Flesh and blood were fragile, so easily destroyed. Anakin’s body had been destroyed long before his physical death. He’d had to survive inside that black suit after he’d been incinerated. It kept what was left of his shell alive. All that had remained of Anakin Skywalker’s former self had become evil.
Anakin held so much hate inside his soul then. Due to his anger, he’d allowed the Dark Side to take complete possession of him. He’d eased his guilt by continuously telling himself that he was doing the right thing for the Republic, all the while knowing what he’d done was wrong. He’d murdered the Jedi due to his lust for ultimate power. He’d even killed his best friend, Obi-Wan. He knew deep in his heart that Padme hadn’t really fallen in love with Kenobi, but he’d ignored what his heart told him due to his unfathomable needs. He’d pledged his soul to Darth Sidious in order to save Padme, but that wasn’t the only reason he’d sworn his allegiance to the Sith Lord.
The Dark Side of the Force was all powerful in its seduction. Once Anakin witnessed the awesome might Palpatine held, it was impossible for him to turn away. The lure of ultimate power held an irresistible attraction. It consumed his soul with an overwhelming addiction. The Jedi, who only used the Force for good, never appreciated the full extent of evil the Sith possessed.
The one Anakin would engage in battle had full comprehension of that evil. The Dark One would have to destroy the Chosen One in order for the Sith to rule forever. Anakin could not allow that to happen. He’d been created for this purpose alone. He had to defeat the unholy creation born from his own blood. It was the only way to bring balance to the Force. Anakin prayed that he’d be strong enough to face the extraordinary event that lay ahead.
Chapter Eighteen
- Seduction -
The Chosen One was meditating, as were the rest of the Jedi. It was their way preparing for the upcoming battle. Luke couldn’t spare the time to do the same. He had to find Leia. He had to convince her to come to the Temple in order to forgive their father. It was important that she do so; not only to help her children, but all mankind too. Without Leia’s forgiveness Anakin wouldn’t be able to proceed. His soul had to be cleansed completely of sin before confronting the new Sith Lord.
*
“No. Absolutely not! I don’t know how you can ask such a thing. You know what Vader did to me on the first Death Star. He’s responsible for taking thousands of lives. He’s a monster. I’ll never forgive him.”
“Not even to save your children? Can’t you see that our father is trying to atone for all the wrong he did while under Palpatine’s influence? Talk to him. You’ll see what I mean. He’s not the same person you dealt with on the Death Star. That was Darth Vader. This man is our father. He’s Anakin Skywalker.”
“I don’t care what name he goes under. He’s still evil.”
“The whole future of the galaxy is in jeopardy Leia. Thousands of innocents lives have been lost. More are slaughtered as we speak. We must destroy this new Sith Lord. Without your forgiveness Anakin won’t be able fight him.”
“Don’t use that as an excuse Luke. I’ll do whatever I can to help, but I refuse to absolve Darth Vader.” Leia hesitated before saying to herself, “I don’t have the courage to face him.”
“You won’t have to face him alone dear,” Padme Amidala said as she walked up to them.
“Mother?” Luke and Leia turned in surprise. This couldn’t be Padme Amidala they both thought, thinking the woman too young.
“Yes children. I’m your mother.”
“But you look so young,” they said in unison.
“Our souls enter the Netherworld as we are when death takes us.”
Leia couldn’t believe her mother looked so beautiful. She raised her brows in puzzlement and asked, “Is that why I look old enough to be “your” mother?”
Padme chucked. “I’m afraid so my darling. Our spirits are seen as we were while alive in order to be recognized by family and friends.”
“If that’s the case, why does father’s spirit appear as it does?” Luke asked. “He wasn’t young when he died.”
“Your father is different from the rest of us Luke. Anakin Skywalker was not born of man. He’s the Chosen One. The midi-chlorians created him. When your father sacrificed himself he was redeemed. Because of that, Anakin’s spirit was allowed to enter the Netherworld as he was before he turned to the Dark Side.”
