Tears roll down Anakin's face as he stares out at 500 Republica. The sun is setting, casting orange light across the council room he stands in now. He aches from days without sleeping or eating, but it's a simple bruise in comparison to his gaping, bloody heart. A lightsaber blow to his chest would be a relief in comparison. His heart twists and rips apart just past his ribs, the shards of his fleshy organ stabbing into his lungs and stomach, making it hard to breathe.
He should have known sooner that Palpatine was a Sith. It's so obvious now, how the man took him in as a young child. He was guided away from the Jedi and made to think himself the best of them all. Palpatine told him of Obi-Wan's jealousy. Palpatine made him think the council hated him and took his padawan as punishment. Palpatine invited the Darkside into every single word they spoke to each other, letting it infect Anakin's mind until he thought the Sith's words were his own thoughts and feelings.
But even as betrayal tears his mind apart, forcing him to pick apart every single thing they've said to each other, Anakin knows he can't let Master Windu kill him. He wants to do it himself, yes; but even more so, Anakin wants that power. He wants to feel strong for once in his miserable life. Years spent biting his tongue and hiding away with his secrets, even from Obi-Wan, and for what? What has come of it but these past days of nauseating worry over his wife and child?
Padme is going to die. She'll die and it'll be his fault.
Master Windu will kill Palpatine, the only one who can save her, and Anakin will be alone. More than anything, that thought startles him into choked despair.
No. No, no, that can't happen. He can't be alone. He's never been alone, not like this. He left his mother but found comfort in Obi-Wan. And when his mother -his home- died, he found it in Padme. Ahsoka was a crutch to him for a long while, a sister at his side when he needed her most. A companion in the horrors of war. Yet, she left too. She left him with Obi-Wan.
But Obi-Wan has overstayed his place by Anakin's side. He's betrayed him more than even Palpatine. Siding with the council on every matter, not trusting the fact that their Chosen One could possibly have visions of his future, visions that wouldn't have come true had he only been able to see his mother sooner -she didn't have to die, it was Obi-Wan's fault! Obi-Wan's fault -everything is- he hates- he hates Obi-Wan!
Now, Anakin will lose the only person he has left. He'll lose Padme and really, truly, be alone.
Anakin suddenly finds himself at the door of the council room, his entire body shaking as he picks up pace down the hall. His speeder is parked in the second-floor hanger, the only place he could find in his rush to tell Master Windu of the Sith. A foolish decision, Anakin now knows. He let his anger get the best of him, let betrayal control his actions. Now, he has to run or Palpatine will die. He has to run- Run! Run, Anakin!
He ignores the other Jedi that pass him on his way out. They don't know. They have no idea their world is falling apart at the seams. Padme will die and they don't care! Younglings and padawan all stroll through the temple with wonder in their eyes, a light Anakin himself isn't sure he's ever had.
How dare they. How dare they find joy when he's rattling like a bad engine, his screws falling loose? Do they know that their masters used to make fun of him in their youth? Do they have any idea about the cruel world they've been subjected to simply by existing?
He almost wishes he could put them out of their misery, to save them the future heartache. It would be better that way.
Focus, Anakin! Focus on Padme!
Right. Nothing else matters. Nothing- No one, but Padme.
Ahsoka has been given another chance. She's been taken from her own time, five years after the end of the Empire; to now, the very day it started.
And, apparently, so has Luke Skywalker.
"Ahsoka?" The boy blinks at her. Ahsoka is equally as confused, but they both recover quickly. "The Force sent you." It's not a question. They both know the answer.
"Yes." Ahsoka nods. "It seems it'll take both of us to stop the Empire from forming." This certainly doesn't give her confidence, but at least she's not here alone.
As a pair, the two start down the halls of the Jedi Temple. It's growing dark outside but it tells Ahsoka nothing of where her former master may be. She wasn't on Coruscant at the time. She left him with a promise that they'd meet again and went along to her own business.
If only she knew.
Luke picks up his pace slightly to patch hers. It really is so funny that he's the shorter one. "What is our plan? Or our goal, I suppose. I was sent to save my father."
Ahsoka doesn't stop as she answers. "Well, the Force sent me to stop the Empire. I'm guessing the two overlap, considering..." She doesn't have to mention Vader. They both know. And it is a comfort that Luke holds his father so highly, despite knowing of his fate. "Then we'll find Anakin." She decides. "He's most likely with Padme. If not, it's a bantha's guess."
"Padme?"
This time, Ahsoka does stop. She tries to find any recognition of the name in Luke's face, but there is none. "Did...Did Obi-Wan not tell you about your mother?" When Luke shakes his head, still confused, Ahsoka shakes her head and continues their quick pace. "Well, you'll love her. She's in 500 Republica. Not hard to miss. Dark hair, kind features, and probably very pregnant. Though, she could be hiding it."
