Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in that has become known as the Forever Destined series, a universe where things did not go so horribly wrong for Anakin and Padme.
AN: Here's part 10! Thanks for all the great reviews! Enjoy and let me know what you think!
Part 10/?
Qui-Gon waited somberly on the dock, as the ferry slowly made its way there with the people he was waiting for. It had been just a little over twenty-four hours since they had arrived home at Varykino and since the death of his father. He regrettably had to tell his mother the devastating news over the holocom, for the people of Naboo and the galaxy had demanded to know what had happened to the massive Sith space station that had suddenly just disappeared. So, Anakin had taken Padme into Theed this morning to make a statement to the galaxy and announce the tragic death of the patriarch of their family. They had then received the ship from Coruscant that carried Elana, Sola, Ryoo, Lando, Will, The Windu family, Luminara, and Master Yoda. Pooja and Adam were also on the ferry, for as Queen, she had announced she would take a short leave of bereavement to be with her family. Now that they would all be together, the reading of Yan's final Will and Testament would be read to them by Luminara this evening after evening meal in Yan's honor. After his final wishes were read, they would commence with a funeral pyre the following day. Then later, they would honor him again on Serenno, after his successor, whom would be announced to them during the reading of his final wishes, was revealed to the people of Serenno.
Padme's address to the galaxy had been a fierce denouncement toward the Sith and all those who associate with them, once again proving what an incredible speaker she was. She had then honored and praised their fallen loved one. The Holonet was playing her speech over and over again, a buzz with everything they had just learned.
"Just a few hours ago, a large space station appeared in Naboo space, frightening many people. It was indeed a sinister object, as many suspected, and constructed at the orders of the Sith Lord known simply as Iceheart or Ysanne Isard. I am here to assure everyone that this massive, deadly space station has been destroyed. Iceheart, her evil daughter, her evil grandson, the bounty hunter known as Boba Fett, and the evil Dathomiri witch sisters who have caused uprising on Dathomir for years, have all been killed. Our victory again is thanks to the combined efforts of the Jedi, as they have once again saved Naboo and the galaxy from certain destruction and saved millions of innocent lives," Padme said, pausing for a moment.
"Unfortunately, this victory did not come without a price. Count Yan Dooku of Serenno made the ultimate and most noble sacrifice for his family. It is because of him that our family and friends escaped the ordeal with our lives. He gave his own life so that his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends could escape and live. The galaxy has lost a true hero today and we have lost a dear member of our family. But his sacrifice will be honored and his life celebrated. The selfless acts and heroic life of Count Dooku will never be forgotten,"
Qui-Gon had thought it was as perfect a tribute as anyone could give and knew his mother would agree. Padme loved Yan like he was her own grandfather and knew his father had felt the same about the woman who was the center of Anakin's life. He was sad…they all were, but he had already felt his father's presence around them. Though he had yet to show himself, he knew it wouldn't be long until he appeared to them in the form a Force ghost and that his guidance would still play a prevalent role in their lives, for they would still look to him and the Force for answers when they needed them.
But now, Qui-Gon was the patriarch of the family and his father had some mighty big shoes to fill. He would do his best to make his father proud and take care of his loved ones.
The ferry arrived and Anakin stepped off, holding his hand out. Elana stepped off first and Qui-Gon embraced her tightly, as she started to cry. Shmi hugged him next, smoothing her hand soothingly along his back.
"Oh darling…" she whispered to him. He held his love tightly, before forcing himself to pull apart. Shmi and Qui-Gon then helped a grieving Elana into the house, as the rest of their passengers disembarked. Master Yoda seemed as sad as they had ever seen him, for he had lost a dear friend and former padawan. The Windu family and Master Luminara were somber as well and they followed everyone into the house. Padme stepped off last and welcomed her husband's embrace.
"How are you holding up, my love?" Padme asked, as she held him tightly.
"I'm okay, as long as I have you and our family around us. Us all being together like this was something he truly loved, you know," Anakin mentioned. Padme nodded with a smile.
"He's looking after us all too and he's still here for us, albeit in a different way," Padme replied. Anakin nodded.
"I know," he replied, as they followed everyone inside. They hadn't had a chance to discuss anything that had happened on the Death Star yet, but they soon would.
Queen Rayna brushed her long brunette hair, as she started to finish getting dressed for dinner. She had been invited to the evening meal that was honoring Count Dooku, but she felt out of place in attending. But her gracious hosts had insisted that she and even Callista attend.
"Are you ready, Your Highness?" Callista asked. Rayna nodded and looked to her most trusted advisor.
"I am, but you look unwell," Rayna mentioned.
"I'm fine. I think I just need a good night's sleep. I'm sure I'll be fine in the morning," Callista lied, as they left the lavish quarters that had been provided for them in the Skywalker family lake house.
