It was only when she smelled the cooked meal that she knew she had to get it out before it burnt. Reluctantly disentangling herself from Anakin’s arms, she raced over to pull it out without bothering to even wrap a robe about herself.

‘Thank goodness!’ she gasped, upon realising it was cooked perfectly.

He joined her in the kitchen. ‘Force, even when I’m not in the kitchen, I threaten to ruin meals!’ he gently teased before catching her words and nodding in reply.

Dormé laughed at his remark, poking him in the side with her index finger. ‘Very funny,’ she teased, sticking out her tongue at him.

Anakin grinned at her gentle teasing and moved to steal a kiss from her cheek in reply.

‘I hope you’re hungry,’ she grinned.

‘I’m starved!’ he said in eager tones while moving to help set the table for them both.

She served up two portions for them and placed them on the table. She then grabbed a robe and had a seat at the table, all smiles as she did so. Though she had been tired before, she was too excited and happy that Anakin was home to register anything her body was trying to tell her.

Taking a seat next to her Anakin soon was slipping his hand in her and giving a gentle squeeze as he practically beamed throughout the entirety of their breakfast. It had been so long since he was able to enjoy simple moments like this with his beloved.

As he ate, Anakin’s thoughts turned to Dormé’s Force signature once more. The more he took note of it, the more he was reminded of the past, how her aura appeared to him when she was carrying their other children. It filled him with both guilt and hope. He wondered if he should even say anything about it. Anakin wasn’t sure how she’d react and neither wanted to give her false hope or hurt her with memories of the past. The topic was a bittersweet one he knew and Anakin thought it was prudent that he remained silent on the matter at least till he was entirely certain.

Dormé was too preoccupied with her joy at having Anakin home to think his silence meant anything. Anakin was, for the most part, smiling throughout the meal and this only served to add to her joy. But as they cleaned up, she felt his eyes on her and when she looked at him, she caught his pensive gaze. It was then she figured out that he had something on his mind. ‘Is everything all right?’ she asked tentatively.

Furrowing his brow, Anakin shook his head but gave a soft sigh. ‘I was just thinking about the future,’ he admitted carefully.

‘The future?’ she asked, stepping closer to him.

‘What we would do if for whatever reason we were to have—’ he caught himself unable to ignore the knot forming in his throat. Anakin said nothing further as he moved to draw Dormé into a tight embrace as though through actions he could speak what weighed on his heart.

Dormé didn’t really process his musings for a moment. However, when it sunk in, she began to put two and two together. She gasped, pulling back and looking into his eyes. She shook her head as tears came to her eyes.

As she pulled back Anakin struggled to meet her gaze as his own eyes filled with tears. ‘I’m sorry...’ he murmured as though it was entirely his fault she was possibly with child. While this moment was bittersweet, it also served to remind him of his struggles and why he had to refrain from using the dark side, no matter how helpful it might appear on the surface.

‘It’s not entirely your fault,’ she began, her voice choked up.

Anakin furrowed his brow to Dormé’s words knowing there was more to this than he wanted to admit to as well. His use of the dark side would have to stop that was for certain Anakin desperately hoped it wasn’t already too late.

Dormé swallowed hard and couldn’t help smiling through her tears as she held him close. ‘I am glad for it...I just...’ she began, thinking about Laic and Runa whose names she couldn’t bring to her lips.

‘I just—I—’

‘I miss them so much and what if they never have a chance to—’

Dormé’s words finished his thoughts and in silence he nodded as tears of his own silently escaped as he tightened his embrace around her. To her words he gently touched her cheek as he shook his head. ‘Don’t say that, my love. I know they will, I don’t know when but I know deep down that one day we all will be together again,’ he hoarsely whispered wanting to truly believe this despite the lingering doubts.

Dormé nodded, sniffing back tears she didn’t want to shed. This was a happy moment, it truly was and she didn’t want to ruin it. Anakin’s words brought her hope and she would believe in this strongly. But another thought struck her: what sort of life would they be able to give this new child? Tatooine was harsh enough without the Hutt Empire. ‘We will have to move up the battle plans,’ she mentioned, ‘before the baby is born.’

