Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU corner to play in.

AN: Here's chapter 26! Thanks for all the amazing reviews. Enjoy this next installment and let me know what you think!

The Awakening: The Revised Edition

Chapter 26: A Spark of Hope

Vader knelt before his Master, having just told him everything that had transpired and he felt fear, for he could feel the waves of rage and anger rolling off the Emperor.

"So, what you're telling me is that the Death Star, my prized weapon, was destroyed. And not just destroyed by anyone, but by Anakin Skywalker, a man who is supposed to have been dead FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS!" Palpatine screamed, as his voice grew in volume. He roared in rage and poured Force lightning into his apprentice, who writhed in tortured agony. Once he ceased, Lord Vader's rhythmic breathing was shallow and labored.

"Master…I will make them pay for this. I will find them all and kill them," Vader promised.

"You had better, Lord Vader or your usefulness to me will become nonexistent. Anakin Skywalker cannot be allowed to interfere with any more of my plans. You must kill him, that meddlesome woman, and any offspring they have. If you do not, everything we have worked toward will be in ruin," Palpatine growled. He couldn't believe it! After everything he had gone through, from stealing the Skywalker embryo to have Vader created, to making sure Anakin was killed, it may have been for naught. They had fooled him into believing Skywalker and his wife were dead, when in reality, they had been tucked away in an ageless coma, while Anakin slowly recovered from his injuries. He had to make sure Anakin was eliminated this time or his entire Empire would crumble. He had made sure the Holonet had not revealed that he was in fact alive, for that would only strengthen the resistance against him. But he knew people would find a way to spread the word and Anakin would rise to challenge him again, that is if he was not quickly hunted down and killed.

"I will Master. I will track them down and kill them. I have already commissioned a mandate to the most skilled bounty hunters in the galaxy. For the price I am offering, they will track Skywalker down and bring him and his family to me," Vader promised.

"Let's hope you are right and you do not fail me again, for if you do, the consequences will be dire," Palpatine promised. Vader's blood boiled .

"Yes my Master," he growled back.

Jobal Naberrie sniffed, as tears slipped down her cheeks. She lay the flowers on the gravesite of her beloved husband, whom she had lost five years ago. Her oldest daughter Sola, also a widow, lay her own flowers on her husband's grave. She had lost Darred two years ago in a construction accident. He had been visiting the building site of one of his newest buildings that was being constructed, when a stabilizing beam failed and the structure caved in. But tragedy was nothing new to the Naberrie family, for Ryoo put a bouquet of flowers on her Aunt Padme's grave as well. They all missed Padme terribly. Her abrupt death had also hit Ruwee hard and he had never been quite the same since her death. They also put flowers on Anakin Skywalker's grave, Padme's secret husband, for he was laid to rest next to her. Jobal wasn't sure how she felt toward the Jedi that had supposedly been her daughter's secret husband. In fact, she had experienced anger toward her late daughter for sometime, wondering why Padme had hid her marriage from them or why she had even gone and entered something as rash and foolish as a forbidden marriage. But she remembered the one time she had met Anakin Skywalker and how she could tell how happy he made Padme, even if she had tried to hide any sort of attraction she had toward him. She supposed it was a beautiful, romantic story. She just wished it hadn't ended in such tragedy. But it had and most of her family was gone now. She had Sola and Ryoo left, along with Pooja too, but she had chosen to follow in her Aunt's footsteps by serving as Naboo's Senator in the Imperial Senate, much to Jobal's chagrin. Nevertheless, Jobal was proud of her conviction to serve her people, just like she had always been proud of Padme, even though it had led her to an early grave…

Beneath the bedclothes, in the candlelit bedroom, two lovers and soul mates lay entwined together, limbs tangled, bodies moving as one and hearts beating together. He caressed her beautiful face and kissed her tenderly, as they lay bathing in the afterglow of their lovemaking.

"I am the luckiest man in the galaxy and I will never, ever take you for granted, Padme Skywalker," he whispered to her. She smiled.

"I still think I am the lucky one, my handsome, sexy husband. And I will never, ever take you for granted either. You're my life, you and our kids," she whispered back. He smiled and kissed her again.

"Well, hopefully, if I'm on my game tonight, we'll soon be adding to our number of kids," he said, making her smile brightly. She slid her arms around his neck.

"Oh, I have a good feeling about tonight. But even if this isn't the exact time, we can always keep trying," she said sultrily. He smirked.

