her breathing mask.
"No, keep it on." Obi Wan protested, but she removed it anyways. His heart hurt when he heard the raspy breaths she struggled to take. She looked up at him, and with her last amount of energy tried to speak.
"Ben...Ben, you...you have to go...on." She struggled to say. Obi Wan who was lost in his emotions shook his head. She then began to cough, and he tried to force her to put the mask back on, but she wouldn't. "The force will be with you...always." She rasped out.
"She-ar-ah, I need you. You promised you would always be here when I need you." Obi Wan sounded like he was a little lost child.
Sleepy eyes looked into his tear filled blue ones. "I will always be with you...we will always be with you."
Obi Wan reluctanly nodded, he then leaned down and kissed her passionately. As he kissed her he also took a silver ring from his tunic, and placed it on her third finger on her left hand. "I love you." He whisphered in her ear, and tears filled her eyes now. Suddenly she began to cough violently, and struggled to gain her breath. Obi Wan tried to get her to accept the breathing mask, but she wouldn't. She looked at him with a pleading look on her face, he finally rose to his feet, and placed his hand over her eyes and force suggested her to sleep. He removed his hand when he felt the violent cough attack stop. He watched her sleep for a moment, then watched as her body went completely still. The machines alarmed throughout the room, indicating something was wrong. Obi Wan turn them off, kissed her forehead one last time then watched her for a moment longer before exiting the room.
**
Between two majestic waterfalls stood a broken man. Exhausted, blood shot eyes watched the water fall to the ocean below him. He removed his hood and put his hands under the water, then ran his wet hands through his ginger colored hair that had begun to grow grey at the roots. Placing his hands in the cool water again, he then splashed his face, trying to sooth the burning sensation he felt in his eyes. He stood there for a moment, his emotions threatening to take over again, but being the Jedi that he was he tried to combat them. Suddenly he felt a presence behind him.
'She-ar-ah?' He thought to himself, and he began to grow hopeful, that perhaps this had all been a bad dream. But reality struck him again when he saw the presence behind him came in the form of Senator Padme Amidala. She was dressed in a simple black dress, and a black veil hung over her face. She stepped carefully on the slippery surface towards the Jedi. Obi Wan turned away from her, he couldn't stand to look into her mournful eyes knowing he was the cause of her pain.
"Obi Wan?" Padme called out to him over the water.
"How did you find me?" Obi Wan asked, not sure what to say to her.
"Bail told me this was She-ar-ah's favorite place. I thought you might be here." She said, and noticed his body tense when she said She-ar-ah's name. "I'm...I'm very sorry about She-ar-ah." Padme said, feeling awkward. "I know what you are going through."
Obi Wan turned and faced the Senator, he saw that she was trying not to cry, but was failing. He walked towards her, took her hand and knelt in front of her with his head down.
"Obi Wan? What are you..." Padme started.
"Senator Amidala, I beg you forgive me." Obi Wan said, not looking at her. "I know I have no right in asking this of you." He looked up at her, and saw a look of compassion on her face. "I'm so sorry about Anakin, I wish I could do something to make it alright..."
"Obi Wan, deep down I know this was the only way to save Anakin." Padme said cutting Obi Wan off. "I'm sorry I was short with you earlier when you told me what happened."
"You had every reason to be short with me m'lady, I was the one who killed your husband." Obi Wan turned away from her.
"My husband was dead before the volcano." Padme stated, and Obi Wan turned to face her. "The darkness inside him was what killed him."
"I guess that's true...from a certain point of view." He smiled a sad smile at Padme. He then looked at her with a curious look on his face. "There is something else that is troubling you." He walked towards her.
"Yes." She looked away from him. "Obi Wan, I have been blessed to have you as a friend, and protector. You have been there for me through the blockade of my planet, even when your own master was killed, you were still there for me." She continued to look away from him. "You even jumped through a window to stop someone from assassinating me. I don't think anyone could've asked for a better friend or even ask you to do more." She finally looked at him. "But I'm afraid I have no choice, I still need your help." Obi Wan looked at her, and encouraged her to continue. "Obi Wan, I'm...I'm with child." Padme finally blurted out, and Obi Wan looked at her stunned, then he turned and faced the waterfall. "I'm sorry to ask this of you, but I don't know what to do. Keeping our marriage a secret was difficult enough, I don't know how the Jedi handle a situation like this." Padme continued.
Obi Wan chuckled to himself. "Neither do I." He then turned towards Padme. "One thing is certain, it must stay a secret that this child is Anakin's. If the Emperor found out, he would come after the child."
Padme grew worried. "What should we do?"
"I'm not sure, the force will guide us." Obi Wan stated, and noticed that didn't make her feel much better. "One thing I do promise you Padme. I promise I will watch over this child."
