The Power to Save Her
Chapter 17
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.
The room was quiet with the general hum of the ship's machinery. The distant star light filtered in, reflecting off the surface of the dark polished floors, and on the far side of the room were two people, one sleeping on some sort of medical cot, while the other on a chair pulled up next to it.
Padmé woke slowly, feeling that her head was resting on some sort of mattress. The angle was awkward, and she felt stiff, for she must've slept in the same position. Then she came to realize her hand was interlaced with someone else's. She raised her head, squinting at the dim starlight the poured into the room, to see that she was holding Anakin's hand. Hours ago, after waking briefly, he'd fallen asleep again, exhaustion from the procedure overwhelming him. After he'd fallen asleep, she couldn't bring herself to let go, and must've drifted off sometime later, hence the current stiffness.
Anakin was still sleeping, dark circles under his eyes and a very pale complexion, but otherwise much more Anakin-like than he'd been before. Back on Naboo, when she'd first removed his helmet, she hadn't the time to reflect on what he looked like, as she was too focused on saving his life. She did recall the sheer horror she felt upon seeing him pass out so quickly. The whole flight up to the Executor over Naboo had been the longest journey in her life, but somehow, she'd made it. The clearance was quickly granted, as it was Vader's shuttle approaching, and she was able to ask the admiral to meet them there.
When Piett came to greet her in the private hanger, she'd almost broken down. The admiral, for his part, tried to keep her calm and focused, and he succeeded. He'd spoken calmly to her and guided her next actions as to how to save her husband. After transporting Anakin to the secure wing and contacting Kamino, Piett had waited with her while she paced the room. He even offered to play Sabbac with her, which she declined. Instead he kept her busy with conversation, for which she was grateful. When the Kaminoan had come, and kicked her out, Piett had argued with him incessantly, which she appreciated, despite the fact that it didn't do any good. In short, Piett had done much for them in those hours, and she knew she owed him for neglecting his own duties to attend to theirs.
Anakin sighed in his sleep, his breathing easy and his features untroubled. He looked quite innocent now, despite the fact that he'd done so many horrible things. She'd seen him when nightmares persisted, when he was plagued by ghosts that haunted him. Now however, those were leaving him alone, for his breathing remained steady. She ran her thumb over his knuckles absently while he continued his much-needed rest.
After the procedure was over, she spent a lot of time thinking about what he'd done on Naboo and how he'd chosen to let his son go. He'd kept his promise of saving him and more. Even going as far as warning Luke away from the Emperor, in Palpatine's presence told her where he stood. His open defiance of his master was enough to convince her that he was changing. A spark of hope like no other rose up within her, though it'd been dampened much by his close touch with death. Now, he was here, sleeping and very much alive, she could allow herself to feel that hope once more. She smiled gently, knowing she had been right. There was still good in him.
Anakin, seeming to sense her presence and alert state of mind, started waking up. Though he was much less troubled as of late his features beginning to shift into something a little more battle-hardened. Though he didn't carry so many of the scars that came with it, his mind was certainly changed for life.
"Hi.", she said quietly as his opened his eyes. He uttered back an incoherent response. He began sitting up, much to her surprise, but thankfully he stopped there. He held his middle, wincing in pain, and gently lowered himself into a relaxed sitting position.
"Its only been a couple days, hasn't it?", he asked, voice sounding so much like it used to, though he appeared dazed from the fog of sleep. The sound made her smile, but she did not comment on it.
"Yes. The specialist left once you were stable.", she replied, looking down at their intwined hands.
"The Executor, has it been operating as it should?", he asked, glancing over to door with urgency, despite the dark circles under his eyes. Clearly, he wasn't quite used to being on leave for so long.
"Admiral Piett seems to think so, though I haven't been there myself.", she responded, raising her eyebrows. Piett had told her to stay away, for fear of spies or loyalist to the Emperor doing something.
"I must appear soon, or the Emperor will suspect I'm dead, or worse.", Anakin responded, and she shook her head. He turned his eyes to her, confusion in them.
