A Mother's Love (AU, angst, Vader, Luke, Leia, Padme. Completed 12/22!)

I just love it when the old prune gets his, but does Luke have to be Luke Vader? I prefer he be called Lord Skywalker? I've never liked the way Luke Vader sounds in my ears.

 

Hopeful? Joyous? That was me, that was me!!!

 

Bye bye Palpy...

 

YES!!!! KILL EVIL PALPY!!!!

Dark? Oh, yes, I can see the potential there...

 

Padme was calm, collected. Barely a bead of sweat gathered on her brow. Of course, this was no average diplomatic meeting, cool and calm or not. Today, her husband would be announced Emperor.
She slipped her arm into the crook of Vader's elbow, and glanced down at her son, who was fidgeting nervously.

"Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth," she instructed. "It'll be fine. Just be thankful your father is going to be doing all the talking."

Luke nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. "If you think it'll work."

"I know it will," she assured him, smiling.

The curtains opened then, and they stepped through the high archway and out onto a huge balcony. Below them, thousands of reporters for the holonet, senators, and just curious onlookers erupted in a loud cheer.
Padme's smile disappeared, and her face turned ultimately blank and icy. Perfect diplomatic persona.

The crowd grew quiet, and Vader spoke a short speech.
It was all over in ten minutes, but Padme was sure that to Luke, it felt like an hour.

"Come," she said, "let's go to the party. I'm sure you'll have more fun there."
_______________________________________

The party wasn't exactly fun, Padme realized. Especially not for an 11 year-old who preferred to spar with his father than play with average toys.

"There's a food table," she said, pointing. "Go help yourself."

Luke looked slightly relieved. Slightly. He nodded and headed towards the table.

"Empress Vader?" a quiet voice said.

Padme turned around. No one there? Then she looked down.
A young girl, around eleven, glanced up at her fearlessly with round, brown eyes. Padme had not seen a face like that in nearly 12 years, but she recognized it almost immediately.
Leia.

"Leia Organa of Alderaan," Padme said, keeping her face friendly-yet-cold. "What can I do for you?"

"I want to wish you luck," the girl replied in a strong, fearless voice. "It's a hard job."

Padme smirked. "I must ask you why a young princess such as yourself would turn up to such a large event."

"With all do respect, Madam Vader, you do not honestly expect the royal family of Alderaan to stay at home and watch the holovid while eating Corellian pie?"

Padme laughed lightly, not unkindly. "You're a brave girl, Princess. You will go far in this annoying world of politics."

The girl smiled.

"Leia, Leia come here, please," a voice called.

"Coming, Father!" she called back. She turned to Padme and curtsied lightly. "Once again, the best of luck."

Padme watched with interest as her daughter walked off with Bail Organa.

Very interesting, indeed.

 

Whoa, blast from the past...

 

Wow! Leia! But Padme was so...cold! But that's just because had it been my daughter, I would have burst into tears and refused to let her go. Nice post!

 

Leia's there? Now, what's gonna happen?? What will the Organas think about Leia talking to 'Madam Vader'??

 

That was an awesome post, Darth_Fruitcake! Can't wait for another.

 

<jaw drops> Darth Fruitcake does it again!

"I want to wish you luck," the girl replied in a strong, fearless voice. "It's a hard job."

That line just smacked of Leia. So... what happens next? Knowing Padme, she's not going to go long without having her whole family together!

I'm anxiously waiting for more. Now POST!

~Meredith

 

Later that evening, while Luke was in bed, Padme took a moment in front of her large mirror to let her hair down. Over the past few months, she had let it grow out again (much to her husband's liking) and now it was well past her shoulders.

At least I was lucky enough to have my hair grow out quickly.

Vader came up behind her. "Why were you talking to the Organa girl this evening?"

Padme dropped her hairbrush, then bent down to pick it up sheepishly. "She spoke to me first. She wanted to wish me luck."

"That may be true, but there is something more behind it."

She tried to quench her growing fear. "No, there isn't. Simple, light conversation, that's all."

"Then why were the Organas so eager to draw their daughter away from you?!"

She frowned. "Well, we don't have much of a good reputation," she snapped. "A parent is allowed to be concerned when their child is talking to a dangerous person, aren't they?!"

"Do not attempt to lie to me."

"Do not attempt to assume things you are not sure of!"

Padme realized something as she was rammed up against the wall.... It was not a good idea to defy her husband.
He held her pinned against the wall by the shoulders, holding her 6 inches off the ground.

"You will not speak to me in that manner again," he hissed.

She could see her fearful, shocked expression in the eye screens of his helmet. He had never treated her roughly like this. Then again, she had never been smart enough to lie to him before, either.

"I will ask you one more time," he growled. "What is so important about the child?"

"She--she--she is my niece," Padme choked out.

"Again, you lie. Make this easy upon yourself. There is no one around to hear you--to help you--but me."

His firm, unyielding grip on her shoulders was beginning to hurt. And it only grew tighter with each passing moment. She sagged, defeated.