Padme came back into the kitchen and saw Sola and Shmi finishing dinner, which was almost ready.
"How are you holding up, baby sister?" Sola asked.
"As well as any of us, I suppose. I always knew a day like this would come, but it doesn't make it any easier," Padme replied.
"I know what you mean. The kids are all devastated. They loved their great grandpa so much," Sola said.
"We all loved him and that's what this dinner is for. There was nothing Yan loved more than when we all got together and sat down for evening meal together," Shmi mentioned. Padme and Sola smiled, as they helped her carry the food into the dining room.
Qui-Gon stared at his Father's chair, which was situated at the head of the table. He was now expected to sit there and was very unsure about it.
"He would want you to sit there now, you know," Elana told her son. Qui-Gon swallowed the lump in his throat.
"I know…I just hope I can be the leader this family needs," he replied.
"You already are my son and your Father was always so proud of you," Elana assured him. Qui-Gon took his place at the head of the table with his Mother on one side and his wife on the other. His two handsome sons took the seats next to them, along with their lovely wives, their children, and finally their friends and guests, with Master Yoda at the other end of the table. Together, they gathered and ate in honor of their fallen loved one in prelude to the reading of Yan's final wishes.
The fire crackled and popped, as they all gathered in the family room where Luminara waited to begin the reading of Yan's last Will and Testament. They gathered around to hear the reading, all somewhat curious as to Yan's final words to them. He was a man that was always prepared and planned for everything, so it was no surprise that he had everything taken care of for when this day came.
"First of all, I just want to tell you all how sorry I am for this great loss, for not only is it a loss for this family, but for the Jedi and all people that are good in the galaxy," Luminara said solemnly.
"A great friend and powerful Jedi, he was. But his family, his most important and greatest accomplishment, he considered it to be," Yoda added. They shared a moment of silent remembrance, before Luminara commenced with the reading.
"My dearest family and friends, if this document is being read, then it means I am gone and this is my last Will and Testament to be read only in the presence of the people I love and close friends," Luminara began.
"My dear, precious wife Elana, I know that you must be sad, but know that I will always be in your heart," Luminara read. Elana let out a loud sob, as she was already crying. Shmi and Qui-Gon held her close between them, trying their best to console her.
"You were the light of my life and I became a good man, because of your love. We created a beautiful family together and I considered myself the richest man in the galaxy, not because of my extensive wealth, but because of the family we created. It is not often that one with such good fortune is able to do good with money, for it is something that easily corrupts a person. But with you by my side, we did what we could for the less fortune and those who needed our help most. Our contributions to those charities closest to our hearts will continue and I know you will forge on to do many great things for the people of the galaxy. But you my darling will also be well taken care of, as will all we love. Our personal wealth will ensure you live very comfortably for the rest of your days. Our son Qui-Gon, our grandsons, Obi-Wan and Anakin, their wives, Sola and Padme, and our great grandchildren, Ryoo, Pooja, Will, Luke, Leia, Kimberly, Jayden, and Jenna will be taken care of as well, for I have bequeathed a trust fund to each of them to ensure their future financial stability. My belongings are to be divided among my loved ones as they see fit. I know them and they are less concerned with material things and more interested in knowledge.
To my son Qui-Gon, I leave the enclosed hologram. This hologram contains my knowledge of the most sensitive information concerning the Jedi Order and our family. The information must only be viewed by you, as you now must fill my place as a Grand Master of the Order alongside Master Yoda, assuming my old Master has outlived me. Take great care with the secrets of the Jedi, for they will not only see to protection of the Order, but our beloved family as well," Luminara paused for a moment and then continued on.
"I can't tell you how proud of each and everyone of you I am. My son Qui-Gon, you changed my life for the better when I found you as an infant and your Mother and I adopted you. The lure of power was great in my young years, but your Mother's love and you helped remind me that only living a life in the light would truly make me happy. Only family gave me everything. And when you gave me two grandsons, I knew that all the more. Obi-Wan and Anakin, you have both made me very proud and nothing gave me greater joy than to watch you grow into fine young men, powerful Jedi, and eventually loving and devoted husbands to your wives. I knew you were both special from the moment you were both born. Obi-Wan, you are a very gifted negotiator, something you most certainly inherited from your Grandmother. Your skills perfectly compliment your brother's and while he is the Chosen One, he will always need you fighting by his side.
Anakin, I know you are not fond of being shouldered with the titles and mantras, such as the Chosen One, but it is who you are and I have known this since you were a very small child. I couldn't be more proud, as you have saved the galaxy from unimaginable evil countless times and I know you will continue to do so," Luminara continued, as she paused for a moment.
