Celestial Death: Hey, I'm back. Sorry about the wait, stuff has been happening in my life. Though, I admit I have been feeling rather melancholy so that didn't help my productivity. If you ever read my profile, you'll see that my dream is to become a writer and to be a manga artist/writer. I want to draw and write my own graphic novels and write my own regular novels. My point is, I have recently found out that one of my favorite manga artists, Yuu Watase, is creating a new manga that will be coming out in America soon, and it's almost exactly like mine. sob It isn't fair! Her manga is called Absolute boyfriend. It's about a girl that has no luck getting a boyfriend, she then meets a mysterious shopkeeper that gives her a website address where she orders her perfect boyfriend. He's a robot. I read a blip preview for it a few days ago when my sister showed it to me. I've been working on mine for a while now, so I'm kind of upset. Mine is about a girl that is picked on at school or unnoticed, and has a dad that constantly fights with her and dotes on her older sister. And one night after a bad fight, she wishes for her dark prince. And her wish is granted. So she has to deal with this guy that is supposed to be her ideal man, except nothing is as it seems, until she can find the person that granted her wish to take him back. It's something that will be funny and kind of romantic. The major differences are the fact that mine isn't a robot, he is an actual person, and the fact that my main character didn't want a boyfriend, she wanted someone to care about her and understand, and protect her. I intend to call mine Dark Prince. I intend to still make it, but I feel torn between screaming and crying. Sorry. I just had to get that out, it's weighing down upon me. But I went to go see Revenge of the Sith again and it really helped me to connect back with Anakin/Vader and Padme. So I guess that was the kick to the head to get me working. I know you guys don't want to know all about the issues in my life but…I guess I felt like I needed to explain. Though my idea for Dark Prince reminds me a lot about Padme/Vader. Hmmm, possible fanfic idea? I know you're all probably sitting there going, "Get on with the chapter all ready!" I'm sorry! So I'll shut up and get on with the chapter.
Pokey: Yeah, Padme really has some difficult decisions ahead. And that was sneaky of Vader but I liked it, it made him really clever and showed that he isn't a monster. Thank you.
Anakin-Padme: I like your penname. Ahh, thank you so much! I'm so glad that it made your heart skip a beat. Just don't die on me before the story ends.
As for Vader becoming Anakin again, I don't know, it's hard to say. And may the force be with you!
Kristiana: Thank you! I'm glad you find it great!
Snowgurl54: Thanks!
Pinkpixie423: Thank you so much!
Timespanned soul: Oh, thank you so much! I'm so glad you like the way Padme's feelings are described. And of course she's right about there still being good in Vader.
dtaylor Aww, your welcome! And thank you. It makes me really happy that you liked chapter three the best so far. I was really pleased with that one. I like the length too, but it takes me forever to type it to satisfaction. Ah well, it's worth it. As for Draven Star, I'm a fan of her work. I love to read her stories. Thank you so much.
thefragile7393: Heh sorry about that. I really want to find out how to get one of the BK things. The question is how long can Padme resist when he really starts laying on the charm? Thanks so very much.
anakinsjedi349: Thanks! I'm glad you find it interesting. I'm so glad you like the descriptions of Vader/Anakin. As for Ani coming back, I dunno guess we'll see what happens.
RavenSparrow: Oh man! Thank you so very very much! If you like Padme/Vader stories check out the ones by Draven Star, she's great! I'm so glad you think it's great and you're supportive about my story. It means a lot to me that you'll keep reading faithfully. Thanks.
Kalista: Hallo, thank you very much. I'm glad this is the kind of story you love. As for bringing them back together, love is a very powerful thing.
Doreen: Thank you!
Ashley: Ha ha ha! What you said certainly made my day. Thanks.
Pupletangerine: Ahh thank you so very much! It makes me so happy that you like the way Padme and Anakin are portrayed. Thank you again.
Eridani: Thank you very much. I rather enjoy them myself.
Countess Jackman: Wow! Thank you so much! You're the first person to say that they like the way the twins are portrayed. Thank you for adding it to your favorites list. It makes me really happy that you like the way I do the interaction between Padme and Vader. Ah, Thanks again.
Nath Davis: You got it! And Thanks!
VadersGurl: Awww, thank you very much! It makes me so glad that your adding it to your favorites list.
Jamyskywalker: I'm glad you enjoy it, and thank you.
Cocoabutterdiva05: Thank you very much.
