Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It's all George's.
AN: Here's chapter 20! Enjoy and let me know what you think:)
The Awakening
Chapter 20: The Final Battle
Inside his shuttle, Darth Vader waited for the commander to report to him. The steal metal door opened and there stood Anakin and Luke Skywalker, hands shackled.
"These are the rebels that surrendered to us," the officer said, as he and four storm troopers escorted their prisoners inside the shuttle.
"While they deny that there are more rebels, I believe they are lying. I await your permission to conduct a search. They were armed only with these," the officer said, as he handed the two light sabers to Vader.
"Good work commander, conduct your search for their companions," Vader ordered. The officer nodded.
"The Emperor has been expecting you," Vader said, as they walked.
"I know...son," Anakin replied. Vader glanced at him in silence.
"So, you are still holding on to that feeble hope that I am your son. You should accept that I am not and never will be," Vader replied.
"I accept only that you were supposed to be born Brian Skywalker," Anakin replied.
"That name has no meaning to me. There is no good in me father, so stop wasting your time trying to save me," Vader spat. Anakin turned to look at him.
"Then my first son is truly dead," Anakin replied.
"You are both powerful indeed," Vader said, as he inspected each of their sabers.
"But you know nothing of true power. The Emperor will show you the true nature of the dark side, Luke. He is your master now. And you will not escape him again my dear father. This time you will meet your destiny," Vader said coldly.
"I will not turn," Luke insisted.
"Then you will suffer the same fate the Emperor has planned for your father as well!" Vader said harshly.
------
Chewy motioned Han, Leia, Padme, and Obi-Wan to the ridge where he was kneeling. They watched, as an Imperial shuttle took off from the platform, heading for the Death Star. Leia surveyed the heavily guarded premises.
"This is not going to be easy," she said.
"Chewy and I have gotten into more heavily guarded places than this," Han replied. One of the Ewoks spoke to Threepio.
"What's he saying?" Padme asked.
"He says there is a secret entrance on the other side of the ridge," Threepio announced.
------
The Rebel fleet gathered at the meeting point.
"We're in position. All fighters are accounted for," Lando announced.
"Prepare for the jump to hyperspace," Admiral Ackbar ordered. Nien Nunb, Lando's co-pilot, mumbled something beside him.
"Don't worry, they'll have that shield down. Or this will be the shortest offense ever," Lando mumbled the last part.
"All craft...make the jump to hyperspace," Ackbar ordered. The entire rebel fleet made the successful jump.
------
Han, Leia, Padme, Obi-Wan, and the rest of the strike team quietly and carefully made their way to the other side of the ridge. The secret entrance was in sight.
"A back door, good idea. There's only four of them," Han said.
"It only takes one to sound the alarm," Leia argued.
"Then we'll do it real quiet-like," Han replied. The Ewoks conversed among each other and decided to send one to create a diversion. Before anyone knew it, one of the little Ewoks was already headed for the troopers.
"Excuse me miss Padme, but I'm afraid one of our fury friends has gone and done something rather rash," Threepio said.
"Oh no," Leia said.
"Blast! There goes any chance of a surprise attack," Obi-Wan said, as he clipped his saber back on his belt. The little creature climbed on one of their speeder bikes and took off through the forest.
"After him!" the commanding trooper ordered. Three of them hopped on their bikes to chase him down. Han smiled.
"Not bad for a little furball, there's only one left. You stay here," Han pointed at Threepio.
"I have decided that we shall stay here," Threepio announced.
------
Anakin and Luke, followed by Vader, approached the Emperor's throne. Palpatine turns to face them, a sickly grin on his weathered, old face. Palpatine raised his hand and the shackles dropped off their wrists.
"You no longer need those. Guards, leave us," Palpatine ordered.
"I'm looking forward to completing your training, young Skywalker," Palpatine said.
"You're a little late. My father has done that already," Luke replied.
"Oh, but this will be a reeducation for you...in the ways of the dark side," Palpatine cackled, as Vader handed him the light sabers.
"Their light sabers," Vader said.
"Good...by now you must realize that your brother can never be turned from the dark side. And so shall be the case with you," Palpatine goaded. Anakin clenched his jaw and stepped forward, intending to take Palpatine on himself. But he was suddenly stopped when a ray shield surrounded him.