"I can do that." Luke nods, determined. It reminds him of the woman herself, the way he smiles just so and his eyes shine past the weight he holds on his shoulders. He's a good man. They will get along very well. "What should I do when I meet her?"
"Make sure she's safe and get her to...Naboo. She was the former Queen, so she shouldn't be hard to smuggle in." Even if the Empire does form tonight -a future she desperately hopes to avoid- Luke will still have a week or two before Naboo becomes overrun with stormtroopers and all transport is cut off. Besides, he's a smart kid. His biggest challenge will likely be convincing Padme to leave at all.
Which reminds her-
"Luke," Ahsoka stops him just as they're about to break off. "Make sure to tell her that Anakin and I will be there too. She's...stubborn."
A smile crosses Luke's face. "I can handle stubborn." He nods, then sprints to the nearest hangar. Ahsoka worries for him for a moment, then she's reminded of his abilities and shakes it. He's the kid who shook countless bounty hunters sent by Vader himself for over a year. He'll be fine.
Now, it's Ahsoka's turn. She runs down the hall, her soft boots being the only sound. As she reaches out in the Force for Anakin, she feels darkness loom over her. Darkness she hopes has not taken him over yet.
"Woah!" A Jedi jumps back as she rounds the corner. Several others move out of her way as she runs, all giving her surprised and dirty looks for the irreverence. Anakin's in the building, that much Ahsoka knows.
She finds him just as he's marching toward the East Hanger. Without thinking, she barrels into his side, knocking them both over. Then, before he can properly react to her presence -and the fact she's almost thirty years older- she places a hand over his head and pushes her influence through the Force with a single word, "Sleep".
"Wha...No..." He tries to fight it, but his body quickly goes limp. Ahsoka breathes out a heavy sigh of relief, then stands. She can see how tired he is immediately. Dark, heavy bags lay beneath his eyes and his hair is nothing short of a mess. It's as if she's caught him in the middle of battle, and even then, he's not usually this tired.
"What happened to you?" She whispers, the age-old question finally escaping her. For years, she wondered what caused this. Why did he hunt his own family like a starved animal? What could've possibly caused Vader?
Ahsoka releases her feelings into the Force, as she has for her decades spent in hiding. It won't matter once she's stopped it from repeating.
Now, she's left to carry her master all the way to the hangar.
Luke checks the address once, twice, and three times over before he arrives at 500 Republica. And even then, once the elevator has stopped at the right floor, he still pauses.
His mother is behind that door. His mother, a woman he knows nothing about besides what Ahsoka just said. Padme...he doesn't even know her last name. Skywalker, he guesses, but who knows if they're even married?
She's stubborn, a former queen of Naboo, and pregnant. That's all he knows of the woman who gave him life. He can guess many things about her, but nothing is certain. There are no stories for him to base her off of, nothing at all. At least with his father, he had something. A lightsaber and tales of a Jedi General fighting alongside Old Ben.
With a deep breath, Luke settles his emotions and rings the doorbell. It sounds faintly, then metallic footsteps come closer. The door slides open and Luke is immediately shocked to see none other than C-3PO.
"Why, hello! Unfortunately, it is Senator Amidala's bedtime and-"
"Threepio!" Luke gasps. He surges forward and pulls the droid into a tight hug. He hasn't seen Threepio since...since he left to build up the new Jedi Order. It's been too long. "Threepio, I'm so happy to see you! You're so...shiny!"
If the droid could blink, Luke's sure he would. "I do apologize, but it seems you aren't in my databanks. Could I get your name and cause for being here?"
Right. Right, Luke hasn't been born yet. Threepio doesn't know him; and although the thought makes his joy dampen, he doesn't let it turn into hurt. This is nothing personal. "Right, sorry. I'm Luke. I have urgent business with Padme."
"Yes, Jedi Luke. If you would wait here a moment-"
"Jedi?" Luke is once again startled. How...
"Are you not a Jedi? Oh, I do apologize! I simply assumed, from the lightsaber on your belt; but it is my mistake, truly-"
Oh. Luke looks down at said lightsaber. He supposes more people would be able to identify one, especially a droid. But Threepio never said anything before, when Old Ben gave him one.
Either way, he'll adapt. "Anyway, I need to speak with Padme. Could you make her aware?"