“I don’t understand mother. When father fought Ben Kenobi on Mustafar he’d cut off Anakin’s good arm and both of his legs. He was burned beyond recognition and had to wear that suit in order to sustain his life. He became more a robot than a man. Why isn’t he disfigured in the Netherworld?”
“You haven’t been listening Luke. Anakin isn’t like us. He’s the Chosen One. He wasn’t a mere mortal, nor was he a normal Jedi. He was, and still is, much more than that. His abilities transcend the universe.”
Luke shook his head in confusion, still not understanding.
Padme continued, trying to make her explanation more clear. “When Anakin surrendered himself to the Dark Side the good half of his soul died. That enabled his dark half to take possession of his body. In other words, Darth Vader’s body was disfigured Not your father’s. They became two separate entities.”
“I still don’t get it,” Luke stated in frustration.
“The reason your father appears young and unscarred in the Netherworld is because his soul died the instant he pledged himself to the Dark Side. I’m speaking figuratively, of course. Your father hadn’t really died, but the goodness that was a part him was trapped inside Darth Vader’s subconscious. You awoke Anakin’s virtue. That’s what allowed him to save your life. Due to his selfless act, Anakin’s soul was allowed entrance into the Netherworld as it was before he became a Sith Lord. He was cleansed of his wounds internally, as well as externally. Do you understand why your father looks as he does now?”
“I think so. You’re saying that Anakin was absolved of sin when he saved me. That’s why his spirit appears young and isn’t disfigured in the Netherworld. It’s almost as if Darth Vader never existed at all. Am I right?”
“Yes, but it’s mainly through your forgiveness that Anakin’s soul was purged. Since then, he’s held an immeasurable amount of love for all life forms. His affection radiates outwards and is clear for all to see.” Padme paused and looked at Leia. “Once one allows themselves to accept his affection, that is.” Turning back to Luke she said. “I’m sure you felt how much your father loves you. He proved that when he saved you.”
“I know that. I learned to love him too. But...”
“But what?”
“I can’t help but wonder what happened to his dark half? What happened to Vader?”
“I’m not certain. Perhaps his soul remained in some kind of limbo until...,”
“Until now?”
“Yes. I believe that’s why your father is so upset. He feels responsible for the birth of the new Sith Lord. He can explain the situation much better than I can. That’s not the only reason I’m here through. I’ve wanted to see you both for such a long time. Won’t you give your mother a big hug?” Padme stretched her arms out to embrace her children.
Luke and Leia didn’t hesitate. They rushed into Padme’s arms. As they did, the questions flew from their mouths. “How did you find us? Where have you been all this time? Why didn’t you come to see us before this? Why did you wait so long?”
“Please children. One question at a time,” Padme laughed in delight. They finally ceased their seemingly unending query, allowing her to speak. “Now that I can get a word in edgewise, I’ll answer. It was important that your father and I renew our love for each other. Anakin didn’t know if I’d forgive him, let alone the two of you. I forgave him the second I saw him. I knew he was no longer evil. We planned on finding you sooner, but then he felt this disturbance in the Force. It took his mind from everything but righting the current situation. I felt an urgent need to find y
ou as soon as possible.” She turned to Leia. “My precious daughter. You have to do as Luke asks. You must forgive your father. We wouldn’t ask it of you if we didn’t think it was absolutely necessary.”
“I can’t. He tortured me, as well as thousands of others. He brutally murdered those who resisted Emperor Palpatine without an iota of remorse. He forced me to watch as the Death Star destroyed Alderaan. Everyone I cared about died, including my family. No offense meant to you mother, but the Organa’s were the only family I ever knew. He took not only them from me, but he took your life as well. How can you expect me to forgive him for that?”
“Everyone he harmed while serving Emperor Palpatine has forgiven him Leia, even the Organa’s. Anakin wasn’t himself when he tortured you. He was Darth Vader.”
“But...”
“No buts about it. We’ll return with you Luke.”
“Mother. Please don’t make me to do this.”
“I won’t take no for an answer Leia. I won’t let you sacrifice my grandchildren when something can be done to prevent it.”
