Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

20.

"Now I am the master" - Darth Vader 

Rain's senses slowly began to reawaken, bringing with them the intense sting of pain. The fiery landscape of Mustafar, where she had last been, seemed like a distant memory now. She lay on a cold, hard table, struggling to pull herself from the haze of unconsciousness. With her eyes fluttering open, she was met with the blinding light of the medical bay, and the realization hit her with a fresh wave of pain—she was in labor. The agony of childbirth was compounded by the emotional torment of Anakin's fall to the dark side.

"What's wrong with her?" Obi-Wan's voice was tinged with anxiety, breaking through the fog of her thoughts.

"Nothing, nothing at all. That is what is so alarming. The pregnancy is progressing normally, but she is experiencing an unclassified kind of pain," responded the medical droid, its voice devoid of emotion.

Rain tried to speak, but the pain was overwhelming. Tears began to stream down her face uncontrollably as the memories of her time with Anakin washed over her—their first meeting on Tatooine, their growing bond, the thrill of their reunions, their wedding day. Every shared moment now felt like a cruel reminder of what she had lost.

A voice in her mind whispered, taunting her with the hope that perhaps there was a way to save him. But that hope seemed as distant as a mirage.

Miri, who had been by Rain's side throughout the labor, held her hand tightly, offering silent support. "You can do this, Rain. You're strong," Miri whispered, her voice filled with determination.

Rain's heartache intensified, and the pain became unbearable. With a steeling resolve, she forced her eyes open. The bright light seared her vision, making her blink rapidly. Obi-Wan's concerned face came into focus, etched with lines of worry.

The birth of her children was a fragmented blur of pain and fleeting consciousness. The medical droid's anesthetics rendered her mostly insensible, but she managed to catch glimpses of their tiny faces and hear their names spoken.

Luke and Leia.

Twins. The surprise had come at the very last moment.

Now, in a quiet, stark room with just a bed, Rain's heart ached with the gravity of her decision. Slowly, she rose, testing her legs, which felt stiff but capable. She made her way to the nursery, her heart pounding with every step.

The nursery was serene, the gentle hum of a lullaby machine the only sound. Rain approached the cribs, her heart breaking at the sight of her sleeping children. She first crouched beside Leia's cradle, her heart heavy with sorrow.

"Leia, my sweet girl," Rain whispered, her voice trembling. "I wish things could be different. Growing up without me will be hard, and you might not understand why I am leaving. Please believe that I am doing what I believe is right. You are destined to be a strong and beautiful woman, and I hope that one day, I might see you again." She gently brushed a lock of Leia's hair away from her face and placed a tender kiss on her forehead.

With a heavy sigh, Rain moved to Luke's crib. She gently cradled his tiny hand in hers, feeling the warmth of his little fingers.

"My precious Luke," she said softly, tears welling in her eyes. "You will grow up to be a remarkable leader, just like your father was. I hope you won't hate me for leaving. Know that my thoughts will always be with you and your sister, even if we are apart. I hope one day we might reunite." She kissed his forehead gently, her heart aching with each tender touch.

As Rain stepped back, tears streamed down her face. "Please remember that I love you both, no matter what happens. I hope that one day, you will understand why I had to make this choice."