Chapter Fourteen - The Time Is Near
Obi-Wan flew Anakin and Padme back to the Jedi Temple. Master Windu was not set to leave the medical center yet, but they had been assured that he would be free to go either in the late afternoon or the early morning.
When they arrived back at the Temple, Anakin realized that every single Jedi, Padawan and Youngling they passed stopped what they were doing to gaze at him with looks of admiration and respect. He was amazed by all this and Padme gave his hand a squeeze. It appeared that they all knew what had happened and they all looked upon him as the hero of the Republic just like the citizens did.
They went to meet Master Yoda who was just coming out of a meditation in his chambers. As soon as the Jedi master came out, Padme hung back to let Anakin and Obi-Wan go on ahead. She seated herself on the same bench she had sat on last time to catch her breath. The baby was getting heavier as each day passed, and she was willing to bet that the child would grow to be tall like their father was. Rubbing her stomach she smiled to herself as she felt a nudge from inside.
"Patience, my little one," she whispered. "It won't be long now, and soon you'll be in our arms." When she felt another nudge, tears of happiness filled her eyes. She was sure that had been a response to her spoken words.
"Skywalker," Master Yoda greeted Anakin with a warm smile. "Proud of you, I am."
Anakin bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you, Master Yoda."
Kenobi then took a step forward. "The medics informed me that Master Windu should recover soon and will possibly be out of the med-centre sometime before tomorrow afternoon."
Yoda nodded leaning on his cane with both hands. "Good. Once return, he does, Skywalker's trial, we must arrange."
Anakin clenched his fist then took a deep breath knowing this was his chance to make his request. "Actually Master, I'm afraid we're going to have to delay the trial again." He felt bad for admitting this, but this time he had a perfectly good reason for it.
Obi-wan sighed. "Anakin, I'm afraid we can't put this off any longer. I know this won't be easy for you, but it's important."
"The reason I ask for us to delay it is equally important, actually it is much more urgent." His voice was rising but he managed to compose himself so as not to let his emotions escalate.
Obi-Wan placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "What is this urgent matter Anakin?"
"A med droid told Padme that she may deliver the baby in a day or two. And we don't want our child to be born in this city, we want our child to be born on the planet where we planned to raise them. Please Master," Anakin almost pleaded. "We request permission to return to Naboo, just until our child is settled and be able to travel with us." Anakin was still hoping that the childbirth would go smoothly and Padme would survive to return with him and the baby for his trial.
Both Jedi masters exchanged interested looks. They and the other Jedi who had heard about it were obviously curious about the child and what it would turn out like. Secretly, Anakin was relieved that Master Windu wasn't here, because he may have stuck to his word and declared that Anakin was to remain here and the trial would be carried out immediately.
"Skywalker." Master Yoda's voice caught his attention and he glanced back down. To his surprise, Yoda still wore his warm smile. "Go to Naboo, you may. With Senator Amidala."
Anakin felt as though a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He bowed and smiled with relief.
"Thank you, Master. I am very grateful for this."
The news of this soon reached Ahsoka. She was at this moment in the massive dining hall with her Youngling friends. She had returned from the med centre earlier on in the day, and once she'd arrived they'd sought her out and begged her to tell them of all that happened on the night of Darth Sidious's death. Ahsoka was more than happy to oblige and although she hadn't been present to see what had happened between Anakin and the Sith Lord, she did her best to recall all that Anakin had told her. It seemed to be good enough because all six of the Younglings were enthralled by the story.
After that they had some lunch together and spoke of what they thought the Jedi would do now that they had won the war. Ahsoka herself was unsure how to answer this as it was a mystery. The only guess she had was that the Jedi and the Republic would now live in peace and happiness. Well that was good enough for her. As she planned to live out that peaceful future with Anakin and Padme and their child.
At one point during the conversation, Petro had excused himself to visit the restroom, but when he returned he was hurrying over to their table. "Ahsoka! They're leaving!" he panted as he came to a stop beside her.
"What are you talking about Petro? Who's leaving?" Ahsoka asked, placing her eating utensils down.
"Padawan Caleb Dume just passed me in the corridor. He said he'd just overheard Master Skywalker request that he and Senator Amidala be allowed to return to Naboo. It was something about their baby and that it may come soon."