Threepio stops in his rambling to look at Luke, then nod. "Of course! Just a moment!" Then, he hurries off. Luke doesn't wait to follow him inside, his gaze briefly set on the decorative walls around him. The art set up around the room is beautiful, accented with reds and creams. Going further in, he sees a large sitting area that exits into the cold air of Coruscant. There are dim lights there, giving the entire area a beautiful aura of gold.
It's unlike anything Luke has ever seen.
"Mistress Padme! I have someone here who would like to speak with you!" Threepio speaks just a few meters ahead. Luke is quick to catch up.
"Threepio, send them away. I can't be seen like this."
There, standing against a large window, is Padme. She's dressed in a light nightgown embroidered with pearls and beads. Her hair is like a river of dark curls falling over her shoulders and down her back. And as she turns toward Luke, tears in her eyes, Luke realizes that he was wrong. He knows this woman, knows her sadness and pain. Somehow, he's lived with her in his heart and felt her every emotion.
She is his mother.
"Anakin?" She gasps, racing towards him. She smiles so beautifully that it physically hurts for him to stop her.
"My name is Luke." He nods in a slight bow. She was a queen, after all. "I've come here on behalf of Ahsoka-"
She stumbles back as if he's struck her. "I...I can't..." She shakes her head, then leaves to sit in the nearest chair. She wraps the blanket that was already there around her shoulders, covering her pregnant belly.
He won't think about the fact that it's him and Leia. It's...too much for the moment.
"Ma'am, you aren't safe here. Ahsoka told me to bring you to Naboo-"
All of the shock melts away in an instant. "No," Padme tells him, her eyes hard. "No, I won't leave. Not now."
Stubborn, just like Ahsoka said. "I don't think you understand the danger that awaits us here." He tries to reason. He doesn't get closer, it will only make her feel cornered. Instead, he sits on the couch nearby, a physical barrier between them. He isn't a threat. "Padme, we're supposed to meet Ahsoka and Anakin there. It's for your safety."
"Ahsoka and Anakin?" She asks in a way that sounds more accusing than curious. "Who are you? How do they know you?"
"Ma'am, please-"
"No." Padme stands now. She gathers up her blanket and marches to her room. "Threepio, escort him out."
"Yes, Mistress-"
Alright. New plan. "Padme, you will die if you stay here."
She stops and turns. Then, she slowly walks toward him. "So, Anakin put you up to this? What else did he tell you?"
Luke freezes. "I-uh-"
"How do you know him?" She begins to circle Luke, her eyes never leaving his. "How are you so close to him that he's trusted you with this and no one else?"
He really didn't think this through. "Padme, it's a lot to explain and I can, just while we're on our way to Naboo. Please, trust in me. It may be the best thing you can do at the moment."
"The best thing I can do," She glares, "Is stay here. The Senate needs me! The people of the Republic need me! My place is here!"
"Please, it's not-"
"I'm tired of being told what to do!" Padme stops on the opposite side of the couch, her fists shaking where they're gripping the blanket. "I am the only one who is working to stop this war! I spend hours writing my speeches and presenting change to people who won't listen! Greed has consumed my Republic and now, when I'm needed in the Senate most, I'm told to leave!"
Luke stares at her in stunned silence. He feels her heartache through the Force, feels how frustrated she has become.
"Do you have any idea what happened the last time I was told to leave?! This war started! The Republic started using clone slaves to fight for them! Planets of people have suffered and died because I was forced away!"
She collapses onto the couch heavier than is likely good for a pregnant woman, but Luke doesn't worry too much about that. Instead, he worries for his mother's sake, his own mind racing with politics he's never truly understood.
Why didn't the Force send Leia? He's far better at this than he is.
"My closest friends have suggested treason for the sake of the Republic." Padme continues, her voice having lost all its venom. Now, her eyes shine with more tears as she stares at the ceiling. "Palpatine is abusing his powers as the Chancellor and he won't listen to anyone who suggests he step down." She lets out a hollow laugh, her head rolling to face Luke. "And worst of all...stress is bad for the baby." She lays a protective hand over her belly, as if to soothe the children inside.
Luke flexes his gloved hand slowly. He feels the metal of it slide open and closed in welded sockets. Durasteel that is capable of sending signals to his wrist's nerve endings, that can touch.
Slowly, he looks at his mother. She's staring at the ceiling again. "I...I won't pretend to understand how you feel. I am no Senator and have never aspired to be one." Padme continues to rub at her belly absentmindedly. "But I know what love looks like. You love the Republic and its people, but you also love your family."
Now, he's caught her eyes.
"If I promise you that Ahsoka and I can keep the Republic together, will you come with me to Naboo? For your family and the Galaxy's sake?"
A breath of a laugh escapes her. "You're that serious? The Galaxy resides on me going with you?"
