Padme Lives by Tricia Hitchcock

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 1

Padmes ship lands, as Anakin runs towards his wife..... "Padme! I saw your ship" . . . They embrace, (unbeknownst for the last time) "Oh, Anakin!", Padme's face says it all, her fear, her concern, even her aching heart...

"It's all right, you're safe now. What are you doing out here?"

"I was so worried about you. Obi-Wan told me terrible things"

"What things?"

"He said you have turned to the dark side . . . that you killed younglings". Her face looks ill just saying it.

Anakin is shocked, afraid, and already thinking of how to not tell his wife the truth, basically to lie to her......"Obi-Wan is trying to turn you against me"

"He cares about us"

"Us??!" Anakin is furious, what is Obi-wan doing medaling in his life and what was he doing talking with his wife, about his marriage, his baby? "He knows . . . He wants to help you"

In a jealous and mocking tone, Anakin asks Padme: "Is Obi-Wan going to protect you?.... He can't ... he can't help you. He's not strong enough"

Padme is shocked by Anakins tone and he looks different, he even sounds different, whats going on she asks herself...."Anakin, all I want is your love!"

"Love won't save you Padme, only my new powers can do that"

Shocked and trying to control her thoughts, Padme pleads with "Anakin.... At what cost? You are a good person Ani, Don't do this!"

Not even hearing her......."I won't lose you the way I lost my mother! I've become more powerful than any Jedi has ever dreamed of and I've done it for you, Padme, to protect you!"

Begging Anakin, the fear and concern in her voice,....."Come away with me. Help me raise our child. Leave everything else behind while we still can!"

The power taking over all reason, Anakins face becomes twisted, evil looking....."Don't you see, we don't have to run away anymore. I have brought peace to the Republic. I am more powerful than the Chancellor. I can overthrow him, and together you and I can rule the galaxy..... Make things the way we want them to be."

Pulling away from him, shaking her head, "I don't believe what I'm hearing . . . Obi-Wan was right. You've changed."

"I don't want to hear any more about Obi-Wan! The Jedi turned against me. Don't you turn against me!"

"I don't know you anymore. Anakin, you're breaking my heart." (sobbing) "I'll never stop loving you, but you are going down a path I can not follow."

"Because of Obi-Wan? "

"Because of what you've done . . . what you plan to do. Stop, stop now. Come back! I love you!"

Anakin sees Obi-Wan..... "Liar!" Obi-wan is standing in the doorway of the Naboo Cruiser. "You're with him. You've betrayed me! You brought him here to kill me!"

"NO! Anakin. I swear ... I ..." ANAKIN reaches out with the force and choke holds Padme, as she grabs her throat, she tries to tell him she loves him, its all a misunderstanding, the shock on her face is heart breaking, all the emotions in her eyes, love, fear, confusion.

"Let her go, Anakin" Obi-wan starts down the ramp towards them. Staying calm and cool, he can't believe what he is seeing, his brother, lashing out on the one he loves more than life, the one he turned to the dark side for......

"What have you and she been up to?" The jealousy and evil, creating a contorted look on Anakins face.

"I said, Let her go!"

Maybe having the last sane thought of his life, Anakin releases his grip on Padme and she falls unconscious to the ground. Like a child who can't believe what they have done, Anakin no longer is rational, he continues down the jealous and insane path, lashing out at Obi-wan. "You turned her against me!"

"You have done that yourself, Anakin"

Continuing to rant....."You will not take her from me!" He throws off his cloak.

"Your anger and your lust for power have already done that". He flings off his cloak. "You have allowed this Dark Lord to twist your mind until now . . . now you have become the very thing you swore to destroy"

Anakin doesn't believe him, he's jealous, Obi-wan wants my power, wants my life. "Don't lecture me, Obi-Wan. I see through the lies of the Jedi. I do not fear the dark side as you do. I have brought peace, justice, freedom, and security to MY new Empire. Don't make me kill you"

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 2

Circling each other like prey, Obi-wan proudly states "Anakin, my allegiance is to the Republic ... to democracy"

With an evil sneer, "If you're not with me, you're my enemy"

"Only a Sith Lord deals in absolutes...... I will do what I must" (ignites his light saber)

"You can try, Obi-wan, you can try.........." igniting his light saber. Anakin lashes out at Obi-wan, and they begin a ferocious sword fight. Anakin mustering up some of his old self, looks to Obi-wan..... "Don't make me destroy you, Master. You're no match for the dark side"

"I've heard that before, Anakin . . . but I never thought I'd hear it from you"

Anakin forces Obi-wan back into the Conference Room where the quarters are much closer. Sparks fly everywhere, lighting the path as they go....

The battle intensifies. Obi-wan, in a lecturing and knowing way continues, "The flaw of power is arrogance". he stands looking at his former apprentice for a moment.

Anakin in a mocking tone... :"you hesitate . . . the flaw of compassion" Obi-wan and Anakin lock sabers. Anakin looks totally consumed by evil, Obi-wan realizing he is the weaker fighter, puts out his hand to use the Force to push Anakin away. Anakin puts out his hand to block Obi-wan, both combatants are blasted backwards onto the control panels. They regain their footing and the battle continues. They fight along the lava river, they continue their fight to the highest point of a tower that has fallen into the lava . The rest of the tower begins to melt away as it rides the swift current down the river. It bends toward the lava as they get out toward the end. The fighting gets fierce. Obi-wan gets to the end and is trapped. The tower slowly starts to sink under the lava.

Meanwhile Artoo and C-3PO come out of the ship and find Padme, C-3PO carefully lifts Padme into his arms. R2-D2 nervously looks on, beeping continuously. C-3PO shrieks "I am being careful. I've got a good hold on her, but . . . I'm worried about my back. I hope it's able to hold up under this weight". C-3PO carries Padme into the Naboo Skiff.

From the tower, balancing on cables, Anakin and Obi-wan both spot something that causes them to stop fighting. The lava river ahead drops off in a tremendous lava fall. Snapping and metal groans are heard as the main part of the tower starts to break away and move toward the lava fall. Obi-wan looks around and sees a small floating platform making its way toward the tower. Obi-wan does a double hack-flip and lands squarely on the floating platform. He immediately leans to one side and moves away from the tower. Anakin realizes he is doomed also take a running leap and miraculously lands on a droid. Obi-wan heads for the bank of the lava river, but Anakin is faster. He catches up with his old Master. They continue the sword fight, balancing on the tiny platforms.

Obi-wan, overwhelmed, reveals his emotions to Anakin in a weak moment and cries, "I have failed you, Anakin. I was never able to teach you to think"

Anakin not really hearing or caring of the honest, raw emotions from Obi-wan, something he truly has never seen from him, continues to mock him, "I should have known the Jedi were plotting to take over ......."

Not letting Anakin finish Obi-wan blurts . . . "From the Sith!!! ........Anakin, (trying his hardest to convince him) Chancellor Palpatine is evil"

Anakin not believing his old master, "From the Jedi point of view!, From my point of view, the Jedi are evil"

Obi-wan exhausted and at the brink of giving up plainly states "Well, then you are lost"

"This is the end for you, My Master. I wish it were otherwise." Anakin jumps and flips onto Obi-wan's platform. The fighting continues again until Obi-wan jumps toward the safety of the black sandy edge of the lava river.

He yells at Anakin, "It's over, Anakin. I have the high ground"

Smirking, "You underestimate my power!"

"Don't try it"

Anakin leaps over Obi-wan, as he does Obi-wan raises his light saber..............

Chapter 3

As Anakin is above Obi-wan, Obi-wan cuts his young apprentice at the knees, in the blink of an eye, also in one clean sweep of the light saber, Anakins left arm is also cut off. Anakin tumbles down the embankment and rolls to a stop near the edge of the lava, his light saber falling on the bank. Anakin struggles to pull himself up the embankment with his mechanical hand. Obi-wan is mortified at what he has done, he loves Anakin how could he have hurt him, he can't hardly breathe yet go on:

"You were the Chosen One!........ It was said that you would, destroy the Sith, not join them!..... the agony in his voice apparent, "It was you, who would bring balance to the Force, not leave it in Darkness!" Obi-wan can't bear to look at Anakin, look at what he has become, his brother, his padawan..... Obi-wan picks up Anakin's light saber and begins to walk away. He stops and looks back.

Anakins blue eyes have turned red, he screams at Obi-wan " I hate you!" He continues to pull himself to no avail.

Practically crying Obi-wan yells "You were my brother, Anakin. I loved you" realizing his own emotions and attachment to Anakin, he has second thoughts of helping his brother. Just then, Anakin's clothing blows into the lava river and ignites. Suddenly Anakin bursts into flames and starts screaming. Obi-wan looks in horror as Anakin becomes engulfed in flames. Obi-wan can't watch him as he struggles to climb the embankment, covered in flames. He runs back to Padme's ship as Anakin lay smoldering, near the top of the lava pit. Obi-wan makes his way to the landing pad. He looks for Padme. Threepeo sticks his head out the door of the ship "Master Kenobi! We have Miss Padme on board. Please, please hurry. We should leave this dreadful place. The ship takes off.

Padme lies on a cot or bed inside the ship. Obi-wan walks over and checks on her. Padme weakly asks: "Obi-Wan? Is Anakin all right?" Obi-wan looks at her sadly and does not answer. He brushes her hair back, Padme's expression goes from concern to utter and complete sadness, she assumes Anakin is dead. To comfort her Obi-wan uses the force to place her back into unconsciousness. He sits deep in thought, Anakin must be dead, the sadness overwhelms him. He should have helped him up the bank, but is sure that if he had, Anakin would have continued to fight till one of them was dead. At least Obi-wan didn't directly kill Anakin, which at the moment wasn't any relief. He already missed Anakin but still didn't feel any difference in the Force. It was probably Anakin's child in Padme that he felt.

Anakin crawls up the bank, his body smoking. How could Obi-wan leave him? Did he take Padme? Was she alright? How could he have hurt her? All these thoughts started in his brain, but the sheer pain overcame him and he lay there wishing he was dead. Dead would be better than what had become of him, a charred empty man whose wife hated him now and wanted nothing to do with him. Meanwhile, an Imperial Shuttle closes its wings and settles on the highest of the Mustafar Landing Platforms. Darth Sidious and the clone troopers make their way to get to Anakin at the edge of the lava pit. "There he is. He's still alive. Get a medical capsule, immediately"

Bail Organa inter-ups Master Yoda's meditation, "Excuse me, Master Yoda. Obi-Wan Kenobi has made contact"

Obi-wan lands the Naboo Cruiser on the landing platform of the isolated post of Polis Massa. Yoda and Bail Organa, along with a few ground crew are waiting as the ramp lowers and Obi-wan emerges, carrying the unconscious Padme in his arms, followed by R2 and 3PO. Yoda looks at Padme, senses her condition and tells Obi-wan to take her to the medical center, at the same time as Obi-wan is taking Padme to the medical center, Darth Sidious and the clone troopers have the floating medical capsule carrying Lord Vader to a medical chamber.

The droids are assessing Padme, they inform Yoda and Obi-wan "Medically, she is completely healthy. For reasons we can't explain, we are losing her".

Obi-wan can't believe this "She's dying?" The medical droid shakes his head yes as he states "We don't know why she is dying, its like she has lost the will to live. We need to operate quickly if we are to save the babies". Obi-wan and Yoda almost together question "Babies??!!" She's carrying twins.

Yoda now understands his visions, "Save them, we must. They are our last hope"........

At the same time the medical droids are assisting Padme with her induced labor, Anakin is being worked on with precise detail by numerous droids. They both are in pain and their cries are almost simultaneous and Anakin feels Padme is in labor, for a few moments of rationalization his thoughts are with her. Soon though, excruciating pain brings him back to the real world and what is occurring to him. Anakin has new legs and a new arm, he is badly burned and is having difficulty breathing. "He will need assistance breathing" the droid responds, Palpatine willing to do anything for his new apprentice snaps, "DO IT!", "Just keep him alive", then in a menacing tone states "Do anything you must, but do not repair his face"

Padme somehow knows Anakin is alive and is in terrible pain, she calls to him, in her mind and she swears he responds, the old Anakin she hears telling her "I love you, you'll be okay, don't give up", other times her cries go unanswered. The twins are being delivered as Bail, Yoda, R2 and Threepio watch. Obi-wan is in the operating theater with Padme, he takes her hand "Don't give up, Padme". PADME winces from the pain. The medical droid is holding a screaming baby, stating that its a boy...... Padme offering up a faint smile, whispers.... "Luke". She struggles to touch the baby on the forehead to calm him, but the next baby is being born. Less than a minute later, the droid states "and a girl"..... Padme looks at her sleeping daughter and states " Leia",

Padme looking into Obi-wans worrisome eyes, faintly states.... "there's still good in him" ...... then falls into unconsciousness......

The pain overwhelming............ his wife in labor ..............Anakin's blue eyes show fear as the mask that will breath for him is lowered onto his scarred face. As it is sealed, his eyes turn red. At that precise moment, Padme suddenly awakens and feels a stab at her heart, she feels that Anakin is gone, but not dead.... what has happened? "I can't live without you!!!!" she blurts out, Obi-wan knowing what she means tells her "Padme, your children need you, don't give up, you said there's still good in him" not really believing the last part, he just wanted her to live at that exact moment and not give up. Obi-wan sits there perplexed for a moment and contemplates the changes he has gone through in such a short time..... he realized and admitted feelings and attachment to Anakin and even to Padme, Anakins wife and his children, that is not the Jedi way.....

At the coruscant imperial rehab center, Lord Vader dressed in his black body armor, lies on the table.

Padme grabs Obi-wans hand. In the other hand she is holding Anakin's japor snippet. Obi-Wan studies the necklace. He recognizes it and senses that their marriage, their children all must be the will of the force. Yoda looking on, just nods to Obi-wan as if to say, you are correct in your assumption. Padme's vital signs stabilize and the droids take her to a hospital room.

Darth Sidious hovers around the group of medical droids, who are working on Anakin. He paces in the foreground. A droid approaches the Dark Lord, "My Lord, the construction is finished ... he lives" Darth Sidious smiles, "Good. Good". The Droid moves back to the table where Darth Vader lies. The table begins to move upright. Darth Sidious moves in next to Lord Vader. "Lord Vader, can you hear me? Vader with his mechanical voice states "Yes, My Master". Vader is shocked at hearing himself, he didn't sound the same at all. The pain was at a tolerable level at present, since the pain medication was flowing pretty freely. It must be the medicine. Vader looks around the room, "Where is Padme? Is she safe, is she all right?" Sidious moves closer to the half man, half machine, "I'm afraid she died. ... it seems in your anger, you killed her" a shocked groan, emanates from Vader's mask. Suddenly everything in the room begins to implode, including some of the droids. Vader screams "I couldn't have! She was alive! She is alive!, I feel her! She is alive!" He also felt something else in the force, a strengthening, a definite change, could this be his child? He dare not mention it to Sidious, he still had feelings, longings, even love. "It's impossible! No!!!" Vader screams, at this he breaks his bonds to the table, and steps forward, waving his hands, causing objects to fly around the room. Sidious deflects the objects, and takes pleasure from Vaders pain. "Yes Lord Vader you killed her"

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 4

During his complete and total fit, Yoda senses Vader, feels the disturbance in the force, he looks to Obi-wan with concern in his eyes, "no more is Skywalker, Vader lives". Obi-wan has mixed emotions, "he's alive?, how can that be?, I was sure he died on the bank from his injuries". "Wrong you were to leave him" Yoda states. Obi-wan thinks maybe he's right. Obi-wan and Yoda sit in silence contemplating what should happen if Vader was to get to Padme and the children.

In a conference room Bail, Yoda and Obi-wan sit around the conference table. Yoda deep in thought states, "fake her death, we must, pregnant, she must still appear. Hidden, safe, the children must be kept" Obi-wan, agreeing "we must take them somewhere Vader will not sense their presence". Yoda, "Split up, they should be".

"Separate them?" asks Padme. She had just checked on the twins and heard talking, she overheard the whole conversation. "I can't and won't separate them, they will stay with me, plus Anakin didn't realize what he was doing on Mustafar, he wouldn't, couldn't hurt us" Bail, Yoda and Obi-wan all look at each other, then to Padme. She's unsure herself as to what Anakin could do, but he loves her, he was happy about the baby, now babies...... somehow, she must get to him and talk to him, convince him to come with her and their children.

"Honorable your feelings to Vader, but good no more is he".......Master Yoda continued, "hurt you he did and will do again, Skywalker is no more". Padme is sobbing, she yells, "I won't have you call him Vader, he's Anakin and always will be! There is good in him, I just know it!".

Obi-wan himself is unsure, Anakin can not be completely gone, shaking his head as to bring himself back to reality, he gently takes Padme's hand, "Padme, I want to believe it also, but he tried to kill me, he killed the younglings and he almost killed you....... YOU of all people, carrying his child!" "From the reports we've received he's more machine than man, he was seriously injured on Mustafar and has to wear a mechanical suit to sustain his life", its true what Yoda says, Anakin is no more, he's Lord Vader now".

"Stop it!, just stop it!, how is he so injured? Obi-wan, what did you do?!?! She was shaking now.

Obi-wan did not answer. Padme looks disgusted and distraught at the same time, "he was your padawan, your friend and you did this to him?"

"Did this to himself he has" interrupted Yoda. "chose the dark path, he did" "Terrible deeds done, come back to Good he cannot."

"He wanted to save me!, he had dreams of me dying, like his mother" "He only turned to save me, now that I'm alive, surely he would return to the Jedi" Padme pleaded more than said....... "and I don't care how injured he is, I will take care of him", "he made a mistake, and you turn on him?" "Surely that is not the way of the Jedi"

"Stop this Padme" pleaded Obi-wan, "think of your children".

"Yes, children first you put!" demanded Yoda, "strong in the force are they, sense them he will, convert them to the dark path will be his mission" "Sidious will demand it"

Padme is stunned, she realizes this could be true, her mind races with conflict, her Ani must still be there, if she could get him away from Sidious, would he, could he, change? Obi-wan's question brought her back to the conversation, "Master Yoda, do you think Vad..... Anakin's twins will be able to defeat Darth Sidious?" Yoda contemplates this, "Strong the Force runs, in the Skywalker line. Hope, they bring, protect them we must until the time is right, disappear they must, we must".

Being practically the last of the Jedi, Yoda and Obi-wan know they must go into hiding. Obi-wan especially knows that Vader will come after him with a vengeance. Padme meanwhile has sat down, she looks completely and totally exhausted, tears flow down her face continually.

Bail leaves the conference room. Yoda gets up and walks to Obi-wan, "Master Kenobi, you will go into solitude on Tatooine, home of Skywalker, look for you there he will not. "Training I have for you". Obi-wan: "Training"?? "Yes, an old friend has learned the path to immortality". Obi-wan "Who"? "One who has returned from the netherworld of the Force to train me . . . your old Master, Qui-Gon Jinn". Obi-wan is shocked, he has not heard his old Masters name in so long..... "Qui-Gon? But, how could he accomplish this?" Yodas ears perk up, he looks excited as he explains, "the secret of the Ancient Order of the Whills, he studied. How to commune with him. I will teach you." "I will be able to talk with him? Yoda nods.... "How to join the Force, he will train you. Your consciousness you will retain, when one with the Force. Even your physical self, perhaps".

Padme looks faint, Obi-wan rushes to her side "you must rest, the children are safe for the moment, no decisions will be made without you, will we talk more tomorrow". Yessssss Yoda states, "talk more later, approve you Padme to fake your funeral for now?". Padme barely nods her head. For now let Anakin think she's gone, she hated to do that to him, but she needed time to plan on saving him, her Ani, the man she vowed in sickness and in health, to death to us part....... She falls fast asleep with the japor snippet tightly grasped in her hand.

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 5

Naboo in the Main Square, it is dawn. Padme's family walks with other mourners. Large crowds line the street as a flowered, open coffin is drawn by six white beautiful beasts. Soldiers and dignitaries follow the casket. Padme's hand clutches the japor snippet. Vader watches the hallogram in horror, there lay his beautiful wife, her long dark hair surrounding her, small flowers strewn all through it. He doesn't believe it, he's seeing it, but doesn't believe it, why does it feel like she's still here? He can here her voice, smell her perfume, see her smiling face.

Sidious is grinning from ear to ear as he senses his apprentices pain. Good he thinks, let Vader use this sadness, this anger to strengthen the dark side. With Padme out of the way and the child unborn, there would be no stopping them.

Dagobah, a small escape pod hurls toward the swamp planet and disappears in the mist. The pod has landed, and Yoda descends the ramp, surveying the unfamiliar terrain.

Tatoonie, Obi-wan finds an isolated hut, way in the dessert and starts his training with Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon senses the guilt and grief Obi-wan has for Anakin now Vader. Qui-Gon, "you must stop this, you did what you had to do for the Good of all people", " not killing Vader has its reasons" "you must let the force work out its plan"......... with this Obi-wan finally has some peace. He thinks of Padme and the children, he must let go, what is in store for them, cannot concern him, he must concentrate on his training.........

