Author's Notes: This was inspired by BSG 2003 and for the record isn’t a crossover but does bear similar concepts based on a pairing done from the TV series. So as such all credit for the idea goes to the creators of BSG-2003 just as the characters belong to Lucus Films.
He whom God seeks to punish; he first makes mad. – Author Unknown.
Do you trust me?
In the midst of all the darkness and pain he could hear I her /I voice calling out to him. He couldn’t explain how his angel found herself here in this place of ugliness, but he knew without question it was her. While part of his mind registered that this shouldn’t be possible it was promptly ignored by the crashing way of hope that poured over him. Instinctively he tried to follow the sound of her voice as his eyes were blinded by the unforgiving medical lights.
Ani, do you trust me?
The man once named Anakin nodded weakly, struggling not to wince at the sharp searing pain that was almost as overwhelming. But as it was to move nevermind breathe it was far less painful than trying to speak.
Then take my hand.
The fledgling sith’s eyes blinked and through the brightness he thought he could see her radiant form. As always she was too beautiful for words, and was clad in the beautiful gown she wore the first time his lips met hers.
“…My angel…”
The hoarse pained whisper escaped his scarred lips as a sad smile briefly crossed her features. For a moment he couldn’t move for his thoughts were lost in silent awe. If I am dying, then so be it. He thought to himself. So long as she is by my side, that is all that matters.
Time is not on your side.
Padmé whispered softly drawing his thoughts back to her warm presence once more. His blue eyes wavered as they took notice of her extended hand. He wanted to reach out to grasp it but it was hard and it hurt so much to move. But his heart would not leave him be until he gave into her demand, for there was nothing he would not do for her. So after what felt like an eternity, the fallen Jedi’s fingers reached out to take her hand.
As fingers of metal, slipped into fingers of flesh, Anakin instantly felt the warmth of her presence filling his thoughts, easing the pain and calming the darkness. He wanted to gaze into her amber orbs, to bask in her beauty and drown in the peace of her aura. But the burning light was far more powerful and with a sharp gasp he instinctively closed his eyes. But as soon as he closed his eyes they snapped open once more to reveal an entirely different setting.
Struggling to register his surroundings the fallen Jedi’s eyes widened in surprise and confusion at the sight of the strange mask being lowered over his scarred features. His thoughts immediately scattered and for a moment sheer panic overtook him. However the feeling soon faded as a dark sense of calm took its place. He remembered her words and focussed on the memory of her voice and the sense of peace that it encouraged. It gave him hope that she was alright, that their child too was safe. For he i felt /I it through the Force and it eased the worse of his fears.
Yet as the final piece of the mask slipped over his damaged flesh Anakin couldn’t shake the sinking feeling that something was wrong.
Time is not on your side.
Her voice echoed once more in his thoughts and with it came the final realization of what she had truly meant when she offered her hand. Not only had she protected him during the complicated series of surgeries, but she had also saved his life. It was not the first time and he would soon come to understand that it would not be last. If only he knew that all too often curses come under the guises of gifts…