Spoilers: Still no new spoilers, just the usual for Ep. III, and the prequels in general.

Disclaimer: It's still not mine. *sighs sadly*

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

Slipping Into Darkness

Chapter 11

Pain was the only thing Anakin Skywalker knew. It had become his very existence. The Force lightning tore at his body, mind, and soul, and he could distantly feel that the thread connecting him to life was beginning to unravel under the continuous barrage. But he didn't resist it. Each time the lightning struck and he thrashed in uncontrollable agony, he accepted the pain. This was the only way.

At the same time, a large part of Anakin's mind told him that he deserved this torture and so much more. He was meant to destroy everything that was good. Would any punishment ever be enough for that? He didn't believe so.

"Young fool," Sidious scoffed in mock pity. "You were meant for great things, but you have thrown all of that away. Perhaps, though, it is for the best. You would have failed as a Sith, just as you have failed as a Jedi."

Anakin wondered hazily if Sidious were trying to anger him again, but if that were the case, he would be sorely disappointed. Anakin was too weak to feel anger. He felt only resignation towards the fate he had chosen for himself.

At his lack of response, Anakin felt a flicker of frustration from the Sith. Then, a moment later, the lightning somehow increased in speed and intensity. Anakin would have cried out once again, but his voice refused to cooperate. Already, his earlier screams had left his throat raw and useless.

"Do not expect the Jedi to mourn you, boy. Once they learn of your death, it will already be too late. They will be destroyed."

No, Anakin thought. He had warned Obi-Wan about the clones and at least the Jedi had a chance. And, now, he wouldn't be there to lead the army against the Temple, and the younglings wouldn't die by his blade. The face of the blond-haired boy from the Council chamber floated through Anakin's mind. What is his name? Anakin wondered absently. He would have liked to know, for the small boy had been very brave in his vision. But, Anakin would never have the chance to find out. That thought made him sad. He would lose the chance to do so many things.

He would never see his own child's birth, never see his first step, never hear his first word or watch him grow up. He wouldn't be able to share those moments with Padmé, and would never kiss her or hold her again. But his death also meant that he would never travel to Mustafar, never hurt Padmé or face Obi-Wan in that terrible duel. Yes, this was the only way.

Anakin closed his eyes and focused once more on his weakening link to life. In his mind, he saw that connection begin to flicker. Suddenly, Anakin realized that his body seemed very far away. He could still feel the incredible pain from his side and his other injuries, but it seemed no longer to be part of him.

Sidious sensed how weak the Jedi before him was becoming.

"I will relish your death, Skywalker," he hissed, then he raised his hands once more and began the final assault.

Agony wracked his dying body, and Anakin waited for the end to come. His thoughts turned once again to those loved. He thought of Obi-Wan, the Jedi Master who had taken him as a Padawan in spite of the Council's doubts.

Master, you are like my father. I will always be grateful for your training, but now I realize that they were right…they were right about me. I never should have been trained. In my vision, you said that you failed me, but I'm the one who failed you. I am sorry, Master.

Next, he thought of Padmé, his beautiful wife, his angel, who was so full of light that darkness could never taint her.

I'm sorry, Anakin thought. I'm sorry that I could never deserve your love, but know always that you are the goodness in my heart. Please forgive me for all I have done, Padmé, and tell our child how much I love them.

With his last breath, Anakin called these words through the Force, hoping that somehow his loved ones would hear him. It was then that darkness began to take the young Knight, but it was not the darkness of hatred or anger. It was the darkness that came before eternal rest within the Force. He felt something calling to him, welcoming him, and for the first time in longer than he could remember, Anakin Skywalker was at peace.

Is this what it means to be one with the Force? Anakin wondered. But soon, all thoughts faded away, and he slipped into the darkness.

Padmé stood at the window, staring out into the darkened skies of Coruscant. She knew that she should rest, or at least try to lie down, but she couldn't. Her worry for Anakin made that impossible. Once she had relayed everything that Anakin had told her about Palpatine, Mace Windu and three other Jedi Masters had left to arrest the Chancellor. But had they arrived in time to help her husband?

He was the strongest person she had ever known, but could he face a Sith Lord alone? A shiver of fear swept through Padmé. Surely Palpatine was no ordinary Sith, if such a thing even existed. Palpatine had slowly managed to gain influence until he was the most powerful man in the Republic…until he was the Republic. Padmé shivered again, this time with revulsion.

Palpatine had tricked her, and despite what Anakin had said, she knew that she was at least partly to blame for his rise to power. She had been far too trusting. If only she had refused to betray Valorum, or if she had tried to find some other way to sway the Senate's opinion… Palpatine would never have allowed that, she was certain. Still, Padmé felt guilt rise within her.

How many other times had she allowed herself to be his tool, unknowingly furthering his goals? And what if he used that power, now, to hurt Anakin? Padmé's heart clenched.

Anakin… Silently, she prayed for his return. Then, closing her eyes she went deep within herself, searching for the part of her spirit that was bound to Anakin. It was a connection that had been there since their marriage, often giving her the ability to sense what Anakin was feeling, or to know that he was approaching even before he entered the room. Now, she hoped it would tell her that Anakin was alright.

But as Padmé reached that part of her mind, she realized she that Anakin's presence was fading. No! Padmé cried. He couldn't be… he wasn't… She reached out towards her husband, wishing desperately that she could stop this, but instead she felt him slipping further away from her. Anakin! She felt a wave of regret from him, and for a brief instant, she thought she heard his voice calling to her, but then it vanished and so did his presence.

Padme sank to her knees, tears flowing down her cheeks. She felt her child kick forcefully, as if the baby were also protesting the loss of his father.

Anakin…was gone.

TBC

A/N: The next part will be up on Monday.

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