Rchan: Thank you so much. I'm glad you like it. As for my grammar, it's a work in progress I suppose.
Geckogirl: Thanks! Don't worry though, I never abandon a story, even if I'm gone for a long time.
Righty! I just want to thank everyone that reviewed, and if you aren't mentioned in this chapter, you will be in the next. If anyone has any intense questions or anything feel free to e-mail me. My e-mail is listed in my profile. Oh, I will be camping on the 25th and 26th so no new chappies until after that, unless of course something brilliant strikes my brain. Thanks again everyone!
Disclaimer: I own nothing! Even my own ideas are getting sucked up. I could really use Vader/Anakin right now, 6 million Credits to the person that gives them to me.
Chapter Four: The Man Behind the Monster
After leaving Padme, Vader goes up to his room on the third floor. He begins to meditate finding peace in the fact that she is near. Yet, as time passes Vader begins to grow restless, and the peace turns to agitation. He becomes very irritated at the fact that Padme is so near, and rightfully his, but he can only touch her for brief periods of time. He was denied his wife for two years, and now that he has her back he is still denied. She should be curled up in his arms content, but she's downstairs sleeping while he's here suffering! It is enough to drive a man mad having the one he desires most so near, and yet depriving him of her. If only she knew what she did to him. No, Padme can't know she holds so much power over the Sith Lord, not yet. It is only a matter of time before she is his. If he rushes things now all his careful plans will be ruined. Patience. Patience is the key. Padme will see the truth soon enough. Soon Padme, soon. Beautiful Padme. His wife. His Angel. His Happiness. With that thought Vader falls into a deep and restless sleep.
Vader is lying on a cold hard bed with the sound of machinery all around him. Pain wracks through his body and he opens his eyes biting back a yell. He knows this place, the dark room filled with machinery and stinking of death. Vader has found himself on the operating table in Coruscant, as the medical droids attached his robotic arms and legs. He remembers this all to well as they put his suit on him, his prison. The emperor stands at his side and Vader knows the pain that is to come. "Arise Lord Vader." The emperor says as the medical table Vader is strapped to puts him in a standing position.
Turning his head to his master Vader says, "Where is Padme? Is she all right?" Vader then waits to hear his master's deceitful words.
"It seems in your anger you have killed her." The emperor says in a fake sympathetic voice. Anger fills Vader because of Palpatine's lies. Lashing out with the force he destroys the equipment around him and frees himself from the table. He turns to his master, who is smiling sinisterly, and feels the hate building inside of him.
"No! She is alive! I can feel her, she is alive!" Vader yells advancing on the emperor. Before he can continue a child's voice rings out loud and clear.
"Are you an angel?" Vader pauses and looks around unable to pinpoint the source of the voice. His first words to Padme send a pang of suffering through his heart.
"In fact the Jedi are encouraged to love." The voice says in a more masculine tone, and Vader almost smiles sadly at the memory of him trying to convince Padme the Jedi are allowed to love.
"I won't lose you Padme. Have faith in my love." The voice of Anakin says thick with emotion. Upon hearing the words of his former self, Vader's anger increases to unmeasured levels towards the treachery and pain caused by the emperor's lies. The emperor took Padme from him. Vader can feel his power in the force grow.
"What treachery is this? You can't believe these remnants of the past. It is a Jedi trick to make you weak." The emperor says backing away from Vader in fear.
"Your time is up old fool. You should have known better than to toy with someone that surpasses your power. This is the time for me, my family, and my Empire!" Vader roars, grasping the emperor by the throat and crushing his neck before snapping it. Satisfaction and power course through Vader as he turns to find Padme standing by the doors to the chamber holding Luke. Turning fully he then sees Obi-Wan standing slightly behind her holding Leia. It is obvious to Vader in the way that Obi-Wan is holding Leia and the looks he gives to Padme, that he has taken Vader's place in his family. The hate and anger that just left Vader rises again, stronger than before. He knows that Obi-Wan is the only person that could turn Padme against him. Anger erupts from Vader and he snarls at Padme.
"Get away from him! You belong with me!" Vader steps forward and hold out his hand to Padme. Turning she looks at his out stretched hand and smiles.
"You! Why would I want to be with you? First you were a pathetic little boy with a crush, and now you're a pathetic monster that thinks he's in love! You're just a pathetic little slave that can't protect anyone. Not your mother, not me. You can't even protect yourself. Not exactly someone worthy of being my husband. So much for the Chosen One." Padme says as she and Obi-Wan laugh cruelly.
