Calls from the Lightside

8 - Dreams and Nightmares

Obi-wan was waiting as Anakin and Ahsoka landed on Coruscant. He all but ran towards them when they arrived. "Obi-wan," Anakin said. He was surprised that Obi-wan was there to meet him, and even more surprised when he gathered Anakin and Ahsoka in a giant hug.

"Thank the force your alright," Said Obi-wan, previously afraid that Maul had managed to take someone else he loved away from him.

"We're fine Obi-wan, just surprised you came to greet us." Said Ahsoka, speaking Anakin's and her thoughts. "Well I carry news as well. Grievous is dead." Obi-wan said, smiling. "But with Dooku and Maul captured, that means the war is over!" Anakin almost yelled from excitement. The trio started laughing and hugged once more. Finally all the fighting was over.

"You two are expected. The council awaits your report." Obi-wan said, breaking free of the hug. Ahsoka nodded and started to follow Obi-wan until she realised Anakin wasn't with them. "Are you coming Anakin?" She asked. Anakin nodded his head. "I'll be right there, I just need to do something first." Ahsoka nodded in response and kept walking towards the temple.

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Anakin walked into the entrance to the Senate Chambers and looked around. He saw C-3PO, so his wife was probably nearby. Then he saw a dark figure lurking in the shadows behind one of the giant pillars. He ran towards the figure and embraced it.

"Oh Ani," started Padme, as they reluctantly pulled away from each others embrace. "When you didn't come back with Obi-Wan, I feared the worst." Anakin shushed her. "It's okay, I'm just fine. Even better actually, the war is over." He said, smiling. "I know Ani, it's wonderful." Padme said, also smiling. Anakin realised something was wrong. She should be ecstatic the war's over, Anakin thought. He suddenly noticed she was shaking underneath his hands.

"Are you alright? Your trembling," asked Anakin, growing more concerned by the minute. "Ani, something wonderful has happened." Padme paused while Anakin gave her a look that said, yes? "Ani, I'm pregnant."

Ani, I'm pregnant. You gonna be a father, thought Anakin. He felt so many emotions at one time, but he couldn't be any happier. "Ani?" Asked Padme for the third time, bringing Anakin out of his thoughts.

"Well th-that's wonderful!" He said, a large smile forming on his face. "I'm going to be a father!" Anakin said, spinning Padme around and kissing her. Padme laughed as she was swept off her feet. Once she was placed back on the ground, her smile left her face.

"Anakin, what are we going to do?" She asked. Padme had no clue what would happen once the baby was born, except that they both would have to resign. Anakin's brow furrowed for a millisecond before he smiled once again.

"We're not going to worry about that right now, this is a happy moment. The happiest moment of my life." He said, wrapping Padme up in a hug once again, this time being more careful. Although there was so much uncertainty in their lives right now, they both were absolutely ecstatic.

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Back at Padmé's apartment, Anakin was looking out on the balcony as Padme brushed her hair. The nighttime landscape of Coruscant created a stunning backdrop for Padme, the lights reflecting off her soft blue night gown.

"Ani, I want to have the baby on Naboo, where we can stay by the lake." Padme said as she turned back to face him. Anakin had just come back from the temple and couldn't think of anything better than spending his time with his wife.

Anakin just smiled. He knew that it would be hard for him to get to Naboo, but he would do anything to be there, even leave the order. He was still trying to comprehend the news. He was going to be a father! Soon there would be a little version of him and Padme running around their house.

After a tiring council and senate meeting, they both decided the day was over and went to sleep.

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"Anakin, help me!" Cried Padme. Anakin opened his eyes and his shaking ceased. In it's place came a frenzy of sobs. Anakin ran his fingers through his hair and tried to calm himself down. It won't happen, she can't die, whispered a voice in Anakin's head. But he couldn't shake the vision of her helpless and screaming for him. Anakin was nowhere to be found.

Anakin looked to his left and saw Padme sound asleep, probably tired from the pregnancy. Seeing she was alive and present calmed some of his nerves, but the cry of Padme and their child echoed in his head. Not wanting to wake his very tired wife, he stood up and exited the room to mourn his doomed soulmate.

After standing there for a few minutes, a small swish of fabric was heard from behind him. "Ani, what's wrong? Come back to bed." Padme said, tracing circles on his back. Anakin closed his eyes and basked in her presence, the very thought of her calmed him. Not any more, whispered a voice at the back of Anakin's head as a small frown stretched across his face.

"It's alright, I'm fine." Anakin lied, Padme frowned in response. "How long is it going to take for us to be honest with one another?" She said gently, standing in front of Anakin. Another frown stretched across her face as she grabbed Anakin's arms and gently forced him to look at her.

Force, she looks beautiful, thought Anakin as his eyes watched her petite frame. Her long brown curls cascaded down her shoulders while one of her hands caressed her protruding stomach. Anakin thought she looked absolutely radiant. Soon she'll be gone, said the voice in his head once again.

"Ani?" Asked Padme, whisking him away from his thoughts. Anakin took a deep breath and forced back the tears threatening to form at the side of his eyes. "Y-you die in childbirth." Choked out Anakin in a hushed whisper.

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Mwahahaha! Cliffhanger for y'all right there. Sorry I haven't updated in forever, and sorry for the short and kinda bad chapter, and thanks to my friend Emma for threatening to slap me if I didn't upload by tonight. But it's a win-win! You get a new chapter, and I don't get slapped! I promise updates will be at least once every two weeks, but I reckon they will be much more frequent than that. Anyway, thx for reading, stay safe, leave me a vote, add and a review and I'll see u next chapter! Thx again!