Padme pushes a carriage carrying her beloved twins on Alderaan. Bail Organa and his wife, Queen of Alderaan have pretended to adopt two children and Padme is posing as their nanny. Artoo and C3PO have had their memory erased of all the recent events, since no one must know, for Padme and the children's safety. With Obi-wan and Yoda in exile, Bail, his wife and Padme are the only ones who know the truth. Or are they? Somewhere in the galaxy Vader still senses Padme, he wonders will it ever stop? It remains his secret.

The imperial star destroyer is surrounded by attack cruisers. On the bridge of the Star Destroyer stands the Emperor, Darth Sidious and Govenor Tarkin. Darth Vader walks along the bridge to join them. They all look out into space to see the huge frame structure which is the beginning of the death star.

Chapter 6

Darth Vader returns to his chamber, he has recently gotten the hang of handling it himself, taking off his suit and programming all the right buttons. He refuses to look in the mirror and has ordered all mirrors destroyed on the ship. He still can't forget when he saw himself, it still brought such pain. He was a good looking man, but now was nothing but scars, no hair, and those red eyes....... even if Padme was alive, she couldn't bear to look at him, he was ugly, ugly on the outside as well as the inside. He asked the Emperor about his appearance, with all the technology, the new arms and legs, the breathing apparatice, why couldn't they fix his face. The Emperor was heartless, stating that nothing could change his appearance, like him, Vader was scarred from the Dark side and would always be so, it was the price to pay for power.

The Emperor knew that they could repair Vader's face, and probably re grow lung tissue so he would not be dependant on the suit. But he needed Vader to be broken, insecure, needy. If Vader was independent, cocky, a vision of his old self, Vader would surely think to overthrow him. No he must stay this way forever.

Vader succumbs to his appearance, he deserves it. Yes he still had remorse. He sat there in the chamber, feeling the cool air blowing on his scarred skin. He started to think of Padme as he always did in the chamber, when it was quiet. "Padme, my love"...... his facial expression softening at this, his eyes turning back to their beautiful hue of blue. Again he senses her, as if she were sad, crying for him, missing him. He can't let go of her, she haunts him.

He dreams of her often and the dream is always the same. She is there on her balcony on Naboo looking at the lake, her back is to him, her hair is down with all the flowers still through it, as they were at her funeral. He sees the japor snippet in her hand at her side. He's thrilled to see her alive, he approaches her, he's notices that he is his old self, blonde hair, no scars, wearing his jedi clothes. He touches her gently on the shoulder and she turns...........here the dream turns into a nightmare, her face is scarred like his, her eyes red........ "why Anakin, why did you do this to me? why did you turn to the dark side?" "Look at what you've done......", he looks to where she points and suddenly he's at the temple, he sees all the dead younglings, he turns and runs. Then he hears a baby crying, he can't find it. Finally he uses the force to find it, but Obi-wan has the baby and will not give him to Anakin.

All the dead jedi are suddenly behind Obi-wan, Padme is there with her scarred face and red eyes, the younglings too, they are all chanting, "why Anakin, why"...... "why Anakin, why", Obi-wan is smiling, cooing at the baby........at this point he always wakes up in the coldest of sweat.

This night he starts the dream, but this time it is different, Padme is there on Naboo her back is to him, but instead of him approaching her, she turns. He can't believe his eyes, shes smiling at him, she's breath taking, she's beautiful again........."I'm alive Anakin, find me, my love". He wakes up, breathing hard, his eyes crystal blue.......Padme IS alive?.....he sat there in the darkness, he searches his feelings, searches the force, Yes, Yes she is alive! This he was certain, he just knew. Numerous thoughts raced through his mind. She faked her death? She let me think that?, suffer like that? His eyes turn red, with his next thought.......its Obi-wan's fault, he never wanted me to be happy, he was always jealous of me, he tricked her and used her to get to me on Mustafar and he still manipulating her. He's forcing her to lie and hide from me. Obi-wan will pay for this, I promise.

He thoughts are jumbled, back and forth between happiness and anger, suddenly the most crucial thought occurred to him, I must not let the Emperor know.............., I shouldn't lie to my master...............but he would never let me have Padme at my side.

Vader becomes obsessed. He secretly sends spies to all four corners of the galaxy searching for Padme and his child, yes he was sure there was a child, he senses the change in the force, he senses it more and more. Since the dream, when he felt Padme, he senses joy, it had to be for their child. His child!

Vader is exhausted, he has to hide his feelings, manipulate the force so the Emperor will not find out the truth. His daily tasks seem more and more tedious, he doesn't care about building the death star, he certainly doesn't care about exiled Jedi, except maybe one......... He can't wait till evening when he has to retire to his chamber, he practically runs to it. He insists that he not be disturbed unless its the Emperor. This night, he watches the reports from his spys and is morbidly disappointed........., again, nothing, not even a close lead.

Its been 6 months since his dream and nothing! He goes to force choke the last spy who reported, as he has done on more than one occasion, but this time, he can't..... the man is shocked, shaking, he stammers "thank you Lord Vader, I won't disappoint you again"..... Vader moans, shutting off the hologram.

It took him 6 months to realize Padme was alive, and now 6 more have passed, time was moving too quickly, he needs to find her, he needs salvation. Salvation, that only Padme could give him........... Padme, my beautiful Padme, how he misses her, longs for her, just to hear her voice, smell her hair. He has to find her, but how can she still love him? After all that he's done, his face, his suit........he groans........his head in his hand....... even if she does love him, forgive him, it was physically impossible for her to love him.

Another decent, sincere thought crosses Vader's mind. Maybe I shouldn't find her, let her live her life without me, let her enjoy the child, I will only bring her sorrow, we would still be living a lie, which destroyed us once. We would have to keep our love a secret from the Emperor and what of the child?

Chapter 7

My child, my son..... Vader knew he had a son, another benefit of the force, he senses him, the child is very strong in the force. Vader wonders if his son would bring balance to the force, something he was unable to do..... the prophecy was wrong, he wasn't the chosen one, maybe his son would be. The Emperor will want him to join us, how can I do that to my child, but then, look at what I did to the younglings......... Vader is shocked to feel a tear stream down his cheek, he brushes it away, gets into his suit and leaves the chamber. Of all days, today he feels stronger than ever......its a good feeling.......... for the first time there's hope, his journey down the dark path has never been complete, its been a roller coaster of emotions, now he feels there is definite hope.....

Padme awakens to her children babbling back and forth, it almost sounds like true conversation, it brings a smile to her face. Luke and Leia are laughing as one of them is using the force to spin a rattle in the air. "Amazing my darlings, simply amazing" Padme coos at them. She gets up and starts to get herself dressed. She's deep in thought and doesn't even realize what she's doing, its so routine by now, picking up the babies, getting them dressed, fixing their breakfast......... Its been a year she thinks, a long hard year, but its finally getting better, her days are filled with the children and they bring her such joy. She always thinks of Anakin or Vader as they call him. She still is shocked and appalled at the reports of him. The utter evil he's become. She still can't believe that her Ani, her sweet Ani turned into that evil monster.

At first she spent sleepless nights trying to figure a way to get to him, to save him, convince him to come with her and the children. But, as soon as she had a plan, she would get a report of something utterly terrible he had done, and she would have second thoughts. She was worried about the safety of her children, not sure anymore of who Anakin was, and if something did happen to her, what then of her two angels?

Bail and his wife come into the breakfast nook and greet the three of them. Luke shrieks "daddy!" to Bail and it hurts Padme to hear. Bail looks apologetic to Padme, and Padme tries to smile and shrugs. This facade of the Organa's being the parents to her children and she only a bought slave, to nanny the children, was taking its toll. She so wanted to be on her own with the children, no restrictions, no hiding, she hardly got to go out, and once in awhile she would sneak out just to feel human. Bail would be furious, he took protecting her and the children VERY seriously.

He and his wife also were getting very close to the children, a fact that sometimes upset Padme, she wished her own family were close to Luke and Leia, but her family believed her dead and had no knowledge of Luke or Leia. Bail finally breaks the silence and states "no Luke, I'm not your daddy" to this Luke looks at him like he's a big silly wookie..... Padme knows Bail doesn't ask Luke to call him Daddy, Luke as bright as he is picks it up from the other children in his play group, Padme was sure.

Leia on the other hand, hardly spoke, she watched everyone, everything, she absorbed it all in. Leia has a special connection to Padme, she never wants to go to Bail or his wife, only Padme, which Padme secretly treasures. Padme looks into her daughters eyes and swears Leia knows, knows the truth that Padme is her mother, knows the pain her mother is going through and knowing all this tries to comfort her mother by only wanting her.........

The three of them are out on the patio, its a warm, beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. Luke is trying to take a toy from Leia, and she just won't stand for it. Padme laughs and tries to concentrate on the intel Bail has received of how the Rebellion is proceeding. More and more they are getting organized. She realizes that she hasn't read much of Vader. At this she starts to think of Anakin, for the first time, a smile crosses her face.....but as soon as she realizes what she was doing she stopped herself. She saw Luke look up to her, like he sensed what she was thinking, his eyes smile at her, the same eyes..... Anakins eyes...... a tear starts to fall, then she can't stop. Why today of all days? I've been getting better, things have been happier, I've gotten on with my life, the children are safe and happy...... of all days she remembers what she first said to Obi-wan, "there's still good in him"...... this thought stuck....... still good in him..... there's salvation there........he needs her......., where were these thoughts coming from? Leia seeing her mother crying, waddles over to her and hands her the toy she was playing with, the one she wouldn't let Luke have. Padme smiles, "thank you my angel" "your such a good and sensitive girl, I love you". Leia smiles and lays her head on Padme's lap. Luke also toddles over but has mischief on his mind, he grabs the toy and runs for it...... he doesn't get very far though, his chubby little legs won't allow it, he falls head first onto the concrete, the toy flying out of his hand. An immediate and high pitched cry arises and Padme rushes to his side. Leia follows....... Padme takes Luke inside to check his injuries. A couple of scratched knees and some abrasions on his hands. Padme carries Luke to the sink and washes the injuries. Leia never missing a step, is right at Padme's side, pulling on her pant leg insistently and impatiently, pointing with her other hand to the counter. Padme lifts Leia up to the counter and Leia reaches for her brother. Leia places her hand on Luke's, the gesture saying it all.......... I'm here for you my brother, Padme is overwhelmed with Love, her children couldn't be more perfect.......

Vader stops in his tracks......he feels a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, tears, pain and comfort. Something was happening with his family, but they were ok. He's amazed of all that he can sense lately, it must be since he was trying SO hard not to do evil. Being the apprentice of the Emperor was making it hard though.......he was amazed at how better he felt, it must be the force. All the power from the dark side was draining, it took so much from him. There was more power on the dark side, but no satisfaction ever came from it. The force made him feel better just using it, it was positive, light, airy, not draining.........

"LORD VADER!!!!!!" screamed the Emperor, Vader shaken out of his thoughts, turned to the Emperor....."yes my master"

The Emperor looks at Vader with distrust, he grunts..."I called you three times and you ignored me"........

"I'm sorry my master"............

"You should be" the Emperor sneered, he looked at Vader with disgust, something was up with his apprentice, he wasn't himself. The Emperor meditated on this and could sense nothing.......

"Vader, you need to go to the medical rehab and let the droids examine you, your not yourself".......

"We are very far from the coruscant imperial rehab center, my master" stated Vader.

"True, true" contemplates the Emperor. "We have allies on Alderaan, you can go there, and also while your there, you can check into those rumors that the Rebellion is being ran from there".
"Yes my master", Vader retires to his chamber. He notices an urgent message on his personal line. He presses the button and his spy pops up into a hologram.

"Lord Vader, I have a weak lead, its not from a reliable source"........

Vader gets a knot in his stomach..... "Tell me anyway"

"Supposedly, there is a slave girl on Alderaan who is a nanny to Bail Organa's children"

Vader interrupts him "children or child?".

"Children my lord, a boy and a girl"......

Vader's shoulders drop, "Go on". "She's not seen much in public, but when people have seen her they say she looks like the late Queen Amidala".......

Vader stands up in the chamber and bumps his bald head, "ow", he sits right back down, he doesn't know what to think..... Padme was close to Bail in the Senate, could she be hiding there? Could one of the children be his? He was beside himself. What fate........., that his master just told him he was going to the very place he now wanted to go.

"Lord Vader?"........ nothing...... "Lord Vader?".......

Anakin shakes his head and looks at the hologram, annoyed that his thoughts were interrupted, he snaps "what!"

"I'm sorry Lord Vader, you did want me to find out any information on Queen Amidala, although I never understood the assignment, being that she passed away a year ago......."

Anakin loudly and rudely snaps, "its not your place to question my assignments, I have my reasons".

The spy realizing what he had just done stutters, "Yes Lord Vader, please forgive me"........ silence....... the spy was expecting the choke hold any minute, any minute now, he'd be dead...... nothing........more silence........he hated to even speak again, but did not want to end the transmission prematurely and anger Lord Vader more....... "Is that all? Lord Vader?".............

"yes, yes, that will be all, remember, tell no one of your mission or your findings, not even the Emperor, he need not be worried with all these small details, I will report directly to him, when we have all the necessary information.......and most important, remember if you disobey my orders, your family will be killed....."
"Yes Lord Vader, Connic out....."

Vader sat there in silence for hours, his thoughts racing, if it was Padme, what would he do? If he went to her, would she reject him?, be afraid of him?, run from him? Would she be happy a little? Oh to see her face....... just a glimpse...... he felt excited, excitement like he felt on his wedding day......... But he also felt fear, insecurity as he had felt when he was a Padawan on missions, training with Obi-wan.......................... " O-b-i-w-a-n" he said the name out loud, slowly and deliberately, was Obi-wan there on Alderaan? Keeping a close eye on Padme and his child? If Obi-wan is there, Vader would...... he'd......................."ARGHHHHHH!!!!" Vader screamed, he couldn't complete the thought, his mechanical hands formed as fists at his side, the anger, hatred all building up again, he didn't want it, didn't want the pain, jealously and hatred, he needed to push it all away, not use it as power, as the Emperor had taught him on so many occasions, sobbing with his head in his hands Vader moans "oh my love, please help me, please bring me back as you once wanted to, please save me..........."

Padme awoke in her bed, chilled to the bone, she thought, something is wrong........ She quickly gets up and checks on the children feeling that they need her. She gazes at them, together in the crib, OH, they are holding hands. Again Leia sensing her brothers pain and discontentment, held his hand the rest of that day and now even in her sleep, she comforts him. "I'm glad your alright my angels, I could have sworn something was amiss" She walks to the balcony and sees the crystal night sky, sees all the speeders going this way and that and she is reminded of her apartment. How many nights would Anakin find her out there looking at the sky? They had some of their most wonderful conversations out there, no politics, no jedi, they just would talk of themselves, their love, their future........."Oh Anakin.....my love...... are you still out there?" "I feel you more than ever" "I feel love" "Can you still love?" "Or has the evil taken away your very soul?" Another chill shakes her slender body and she goes back inside. She falls quickly asleep. She's soon dreaming of Naboo, a meadow, a lake, a certain young man who came into her life and changed it forever. A gorgeous man, a GOOD man..... her Ani.....

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 8

"Anakin? coming here? why?" her eyes wide with fear and concern.

Bail trying to reassure her, "all reports from the Empire is that it is a routine check of the planet and that Vader has been ill and needs medical attention". Bail hated telling Padme that last part, he knew she would be concerned as much as she fought not to worry and care about Anakin, he could tell she still had feelings for him, how deep those feelings were he would never understand.....

"he's ill?, and please don't call him that name, I know everyone does, its just...... I'm being stubborn on this I know, I just hate that name and would rather not hear it.........."

Bail shaking his head in agreement, "sorry Padme, no other information was given, it was an inside informant who told us about the medical part, the official statement was the Routine checking of the planet.... probably looking for rebels....."

Her voice rising and her mind racing "we must get the children off the planet, as master Yoda has warned, Anakin will sense the children and we don't know what he is capable of"

Bail "I'll contact Yoda and Obi-wan and see where they want you and the children to go"

"I will stay here" Padme said calmly,"the children need to be far away from here, not me"

Bail not really surprised by her statement, insists "Padme you need to be with your children, staying here will do nothing but bring you more pain"

"Bail your wasting precious time, I won't change my mind, please contact Master Yoda and Obi-wan as soon as possible"

Bail shaking his head, knowing it would be futile to argue with Padme, especially when she got that defiant, stubborn look on her face, left the room in a hurry to make contact with the exiled Jedis.............

In a dark room, hidden beneath his palace, Bail contacted Yoda and Obi-wan. Both holograms blinked bright blue, till shortly both figures of Yoda and Obi-wan were able to be seen and heard.

"Good to see you both, it is....." stated Yoda.

"Master Yoda, Bail, it seems a lot longer than it has been, good to see you" Obi-wan was smiling. Obi-wan although enjoying his additional training with Qui-Gon, had truly felt alienated from the outside world. He, like Padme was always paying close attention to any reports of Vader, but hadn't spoken to anyone other than Qui-Gon for over a year......

"Gentlemen, although I too would like to chat and catch up, I have very disturbing news" stated Bail.... he proceeded to tell Yoda and Obi-wan of Vaders plan to come to Alderaan. Padme's refusal to leave and concern of the children.

Yoda "see herself his evil, she must, children not safe, have your wife go on a trip with children. If anyone asks why the nanny does not go too, holiday she requested is what you will tell them.........

"yes Master Yoda, where would my wife be vacationing?" asked Bail.

"Tatoonie, relative she has there to visit" Obi-wan in agreement "yes, then I can keep a close eye on them while they are here"

"Yes you will" stated Yoda, continuing "You must use your new training with Qui-gon to help hide the children. Help conceal force they omit"

"that will be very hard Master Yoda" Obi-wan doubting he could do it.

"Fine you will be, and the children, succeed you will, I sense this"....

Obi-wan knowing Yoda would not steer him wrong, still had one more perplexing thought "what about Padme? Master Yoda, is she really safe?"

"Foreseen this I have also, convinced of good in Vader she is" shaking his head "her path is her choosing, evil remains, see this she will, only then will she be convinced.......her future not clear"

"Well than we must insist she leaves with the children, she is their mother, she is needed" the concern raising in his voice Obi-wan went on "she can't see Vader, it would kill her, he could kill her"

"Children I have foreseen, Padme I have not" stated Yoda

At this Obi-wan's shoulders dropped he could not believe what he was hearing. "Then what of the Children?" asked Obi-wan

"they will be fine till their time comes, strong in the force are they, with them our hope stays....said Yoda

Obi-wan...."BUT!??"

"Too long talked we have" interrupted Yoda "decision is final, Bail you make arrangements, only contact me if you must" and then the transmission of Yoda ended.

Obi-wan was still there, shaking his head "I will watch over your wife and the children with my own life, Bail be assured"

"Thank you Obi-wan, till we talk again, Bail out"............

Vader's ship lands on Alderaan, Bail Organa is there to greet him. "Lord Vader, welcome to Alderaan, if there is anything we can do to service you......"

"YES YES, interrupts Vader, he couldn't be bothered with all the political pleasantries right now.... "Just guide me to your medical facility!"

Bail informs the storm troopers with Vader on the location and they leave. Bail is shaken to be that close to his enemy, it was unnerving, good thing he warned all his comrades of the Dark Princes plan to arrive there and they went into hiding, some stayed, most left, and then there was Padme......

A slender figure hides in the shadows, reminiscent of previous times that she waited for her husband, but this time she did not want him to see her...... She gasped when she did see him. He looked ominous, much taller, his walk wasn't the same, she did not hear his voice, only a mechanical sounding man. How could this be her Anakin? It was a monster........ Vader stopped in his tracks, he hadn't felt this in so long..... he quickly turned around looking for her, searching the crowd....... nothing......

Padme ducked behind a stone wall, holding her breath, did he see her? He couldn't have....... she shouldn't have come, she shouldn't have stayed, what was she thinking? Vader smiled to himself. She was here and he felt her. She never knew he could feel her, sense her, but she was special to him, there was a special feel, sense to her and she was there.

As strong as he felt her, it weakened, she must have left. She couldn't help but come see me......... SEE me.....he thought............was she disgusted by my suit, by what I have become? Damn! He stormed to the medical lab, sad, angry, livid...........

Padme rushed back to the secret headquarters of the Rebel Alliance. She should never have gone she thought. It wasn't Anakin, it was true, it was a machine, a big black machine walking around not Anakin. She ran past everyone into her personal quarters. She closed her door, locked it and fell onto the bed crying hysterically, something she hadn't truly done, she hadn't grieved, she was too worried about the children, their well being, taking care of herself and not stressing for them. But now, alone, the children on Tatoonie she let it all out, all the pain, all the agony all the misery since she lost her Anakin....... she really lost him, he was gone, something she never let her self believe. Some thing was walking around that was a shell of what he was, but he was gone, he was truly dead. She must except this she told herself, no more day dreams of him turning back to good, turning back to her....... she was kidding herself, he was gone....... she remembered Obi-wan telling her he was injured, that he lost his left arm and both legs, but at the time she thought with all the medical advances, Anakin would be okay, he had a mechanical right arm for years and was fine with it. But she never comprehended the suit. He needed the suit to breath Obi-wan told her, something about damage to his lungs...... but she never pictured him like that...... he looked menacing, evil..... not her Ani....... her entire body shaking with each sob, she cried for hours, then exhausted fell asleep.