"I will deal with you in good time Anakin, but for now, I can not have you interfering," Palpatine said.
"You're wrong, I will never turn. And soon, you'll be dead," Luke told him. Palpatine cackled gleefully.
"Oh yes, you're talking about the feeble attack that your Rebel friends are planning. I assure you that we are quite safe from your friends!" Palpatine spat.
"Your overconfidence is your weakness," Luke said.
"And your faith in your friends...and family is yours," Palpatine replied coldly, as he returned to his throne.
"Everything is going according to my design. Your friends and family on the moon are walking into a trap, as is your Rebel fleet," Palpatine said. Luke was alarmed and looked at the troubled face of his father.
"It was I who allowed them to know the location of the deflector shield. I assure you that the shield will be quite operational when the arrive," Palpatine goaded, as he cackled.
"Look out there, you have a front row seat to witness the end of the rebellion. Soon, the Rebel fleet will be destroyed. Your mother and sister have already been captured along with your friends. And soon, they will die as well," Palpatine goaded. Anakin closed his eyes and concentrated on pushing his anger away. He focused his thoughts and feelings on Padme and Leia. He could clearly feel them and they were still okay for the moment. But like Anakin had done so many times when he was younger, Luke was letting his fear and anger overwhelm his senses.
"Yes, I can feel the hate swelling in you. You want this..." Palpatine patted Luke's light saber.
"No Luke, your mother and Leia are still okay. Don't let him do this. I let him do it to me for years...and I almost ended up in your brother's place because of it," Anakin warned. Palpatine raised his hands and shot Force lightning at Anakin through the ray shield. Anakin cried out in agony, as the painful attack dropped him to his hands and knees. Palpatine cackled evilly.
"I've waited a long time to deliver your death sentence and I will take care of you soon enough," Palpatine told Anakin, before turning back to Luke.
"Take your Jedi weapon. Strike me down with all of your hate and your journey to the dark side will be complete!" Palpatine urged.
"No," Anakin groaned, as he picked himself up off the floor.
"It is unavoidable. It is your destiny, Luke. Don't be weak and pathetic like your father," Palpatine spat.
"No Luke, don't listen to him!" Anakin pleaded. Palpatine snarled and poured more Force lightning into Anakin. The dark emotions swirled powerfully inside Luke, as he witnessed the Emperor torture his father...
------
Han quietly approached the remaining trooper. He tapped him on the shoulder and ran.
"Hey!" the trooper called, as he gave chase. He was met with the blasters of the Rebel strike team. Han, Leia, Padme, and Obi-Wan snuck into the back entrance and headed to the control room, where they seized control.
"Han, hurry, the fleet will be here any moment. But it was too late, as they were all surrounded by the Imperial Fleet.
"Freeze Rebel scum," the commanding officer ordered.
------
The Rebel fleet exited hyperspace.
"Get a lock on the Death Star and prepare for battle. May the Force be with us," Ackbar said.
"I can't get a reading," Lando said. Nien Nunb mumbled something.
"How could they be jamming us...unless the shield is still up!" Lando cried.
"All craft, pull up, the shield is still up!" Lando announced.
"I'm not getting a ridding," Wedge answered.
"They're jamming us. They must know we're coming," Lando replied.
"All craft, take evasive action," Ackbar ordered.
"Enemy fighters!" Wedge called.
"It's a trap!" Ackbar warned.
"Fighters, draw the enemy fighters away from the cruisers!" Lando ordered.
------
Han, Leia, Padme, and Obi-Wan were led out with their hands above their heads. A legion of storm troopers waited to take them into custody.
"Hey, over here! Are you looking for me?" Threepio called.
"Bring those droids down here!" one trooper ordered. The troopers surrounded Threepio and Artoo.
"Please don't shoot, we surrender," Threepio said. With a battle cry, the Ewoks attacked, throwing stones and jumping on the troopers. The Ewoks sounded their battle horns, calling all to arms. Hundreds appeared and began to attack the Imperials. Seeing that the timing was right, Obi-Wan plucked his saber from the an officer's hand and ignited it. He began taking out several troopers in his vicinity. Padme wrenched away from the officer, who was holding her arm. She punched the man and stole his blaster. Padme aimed at the storm troopers around her daughter and shot them. Han obtained a couple blasters as well and handed one to Leia. Padme, Leia, and Han headed for the bunker to open the control panel. Obi-Wan stood his ground, dealing with the oncoming enemies.