"I'm afraid not yet. The Emperor knows he injured you a great deal.", she insisted, not wanting anything to happen to him again. She squeezed his hand. "He can wait."
"He cannot know what happened.", he responded, furrowing his brows.
"And he won't. Only the medics, Piett, and I know what transpired.", she replied, thinking back to how they smuggled him aboard. "We were careful."
"Good.", Anakin sighed, finally seeming to relax. Then his blue eyes turned to her and she smiled once again at the difference. Anakin caught onto her expression, for he said, "What?"
"Nothing, it's just, I can see you again.", she responded, feeling a little silly. Though she might have imagined it, she swore that she could see his eyes soften at her words. Then on a more serious note, she continued, "I was scared for you Anakin."
"I would've done it again.", he replied with conviction. She knew it was true.
"I know you would.", she responded, but couldn't condemn him for the sacrifice of saving their son's life. She'd be selfish to do so.
"Luke is safe. That's what matters.", he said to her, seeming to sense her troubled thoughts.
"It is, but I'm glad you are too.", she replied, still seeing the Emperor hurt him in her mind. She averted her gaze, a stinging sensation forming in her eyes. "Palpatine almost killed you."
"Padmé, I'm okay.", he said, bringing a hand up to her face to comfort her. She clasped that hand with both of hers but held it there.
Her mind drifted to Leia. She was the second child, and Anakin had almost died without knowing about her. Padmé's fear, for him, was of losing him first and foremost, though the fact that he'd not known of his own daughter while protecting his son was something that couldn't continue. She'd thought of this long and hard, but eventually made up her mind hours before this. Knowing that Anakin saved Luke, she would reveal the truth of his daughter to him. He deserved to know, for he'd earned back her trust.
She had trouble finding the words however, as she felt a strange sense of guilt for not telling him weeks ago. Though she knew she was right to protect her daughter, the feeling persisted, and she only knew it would be relieved if she told him. While going through this inner conflict, she could see Anakin watching her strangely from the corner of her eye. She braced herself and pursed her lips, before turning to him fully.
"Anakin, there's something I haven't told you.", she began, leveling her gaze with his. "Something important."
"Yes?", he asked, clearly choosing not to sense her thoughts.
"Luke isn't your only child.", she replied, voice steady. Instantly he stiffened, eyes widening slightly. She continued, "I was carrying twins and I wanted to surprise you. The other is your daughter. Her name is Leia."
"Organa?", he asked, voice a near whisper. More color drained from his face.
"Yes. I knew from the moment I saw her.", she admitted, watching his face carefully. He closed his eyes for a moment, before turning to her with a look that she wasn't prepared for. She expected anger or shock, however, she did not anticipate the utter despair on his face.
"Padmé… I—I tortured her.", he confessed, pure guilt radiating off of his being. She felt a sinking feeling within her.
"What?", she responded going numb. Anakin, for his part continued, not holding back.
"Years ago, she was my prisoner and a high-ranking Rebel with information.", he began closing his eyes as he recalled the details. He turned his face away from her, ashamed. "She wouldn't give up their base."
"Anakin…", she began, not knowing what else to say. Clearly, he regretted it, for his expression showed this, but she couldn't necessarily tell him it was okay either.
"How can I face her?", he uttered, still looking away.
"You owe her that much.", Padmé replied, voice thick, and he turned his gaze back to her. She struggled with the words, but she maintained her words, "She deserves to hear your apology."
"I've hurt my whole family. You, Luke, Leia… Obi-Wan.", he continued, gazing up at the ceiling, brows drawn. He noticed her confusion and clarified, "Yes, I killed Obi-Wan. "
Padmé closed her eyes, not knowing what to say, and pursed her lips. The silence was tense, though she didn't openly condemn him. Anakin began drawing his hand away from hers and she immediately felt the distance.
"For this, I deserve to be alone.", he affirmed, voice going cold.