She looked up at Obi Wan and tried to smile. "You promise?"
"I swear on my life as a Jedi." Obi Wan answered.
"I don't like that promise Obi Wan, swear as a friend." Padme commanded.
"I swear as a friend. I will forever protect this child." Obi Wan smiled.
"Thank you Obi Wan." Padme said.
"Don't call me that." Obi Wan said, and turned towards the waterfall. "Obi Wan Kenobi died with his apprentice." Obi Wan stated.
"What should I call you?" She asked, curious.
"Call me Ben." He stated plainly.
She looked at him and reluctantly nodded. "Thank you Ben."
**
Obi Wan looked over the flat horizon of the planet of Tatooine, he watched as the two suns began to set.
Owen Lars walked up next to him.
"Beautiful sunsets." Obi Wan expressed as Owen watched the suns with the Jedi.
"The only time we like having two suns." Owen admitted.
Obi Wan turned towards Owen. "I want to thank you again for letting us stay here. It's just much safer for her here."
"Just remember, this is for her and my brother's child not for you." Owen said with a hint of anger.
Obi Wan looked at Owen. "I understand. And I once again am sorry for what happened to your brother."
"Well you should be. If it wasn't for you Jedi coming here in the first place none of this would've happened, and my brother would still be here." Owen said in a very angry tone.
"No offense Owen, but you hardly knew your brother." Obi Wan said in a defensive tone.
"Thanks to you." Owen claimed, and walked away from Obi Wan.
Obi Wan hung his head, his thoughts were interrupted by an angelic voice.
"Ben?" He turned around as he heard Padme's voice calling for him. He smiled as the very pregnant Senator made her way out of the homestead as she looked for him. Although she was apparently very uncomfortable being in her condition in the intense heat of Tatooine, she still looked radiant. Obi Wan walked towards her.
"Yes M'lady?" He asked as he helped her with the last step out of the homestead.
"Are you alright?" She asked when she saw that he looked almost distressed.
"Yes Padme, I was just thinking." Obi Wan answered.
"About her?" Padme asked, and Obi Wan looked away. "It's alright to think of her Ben." She put a hand on his shoulder.
"No it's not, I'm a Jedi." He moved away.
"But you loved her." She stated, not questioned.
"Yes." He softly answered. "But the code forbids what we had."
"It's natural for people to fall in love, it just depends on how you act on those feelings." Padme looked down at her stomach. "Some of us make better decisions then others."
Obi Wan turned to her, he could sense how uncomfortable she was. "Was there something you wanted Senator?"
"I want to go home." She said in almost a begging tone. "I hate being pregnant here, I don't want to give birth here." She said, trying to reason with him.
"I'm not sure it is a wise decision Padme, the Emperor will have an easier time finding you on Naboo." He tried to reason with her
"Please Ben I miss my home." She gave him a face that no man could say no to, even the most disciplined Jedi.
Obi Wan reluctantly nodded. "Pack your things."
**
Jedi master Garen Muln fought off several imperial troops with his light saber, he was tired, and was slowing down. His apprentice laid on the ground a few feet in front of him, but he tried desperately to ignore the pain of losing his padawan, and focus at the task at hand. Suddenly he noticed that the troops had backed him into a corner. He prepared himself to jump over the troops, but he then heard a sound that gave him chills. He heard the sound of heavy rhythmic breathing coming from behind the troops. He glanced up and saw a tall figure dressed all in black heading towards him. Suddenly his light saber flew out of his hands, and was crushed by the dark figure. His eyes grew in fear as the figure walked towards him with a red light saber held by a mechanical hand.
**
"Breath." The voice of the chambermaid said as the medical droid spouted off conditions. "Come on Senator, you're doing great." The chambermaid continued.
"Ahhh!" Padme screamed as the pain worsened.
"Ok, this contraction is...done." The medical droid answered. "It should be anytime now."
Padme laid back as the chambermaid put a cool cloth on her forehead. "Ben?" She moaned "Ben?" A strong, yet gentle hand held hers tightly, a bearded man leaned down and kissed her hand.
"I'm here. I won't leave you." An exhausted Obi Wan Kenobi answered softly.
"General Kenobi." A just now noticed Captain Typhoo called into the room. "His highness Bail Organa would like a word with you."
"Padme, I will be right back." Obi Wan said, rising to his feet.
"That's what Anakin said." Padme stated, with tears in her eyes.
Obi Wan leaned down, and kissed her forehead. "I'm not Anakin." With that he left the room to find Bail Organa pacing outside.
"How is she?" He asked, concerned.
"It should be anytime now." Obi Wan answered while going to the water fountain, and splashing his face with the cool liquid.
"You look exhausted old friend." Bail commented.