"And trying…and trying," he replied, as he pinched her rear. She laughed, as they rolled around together on the bed, their lips meeting in a passionate series of hot, incredible kisses. Padme moaned, as her husband's hands roamed her body. He was an insatiable, passionate lover and every time was always amazing.

"Have I told you what an amazing lover you are?" she asked, as he kissed her neck.

"You might have mentioned it a few times, but I like hearing it, because then I know that I'm making sure your every desire is fulfilled," he replied, as he kissed her lips again. She smiled.

"Well, you succeed, my love, oh do you succeed," she replied dreamily, as they bathed in the afterglow, wrapped thoroughly in each other's arms. He sighed in contentment, as their heartbeats slowly returned to normal. He rolled onto his back, bringing her to rest atop his muscled chest. Padme draped herself over him and idly traced the lines of definition that etched his entire torso.

"You're a hero, you know. I mean, you've always been my hero, but you're a hero to the entire alliance now," she mentioned with pride.

"I was just doing what needed to be done. I had to keep them from destroying us. We just got a second chance at life and a family, so there was no way I was going to let them steal that away again," Anakin replied.

"Where are we going to go now, at least until the new base is operational?" she asked. He shook his head.

"We're not sure yet. Obi-Wan and I are going to scout out a place tomorrow. But I was thinking maybe we should hire Han and Chewie to transport us. It's a fast ship," Anakin said.

"He seems like a good man, when he's not trying to be Mr. tough guy," Padme replied. Anakin nodded.

"He is and I think he needs a break. He owes money to the Hutts and that can get you killed," Anakin said, as he kissed her hair.

"But it doesn't matter where we go, because I'm going to protect us and take care of us, no matter where we end up," Anakin told her. She cuddled atop his chest.

"I know. I don't care where we are, as long as we're all together," she replied. He nodded.

"We will be, angel. I love you…so much," he said. She smiled.

"And I you, my love," she replied, as they slowly fell asleep entwined in each other's arms.

The next morning, Padme padded into the kitchen and began preparing a fresh pot of caf. Anakin was already up, training with Luke, but they would soon be in and starving for breakfast. She got some fruit out from the refrigeration unit, just as Leia came in.

"Morning Mom," she said. Padme smiled and poured her daughter a cup of caf.

"Morning sweetie," Padme replied, as they sat down at the table and sipped at their hot liquid. Leia turned on her datapad and began reading the news. The media was very tightly controlled by the Empire and nothing negative about the Empire was ever reported, only negative and malicious things about the disruptive rebellion. She could only imagine what salacious things were being said.

"Wow…" Leia said.

"Is it bad?" Padme asked.

"It's about what I expected. They've denounced the Rebellion and all conspirators, promising that we will all be hunted down by the most ruthless bounty hunters and brought to justice. But I thought that they would mention that it was Daddy that destroyed the Death Star. But there's no mention of him or Luke. I'm relieved," she said. Padme nodded.

"Your father suspected the Emperor would want to keep the fact that he's alive a secret. Despite the fact that the media would be ordered to denounce him, a story that Anakin Skywalker was actually alive and well would only inspire hope in people and strengthen the Rebellion," Padme said.

"And that's exactly what Palpatine doesn't want," Leia said. Padme nodded, as Anakin and Luke came in.

"Hey handsome," Padme greeted, as he leaned down and kissed her softly.

"Hey yourself, beautiful," he replied, as he handed her a small sack.

"What's this?" she asked.

"Look inside," he replied, as she opened it and gasped.

"Where did you get cloudberries?" Padme asked. They were one of her favorite Nabooan fruits, next to Shurra, but she had learned that the Empire tightly controlled the export and import channels on Naboo, for it was the Emperor's home planet, and had much of the food source channeled to Coruscant to support the many feasts in his honor that Palpatine often held for his regime.

"They were in the last shipment of food we got. Someone managed to get some I guess," Anakin replied, as she hugged him.

"What are cloudberries?" Luke asked.

"Only the most delicious berry ever and you're about to find out, because I'm going to make us my famous cloudberry pancakes," Padme said, as she began moving around the kitchen. Anakin grinned widely. He loved seeing her so happy. He lived for it.

"Let's go. The Empire knows we're here now. We have to move on. For those of you not going straight to begin construction on the new base, you have your assigned places you'll be hiding out until the new base on Hoth is finished," Anakin called to everyone, as the docking bay bustled with activity. Everything was being gathered and packed away and transports and ships were slowly leaving with passengers.