"Yes, it kind of does." The humor of it doesn't betray Luke. He knows it sounds ridiculous, but he's no less honest about it. "The Force has trusted me to keep you safe. Can I ask you trust me in return?"
She stares at him. Then, she responds, "Tell me exactly what's going to happen if I go with you."
"Palpatine will be removed from power," Luke says immediately. "It's been revealed to me that he intends to create a Galactic Empire. We cannot allow him to succeed."
Padme's eyes go wide. She sits up, at full attention now. "An Empire?! How...How do you know?"
"The Force." It's the only answer Luke can give at this moment. "He is the origin for the Darkside surrounding us."
Her face hardens with understanding. "He's the Sith Lord." The Force rings with truth between them.
Oh. Luke...didn't think she knew of the Sith. He's only ever heard of it from Master Yoda or Old Ben and when he mentioned the same to Leia, she had no idea what he was talking about. "Ah, yes. He's a Sith."
Again, the Force tells him it's true. He knows it's doing the same for her.
Slowly, with a shaking hand against the couch's armrest for support, Padme stands. She lets the blanket drop and walks through her apartment. Luke hurries to follow. "If Palpatine is the Sith, then we've all been fools," Padme says, her voice surprisingly strong. "It explains so much- his grab for power- refusing to back down even now-"
"Padme?"
She suddenly turns, a blaster in her hand. Luke startles back, his own hand reaching for his lightsaber. He doesn't sense malice in her, but he can't be too sure. "Luke. Do you know where Palpatine is now?"
Oh no. This is not what he was supposed to do!
"Padme, I don't think it's a good idea-"
"I didn't ask what you think. Where is he?"
Luke sighs. Just like there was no stopping him from saving his father, there is no stopping her now. "His throne, I suppose?" Or whatever equivalent he has to one at this point in time.
Padme nods once, then marches out the door. Threepio tries to stop them to no avail. "Hey, could you prepare a ship for us when we return?" Luke asks the droid. "We'll be leaving in a hurry."
"I suppose I could-"
"Thanks, Threepio!" Luke rushes to join his mother in the elevator, where they go down two stories, then get in another one to rise to the Senate Building. The ride there is quiet, filled only with Padme checking over her blaster and Luke dreading his family's stubbornness.
What if he can't protect her? Luke only survived his last -and only- encounter with Sidious thanks to his father. Any Force lightning could kill both her and his past self. And what then? What if she dies? Will Luke no longer exist? Force, he has no clue. What if he's supposed to convince her against this? What if-
The elevator stops and Padme rushes out. She bursts through the very fancy-looking double doors into what appears to be an office. Three bodies lay on the floor, all dressed in Jedi robes. The Force screams in mourning for them. "Palpatine?!" She shouts, her blaster already held out as she walks through the room with confidence.
They find Sidious at the edge of an open window, air rushing past him and another Jedi so quickly that Luke fears they may both be swept out. The Jedi turns to them, a calm exterior doing well to hide his panic and fear as they draw closer. "Senator-" He starts but Padme ignores him in favor of standing before the whimpering and cowering Sidious.
"Padme, please! The Jedi have betrayed us all! They planned an attack against me!"
It's...strange. Luke has never known the Emporer to cower like this.
"You!" Padme points her blaster to his face. Sidious stops talking. "You groomed me! You groomed my husband!"
Force Lightning expells from his fingertips but Luke is quick to block it with his lightsaber. It crackles and sparks as it grows in power, but just as Luke starts to bow backward from the pressure, a purple blade joins in an 'X' in front of Padme.
"You have destroyed the Republic!" She glares. "Now, I will let justice have you." She shoots him twice in the head, then once in the chest. The Force Lightning stops near instantly, allowing Luke a moment to breathe.
Luke feels Sidious die in the Force, feels the Darkside lift from the air around them like a dense fog clearing. The other Jedi stares at him as he pants heavily, his bald head covered in sweat.
Padme bends over as she too pants. Luke hooks his lightsaber onto his belt and begins to guide her back toward 500 Republica. "Thank you for your aid, Master Jedi." Luke nods to him as they leave. "But we'll be leaving now."
"No, I have to...the Senate..."
"They'll live without you," Luke says as he shepperds her into the elevator, carefully stepping over those same bodies. "We need to head to Naboo. Quickly."
Padme gives small protests as they return to her apartment. Luke tries to be patient as he helps her into the ship Threepio prepared, but it runs thin as they lift off of the landing pad. "No, Luke! I have work-"
"Sit down!" Luke snaps. "We're going to Naboo whether you like it or not!" Then, as he releases his anger into the Force, "Please. Just...sit. Ahsoka is waiting." He sends her comfort through the Force in hopes it will convince her.