Anger and hurt spread through Vader's veins like fire, and soon he is lost in a haze of bloodlust and anger. With a roar he draws his lightsabre and strikes Obi-Wan down, cutting from right shoulder to left hip. Turning he twirls his lightsabre and stabs it into Padme's chest. She stares at him with wide eyes before he pulls out his lightsabre and she crumples on the floor. Breathing heavily Vader's bloodlust drains away and he stares at his wife with deep regret as tears prick his eyes. Pulling off his helmet, he lets out an anguished cry, and struggles for breath.
"Is this how I'm going to die? You lose your temper and strike me down. Didn't you say you were more patient now? How do you expect me to be with you if you keep trying to kill me? I don't want to live in fear for the rest of my life." Turning Vader finds Padme standing in front of the operating table. Looking down at his feet he finds her body still crumpled on the floor. Shuddering, Vader walks to the living Padme. Wrapping his arms around her Vader puts his head in the crook of her neck and breaths in the scent that is Padme. A peace fills him as she wraps her arms around him and begins to soothingly stroke his hair. Vader sighs content.
"I didn't kill you." He says, tightening his grip on Padme.
"You thought that was me."
"No. I knew it wasn't you. You would never say those things."
"Well a part of you obviously thinks I would. Maybe I do feel that way."
"No you don't. You aren't sure of me, but you don't hate me."
"How can you be sure? I don't hate Anakin, your Vader."
"I know you. Besides Vader is born from the ashes of Anakin."
"What makes you think that makes a difference? What makes you think I'll stay?"
"I love you Padme. Your mine, and I'm never going to lose you again."
"Maybe you all ready lost me." Padme says sadly, voice growing softer.
"Don't say that Padme! Never say that! I can still feel in you inside of me, I can't lose you! I won't!" Vader says lifting his head only to find Padme fading away.
"No! Padme don't leave me! Padme! Padme!" Vader's screams echo as everything fades into black.
Vader awakes calling out for Padme, and drenched in sweat. Putting his head in his hands he takes deep breaths to calm his frayed nerves. After a few minutes Vader is calm, but a sense of fear that Padme is gone remains. The chrono on the wall reads 7:30 a.m. and Vader decides to get up, unable to go back to sleep after that nightmare. Standing he pulls on a sleeveless black shirt and goes down to the second floor. Going to Padme's door he stops and contemplates waking her. Brushing aside the thought he carefully and quietly enters her room. Vader's eyes quickly adjust to the moonlight filled room. Walking over to the bed, he stops and watches Padme sleeping. Her hair surrounds her like a dark cloud on the pillow, and the moonlight bathes her in an ethereal glow. One hand rests on the bed nest to her and the other rests on her stomach. Vader is filled with great peace and yet, great longing. As if with a mind of it's own his hand reaches out towards her face. Realizing what he's doing Vader pauses almost touching her. Padme sighs, and her eyes open ever so slightly. She smiles and Vader's breath catches in his throat.
"I love you Ani." Padme says softly and taking his hand in hers kisses the palm. She then releases his hand and turns with her back to him, curling up and going back into a deep sleep. After a few moments Vader releases the breath he was holding and feels his heart begin to beat again. Though she said that while obviously far from conscious, Vader can't help but feel the swelling in his heart and searing heat on his palm. Letting out a shaky breath, he whispers softly to his sleeping wife.
"I love you Padme. My beautiful angel." Sitting on the edge of the bed, Vader stays there, watching Padme sleep as her face once again becomes seared into his soul.
Later that morning Padme wakes to find the sun streaming brightly into her room. Smiling she rolls over expecting to find Anakin sleeping next to her. Upon finding the empty bed, recent events flood her mind and she is overcome with emotion. Padme can feel herself being torn between her head and her heart. She knows and believes the Empire is a wrong dictatorship that only hurts and suppresses the people of the galaxy. And yet, she still loves Anakin and wants her family to be complete. She can't escape him, and he's going to kill the emperor to protect their family, and she loves him, by the force does she love him. But was it right? Anakin…no, Vader was right when he said that the galaxy would be thrown into chaos once the emperor died. No one would argue or fight if Vader took over, and if she was with him then maybe she could restore the democracy that was lost. Is that what she wants? No. All she wants is to raise her family on Naboo, in safety and happiness. But, Vader won't let them go, and if the galaxy is in chaos Naboo will suffer along with millions of other innocent planets. Even if Vader takes power, she doesn't have to support him. She can fight him every step of the way, she can raise the twins to fight him. Maybe, if she gives it some time, and really tries, she can bring out the good in him. Maybe, they can somehow find a way to compromise. The one thing Padme knows she has is time. She can take as much time as she wants, because Vader won't do anything that could jeopardize his chances of having her join him. This gives her a little leverage, and she'll have to use it to its full advantage.
