One Last Encounter
AUTHOR: Abigail
SUMMARY: There was only one way that Anakin and Padme could have stayed together…Twists the plot from RotS.
CHAPTER 6: Nightmare
RATING: M
DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything that was created by George Lucas.
NOTE: Here's my next installment. I've got finals coming up so my updates might not be as quick this coming week. Don't give up on me though. I know how annoying it is when someone waits forever to update. :D Hope this appeals to you.
The mechanical droid carefully helped Anakin lay Padme's frail body on the medical bed. She whimpered, her hands reaching for Anakin's. The droid offered Anakin a nearby chair and slowly walked out of the room. "I shall return with the doctor in a few moments, Jedi Skywalker." The droid spoke carefully. Anakin acknowledged and returned his attention to Padme. Her contractions had died down, but Anakin knew that the pain was not over yet. Her face was pale, yet deeply contrasted with her rosy cheeks. Her beautiful curly hair lay in a tangled mess. Her eyes had closed and she was lightly smiling. "I'm going to…try and…" Padme started. Anakin nodded and pressed her hand closer to his face, feeling its warmth on his skin.
Fragments of his fight with Obi-Wan were flashing in his mind and he began to wonder what he was dong here. Hadn't I vowed to my Master that I would kill all of the Jedi, leading to his rule of the Empire? But then Anakin analyzed his thoughts, as a Jedi often does. "His" rule… Not Anakin's rule, but the Emperors rule. Anakin had killed all of those people for his master, now Emperor. Anakin silently cursed himself in his head. He knew that his Master was using him, but Anakin knew that his Master would be a critical part of his plan if he were to gain control of the Empire himself. He knew how strong he was and how easy it would be for him to overcome his Master and gain all of that power and control that he has wanted ever since he became a Jedi apprentice, even if the thought had never presented itself.
But Padme… he looked at her still frame, silently sleeping away the stress she was undergoing. The doctor would be in soon, hopefully with an assistant. Anakin knew that Padme was going to have a rough delivery and he had never trusted the droids that were put in that position at most medical centers. He stroked her face, noticing that her earlier warmth had disappeared into a cool, clamminess. Anakin was alarmed and immediately rang for the doctor. His efforts were useless, as the Doctor was already hurrying down the hall, his metallic footsteps disrupting the previous silence. The doors pulsed open and the droid came in, several assistants following. "We'll have to ask that you leave the room, Jedi Skywalker. You can trust that the Senator will undergo a painless delivery."
Anakin hesitated before leaving the room. Anakin bent down, giving Padme a chaste kiss on her forehead. He slowly let go of her hand and stood up from his chair. "Sir, please…" the droid's robotic voice insisted, staring quite curiously at this Jedi's affectionate actions. Anakin left the room, standing outside of the door, staring into the room. Several machines began to move around as the droids awoke Padme, explaining what she was about to go through and her part in it. The Delivery Nurse took their place by Padme's side, taking her hand and imitating the breath pattern that Padme would need to use as she gave birth.
As Padme fully woke up, her eyes darted around the room, searching for Anakin's presence. She saw him standing at the window, his hand pressed against the cold glass. She stared back at him, her eyes not reflecting the warm smile on her face. Anakin saw through her emotions and saw how scared she looked, how afraid she was, of everything. I haven't been protecting her like I should be…At the moment, Anakin promised himself that when they ruled the Empire, things would be different. Their child could grow up in a safe environment, without the constant worry of a bounty on their heads. Padme and he would be able to love like they used to, like they loved on the lake of Naboo…Someday.
But Anakin's mind was ripped away from his thoughts when he heard Padme scream. It was so unique and recognizable that Anakin felt stunned for a moment. He then realized that it sounded exactly like the scream from his nightmares. Without thought, he ran through the open door to her room and took his place beside her, not caring that the Delivery Nurse began to bicker at him. He grabbed Padme's hand and looked in her eyes, trying to get her attention. "Ani…it hurts…I'm….I can't…." Padme mumbled this, in between cries and sobs. Anakin was furious with himself, trying to hide this from Padme.
"It'll be okay Padme. I'm here to protect you. Nothing will happen," he said, reassuring her with a kiss of her hand. But Anakin himself was not reassured. He had promised Padme that she wasn't going to die in childbirth. And he had promised himself that his new powers would save her. Then why was he suddenly reliving his nightmare again? Anakin turned to the doctor, his eyes glaring.
"Isn't there anything you can do to help her?" Anakin said, his voice full of anger. The droid stared at him for a while before answering.
"I'm sorry, Jedi Skywalker. But it appears that your wife is carrying twins," the droid said, his monotone voice not fully describing what he had just said. Anakin turned to Padme, who had heard this as well. Her swollen stomach was heaving, her eyes watery, her face beaded with sweat. She reached out towards Anakin and touched his face, pulling his attention to her.
"It will be okay, Anakin. You said so…" Padme began to cry out again, the contractions more powerful than before. The droids hovered over her and Anakin was slowly moved towards the back of the room where the Doctor, Assistant and Delivery Nurse began to prepare Padme for her ordeal. Her screams were so loud, so painful. Anakin tried to cover his eyes, but then it sounded muffled and contorted, like he was blocking her out. He tried to watch her face, but it was too much. Tears ran down her face and neck. Her tiny hands were gripping the bed sheets, turning her knuckles white. Anakin was living the nightmare all over again and this time, he felt hopeless. It wasn't like he thought it was going to happen. His Master had told him that he would be able to save Padme. But here he was, backed into the corner of the room while he helplessly watched his wife wither away from pain and hurt.
Anakin slowly slid down the wall. He reached his arms out and tried to catch himself, but his head hit the ground first. Another one of Padme's screams pierced the room, cutting Anakin's emotions wide open. All was black for Anakin Skywalker, but the last vision that lay frozen in his mind was of Padme.
