The next morning Anakin and Padmé were awoken by the twins barging into their room and jumping on the bed enthusiastically. "Morning Mummy, morning daddy", the twins shouted excitedly.
Padmé sat up in bed and smiled at her beautiful children as they beamed brightly at their mother. She turned to her husband who was still asleep and shook his shoulder gently.
"Ani wake up, we have company", Padmé said softly.
Anakin pushed himself up from his sleeping position and rubbed his eyes to wake himself up. "Morning you troublemakers. What time is it?", he asked.
"Its 8 o'clock dad", Luke replied.
"Excellent. Bright and early", Anakin stated, pushing his face back into the pillow.
"Oh Anakin", Padmé huffed. She then smiled and picked up the pillow next to her and hit her husband with it softly.
"Pillow fight", the twins shouted, as they too picked up a pillow and started hitting their father.
Anakin got up from his position and defended himself from his family's onslaught before saying, "Why am I always the one who is outnumbered?".
"Because you are the one who was asleep", Padmé replied, laughing as her children continued to playfight with their father.
"So, I am paying for my lack of discipline, I see", he retorted as he began to retaliate against his children and wife.
When he was distracted by his children, Padmé managed to land an effective blow to Anakin's face, which heavily amused the children.
"Yay we win, we win", the children shouted.
No sooner than when they had spoken Anakin picked both of his children up, carrying one in each arm and carried them out onto the balcony. He held them out in his strong arms, having them hover near the edge of the stone wall.
"Now who is winning", Anakin commented, his children's excitable giggles amusing him and his wife.
"Just be careful Ani", Padmé stated as she watched from the bed.
"Okay daddy let's say it is a tie", Leia conceded, as she and her brother remained upside down in her father's hold.
"Agreed", Anakin replied, before placing both his children down gently. "Now, how about you two go and see if Geeta needs any help with breakfast and we will be down to join you soon".
"Okay daddy", the twins replied as they left their parent's room and walked down towards the kitchen.
"My, my Anakin. To think you agreed to a tie. You really have changed", Padmé teased as her husband approached her on the bed.
"I was outnumbered and tactically disadvantaged", Anakin replied.
"I see. Although I think it was definitely fair to say I won against you", Padmé stated, biting her lip softly.
"Padmé you know it is never a fair fight when I am against you. I am so hopelessly distracted. You make me weak at the knees", Anakin told her with a cheeky smile as he leaned in to kiss her softly.
"Is that so. So, it has nothing to do with my formidable abilities as an opponent, my cunning wit and masterful fighting skills", Padmé asked.
"I cannot deny what a wonderful woman you are Padmé. You are a great fighter and an excellent shot, and no one would ever question your unmatched wit and intelligence. But my position is a unique one. I am certain that no other opponent I have ever faced, makes me feel the way you do", Anakin teased.
"And what feeling is that Master Skywalker?", she asked curiously.
"Crazy", Anakin responded simply, as he pulled Padmé up off the bed to stand in front of his tall frame. She placed a hand on his bare muscular chest as they shared a passionate kiss.
"Now come on Anakin. We said we would join the children downstairs for breakfast. We don't want to keep them waiting", Padmé stated, as she placed a robe over her silk nightgown.
"Until later then, Senator", Anakin replied, kissing Padmé's hand in a mock gesture of formality.
Breakfast that morning was full of excitement as the twins dominated the majority of conversations and the adults sat back listening to their stories.
"How long are you and daddy here for this time mummy?", Leia asked her mother.
"I am not sure sweetheart. The Senate is closed at the minute, so I do not need to go back. But your father still works for the Emperor and he has a lot to do, so I really do not know", Padmé told her children honestly.
"Are we going to be all together forever soon?", Luke asked.
"Yes, we are son. I promise you. When the Emperor is dead, we can live in peace together", Anakin promised.
"I think we should use this opportunity to rally support for the Alliance as we discussed before", Obi-Wan stated.
Geeta could see where the conversation was going and said, "Come on you two, why don't you help me pick some berries to put on the cake tonight". She took the children by the hands as the adults gave her a smile of thanks.