Ahsoka instantly stood up from the table. "Thanks Petro. I'd better find them before they leave." She bid them all goodbye and ran from the room. She raced through the corridors heading in the direction of the hanger bay, for she was positive that was where they were headed, unless they were already there. And Ahsoka had agreed that it was a good idea that they return to Naboo soon. As they had said before, it would be the perfect place for the baby to be born and spend its first few days.
She was almost a floor away from the landing bay when her comlink beeped and she answered it while still running. "Yes?"
"Hey Snips," Anakin's voice answered her. "Just thought I'd let you know that we're leaving. Are you anywhere near the hanger bay?"
"Yes, I already know about it. I'm on my way as we speak, Sky-guy!" With a bright smile she continued on her way towards the hanger bay.
In no time at all, they were all aboard Padme's ship. They first stopped off at Padme's penthouse to collect their luggage and then they set off again leaving the planet behind them. Neither Padme nor Anakin were flying the ship this time round. They were in the seating area with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. The ship was being piloted by Captain Typho and Threepio. Artoo was there too lending them his kind assistance.
Even though Padme had managed to hide it for the past few days, she was now starting to feel more and more tired with each second that passed. The weight of the baby was almost to the point where it was too tiring to walk around on her own. She had no doubts of the med-droid's prediction of the fast approaching birth. And knew she would have to take things more easily than usual and not try to overdo anything.
Anakin had remained close by her side desperate not to miss any sign of distress or pain she may be experiencing. She had kept assuring him that it wasn't as bad as Anakin thought it was, however he looked as tense as a man who was walking on thin ice.
Obi-Wan found himself unable to relax as he watched the couple. He knew that the sooner this was over the sooner things may calm down altogether. There was something deeply disturbing Anakin. He had sensed this ever since he'd seen Anakin that morning on Naboo not long ago. It was something which seemed to be filling the young man with a fear that kept biting at him.
The Jedi Master wanted so badly to question him about this, but he didn't want to add any more stress to the couple's present state. But he made a mental note to ask Anakin at a later time when he was calmer and more relaxed.
After a short while, Padme was starting to doze off with her head resting on Anakin's shoulder. Without a word Anakin gently picked her up and carried her to the sleeping quarters. He walked at such a slow pace that when he didn't return, Obi-Wan assumed that Anakin had opted to go to sleep himself. That was good, sleep would be a peaceful escape for whatever was causing him this distressing fear.
Ahsoka seemed to be thinking along the same line as she lay across the bench and taking a quiet nap herself. Obi-Wan smiled to himself as he took in the calm atmosphere of the ship. Deciding to join them, he seated himself on the ground, crossed his legs and settled his mind into a calm state of meditation.
When they arrived back in Lake Country it was late and though Anakin had not slept much during the journey, he felt strong enough to tend to any need his wife required. He helped her down the ramp and escorted her to the villa which was illuminated by its radiant glowing lanterns. There was a sense of homecoming as he entered the beautiful villa which was a very joyful feeling.
Once they were all inside, nobody wanted to do much except go to bed. It was surprising how tiring a long journey can make you despite how much sleep you try to have during the trip. Padme hadn't rested well on the ship either. The slight vibrations and movement of the ship had kept unsettling her and caused discomfort. Anakin knew that what she needed right now was a warm drink and a proper sleep.
In their fresher, he helped her undress and get into her soft, white nightdress. Once her curls were flowing loosely past her shoulders, he helped her back into the bedroom and up into the bed. Anakin then requested C-3PO to come and bring them both a warm drink. He would have gone to fetch something himself, but the kitchen was too far from the bedchamber and he didn't want to stray too far from Padme.
It wasn't long before the golden protocol droid arrived carrying a tray with two steaming mugs upon it.
"Thank you Threepio," said Padme gratefully taking a mug from the tray.
"Oh you're welcome, Mistress Padme." The droid replied with delight. "Will there be anything else, Master Ani?" he asked as Anakin took his own mug from the tray.
"No that will be all, Threepio. You and Artoo may do as you wish the rest of the night."
"Thank you very much, Master Ani. I think I shall go with Artoo and shut down for the night. I wish you both a pleasant evening."
After he left, Anakin changed into his loose sleeping clothes. He then climbed into bed beside Padme and for a while they sipped their warm beverages in the calm silence. Anakin was the first to finish his and he set the mug aside. Then he bent one of his legs up and rested his left arm on it deep in thought.