"You know as well as I that isolating yourself only ensures the Empire's victory.", Padmé admonished, despite her shock about these confessions. She put her hand on top of his retreating one. "The only way is through unity."
"Continuing to stay by my side is dangerous.", he replied, with a shake of his head.
"I'd rather face certainty of death by your side, than to die without you.", Padmé insisted, holding his gaze. Though shaken by his words, she had conviction in this decision. "I couldn't do that. Not again."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there.", he whispered. "But I will make it up to you."
"You'd better Skywalker.", she stated shakily, but smiled at him.
"I love you.", he said, with some openness, though she could tell it was strange for him to admit it vocally. The declaration was spontaneous, but it made her feel warm inside.
"I love you too.", she replied, a warm smile gracing her features.
He had a contented look on his features as he watched her smile. She felt that warmth within her once more, so she leaned forward and kissed him square on the lips. She could feel the surprise radiate off of him, as he was unresponsive at first, but slowly began to recover. Just when he finally put his hand on her arm, drawing her closer, the door to the room hissed open and they heard footsteps from behind.
"Sithspit!", came the quiet curse.
Padmé broke away, feeling slightly dazed, only to catch a glimpse of the person who happened to be Piett. He was currently turning to leave with an uncomfortable look on his face, but he paused at the door. Knowing he'd been seen, he awkwardly turned back to the two, hands behind his back. She gave him a smile, trying to ease the tension, but it didn't seem to work. Piett wasn't looking at her. Instead, his gaze landed on his superior with an expression that betraying pure terror, his lips pursed together.
"Piett.", Anakin spoke in greeting, but said nothing else.
"Lord Vader.", Piett responded, followed by an audible swallow.
"For Force's sake.", she muttered, sending her husband a withering glare.
"Why are you here?", Anakin asked the admiral, who seemed to have forgotten his words. Anakin was clearly annoyed, for his hands were clenched slightly.
"It's uh, it's some of the men. They're beginning to notice your absence.", the admiral reported, trying to keep his voice even. "Nothing is in dire need of attention, though I thought you ought to know."
"Thank you Piett.", came the dry response. "Is that all?"
"Yes, Lord Vader. I shall leave you to it.", Piett replied, before wincing at his choice of words. After this, he left quickly, probably reveling in the fact that he was still alive.
"Do you always have to act so… homicidal?", she asked him after the man left.
"I was caught off guard."
"Well try not to be so surprised.", she replied with a huff. "You're going to have to work on it."
She pulled away from the bed before he could ask her meaning and grabbed a nearby datapad. She brought it back over to him and began searching public records for any signs of Palpatine's work. She could feel Anakin watching her with a curious look.
"I'm trying to understand Palpatine.", she said, answering his unspoken question. "First, he draws you to Naboo in the hopes of getting to me, but then abandons the cause to hunt down Luke. Did he know that Luke would even be there?"
"He relies much on his foresight for these things.", muttered Anakin, his mind thinking to the many occasions where this was the case. "Though his vision failed when he couldn't capture your family."
"I guess we have the Rebellion to thank for that.", Padmé replied offhandedly.
"Yes… I suppose we do.", he replied, if a bit reluctantly. She glanced up at him sharply.
"I know I can't expect you to support them, but we do owe them.", Padmé reiterated, setting the datapad on her lap. "They'd also be instrumental in taking down the Empire."
"Only if they're capable of such an alliance.", he muttered quietly, his opinion of them clear.
"Are you? Capable that is?", she prodded, knowing that it was hard to let old grudges die. He sighed but she could see that he was trying.
"I'll put up with anything if it means you're safe.", he finally responded.
"That's all I ask.", she replied with a half-smile. "What I can't understand is Palpatine's power in the Imperial Senate. How can he maintain a dictatorship over so many systems?"
"He's losing control and he knows it, which is why the Death Star existed years ago.", Anakin informed quietly. Her countenance grew confused. "It was a station capable of destroying entire planets. I never supported the construction of it, nor the one they're working on now."