"We need Artoo," Leia said.
"Artoo, where are you? We need you at the bunker," Padme said. Artoo whirled and headed that way.
------
"Good...I can feel your anger. It makes you strong," Palpatine encouraged, as he opened a comm channel.
"You may fire when ready admiral," Palpatine ordered.
"Yes my Lord," came the reply.
"Now, you will both witness the power of this fully armed and operational battle station!" Palpatine announced.
------
A powerful blast struck one of the Rebel cruisers, obliterating it. The blast rocked the Millennium Falcon.
"That blast came from the Death Star. That thing's operational!" Lando exclaimed.
"All craft, prepare to retreat!" Ackbar ordered.
"We'll never get another chance like this admiral," Lando argued.
"We have no choice General Calrissian," Ackbar replied.
"Han will have that shield down. We've got to give him more time. Let's turn our attention to those Star Destroyers," Lando said.
"We will not last long against the fire power of those super Star Destroyers," Ackbar argued.
"We'll last longer against them than we will against that Death Star. And we might just take a few of them with us," Lando replied.
------
"We're coming!" Threepio called, as he and Artoo arrived.
"Come on," Han urged, as Artoo quickly logged into the terminal. A trooper shot at Artoo and blasted him. Artoo shrieked wildly, as he was thrown back. He whirled sadly, before he short curcuited. Han ripped open the panel.
"Well, I guess I can hot wire this thing," he said.
"We'll cover you," Leia replied.
------
"Your fleet has lost. Your family on Endor will not survive and the alliance will die," Palpatine goaded. Luke's anger began to boil over.
"Good...I can feel your anger. I am defenseless...take your weapon and strike me down!" Luke turned away, but then turned back suddenly, calling his saber. He ignited it and his saber met with Vader's...
------
"I've got it!" Han exclaimed, as the blast door closed. He frowned and went back to working furiously. Suddenly, a blaster bolt clipped Leia's arm. She cried out in pain and Han went to inspect it.
"Leia, are you all right?" Padme asked.
"It's not bad," she insisted.
"Hands up!" the trooper ordered. Padme had no choice but to obey. Leia concealed her blaster, ready to take the trooper out. Han put his hands up and smiled at her.
"I love you," he said.
"I know," she replied, as he moved out of the way. When he did, Leia shot the trooper. Han smiled, but suddenly frowned, as an Imperial walker approached them. It stopped and the top hatch opened, revealing Chewy inside. He rawled in greeting.
"Chewy! Get down here, she's hurt," Han said, but changed his mind suddenly.
"No, wait! I got an idea," he told them.
------
Luke fought Vader furiously, slashing wildly and letting his anger control him. His father's cries for him to cease fell on deaf ears, as he kicked Vader, who went tumbling backwards down the steps.
"Yes...use your aggressive feelings boy!" Palpatine goaded.
"Leave him out of this and fight me!" Anakin demanded furiously. But Palpatine paid him no mind. Luke suddenly began to regain his senses and pushed his anger away.
"I will not fight you anymore brother," Luke relented. Vader circled him.
"It is unwise to lower your defenses!" Vader said harshly, as he struck at Luke again. Luke parried and spun away, before flipping up onto the platform above Vader. Palpatine frowned, as he felt the boy gain more control of his anger and started to let his positive emotions fuel his actions.
------
The Imperials inside the control room received a transmission from one of their Imperial walkers telling them that they had captured and secured the Rebels. The commanding officer ordered that the back door be opened for them. Unfortunately for them, it was trick. Han, Leia, Obi-Wan, Padme and Chewy invaded the control room and took over. Han began wiring the charges and placing the explosives in the necessary places.
------
Vader slowly ascended the stairs and approached him on the bridge.
"If you will not turn...then perhaps your sister will," Vader said, knowing it would strike a chord. Luke's anger surfaced again and began to slash furiously at Vader. Luke lost control of his anger again, lashing out harshly against Vader.