Anakin gently rubbed her back as he played with her hair trying to assure her of what he knew deep down to be true. As her tears subsided Anakin felt his own emotions steady as he too found hope in the future. But as she spoke of their plans for battle the former emperor fell quiet as he glanced away. He knew of its importance but was also painfully aware of the temptations that such a course of action would encourage. ‘I understand and I agree, but I don’t know if I will be strong enough—’ Anakin faltered and for a moment fell silent.

‘The last thing I want is to welcome this baby at a time of war. It’s dangerous enough living here—’ she began, but she noticed a change in his expression.

‘I’ve been- as of recent I—’ he sighed softly as he avoided her gaze too ashamed now to meet it. Anakin knew he didn’t need to clarify himself further as Dormé would already know what weighed on his mind. He didn’t bother apologizing, it seemed too pathetic and insulting to do so after everything they had been through.

His eyes averted, she knew he was keeping something from her, but it was soon revealed. ‘Anakin...’ she began, moving away from him.

Dormé’s immediate reaction took his thoughts to the past once more leaving the former emperor feeling incredibly alone and thoroughly disgusted with himself. He should have known better and truthfully he did which only added to his self loathing.

‘I knew something was wrong,’ she stated under breath. ‘I knew, even when you weren’t here, I knew,’ she said turning back to face him. Dormé shook her head, placing a hand to her temple. She closed her eyes for a moment, thinking it was rather ironic that he chose to tell her after making love with her again, after telling her she was pregnant. If she hadn’t been pregnant would he still have told her? She had to believe he would.

He wrapped his arms around himself while watching her intently. It was only then that it occurred to him how low his actions of before had been. It was as though he had been taking advantage of her to distract from his struggles. The thought caused him to look away as he fought the urge to do what he always did best: run away.

She sighed before approaching him once more, dropping her hands to her sides. ‘Then we should wait. It’s not worth risking that,’ she said, her voice as strong as her convictions.

Anakin gave a silent nod. ‘Maybe I should stay here with you,’ he said softly before quickly continuing. ‘The temptation is always much lower when you are near. You keep me focussed,’ he admitted quietly.

Dormé reached up to touch his cheek. ‘Then stay, my love,’ she replied softly. She the kissed him on his cheeks, his brow, his temples.

Dormé’s soft reply and gentle touch was soothing to his troubled thoughts and in silence he bowed his head and closed his eyes as she kissed his cheeks his brow and temples.

She ran her fingers through his hair, soothing him, knowing its what he needed. ‘Stay with me.’

‘Thank you...my goddess,’ he whispered in gentle reply to her words as he leant into her touch before shyly slipping his arms around her once more, longing to feel the peace that was held in her arms. In her presence, anything seemed possible and Anakin knew if he was going to go through with this revolution, and make it without temptations, he would have to remain in her presence. His beloved, was the only one who could give him strength with a mere look. She was his universe, his queen, his goddess and never more was this true than in these moments.

There would be time enough later over the coming months for planning and carrying out battles. The people made them their leaders, even if it was far from what they desired or wanted. They were the only ones with experience and it made sense. That didn’t mean that they couldn’t wait awhile.

---

Later that night, when Dormé awoke in his arms, moonlight streamed through the window which she had forgotten to close the curtain all the way. The light cascaded over his naked features, giving them an otherworldly glow, which only she was witness to. Though he was asleep, he was sleeping soundly, holding her tightly and she, for the first time since his return home, was able to see he had lost some weight. It was one of the many consequences of his use of the dark side.

She didn’t have to tell him she worried about him, but she knew now more than ever that she was needed, he needed her. He would forget to sleep or eat with the dark side, but Dormé would not. She would be there to remind him. Their baby would live because she wouldn’t let him touch the darkness. It was when he was not in sight that she had less ability to help. He loved and needed her. Dormé would not fail him.

