Disclaimer: Star Wars and all associated characters, plotlines, and worlds (good and bad) are property and copyright © of George Lucas (aka The Richest Man in Hollywood). This is purely for fan entertainment only.
Also a warning… this fanfic is rated MA for adult themes. It is also "Obidala"… in other words, if you're offended or otherwise do not like the pairing between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, then please don't read further to spare yourself the irritation. Otherwise, enjoy!
Chapter 5 – Unfinished Business
Sunshine moved slowly through the slats of the blinds in the bedroom. It began to tickle at her nose and she stirred slightly in her sleep. She nuzzled closer to the side of the bed that Obi-Wan had occupied, only to find a warm dent in the soft mattress. She rose on her elbow, pulling curls away from her face to survey the room. Obi-Wan was no where to be found, and the door to the 'fresher was wide open.
She sat up, frowning softly. She pulled on her dressing gown from a nearby chair, and noticed a note lying on one of the bedside tables. Her frown deepened in apprehension. She read the note to herself, My Padmé- I will return to you when I can. I need to take care of some unfinished business.
Thoughts swirled in her head as she stared at the elegant handwriting, wondering what the unfinished business could possibly be. One word formed in her mind, and sent a quick shiver up her spine. Vader. Bile rose in her throat as she thought of Obi-Wan confronting him again.
She ran to the 'fresher, becoming ill from the morning sickness and the painful thoughts of the two men she cared about most in the world fighting each other once more. Her head reeled as she remembered Anakin in his final days, and remembered the determination to save her from what he had determined would be her end.
The bile rose in her throat again as she recalled the same determination in Obi-Wan's eyes, upon discussing the topic previously. Tears muddied her face as she realized how much Obi-Wan had changed in the past few days, the passion he had shown on a regular basis. She had never known the Jedi Master to not be calm and collected about everything. And now, it looked as if he was seeking revenge, for it was not possible to defeat the Sith Lord yet.
She stood, going to the sink to wash her face and try to calm down. She stared at the reflection in the glass over the sink, told herself that it was going to be alright. She had to have faith in Obi-Wan's abilities and judgment; he had not failed her yet. And yet, somehow, she had a sinking feeling in her heart that Vader had the upper hand and would triumph.
Darth Vader found himself growing restless. He found himself growing anxious to hear from Obi-Wan again. It had been a rather curious feeling, at first, to wish to hear from the very man that had caused all of his grief and upset in the first place. At first, he had wished to send Obi-Wan to the same fate, to suffer endless days in a suit dependent on survival, every inch of his body scarred from burns that would not ever stop burning. He had wished him to see his entire life wrenched away from him out from under his feet, his motives in life nullified.
Then he realized with the destruction of the Jedi Order, he had done just that. The only thing that Obi-Wan likely had left to live for was to plot the Sith demise in hiding. He laughed to himself bitterly, that- and sleep with his Apprentice's wife. That had been the ultimate realization he had come to, especially after talking with Obi-Wan. Deep down somewhere, wherever Anakin was hiding, there was still a love for Padmé. And he still wanted her to live and be happy, even if that meant at his expense.
What Obi-Wan did not know was that he was the one that spent every night imagining his beautiful Angel in his former Master's arms, the perfect Jedi raining kisses down her throat, pulling cries of delight from her with his skills. But he had grown to realize that Padmé did not want Darth Vader, she wanted Anakin, or someone not in the Sith persuasion.
Well, he mused, Anakin still exists somewhere. If she can see Obi-Wan's Dark Side perhaps she will not love him anymore. Confusion and pain swirled at thoughts of letting the naïve Anakin come out of hiding, letting the little pieces of his life get glued back together. He could not fathom the deeds he would have to do to gain Padmé's trust and redemption.
His excitement in waiting on Obi-Wan's decision on whether to join him or not would have to be dampened, in the meantime, for a distraction. He itched to speak with Padmé one last time, learn whether it was worthwhile to entertain such notions or not. He closed his eyes, reaching out to her as Anakin, remembering the Force signature and seeking her out.