Vader laid on the table as the droids examined him. He was so upset, almost too upset, it must be him feeling vulnerable without the suit on. He couldn't yell at the droids as he wanted to, a piece of metal in his mouth was breathing for him. The droids poked and prodded at his mechanical arms and legs, making them move involuntarily. They checked his skin, one droid commenting how well he had healed and that they should try the new synthetic skin that had recently been invented. Anakin tried to get up at that point but was restrained, new skin? he thought? No scars? He had to try this, he couldn't wait..... then he felt an injection, looking at the droid who started to become blurry and fuzzy, Vader vaguely remembers hearing that he was being put under for further investigation of his lungs.............

Both Padme and Anakin dreamed that night, the same dream, a wonderful dream, it was a dream of happiness, laughter, a dream where they were together, in love, a family........ .

Chapter 9

Padme awakes with a start, the pillow still damp from her tears, dazed not familiar with her surroundings, it takes a while for her to remember where she is, not in her room at the Organa's..... my twins? Oh yes.... Obi-wan came and took them to Tatoonie.... and I'm at the Alliance headquarters.....Obi-wan she thought......it was odd and nice to see Obi-wan, he is an old friend, or was he? he hurt Anakin, but he had to? Oh all the thoughts...... they didn't have much time to converse and she just needed reassurance that Luke and Leia would be fine......

Obi-wan swore with his life to protect them, which gave Padme some relief.... she cried when they all left, emptiness she felt.... total and complete emptiness.... she felt weak and was feeling weaker each day........ Then she thought of Anakin again and the tears came again... she mustn't! she had to pull herself together! She needed to go meet with her fellow comrades of the Rebel Alliance, that would put her thoughts on something other than Anakin......

She quickly changed her clothes, nothing like she used to wear, plain and simple..... she missed all the fashion she wore when she was a Queen and a Senator..... but that did not matter, that was materialistic! She quickly looked in the mirror, wiped her face, combed her hair and left.... the quicker she got to the meeting the better...... but she could not fool herself. As she sat down to the meeting, all the fake smiles and pleasantries could not hide the anguish she felt on the inside..... and as hard as she tried to avoid thinking of him, the conversation still lead to Anakin..... he was Vader, the enemy they spoke of.... what was she thinking?

After only 10 minutes she ran from the meeting.... She ran outside not thinking, she ran and ran, till she was in the main square of Alderaan.......never even thinking of who was there, or who might see her..... her emotions were her enemy, she was being irrational, stupid...... Before she could realize it, some storm troopers spotted her. They did not know who she was, but she looked suspicious....... running into the square like that, her face distraught and doubtful..... who was she? They must bring her to Vader, if for any reason to cover their butts..... you never knew what Vader was going to think or ask lately, his behavior was no longer predictable......

"HALT!, you!" (as they pointed to Padme)....."in the name of the Empire!"

She froze in her tracks...... out loud and with anguish.... "What have I done!" She knew it was futile to run.......... her twins, her Luke and Leia was all she could think of...... I've truly abandoned them..... .I've endangered myself and hence took away their mother...... oh my poor angels........ They handcuffed her and led her away.........

Meanwhile, Vader was back in his prison, his suit..... he sat there, stunned..... the Droids continued to tell him of the advances in synthetic skin...... that he could have normal skin again, his skin.... they could match his tone and color from the few areas that had managed not to get burned on Mustafar....... it would take months to grow it, but that wasn't the problem.... it was a severely painful process, that after implantation, he would hurt for weeks as the synthetic skin was transformed into his own....... Vader laughed at this.... "I walk around every day with pain you couldn't imagine" he thought lately almost more emotional pain than physical.......

"yes Lord Vader, if you approve, we will start the process now, after taking that sample....."

"YES! Vader practically screamed...... The droids scurried around making the necessary preparations to take the sample. The head droid who was telling Vader about the synthetic skin continued....... "Your lungs are another story, there has been some success with smaller animals, but we have not completed a synthetic lung for a human"

"What are the risks?" inquired Vader

"Basically you would die.........the tissue would not take......."

"But if successful, I would be able to breathe on my own?"

"Yes, in theory"

"what about my hair?"

The droid thought for a moment, "we could also replace your hair with synthetic hair, when we replace your skin......., after implantation, it would grow like regular hair"

"good, tell no one of our meeting and the plans to correct my disfigurements" also he added "plan on replacing my lungs, at this point, I don't care if I die, I'd rather die than live in this suit forever"

"Yes Lord Vader" and with that the droid was gone.......

Vader sat deep in thought, why did the Emperor, his master, keep this from him? Surely the Emperor knew that he would find out about the possible cure for his scars, when he came to Alderaan? The Emperor had said his scars were the price of evil...... but he wasn't completely evil.......More and more he did not trust the Emperor, didn't like the way the Emperor treated him, his friend and confidant, Palpatine, was gone.

The Storm Troopers brought Padme to a holding cell on Vader's ship, they quickly placed her in a cell and went to tell Vader of the new prisoner, the suspicious female, who would not tell them a thing, was defiant and proud, no fear in her face....... and boy the fight she put up when she was hand cuffed......

Padme sat on the only thing in the room, a cold hard chair...... she was so scared, so worried, but she would never let the enemy see that....... at that very moment, Vader felt her, felt her fear and concern, she was close..... very close......

"Lord Vader" the storm troopers said together...... both wanting to tell him the news....... they looked at each other with their heads tilted.....

Vader annoyed, pointed to the trooper on his right, "You, talk"

"Yes sir, we have a new prisoner, we found her in Alderaan Square, running from someone or something, she wouldn't tell us a thing and being so suspicious we took her into custody in the name of the Empire"

Vader stood up at this, it was her!, Padme!, he knew it..... such fate to be on the same planet as her and now she was on HIS ship....... "That will be all" Vader said as he rushed past them, his cape billowing..... then realizing, he stopped suddenly at the doorway "DO NOT TELL ANYONE OF THIS" Vader seethed in his most deep and menacing voice.... the storm troopers stood there too afraid to respond..... Vader raised his voice in anger........"DO YOU UNDERSTAND?"...... both troopers again in unison "Yes Lord Vader!"

Vader ran to his ship....... he barely was up the ramp and was breathing so hard, he had to stop to catch his breath......he was nothing of his old strong self, what would Padme think of his suit? Would she be afraid? That thought of concern and weakness upset him, he quickly turned it around to anger, how dare she let me think she was dead? and my son? My son..... Vader knew from the force he had a son, he sensed his strength, his son was very strong with the force....

Suddenly he was there, at the cell, so deep in thought, he didn't even realize he walked there........

As he approached the cell he stopped, he wanted to see her but not in the suit and what of his voice?..... he felt such anger at that moment, anger at himself for what he had become.... He decided to go to the observation room and see her, then he could decide if they should meet face to face..... Face to face.... funny he thought, I don't have a face to speak of only this ugly black mask, that covers my ugly scarred face..

He entered the room slowly and then...... THERE SHE WAS!!!!!........ Vader caught his breath and gasped..... she was so beautiful! even more beautiful than he remembered........ her hair still long and dark was not as neat as she usually kept it and her clothes were not the fashion she used to wear, she was different..........it appeared she put up a good fight to her captors.......she sat there with her hands constantly moving, she was rubbing them over and over........ a deep frown on her face, she looked worried, looked weak........

Not realizing what he was doing, Vader pressed the microphone into the cell.... "Padme, are you alright?" the mechanical voice asked......

Padme stood up startled...... "who's there?, what do you want with me? I've done nothing wrong, I work for Bail Organa as a nanny to his children, you can contact him and ...... she was talking so fast.....Vader could hardly interrupt.......but managed to........

"I know who you are.......... former Queen, former Senator, from Naboo....

Padme was shaking..... she heard that mechanical voice before........... "Anakin?" her voice cracking as she said his name........... her eyes welling up with tears.......

It was almost too much for him to bear, hearing his name from her lips........Vader's mechanical legs buckled from underneath him, he caught himself on the console.............there was no turning back now, she knew......tears spilling out of his blue eyes........ "Yes" said his mechanical voice.......

Now it was Padme's turn to buckle, she collapsed on the chair, tears falling onto her cheeks......"Ani? Is it really you? I heard such terrible things..... I was told you no longer existed, that this Lord Vader had taken over?" As she spoke she looked all around the cell trying to figure out where he was, where the voice was coming from......

"Yes its me Padme, but I am not the man you knew........I sustained heavy, substantial, injuries on Mustafar from Obi......" he couldn't finish.....

Padme already trying to help him.... finished his thought...... "from Obi-wan, he told me, Oh Ani! Are you alright? Let me see you!? she begged, still franticly looking for him........

He couldn't believe he was saying this......"I can't, don't want you to see me like this........"

Padme still crying "I've seen you Anakin, I know about the suit......I saw you when you landed on Alderaan........"

The mechanical voice was shaking "I can't"

She was getting frantic now, begging........ "PLEASE........ Anakin, I can't bear this............let me see you!"

Nothing silence........ Suddenly the door of the cell opened........ Padme turned around and smiled, "Oh Anak.............she stopped" Wide eyed, she stared in utter shock and disbelief, fear and disgust also apparent on her face.....

"HIS NAME IS LORD VADER!!!!" screamed the Emperor.......... and at that.... Padme fainted......... Vader quickly rushes from the observation room......... he enters the room, tries to go to her but is stopped by the Emperor........ Vader looks at him, confused, scared.... his Padme...... The Emperor still blocking him just smiles at him with that evil, sinister grin...........

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 10

"LORD VADER! stay back, I command you" hissed the Emperor...... Vader knowing nothing else, obeyed and moved away from Padme. He stood there looking at his wife, wanting to pick her up........he stood there in shock, his wife and Emperor in the same room.... what would happen now? Did he know? Is that why he sent me here? To find her and my child? "Damn" Vader said out loud, to which the Emperor turned and looked at him as if Vader had hurt him deeply.......

"Lord Vader, you must keep your emotions in line, this finding of Padme is surprising and unforeseen, but this can be used for our benefit........the emperor stood there for a moment deep in thought....... "and yes the child" "strong in the force is he".."The son of Skywalker will join the dark side.... and then the Empire will be indestructible!

As the Emperor was rambling on about the future, the dark side, his child. Vader remained fixated on Padme. He watched as the storm troopers lifted her...."where do you want us to take her, Emperor?

"well she apparently can't go to Vader's chambers............ place her in my quarters".

With that statement Vader was livid..... what was he going to do to his wife? "Master, I thought I had killed her and my child, this is a wonderful second chance.... please now that I've found her, don't let her get away from me again".........

The Emperor thought on this......how pitiful my apprentice is being....... this weakness for her could work in my favor (again) especially when it comes to the son of Skywalker........ if Vader wants Padme, he will have to give up his son.........then his son will be my new apprentice and not that weak mechanical excuse of a man........."fine, fine, take her to Vader's chamber, although Vader, the Emperor said in a mocking tone.........your suit is a prison, you can't be out of it and survive, and Padme can not go into your life support chamber, so I see no harm in you two being together, it should be an interesting reunion.........and with that he turned around and left, laughing as he went laughing louder and louder.

Vader followed the troopers to his chamber. He had a bed brought in and they laid her down on it. He sat there for what seemed like hours watching her......she was so beautiful, he remembered every curve of her face, how he wanted to caress her cheek as he did so many mornings to awaken her............. He felt weak, he was running low on oxygen and had to go into his chamber. She'd probably sleep through the rest of the night he thought. He got up and went into his chamber, as it was closing in around him, the hiss of the hydrolics woke up Padme. The last thing she saw was Anakin sitting down and starting to take off his mask.

"Anakin?" no answer..... "Anakin?", still nothing........ she went over to the chamber. There was a small glass opening into the chamber and she was able to peek in. What she then saw, didn't sicken her, didn't frighten her, didn't disgust her, it surprised her. Anakin had no idea Padme was looking in. She saw her Ani with no hair, skin that was so pale and scarred, She never imagined that he was scarred and disfigured like that. She assumed his injuries were his legs and arms and that he couldn't breathe....... not that he had no hair, no color to his skin.........on my poor Ani.........you will be alright my love...... I will take care of you..........

Vader turned as if he heard her thoughts. Padme caught her breath, his eyes were the same, the same crystal blue that could melt her heart......... He saw her and froze, not knowing what to do...... they both stood there and cried....... Padme lifted her hand to the glass and Vader did the same with his mechanical hand.......Tears continued to fall from both of them and they just stared at each other for the longest time. Padme motioned to him as to come out of the chamber. Vader held up one finger as if to say, in a minute.

With that she went to lie on the bed, she felt ill..... weak.......her poor Ani......... She would contact the head medical directors of Naboo and Alderaan and get him help, she knew there was alot that they could do for him.

Vader came out, slowly, wearing his suit. He said "are you alright?"

Padme still not used to his voice quietly said yes, more nodding her head than answering.

He approached her, he was so much taller. "Anakin your so much taller? You were taller than me before but wow......" almost a smile came to her face.

He touched her shoulder, she felt the heaviness of the metal, she brought up her hand to his face, but felt cold hard metal, but even though they could not actually touch skin to skin...... it was enough, the bond was there, they were together again.........

"It was the mechanical legs they gave me, I think the Emperor thought I would be more menacing if I were taller, so here I am......."

"Anakin tell me your no longer a sith..... that it was a lapse in judgment and that there is still good in you" She rambled on....."tell me that you love me and have realized your mistakes......tell me your sorry for what you have done and you want to make it right....... please Anakin, I must here it"

He chose his words carefully, "Padme, I am a Sith but I am also still a Jedi.........I do regret everyday that I have done, I have constant nightmares, but be reassured, deep down I feel that everything that has happened, has happened for a reason, the force is still strong and I'm getting stronger with it, more and more the evil and hatred I feel is melting away and there's only good and strength and you........."

"Oh Anakin, she hugged him then, what was kinda a hug, her arms hardly went around him and her head was barely above his belt......."

"Padme, (he gently pushed her away and sat her down on the bed) I am not whole, I am half a man, nothing of the man you married. I am trapped in this suit and it is killing me, each moment that I'm around you that I can't touch you, hold you.........he was getting angry......... Padme could tell......

"Anakin there have been so many advances with prosthetic limbs and I read that there were advances with synthetic skin...... I don't care of your injuries or your suit...... your soul is there, my Ani is there....... we will get through this...... and no matter what happens...... we WILL be together...........but you didn't answer the most important question.....

He knew what she meant....."I've always loved you Padme, with all my heart, the thought of you and our love was the only thing that kept me sane all this time, that kept me from completely falling to the dark side...........I'm sorry I hurt you, I never meant to, I'm just so glad I didn't really kill you........ you see when you use the dark side, all reason leaves, all compassion leaves, your more powerful but with what sacrifice? I promise Padme, I will never hurt you again, I swear"

At this she smiled......Vader gushed......"I love your smile, it brings me such joy"

She went on......... "Anakin, I love you and can forgive you, but there are alot of people out there, who are your enemy, they will NEVER forgive you for what you have done and this is something your going to have to except and live with...... No matter how much you try. you've lost alot of people who were once your friends......"

He hung his head "I know my love, I know" All of a sudden Vader's head popped up, they were so trying to make amends and catch up on everything, he almost forgot..........."OH MY LOVE, you must tell me about my son!"

Padme smiled even wider and her eyes lit up....... she grabbed his hands.... "Anakin you not only have a son, but you also have a daughter!"

Chapter 11

"A daughter also! How wonderful"..... sneered Palpatine, he continued to listen to their whole conversation. Padme explained to Anakin the twins, their life and how wonderful their children were. Vader told her, he knew Luke was strong in the force he could feel it..... he also warned her that Palpatine knew and wanted Luke.

At this..... Padme stopped talking... "Anakin, what have we done? We have sat here and talked about our children with no care for their safety!"

"What do you mean Padme?, no one can here us, I have made sure my chamber is private, no bugs, I have the most loyal staff......."

"I feel you have too much confidence in them" said Padme......."you said it yourself, he wants Luke, its the only reason he is allowing us to be together, the only reason he led you to me" the fear in her voice was escalating......

Vader knew she was right, he was such a fool, all this time he was under estimating The Emperor..... he was kidding himself that the Emperor was loyal to him, his apprentice, when all this time after he was injured, Palpatine was calculating on how to get his hands on Luke. All this time he kept him scarred and handicapped...... it was all making sense now.... and now Padme and he were prisoners to The Emperor.....

Vader stands up and goes to the computer..... as he's walking there, he asks Padme "are the children safe?" Padme careful not to divulge anything further, states a simple yes. Vader looks to see where they were, to his surprise, they were still orbiting Alderaan. He walks quickly to Padme and without saying a word takes her hand and leads her out of his chambers....... Padme follows, not questioning his actions.... they must get off the ship and figure a way to protect the children........ They go to Vader's wing fighter, no one was there....... Vader senses no one..... this is all too easy he thinks to himself....... they run to his ship and board........ Within seconds they take off and are flying to Alderaan....... "That was way too easy" Vader stated........ "I agree, must be part of his plan, I've never seen an easier escape......."Padme said.

"You realize you won't be able to see them for awhile, for their safety" said Vader..... hanging her head, she whispered "I know, I think I knew that when I said goodbye to them, I just felt that it would be alot longer separation than planned"

"I'm sorry Padme, for you and for me, it will be much longer for me to finally meet my children" Vader said.

"I know Anakin and for that I am even more sad, we must quickly come up with a plan, but I fear we will have to go it alone"

"What do you mean" asked Vader

"as I was saying back in your chambers, even though I have forgiven you and know that you truly want to be good, there are others who will never trust you and for that they will not help us. They will try to convince me of the same, but I will stay true to you, it will be hard Anakin, but you must fight twice as hard to completely turn back to the force"

At that Vader hung his head....... "I don't know if I can ever be totally good again...... there is so much, so much guilt and anger.......

"Anakin, you can't be perfect, no one is and you will make mistakes and you will not always do good, but if you try, try with all your might...... I believe you can live a good life, a happy life...... a life that can make a difference to this world and to the force..........

"Why do you have such confidence in me, when I do not?" asked Vader......

"I don't know Anakin, sometimes I don't know where it comes from, but I feel it and believe it.... I believe in you and especially in our love, we are here together again for a reason, and I will fight........ kicking and screaming for us........and Luke and Leia......

She could not tell but Vader was crying....... he felt so weak....... as they landed on Alderaan.... He did not want to worry her, just simply stated that he must go to the medical facility to check on something........

"ok, be careful.... go straight there.... I'm going to pack some of my things from home and I will meet you there, Padme said..... as Vader turned to go..... Padme said "wait!" Vader turned back.......... Padme said "I don't want to separate..... its been so long Anakin, its been terrible without you..... without the twins I surely would have died without you......just being with you again, I feel strong again, normal again......I surely will die if anything happens to you..........."

"Don't say that" he said "it will only be for a short while, I promise, I will be fine...... we will be back together in no time" he felt faint..... he couldn't bear anymore emotional conversation, he quickly turned and left, leaving no time for Padme to argue with him anymore. He just hoped he could make it to the facility..........

Vader reached the medical facility in time..... he stumbles in.... the droids surprised quickly go into action...... they assist him into the ward and onto the table....... In no time they had the suit off..... were inserting the breathing piece into his mouth...... they started to moisturize his skin and administer high concentrations of oxygen to the scarred tissue..........in no time he was feeling better....hopefully they would be done before Padme got there......

Padme ran to her room and looked around.... what did she need to take? She started to throw some clothes in a bag....... from the corner of her eye, she spotted a tall figure standing in her doorway..... she flew around ready to fight..... "Oh Bail you frightened me... He didn't look very happy......

"where are you going?"

Not looking at him and continuing to pack.... "I'm afraid I can't tell you"

Like an angry father with his arms crossed "You saw Vader"

"I saw ANAKIN, yes" she said.......

He started to raise his voice "and just like that, your going to run away with him and leave us, leave Alderaan?, after all we have done?" even getting louder "we love Luke and Leia just as much as you do, you can't take them out of our lives......"

"Bail, I know you won't believe me and this will be hard to understand, but I am leaving to protect the children, The Emperor knows of Luke and how strong he is in the force, he has felt him and has told Anakin so.........and soon I'm sure he'll know about Leia"...... turning to him now with sincerity on her face...."He told Anakin he wanted Luke to join the dark side, Anakin does not want this, there is good in him, Bail, he is turning back to the force, he's trying so hard"

Almost at the point of completely loosing it.... Bail yells "after all he has done? after he tried to kill you and your unborn children?............please Padme your being ridiculous, like a silly school girl in love..... there is NO good in that man, its just wishful thinking on your part, he's tricking you..........the children are safe with the Jedi.......

Calmly with her head held high, her bag packed, she started for the door, she simply states..... "your wrong"

Bail grabs her arm, Padme flinches to pull away but his grip is too tight... through clenched teeth Bail sputters......"Yoda told Obi-wan and myself you would do this, he also said your future was unclear, he WILL kill you this time Padme, its inevitable........"