---

The months with Anakin back at home where he belonged passed far quicker than Dormé would have imagined. The people didn’t seem to take it well that Anakin abandoned them, even though they could tell that the emperor, they called him, hadn’t been feeling well. When people came to their door wanting to speak to them, Anakin and Dormé both uttered mixtures of curses. Dormé even yelled at them to leave in impolite terms, but it wasn’t until Anakin opened the door, standing in front of them completely naked, telling their public that he needed the time off that they left them alone.

Of course, Dormé eventually smoothed things over, letting them know they were working on a plan of attack that would bring about the end of the Hutt’s dominion over them. She didn’t give them specifics, as they were still working it out, but enough to assure them that they hadn’t given up on the rebellion.

As time moved on, Anakin did continue training with the moisture farmers and merchants, but returned home every night and did not participate in any attacks, minor as they might have been. Though the people continued to refer to them as the emperor and empress, they called them Skywalkers, as though hearkening back to the golden age of Tatooine when they ruled in peace.

Eventually their time had run out, for the Hutts, it seemed were planning on moving their home base to a neighbouring city. For this reason, they had to go forward with their plan of attack before they were completely ready. Even though it was nearly time for her to give birth, Dormé wanted to go ahead with leading the other half of the forces. Her arguments fell on deaf ears and event he Darklighters backed Anakin on the matter. Finding herself unable to resist, she gave in and remained at home while Anakin and the other members of the rebellion left to conquer the Hutt’s palace.

As much as Anakin appreciated the fact the villagers supported Dormé and his own assistance in the revolution he did not take too kindly to their insistent need for their guidance. The last straw came when they were interrupted while making love. Furious he tore open the door not caring if the entire galaxy saw him unclothed and demanded that they leave them alone for a little while. While it proved to be effective, it didn’t do well for morale and in the end it was Dormé’s assurances that gave the people hope that the Skywalkers hadn’t abandon them. While Anakin didn’t regret making his point clear, he did feel badly at the affect it had on the people and was grateful to Dormé for her intervention.

Soon he was returning to duty though fortunately this time he was mindful to remain close to home and because of it the temptations remained at bay. As much as he enjoyed training and helping in what way he could, Anakin was relieved to return home every night and even more so that he didn’t have to see the frontlines. While he enjoyed the action, he no longer trusted himself not to touch the Dark Side.

When word was received that the Hutts were making plans to relocate, even Anakin couldn’t deny that their time was running out. All of the information collected was in regards to the Hutt’s current palace and if they didn’t act quickly they would lose the advantage they had worked so hard to earn. Though Dormé was eager to join his side Anakin was concerned for her safety and the safety of their baby and argued against the idea; he was grateful to have the Darklighters support and relieved when she finally agreed to remain behind for this battle.

As their attack began, Anakin swiftly found things were rapidly losing control. Though they had the element of surprise the Hutts were still more than prepared for them. While the civilians were now experienced and trained they lacked the technology that was so readily available to the Hutts. While Anakin and Dormé did their best to make the most of the situation in the end even they were unable to keep up with the blackmarket king pins. Though victory was clearly in sight Anakin knew the losses would be great it was for this that the darkness once more began to tempt him. The dark whispers of his mind promised him that it would only be this once. To think of all the lives he could save if he were to touch it and slaughter the Hutts. It would be so easy and it would ensure that most of these freedom fighters would be able to return home to their families alive.

Time moved to a crawl and as Anakin watched his comrades falling prey to laser fire all around him, the former emperor found the temptation to be too great to deny and it wasn’t long before he was touching the darkness once more. It came with a heady rush one that made him dizzy and though his thoughts were flooded with guilt and shame. He promptly buried it as he focused on the enemy and what he sought to do.

---

It was incredibly hot today and Dormé lay on their bed, fanning herself, feeling utterly miserable and worried about Anakin. He hadn’t seen a confrontation since his last expression of dark side usage. She didn’t know if he could handle the battle without her. As the day wore on and she dozed lightly, despite how much their baby was kicking, she found her thoughts drifting.

