What Could Have Been Part I: Anakin's Decision

An Ally's Return

Obi-wan removed his hood to reveal his face. It had only been a year since Anakin last saw his friend, yet his Master's features seemed to have aged rapidly. Strands of gray hair spread lightly through his beard and Obi-wan's tired eyes were bordered with faint wrinkles. But his smile told Anakin that his old mentor still lived behind the old face, "Hello Anakin."

    Anakin didn't hold Master Kenobi's gaze very long. This was his friend, but he was weary of the purpose of his visit. "What brings you to Naboo?" he asked, trying to sound casual. Obi-wan sighed, "I have to talk to you about something Anakin. Its about your son and daughter." Anakin felt his heart rate pick up, "How do you..." he hadn't told Obi-wan that Padme had twins. He didn't even know until they were born. Obi-wan crossed his arms, "Yes Anakin, I know about the second child. We all know." A shiver ran up Anakin's spine. Obi-wan took a step closer, "We felt a..." his voice trailed. "A disturbance in the Force," Anakin continued carefully. Obi-wan nodded again. "Remarkable energy flow, a powerful sense of midichlorians just radiating from their presence. The Force is strong with them," he said as if a compliment, "Just like their father."

    Anakin narrowed his eyes, "Master Obi-wan, I won't let you take my children," he stated bluntly. Obi-wan gave a look of reassurance to his former apprentice, "Anakin, we're not going to take them. Not by force."

    Anakin shook his head, "Please, just leave," He asked coldly. His old master kept moving closer, "Anakin, can we at least talk about this?"

   "No!" Anakin answered quickly. Obi-wan frowned, "I understand that you want to protect them Anakin, but please-" Anakin clenched his fists, "Leave my family alone!" he demanded harshly. Obi-wan gave a sympathetic gaze and was about to speak. But someone appeared in the entry of the hanger, "Anakin? What's going on?" Padme asked timidly. Anakin turned around; there stood Padme holding his two children in her arms. "Padme, go back inside," he instructed calmly. Padme hesitated, "Obi-wan? Is that you?" she stepped closer. "Padme," Anakin cautioned. Obi-wan waved slightly, "Hello Padme," He greeted. Anakin stepped over to his wife and took his son in his arms. Obi-wan took another step closer so that only a few feet separated him from the Skywalker family. "What are their names?" he asked. Anakin looked into Obi-wan's eyes, "Luke," he whispered, holding out his son for Obi-wan to hold. Obi-wan carefully took Luke in his arms. Anakin lifted Leia out of Padme's hands and kissed her nose, "My little Leia," he murmered happily. Obi-wan smiled down at Luke. The Force was definitely strong in both children, Anakin had known that. But he chose to ignore it. Now, he couldn't.

   Padme could sense her husband's unease and took back the babies. "I'll be inside Anakin," she whispered, and turned to leave.

   Anakin motioned Obi-wan to the gardens for a walk, "Would you like to join me for a walk?" he asked softly. Obi-wan nodded and followed, "Yes, we have a lot to talk about..." Anakin felt his stomach flip over. I have a bad feeling about this...