"LUKE!" Anakin screamed, as he watched his son lose control of his anger and rage at Vader. He had lost control so many times himself, but watching his son lose control too and fight his brother was something that pained Anakin immensely. Luke viciously kicked Vader back. The man in armor faltered, as Luke brought his saber down on him again and again. Finally, Luke sliced through Vader's arm and the Sith cried out in pain. The Emperor cackled gleefully.
"Good...now finish him and take his place at my side," Palpatine ordered. Luke heaved air into his lungs, as he realized what he had just done. Luke turned and tossed his saber. It went sailing end over end and hit the control panel on the wall, successfully deactivating the ray shields around his father.
"Never...I'll never turn. You've failed your highness. I am a Jedi, like my father," Luke said proudly. Anakin smiled and called his light saber into his hand.
"So be it...Jedi," Palpatine snarled...
------
"Move!" Han called, as he pushed Leia and Padme ahead of him. They ran clear of the bunker, as the explosives went off. The satellite controlling the shield exploded, successfully destroying the deflector shield around the Death Star.
"Commence attack on the Death Star!" Ackbar ordered. Lando laughed in victory.
"Told ya they'd do it!" Lando said, as he maneuvered the Falcon toward the Death Star.
------
"If you will not be turned, then you will be destroyed," Palpatine said, as he prepared to pour Force lightning into Luke. Anakin stepped in and blocked it with his saber.
"No, your highness. It is you who will be destroyed," Anakin replied.
"Is that so? You know Anakin, I was once your very good friend," Palpatine taunted.
"My friend? You stole my first born son and turned him into a monster. You are no friend of mine and you never were," Anakin replied.
"It seems that he liked the choice quiet well," Palpatine goaded.
"He never had a choice, thanks to you," Anakin replied. Palpatine cackled, as he tossed more Force lightning at Anakin again. This time, the lightning bypassed his saber and struck him. Anakin cried out in pain, as he writhed on the ground in pain. His saber cracked and fizzled out under the pressure of the lightning. Palpatine cackled, as Anakin softly cried his wife's name, as if he was trying to reach out to her. This made Palpatine laugh at him.
"You truly are pathetic. That weak woman cannot save you. Some Chosen One you turned out to be," Palpatine spat. Little did Palpatine know, down on Endor, Padme heard her husband's voice calling to her...
------
Padme's breath caught in her throat, as she stared up at the Death Star.
"Anakin!" she cried out suddenly. Obi-Wan, Leia and Han looked at her strangely, as she fell to her knees, gasping for air. Leia was about to approach her, but Obi-Wan put his hand up, stopping her.
"I'm here, my love," she called out.
------
Luke fought Vader furiously, as the Sith became determined to kill Luke. But Vader was severally weakened and his respirator could not keep up with how winded he had become. Luke parried another of Vader's sloppy blows and though it pained him, he drove his saber through Vader's chest. The Sith cried out in agony, as he slumped to the cold floor. Tears fell down Luke's cheeks, as he knelt beside his dead brother.
Anakin slowly found the strength to lift himself off the floor.
"I'm here, my love," he heard Padme speak to him through the Force. Anakin let her love wash over him and strengthen his resolve. Palpatine snarled and channeled more Force lightning at Anakin, but he was stunned when it was stopped by a strong Force shield around the Chosen One. Anakin stared at Palpatine with an icy gaze.
"Your reign of terror ends today, your highness," Anakin said, as he used a strong Force push to hurl the lightning back at Palpatine. The Emperor screamed in agony, as he was hit with his own attack and hurled over the railing and down the shoot. Emperor Palpatine was dead at last. Anakin sunk weakly to his knees, breathing heavily. He crawled over to his son, who was mourning his oldest son.
"Luke...it's okay. We tried to save him, but it just wasn't possible," Anakin comforted him.
"But it isn't fair! He didn't even have a chance!" Luke yelled.
"I know...it isn't fair," Anakin agreed. Before he could say anymore, Luke gasped, as a white glow began to surround the dead body of Vader.
"What's...happening?" Luke asked.