"Sola and Padme, there isn't another pair of sisters that could be more perfect for this pair of brothers than the two of you. I know that you will take care of them and the children. And Padme, I know you at times doubt your significance, but you must not. I know that the Force sometimes chooses to reveal things to you through visions and dreams. Do not fear what you are shown, but rather use the knowledge imparted to you," she continued. Anakin glanced at Padme and their eyes spoke wordlessly. They would have a chance soon to talk about her recent visions and what they could mean. Somehow, Yan already knew she was seeing these memories in her dreams.
"To each of my great grandchildren, I love you all and each one of you was a blessing from the Force. You are all exceptionally talented and will go on to do great things.
Ryoo, you have become a powerful Jedi Knight, yet a diligent student in many areas of academia. Pooja, like your Aunt, you became one of Naboo's greatest rulers and I know you will continue to help a great many people. Luke, you will soon enter your trials and there is no doubt in my mind that you will succeed. You are an exceptional pilot and an exceptional young man that will one day be a leader of the Order. Leia, you are a gifted Jedi, but your true prowess lies in the political arena, like your Mother. I know you will follow in her footsteps and become a great legislator one day. Kimberly, your empathy has astounded me since you were just a small child and seeing you find your true calling as a healer warmed my heart, for I knew you would go on to save countless lives with your skills. Jayden, I know at times it is not easy being compared to your Father, but you must know that you have every bit the potential that he has. You will follow him and love will light your way, as you stand on the front lines and protect this galaxy in the darkest of hours. And finally my dear Jenna, I know how difficult it has been for you to cope with having such unique powers, but like your brother, you will stand by his side as the first line of defense. I do not fear for the future of the galaxy with you at the front defending it. You are a warrior, but also a beautiful young woman, much more like your Mother than you realize," Luminara said, as she watched the tears roll down their young cheeks, before she began the final paragraph.
"With my goodbyes finished, there is just one more order of business. Upon my death, there must be a successor named that can continue after your Grandmother passes. Each and everyone of my great grandchildren would be an exceptional choice, but I made my decision based on who I believed would be best able to balance the life of Serenno's leader and that of a Jedi as well. While you are all more than qualified, I believe Ryoo will make an exceptional Countess of Serenno, as she will be the balance between legislator and Jedi. Ryoo, I know this will seem like a huge undertaking at first, but your Grandmother knows of my decision and you will learn well from her.
I hope you all know how much I loved each and everyone of you and even though I am saying goodbye, I leave you knowing that you will all be taken care of. And we all know that through the Will of the Force, this will not be goodbye forever," Luminara concluded, as she looked around at the crying family members. Graciously, she, Master Yoda, The Olin family and the Windu family left to allow them all a few minutes to console each other and gather their thoughts.
After spending a few moments together as a family to reflect on everything, they had decided to all retire for the night. The day had been emotionally exhausting and the ordeal before that had been physically exhausting. Tomorrow, they would honor Yan with a funeral pyre at the palace, but for tonight, they would rest and take comfort in one another.
Padme came out of the fresher in a long silky white nightgown and sat down at her vanity, where she proceeded to brush her hair. Anakin dressed for bed too in a pair of black sleep pants, before he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, massaging gently.
"Mmm…that feels so good," she told him.
"How are your arms feeling?" he asked. He had been livid when he had found out that evil Sith witch had suspended her by her arms for hours. Kimberly also said that her muscles had been stretched and she had some torn tendons. But their daughter, being the gifted healer that she was, had repaired the serious damage when Padme was in her healing trance.
"Better than yesterday. Still sore, but it doesn't hurt as bad to use my arms in normal functions anymore," Padme replied, as she stood up. He examined her bandaged wrists, which had been cut quite deeply and she watched the fire in his eyes.
"I'm fine, my love," she assured him.
"Kendra is just lucky that Jayden took her out. I probably would have made it a much slower, more painful demise," he replied darkly. She attempted to take his mind off her injuries and kissed him tenderly. He responded eagerly and tilted his head, so he could kiss her more deeply. The familiar, constant passion between them swelled, as their lips danced over each other's for several moments.
"Do you feel like talking?" he asked. She nodded.
"Yes, I think we should, especially since it seems that Grandfather knew I was going to be shown things by the Force, even before I did," Padme replied, as he sat down on the cushioned window indent that rested by the large panoramic window in their bedroom at Varykino. He pulled her into his arms and she sat close beside him, relishing the feeling of being in his strong arms and his warm body against her own.
"So you did have visions?" Anakin asked. She nodded, as she shifted so she could look at him.
"While I was captive in the reactor chamber, I was in a lot of pain and I blacked out a few times. And while I was unconscious, I had the first vision…or memory perhaps," Padme said.
"What did you see?" he asked.