Finally yanking her arm free she now raises her voice "I don't believe that" and walks off.......

Bail stands there, shoulders slumped..... it was true what Yoda said, she will have to see for herself, hopefully for her sake and the children, she will survive..... the children........ He must go report to Obi-wan and Yoda, they will have to move them from Tatoonie.....hopefully before Padme takes Vader there.......

Chapter 12

Padme made her way to the medical facility....... when she got there, she started to look for Anakin..... the head droid came out and said that he was indisposed..... Padme would not hear of it..... she pushed past the droid and searched each ward, till she found Anakin........ She stopped as soon as she saw him, her hand coming up to her mouth and covering her gasp....... he lay there on a cold metal table, his body was beaten, worn, scarred....... she saw the mechanical legs and arms... she was used to seeing one mechanical arm...... he looked weak, broken, not the man she married...... when she saw him in the chamber she did not get the complete picture, she saw mostly his head and torso..... his breathing was still mechanical, a metal piece in his mouth, with oxygen attached to it. he didn't see her, she didn't want to upset him like before in the chamber, she quietly and quickly backed up and immediately went to contacting the Doctors and Head Medical Directors on Naboo......She ordered the droid to also summon the Head Medical Director there on Alderaan..... The droid interrupted and said "we are perfectly able to care for him, Milady, we have already started the process for his synthetic skin and hair.......it would be months till it was completed, but they could do it...... "That's too long" Padme snipped impatiently......."he needs healed and fast" then to herself she said "so we can keep our children safe"

She called in all favors that she had since she was a senator........."yes Director, I appreciate it, see you soon" She turned to the droid, "I have the head medical director coming from Naboo, where's is Alderaans? "She is on her way" the droid said and quickly turned around, they weren't supposed to have feelings, but this droid sure acted as though his were hurt.......

Dr. Wheeling was a young woman, very pretty with blonde hair that was pulled back in a bun, she wore glasses that made her look exceptionally smart....."Senator Amidala, pleasure to meet you"

"I'm no longer a senator, Dr., I appreciate you coming on such short notice"....... Padme said......"where can we talk in private?"

The Dr. motioned to her office, "in here" and Padme followed her...... she sat down on another cold metal chair.........

Padme took a deep breath, "do you know anything about me? or my husband?" she asked.....

The doctor shrugged her shoulders commenting "only that you are.... were a Senator from Naboo, I don't get out much, I do alot of research here....... I did here a rumor that your husband was a Jedi Knight who was killed when the Empire took over".........
"Its true he was.... IS a Jedi Knight.... but he had a terrible accident and didn't die........ most people think he did, but few of us know the truth..... .what I'm about to tell you is highly confidential, none of this information can get out, it would hurt my husband and I and our children"......

"I understand, I do not divulge any patient/doctor information, if that's what your asking me? Did you come here for me to care for your husband?" asked the doctor.........

"Yes" Padme said..... she then went on in detail of the terrible transformation of her Anakin into Lord Vader.......

"Lord Vader is here?" surprised by everything she just heard, trying to absorb it all in, Dr. Wheeling sat there staring at nothing in particular......

"Anakin is here, you mean" corrected Padme.......

The doctor not as confident of the good in him as Padme, wasn't sure what to say next.......

Padme broke the silence....."he needs your expertise, there have been so many medical advances, he doesn't deserve to be like that" she was getting a little emotional....... "Please agree to treat him" begged Padme.

Dr. Wheeling, still staring, shook her head yes... .it was a medical challenge if he was as burned and scared as she said, his arms and legs should be no problem they had new prosthetics out that looked and felt like real limbs.........the skin would be a challenge...... synthetic skin had been used on many patients, but not to the extent of Vader's injuries...... "I'm sorry for my silence" the doctor finally said........"I am shocked, but I am not here to judge anyone, I took an oath to treat people..... of course I will take on your husbands case.......... she started to get up....."let me go examine him while you wait here, I will come back as soon as I'm done and let you know the plan of care"

"Thank you Doctor" Padme gushed "My husband and I appreciate it"...... the doctor was almost out the door and Padme blurted "oh Dr. Wheeling, I forgot to tell you and I hope you don't mind, I've contacted the Head Medical Director on Naboo, my home planet...... hes agreed to come see Anakin also"

Dr. Wheeling smiled "thats fine, Dr. Treet and I go way back to medical school, he has discovered and tested many new treatments for lung damage and lung transplants, which can only benefit your husband, excuse me"...... and she left.

Padme waited for over and hour and couldn't stand it any longer....... she got up and quickly walked to the ward where her husband was.

"Senator Amidala, we're almost done, I gave your husband some medication so he could sleep and rest though my testing, he's very weak and needs the rest"

Padme half heard her as she was walking up to Anakin, the tears starting to well up in her eyes...... she was so close to him now....... she reached out for him, then stopped, looking at the Dr. for approval......

"You can touch him, he won't break" said the Dr. smiling.

She touched his left arm, right below the shoulder........ even though he was badly scarred it was still soft, just a different texture..... after the initial "test" touch......she felt comfortable........ she placed both hands on her husbands chest and wept silently.........

"We're all done here" said Dr. Wheeling "and I have good news for you and your husband, he should be waking up soon and I will discuss it with both of you"...........

As if on cue, Anakins eyes opened, he immediately felt his wife's hands on his chest and it warmed his heart......... he couldn't talk for the breathing apparatice in his mouth, but his eyes said it all, all the love he felt, all the sorrow and agony he felt for what he had done.........

"I LOVE you Anakin Skywalker" she whispered and at that a single tear fell from his crystal blue eyes......

We must place him back in the suit Milady said a droid..... She didn't want to hear that..... she wanted to stay there touching him...... "alright.......... Anakin, I will meet you in the Doctor's office....." he nodded and Padme left, she couldn't bear to watch them place the suit on her beloved Ani.......

He felt stronger than he had in months........things were truly turning around......... he went down a couple of wrong hallways before finding the Doctors office, as he walked in. Dr. Wheeling jumped in her seat, she hadn't see Vader in the suit, he was scary looking, menacing as she had heard...... he was too tall..... who ever tried to fix him did a terrible job of it, she thought.......

"Lord Vader, please have a seat" she motioned to the chair next to Padme.....

"I'd rather stand if you don't mind" his mechanical voice droned

"please call him Anakin" corrected Padme.....

"Oh I am sorry.... still a bit confused on this whole scenario" the doctor said sheepishly, trying to straightened out some things on her desk.

"What is my husbands prognosis?" inquired Padme.......

Vader loved hearing her say husband...... he thought.... then he practically shook his head and reprimanded himself, pull it together man, your WAY too emotional lately..... such weakness....... "

"Anakin, have you heard anything the doctor has said?" asked Padme

Vader stammered, "No I'm sorry, I was deep in thought".......

"its wonderful news, her procedure will take considerably less time than what the droids initially predicted" beamed Padme "you can have new skin and hair in a week!"

Vader couldn't believe what he was hearing, "will I look like I used to?" he asked......

"pretty much, your bone structure is intact and with the scars gone and the new skin in place, except for a freckle here and there, you will look like the old Anakin, although your hair will be harder to match than the skin....... from what your wife has described to me, I have a pretty good idea of what it was like before your accident" said the Doctor, she continued, "your new arm and legs will look perfectly normal to anyone who would see them.... the new prosthetics are amazing, you will have complete sensation, you might even forget you lost your limbs"

Vader looked at Padme who was grinning from ear to ear....... "Its wonderful news doctor, when can you start"

"I'd like to start as soon as possible, how about tomorrow? if that agrees with you Anakin?"

"yes I'd like that" Vader said.... he then asked "what about my voice? my breathing?, what good is new skin and limbs if I'm still in this suit to breath?"

"well since your wife has taken the liberty to have Dr. Treet come from Naboo" Anakin looked at his wife when the doctor said this...."he is the best in lung replacement, I'm pretty familiar with his work and pretty confident that Dr. Treet will be able to free you from the suit"

"Isn't it wonderful Anakin?, you'll be YOU again" Padme said.....

[PadmeSkywalker]

Vader just stood there.......

"well I better get some rest, we have a busy day tomorrow, you both are welcome to stay here at the facility tonight" Dr. Wheeling stated, as she was getting up and walking towards the door......."Anakin will be here for a good week and Padme you can stay on while he's being treated"

"Thank you doctor, thank you very much" Padme said.....

Vader still wasn't saying a word....... as the Doctor disappeared down the hallway.... Padme approached her husband...."Anakin, whats wrong? aren't you happy about the treatment and prognosis?"

"Yes, yes, I'm sorry Padme, I'm sensing something, some disturbance in the force".......Vader said.

"what is it?" Padme asked, "is it the children?" worry written all over her face.........

"no, no, I sense they are fine.... I can't pinpoint it"........ a droid meanwhile appeared and stated that it would show them to their room.......

"Padme, I can not stay with you in here, I have to go to the ward, my suit cannot sustain me over night..........I will stay with you for awhile, but then I must go"

"I understand" she said with her head down.........

As gently as he could, he cupped her chin to look up at him "if all goes well, as according to Dr. Wheeling, it won't be much longer till I can hold you as you deserve, my love".......... Padme looked tired, weak...... Vader was worried........

As he was walking to the ward and remembering what she said, that she was fine, she just missed the children so much and she was worried about him....... and what of this disturbance I feel? What is it? He arrived at the ward and the droids again became busy removing the suit.............

Chapter 13

Padme arrived at the ward, she saw Anakin unconscious on the examining table. Dr. Wheeling was deep in discussion with Dr. Treet. "Good morning Senator Amidala" said Dr. Wheeling...... "Padme, so good to see you again" said Dr. Treet...... Padme shook both their hands then looked at Dr. Wheeling, "I'm no longer a Senator, please feel comfortable calling me Padme".....

Dr. Wheeling smiles and nods her head. Dr. Treet suddenly got very serious "Padme, when you told me your husband needed my help, you neglected to tell me that he was also Darth Vader, do you realize the trouble we could get in, if we treat him?"

Padme insisted, "I know but he's not our enemy, I mean he was once, he made an error"....

"An error?" said Dr. Treet with sarcasm, "Padme he is the enemy of the Rebel Alliance, an Alliance we are both a part of, you of all people know what he has done?", he was shaking his head in disbelief, "I now know why you never told anyone that he was your husband, him being killed by Vader sounded a lot better than he turned into Vader"

"Doctor, stop" Padme insisted....... "I DO know what he has done, and I DO know that he regrets it and is sorry for what he has done, he wants to rectify what he has done, he thought I was dead, he thought HE killed me, he was mislead by the Emperor, down the dark path, a path he no longer travels" She went on, her eyes pleading "I know people will not forgive him, I hope you will still treat him and give him the chance to be Anakin Skywalker, my husband. I pray you and Dr. Wheeling will not tell anyone that Anakin was Vader, I'm hoping that when Anakin is treated and no longer wearing the suit, that we can just say Vader was killed and no longer is"...........

"You sure are asking alot, Padme" Dr. Treet said, he was not looking at her, he was looking at the floor.......

"You know I wouldn't ask if I didn't believe it to be true, he is a good man who did terrible things. He and I will have to live with that the rest of our lives, please Dr. say you'll treat him"...........

Dr. Treet looked at Padme, he remembered her as a little girl, then a young Queen, then Senator of Naboo. He was always amazed at how strong she was. He also remembered how good she was, always looking out for others........"I'll treat him on one condition" Padme was smiling......."if we are able to restore him to his old self, no one but us three, well four, including Anakin, will ever know of this, it could jeopardize my career....... Padme went to talk..... he stopped her, holding his hand up...... I'm not convinced as you are that he is good, I am only doing this for YOU Padme, not him, understand?"

"Yes!" she was ecstatic......"

"And one more thing.........this might change your mind...... once he is restored, cured if you will, I insist we turn him over to the Alliance, tell them we found him here being treated for his ailments"

Padme was shocked..... her mouth wide open.... her eyes wide with disbelief....."But...."

"But nothing...... if he is truly sorry for what he has done, truly back to good, he should stand trial for what he has done, he needs to take responsibility for what he has done".......

"everyone will then know he's Anakin my husband..... what would that do to us?" Padme was distressed.......

"I didn't think of that" the doctor contemplated....."Padme, he just can't say I'm sorry and that be it?"

Padme understood the doctor, he was a very good man, reassuringly "Dr. every single day he will remember what he did, what he became, the evil that he did, his life won't be simple, he's lost practically everything that ever meant anything to him, his mother, his friends, his fellow Jedi.... all he has is me and our children, please for them, allow him to try to be the man, father, husband, I KNOW he can be"......."he can't turn himself in, no one will forgive him as I have, no one understands him like I do"........."please"....... her voice trailed off....

Dr. Treet was studying Padme, Dr. Wheeling seemed also to be pleading with him, her eyes were distressed as Padme's were........he looked at Dr. Wheeling and said "how come its so easy for you to do this?"

Dr Wheeling thought for a moment, took a deep breath and said "I can't exactly tell you why, only that I know I am not judging Vader or Padme, I'm looking at this as the most challenging case I've ever done in my medical career, I became a Doctor to help people and I feel I'll be helping Padme and Vader...... I hope its true and that he's no longer evil, but let's say he is evil.... I just fixed his body, I didn't create the evil, its his choosing how to live his life"

Dr. Treet gave a heavy sigh, "All right, no conditions for his treatment" and with that Padme hugged him....."thank you Doctor, thank you both".......

Padme then had a meeting with Sargent Connic...... she asked him to head up security at the medical facility. She knew Anakin trusted him, but Connic did not know Vader was Anakin...... he did not want to help Vader, he disliked him he told her, he had done terrible things, killed friends of his.........

Padme was sickened to hear the stories Connic was telling her...... she knew he would not do as she requested, so she took one more chance....... "Connic, you know Vader...... you grew up with him on Tatoonie, he left when he was nine"...... Connic was trying to put two and two together....... Padme went on......."what I'm about to tell you could destroy us, but I need your help........ Connic, Vader is Anakin Skywalker, my husband"

He stood up, "what? Ani?" it can't be........ "he became a Jedi Knight, he was killed by Vader!"

Padme sighed, she hated defending her husband and explaining it all again, but she did, she needed Connic, he was the only one who she could trust with the safety of her husband.....

"That's why he kept me close? he knew me?" Connic was still in shock...."He never told me, he threatened me, my family"..........

"he's done terrible things, I know, but he's trying to be Anakin Skywalker, the friend you knew"......"Please try to give him one more chance"

Connic was looking into the eyes of the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, surely Vader did not deserve her..... but Vader was.... is Anakin? He remembered the day he went looking for Anakin, he asked his mother Shmi if he could play. She was very, very sad, she informed him that Ani left and would probably never come back, he went to become a Jedi, it was what he was destined to do......how he missed his best friend...... as he got older, he followed the news closely and was always proud when he heard of the good that Jedi Anakin Skywalker was doing...... how could he have turned to the dark side?..............Now he knew why he was drafted to the Empire, Anakin wanted him there....... he had mixed emotions, the Emperor tricked Anakin in a sense, lied to him, what if he truly was good again? he had to help his long, lost friend..... "All right, I'll do it" said Connic.....

Padme was grateful...... they then sat down and contemplated how to keep Anakin safe, how to keep the Emperor away from him while he was healed.

Chapter 14

Padme awoke with a start..... as always she has to "remember" that her children weren't near.... every morning she awakens listening for them, only to be disappointed when she realizes that she's alone. It had been two weeks since she said goodbye, she finally received a message from Obi-wan that was delivered through the alliance.... all it said was "they were fine".....she knew what it meant.... oh how she missed them. Anakin reassured her daily that they were fine, stating the force showed them happy and content. She got up and fixed her hair and makeup, she wanted to look good for Anakin. Anakin's recovery was going slower than expected. He had new synthetic skin on 75% of his body. The process was painful. She hated to see him in such pain and he was refusing pain medication, stating he wanted to be awake and clear when she was there, but deep down Padme knew that he was doing that to himself as a punishment. He thinks he deserves to be in so much pain for what he has done.

His hair was complete and starting to grow, at present it was very short, just like he had it when he was a Padawan. The color was the same for which she was happy. His face was healing, the skin there being more delicate and harder to match...... it amazed her how good he looked, it was the same face she remembered looking up at for so many years...... if she hadn't seen it herself, she would never have believed that he was once so severely scarred.

She arrives at the ward earlier than usual. Anakin is not lying on the table as he usually is...... he is sitting in a chair and she notices that he does not have the metal breathing piece in his mouth.

He is smiling at her..... Padme stops in her tracks, her knees almost giving way...... her heart flutters..... its ANAKIN.........

He tries to get up, but his new prosthetic arms and legs have been giving him significant trouble........ they look completely real and Anakin says he can feel and touch as before, but his body is not adapting or communicating well with them...... his neurons needs to grow and attach more to his new legs and arms for him to have total control over them.

He lets out a frustrating groan and not realizing it, telekineticly throws a droid backwards into the wall.

Padme is at his side in an instant. He is looking up at her from the chair, the anger in his face immediately abating into a loving smile.... his blue eyes seem to be smiling also. She caresses his face, amazed at how smooth his skin is, the scar over his right eye is gone.........

"my love" Anakin whispers.... his voice is barely audible above a whisper, Dr. Wheeling told him that his vocal cords have some damage to them, but in time they would completely heal, he would sound like his old self, just a little more coarse.......

Padme now smiles ear to ear, "That's the first time I've heard you, and not the mechanical voice, Anakin".

He clumsily grabs her hand and holds it in his.......his breathing becomes labored and he soon starts to wheeze. Dr. Treet observes this and states "ok Anakin, that's long enough, you went over an hour this time now you must go back on the respirator to rest your new lungs and let them heal"

Anakin is not happy upon hearing that..... Padme kisses his forehead reassuringly and states "Your healing so well my darling"

Anakin melts at her kiss, he cannot stand to be so close to her, to smell her, he yearns to hold her, kiss her, make love to her......, oh how he misses her........ The droids assist Anakin to the table and place the breathing piece in his mouth. He looks at Padme, sad, tired........ she smiles again at him, waves and leaves with both doctors, for her daily update on his prognosis.........

Dr Wheeling......... "he's doing remarkedly well, it should only be one more week till all his skin is complete. There's really no time frame for his limbs though, it all depends on his healing ability and how the neurons will adapt".......

Dr. Treet also reports "his lung transplant went perfect, he's ahead of schedule in using them without the respirator (breathing machine), I was very surprised to see him off of it today for over an hour ......he wanted to surprise you....."

Padme was intently listening to all they had to say. "I'm am grateful to you both, for all you have done, it appears in no time I will have my husband back"

Both doctors nodded...... they all said their farewells and Padme rushed back to the Rebel Alliance Headquarters..... Bail..... "good morning Padme", his tone was distant, his anger towards her apparent......

"good morning Bail" Padme smiled..... they both sat down for the debriefing when suddenly an enormous explosion shook the building that was above them....... dust escaping into the air, the lights were flickering on and off........ screams of confusion arose........

Padme didn't realize but she was on the floor, Bail came to her side and helped her up......."its the Empire, it has to be" stated Bail....."we need to get you out of here Padme"

She was in shock.... she didn't want to leave because of Anakin, but knew she had to flee, she couldn't afford to be captured again, especially for the sake of the children....... she automatically followed bail, to the escape pods..... as they were running, they over heard numerous reports that it was confirmed it was the Empire..... Within 2 minutes she was in space, flying away from Alderaan.......watching as the planet grew smaller and smaller.............. rehashing in her mind the plans her and Connic went over and over again in case this would happen. He would hide Anakin and guard him with his life...... then when everything settled down make sure his rehabilitation continued.....

she wasn't able to say goodbye to Anakin, "be safe my love" she whispers as Alderaan disappears from her view.....

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 15

Chaos erupts on Alderaan, Sargent Kister Connic after hearing the explosion snaps into action. He grabs Vader's suit, which has been modified to fit Anakin with his new arms and legs, it still has the respirator that is needed for him to sustain life. He and the droids quickly place Anakin in Vader's suit, much to Anakins dismay.......... The doctors were insuring there was no evidence of what had transpired there over the last two weeks.

Vader and Connic are almost out of the medical facility when both stop dead in their tracks.... "Lord Vader, so good to see you again, my apprentice" snarled the Emperor....."I was getting worried when you didn't respond to my transmissions"

Vader knelt before the Emperor and grabbed Connics arm and pulled him down with him....."Master, the mechanical voice droned, "I have been discovering confidential material of the Rebel Alliance being with Padme, she actually thinks I'm on her side now, she definitely is a head figure and conspirator of the Rebel Alliance, I was planning on reporting to you soon my master"

At this Connic looks at Vader, shock on his face.

"Gooooooood" sneered the Emperor "I was hoping you would be spying for the empire, and further good news, I was told most ofl the ships that were trying to escape Alderaan were destroyed....., it is a victorious day for the Empire!"

Vader couldn't help but think of Padme, she was safe, he felt it, the Emperor was a lier, he's up to something..... "Yes my master" Vader stated as he stood up. "Sargent, your dismissed" said Vader with a wave of his hand.