"There's another one of these things?", Padmé asked shock radiating off of her. Something like this existing seemed near impossible, but the idea of a second one blew her mind.
"Yes, though it's more than a year from completion.", Anakin responded, knowing it wasn't common knowledge. The Emperor told him to keep it quiet.
"It must be destroyed!", she declared, and Anakin nodded.
"Clearly, but as to how is another question entirely. Palpatine knows I'm actively rooting against him.", came his response. "The only way to take him down is for a coordinated effort to commence."
"That's true.", she acquiesced, running a hand through her hair. "If all that remains is his sole rule, along with this Death Star, the Empire could fall in one fell swoop."
"The rule that is.", Anakin corrected. "There's no telling how many lives will be lost when a multitude of fleets continue to fight."
"There has to be a way to get them to stand down.", Padmé replied, though she set the datapad aside. She knew some of the men fighting weren't doing so for the Empire's cause. "There's got to be something we can do to help."
"We will.", Anakin replied, and she sighed, but smiled at him. Then he looked beyond her at his old suit in despair. It was resting on his workbench, untouched. "All that remains is fixing the suit."
She made an expression that showed her opinion of it.
"I don't like it either, but it is as it has to be.", he replied evenly. "Vader will cease to be after it's over."
"If the Emperor is taken down?", she asked.
"When.", Anakin corrected, and she heard his conviction. "When he's taken down."
The Falcon sat untouched under the twin suns of Tatooine, its occupants keeping themselves busy with various tasks. Luke was reading the data that Ben had left behind on the lightsaber parts, while Leia discussed the culture on Naboo with Ryoo and Pooja. Luke couldn't help but overhear some of the conversation, wondering at the concept of an elected Queen. The fact that their mother had been one was what made the idea more interesting, and Leia clearly thought the same. She continued asking questions on the monarchy and political niceties, which Luke couldn't bring himself to be terribly interested in. He was still a farm boy at heart.
The lightsaber pieces were in front of him, and halfway assembled. Vital parts were found from Obi-Wan's home, but others needed to be found around the Falcon. The hilt was black, silver, and gold in appearance, mostly based on the design of Ben's lightsaber, with a few of his own ideas. The kyber crystal was green, though he dared not put it together just yet. This part of the assembly required intense levels of concentration and he did not want to risk it with so many possible distractions. Therefore, he resolved to doing it at night when everyone was sleeping.
Though no one said it, their minds were on Chewie and Han. Both hadn't reported back yet, but it still was too early for them to grow concerned. Luke could sense Leia's thoughts drifting to the man constantly, though she kept a good rapport with their unwitting family. Luke knew that this wasn't a good idea first and foremost, though Han seemed determined to try and pay off the debts. Whatever came of it, he would work with it, though any trouble brought on by Han would most certainly be his fault.
Suddenly, their comms went off a couple hours after Han had left them. Luke glanced over to Leia, who'd gone white, and muttered.
"Well, we did warn him."
A/N: A little on the shorter side, but I'll make it up to you in upcoming chapters :) And we finally got a properly mushy chapter with Padmé and Anakin/Vader! We haven't had a good long chapter with just the two of them in a while and I wanted to bring it back. I wanted to write it for so long and getting it out here has been fun! Humbled Anakin is my favorite to write because any character who goes through redemption knows the costs of their decisions. (Take Zuko from Avatar for example.)
Wow! This story has gone past 10,000 views! The support you guys are showing it is amazing!
Special shoutout to RyanSquad, The God of Perverts, ichigo urahara Shihoin, MMM73181, Jeda31, Reconzilla117, xxx (Guest),and Penny (Guest) for reviewing the last chapter! To answer the question on whether Ahsoka will be in this story, I'm sorry to report that no, she won't be. I love her character in the Clone Wars, but I haven't seen Rebels, and for that reason, I don't think I could represent her well in this current work.
I just wanted to give a big thank you to those who've favorited and followed my story! If you have any thoughts or opinions, don't be too shy to let me know! I love hearing from you all! Thank you so much for reading :)