"I was seeing through Padmia's eyes in this one and in the vision, she was welcoming Anakyn home from the war. Their reunion was happy, though bittersweet, because they knew it would be short-lived. Padmia was so happy to have her husband home, but the fear could be seen in her eyes. Something was stalking her and it made Anakyn very angry that he couldn't stay with her and protect her," Padme explained.
"Something or someone was stalking her?" he asked, finding the parallel. She nodded.
"Like Sifo-Dyas is stalking you," he bit out, as he cursed the depraved Sith Lord that refused to leave his angel alone.
"I should have been there. He almost took you. He could have had you and escaped with you while I was fighting," Anakin said. If it hadn't made him angry enough that she had been tortured by Kendra, he had nearly exploded with rage when he had learned the Sifo-Dyas had stolen some random soldier's body and attempted to abscond with her.
"You were exactly where you needed to be. I won't let you blame yourself," she insisted.
"My place is at your side, protecting you and he's not going to get that close to taking you again. I can't let him," Anakin replied.
"And you won't. I have complete faith in you and our love. It will not fail us," she told him. He nodded, allowing her to continue.
"But the most shocking part of the vision was what I learned from Padmia herself," Padme continued.
"What was it?" he asked.
"In her hands was a leather bound diary that looked identical to the one Shane is trying to translate. Anakyn asked her if she was still writing in her diary and she told him that she was making an account of the history of their time, as well as telling the story of their love, so it could be passed down over the generations to their decedents. She insisted that it could help them in the future," Padme said, as she looked at her husband and he let her words sink in for a moment.
"Are…are you saying that Padmia wrote the diary?" he asked in disbelief. She nodded.
"I think so. It would make sense, since Shane has yet to find anything evil in it and it is describing previously unknown events that occurred during the Great Sith Wars. I wasn't completely convinced at first either…until my second vision," Padme said.
"When did you have the second vision?" he asked.
"While Kimberly was treating my wounds. This time I was also seeing events that had already happened, but it wasn't about Anakyn and Padmia. I was confused at first as to why I was suddenly in my Grandmother's mansion and seeing her as a young girl, but as I listened to the woman who was my great, great Grandmother, it began to make sense," Padme said.
"What did she say?" he asked. Padme took a deep breath.
"She opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out the diary. She handed it to my Grandmother and told her that it was a very important piece of history, written by one of their ancestors. She told my Grandmother, who at the time was still learning ancient Nabooan, to study and read the diary. She said to know it well and take the words inside to heart. And my Grandmother promised that she would," Padme said.
"But if your Grandma had the diary, then that means somehow it was lost to her somewhere along the line," Anakin replied. Padme nodded.
"And I know my Grandmother. She would have never lost such an important piece of our family's history, especially if she was able to read it," Padme said.
"Do you think she did?" he asked. Padme nodded.
"I think it's why she always had such a vested interest in me. If she read it, then she would have guarded it with her life," Padme replied. He nodded.
"Then it was stolen from her and probably by Sifo-Dyas himself," he stated. Padme sighed.
"I just don't know how. She never knew him. He would have had to get close to her somehow," Padme said. Anakin thought for a moment.
"When your Grandmother died, did she leave you any of her books or even perhaps her own diary or journal?" Anakin asked. Padme sighed deeply.
"I'm sure she did. In fact, she left me the mansion and everything in it. But I was only Princess of Theed at the time, so when my Mother was given the her items, they included the keys to the house, which were supposed to be given to me. But Ruwee got them and out of pure spite and hatred for me, he and his men went in and cleaned everything out during the night. It was done before I knew and could do anything to stop them. They sold all her things and probably destroyed any literature. There is a slim chance that the books and manuscripts survived only because Ruwee would have likely tried to make any money off them that he could. But they could be scattered all over Naboo or the galaxy for that matter," Padme said with tears welling in her eyes, as the bad memories came flooding back to her. Anakin put his arms around her and kissed her hair.
"Not all is lost. We will ask everyone we can possibly think of that might know anything. This means something, angel. The Force…and your Grandmother want us to find something. I can feel it," Anakin told her. She looked at him and wiped her tears.
"You think so?" she asked. He nodded.
"I do and I think Grandfather would agree. He knew there was more going on and he knew that only we could find it," he replied.
"Where do we start?" she asked.
"Tomorrow in Theed. There are still people in the palace that knew your Grandmother well. It may feel like a wild Gondark chase, but there is nothing we can't do together. We've proved that on more than one occasion," he said, making her smile.
"You're right," she replied, as she hugged him tightly.
"Let's get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow and a mystery to solve," he said, as they stood up and got into bed. And beneath the bedclothes, thoroughly entwined in each other's arms, they fell asleep almost instantly.