Connic didn't need a second reminder, he bolted right out of the medical facility......were to now? I better go back to the imperial star cruiser and see what unfolds. He couldn't help but shudder at what he just saw, Anakin, Vader, whoever he was sure was convincing.......hopefully it was all a facade.

The Emperor was walking with Vader and couldn't help but notice his shortened height. "what have you been up to here on Alderaan Lord Vader, other than spying on the rebel scum?"

"I had new legs and arms applied, which I am more able to control, and feel with" "Hmmm, I think that was a good move on your part, the more agile you are, the better fighter you will be" he continued.... "Lord Vader, did you find out anything about your son?"

Vader tensed up at this "His name is Luke and she will not tell me his location, she does not totally trust me..... yet" Vader sensed that the Emperor also knew about Leia, so he added "there is a daughter also, her name is Leia"

"Really?, Lord Vader your loyalty is amazing, I knew about your daughter and am glad to see you volunteered the information to me....."

"Yes my master" Vader felt himself slipping into a black hole, being close to the Emperor was toxic, he felt the ever so strong presence of the dark side and it was overpowering.

At that moment, storm troopers brought in a rebel spy.... "Lord Vader interrogate this spy and find out where Padme was going to, hopefully that will lead us to the children"

"Yes my master" and with that the Emperor left for his ship. Walking he was contemplating what had just happened, was Vader truly on his side? he was surprised that Vader willing and openly offered the information of his children to him, maybe there was hope yet for his apprentice, maybe Padme rejected him due to his appearance ......interesting, very interesting.......

Vader was done with his "interrogating" and came back to the star cruiser. He was amazed that he was not as winded as he used to be making that trip. His new lungs were working out well....... Vader went to his chamber and took off his suit...... he felt better without the suit, it was like the suit was evil itself.......

Meanwhile Padme was nervous, Yoda felt it was time she was reunited with her children. "A plot there is to steal them from you, trap we must set"

She hated her children being the bait...... did Yoda really think that the Emperor himself would come get them? She didn't think so....... she knew her ship was being followed and they were almost to Tatoonie......

Vader senses Padme's fear and concern, he tries to sooth her through the force but is unable. He sits in his chamber day dreaming of his beautiful wife, when he is jolted back into reality

"Lord Vader", the emperor's voice bellowed over the intercom.

"Yes my master"

"What did you find out from the Rebel Spy?"

"She is heading towards Tatoonie"

"Tatoonie?" asked the Emperor

"Yes, apparently she must have thought we would never have looked on my old home planet for the children, are you sure the children are there my master?"

"Yes I have foreseen it, they are there as well as your old Master Obi-Wan"

"What is he doing there with my children?"

"guarding them and keeping them away from you, but his motives go deeper I fear.......:

"What do you mean master?"

"I fear he was always jealous of you, even though it is not the Jedi way, I sense deep down that hes always wanted to be like you..... and now he has your children" "He was not a very good teacher to you my boy, he has his own issues with attachment and jealousy"

Vader sat there silent..... steaming in his mind.... playing over and over the fight between him and Obi-Wan and how Obi-wan left him there on Mustafar to die.... how dare he be near his children, see them, play with them before he has ever had the chance.......... for a moment, his blue eyes turn yellow...........

Chapter 16

Vader stumbles back into his chamber, his new legs still giving him grief.......he is totally consumed with hatred towards Obi-wan, and why didn't Padme tell me he was with our children? He starts to think as he did before that together they are plotting against him, his yellow eyes continue to glow.......

From the main deck, the Emperor senses Vader's emotions and grins to himself.......

Padme and Bail arrive on Tatoonie, they quickly are in route to the Skywalker's home to retrieve the children. To their dismay they find the home completely destroyed, there are two burned bodies, charred and unrecognizable..Padme assumes they must be Anakins step brother and wife.... Padme falls to the ground... Bail lifts her up, "we must find Obi-wan" He is almost too calm, Padme thinks, he loves the children as much as I do and doesn't even look for them?...

Obi-wan senses a disturbance with the children he hops on the nearest land speeder and rushes to the Skywalker ranch.....he shouldn't have left them.... As he pulls up, he sees Padme on the ground, Bail trying to help her stand and a grim picture of Owen and his wife, Beru burned beyond recognition on the ground, their home behind them still burning, and no sound of the children..... "Luke and Leia?" asks Obi-wan..... "They are not here" states Bail Padme looks at Bail the distrust mounts in her mind, they didn't even look for the children yet, and he knows they are not here? "Where's your wife, Bail?" inquires Padme......... Obi-wan looks from Padme to Bail, the tone in her voice and distrust on her face apparent. Bail starts to back up, heading towards the land speeder Obi-wan just arrived in.........

"You took them, you arranged it! and you had two innocent people killed! screamed Padme...... Obi-wan ignites his light saber as he starts to stare at Bail....... "I'm keeping the children safe!, you would have Vader be their father and take them away from us!, I'm sorry for Owen and Beru that wasn't the plan"

"Bail, don't do this, tell me where my children are!" pleaded Padme...... Bail was not sticking around, he jumps into the land speeder, Obi-wan in a flash is at his side...his light saber almost touching Bail's throat......... "I wouldn't do that my friend, if you ever want to see them again, I'd let me go....." sneered Bail...... "Oh I'm sure we could find them without you" states Obi-wan "and I consider this friendship over".......

From the distance blasters are heard, Obi-wan and Padme turn around and see storm troopers quickly approaching. Bail uses the distraction and quickly backs up the land speeder, then flees. Obi-wan grabs Padme, deflecting blaster shots as they make their way to the other speeder.

Vader is standing next to Sidious on the main deck of the Imperial Star Cruiser watching the fighters head for Tatoonie....... how he hated that planet. He vowed never to go there again, the memories of his mother and her death too much to bear....... Sidious senses his apprentices sadness and anger, and smiles, its good he's so sad and angry, all the more to keep him on the dark path, he thinks....... Vader careful of his thoughts does not think of Padme or the children..... he uses the force to help him...... he can't risk the Emperor sensing anything about them....... But this feeling he could not deflect....the children are in danger, they were crying, not with their mother, there were shots, commotion, an abrupt snatching, fire and a women trying to console them......

The Emperor senses something in Vader..... "what is it Lord Vader?" Knowing the Emperor would sense if he lied, Vader told him "my children are no longer on Tatoonie, my master" "Damn, I sense it too, Sargent! call back the troopers and get with our intel and find out where those children are!" Vader smiles, for the moment his children are safe, but Padme.... he senses her distress, he wishes he could calm her.... and what was this feeling..... Obi-wan? Yoda? Obi-wan was using the force and conversing with Yoda, something Anakin hadn't been familiar with, somehow though, he was able to listen to it quite clearly.......

He hears Obi-wan tell Yoda that Bail took the children, since he didn't trust Padme or the Jedi with their safety...... "Much love he has for them, honorable are his intentions, but misguided his emotions lead him" Yoda pauses....... "Alone we are not Obi-wan.......... Vader listens"

Obi-wan is shocked......"What? How? Master Yoda, how is a Sith able to use the force?" "Hmmmmm, meditate on this I must..... talk no more, our secrets and plans he need not know" Like a slap in the face the conversation ends.... Vader is furious ... secrets, plans? hmmph, they can't hide from me, I am all powerful, more powerful than any Jedi, I will find out their plans and then I can destroy Obi-wan, Vader thinks.... he retires to his chamber, never realizing how easy it was for him to slip back down the dark path.

Chapter 17

The storm troopers didn't pursue Obi-wan and Padme very far..... they just stopped midway through the chase and turned around, obeying their new orders..........

Obi-wan and Padme got out of the speeder, Obi-wan using his binoculars looks in all directions and sees no Imperial troops.

"That's strange" says Obi-wan.

Padme looks ill, "Where do you think he took the children?"

"I don't know" Obi-wan admitted, still looking around.............

"I need to talk more with Master Yoda on this and maybe we can get some answers" Obi-wan said as he was getting back into the Land Speeder.

Padme follows him automatically, she's deep in thought and trying to hold it together. "I wonder if Anakin is okay" she says out loud.

"What do you mean Padme?" he quickly turns to look at her........ "have you been in contact with Vader?" he asks? "Did you see him on Alderaan?"

Padme nods her head yes, not wanting to tell him alot of information, since the last time she was honest and open with Obi-wan, Anakin was not pleased and Anakin still doesn't trust him, plus Obi-wan did cripple Anakin and leave him for dead.........

"When? why?" asks Obi-wan.......his voice rising with concern.......

"I'd rather not discuss it Obi-Wan, I'm only interested in finding my children" said Padme

"As you wish........ but Padme...... I need to say one thing.........Vader IS evil....... Anakin no longer exists..... once he went down the dark path, he was lost forever........ you realize this?"...........searching her face for some hint of acknowledgment.......... "You even hid your children from him....................... surely when you saw Vader, it confirmed what we've all been saying?"

Padme sat there in silence.

Obi-wan breaths a heavy sigh........"Just be careful, he's not to be trusted.........remember what he did to you..........he places his hand on her shoulder..........what he has done to the Republic........."

Padme winches as if she was pinched hard...... how could she ever forget what happened? It was the inner turmoil she lived with everyday....... now that Anakin was being healed and she saw his beautiful face and his eyes.......it was even harder to comprehend that he was capable of such things.......

"Vader is...... was evil, Obi-wan" she finally states......."there's still good in Anakin........... I know it".......

Obi-wan continues to look upon her with concern........"But"

"but nothing!, I met him and let's leave it at that!" Padme said curtly.......she then changes her tone..... "I just didn't see Bail doing this"

Obi-wan realizes that the Vader conversation is over..... starts to contemplate....."we need to meet Yoda and talk in person"

Padme nods.........

Obi-wan starts the land speeder and they head for her ship.

Vader gets out of his suit, sits in his chamber and looks at his arms and legs.....shaking his head .................. he almost forgot of what has transpired....... the skin grafts, the lung transplant........ I was so consumed with rage and hate towards Obi-wan..... he thinks.................

It was like a dream..........all the operations, all the pain and..... Padme.........my love...... you forgave me..... love me.........how easily I went down the dark path.......................its too familiar to me, easy and comfortable...... such power!...... I need you my love, to help me fight this evil.......it consumes all of me and leaves no room for anything else.........not even you. I must fight it!.................Padme I need you!

Anakin continues to berate himself........ I will always have challenges of my will, of my goodness..................he shakes his head............. and at the first challenge, I fail miserably!

Anakin starts to meditate..... using the force.... he calms himself, forgives himself and learns from this experience.............exhausted, he finally drifts off to sleep.......

Padme screams "the twins! Anakin! help them!" he's running, not knowing where he's going, he hears the wails of the children, but they cannot be found. Obi-wan appears, "they are this way my friend"...........he leads him to a door...........Anakin hesitates, not trusting Obi-wan, but hears the cries from behind the door............ he pushes through door and stops suddenly..............there is the Emperor, sneering at him, holding Luke and Leia in his arms........ Anakin awakens from this nightmare in the coldest of sweats, his breathing heavy and hard...... what does it mean? His dreams at first were predictions of the future, his mother, Padme.... but Padme lived and only faked her death............ but lately his dreams were about guilt, of what he had done..... but Padme did come to him in a dream and tell him she was alive...... that was true....... oh how he wished he could confer with Yoda about these latest dreams.........

Anakin reaches out with the force and senses his children....... they were sleeping..... content......... he could not picture where they were and this frustrated him.........

Too upset to go back to sleep, he steps out of his chamber without his suit..... he needed to "exercise" his new lungs anyway....... he took in some nice deep breaths.... which cause him to have a coughing fit that seemed to last forever....... when he finally stops coughing....... he goes to his computer and searches the galaxy for places that Bail would take the children...... he would probably take them where friends and family were........not a hostile planet..... a peaceful one.............or what if they are not on a planet? but aboard a ship? that would make sense why he couldn't feel where they were, if they were continually moving...............

There was a knock on his door, Anakin quickly stands up "who's there?", hoping that whoever was there would not just barge in and catch him out of the chamber....... he quickly walks to the chamber when he hears...."its Sargent Connic, Lord Vader"

Anakin relieved...."come in Sargent"

Sargent Kister Connic walks in and stops in his tracts..........."Anakin?, wow your really healing very well........and your out of the suit?"

Anakin smiles mischievously...........

"I remember that smile, you always got me into a lot of trouble with that grin........" Kister said himself smiling......."its good to see you old friend......"

His expression going from a smile to a frown, Anakin said "Kister, I am sorry for the way I treated you..... I needed you by my side, but could not tell you why....... your the only person I felt after the uprising that I could trust"

Kister contemplates this........"I'm still not sure if I can trust you Anakin, but I am trying"........ he then changes the subject "I checked your chambers as you asked, and as you thought there were bugs all over..........It took time but I was able to remove them all........I'm confident that no one can hear or see in here"

"Great! thanks Kister"

An awkward silence pursues......... finally as he turns towards the door "the Emperor has demanded your presence on the observation deck, first thing this morning, Lord Vader" he winked at Anakin as he said the last part

Anakin smiled "I'll be there"....... Connic left...... Anakin made sure the door locked behind him..... went into his chamber to put on the dreaded suit......... he then realizes that he was out of the suit for over 5 hours! He spent so much time researching on the computer, he had no idea he went that long and he still felt fine, was breathing fine............he was healing fast, how could that be? Could it be the force? helping me heal? Anakin was smiling again..... he thought I'll be out of that suit in no time.........wait till I tell Padme.............

Chapter 18

Vader has the suit on, but stops for a second..... he goes to his computer and wonders if he will be able to contact Padme. He realizes the transmission will be tracked but he could just tell the Emperor he was digging for information on the children. He takes his helmet off and tries to reach her........

Padme's com-link vibrates and she knows who it is........... she and Obi-wan just arrived to her ship and were heading to meet Yoda, although Obi-wan would not tell her the destination. "Since you know where we're going, I'm going to go lie down and rest" she yawns as she tells Obi-wan.

"Sure no problem" Obi-wan states......

Padme hurries to the center of the ship and opens up her com-ink...."Ani?" she whispers.....

"Yes my love" Anakin whispers.....

"Your voice is sounding stronger, how are you feeling?" she asks.....

"Better..... what happened with Luke and Leia?, I overheard Obi-wan and Yoda talk about Bail taking them, any leads?" he asks.....

"Obi-wan and I are heading to meet with Yoda in person to hopefully figure this out......" said Padme.

Sarcastically...."how is my old master?" Anakin's voice is cracking here and there as he is gaining his strength and his vocal cords become more pliable......

"He's not saying much, and neither am I, he has promised to keep the children safe, and I do believe him in that assignment" said Padme

"Well I don't trust him Padme, all the initial contradictions with the Jedi assisted me in making my turn to the dark side a little easier" Anakin states......

"I know, my love....... we can only trust each other right now" said Padme....

"I was looking for possible planets that Bail might take Luke and Leia to...... planets that have his family there, or his wife's family.... planets where the weather and living is like Alderaans....... I send you the list before we end this transmission" Anakin said

"That's great!, Oh Anakin, I hope we find them soon...... I know he would not hurt them, but I miss them so......I guess it was good he took them, or they would be in the hands of the Empire right now" she said.

"Yes I agree, I had a dream of that" Anakin said

"your still having dreams?" asks Padme

"Yes not as much nightmares, but dreams telling me of some truths, of a possible future......" His voice was getting very raw sounding......

Padme didn't want to end the conversation, but she heard footsteps and knew he needed to rest his vocal cords....."Anakin, someone's coming...... I love you....." and she ended the transmission.

"I love you too Padme........" Anakin said to himself.........he wasn't able to send her the information he gathered on possible planets where the children could be..... so instead of contacting her again, he just sent the information to the com link itself....... she would be able to view the information whenever she wanted now........

Bail was holding Luke and playing with him. Leia was sitting by herself and ignoring everyone..... she especially wouldn't look at Luke......

Breha Organa, Bail's wife, attempts to pick up Leia..... who promptly starts to kick and scream and arch her back making it impossible for the strongest person to pick her up.......

"I swear she hates me" sobs Breha.......

"She doesn't hate you" states Bail, hanging his head, "I think she misses her mother"

"I'm her mother...." insists Breha

Bail shakes his head...."no matter how much we say that or wish that, we both know it will never be true"

"Leia has always been close to her mother, she's very sensitive and is missing her right now" Bail says as he takes his wife into his arms and comforts her.

"We were wrong to take them, look at what happened, innocent people died because of our greed" said Bail.

"You, yourself said that the Empire would have them now if we had not taken them, so in a way we saved them" insists Breha.

"I guess..... but you realize I will have to contact Yoda and Obi-wan and let them know the whereabouts of the twins, and face the consequences of my actions" Bail states, looking so remorseful and sad.

Breha crying nods her head in agreement.......

Leia finally allows Breha to pick her up, and Bail gathers up Luke. They place the twins in their crib for the night, and slowly leave the room, as if never wanting to leave them.........

Leia grabs Luke's hand..... Luke looks at his sister and smiles........ they fall asleep still holding hands. That night they both dreamed...... dreamed of a man with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes..... this man is smiling at them..... soothing them........holding them......loving them.........

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 19

Padme and Obi-wan arrive on Dagobah...... "what a dreary little planet" says Obi-wan. From somewhere in the bushes they hear "my home talk of you!, grown to like have I"...........quips Yoda as he limps out of the bushes.......

"Master Yoda, good to see you" says Obi-wan with a smile.......

"Its nice to see you again Master Yoda" says Padme, but she's not smiling like Obi-wan..... Yoda looks at her for a moment........

"Vader twists your mind, children he will use, no good in him I see, only evil" says Yoda to Padme, who was just about to say something, when Yoda turns his back and heads to his small hut...... not giving her a chance to rebut.

Obi-wan turns to Padme with a look on his face like...... I told you so........ and starts to follow Yoda....... Padme not wanting to be alone on this eerie planet, quickly follows Obi-wan.

Somehow they all manage to cram into Yoda's small hut. There is food cooking over the fire and Yoda is busy throwing pots and pans around trying to find some utensils for his guests........the whole time humming to himself and talking to himself.

"Its quite all right Master Yoda, we're truly not hungry" Obi-wan says with a laugh, watching the old master behaving in a way he's never seen.......and thinking that being 900 some years old has finally taken its toll on the Old Master.... he has seen most if not all of his close Jedi friends killed, seen Skywalker turn to the dark side, been in exile for over a year....... its probably been too much for the poor little green guy.......

"Pity me you do not" say Yoda....... catching Obi-wan off guard, he didn't even realize that Yoda was reading his mind......Yoda standing there with his crooked cane, now pointing right at Obi-wan's nose........."Different perhaps am I, but still strong in the force.... changes I have made from the past.......learned from my mistakes I have.........and Jedi's mistakes.........clouded were we.........

"From the dark side" interrupts Obi-wan.....

"NO...... clouded were we from the force........hard as we did try..... attachment occurred...... between Master and Padawan........ between Master and Master........ between Padawan and Padawan........ It did not always lead to the dark path, but strengthened the force.........

"To have forbidden it, wrong we were " said Yoda, then he turned to Padme "Skywalker's turn to the dark side came from his FEAR of loosing you, not from his attachment to you, Sidious played on his weakness's........long time planned he did to turn young Skywalker.......

Padme finally got up the courage to speak......"if he didn't love me, or was attached to me, then he wouldn't have the fear to loose me.......

"No.....no.......attachment.......love...... stronger they make the force.....confidence in the force you must have......not fear........ the force will lead you and your loved ones in the right direction.........even in death......it is the will of the force......the right path...........states Yoda......

Padme and Obi-wan sit there letting everything soak in. Obi-wan's mind is racing so much of what the old Master was saying was against how he was taught, how he was raised..... but deep down he always felt that..... he knew that.........he loved Anakin like a brother.....and that their attachment to each other strengthened the force around them so many times when they battled the enemy together.......

"Well I believe in the force" says Padme....."and though you don't want to hear it..... Anakin feels that his turning to the dark side was the will of the force..... he believes that all that has happened, no matter how evil, was the will of the force........ and now its the will of the force that he's returning to the path of good..........he's opened himself up to the force and feels it getting stronger each day........he knows there is a plan for him still".......

"Hmmmmmmm" says Yoda......as he contemplates what Padme has just said.............

"No more talk! eat you must!, come, come....... eat......"

Padme and Obi-wan both give a small laugh and crawl to the small table where Yoda has placed their meal........they all sat there in silence eating their dinner.

Dinner was done and Padme was helping Yoda with the dishes........"throw out the dirty dishes prefer I than clean them" he says to Padme, which brings a smile to her face.........

Obi-wan shouts from outside......"Master Yoda, your being hailed on the com-link...... and I think its from Bail Organa"...........

At this Padme struggles to get outside without hitting her head......"No, stay here you must" says Yoda....... as he proceeds outside.......

Obi-wan hides behind the small hut, still being able to view and hear the conversation.......

Bail's hologram appears......."Master Yoda, I'm afraid I bring bad news".......

"Have the children still do you?" asks Yoda........

"Yes Master Yoda, but under the worst of circumstances" says Bail......

