Anakin sat by Padme's side, his eyes fixated on his slumbering children, Luke and Leia, nestled close to their mother. The nurse had brought a twin bed for the babies, but Padme insisted on keeping them close, their warmth and presence comforting her.
Nurse: (concerned) Your Highness, it's safer for the babies to sleep separately.
Padme: (firmly) They will stay with me. I'll make sure they are safe.
The nurse, recognizing Padme's resolute determination, assisted in setting up a makeshift bed island separated with cushions between her and Anakin.
Anakin, still in recovery, watched the scene unfold, content to observe his family. His heart swelled with immense love and pride for Padme and their newborns.
After some time, He gently coaxes Padme to have some rest. Initially hesitant, she relented, placing one hand protectively across both babies.
Soon, her exhaustion took over, and she fell deep in sleep.
As Anakin looked at his wife and children, a peaceful tranquillity enveloped him. He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he reopened them, he found himself in a vast, sunlit field.
The air was warm, and the grass felt like a comforting bed beneath him.
In the distance, a radiant figure composed of fluctuating light emerged. The form appeared neither distinctly male nor female, its colors ever-changing.
Gradually, the face took shape, glowing with an aura of profound love and kindness.
Anakin found himself embraced by the serene expanse of the being, surrounded by an overwhelming sense of calm.
The Force stood before him, a shifting entity of light, radiating tranquillity and familiarity.
Force: (gentle voice) Anakin…my son.
Anakin: (overcome with emotion) Are you… you are…The Force…?
The Force emanated an unspoken understanding, a silent communication that transcended words. It bathed Anakin in a soothing light radiating compassion and warmth.
Force: (soothingly) You have endured much, Anakin. Slavery, the challenges of the Jedi life, the loss of your mother… I was with you through it all. I never wished you harm, only to guide you on your path.
Anakin, overwhelmed by a flood of memories and emotions, felt the truth in the Force's words. The Force, an ever-present companion in his life, had navigated his journey with him, shaping his experiences and lessons.
Anakin: (tearfully) I've... such pain…why?
Force: (serene voice) My child, the trials you've faced were not to cause harm but for you to experience contrast. One cannot fully appreciate warmth without having felt cold or, understand love without experiencing hate. The contrast in experiences is what allows you to recognise, cherish the good in life and reach balance.
Anakin, processing the Force's words, acknowledged the profound truth in the notion of contrast, of the duality within life's experiences.
Anakin: (contemplatively) But… some experiences felt unbearable, harsher than others. Was it necessary for me to endure such pain?
Force: (soothingly) Some trials were more difficult than others, I admit. Certain events were outside of your control, and I am sorry you had to go through them. Some were necessary though especially for someone as strong as you. But others….(with a deadpan face) let's say they were not without your own free will or choices.
Anakin: (smiling sheepishly) Yeah…ok…got it.
The force laughs softly.
Force: (still smiling but with a hint of sadness) I did not wish for such severity, Anakin. You are my precious one. However, your choices and the consequences shaped your journey. I tried to help but sometimes you just won't listen.
Anakin bowed his head in mind grappled with the concept of his own decisions and their impacts, understanding the weight of his choices in the grand scheme of his life.
Anakin: (reflective) My choices… I see.
Force: (reassuringly) Nevertheless, you are on the path to finding balance. Trust that the experiences you've endured will guide you toward a greater understanding of life and the Force.
As the Force's words echoed in his mind, Anakin felt a sense of clarity beginning to dawn upon him, a newfound comprehension of the purpose behind his trials.
Anakin: (weary) So…what about the prophecy?
Force: (firm) You are still my chosen one, but the Jedi misunderstood your role. Your role was not to destroy anyone…well…not unless it became absolutely necessary. You were supposed to master balance within and lead by example through your life. You were supposed to marry Padme, have children while being a Jedi, a warrior, a teacher. All that, so the next generation could follow your lead in Balance. In time, they would be no Sith or Jedi…or sages but only force users.
Anakin:(smiling sadly) It feels lonely.
Force: (comfortingly) I know, dear child. But you are not alone. I arrange for others to walk with…Padme is one of those…Obi Wan is another. You still have much to accomplish, to achieve balance. Trust that your loved ones will be protected. I assure you, nothing will harm them.
Anakin, touched by the Force's reassurance, felt a semblance peace wash over him. But, he was still weary.
Anakin: (voice quivering) But how… how can I trust…you…after all that's happened?
The Force shimmered with a serene energy, radiating an unwavering sense of promise and protection.
Force: (assuringly and solemn) My child, my chosen one, I vow to guard your family and loved ones. There are and will be safe. Your only focus must be to find balance within yourself.
Anakin sensing the sincerity and the weight of the force declaration, release a breath he didn't know he was holding. His family would be ok. That lifted a huge weight off his shoulders.
Before Anakin could respond, the fields shimmered once more, heralding the arrival of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and an unexpected observer.
A long overdue conversation was about to start.