"I agree Obi-Wan. We need to use the time we have now, when not everyone in the Senate is being watched closely", Anakin added.
"I will contact Bail and Mon Mothma. It has been a while since I discussed such matters with them. We will need a plan. Since you came back to us Ani, I have been unsure what to tell the Alliance. I know Bail and Mon are aware of your true identity, but I do not want to risk revealing it to the Alliance, because if someone was to find out and inform the Emperor, I do not want to think what he would do to you", Padmé stated.
Anakin placed a hand on top of his wife's and rubbed it softly and said, "I will be fine Padmé. I think it is best if you contact the Alliance and get an update on the status of their plans for the future. Then maybe I can see how I can fit into all of this", Anakin added.
"Yes, I think that is a good idea. For now, it is wise to keep you out of the picture Anakin. We need to ensure the Emperor believes you are still unquestionably loyal to him", Obi-Wan highlighted.
"Whilst the children are with Geeta I am going to contact Bail to get an update on where the Alliance is at the present time", Padmé announced.
"Good idea. Anakin and I will clear up", Obi-Wan offered, as Padmé left to try and contact the Alliance.
Padmé stood in her bed chambers waiting for Bail to answer her comm link call. The last time she had seen Bail was in the hospital following the attack, and she felt as though she had fallen out of the loop with the Alliance. Her thoughts were broken when she heard her friend answer the call.
"Padmé. It is so nice to hear from you. I heard you had been discharged from Coruscant Medical, and I assumed you had returned to Vader's establishments", Bail stated.
"Yes, I have been receiving medical attention there", Padmé informed him. "I am sorry, I have not made contact since then, it has been quite a chaotic few days", she admitted, not wanting to waste time going into the details.
"I understand. I am just glad you are alright Padmé. I trust Anakin is alright following the accident?", he asked.
"He sustained some injuries, but he received medical treatment and he has recovered. He has been assigned the task of finding the assailant responsible for the attack", Padmé told him.
"That makes sense. The Emperor is paranoid, and I know he wants to regain control of the Senate by getting us all back. The disbanding of the Senate is something that may work in our favour", Bail pointed out.
"Yes, that is something that we agree on too. I have been consulting with Obi-Wan and I wanted to get in contact with you to establish what the status of the Alliance is in all of this", Padmé replied.
"We are rallying support, and I know Mothma and I are seeking the support from Senators and powerful beings on many planets. It is a delicate operation", he reminded her.
"I understand", Padmé responded. "These are trying times and I know how much we all want the Emperor dead and to restore peace and democracy to the Galaxy. But we must wait for the right time", she added.
"Padmé forgive me for asking, but is there nothing Anakin is able to do? He is second in command to the Empire. Surely there is something he is able to do to facilitate our position", Bail commented.
Padmé paused for a second. She was not surprised by her friends' comment. This was a most unique situation they found themselves in. It would be remiss to not consider the advantage that Anakin could provide the Alliance in his position, but Padmé also knew she would not do anything to endanger her husband.
"I have been considering this since Anakin came back into my life. The position he is in is very complicated. He has rejected the dark side and the Emperor, but he must continue to serve him and maintain his position as Vader. I know Anakin plans on killing the Emperor himself, and I am certain that with the help of Obi-Wan they will be able to defeat him. However, I am uncertain when Anakin plans to make such a move against the Emperor", Padmé told him.
"We are most fortunate that Anakin has rejected his ways as Vader. I have no doubt it will prove to be instrumental in our defeat of the Emperor and destruction of the Empire. But, as I am sure you will agree, we need to consider issues beyond the Emperor himself. There are many systems and governors, many of whom are extraordinarily rich, powerful and influential who support the Emperor. If we do not execute our plan effectively, we could plunge the galaxy into chaos", Bail stated.
"I want to speak to Anakin about this. He knows more about the mechanics of the Empire than anyone. If we can gain an intimate understanding of their networks and plans for the future, then we can develop a more effective plan moving forward", Padmé told him.