"Yes, know do I of your taking them........ tsk tsk.........wrong reasons you did this, but will of the force it must be.......for they are safe for now..........Lord Sidious wants them and will stop at nothing to get them"

"Yes Master Yoda, just tell me what you want us to do and we will do it, I am prepared to answer for my crimes......"

"No not necessary, enough hardship you have come upon, you did not kill the Skywalkers at their ranch........enough pain will there be when the children are back with their mother, saved and assisted the Jedi you have, good you are"

"Thank you Master Yoda" says Bail almost crying as he said that.......

They then proceeded to discuss where the safest place would be to take the children to.......... during the entire conversation, Obi-wan has a clear view and hears perfectly the plans....... Padme on the other hand is trying to listen through the clay of the hut, but makes out pretty much everything.............she sighs knowing it still will be awhile till she sees her twins.......hopefully she would be able to see Anakin soon...........

Chapter 20

Padme and Obi-wan leave Dagobah....... they sit in silence when finally Obi-wan practically blurts out "well, from what you said on Dagobah, its apparent you and Vader have spoken in detail"

Padme says nothing......

Obi-wan rubbing his beard opens up to Padme "I loved Anakin like a brother, it bothered me for sometime, but I've acknowledge my attachment to him, which makes it still difficult to think of what happened between us"

Turning to her "but he tried to kill me Padme, he tried to kill you"

"No, no, your wrong, he thought I betrayed him and brought you there to kill him" she finally spoke

Obi-wan contemplates this....... "do you really believe he can be good?, after all he has done?"

Holding her head high, she states a resiliant "YES"

Obi-wan "I hope your right" he looks at the console, "we're almost at the rendevous with Bail and the children"........

Vader meets the Emperor as ordered.

"There's a disturbance in the force Lord Vader" he sneers

Vader says "Yes my master I sense it also"

"We have been following Obi-wan and Padme, it appears they are going to where the children are"

"Where are they heading" inquires Vader......

"The outer rim, there's a planet there, Planet X that formerly was unknown to the Empire......a place where the rebel scum used to have their base..... he looks at Vader trying to read what he's thinking.....

Vader uses the force to block The Emperor's probe.....

Angry that he cannot get a grasp of what his apprentice is feeling.... The Emperor states..."We will acquire your children, I won't stand for any mistakes this time"

"Yes my master", says Vader.....

The Emperor dismisses Vader, who heads to his chambers.... He takes off his suit, not being able to breathe in it anymore, finally being free of it, his new lungs fully functional, his skin grafts complete, he feels himself again, his hair growth considerably slow at first, but now in only 4 weeks since his first implants, his hair has grown to the length it once was........ Anakin looks at himself in the mirror, he notices that he no longer has the scar over his right eye.....he feels good again, feels like he is good looking, feeling cocky again, he thinks...... with my powers and Padme now at my side ........"STOP IT" he says outloud to himself.......

Yoda senses the disturbance, what is it? Skywalker? "I must meditate" he's confused, which rarely happens, he senses a shift in the force, could he be wrong about the Chosen One? "So much change, so wrong were we" he states out loud to no one in particular.

Obi-wan and Padme land on Planet X "such a strange name for a planet" states Padme......

"Well technically, it doesn't even exist" states Obi-wan, he stops he senses the Dark Side, senses Vader and the Emperor....... he looks at Padme "I have a bad feeling about this"

Before she could question him, blasters shoot out of no where........ she sees Bail and Breha holding the children on the landing strip. They quickly retreat........

"The children!" she screams...........

Obi-wan is out of the ship before she knows it.......deflecting blaster shots with ease, he sees the Emperors Imperial Shuttle land besides Padme's ship.

"Padme! Come On!" he yells, she runs and catches up with him.

As they are running, the ramp from the Emperors shuttle descends, Sidious and Vader appear. Padme stops when she sees her husband, but Obi-wan grabs her and she quickly comes to her senses and continues to follow him.

"FOLLOW THEM" the Emperor screams to the storm troopers. "Vader, you come with me"

"Yes Master" he follows Padme and Obi-wan, a pang of jealousy hits him that she is with his former Master, the man who disfigured him and left him for dead.......

Anakin is having a difficult time breathing in the mask, he feels like he's not getting enough oxygen, he can't keep up this facade much longer......... they are walking very fast following the troopers and he's falling behind.

"Hurry up, Vader" sneers the Emperor......

"My Master, I'm not well" Anakin states......

They both stop, Anakin panting, with his hand on his knees trying to catch his breath.......the mask suffocating him....

"You pathetic excuse of a man, I sent you to Alderaan to get treatment, and barely a month has past and your weak again?"

"I'm sorry Master, I am trying" states Anakin, starting to feel the anger and rage pent up towards Sidious, he thinks if I could truely show you how strong I am old man, who would then be pathetic..........

As if he heard his thoughts the Emperor asks "What did you say?"

Anakin again uses the force and blocks the Emperors probe of his thoughts...........

"I said I'm sorry Master, I cannot continue" Anakin states......hoping his former Master would believe his lie and then he could go help Padme and his children......

The Emperor senses something amiss in the force, he fears loosing Vader and this disturbance could be a sign Vader is ill.....he can't loose him, not yet, not until he has Luke......Luke, who will be his new apprentice. He can raise him as a Sith, who will only know the Dark Side, only know him as his Master, no questions, only faith in him and the Sith........then Vader......... the weak excuse of a man in front of him can be killed...... Vader who's arrogance and emotions led him to be wounded by a mere Jedi..............Vader his biggest disappointment of an apprentice.........Vader who was the strongest in the force and now is a shell of what he once was.........

"So be it, go back to the ship and await my orders" snaps The Emperor......... he continues with the troopers in pursuit of Padme and Obi-wan.

Anakin is relieved that his lie worked.....as soon as The Emperor and the troopers were out of sight, he quickly removes his helmet......OH fresh air!.........he closes his eyes and enjoys the cool air rushing into his lungs............ it invigorates him........his eyes open suddenly as he senses turmoil........he runs as fast as he can, taking a different route, hoping to catch Padme and Obi-wan........before the Emperor.............

Chapter 21

Padme and Obi-wan meet up with Bail and Breha and the twins, instinctively Padme reaches her arms out for either one, Breha doesn't offer up Luke, she practically turns away from Padme, Bail hands her Leia, who's face even with all the commotion and bussle, smiles at her mother.......

"We must get to a ship, if we stay here, we all surely will be caught" states Obi-wan, as he's saying this, he's looking around, checking the environment, grasping all around him to help him in this situation......he senses Anakin.......senses him very strongly.........he turns......

As Obi-wan is turning, Padme shouts "ANAKIN!"

Bail shouts "NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!"

Bail and Breha are frozen with fear, Obi-wan instinctively ignites his light saber................he's shocked to see Anakin's face, no scars, no burns..... he's wearing the suit, but no helmet, he's breathing on his own, how can this be?

Anakin stops, he can't help but smile, as for the first time he looks upon his children.........Padme smiles at him, she realizes he's breathing on his own, his face and hair are back to the way they were, its him, her Ani, her love............she tries to go to him, but Obi-wan stops her......... which upsets Anakin.........

"Leave her alone, Obi-wan" he demands............Anakin is looking at Obi-wan with total hatred in his heart, images of their fight, his injuries at the hands of this man, flash before him.......

Obi-wan positions himself in front of Padme, who is still holding Leia.........

Luke and Leia are captivated by the man in front of theim, they've seen him before, seen him in their dreams.............

Leia lets out a scream as Bail and Breha turn and run...........

Padme turns "NO!, Bail!, Breha!, come back! its alright!" Luke starts to cry, he's reaching for his sister, never being far from her, sensing her distress.........

Anakin goes to run after them, but Obi-wan moves in front of him..........

Obi-wan and Anakin stare at each other.........

"Get out of my way Obi-wan, get away from my wife and my daughter!" Anakins yells......his face twisting and distorting with anger.......Padme recognizes these looks, the same looks she saw on Mustafar........

"Anakin, its alright, we're safe!" she pleads......."we must get to Luke" she reasons..........

Hearing his son's name seems to snap Anakin back to reality.........."Move Obi-wan, we need to get our son" Anakin states, looking at Padme and Leia.....

"Well forgive me if I don't completely trust you Anakin" Obi-wan states sarcastically........

"I don't care if you trust me, I NEED to get my family off this planet and your hindering it" Anakins states, his voice getting louder with each word.........

Padme grabs Obi-wan's arm, "trust ME for now, Obi-wan" she pleads, Obi-wan turns to look at her......her beautiful brown eyes are so sincere as she continues......."let him help us, its Anakin not Vader in front of you, your Padawan, your Brother".............

Anakin is shaking........he has thoughts of striking down Obi-wan......thoughts of the satisfaction he will feel.....just like he felt when he killed Count Dooku and the Tuskin Raiders.........

Padme looks at her husband, she knows what he's going through, she's seen it before, seen him slip down the dark path...............she continues her pleas with Obi-wan "We ALL must leave, it does no good to stay here and fight"

As Obi-wan stares at Vader, he looks into his blue eyes.........Obi-wan has an epiphany......"Anakin?" he asks.......his voice soft......."my brother?"

Anakin is full of too much hatred and rage at the moment to hear the sentiment in Obi-wan's voice........not wanting to waste anymore time...........he pushes past Obi-wan staring at him the whole time, anticipating an attack...........he grabs Padme's arm.......seeing that Obi-wan is not attacking and relieved since his wife and daughter are right there...... he states "we must hurry, The Emperor will be here any minute" they turn and quickly leave in the direction Bail, Breha and Luke went......

Obi-wan is still standing there, in shock........it is Anakin.......I feel it.......but I still sense such anger in him......such confusion.......oh the hatred Anakin must have towards me for what I did to him......Obi-wan again is ridden with guilt....... he closes his eyes and again hear's Qui-Gon voice reassure him that it had to be done, it was all part of the plan, the way the force deemed it...........he hears footsteps and quietly hides behind a pillar.

Anakin and Padme being quite younger and faster than Bail and Breha catch up to them in no time......."STOP!" shouts Anakin.....and like obediant dogs they stop dead in their tracks...........

"Give him to me!" demands Anakin........

"It's alright, he won't hurt him" insists Padme.....

Bail is dumbfounded, not knowing what to do, his looks at his wife who is crying as is Luke, he rubs Lukes head lovingly and kisses him........

Luke oblivious to the Organa's sees his sister and frantically reaches for her........suddenly Breha's jewelery starts to fly off of her and Luke starts to be pulled from her arms............she screams "NO!" and holds on with all her might..........

Padme looks at Anakin "don't, you could hurt him!"

Chapter 21 continued..................

[PadmeSkywalker]

Anakin, "I'm not doing it!", he yells as he looks down the other hallway where he senses the force pull...........

Breha sobbing and trying with all her might is unable to hold onto Luke.........he slips from her arms and is airborne.............

Anakin attempts to use the force to guide his son to him but is suddenly struck with Sith Lightening........and is flung backwards.........

Padme screams "Anakin!" as she helplessly watches him.......she turns to see The Emperor walking towards them, one hand guiding Luke to him the other pointing at where Anakin had just stood......the most evil sneer on his face.......

"Traitor!" he screams at Anakin......"I knew you'd fail me Lord Vader, I sensed it all along!..........Luke is my new apprentice and you led me right to him!.........that's why you and your pathetic wife were allowed to live!"

The Emperor was now standing there holding Luke, who was kicking and screaming trying to get away from this monster............

"SHHSHHHHH my new apprentice" cooed The Emperor to Luke "I have plans for you, you will be the strongest Sith ever! and together we will rule the Galaxy!"

The stormtroopers gathered Bail and Breha, who put up no fight, they were in shock at what was occuring..........

Anakin manages to stand up, he doesn't take his eyes off of The Emperor and his son, as he is staring at them, he pulls Padme and Leia behind him........

"Anakin!" Padme cries........torn between not wanting him to be hurt, but wanting Luke back.....desparately pulls at her husband........he turns to look at his loyal wife, and innocent daughter, his crystal blue eyes watering, he gathers all his strength to yell "GO!"

Padme holding on to Leia even tighter, shakes her head no, her eyes pleading with Anakin "no, I can't"............

He screams at her "YOU HAVE TO!" as he's yelling at her, he gently pushes her and Leia towards their escape. He suddenly sees Obi-wan behind them and instinctively nods to him as he used to back when they fought together.......all thoughts of hatred gone....only the safety of his loved ones on his mind...........

Obi-wan knows the severity of the situation knows he must get Padme and Leia to safety....... he grabs Padme's arm.......with his lightsaber drawn he deflects the blaster shots from the stormtroopers who have just spotted him.........

Anakin too is deflecting shots, trying to maneuver closer to his son........

Padme still unwilling to leave her husband and her son, is screaming "NO! I can't leave them!"

Obi-wan's strengh wins over Padme's desperation as he pulls them to safety............they run towards Padme's ship..........

They are not followed.......The Emperor yells "I have my prize......they are of no importance!, cease fire!" the troopers obey and turn to their Emperor for further orders.

"Kill the Organa's" he orders and in the blink of an eye they are gunned down, hugging each other as they fall......instantly dying together........

Anakin flinches at the gun fire, staring at the Organa's, he's livid now......and his stare goes from the Organa's to Sidious.....

The Emperor hands Luke to one of his troopers "take the boy to my ship, I will deal with Lord Vader myself"

Anakin is still standing there, his light saber drawn, trying to keep his emotions under control as he watches his crying son being taken away...........Lord Sidious menacingly walks towards him...........

"You pathetic excuse, your emotions are your downfall!, your love for Padme, your jealousy of Obi-wan!, you could have been the most powerful Sith ever!, but your arrogance made you a cripple of a man, and at the hands of a feeble Jedi!, no less"

"I'm no longer a cripple" Anakin states defiately "or haven't you noticed"

They are circling each other, both with looks of disgust on their faces.......

Anakin loses it....he screams......"You kept me in a prison by keeping me in this suit! You lied to me and said that I had to stay scarred because of my lust for power! You've abused me long enough Emperor!..........your Rule has ended!".........

"You think you can best me? I know more about the Dark Side than you could ever imagine......I did not teach you all there is to know....I knew your arrogance would lead you to think you could over take my reign"

"I don't want your reign, I want to restore peace to the Empire! to the Republic! I want to restore democracy! shouts Anakin........

Laughing at his former apprentice "you are no longer needed Darth Vader, I have a new apprentice" and at that the Emperor raises both of his arms, his crooked, deformed, hands point to Anakin as blue Sith lightening emits from his fingertips..........

Anakin is ready for it this time and deflects it with his light saber............as he is fighting the Emperor he sees Padme's ship depart and is relieved to know she and Leia are safe.........

"R2, set a course for Alderaan, hail all of the alliance and tell them where the Emperor is..........just maybe if we pull together we can end all this" says Padme........ she looks at Planet X as its getting smaller and smaller "be safe my love....bring back our son"

Obi-wan returns to Anakin's side.......Anakin looks at his former Master......."I dont' need you!"

"I beg to differ Anakin" Obi-wan claims as he too starts to deflect the Sith Lightening........."We can take him together!"

With both of their light sabers they are able to return the Sith lightening back into The Emperor, he is thrown backwards at this and for the first time has a look of concern on his face.....he could take Anakin by himself, his emotions would be the end of him, but Obi-wan brought calm and additional strength to the fight......he must not lose, he had Luke, there was no need to kill Anakin at this time....he was no longer a Sith, he had his new apprentice....unwilling as he maybe....but as an infant had no choice...........yes.......he would kill Anakin later.............

The Emperor with Sith speed and skill pulls himself up to a standing position and flees........

Anakin and Obi-wan are shocked and look at each other both can't believe The Emperor is running......they quickly give chase.......

Unable to catch the Sith at that speed, they reach the Imperial Shuttle as it is taking off...........

Anakin breaks down to his knees and shouts "NOOOOOOOOOOO!" as he watches the ship leave "I've failed you Luke................... my son........I'm sorry" He says as he watches in horror as the ship disappears.............

"You haven't failed him Anakin, The Emperor can't turn him into a Sith until Luke is of consenting age" states Obi-wan as he places his hand on Anakin's shoulder......

Anakin full of rage, shoves Obi-wan's hand off his shoulder...."what is that suppose to mean?........ that we have YEARS to find Luke?"

"No".......stammers Obi-wan........."I just meant that he's safe from the dark side for now".........

Anakin stands up, he's still taller than Obi-wan and is even larger than Obi-wan remembers, especially in that suit........"Your no brother of mine Obi-wan, I don't need or want your help"

Obi-wan hangs his head, he understands Anakins hatred towards him..........before the conversation could even continue, Rebel ships start arriving to Planet X.......

"Master Kenobi" shouts a Rebel Commander, "we received an alert that The Emperor was here"...........he's approaching Obi-wan and slows his pace as he see's Anakin........."Is that Lord Vader?" he inquires......

Anakin is shocked................ he almost forgot he was the enemy.....and still wearing the suit........he thinks to fight and moves his hand to his light saber.......

Obi-wan senses what Anakin is planning.....he places his hand on Anakin's and states "no Lord Vader is dead, this is our fallen hero, Anakin Skywalker"........

The troops are is shock and awe......"what?" "how", "he's dead"......all these comments and questions emerging from the crowd of troops that had gathered around them........

"The Emperor captured Anakin over a year ago and with the dark side, controlled him as Lord Vader" continues Obi-wan "The Emperor and Vader were here and we engaged in battle, Vader was taken down and believed dead.........The Emperor fled...........after he fled I saw Vader move and he called my name......... I took the mask off and found what you see here, Anakin Skywalker......safe and sound"..........................

Cheers arose form the crowd of troops......Anakin standd there in disbelief........all that he had done, all the evil washed away with a simple explanation from Obi-wan........it couldn't be..."why?" he asks Obi-wan

Obi-wan smiles and quietly states "I owe you that, my brother, for what I did to you, for the lack of faith I had in you, for failing you"

Anakin is speechless........all the congratulations and slaps on the back........all the happy faces.........could it be true......that easy........the nightmare is over? Vader gone and Anakin Skywalker back? without any questions? No war trials? He wasn't sure.......... he looks at Obi-wan who had stepped back and let Anakin bask in the Lime Light........Anakin is overcome with all the love and compassion he had for his former Master......in an instant he understands all the lessons....how HE failed Obi-wan not the other way around..........that his lack of faith in his master was the beginning of his downfall........he should have gone to Him not Palpatine with his fear of losing Padme.......

Anakin approaches Obi-wan.......tears welling up in his eyes...........he knelt down before him......"If you would allow me General Kenobi........to humbly ask that you forgive my arrogance and betrayal.......... " pleads Anakin

Obi-wan is now the one speechless........he smiles at his Padawan and finally finds his voice "of course my brother", his own eyes start to tear........

"And would you do me the honor and allow me to call you Master again?" asks Anakin.....tears now staining his cheeks..........

"I would like that" states Obi-wan and with that more cheers and praise................

Anakin stands up and shakes Obi-wans hand.........Obi-wan pulls Anakin to him and hugs him tightly.......Anakin whispers "Thank you Master.......I won't fail you again"........... They step back and look at each other smiling....

Anakin doesn't smile long......he looks to where Bail and Breha Organa lay.......the medical droids declaring there was nothing they could do....Obi-wan is mortified........he was upset with Bail and Breha for taking the twins but knew they were good people......a sincere loss to Alderaan, their Queen.......

Reality sinks back in......Anakin states "Master I must go to Padme and my daughter.....we need to organize a plan to get Luke back".........

"I couldn't agree more, Anakin, but you'll not be going alone"............

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chapter 22

Anakin quickly changes into Jedi Robes.......not feeling very comfortable doing so, but glad he was rid of the suit......Obi-wan insists he puts them on and with no time to spare and not wanting to argue, Anakin complies........

Anakin and Obi-wan rush to the tie fighters that were made instantly available to them......

They take off.......

"Master?" asks Anakin, over the com-link.....

"Yes Anakin?" states Obi-wan.......

"Why did you lie? Its against the Jedi Code........you could be dismissed from the Council for it".....Anakin asks.

"Anakin, my brother......alot has changed in the year you've been gone.......and I feel that what I told the alliance is a FORM of the truth...... Palpatine tricked you, manipulated you" insists Obi-wan.

"Yes, but it was MY choice to turn to the Dark Side, MY decisions that killed hundreds" Anakin admits.......

"I know Anakin, I know......" Obi-wan agrees...."What I have done is MY choice and I feel the will of the Force, The Alliance needs you more than ever.....You could help us end this war"..........

"Yes Master, I will try" Anakin states...."I just wish you didn't risk anything for me"......

"Anakin..... a wise Jedi Master once said, there is no try.....only do" Obi-wan states with a smile in his voice......

Anakin smiles....."Yes Master...... I remember"

An awkward silence ensues neither wanting to remember or discuss what Anakin had done as Vader......there would be time later.........hopefully.......

Anakin reaches out with the Force to sense Luke......nothing......"I can't sense my son Obi-wan" Anakin states with fear in his voice.......

"Control your emotions Anakin, and you will feel him" Obi-wan assures.......

Anakin remembering his lessons from Obi-wan and his discussions from Yoda releases his fear............