“Can I at least ask Han to come with us?”
“Of course you can. I can’t wait to meet him.”
Leia called to Han. When he saw Luke he was overjoyed. He ran to his friend and they embraced, spinning in a circle like children. They joked and slapped each other on the back before introductions were made to Leia’s mother. Padme explained where they were going. Han objected of course, but Padme had a way with words, finally convincing him of the need for their journey.
Very shortly, Leia would face Darth Vader. She hoped she’d be able to look upon his face and spit into it. She’d never forgive him. Even if it meant she’d be sacrificing her own children’s lives. Leia looked up into her husband’s eyes. She sighed nervously and said, “I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” She grabbed Han’s hand and held on to it tightly. The Solo’s headed to the Temple.
*
Young Padmay Solo lay under her Master’s weight. She was afraid to stir, least she awaken her love. Lord Vader had been right. She was Padme Amidala reborn. Everything was so clear to her now. The Sith Lord had shown her in their past lives. They’d shared a brief, but passionate love as man and wife.
Padmay had been terrified of his wrath at first. Lord Vader invaded her mind, as well as her body. He’d touched her forehead and transferred all the pain he’d described in such detail. She suffered not only physical, but mentally as well. Padmay couldn’t imagine how the poor man endured such pain. She’d never experienced such excruciating agony.
Her husband made her realize that he’d been abandoned by the Jedi; that they truly had been traitors to the Republic. He also made Padmay experience Darth Vader’s loneliness and his feeling of sheer isolation while imprisoned inside that black, armored suit. She experienced his misery learning that everyone he’d loved had been taken from him. She’d felt his devastation when she’d turned from him, and just how much her betrayal ravaged his heart.
Yes. Padmay could well comprehend the Supreme Ruler’s need to make her suffer. She could understand his rage and exorbitant need to exact revenge. She’d gladly join him in his retribution. The Jedi would pay for forsaking him. The Jedi, and anyone else who stands in her Master’s way.
They’d made love countless times since Padmay learned the truth. How stupid of her to have wasted all that precious time. It was so exciting to be taken by him. He’d been brutal before she’d willing surrendered herself to him, not a gentle touch was given. Once she told him she loved him, his touch softened, he’d been tender and loving. The Supreme Ruler whispered undying love in her ear. The ecstasy of her lover’s embrace was more than she could’ve ever imagined. His slightest touch sent tremors of pleasure racing throughout her body. He took her breath away. She hadn’t known what to expect from one minute to the next. He drove her to madness; then held back making her beg for more. Her Master introduced her to a world of sheer ecstasy. He opened her eyes to something wild and uncontrollable hidden deep within her core. The young woman never knew she was capable of such passion. Padmay couldn’t sate her need for her Master.
Through the Supreme Ruler’s tutelage Padmay was learning all about the Dark Side of the Force. Her Master allowed her to feel the incredible might he held. She’d never realized such unrestricted power existed. It was as if she had been in a deep sleep her entire life and was suddenly reborn into a completely alien world. The unlimited power Vader radiated completely overwhelmed her. Once he taught her all he knew they’d rule the galaxy together. Padmay could hardly wait to fulfill her true destiny.
*
Yes! He finally had her. She belonged to him now, body and soul. Lord Vader had shown the girl their past lives together. He made the girl understand that she was truly his wife returned from the dead.
He made Padmay suffer for her betrayal. He made her experience all the pain Darth Vader endured as flames raced up his body. How she’d screamed. She’d pleaded for mercy, but he showed her none. She was at the peak of endurance before he finally relented.
Padmay’s screams aroused him. He forced himself on her with unrestrained fury. She’d bled proving her purity, which excited him all the more. Though the memory of their passion was retained from his past life, he’d never lain with a woman while in this body. The Sith Lord hadn’t remembered the pleasure it could bring as he rutted atop her like a beast in the field. She fought him which only increased his need. His assaults became more violent as a result. His rage was vented somewhat during an attack, though he didn’t cease having his way until his seed erupted unhindered by contraception.