"He is quite the leader. This ragtag group of men and women pilots are inspired by him," General Dodonna mentioned to Obi-Wan. The aging Jedi nodded.

"Yes, it is good to have my old padawan back. Things feel right again," Obi-Wan replied.

"Have both of you decided where you will take your families for the time being, until the base is ready?" the General asked.

"I believe I have found a suitable place, but I still have to discuss it with Anakin. Once we arrive, I will contact you through an encrypted signal, so you may reach us when it's time for us to come to the base," Obi-Wan replied. The General nodded.

"May the Force be with you and yours, Master Jedi," the General said respectfully, as he went to tend to a few final tasks.

"Well, I think that's it. Now we just have to decide where we're going," Anakin said.

"I think I may have that figured out, but I just need to run it by you," Obi-Wan replied, as they approached the nearest console. Obi-Wan brought up a schematic view of the outer rim.

"Outer rim patrols are tightening. They must be expecting us to travel further past Yavin IV," Anakin said.

"Yes, so that's exactly what we shouldn't do. They're going to be looking for us. Unfortunately, I've heard that Vader has put quite a price on your head," Obi-Wan said quietly. Anakin sighed.

"I figured as much. So, that means we have to do everything possible to protect our families. Where do you suggest?" he asked. Obi-Wan smiled.

"Well, because patrols in the outer rim are tightening, patrols in the mid rim have slackened," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin looked at him.

"You mean Naboo?" he asked, hope in his voice. Obi-Wan nodded.

"We can't go anywhere near Theed, but if we were to come in on the other side of the planet, we could make our way to the Lake Country that we've all heard so much about. From what you've told me, it's very secluded," Obi-Wan said. Anakin nodded.

"Very. Usually, you have to get there by water, but the Millennium Falcon is a small enough ship to fit in the small ship garage at Varykino," Anakin said.

"Then I believe this will be our best option, but we need to leave soon. We have a small window of opportunity," Obi-Wan said. Anakin smiled.

"Padme is going to be so happy," he said. Obi-Wan smiled.

"Then go get your family. I'll get mine and brief Captain Solo on the situation. I assume he has been paid in advance?" Obi-Wan asked. Anakin smirked.

"Oh yes, Padme took care of that. You should have seen the look on his face when she offered him triple the amount he was paid the first time. She told him no price was too high for the safety of her family," Anakin said. Obi-Wan smiled.

"That should be enough to settle his debt with Jabba," Obi-Wan said. Anakin nodded.

"Yeah, let's just hope he pays him off and then gets out while he's still alive," Anakin replied, as he went to tell Padme the good news.

"Looks like that's everything, Mom," Luke said, as he put the travel cases down. Chewie took them and put them in the floor panels on the Falcon for storage.

"Good, now we just have to wait to find out where we're going to be going for the next few months," Padme replied.

"You would be welcome to come back to my home planet. It has been deemed safe and many of us, including Mon Mothma are going there," Rush said, as he approached. Padme turned to him.

"Your family too, of course," he added quickly, as Luke glared at him.

"That won't be necessary, Senator. I've chosen a different place for us," Anakin said, as he approached as well. Rush shrank away from Anakin's icy gaze.

"Very well. I'll see you all in a few months then. Safe trip," Rush said.

"So, you've found a place for us?" Padme asked, watching a grin spread across his face.

"Have I ever," he replied.

"Well, don't keep me in suspense," she said.

"We're going home, Padme," he told her. She looked at him with hope in her eyes.

"Home…as in the Lake Country home?" she asked. He smiled and nodded.

"Patrols in the mid rim have slackened for a short time. We have a small window, but Obi-Wan and I think the Lake Country is the perfect secluded place. No one will suspect it," he replied. Padme leapt into his arms and he spun her around. He chuckled, as she planted kisses all over his face and he gently set her on her feet.

"So, we're going to your home planet?" Luke asked. Padme nodded.

"What's it like there?" Luke asked. Anakin smiled.

"Let me just put it this way: it's the exact opposite of Tatooine," Anakin told him. Luke smiled.

"Then I'm sure I'm going to love it," Luke said.

"You both will. We're finally going to the place where you were supposed to be born and where you were supposed to grow up. We'll be a real family," Anakin said, as he smiled at his wife.

"I think we already are," Leia replied, as she put her arm around her father, as Luke stood on the other side with his arm around his mother.