A flood of light and emotion hit him........he clearly sees his son.........he's quiet.......he's in The Emperor's Headquarters.......he's heavily guarded...... where are they?.......he probes further......Luke feels his father.......looks around with a smile on his face....this feeling is comforting, soothing.....just like he feels with Leia....... but in an instant its gone........the smile is gone from Luke's face.......

"Ahhh!" Anakin screams as he does grabbing his forehead......like a door slamming........ the images and feelings leave him, only a severe pain left in his head.......

"Anakin are you alright?" asks Obi-wan hearing Anakins yell.....

"Yes Master, I did feel him, see him, but I couldn't locate them..... and then it was gone, suddenly and sharply" Anakin states..... he continues to reach his son with no success.....

"Its the Dark Side, it clouds their location" states Obi-wan...."be assured my brother, we WILL find him"

Anakin trying to keep it all together, just nods his head and gazes out into space........he saw him for a brief moment, but recognized him instantly.....his son......with the same blonde hair as him and his blue eyes............and Leia....how beautiful she was! dark hair, beautiful dark eyes just like her mother!

A smile crosses his face as he remembers the short time he saw his children.......he thinks of Padme....my love...........you've been so faithful and strong for me, I don't deserve you.........

He's snapped out of his thoughts......

"We're approaching Alderaan Anakin and you'll be glad to hear your wife and daughter are waiting for you" Obi-wan states with a smile on his face.........

Anakin smiles brightly, some light in this dark time...... he asks Obi-wan......."Master, you'd have me wear Jedi Robes again, but how can I claim to be a Jedi if I married against the Code?...... I still feel powers from the Dark Side ...... I don't know if I can fulfill the duties".......

"Anakin, your still confused and weakened by the dark side......your strength and confidence will come I'm positive....... you ARE a Jedi, Anakin, always have been and always will......you ARE the chosen one and will bring balance to the force, this I am confident.........

Opinions have changed of the code, Master Yoda realized this when Padme gave birth to your children, its the will of the force and no one will stand in its way, Qui-Gon has foreseen it.........

"Qui-gon?" Anakins asks "how?"

"Its a long story my friend..... remind me to tell you another time........ we're here.....go to your family" insists Obi-wan.....

The tie fighters land one after the other...... Anakin can't get out of his ship fast enough..... he sees Padme holding Leia the largest smile on her face, she waves to him and holds Leia's arm and waves it towards him........ he runs to them........

He holds Padme like he never wants to let go........ he finally does and steps back......he looks at Leia.......and kisses her on her forehead.......

Leia intently looks at him, she knows him......he's part of her........she reaches for him and he is shocked and pleased at the same time..... Padme laughs....."she never wants to go to anyone".........

Anakin afraid he will hurt her, looks for guidance from his wife.......she just smiles reassuringly........ he gently takes his daughter into his arms and instantly feels the overwhelming love he has for her...... he's laughing and crying at the same time as Leia's hands touch his cheeks as she examines her father.

Padme starts to cry at the beautiful scene in front of her..... she always dreamt of this....of her Ani returning......loving husband......cherished Father........

They all three leave the hanger, Padme and Anakin arm in arm, Anakin still holding Leia.....

Obi-wan wipes a tear from his face, what he just witnessed was more beautiful than anything he has ever seen......"it IS the will of the Force" he says to no one in particular.......watching them leave he vows to Anakin "we will get your son back my brother..... I promise".

Anakin hears his Master in his mind.....he stops and turns around and smiles at Obi-wan.....his face conveys his acknowledgment and thanks......

Chapter 23

Anakin, Padme and Leia arrive at what's left of the former Alliance Headquarters....... its in disarray..........hardly anyone is there, since the attack by the Empire, they have moved their new base to Hoth..... a distant ice planet.......

They are able to find Padme's quarters, small as it is, they are glad to finally be able to rest.

Leia has fallen asleep on her father's shoulder, Padme takes her and lays her down in a small crib.........

Anakin sits down on the bed and is staring at Padme.........

Padme turns to see her husband staring at her, at which she blushes.......composing her thought she asks"tell me again about Luke"

"when I sensed him, he was content, safe......watched closely by the Imperial Guard......I wasn't able to figure out the location", he stands up......frustrated.... "I was.....am part Sith..... I should be able to find my own son!"

Padme grabs his hand....."you will find him Anakin, I know it"

He looks at her, such love for him, such confidence in him, he knows he doesn't deserve her........"I love you Padme.....you've given me unconditional love that I don't deserve....."

She places her finger on his lips to silence him "stop it.....you don't need to beat yourself up continuously.....I love you Ani.......I always have......I always will....."

He pulls her to him and kisses her deeply........"I've missed you so much Padme" he states in between kisses........

They fall onto the bed both giggling and with a wave of his hand, Anakin has the lights go out..............

Leia Skywalker is standing in her crib....... looking at her mother and her father sleeping soundly, her mother in the arms of her father....... a rumble in her stomach makes it all too clear to her....... time to get up she seems to say as she lets out a loud and sincere cry.......

Anakin not used to this sound jumps clear up and out of bed......still half asleep, ready to fight............he shakes his head, tries to focus his eyes......looks to the crib where the horrible sound is coming from......looks back to Padme who is laughing at her husband and getting up to get her daughter......

Padme still giggling....."Some Jedi Knight you are........your daughter is hungry"

Anakin finally fully awake states "I haven't slept that good for a very long time"

"me too" states Padme......

Anakin goes to his wife and kisses her forehead....."have I told you how much I love you?"

"Um......yes I think you have.....at least a couple of times last night......." she winks at her husband.......

Leia is happy, sitting back in her crib eating the breakfast and drinking the bottle her mother has given her.......

Anakin just stares at his daughter.......

"she's amazing.... Padme......so much like you....."

"She certainly is the boss" states Padme......."a future politician"

"what is Luke like?" Anakin asks.......

A sadness comes over Padme's face.....

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to upset you" Anakin says.....

"No.... I know you don't...... Anakin......... believe it or not, he's you......mischievous, strong....with the same exact eyes as you" she states

Anakin grins..... his children....... a daughter exactly like her mother and a son exactly like his father......

Anakin starts to get dressed....."I need to meet with Obi-wan, first thing.....to see if he has any leads about Luke"

Padme agrees......"I hope he found something....anything..... I miss him so much, Anakin.......I'm so worried........"

"I know my love, I know.....I feel the same" he bends over and kisses Leia on the head.....kisses Padme a little too passionately for a good bye kiss..........he gives her a wicked smile........she slaps his chest playfully..........she's all flustered and red in the face as she watches her husband leave to find Obi-wan.......

"Patience Anakin.....patience.......its barely been 10 hours since we arrived here.......everyone is working on finding Luke, I promise" Obi-wan states as he places his hand on Anakin's shoulder.......

Anakin's voice is trembling as he tells Obi-wan "Master..... I can't begin to explain to you how I feel.......its even worse than I felt when I thought Padme would die in child birth...... I feel helpless..... useless......I don't know what I will do if harm comes to him"

"your attachment to your family is good Anakin" states Obi-wan.......

"what?" asks Anakin...... confusion written on his face......

Obi-wan explains "Yoda has taught me that attachment, love, makes the force stronger.......you just need to use it right"

"I don't understand" says Anakin.......

"your love for your family strengthens the force"........."you just can not fear loosing them........you have to trust the force......even in death...... it is the will of the force, anger and fear lead to the dark side........"

"I don't know Master......it's been a weak spot for me" Anakin admits......

"I know Anakin.......you will work through this" Obi-wan states......."Now let me show you our make shift control room" he motions Anakin to follow him, which he does........

They arrive at a small room, three people are sitting down at computers communicating, tracking and planning........."General Kenobi......we've got a lead" the soldier yells......

Anakin beats Obi-wan to the soldier........"what is it?" Anakin asks very loudly......

"It seems the Empire has a mole....... a Sargent by the name of Connic has contacted us and given us coordinates to their location.....and the location of your son"

Anakin is ecstatic......"Yes!......thank you Kister!......I knew I could count on you!"

"Someone you know?" Obi-wan inquires........

Anakin smiling....."yes an old friend from Tatoonie"......his smiles fades as he asks "when can we leave?"

"hold on, Anakin, hold on......we must get with the Commander and devise a plan.......we can't afford to let The Emperor escape this time...... we need to destroy the Sith, once and for all"

"and find my son" Anakin interjects........

"Of course my brother..... that's first and foremost" Obi-wan reassures

Anakin and Obi-wan meet with the Commander of the Alliance for over 3 hours.....going over every detail of their plan......then all three briefed the troops...........they would be leaving in an hour..... which Anakin insisted on, not wanting to waste any precious time.........

Anakin runs back to Padme's quarters.....he quickly sums up the plan for her......

"Its wonderful that Kister came through for you Anakin" she says.....

"for us" he insists......

"Do you think it could be a trap?" she asks.......

Anakin stops for a moment, "I don't think so.....Kister has proven his loyalty to me, time and time again"

Padme rushes into her husband arms "Please be careful Anakin......"

"I will my love.......the next time I see you, I will have our son with me" he states proudly.........he quickly kisses her goodbye......

Padme tries to smile and she watches her husband rush out the door.......... she looks over to Leia, who hasn't been herself.... she's so sad......."don't worry Leia......your father will bring your brother back to us...... I know it"

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chap 24

Padme is holding Leia as she follows the caskets of her beloved friends Bail and Breha Organa...... tears stain her face. It is a beautiful, large funeral fitting the Queen.

Emotionally exhausted Padme heads back to her quarters..... Leia is quite and hardly eats any of her dinner...... she looks at the crib periodically, Padme see this.... she knows how close the twins are and now with Luke gone.....Leia is missing him. She prays Leia will be okay.....and prays Luke will be home soon.

Anakin and Obi-wan are ahead of the Alliance...... they see the Death Star..... menacing.... still under construction.......

Obi-wan is shocked at the massive size of it...... "OH MY....."

"Yes meet the Empire's weapon of destruction...... when fully operational it will be able to destroy a planet in the blink of an eye" Anakin states

They feel the tractor beam lock onto their ships......

"Here we go.... just as planned" Obi-wan states.......

Anakin doesn't respond..... he senses Luke....he's crying.... The Emperor is with him......trying to show Luke the Dark Side........ Luke is an innocent, has no idea what's going on, just that he doesn't like it, it doesn't feel right and he won't have it.......items across the room are flying here and there, Luke suddenly stops, he senses his father....he feels good and safe..... The Emperor also stops at the same time sensing the disturbance......

"Guards!.......watch the boy.....don't let anyone other than myself near him! snaps The Emperor.......

Anakin and Obi-wan's ships land and they are greeted by hundreds of storm troopers..........

"What are you up to my former apprentice?" sneers The Emperor from the observation deck above them.......

Obi-wan and Anakin look up at the Emperor......

"I've come for my son" Anakin states.......

"Do you really think someone could send a message to Alderaan and I wouldn't find out about it?" asks The Emperor..."Do you really think I will let you have him?"

Anakin thinks of Kister......he looks at Obi-wan and states in a low voice "I have a bad feeling about this, Master".......

Obi-wan looks at his brother....."just keep to the plan, and keep your emotions under control"

"Yes Master" Anakin states, as they are talking the storm troopers have confiscated their light sabers and cuffed their wrists.........they are being led away from each other in different directions.......

Anakin fights some and turns to his master "May the Force be with You!, my Master"

Obi-wan turns, but is pushed forward..... .he yells "May the Force be with you!" which Anakin faintly hears........

Anakin is walking and still senses Luke..... the feeling is getting stronger, he must be close by.......his thoughts are disrupted as he's thrown into a special cell, he knows of this cell, Jedi Proof, is what he used to call them..... great my own invention comes back to haunt me.....

Anakin sits on the cold hard floor and hears a moan in the corner......the cell is pitch black......he waits till his eyes adjust to the total darkness, which really doesn't help....... still not seeing anything, he moves to where he heard the sound.......the far corner of the cell.....feeling with his hands as he goes......

He finds a body.... a man.......this man is dying.... he senses.....Anakin can feel his life force fading.........

"Anakin?" Kister whispers......

"Kister?" Anakin is shocked, he pulls Kister's body out from the corner. Anakin places Kister's head on his lap. "I'm so sorry my old friend" Anakin states, his emotions running wild.........

"Your son is here" Kister manages to say......

"I know, Kister, we received your transmission" Anakin states

"I..... I was forced to send it Anakin, I'm.......s....s....s.....sorry"

"Kister, I need you more than ever, you need to hold on, fight for me old friend" Anakin insists.......tears welling up in his eyes......

"I'll try Anakin, I'll try".....Kister whispers..... all the talking has worn him out, he slips back in unconsciousness, Anakin checks him continually........

Anakin is at a loss.......all this death.......and at my hands or because of me.........when will it stop......he realizes he's being very emotional and hears his master in his head..... control your emotions my brother......

Anakin sits there with Kisters head in his lap..... he places his hands on Kister's chest......he closes his eyes and meditates for a very long time.......

He's jolted out of his meditation as he hears Luke cry...... he looks frantically all around the cell, but no one is there but him and Kister.....

Kister suddenly sits up "I heard it too" he says......

Anakin is shocked to see how well Kister is......

"Anakin, what did you do to me?" asks Kister.... "I feel so much better..... I still have my wounds, but its like I'm healed on the inside?"

Anakin is dumb founded..... "I just placed my hands on your chest, to make sure you were breathing, then I started to meditate......."

"Well whatever you did, it worked" grins Kister......

"I don't know how....." Anakin is thinking so hard, he wonders what has happened..... Kister was on the brink of death, now he's just a little sore and raring to go.......

Going back to the initial conversation... Anakin asks "did you hear a baby cry?"

"Yes" Kister replies.......

"Do you think it was Luke?" Anakin asks.....

"I think the Emperor is playing with you, is what I think" states Kister.......

"Yeah, your probably right" Anakin says with his head down......

"How the hell are we going to get out of here?" asks Kister....

"That's going to be difficult" Anakin replies.....

"Well your the Jedi, you figure it out......" teases Kister.....

"That's the problem, I had this cell built, its basically "Jedi Proof" says Anakin.....

"Oh great, that's all I needed to hear" Kister says "but if you designed it, there has to be some flaw you know of"

"Nope"

"Your kidding right?" asks Kister

"Nope"

"There has to be a way out" insists Kister....

"Nope"

"ENOUGH with the nopes already!" yells Kister.....

Anakin just smiles.....

"I see that grin old friend and its not helping matters, I want to get out of here, before I get another beating" states Kister

"We'll have to plan our escape when they come to get us out of this cell" states Anakin

"Now why would they want to take us from this cell, other than to kill us?" asks Kister......

"I'm not sure, but I sense The Emperor's pride will demand my presence, he wants to kill me himself.....that will be our chance" states Anakin......

"Our chance?, um......... Anakin remember I'm no Jedi" Kister says

"Well you can play dead in the corner if you want and I'll go, I promise I'd come back for you" states Anakin......

"I know you wouldn't let me down" Kister says "hell you just saved my life, but if I can, I want to go with you"

Anakin smiles again............

Chap 25

Obi-wan is exhausted..... he cannot find a way out of his cell, its unbelievable... and for some reason, he can't sense anyone in the force...... he hopes Anakin is alright........

"Bring me Vader" orders The Emperor.....he is holding Luke who is crying again, he hates this man..... "by now he should be a weak, emotional, mess, watching his friend die" he looks at Luke "it should be very easy to kill your father this time"

Anakin hears footsteps "get in the corner Kister" he demands.....

Kister complies..........

The storm troopers are at the door of the cell and Anakin prepares himself..........he practically becomes one with the wall right next to the door.......

The door opens, Anakin waits till the trooper is through the doorway, he quickly reaches for the troopers blaster and is successful..... the other trooper anticipating this goes to fire at Anakin...but is surprised by Kister who grabs his blaster.....

The two of them skillfully and quickly kill the remaining storm troopers, they never knew what hit them.........

"We must find Obi-wan" Anakin states.....

Kister nods his head in the direction of the other cell..... Anakin follows.....

They get to the cell and Anakin blasts the door..... it opens

"Funny its Jedi Proof from the inside, not out" Anakin smirks.....

Obi-wan is shocked as he goes to attack his intruder, but suddenly stops when he recognizes the voice...."Anakin?"

He slowly sees the form of his brother, the unmistakable shoulders, the hair and then that grin.....

"Hello Master, NOW its 10 times I've saved your hide" Anakin states......

"Fine, fine.... 10 it is...." Obi-wan smiles at Anakin, he then looks to Kister...."I'm glad your alright Kister, we were worried about you"

"I'm alright thanks to Anakin" he quickly states as he's looking around..... he then hands Obi-wan a blaster.... "come on, we can't stay here much longer, I know a secret way to The Emperors headquarters"

Anakin and Obi-wan look at each other and say simultaneously "we need to deactivate the force field first" Kister nods and they quickly follow Kister.......

They are in the oxygen vent..... which is large enough for Anakin to stand in..... since it has to provide such hugh amounts of oxygen to the Death Star......

Kister is checking for storm troopers..... as Obi-wan looks at Anakin..... "We must get our light sabers.... I can't use this uncivilized thing" he states as he shakes his blaster at Anakin.....

"That's where I'm taking you" Kister whispers..."to get your tools of your trade"

Without a problem they retrieve their light sabers, which were on display in The Emperor's quarters.......

Being in the quarters again, brings back bad memories for Anakin, all the demeaning lectures.... all the lies.......all the evil.... Anakin just can't help himself, he quickly trashes the room with his light saber.....all the Emperor's collections ruined, his books slashed, his bed cut into pieces........Obi-wan shakes his head "feel better?"

"Much, thank you" Anakin grins at his Master.......

"Come on, we don't have time for this" Kister demands..... in no time they are back in the oxygen vent heading for the main control room of the death star.......

"Guards! whats taking so long?, they should be here with Vader by now" yells The Emperor....... he has meanwhile put Luke down into a crib designed like a cage.... there is no way Luke could get out, no matter how he tried......

The Emperor stops...."Something is wrong, General increase the security at the main doors" he stands perfectly still.... as he tries to figure out what is amiss.........

Anakin stops too..... he senses Luke...... he's alright!....thank goodness...... he's in a cage? "he's heavily guarded Master" Anakins face shows all his concern and worry for his child.....

Obi-wan and Kister are walking back to their friend after they heard his comment.....Obi-wan states "we planned on him being heavily guarded Anakin.....we must proceed with the plan.... keep your emotions in check..... he will be alright"

"Yes Master" Anakin states, not really believing it......he shakes his head as if trying to shake away his uncomfortable thoughts......then they continue to the control room.......

They arrive at the control room and soon a battle ensues..... there are hundreds of blaster shots..... but Anakin and Obi-wan easily deflect them with their light sabers.... Kister is also fairing very well...... his fellow troopers are shocked to see their Sargent shooting at them, and he uses this surprise in his favor.... by the time they realize he is now their enemy, they are dead where they stood.......

Kister gets to the control panel and shuts down the force field..... now with nothing blocking their message, Obi-wan notifies the Alliance to attack.......

"They should be here any minute" Obi-wan states to Anakin and Kister....."we'll use the distraction of the attack to get Luke"

"It won't be that easy" Anakin states...."The Emperor wants me.... I still think I should be the bait"

"Anakin, we went over this numerous times...... let's stick to the plan" insists Obi-wan......

Anakin nods his head..... he senses The Emperor.... he knows what has to be done..... he has to sacrifice himself for Luke, its the only way......he is part Sith and to end the reign he must kill The Emperor and himself for peace to be restored to the Galaxy......a final end to the Sith.......

"Anakin?, are you ready?" asks Obi-wan a look of concern on his face...... he can't read what Anakin is up to, but knows its something other than the plan......

He nods his head again and all three head for the Emperor's Headquarters.......

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chap 26

They quickly arrive near the headquarters and await for the attack. They don't have to wait long, within minutes they hear the battle start.......

The guards at the main door are confused and don't know what to do.....some stick to their ground, others run to assist in the battle.... The air hangers have been over run with rebels........

The Emperor is furious..... "They must have escaped and deactivated the shields" he quickly fumbles with the lock to the makeshift crib and grabs Luke......"Let's go see if we can find your father"

Anakin, Obi-wan and Kister, attack the remaining guards......it is not much of a fight......half the guards run when they see the two jedi.... the others fight to no avail.....their dead bodies cover the floor......

The main doors suddenly open and standing there is The Emperor holding Luke.....

"Well, well......what have we here?" The Emperor hisses......... as he looks at Obi-wan and Anakin....Kister is behind them and when the Emperor sees his face, he's shocked...."How did you survive traitor?" he asks Kister...... "You were left for dead"

"Anakin healed me" he says with his head held high.......

"Interesting, very interesting....... well Lord Vader......you've discovered on your own the way to prevent death.....very interesting indeed......The Emperor states..... Luke is squirming and reaching for his father......

Instinctively Anakin reaches for his son, but the Emperor just backs up......Anakin looks at The Emperor...."My name is Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight........" at hearing this the Emperor just laughs......

"There can be no winners here today Lord Vader , if we fight, your son could be killed......and I know you don't want that......"