Padme is pulled from her thoughts by the sound of giggling coming from the twins' room. Looking at the chrono on the wall she raises her eyebrows at the time.
"Ten o'clock. I slept late today." Rising, Padme puts a bathrobe on over her nightgown and heads to the twins' room. Smiling brightly to greet them, Padme freezes in the doorway and the words die in her throat. Sitting on the floor, playing with the twins is Darth Vader. Luke and Leia have their gazes riveted to the toy Nubian ships Vader is currently flying around the room with the force. The twins giggle and laugh as the toys soar about doing twirls and loops, zigzagging this way and that. The ships fly way up before spiraling down and almost crash into the floor before pulling up at the last second. Tears form in Padme's eyes as a loving ache fills her heart. Remembering something she found in her closet, Padme quickly leaves the room. Returning a moment later, Padme begins to take pictures of the endearing scene. While Vader had sensed her presence the entire time the fact that she was taking pictures was enough to distract him so both ships hit the floor with loud 'thumps'. Laughing the twins run to pick up the ships and Vader stands watching Padme. Stepping towards her he gives her a devilish smirk and she snaps his picture. Before Vader can reach Padme, he is almost knocked over by the twins as each one grabs onto a leg while running full tilt at him. Startled, Vader manages to keep upright as he hears Padme snap another picture. Lowering the camera, she gives him a sadistic smile eyes alight with merriment.
"I wonder what the press would pay for pictures of Lord Vader as a family man?"
Vader scowls at her, but his eyes are shining warmly. "You realize of course, now I have to take that from you and destroy it."
"You will have to pry this from my cold dead fingers." Padme says defiantly. Yet, wishing she had used a better choice of words.
"I don't need to kill you, I have something much better. You two should go tackle your mother. Remember, she's very ticklish around the knees and ribs." Vader says looking at the twins. Padme's eyes widen as the Luke and Leia launch themselves full speed at their mother. Kneeling Padme opens her arms wide and rocks back on her heels, scooping up the twins as they run into her. Standing she looks up defiantly only to find Vader gone. Confused she feels his arms snake around her waist and she is pulled back against him. Lowering his head he nuzzles her neck before placing a loving kiss on it. Padme can't help but shudder at the contact.
"Good morning Padme. Perhaps we could take the twins to the garden after breakfast. Unless of course your hungry for something besides food?" Vader whispers huskily into her ear.
Before Padme can answer Leia puts her head next to Vader's and whispers loudly in her clear two-year-old voice,
"What did you say? Me and Luke can't hear you." Vader mutters a curse in huttese very lowly and Padme can't help but snicker at his annoyance, highly pleased with her daughter's timing.
"He said we're going to the hydroponics garden after breakfast. But first we have to get dressed first." Padme says in a cheery tone.
"Ohhhhhh." The twins say as Padme puts them down. As they go into their room, Vader tightens his grip on Padme.
"Need help getting dressed? I'll be more than happy to assist you." He says in a velvety tone untying her bathrobe.
"As a matter of fact you can." Pulling away from him Padme smiles and takes his hand. She then leads him to the twin's room and pushes him in.
"Why don't you help them while I change." She says in the same cheery voice before closing the door in his face.
"You're a no good tease Padme and you know it! Just wait, I'll get you for that later." Vader says with a grin on his face.
"How quickly you forget about the twins. Have fun dressing them." Padme calls back.
Turning Vader finds the twins pulling random clothes from the closets and drawers and throwing them around the room, as well as putting their clothes on wrong. Luke has a pair of socks on his hands, is wearing a shirt for pants, and has a towel around his neck like a cape saying he's a general, while Leia is running around in a swimsuit with pants on her head, calling herself a twi'lek dancer. Vader's mouth opens and closes for a moment as he stares speechless at his children before letting out a string of huttese curses.
Celestial Death: Hey! So it's kind of short and kind of weird, but with all the darkness and doubt, I thought I would have a little humor. Besides it makes a great bonding/showing Vader isn't a monster scene. Well that's it for now and thank you all so much.