"You ok, Ani?" Padme asked, holding her mug on her lap.
He turned to face her and then glanced down at her stomach. "I was thinking about the baby."
She smiled and taking his hand she rested it upon the bulge. "So was I, Ani. I just realized that we haven't yet decided what we will name the little angel."
Anakin chuckled softly. "I did actually think about that sometime ago. If it were a girl, I thought of naming her after the only other woman in my life who was so dear to my heart. But then I realized that to speak and hear that name everyday would only bring back a painful memory." Taking his hand off her stomach he lowered his gaze trying to stop his eyes filling with tears.
Padme put her mug on the table behind her and reached out to rub his back comfortingly. He looked back up at her.
"I was kinda thinking the same. If the child was a boy I was wondering of naming him after the most important man in my life. But then I decided not to because to me there is only one "Anakin" in my life."
Anakin smiled softly and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I do have some other ideas, but I feel I need to see the baby to know which name would be perfect for them. Unless you had any more suggestions Ani?"
Anakin shook his head. "No, I have no other ideas. You always make the right decisions Padme. So when the time comes, you may choose our child's name."
She smiled back at him and her fingers began playing with strands of his hair. "I hope the moment will come soon. I don't know how much longer I can go like this. Besides it must be very cramped in there for the poor kid by now."
Anakin rubbed her belly and felt into the Force. "I don't think I want the moment to be tonight. You're still tired from the trip and the child seems very relaxed at the moment. They're probably sleeping right now and I think we all need a good full night sleep."
She nodded "Yeah we best do that," she said settling down into the pillows.
Anakin settled comfortably down next to her and they smiled at each other. He then noticed the Japor Snippet which hung round Padme's neck. She glanced down at it then held the charm between her fingers.
"I believe that the good fortune this necklace brings will be coming soon, Ani. And that fortune will be unlimited happiness for us both." Anakin took her hand in his with a small smile and she kissed his forehead. "Night," she whispered and closed her eyes with her forehead resting against his.
Anakin's smile faded, but he kept hold of her hand. Even though his body was relaxed his mind was still unsettled. For all he knew, the time was near and soon he would see if his nightmare visions actually became reality. But he hoped more than anything that Padme was right about the good fortune. Closing his eyes he went to sleep.
The following day the sun was shining full and radiant over Lake Country. It warmed everything it touched from the water in the lake, to the stone walls of the villa. Anakin and Padme had had a nice lie in together and joined Ahsoka and Obi-Wan in the dining room for a nice breakfast together.
Once they were done, Obi-Wan announced that last night he had been sent a message from Master Yoda informing him that he and a few of the Jedi were coming to Naboo to bear witness to the birth of the child. Anakin was surprised at the news but he was alright with this. After all, this was going to be a rare moment for any Jedi to bear witness to. According to Ahsoka, the news of his Force sensitive child had spread round the temple. So there had to be many who wished to see this with their own eyes.
Around early afternoon all of them, including Artoo and Threepio, waited at the landing platform as the ship came flying in to land. Padme and Anakin stood with their arms round each other as they watched it descend to the ground. The ramp lowered and the first two that exited the ship were Master Yoda and Master Windu. The three Jedi who followed them down were Plo Koon, Kit Fisto and Ayla Secura.
Anakin stood tense and still as he saw Master Windu. He looked back to normal, as though all traces of Palpatine's attack had never happened. And now as he approached, Anakin wasn't sure what Windu was going to say to him, but surely there was nothing for him to be disappointed with.
Mace Windu's expression was as blank as a stone when he reached them. He gave Padme a courteous bow in greeting then turned to Anakin. "Skywalker, I am pleased to see you are well."
Anakin nodded once. "Same to you Master," he said, keeping his voice as steady as he could, though there was no doubt that the Jedi master could sense his anxiety.
"There are many things I should say to you young Skywalker, but in light of the current circumstances, I will be blunt. For all I know, you could have left me to die at Darth Sidious's feet, but instead you saved my life and many others in the process." He held out a dark hand and Anakin stared at it for a few seconds in disbelief before he took it and they shook. Mace Windu had not smiled or shown any expression of delight during this whole exchange, but Anakin could sense that in this moment he had earned the Jedi Master's respect.