"That would be excellent for the Alliance Padmé. I want to thank you for this. I understand that this must not be easy for you, and I can know that Anakin's position right now must be placing you under a significant amount of stress. I have always had so much respect for the sacrifices you have made for your people Padmé. They go far beyond the oaths that we made as politicians", Bail said with a smile.
"Thank you Bail. Words cannot express my gratitude for all the support you have given me since we have met. I want to do all I can to help peace be achieved. I understood the sacrifices that I would have to make as servant to my people. I am certain that they will all be worth it when I am able to live with my family in peace", she replied.
"I couldn't agree more. When would be acceptable for you and Anakin to meet with us?", Bail asked, returning to the topic at hand.
"We are actually on Alderaan at the moment. Anakin has an estate here and we have come to see the twins and Obi-Wan. If I send you our co-ordinates, perhaps you could come to us. That way we can guarantee the safe exchange of information, as well as keeping Anakin's identity a secret", Padmé responded.
"Yes, that is a very good idea. If you send me the co-ordinates I will come and see you, Anakin and Obi-Wan tomorrow", Bail stated.
"Excellent. We shall expect you tomorrow then", Padmé replied.
"Agreed", Bail said, before his holo image faded.
Padmé entered the kitchen and found Anakin there putting away several dishes, using the force to guide them to various cupboards. She smiled, reminiscing of a time when he would do that in her apartment, often scaring her by nearly dropping them just inches from the floor.
"Some things never change", Padmé commented, as she walked towards her husband with a smile.
Anakin turned to face his wife but did not lose his concentration as he put the final lot of plates away. "I prefer to think of it as efficient use of my abilities".
"Is that so?", Padmé asked, getting closer to her husband.
"Absolutely. I am a man of many talents you know", he replied with a cheeky grin.
"Indeed", Padmé stated.
"How was your talk with the Alliance?", Anakin asked, as they made their way into the living area, where Obi-Wan met them, wanting an update on the situation too.
"I spoke with Bail and he said that the Alliance are doing their best to rally support whilst people are not under the keen eye of the Empire. But these are still trying times and we need to act cautiously and deliberately. Bail was most curious about your position in all of this Anakin. I told him that your position as Vader right now is very delicate, and all must be done to continue to convince the Emperor that you are undeniably loyal to him. I said I would confer with both of you, but Bail is coming here tomorrow so we can discuss matters properly and securely, without the worry of any interruption. I also think it would be best to limit the number of individuals who are aware of your identity Ani", Padmé concluded.
"I agree. Anakin's position cannot be made public. It is a card we must play very close to our chest. I think it is good for Bail to come and meet us tomorrow and we can start to construct a plan for the future", Obi-Wan replied.
"I am happy to meet with Bail tomorrow. Padmé, you know I plan to kill the Emperor, but I know that is not all there is to it here. There are many powerful people in the Empire who support the Emperor, so we must work out how best to regain balance in the galaxy, and stop all the generals and grand moffs from assuming power when the Emperor is destroyed", Anakin added.
"I told Bail that you more than anyone Anakin has a very intimate understanding of how the Empire works. You will be the key to helping us end this war and restoring peace", Padmé told her husband, grabbing her arm softly.
"We shall prepare to meet Organa tomorrow and make a plan with him", Obi-Wan concluded, sensing the return of the children and Geeta.
"Mummy, daddy, look at all of the berries we have picked for the cake", Leia said as she ran into the lounge with a large basket.
"Wow, sweetheart that really is a lot of berries. I hope you both haven't eaten too many on the way", Padmé asked, wiping a drop of berry juice from her daughters chin.
"No, we were sensible. Geeta was watching us", Luke interjected.
"Good. Now how about we give Geeta some peace and we go and do something together", Padmé explained as she took her children's hands and lead them out of the lounge area.
"If it is alright with you, I am going to do some meditation and training", Obi-Wan said to Anakin as they both remained standing in the room together.
"Absolutely Master. Please know you may join us at any time. You are a part of this family", Anakin replied with a smile.
"Thank you, Anakin. I am most grateful to be a part of your beautiful family", Obi-Wan stated, before he turned and headed towards his guest quarters.