Surprisingly, she let him in, hesitantly. He came to her in her dreams, as he had with Obi-Wan. He was careful to make sure that he appeared to her as Anakin and not Vader, under any circumstances. What do you want from me? She asked him, her face pained.
He looked away, unsure what to say since he was apparently not welcomed. I want to know about our child, Padmé. He admitted.
Anakin watched the words pain her further, and he instantly regretted uttering them. The child died in childbirth. He was premature. Dead, like his father. Pride swelled in him, a son! He suspected, however, that she could be lying, like everything else, about the child's death.
What did you name him? He was filled with hope, knowing there was a reason to bring half-hearted plans to fruition- he had a son somewhere to bring the Emperor down for, to create peace for.
She nearly spat out her next words, You do not name dead children.
He swallowed, keeping his hope and his pride to himself, knowing she did not appreciate them. He remembered her words, dead, like his father, and understood the magnitude of the problem at hand. I am not dead, Padmé.
Padmé's head shook wildly and she turned away from him. Don't do this. Anakin is dead, he died after killing younglings, on Mustafar.
He furrowed his brow, his temper rising in him, I killed the younglings because it was necessary to save you. Did she not realize the sacrifices he had made to save her life?
She turned back to him, tears on her face, Save me from what, Anakin? From little children? Were they to be our child's rival or something? She bit back. She continued on her rant, Would you have killed everyone that got in your way?
His fists balled at his side, he clinched his nails into his palms to keep the rage down. Her ingratitude for his sacrifices ate at him. You are still alive, aren't you? Apparently I did something right! Perhaps I shouldn't have. He regretted the last as soon as he said it, but he could not keep the words from coming out of his mouth.
She gawked at him, You still believe that I was going to die in childbirth? You think sacrificing young children was going to save me from dying? She glared angrily at him. I would rather die than have young children die in my place, their life potential gone at your whim, which could be wrong
His arm lashed out at his side, swinging at some imaginary foe to vent the anger he felt bubbling within him, trying to keep from repeating the same mistake he had on Mustafar, even in her dreams. Padmé, it was necessary to remove the Jedi, they were in a plot to destroy the Republic. I had to do this to ensure your safety and that of the Universe.
She remained silent, musing on everything he had said. He bit back tears of frustration, holding back unbelief that she did not understand why he had done everything. He ached to take her face in his hands, show her his appreciation for her and his love, but remembered he had not yet won back that right, no, that privilege. Is he treating you well? He nearly whispered the pained words.
Padmé turned away from him again, holding back tears. Why are you doing this? It will only hurt.
Anakin placed his good hand on her shoulder, and she turned to face him. Tell me that you love him, and I will leave you alone. Tell me that he is treating you right and will take care of your child. She stared back at him in disbelief. More pain echoed in his voice, No matter what you think, Padmé, I'm not a monster. I promise, I will leave you alone if you love him.
He could tell her heart was in her throat, and she tentatively touched his face, her fingers threading through his hair. He closed his eyes, not watching the tears flow down her face. I loved Anakin, he was the father of my first child. She stopped herself before she said children. But I now love Obi-Wan, and we have a different bond than the one I shared with Anakin. She imparted. She pulled her hand away, waiting for his response.
His heart fell at hearing her speak of her love for Obi-Wan, but he kept in mind that she still said she loved Anakin. It would have to do, for now. It would have to be enough. He took her hand lightly in his, brought it to his lips for a chivalrous kiss. You have my word, m'lady.
He let her fall back into slumber, wishing he could do the same.
Yay for Darth Lemon's return! And thanks to everyone that has e-mailed and reviewed- the insight has been valuable. The plot is already in my mind, but I'm always curious what others think is going to happen, as to whether I have done my job or not.
And yes, I feel sympathetic for Vader. For those of you who have not yet (yes, I know it is early), the DVD for Episode 3 is very insightful as to Vader's character. At least, Lucas's mini documentary on the man behind the mask, is. I appreciate his view, that the evil characters never believe that they are evil, and that Anakin believed all along that he was doing everything for the good of others. He did create Anakin, afterall. ; )