"I think you're right," Padme added.

Several hours later…

The Storm Troopers filed through the empty base on Yavin IV and searched for anyone or anything left behind. But there was no one and all the consoles had been wiped of any information.

"Commander Cody, we're too late," one of them reported.

"Scour the entire premises just be sure. Lord Vader won't be pleased," Cody replied, as he looked around. He had been serving his Emperor loyally for years, carrying out every order to the letter. But his fervor had been renewed when it was discovered the Anakin Skywalker was still alive. He knew Rex, his traitorous brother, was with them and he sought to find him and make him pay for his betrayal.

"I'll find you brother and your accomplices. You'll regret the day you turned against your own for those Jedi," Cody said quietly, as he joined the search.

They landed in the small port town of Valencia in the middle of the afternoon and found the nearest docking bay for space rental. Padme paid the owner for a private holding bay for the Millennium Falcon, before they headed to the marina, where they rented a private ferry and told the pilot they were headed for Varykino. He was a little surprised at first, since no one had asked to go there in a very long time. Anakin kept close tabs on the man's emotions and while he didn't seem evil, he would make sure that he didn't remember them once he dropped them off. But for now, he enjoyed holding his wife in his arms and watching the wonder on his son's face. He had been the same way the first time he had come here.

"I've never seen so much water before and everything's so green," Luke said. Anakin chuckled.

"Yeah, and the sand on the beaches is actually soft and not course like Tatooine's, not to mention it doesn't get ridiculously hot here either," Anakin said.

"It looks like it's clouding over though. It might storm tonight," Padme mentioned.

"Wow, real rain. I'm definitely not on Tatooine anymore," Luke said, as the ocean breeze wafted around them and the smell of the ocean filled their nostrils.

"It's just around this bend," Padme told them, as they slowly came about and the magnificent Varykino came into view.

"Welcome home, angel," Anakin told her.

"Wow…that's your house, Mom?" Luke asked. Padme nodded.

"Yes, that's our home," Padme replied, looking at her husband and kids.

"It looks like a castle!" Luke exclaimed. Anakin chuckled.

"That's what I thought the first time I saw it too, but your Mother is right. It's our home. This is the place where you and Leia were supposed to grow up. But even if things didn't work out that way, it's still always going to be our family home," Anakin said.

"It's beautiful," Leia said, sharing a smile with her parents and brother.

"It truly is. I for one don't miss the heat of the blasted desert one bit," Satine said, as she stood next to Obi-Wan, who was holding Ani, as she stared at the water with wide eyes. It was her first time experiencing it as well. She saw a fish jump up out of the water and gasped in excitement.

"Daddy…did you see that the fish?" she asked. He smiled at her.

"I did. Maybe tomorrow, Mommy and I can take you swimming," Ben told her.

"Really, can we Mommy?" she asked. Satine smiled.

"Sure sweetheart," she replied.

"So, this is the place?" Ahsoka asked, as she stood next to Anakin. He nodded, as Padme cuddled close to his chest.

"Yep, this is where we fell in love and got married," Anakin replied, as he saw Rex reading something on his datapad. He left Padme's side and walked over to him.

"What's the news?" Anakin asked.

"The real news or the garbage the media has been instructed to tell the masses?" Rex quipped.

"The truth and don't hold back," Anakin replied. Rex looked over to see if Padme was listening and fortunately, she was talking with her kids and Ahsoka.

"Vader put a five million credit bounty on your head and a million for any one of us they can manage to get. He knows that if one of us is captured, then you'll likely come to the rescue. He has made it very clear that he wants you alive," Rex said. Anakin nodded.

"It's about as bad as I expected, but we should be surprisingly safe here for a few months at least. We'll have to be extra careful when we travel to the marketplace for food, but we should be fine until the new base is complete," Anakin said.

"I hope you're right, but we need to be prepared to escape at a moment's notice if we have to," he replied. Anakin nodded.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to let anyone hurt my family. Unfortunately, staying hidden isn't going to be our only challenge while we're here," Anakin said. Rex's brow furrowed.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Padme's already worried about it, but we'll need to reveal ourselves to her family. She's worried they're going to react badly at first," Anakin said. Rex nodded.

"Maybe, but once they get past the shock and even anger, they'll be incredibly happy," Rex assured him. Anakin nodded.

"You're right," he said, as the ferry began to slow as it neared the dock. They unloaded from the ferry and began trekking up to the house with their luggage.