When the girl finally admitted that she loved him, Lord Vader turned the tables and showed her tenderness, which truly surprised him. He wasn’t aware that he possessed the quality. He’d caressed her and dried the tears from her face while kissing her softly. He brought his wife to her first climax while in possession of Padme’s body. It hadn’t been long before she begged him to take her a second, and even a third time. It had taken time before her body responded to his ravenous appetite, but once it did, the lust she felt for him was as unquenchable as his own.
The Sith Lord let the girl experience the tremendous power he held within the Force. He led her to believe that they’d rule his new Empire together, but nothing was further from his mind. Padme betrayed him in their past lives. She’d pay for her treachery fully. Once she fulfilled her usefulness he was going to kill her. Before doing so, he’d torture her mind and body, more than what he’d already made her experience. He’d hold a mirror up to Padme, allowing her to see the monster she’d become as the Dark Side took complete possession of her soul. The Supreme Ruler planned to keep his wife alive for his pleasure only. When he tired of her, and not until then, he’d dispose of her lifeless form. He’d keep his vassal alive for the time being knowing she’d provide him enjoyment, both physically and mental. Padme had a lot of years to make up for. Just thinking of her retribution aroused him. She was sleeping soundly next to him, but it didn‘t matter. He pulled her to him waking her. She was soon as aroused as he. They joined together as one, their shared moans of bliss filled the hallways once more.
*
Anakin felt his soul being ripped wide open the instant Padmay fell under the Supreme Ruler’s spell. He’d used her empathy and awakened sexual cravings as his tool to turn her, just as Darth Sidious had used Anakin’s needs to turn him. This evil being weakened the girl’s spirit by vicious attacks made on her mind and body. This cloned version of Darth Vader made Padmay believe that she was Padme Amidala Skywalker.
There was never a love as pure, or quite as intense as Anakin’s extraordinary passion for Padme. It was just as much a spiritual love as it was physical. The unlimited power of their affection bound their souls together even before death. This vile creature abused the purity of their love, tainting it.
His granddaughter was such a young girl, a child really. She’d never known love in her short life span. How could su
ch an innocent understand that love had nothing to do with the lust she felt for this deceiver? How could Padmay comprehend that what she was yielding to was foul and disgusting?
This abomination tricked Padmay into believing that she was Padme Amidala returned from the dead. It wasn’t just to turn her, but to sate his physical needs. He’d denied himself of sexual pleasure before abducting Padmay. His abstinence made him yearn for her with an unfathomable lust, but he did not love her. Darth Vader was incapable of love.
Anakin was keenly aware that this unnatural being was his dark half, but the man was also much more. He was cloned from Vader, but he’d also acquired Sidious’ characteristics. The Supreme Ruler was controlling Padmay’s mind, just as Darth Sidious tried to control Anakin’s son. Sidious had exaggerated need to turn Luke to the Dark Side. He wanted him to kill Darth Vader and take his place by his side. Fortunately, Luke denied him. Rejection enraged Darth Sidious and he turned Force lightning on Luke. That’s when Anakin was set free from Vader’s core. He’d saved his son. Now, Darth Sidious was getting a second chance to turn the Skywalker line.
The Chosen One knew the battle to save Padmay from this malignancy would be incredibly difficult. The Dark Side held an irresistible attraction, akin a black hole, sucking in all light. Once drawn in, the temptation of acquiring ultimate power was too strong to resist. Padmay hadn’t been strong enough to fight it. Her loyalty was now bound to her Master.
Anakin was heartbroken. He wondered if Padmay would blindly obey the Supreme Ruler as he’d obeyed Darth Sidious. If so, her sins would quickly darken her soul. He hoped that his grandchild would have enough strength to overcome her addiction. Otherwise she’d end up a slave to the Sith as he once was; completely under its sinister influence for the rest of her life. Anakin vowed that he’d do all in his power to free Padmay from the corruption of her soul, as well as keep Ben from succumbing to the lure of the Dark Side.