"She is my daughter. Your daughter." She spat out the last words contempuously. "Luke's SISTER."

Vader let go of her, and she sagged to the ground in a heap.

"Thank you," he said coolly, stepping over her limp form. "That is very informative... wife."

Padme didn't glance up as he left the room, nor when the tears started to flow down her face.

Anakin, what has become of you?

And myself?

 

Good! Padme's starting to realize what she's doing! *sighs* Love can do strange things to people...

Leia! Oh, no, she's in trouble and she doesn't even know it! [face_shocked]

 

Luke glanced back and forth between his parents at the dinner table. It was even more quiet than usual, and there was an undeniable tension that wafted through the air.
His mother's hand was shaking slightly, he noticed. It was kind of hard to miss the look in her eyes; the sense of fear and betrayal. And somehow, he KNEW it had something to do with his father.

"Could you pass the salt?" he asked quietly.

Padme turned her head sharply, and, managing a feeble nod, handed the salt container to him.

"Thank you," he murmured.

"You're welcome," she whispered back.

Vader's hands were resting on the table, fingers entwined. His posture suggested that he was extremely tense.... and extremely angry.

"What's going on?" Luke asked finally.
He wondered how wise that question was, and whether it was wise to ask it, but it was too late. The words were already out of his mouth. Now all he had to do was wait for an answer.

"Nothing," Padme replied shakily.

"Lying again, are we?" Vader said, his voice low and dangerous.

"Perhaps I am not the only one," she retorted quietly.

All was quiet again, and things grew even more tense, if that was even possible. Luke took a moment to swallow a bite and take a sip of his drink, but he could barely even taste the food.

"We're going to Alderaan tomorrow," Vader announced suddenly.

"What?" Padme said, sitting up straighter. "Ani, that's--"

"So I suggest you get ready," Vader growled dangerously, cutting her off in midsentance.

"Why Alderaan?" Luke dared to ask.

Vader glanced at him sharply. "Diplomatic reasons, Son. Nothing to worry about. We'll only be there for two or three days."

"And his tone gets gentler automatically when he speaks to his son," Padme said darkly. "I'd like to see how much Luke loves you, Anakin, after you ram him into a wall."

Vader, abruptly, rammed his fist down onto the table. "He doesn't deserve it."

Padme's eyes grew wide suddenly, then narrowed to tiny slits, devoid of fear. "He has done nothing wrong, and neither have I. Perhaps it is you who deserves it."

Everything went deathly quiet. Luke swallowed.
Then, fortunately, an Imperial officer came into the dining room and bowed.

"My Emperor, My Lady, what course shall we set?"

His face not leaving Padme's, Vader replied,

"Alderaan, Ensign. Set your course for Alderaan."

 

Uh-oh, Leia...

 

This is a great story so far. Write more please!!!!

 

"Leia!" a voice called.

Leia glanced up from her studies. "Yes, Daddy?"

"Please come here. We have guests."

Leia entered the meeting room, and was greeted by an interesting sight. The Vader family.

"Leia Organa," Emperor Vader rumbled.

She nodded formally, remembering her diplomatic training. But she couldn't help but wonder why they were here, of all places.

"Hello," she said quietly.

She glanced down, and saw Luke, the boy that was her age. He seemed friendly enough, but she didn't trust him. She didn't trust Luke nor his father, but oddly enough, she did trust Lady Vader. She was so calm, so beautiful.... and she looked almost exactly like her mother did in her dreams.

"My Emperor," Bail said, "our home is your home. Please feel free to--"

"Thank you, Senator, I will," Vader replied. "Where does my son stay?"

"Leia will show him."

 

I'm glad Leia likes Padme! Wonder what Leia will think when she finds out...

 

C'mon, Pad! At least give him a punch! SOMEone has to stand up to Vader. ::sniff:: We lost Ani!!!!!

 

Cooool....

 

cool post.

 

<<"My Emperor," Bail said, "our home is your home. Please feel free to--"
"Thank you, Senator, I will," Vader replied. "Where does my son stay?">>

Ooh, meesa like. [purr] my Emperor... my Emperor...[/purr] Yes, meesa definitely like! More soon please!

 

Luke glanced at the girl, who was his age but slightly shorter than himself. She seemed difficult to comprehend.... almost as if she knew something he didn't.

"Well," she said, pushing open a door. "This is your room."

He walked in, nodding approvingly at everything he saw. The room was neat, clean, and almost completely empty.

Good.

"Your father told me you did not enjoy elaborate decorations or fancy things," she said, lifting her chin. "I thought this room would be appropriate for you."

He arched an eyebrow. "My father told you that?"

She nodded. "Yes; he likes to get to the point. Not very diplomatic."

"My father rules the galaxy," Luke said testily. "He doesn't need petty banquets, or pompous senators, or even a comfortable room to rule efficiently. And neither do I," he added, almost as an afterthought.

Strangely enough, the princess didn't seem intimidated. "Yes, I'm sure," Leia replied coolly. "Enjoy your stay."

After she had gone, Luke shook his head.

