Spoilers: No new spoilers.

Disclaimer: I'm currently plotting to take over the galaxy, so Star Wars will be mine eventually, but it's not yet. ;)

A/N: I hope you enjoy this chapter, and of course, please let me know what you think!

Slipping Into Darkness

Chapter 6

Anakin was vaguely aware of the passage of time. He watched as the shadows grew longer, and looked on as the sun slipped behind the tall buildings of the Coruscant skyline. As darkness fell, neon signs came to life advertising their endless products and services, but all of this had little meaning to Anakin. All that he was, every part of his mind, was focused on what lay ahead of him.

He knew what he had to do. It would not be easy, and there was a great possibility that it would end with his death, but this was the only hope the Jedi Order had for survival. He knew it with every fiber of his being. Yet, Anakin Skywalker was afraid. He did not fear the Sith, or the battle that was to come. Nor did he fear his own death. What he feared…was himself.

He feared that the temptation would be too great, and that he would kneel before Sidious, as he had done in his vision, pledging his loyalty to him and his teachings. He feared that the familiar thrill of the Dark Side would overpower him, and that he would be lost to the Light forever.

After the horror of his vision, it would be hard for others to imagine that Anakin could still be tempted to turn, but he knew the truth. Anakin had not only witnessed the appalling acts in the vision, he had willingly taken part in them. It had not been some terrible story he could recall as an observer, but rather every choice in it had been his own. Given the same circumstances, Anakin did not doubt what he would do: he would become Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith.

But, now things were different. He had a chance to stop what he had seen. However, while the situation had changed, the darkness in him remained, as well as the possibility that he would turn. A cold sensation swept through Anakin at these thoughts, but he tried to drive the feeling away by thinking of Padmé: his love, his anchor to everything that was good.

Now, at least, he would have a chance to save his wife and child, even if it meant he was saving them from himself. And…he could say goodbye.

Anakin pushed himself away from the window and moved out into the corridors of the Temple. He could still see the images and hear the voices of his vision, but he forced them aside. As difficult as it was to walk these halls, he would do it for Padmé. He had to see her one more time before his destiny claimed him.

The journey to her room seemed to last an eternity, but in a way, Anakin was grateful for it. It gave him time to think about what he would to say to his beautiful wife. But he soon realized that, as was the case with his Master, words could never describe what he felt.

When Anakin reached her door, he attempted to clear the sadness he felt as he considered that this might be the last time he would ever see her. Finally, after a few moments, he entered.

Padmé stood by the window, looking out onto Coruscant as he had done only moments earlier. She was dressed in a simple blue gown, and her hair hung loosely about her shoulders. Anakin paused, trying to burn the image of his angel into his mind, but as if sensing his presence, Padmé turned around immediately.

"Anakin!" she cried.

In an instant, Anakin found himself wrapped in her arms.

"Oh, Anakin," she said breathlessly, "I have been so worried about you. Obi-Wan and the Council said you needed time to deal with what you saw, but I wanted to be by your side."

"I know, Padmé," he assured her.

"I love you so much, Anakin."

For a long moment, Anakin couldn't speak. Her words had opened up the wound he now carried on his soul, the wound his own actions had created. Her very presence reminded him of their exchange on Mustafar: Anakin you're breaking my heart!

At this, Anakin withdrew from her embrace and turned away, partially out of shame, but also out of fear that he would hurt her again. No, he thought, I will never let that happen.

"Anakin, what is it?"

He swallowed hard, then turned to face his wife once more. "Stay away from me, Padmé."

"What?" she asked, pain and confusion evident on her face.

"Stay away from me," he repeated. These words were the hardest he had ever spoken, but he made himself continue. Padmé's life depended on it. "Promise me you will stay away. No matter what happens, no matter what anyone tells you, don't come after me. Go back to your apartment and stay there. You'll be safe."

"Anakin, I-"

"Promise me, Padmé." he pleaded.

"I…I promise." she answered finally. "But, Anakin, I don't understand! What is going on? Why can't I come after you?" She looked down for a moment, then met his eyes. "Does this have anything to do with your vision?"

He didn't answer.

"Anakin, tell me!"

Anakin looked away, no longer able to meet her steady gaze. He thought it was best not to tell her anything. And, in fact it was essential to his plan that no one knew what he was going to do. But seeing her now, he remembered his pledge by the fireplace years before. He had told her he would do whatever she asked, and he had meant it. He would keep his promise. She deserved that, and so much more that he would never have the chance give her.

"Palpatine is the Sith Lord," he said quietly.

Stunned silence was her only answer. After a few moments Padmé gathered her composure. "A Sith?"

Anakin nodded grimly. "He intends to destroy the Jedi."

Padmé's look of shock turned to one of horror. "Oh, Anakin…I…I was the one who moved for the vote of no confidence in Chancellor Valorum. I put Palpatine in power. It's my fault!"

"No!" Anakin said vehemently, dismayed that Padmé would try to take the blame for Palpatine. Everything that had happened had been part of the Sith Lord's scheme. Padmé had been manipulated. The thought alone made anger rise in the young Jedi, but he threw it aside quickly as he tried to assure his wife.

"None of this is your fault." Anakin glanced briefly out into the Coruscant night, then added quietly, "None of it will be your fault."

Padmé looked up at him, obviously caught off guard by his words. But before she could voice her questions, Anakin spoke.

"I love you, Padmé. I always will, just as I will always love our child. No matter what happens to me, remember that." He started for the door.

"Anakin stop!" Padmé called after him. He turned to find his wife in tears. "Anakin, you're frightening me. Where are you going?" She stepped closer to him, forcing him to look her in the eyes.

"To face him," he answered finally.

"To face the Sith? Alone?" Padmé asked, fear evident in her voice. His determined expression was all the answer she needed. "Anakin, you can't! It's too dangerous!"

"I have no choice, Padmé. I have to do this." He took another step towards the door, then added softly, "I'm sorry. For everything."

Then he turned and strode into the corridor, Padmé's cries following behind him.

Padmé didn't bother to hold back the sobs that escaped her. Just two days ago, she had believed that everything was finally as it should be, with Anakin at her side. But now her world was crumbling once again. Anakin had left to face the Sith, and with every step he took, he was taking her heart with him.

Tears flowed down her cheeks as Padmé wept, paralyzed by her sadness and dread. Anakin was her love, her life. He meant everything to her.

Images flashed through her mind: images of herself in the future, alone, raising a child who would never have the privilege of knowing their father. The thought that she would never again be with her husband, never hear his voice, or be held in his embrace, left her barely able to breathe.

Anakin had been on many difficult missions, and Padmé had realized long ago that she could do nothing to change that. As long as he was a Jedi, he would face danger. All she could do as his wife was wait, and pray for his safety. But while the times he was away were always trying, this was far worse. This time, Anakin didn't expect to come back.

He had come to say goodbye to her.

No, Padmé thought. She wouldn't allow things to end like this. She would not allow him to face such unimaginable danger alone.

Anakin had made her promise that she would not come after him, and Padmé intended to keep her word. But, perhaps there was some way she could help him, some way she could increase the chance that he would come back to her.

"Threepio," she called after a moment.

"Yes, M'Lady?"

"I need to speak with Master Windu. Immediately."

TBC

A/N: The next post should be up on Thursday.

Thank you everyone who has reviewed, your feedback has been incredibly kind, and greatly appreciated.

For anyone who hasn't reviewed yet…

*waves hand* You will review! *waves hand again* The submit review button is the option you are looking for. Once you have reviewed, you can go about your business. Move along. ;)

Ani-maniac494