"Give me my son and I'll spare you your life" Anakin states loudly to The Emperor......

Cackling loudly..... The Emperor stops...... his face is like stone and he is thinking, trying to sense what the dark side is telling him........Lord Vader is stronger than before, an image of his old self. He has mastered the way to manipulate the midiclorions, he could be of important use to me now..... and I would not have to wait till this boy grows up and is of consenting age......... yes this is a better plan, a better change of events.

The battle continues and the Rebels are winning...... many storm troopers surrender....... many die........

"give up Emperor, you've lost...... The Empire will be no more and the Alliance shall again reinstate Democracy" insists Obi-wan........

"Don't talk to me Jedi, it seems I have the bargaining chip" The Emperor snarls as he shakes Luke........

Calm and cool The Emperor looks at Anakin "Lord Vader...... have your friends leave us and you and I will discuss the release of your son......."

Anakin contemplates this...... he knew this was coming....."Give my son to Obi-wan and I'll stay here with you"

"Anakin no!" Obi-wan yells........

"I have your word that you will not try to kill me?" asks the Emperor

"Yes, I give you my word as a Jedi" Anakin states.........."I will not try to kill you"

"You will be at my side once again Lord Vader, it is your destiny......." The Emperor states......."If you rule with me, your family will be spared and kept safe......."

"Fine.....give him to me" Anakin demands....... The Emperor hands Luke to Anakin, and even in this terrible situation, Anakin can't help but smile at his son...... he sees his own eyes looking back at him........

The Emperor quickly takes a large leap backwards into the headquarters and is ready to battle Kister or Obi-wan if they try.........his arms raised, fingers pointing at them.........

Anakin hands Luke to Obi-wan.......Luke starts to cry....... Anakin places his hand on Luke's forehead and this instantly calms his son......

Obi-wan is distraught "You can't stay here....you and I need to fight him together"

"I'll be fine Master, I know what I'm doing, get my son to safety, that's whats important now" Anakin states as he starts to walk into the quarters.

Kister doesn't want to leave his friend.....but has a deep confidence in Anakin, he has to know what he's doing........

Kister grabs Obi-wan's arm....."Let's get the boy to safety.......then in a whisper.....we can always come back for Anakin......."

Obi-wan looks at Luke and holds him closer......he rubs Luke's back......"Fine......I will come back for you Anakin, I promise"

Anakin turns and looks at his Master......he has a arrogant look on his face as if he's saying, your not going to need to.....he grins...... and then disappears from Obi-wans sight.......

"What is he up to?" Obi-wan wonders out loud.......he quickly follows Kister to the Air Hanger.......

The battle in the hanger is over....... rebel troops are there and have control........the battle in space is also over as a captain reports to Obi-wan "General, we have the remaining troopers on the run...... they are scattering all through the death star, it shouldn't take long to flush them all out"

"Good, Captain, very good......." Obi-wan looks at Kister....."You need to take Luke back to Alderaan"

"But" Kister tries to say........

Obi-wan puts up his hand to stop him "you are the only one Anakin would trust with his son, I need to stay here and help him"

Kister knows this is true....Obi-wan is the Jedi Master.....he was a mere soldier....."Yes General......." Kister takes Luke......

"Captain, arrange a ship to Alderaan immediatly" Obi-wan orders....

"Yes General! right away"

Obi-wan goes to leave....... Kister grabs his arm......."take care of Anakin, General, he saved my life"

Obi-wan smiles at Kister......"I will Kister..... now take Luke to his mother"

and as quickly as he said that to Kister, he turned and was running full speed to assist his brother........

Chap 27

Anakin senses that his son is off the death star and on his way to his mother...... he also senses Obi-wan arriving fast.......

Obi-wan arrives at the headquarters to find the room empty..... he wonders....where did they go? He uses the force to tries to sense Anakin..... but something is blocking him...... and that something is Anakin....."what are you doing?" he says out loud to no one.

Anakin and The Emperor are walking side by side...... Anakin senses The Emperor's dark thoughts..... his plan is to convert him again and use his power to manipulate the midi-chlorians. At least Luke is safe for now, as is Padme and Leia......

"Lord Vader, we must leave here and go hide, then we can re organize our remaining troops and plan a counter attack" The Emperor states matter of factly.

"Your forgetting one thing Emperor, I'm no longer Lord Vader" Anakin states and stops walking to look at The Emperor.....

"You will always be Lord Vader, do you think you can just decide one day to no longer be a Sith?, it runs in your blood, it is your destiny"

"My destiny is to bring balance to the force" Anakin states.....

"Do you really believe that?, all the power of the Dark Side at your finger tips, and your worried about bringing balance to the Force?" The Emperor laughs at the end of his statement.

"The dark side has power, but it twists your mind, it consumes you...... there's no room for love or compassion...... I love my family...... and..................." Anakin is cut off.....

"What can their love bring you? nothing but sorrow, they will disappoint you, hurt you" snarls The Emperor....

Anakin has his hand on his light saber at this point, they are still standing in a hallway facing each other..... Obi-wan is slowly catching up on them and he doesn't even know it.......

"Ahhhhh yes..... Lord Vader...... you want to kill me don't you" asks The Emperor........."but you made a promise"

"You belong to me, no matter how you fight it..... you ARE a Sith!"

Anakin ignites his light saber....."I might be a Sith, but I am also a Jedi!"

The Emperor is shocked and steps back......"You can't kill me Lord Vader, to kill me, is to kill you"........

"It is something I'm willing to do, to end your reign" Anakin states, his face stone cold.........

"But then what of your precious family?.....they will be all alone?" The Emperor states mockingly.

"They will be safe.........that is what's important" Anakin snaps back.......

Meanwhile Obi-wan has come upon the two Sith arguing in the hall....... Anakin is so wrapped up with the conversation with The Emperor that he doesn't sense Obi-wan and the same for The Emperor, he has no clue that they are being watched......

Obi-wan is watching the stand off..... Anakin standing there with his light saber and The Emperor with his hands raised and fingers coiled, ready to emit sith lighting.......

"Hello There" Obi-wan states as he pops out from behind the pillar he was hiding behind.......

Surprised and caught off guard, The Emperor moves his arms in the direction of Obi-wan, sith lighting strikes Obi-wan before he could grab his light saber.......

Screaming in pain Obi-wan has a look of total shock and dismay, how did this happen?

Anakin screams No! and goes to strike The Emperor, he simply moves one arm towards Anakin and throws sith lighting at him.....

Anakin having his light saber drawn is ready for the attack, but he is distraught and trying to keep his emotions in control as he watches his Master writhing on the floor in pain........

"Stop it, you'll kill him" Anakin screams.........his emotions getting the best of him, his thoughts run wild on what to do.......

Palpatine stops the lightening from both arms..........his face makes an expression, that mocks how Anakin is feeling.....

"Oh you want me to spare his life?, at what price Lord Vader?..... will you pledge yourself to me again? To save someone you love?" asks The Emperor, a sinister grin on his face.........

Obi-wan can't move, he's wounded pretty bad.... he thinks only for Anakin to save himself...... he draws on the force to relay this to Anakin.... but Anakin is not open to the force at the moment.......

Anakin's eyebrows come together....... his face shows an anger The Emperor has never seen before.....

"Goooooood, I can feel your anger, it makes you more powerful than before, feed on it, use it........" The Emperor sneers.......

Thoughts flash through Anakins mind........Mace falling to his death...... hundreds of Jedi ambushed and murdered........Padme not dying..... trapped in the black suit....... lies....... evil....... anger......... POWER!..........

But at what cost?......... he could give in to this and be stronger than before.......enough to kill the Emperor.................but he knows if he continues this way, he would never come back, the evil would consume him as it almost did......he would be lost forever to the Dark Side...........A Sith...... a Jedi no more.....

"Come, come Lord Vader......you have a choice........join me once again and save your Master.........or let him die as he left you"......The Emperor states impatiently.

Anakin looks at his Master...... Obi-wan's face pleads with him not to do it......"My time has come Anakin....... you are The Chosen One.....you need to bring balance to the force......don't make the same mistake twice, this is the will of the force..... the way it has to be".......

The Emperor cackles at Obi-wan's comment...... "You could try to live as a Jedi.....try to live a happy, pathetic life......but your guilt and anger would always haunt you for not saving your master......... it would be a life incomplete, powerless.....and I would always be lurking in the shadows, waiting for you, you cannot kill me Lord Vader I am too powerful, by my side ruling the Galaxy is your destiny, I have foreseen it............The Emperor states.......

Anakins face turns even darker, his eyes taking on a yellow hue of the Sith.........he hates The Emperor, hates him for everything he has done, hates him with every fiber in his being..........

"Anakin! Don't" shouts Obi-wan his strength still slipping away......

The Emperor laughs loudly "It's too late..... he is mine!, Lord Vader bow before me and pledge your loyalty!"

Anakin looks to Obi-wan for a mere second.......... his face softens for a moment and he seems to say I'm sorry....... he quickly looks back to The Emperor all the evil and hatred in his eyes.....

"MY NAME IS ANAKIN SKYWALKER......... HUSBAND..... FATHER...... BROTHER"..........................................he raises his arms towards The Emperor.............."JEDI!" and with the last remark throws lightening out from his finger tips and assaults The Emperor........

The Emperor is perplexed......he wasn't expecting to be attacked.......Lord Vader promised.........plus where is this power coming from?...................He raises his own arms and tries to defend himself but is weaker than his former apprentice...........

Obi-wan is amazed and is squinting his eyes and trying to protect them with his hand as he watches what is unfolding in front of him......he doesn't want Anakin to go down the Dark Path again just to kill the Emperor.........."Anakin.....no!"

The Emperor pleads "You promised not to kill me........" failing more and more he continues his pleas "You will be a Sith with no turning back if you kill me, you will forget the ones you love.... you will be consumed by the Dark Side" he is on his knees now..........

Anakin stops..........he takes a deep breath in, closes his eyes..............

The Emperor goes to stand up...... Anakin's eyes fly open...... they are the brilliant blue he was born with......."I promised not to TRY and kill you" he states with a sly grin......

"A wise Jedi Master once told me Emperor.......there is no TRY, only do or do not....."

Anakin moves closer to The Emperor, he is looking down at him with disgust on his face........"I will not try to kill you, I WILL!"

The Emperor screams and cowers as Anakin uses the lightening again, pointing his fingers to the chest of the Emperor, it doesn't take long.........with a final scream from The Emperor there is a huge explosion of light, so powerful that it pushes Anakin and Obi-wan far away from the site of the kill.......

Anakin is thrown on his back and is dazed............he sits up and is in shock....... he shakes his head trying to gather his thoughts...........is it over? Did I do it? A sudden peace and calm comes over him from the force and he knows he has fulfilled the prophecy.......he smiles......

"Obi-wan!, its over!" he shouts as he gets up and runs towards his master..........he's almost at his Master's side when he suddenly stops...........somethings not right........."Master?"

Nothing.......Anakin falls to his knees in front of his Master.......he feels nothing, no life force...... he's gone.........he must not have been strong enough to withstand the light blast that killed The Emperor..... he was so wounded.......

"NO! MASTER, NO! PLEASE!, I NEED YOU" Anakin sobs.......he lays his head on his master's body and cries........

[PadmeSkywalker]

Chap 28

Anakin gathers his senses......he calms his thoughts and emotions.........he places his hands on Obi-wan's chest and starts to meditate, hoping that what he did for Kister would happen again..........still trying to gather control and understanding over all his new powers.....

Suddenly he hears Qui-Gon...."Anakin, you must not interfere with the will of the Force....."

Anakin stops meditating "Qui-Gon?"

"Death is a natural occurrence, you must accept this" Qui-Gon states..... as he is talking a ghostly figure of him appears in front of Anakin......

"No! I can't, how can I determine who I can heal and who I cannot?" Anakin pleads........

"It will come in time Anakin, you are The Chosen One, all things will come into perspective" Qui-Gon assures........

Anakin is grief stricken...."I need him!.......I still have such emotions, un befitting of a Jedi..........he's part of me".....

"I will always be with you my brother" Obi-wan's force ghost appears before him....."I will never leave you Anakin, I love you"..........

Anakin is awe struck....... "Obi-wan" he whispers.......... he looks to Obi-wan's body and it is gone, only his clothes and his light saber remain............

Seeing his Master brings a momentary calm over Anakin....."I failed you Master.......I'm sorry".............all his emotions racking his body.....he fights for control over them......love.....loss.......

"I thought Jedi were forbidden to Love?" Anakin manages to ask in between his tears.........

Obi-wan and Qui-Gon look at each other........with a knowing smile.......

Qui-Gon states "There were alot of things wrong with the Jedi Code.......I knew some when I lived and I rebelled against them...... in my death and becoming one with The Force, I've come to realize this and provided Yoda and Obi-wan with these discoveries"............

Obi-wan continues........"you've proven how Love can only assist a Jedi, Yoda told me that attachment, love make the force strong, I understand that now fully!"

Obi-wan is smiling at his brother, excited in what he's telling him............."Look at how strong we were together when we fought...... look at how your love for Padme and hers for you brought you back to the Force, you never fully committed your self to the dark side because of that love.............only the fear of Padme dying and giving into that fear lead you to the dark side, as you've shown us when you became Lord Vader"

Anakin is listening intently, as he's listening, he periodically looks at the empty clothes of Obi-wan and then to his force ghost...... still trying to make sense of it all........

"All that has happened to you Anakin was the will of the Force..... all that you've learned, you will use to rewrite the Code and renew the Jedi Order".........Qui-Gon states.......

"I think I understand" Anakin says as he stands up, composing himself, "No one is truly ever gone, in death they become one with The Force"

Obi-wan smiles even bigger as he nods at his brother.............

Anakin continues........"I'm sure in time I will understand my place, understand my powers, understand all that has happened has reasons........................ but my guilt still remains"............

Qui-Gon now smiles......"In time you will accept what has happened and learn to forgive yourself as we have, Anakin, as Yoda has"...........

Anakin is standing before the two most important men in his life..... he takes in a very deep breath and closes his eyes........he sees the near future, just pieces quickly present in his mind........he sees his love, Padme smiling at him, holding him........he sees his children, happy, playing with Kister........ he sees the Jedi Temple restored, Yoda at his side training new Padawans, their parents lovingly a part of their training.....

He opens his eyes........looks at Obi-wan and Qui-Gon and smiles.........."thank you both for everything" he states.......

"No........Thank You Anakin!................ YOU have brought peace and balance to the Force, YOU fulfilled the prophecy" Qui-Gon states.........

Suddenly Anakin is thrown off balance, he hears explosions throughout the Death Star........he looks at Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon.......

"It seems our rebel friends have enthusiastically over done their planned destruction of this evil ship......you must leave quickly Anakin.......and remember I'll always be with you"......Obi-wan states

Anakin hears what Obi-wan is saying but at the same time realizes it on his own, the Force tells him so.

Obi-wan and Qui-Gon disappear, as Anakin quickly picks up Obi-wan's light saber and runs for the hanger.........

The hanger is in total disarray from the battle and no one is present........Anakin quickly scans for an operational ship......he miraculously finds a Jedi Star fighter which he senses will work, although it looks like it was left for junk.......

He starts the ship and quickly leaves the Death Star......

He is merely out of the Death Star when it erupts in a bright fiery red explosion.........

"That was close....." Anakin says to himself....... he sets his coordinates for Alderaan and eagerly anticipates his homecoming.

Chap 29

Anakin com links to Alderaan and was lucky to reach Kister personally, he was so glad to see his old friend, knowing that his son was safe......"I'm on my way home Kister, how is my family?" he asks.......

Kister is grinning from ear to ear, he is overcome with joy.....like the entire Empire..... or soon to be Republic again.... he has heard that the Emperor is dead and any remaining loyalists to the Emperor on either in custody or on the run......."They are wonderful my Friend!" he exclaims........ "They are eagerly awaiting your return!"

Anakin smiles at this......how much have things changed? There will be peace again and a New Republic....... there will be a new Jedi Order that he will help establish..... and best of all, he will be whole again with his wife and children.....no more hiding.....The New Jedi Order will welcome families, love and attachment........it was all too good to be true.......

Anakin shakes his head as to shake any insecure thoughts from his mind.....it is TRUE.... there is peace and balance to The Force and he did it..........."Great, I should be there soon.... thank you Kister for bringing my son home safe" he adds......

"Anytime my friend, hurry home" Kister states and then the com-link ends..........

Anakin arrives on Alderaan and is astounded by his greeting...... there are thousands of people in the main square, he quickly scans the crowd....... he soon sees what he is looking for......

There standing with Luke is Padme, her hair down like he loves it......framing her beautiful smiling face.....she's wearing a gown of golden hue, similar to ones she wore when he first met her......... Luke sees his father and giggles...........

Kister is there holding Leia, who is looking intently at her father with the biggest brown eyes he has ever seen......she smiles........

Anakin runs to his family and hugs Padme...... he doesn't ever want to let go........ Luke who doesn't want to be forgotten..... pats his father on the shoulder as if saying...hello? remember me?.......

Anakin laughs as he lets go of Padme and grabs his son....... they look into each others eyes and an instant connection is made between father and son.....The Force runs strong in the Skywalker men and Anakin is finally aware of how strong Luke really is........

Leia babbles and reaches for her father..... she doesn't want to be left out.........hey.... me too! she seems to say with her eyes......

Anakin reaches for Leia..... he stands there holding his twins, he's never been happier in his life......

Padme is crying, this is what she's dreamed of ever since the twins were born..... they are all together, a family.........

Anakin looks at his wife, tears spilling from his own eyes......he knows at this moment that their life will be good, happy but especially long.........he leans in and kisses her, her arms go around his head.........

Joyous, louder, cheers erupt from the crowd that has never stopped cheering, Anakin didn't think they could get any louder......

He's laughing and smiling at his wife and children...... when suddenly a hush comes over the crowd......

The crowd starts to separate and mumbles are heard throughout......

A small green figure emerges, walking slow with his crooked cane........ he takes his time walking up to them.... Anakin hands his children back to Padme and Kister........

The height difference between Anakin and Yoda is great...... Anakin is speechless as he looks down at the last Jedi Master....... he kneels down to Yoda and bows his head............

Yoda takes his hand to Anakins chin and raises his head.......they stare at each other ....."It is I who should bow before you" he finally states..........."The Chosen One you are, Peace you have brought"

Anakin smiles at Yoda........he feels what Yoda feels, peace, restoration, happiness.........

Yoda turns to address the crowd......."Bow all must we to Anakin Skywalker, Master Jedi..........The Chosen One who has brought Peace to our New Republic! "

Anakin stands as the crowd bows.....Anakin notices that Yoda called him a Master, he feels he does not deserve this gratitude, after all he has done as Vader.....

Yoda senses this......"forgive yourself in time you will, as has everyone" he says looking up at Anakin...... Padme nodding her head in agreement at hearing this........

Anakin smiles.....he hears the crowd saying.......Master Skywalker, our hero.......The Chosen One, has brought peace to our Galaxy......Anakin Skywalker......our Salvation.....

Anakin knows his own peace will eventually come....... but for now he is happy with the peace surrounding him..... He reaches for Padme and she quickly comes to him........they are handed Luke and Leia and they all are smiling at the crowd who again have started to cheer and celebrate.........

Something at the corner of his eye grabs Anakins attention...... he looks to his left and sees Obi-wan, Qui-Gon and Mace's force ghosts.....behind them are the other Jedi ghosts that periled under The Emperor.........

Anakin smiles at them..... Yoda sees them also.......

Anakin sees that all the Jedi Masters are smiling at him, proud of him........he knows in that exact moment what it really means to be The Chosen One.........

The ghosts start to fade, waving their goodbyes as they leave.... until only one is left....... Obi-wan.......

Anakin looks at his Master, tears flowing down his face....... Obi-wan smiles at his former Padawan........

"I love you Master" he stammers out "I will miss you my brother"

Obi-wan nods his head to Anakin in agreement of the sentiment........Anakin hears in his head........"The Force will always be with you Anakin, as will I"....................Obi-wan says just before he fades away.........

Padme hears Anakin and looks to where he was talking, she sees nothing...... she puts her arm around him and he looks at her.......

"Are you alright?" she asks..............

Anakin smiles at his beloved, bends down and kisses her ever so gently and lovingly.......he kisses Luke, then Leia on their foreheads..... "I am now" he says........Padme smiles

Luke and Leia Skywalker look up at their father, who is smiling at them.............they have never seen such calming, loving, beautiful eyes........... they sense their father's love for them, sense the peace within the Force, but mostly they sense the perfect happiness that surrounds their now complete family..........

Never being happier......the twins show their happiness with coos and babbles of glee, their legs and arms moving about with celebration.....Anakin and Padme can not help but laugh at their children.........again they look at each other..... their eyes saying it all, all the love, all the passion they share....... they kiss.....

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

We fade away from the kiss and celebration to a time in the near future.......history was made that day.......stories still told of that special day..... but one story stands out......a story of complete and unconditional love........ a story of hope for all of us.........

People later would say in that story........... that the kiss Master Anakin Skywalker and his wife Padme shared in the square that day.................was the greatest, most powerful kiss any two people have ever shared...........


The End
.............