What a weird girl.
____________________________

"My Emperor," Bail announced, opening a door, "you and your consort will stay in this room."

The Empress seemed quite nervous. "Isn't there.... security; guards? In case something happens?"

"No, they're not nessesary," Vader said before Bail could reply.
The Emperor sounded almost.... frusterated. Testy, perhaps.
"Our stormtroopers are in plenty."

Padme looked... scared. "Are... are you sure? Maybe--"

"That is my decision," Vader snapped, cutting her off. He glanced at Bail. "You are excused."

Bail bowed, took Sache's hand, and turned, walking off down the long hallway.

"Bail," Sache said, "are you sure we shouldn't keep at least one guard there?"

Bail sighed. "I know Padme is your friend, but I can't defy the Emperor." He stopped, turned to face her. "Sache," he pleaded, "I'm just as worried as you are. He's messing with her mind, I can tell. But there's nothing we can do about it, except pray that we and our daughter remain safe."

Sache lowered her voice, almost to a hiss. "We can't hide Leia from her own parents."

"I know." Bail's voice quivered shakily. "But we can do our best. That's the promise we made to Ben, and that's the promise we will keep."

 

Oh! The angst and torture! Poor, dear Padmé!! And it must be horrible for Saché to watch it! And Luke needs a good slap...he's getting too arrogant! Vader's rubbing off on him, and it's NOT GOOD!

Good post, Fruity!

 

I'm going to do my best to make this a long post... Bear with me, my readers.
*****************************************

Luke started as a knock came at his door. Up until then, he had been concentrating intensely on his lightsaber, which had been broken a few days before.
And now someone wanted to interrupt his work.

"Yes?" he replied, his brow furrowing in concentration.

"Your mother," came the reply.

He unlocked the door with the Force, and Padme came in, a tired look on her face.

Luke stood up. "Are you okay?" he asked urgently, forgetting instantly about the lightsaber.

She sat on the bed, and Luke followed suit.

"I don't know," she replied. "So much is going on..." She glanced at him. "How are you feeling?"

Luke shrugged. "As well as can be expected. Life is busy, though." The boy frowned. "And Father seems angry."

Her eyes reflected pain. "Your father is an extremely angry man. It's in his nature." Her expression softened. "He's been through so much in his life..."

Luke bit his lip, and hesitated. Then, "Are you afraid of him?"

Padme started, then glanced down at her son. "Why do you ask?" she inquired shakily.

"Well, your response to that question, for one thing."

She sighed, then smiled sadly. "Everyone is afraid of him."

"Not me."

"He hasn't done anything to you," she stated simply. "He has further plans for you, and he needs for you to be in full health to fulfill them." Her eyes filled with tears suddenly. "And he hasn't slapped you, or shoved you against a wall, or abandoned you to raise your child by yourself..."

He threw his arms around her, holding her close, trying his best to shield her from the pain. She sobbed against his shoulder, letting her frusteration and anguish come out.
And the worst part was, Luke had no verbal way of comforting her.

He couldn't say, "It's alright", because it wasn't.

He couldn't say, "It's okay to cry", because that would sound truly stupid and pointless in a time like this.

And moreover, he couldn't say "I'm sorry", because all he had ever done was loved his mother.

So, he simply held her, hoping that that was enough.

But deep down inside, he knew it would take a miracle to make things normal again.
_______________________________________

Vader glanced up as Padme entered their quarters. She looked like she had been crying, and her normally soft, beautiful hair was matted and wet.

He stood abruptly.

"You talked to him?"

She glanced up, her eyes showing sudden fear. "Yes, I did."

"About me." It was a statement, not a question.

No answer. Of course, he hadn't really been expecting one. It was not like his wife had anything to hide anymore.

She flinched, as if expecting a slap, but he simply took her hand.

"Come," he said, "let's take a walk."

Soon they were outside, in the beautiful Alderaanian gardens. Of course, they weren't entirely impressive, but Vader admired them. Just as he admired Padme, who was much stronger than she looked.
He was just sorry he hadn't told her sooner.

"I wanted to talk with you," he began.

Her hand still held his, but it was a very loose grasp. Like she didn't want to hang onto him.
"About?"

His gigantic shoulders lifted in a shrug. "Matters that need attending to."

"Including Leia," she stated.

"Including Leia," he agreed.

"Listen, she has a life here," she said shakily. "Two parents that love her to death. Friends that she'll always treasure. And these gardens..."
She paused to finger a large purple flower.
"It would be wrong to snatch her away," she concluded after a moment.

"But they aren't her parents; we are." His tone grew testy. "And I didn't place her here, you did."

"For her own protection," she added, just as testily. Her eyes finally meeted his. "You know what Palpatine might've done to her, and to Luke. Either turned them, or destroyed them."

"Palpatine is dead now," he reminded her.

She laughed humorlessly; shakily. "You think I don't know that?" She grew sober again, her eyes reflective. "But

 

i loved the part and i love the fic!!

i can't wait for the huge problems that they have to encounter!! can't wait for the next part!

please, pretty please post soon!!!

Micha