In her dream, Aené appeared to her. She always looked as though she were a little girl, despite the fact she would have been eleven-years-old at this time.

Aené pulled her by the hand to the area outside of the palace where Anakin was leading their forces.

Amidst the laser fire and proton bombs, she saw the yellow in his eyes, the dark side taking over him.

‘Help Daddy,’ Aené said with conviction.

Waking with a start, Dormé knew she had to go there. She dashed out of their small apartment, racing down the steps and finding a speederbike. She tried to get it to start, but when she did, she realised she ought to have been seated on it for it raced away from her. Uttering a series of curses, she made her way by foot until she reached the outskirts of the palace. It was then she spotted him and walked as swiftly as she could to reach him.

---

Dormé was absolutely exhausted and burning up by the time she reached the palace. It was so dangerous to be out let alone walking into a battle, but the haunting images of Aené in her dream forced her onwards. There was no doubt in her mind that she needed to find Anakin. He needed her help and she would not fail him. She would not fail Aené.

She cursed, ducking to avoid fire and entered the palace. The dead littered the steps as she entered.

It was not hard to find her beloved, but the circumstances she found him in were horrific. It wasn’t just their enemies that he was slaughtering. He had turned on one of the colonists. ‘Anakin! Anakin STOP!’ she screeched at the top of her lungs as she hurried toward him.

He was entirely blood drunk and though he unleashed his rage upon their enemies it was with inhuman viciousness. So lost was he to the Dark Side that Anakin didn’t even register Dormé’s approaching Force signature as he continued his merciless assault on their enemies.

It seemed her words were futile, for nothing she could say would make the darkness go away. It seemed their baby was not pleased about what it was feeling from Daddy and tried to warn her to get away from him.

In the back of his mind Anakin could hear Dormé’s voice calling his name but the Dark Side was blinding and thus it was only too easy to ignore the sound of reason. As a result innocent lives began to pay the price as Anakin turned on the colonists he sought to help.

Far more sensitive to her baby this time, Dormé knew she couldn’t remain here. She felt the familiar ill feeling and the baby’s kicking warning.

Fortunately his reign of terror did not last long before Anakin felt a powerful pain tearing through his lower torso forcing his thoughts out of the dark storm that was consuming him. Cursing loudly, he dropped to his knees as he clutched his stomach while in the back of his mind he was reminded of another time this had occurred.

The ill feeling only worsened and she left Anakin, stumbling further into the interior just before her water broke. ‘Anakin! Oh harāmu!’ she cursed.

It was then that he finally heard Dormé’s voice and turned to the direction she was in the former emperor’s eyes widened in horror. How she got her was not an issue, her safety however as well as their unborn child was another matter entire. Despite the pain, Anakin forced himself back to his feet and soon was struggling to close the distance between them. He had to get her out of this place and fast.

‘Anakin!’ she screamed when he was shot at not once but twice. Even though she could not tell through the Force, she knew that he was back, that she had succeeded, at least temporarily, in abating his dark side usage.

‘Dormé! Dormé!’ he called out before using his body as a shield to protect her as a laser shots got too close for comfort. A shot hit him square in the calf and another in his shoulder, but it wasn’t enough to slow him as his heart raced with fear for his beloved and the little one she carried. The innocents he had killed in battle would return to haunt him later.

‘Oh Anakin, the baby—’ she began.

Anakin knew he had been shot but his mind was too distracted by his fear for Dormé’s safety and the safety of their baby to fully register that he was wounded.

‘I’m sorry...I’m so sorry...’ she apologised over and over again, feeling that even though she stopped Anakin from killing more innocents, she had put their baby’s life in danger.

His eyes filled with tears as he shook his head. ‘This is my fault. I’m the reason your here and I’m sorry for that,’ he admitted softly in shamed tones. He had no idea how Dormé knew he was losing himself to the dark side, but he had no doubt in his mind that was the true reason she was here. She knew him better than he knew himself and though Anakin was fearful for her safety and panicked over the fact she risked her life and their baby’s life to see him deep down he understood the reasons behind her actions and was grateful for her intervention.