"I...I don't know," Anakin replied. Suddenly, the white light blinded them and they had to cover their eyes. When the light died away, the suit and body of Vader was gone...and in it's place was a whimpering baby, bundled tightly in a soft blanket. Luke and Anakin looked at each other in amazement, as Anakin carefully lifted the infant into his arms.
"It...it can't be," Luke said.
"It is. The Force heard our plea. They've given him the chance that was stolen from him," Anakin replied.
"But how is this possible?" Luke wondered. Anakin smiled slightly.
"With the Force, anything is possible," Anakin replied. The Death Star suddenly shuddered and Luke and Anakin quickly made their way to an escape shuttle with the baby.
------
Lando fired the torpedoes at the main reactor. It began to collapse and Lando flew as quickly as he could, as the Death Star began to explode. He narrowly escaped and whooped in victory, as he was successful.
------
Han and Leia watched, as the Death star exploded above Endor. Han put his hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sure they weren't on there," Han assured her.
"They weren't, I can feel it," she replied. Padme stood several feet in front of her, staring up at the sky.
"Do you think your mom knows that?" Han asked. Leia smiled.
"She knows too. She would know if something bad had happened to daddy," Leia replied, as she leaned into his embrace.
Word of Emperor Palpatine's and Lord Vader's death spread through the galaxy like wildfire. Celebrations and parades commenced everywhere on the now free words. Huge celebrations broke out on Cloud City, Tatooine, Naboo, Coruscant and many others.
------
Fireworks streaked across the night sky over Endor. Music in celebration played, as the Ewoks danced in victory. Lando and the remainder of the Rebel fleet had arrived and were greeted warmly by the alliance leaders and personnel. Lando hugged Leia and Han, before hugging Padme to assure her that Anakin and Luke would return. Obi-Wan had gone to wait for them on the landing pad and assure her that he would return with them. Padme's head turned, as she spotted three familiar figures trekking toward them through the forest. She immediately recognized her son and embraced him, as he ran to greet her. Leia and Han were next, as he hugged them both. Padme looked at her husband and Obi-Wan curiously. Obi-Wan's face was a mixture of awe and shock, as he kept glancing at the mysterious bundle in Anakin's arms. Obi-Wan gave her a smile, before joining Luke, who seemed to be telling Han, Leia and Lando something important. As Anakin moved closer to her, she realized that the small bundle was wiggling in his arms. Anakin smiled warmly at her, as he pulled back a piece of cloth, revealing a baby. Padme looked up at him with questioning eyes, as she came closer to look at the baby. She gasped, as the baby's eyes opened suddenly and stared up into hers. They were the same blue eyes as her husband's. she looked back up at Anakin, as he spoke.
"The Force has give him a second chance. A chance that was stolen from him," Anakin said. Padme's mouth dropped open.
"Ani, you mean this..." she trailed off.
"This is our son, angel," he told her. Tears fell down her cheeks and she eagerly accepted the bundle into his arms. She cried happy tears, as she held their baby in her arms for the first time. Anakin wrapped his arm around her waist and looked down at their whimpering son. Padme looked up at him and he pressed a soft, passionate kiss to her lips. Leia came up beside her father and hugged him, before gazing at her baby brother. Luke came up beside his mother and placed his hand on her shoulder. Han and Obi-Wan gathered around Leia and Luke, completely the family embrace. Luke sensed something familiar and turned his head, only to see Master Yoda's spirit watching them with a smile. Standing on either side of him was Mace Windu and another man he did not recognize. He saw the smiles and recognition in his father's and Obi-Wan's eyes. He realized that this man must be Master Qui-Gon Jinn. He noticed that his mother and Leia could see them as well.
"You have fulfilled the prophecy Anakin and we are all very proud of you. All of us are..." Qui-Gon's ghostly voice said. Anakin and Obi-Wan smiled, as many of their fallen Jedi comrades appeared behind Qui-Gon, Mace, and Yoda. The dark veil over the galaxy had lifted and the light of the Force shined once again. Padme kissed Brian's forehead softly, before reaching up to kiss her beloved husband. Anakin eagerly returned her kiss. The celebration around the Skywalker family continued, but they were content just being together with each other and the newest edition to their family.
The Epilogue should be up in a few days! Thanks so much for reading and please let me know what you think!