Glancing over at Master Yoda who was now beside Master Kenobi, the small Jedi Master gave Anakin the same warm smile he had given him the previous day at the Temple. Anakin returned it with a small smile of his own. Ahsoka had gone to chat with the three other Jedi who had accompanied Yoda and Windu. It wasn't as many Jedi as Anakin was thinking would turn up, but to him this was a decent enough gathering.
Sometime later they were all on the Villa's Promenade. Anakin, Padme and Ahsoka were standing together looking out at the lake which was sparkling in the sun which was starting to descend. Plo Koon, Kit Fisto and Ayla Secura were conversing quietly together over at the back entrance to the Villa. And Kenobi was with Master Yoda and Master Windu at the far end of the Promenade, they were seated on some comfy benches under a large patch of shade. Yoda was watching Anakin with a scrutinized look in his green eyes.
"Troubled, Skywalker is," he stated.
"Yes, I've sensed it too," said Kenobi. "I'm starting to guess it's something to do with the baby. A natural feeling that comes whenever it's the first time for any parent before the birth of their baby."
"No, it is fear I sense, Obi-Wan. Felt this, I did, when Skywalker came to me some time ago. Connected, I believe this all is."
"But what is there left for Skywalker to fear?" Windu asked.
Kenobi stroked his beard as he pondered Yoda's and Windu's words. "I'm not sure. Palpatine is dead, the Separatists are finished, and he's about to become a father. I don't see any reason for him to fear anything else right now, especially since there are many Jedi here now who would stand up to defend him and Padme from any danger if it came."
The three of them watched Anakin in silence for about a minute or two. Plo Koon had come over to join him, Padme and Ahsoka.
"I'm anxious to know what is troubling to him. But then again, it is not easy to get Anakin to speak about his troubles. He holds it all in so no one can suspect that their "The hero with no fear" has any weaknesses just like everyone does."
"You must find out what it is Obi-Wan. For we all know what Anakin's fear almost made him do the unthinkable," said Windu.
Kenobi nodded, still stroking his beard. "I will do my best Master Windu, but I think it may be best not to try to push him. The last thing we need is for him to get the wrong impression."
He rose from the bench he was seated on and made his way along the stone promenade into the sunshine.
When Anakin met his gaze Obi-Wan gave him a friendly smile. "Anakin, may I speak with you for a minute?"
"Uh, Ok," he said, stepping away from Padme and the others to join him. "What is it, Master?" he asked.
Kenobi kept his smile on his face. "I was just wondering how you were faring." He placed a hand on the young man's shoulder and they started walking up the promenade side by side. "You've been through a lot in the past few days. Anyone who goes through such trials always carries the burden of painful memories. And I know you have a lot of painful memories Anakin."
Anakin looked at him for a second then down at the stone ground unable to answer.
"I know you fear many things including the fear of the unknown. And there is no shame in that, as many people fear the unknown and what it brings." They stopped and turned to face each other properly.
Anakin was staring at Obi-Wan but still seemed to be at a loss of how to answer him. "I know there are some things that time can't heal. And I know that something is troubling you Anakin. I just want you to know that when the time comes that you feel ready, you can tell me what it is."
Anakin sighed and looked down at his boots. "I know you want to help me Master. But I honestly…"
A sudden cry from behind them caused Anakin and Obi-Wan to whirl round. They saw Ahsoka and Master Plo supporting Padme who was crouched over clutching her stomach, her face expressing pain and discomfort. Anakin's heart lurched with fear and he rushed back towards his wife with Obi-Wan close behind him. In a matter of seconds all of the other Jedi came running.
"Padme! What is it? What's wrong?!" He was unable to keep the panic out of his voice as he reached out to hold her shoulders.
"Ani!" she gasped. "The baby...it's coming!"
Author's Notes
Hello There my readers!
I know that is quite a strong cliff-hanger to finish this chapter with, but I hope that will make you excited for the next chapter to come. So Anakin Skywalker and Mace Windu appear to be on good terms at last, Kenobi and the Jedi are aware that something is still troubling Anakin and Padme has gone into labour. I'm very excited myself about posting the next chapter when the time comes.
I was surprised that there were not may reviews after I posted the last chapter. But I hope that you enjoyed this chapter and will let me know what you think, as it helps me to see that you are enjoying this story.
Thank you to my Beta Reader Carrie2sky!
May The Force Be With You!
LouisaJane007