She gripped the wall, trying to remain standing as another wave of pain hit her. ‘The baby is not going to wait...’ she gasped out. She was also worried because it was still early, though it was only a few weeks early.

Anakin uttered another series of curses before clenching his teeth as he clutched his lower stomach. AT least now he was somewhat prepared for what was to come. He knew he had to get Dormé to safety and at her gasped warning Anakin felt another rush of fear knowing the little one wasn’t due for a few weeks yet. He didn’t need to ask the reasons for the pre-mature labour as it was obvious even to him. Though he had finally registered his wounded state, it didn’t stop Anakin from helping get Dormé out of harms way. There were a series of side rooms nearby that were empty from what Anakin could tell and though this was hardly the place he imagined Dormé would have their baby in he knew they had little options left to them.

She tried her best to follow his lead, but it proved to be a struggle for the pregnant mother. ‘Anakin—ahh,’ she gripped his arm tightly. The labour pains were rapidly so close together, she didn’t know what provoked it, or rather she wasn’t in the best state of mind to figure out why.

‘This way,’ he murmured through gritted teeth as he did his best to support her while having to use the Force to block the stray shots that got too near to them. Though it was a struggle because of his recent state of mind Anakin managed to touch the light side once more and used it to make a shield around Dormé.

The room he led into was stained with the blood of both the Hutt’s allies and their own comrades. The stench of death was everywhere. Stepping over dead bodies, he led her to a very large couch which might have been a bed, she couldn’t really tell. ‘Not here, it’s—ahh urugal, isthab—’ she cried, cursing to the Force or one of the goddesses, whoever would hear her.

The stench of death was potent and the room itself was filthy from battle. But there was a bed -most likely used for entertainment purposes for guests- and it was for intents and purposes clean or so it appeared to Anakin. ‘I’m sorry, Dormé, but at least it’s safe,’ Anakin began before biting his lip so hard he could taste blood as pain tore through his lower torso. Stars danced behind his eyes and it was a struggle for him not to black out.

‘You’re going to have to help me, Anakin. There’s no one else.’ She squeezed his hand. She tried to steady her breathing.

‘What do I do? What should I do?’ he asked in weak tones as he struggled not to cry out in pain as the pounding between his legs grew increasingly worse.

‘Hot water? Towels? I don’t know—’ Dormé gasped out, now concerned more than ever about sanitation, but they really didn’t have any other options.

Anakin nodded in reply and was soon making his way to the small fresher off this room. It was hardly what he would call sanitary but it was certainly a lot cleaner than the next room. Water however proved to be a problem as when he tried to activate the hydraulics to get some water nothing came out of the tap, save for a rusted-looking liquid. He didn’t even want to think of what it was and towels were nonexistent.

‘Echuta-we,’ he muttered in agitation before staggering out to the main room where he proceeded to drag out the corpses.

‘I’m going to try the next room. This one has nothing,’ he puffed as he moved the last of the bodies out. The pains were still coursing through his body but it was not quite as regular and for that he was grateful. It was bad enough the laser wounds were slowing his movement without that to add to the problem.

The action it would seem had moved further into the palace and this filled Anakin with a little relief. At least he didn’t have to fear the battle reaching them anymore. The next room was even worse than the one before it when it came to corpses and blood, but the fresher was decent and Anakin was soon collecting towels and as much hot water as he could fill a massive cooking pot with. He hoped it was enough and prayed to the Force and the gods, any power that be that would listen, for guidance.

Once she lay back on the bed, readying to give birth it seemed like the contractions had stopped or at least weren’t as fast. However, she knew that since her water broke that the baby had to be born now. The longer they waited the greater the danger. Her eyes filled with tears as she prayed the baby would make it.

Dormé wasn’t fully aware of what Anakin was up to or that he had dragged the corpses from the room. For a moment, she too lost consciousness, but from exertion rather than pain. It was another contraction that woke her up, but it was short-lived. ‘I think something’s wrong,’ she said when Anakin returned.