"The last 15 hours have been more exhausting than any battle I've ever been in." Obi Wan sighed.
"You're a good man Obi Wan, Alderaan owes you so much. You will always have a place in our hearts."
"As will all of you in mine." The two men then shook hands when Dorme stormed in.
"It's time!" She called, and with that Obi Wan disappeared through the door with her.
Taking his place at Padme's side, Obi Wan gripped her hand. Her screams of pain grew more intense.
"Ok, time to push Senator." The droid ordered.
"Ok Ami, let's do this." Obi Wan called her by the nickname he gave her with a smile.
"I'll trade you places." Padme said, her face soaked with sweat.
"You know I would if I could." He answered her with a kiss.
"I know I...Ahhh!" She began to scream.
"Ok now Padme, you're going to have to push." The chambermaid demanded.
As Padme began to push, her screams intensified.
"Push Ami, you're doing great." Obi Wan coaxed.
"The head is out." The droid claimed. "Just one more push."
"I can't." Padme insisted.
Obi Wan gripped her hand tighter. "Yes you can Ami, the force is with you."
"Obi Wan I can't."
"Please Ami, for me." Tired eyes begged her.
"Ben I can't." She insisted.
"For Anakin then." He finally stated.
With that, Padme pushed one last time.
"He's out!" The droid exclaimed.
"He?" Padme asked, breathing heavily.
"Yes Senator, you have a son." The chambermaid stated.
"Ben, I have a son!"
Obi Wan took the child from the droid. Tears filled his eyes. "He looks just like his father." As he began to bring the child to the mother, Padme began to scream again. "What's going on?" Obi Wan asked, concerned.
The droid examined her. "She's having another one."
"What?" Obi Wan and Padme said in unison.
"She's having twins, and this child needs to come out now!" The droid continued.
"Ben, I'm scared." Padme confessed to her friend.
"It's ok, I'm here. But Ami, you need to push now."
"I can't, I don't have the strength." She cried.
"Ami, use that strength you used when your planet was under attack. Use that strength you had when you fought the senate. I know you have it in you." Obi Wan coaxed.
Padme shook her head.
"Padme Amidala you must push, or this child will die; now push!" Obi Wan commanded.
Mustering up what strength she had left, Padme pushed.
"That's it! Good girl!" Obi Wan shouted, still cradling the first-born.
With one last scream the second child was free. Still holding the first, Obi Wan went to the medical droid.
"It's a girl. A beautiful little girl." He said, beaming with pride.
"Yeah?" An exhausted Senator asked.
"Yeah, beautiful just like her mother." Obi Wan said, as he smiled at his friend. Cradling both in his arms he kissed both on the tops of their heads. Tears rolled down his cheeks.
"I thought Jedi didn't show emotions." Padme joked.
Obi Wan smiled. "We make exceptions." Carefully he handed the children to their mother. "I better go inform Bail, and the counsel." He said, giving Padme her precious new gifts. As he turned to leave, he took another look at the family. He and Padme exchanged glances, both knew what was missing.
**
Later that evening, Obi Wan found himself at the nursery. He looked over both the infants. The boy began to cry. Obi Wan searched for the chambermaid, but she was nowhere to be found. He carefully scooped the child in his arms. "Shhh." He said in a soothing tone, trying to calm the child. "Luke, you have a temper on you just like your father. That'll get you into trouble someday." Suddenly the baby stopped crying, and smiled at the Jedi. Obi Wan smiled back, and tickled the child under his chin.
"He likes you." Padme said behind him.
"I think he's hungry." Obi Wan said, handing Luke to her.
"You would've made a wonderful father." She said putting a hand on his arm.
"Maybe." He said, stroking the child's hair. "But I'll settle for teacher." He said, kissing the top of Luke's head.
"Thank you for everything." She looked him in his blue green eyes.
"I'm sorry I couldn't do more." He said as he backed away.
"Ben, you've done so much. What more..."
"I could've saved Anakin." He said, as he hung his head.
"Do you really blame yourself?" She moved towards him.
"I don't know."
Both sat in silence, not knowing what to say next.
"Well if you need me just call for me. I think I'm going to retire for the evening." Obi Wan finally broke the silence. As he began to leave, Obi Wan stopped suddenly and grew pale.
"Ben?" Padme noticed he looked like he was in pain.
A look of dread overcame his features.
"Obi Wan?"
He collapsed to his knees. Padme put Luke down and rushed to him.
"Ben? What's wrong?" She looked at him with great concern.
"I feel a great disturbance in the force. I sense pain...death." He answered in a shaky tone.
"I don't understand." She looked at him, not sure how to help.
Obi Wan's eyes grew wide with fear. "I have to get back to the temple, something's wrong." With that he left the puzzled Senator.