Slowly, Padme settles down into the seat beside him. "Okay." She nods, as if taking in the world around her for the first time. "Okay."
"You're late." Ahsoka smiles at him, her arms crossed over.
They've landed in the city of Theed, a beautiful place filled with ancient architecture and dream flowers anywhere they will fit. The air smells like fresh rain. Moonlight reflects off of the many green, dome rooftops, making the city appear as if it's glittering. There's hardly anyone else in the public hangar, likely due to the time of night, but Luke doesn't mind it. In fact, he prefers it.
"We had to kill Sidious first," Luke tells her as they exit Padmé's ship.
Before Ahsoka can react, Padmé is running to her. She pulls the Togruta into a tight hug. "Ahsoka!" Padmé breathes, looking the taller woman over with relief and shock. "My, you've grown!"
Ashoka is about to say something, but she stops as she feels Padmé's belly. "A-and you're pregnant!"
"I know!" Padmé coos. "We don't know the sex yet but I think he's a boy. Anakin says she's a girl, but I'd rather argue than agree with him." She's grown strangely happy over the trip to Naboo. Luke isn't sure whether to pin it on her being free of a lot of stress or the fact she just killed someone.
It is most likely the former.
Ahsoka squeezes her one light time before pulling away. She retreats into her ship then returns with Anakin on her shoulders and R2D2 at her side. Luke holds back the urge to greet the astromech. He knows Artoo won't know him anyway.
"Is he alright?" Padmé touches Anakin so gently that it makes Luke's heartache. These could have been his parents. He's grateful to his Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen, incredibly so, but to see his mother and father love each other so tenderly us...touching.
If only Leia could meet her.
"He's fine." Ahsoka smirks. "Force suggestions won't hurt him."
"Wait!" Luke gasps. "I thought those didn't work on strong-minded beings!" It's what Old Ben told him, at least.
Ahsoka looks at him knowingly. "The sleep suggestion is one of the only ones that do."
"Then...I could've just put her to sleep and avoided that whole mess?!" Luke groans.
Padmé gives him a look. "So you were planning on kidnapping me?"
"But I didn't." Luke smiles innocently.
She looks unconvinced but drops the subject. "My family lives close by. We can stay there for tonight and travel to the lake house in the morning."
No one argues with the decision; so, they follow Padmé. It's a bit of a trek and by the end of it, Ahsoka has adjusted Anakin at least five times on her back.
The house itself is further from the main street, allowing for some privacy, as Luke's sure they need. It's not a big house, but it's nice. Luke can see flowers covering the two windows at the front and more beautiful plants decorate the walkway that leads to the front door, which resides on the far left of the house, with steps leading up.
Before they get too close, Luke holds back to whisper to Ahsoka. "Our mission is done, right? We prevented Vader and the Empire."
Ahsoka's brows pull together. "I believe so. Even if they continue like this, Sidious won't be there to manipulate Anakin. They should be fine."
The Force circles them and Luke feels a confirmation of his thoughts. They've done their part. It's time to return home.
Both Jedi share a look of understanding. One that is only broken as Padmé stops. "Aren't you coming?" She calls, almost at the front steps.
Ahsoka walks up to her and lets Anakin slide from her shoulders onto Padmé's. The Senator supports him easily. "We have to go back and make sure the Republic doesn't crumble without you," Ahsoka tells her.
Padmé's face falls. "You aren't coming with us?"
"Our place isn't here." Luke steps in. "This is your family and I think you'll have enough to explain without us on top of it. Please, allow us to take care of the rest."
It takes a moment but eventually, Padmé nods. "I see. Well, I suppose it was nice meeting you, Luke." Then, she smiles at Ahsoka. "I hope you come back when the baby's here."
"I will." Ahsoka smiles back. "And maybe you should look into getting a mind healer? At least for that one." She nods to Anakin, who stays obliviously asleep.
"That would make sense." Padmé agrees. Then, she turns as far as she can towards the man slumped over her shoulder. "We have a lot to talk about."
Luke and Ahsoka bow to her, then they retreat from the home. Luke waits for only a minute, watching as his maternal relatives welcome their daughter home and marvel at her belly, as well as her husband.
They'll be okay, the Force tells him. They all will.
Luke closes his eyes to feel around him. The Force surrounds his body and soul with a power he's never known before. Then, when he opens his eyes again, he's on the same isolated planet he retreated to.
Well, now he has something to tell Leia about.
I was going to just put this out quickly but it ended up being longer so whatever. Have this mini time travel fic. If you like this, maybe consider my other Luke time travel fic called Over Again.