Anakin joined his family in the kitchen and asked, "So what would you two like to do today?".
"Can we do some more training with you father. What we did last time was so fun", Luke asked.
"Yes, of course. It is my pleasure and privilege to teach both of you. But your mother will have to sit out today, she is still recovering from the accident", Anakin replied, wanting to address the issue before Padmé got any ideas.
Padmé was going to contest, but she knew it would be negligent of her to ignore the med droids' orders, so conceded and said, "That is alright. I am happy to watch you all. Now let's go and get you into some sensible clothes", she added.
"I will set up the gymnasium and meet you there", Anakin replied as they went to go and get changed.
A little while later Anakin was greeted by his children in the gymnasium. They appeared in matching outfits, hardly containing their excitement of training with their father. Padmé took her position, standing behind the view screen, admiring her husband as he instructed his children on different defence and parry positions. The lesson went on for over an hour, as Anakin sought to develop his children's skill in the art of anticipation and blocking. He was amazed by his children's patience and determination, and he knew they would one day be incredible Jedi if they chose to be.
"I think that is enough for today. You both did incredibly well, I am so proud of you both. We can keep practicing, and you will both get stronger and more connected to the force.", Anakin told his children.
"Yes father", Luke said, looking up to his father in admiration.
"That was so fun daddy. You are such an amazing Jedi", Leia stated, also admiring her father.
"Now, how about we have something to eat then we can go down to the lake for a swim", Anakin asked his children.
"Yay", the twins replied.
"Go and find your bathing suits and I will come up to help you in a moment", Padmé instructed her children, as she picked up their saber's and jackets that they had discarded on the floor.
"I am guessing you have not yet taught them the rule of never leaving their lightsaber behind", Padmé asked her husband.
"No, I have not. Although it is on the list", Anakin replied.
"Well from memory, you were never the best at keeping hold of your lightsaber Master Skywalker", Padmé commented.
"I always had it when I needed it", Anakin countered.
"Like the time when you gave me your saber in the senate during the clone wars, and then we were taken hostage", Padmé reminded him jokingly.
"We got out, didn't we?", Anakin asked.
"Only because of my resourcefulness", Padmé stated.
"I was proving myself to you Padmé. I once told that my lightsaber was my life, and I wanted to prove how important you were to me, by giving it to you. I wanted to prove that I would give up my life for you my love", Anakin responded, caressing her face softly.
"You had nothing to prove Ani. I knew how much you loved me", Padmé told him.
"I know, I just …", Anakin was stopped from finishing his sentence, when Luke and Leia entered the gymnasium in their costumes.
"Mum, you took forever. Come on let's go to the lake", Luke said.
"Okay, we are coming. Your father and I just need to put on swimsuits, Padmé replied.
The pair quickly got changed into suitable attire, before meeting their children to walk down to the lake. Geeta had kindly prepared them some sandwiches to take down to the lake to eat. As they lay sitting in the grass, Anakin could not help but look from his children to his wife and thank every star in the galaxy for them. Several months ago, he could never have imagined his life being like this. He was alone, evil, and distraught from memories of his wife and what had happened in the past. But now he had them in his life, he felt the light within each of them touching his heart, and he knew he was getting closer and closer towards becoming Anakin Skywalker entirely.
"Are you okay Ani?", Padmé asked her husband, noticing he looked parsecs away.
"Yes, my love. Everything is perfect", he replied, kissing her hand softly.
"Mummy, that ring on your hand is so pretty. Did daddy get that for you?", Leia asked.
"Yes, he did", Padmé stated, allowing her children a closer look at the beautiful piece of jewellery.
"It is so beautiful", Leia stated, in awe as it shimmered in the sunlight.
"Not as beautiful as your mother", Anakin added, looking at his wife in sheer admiration.
"I bet you couldn't wear a ring when you were keeping it a secret huh mum", Luke stated.
"You are right Luke. Your father and I had to be very careful in order to keep our marriage a secret. It was very hard", Padmé reflected.
"But it was worth it", Anakin interjected. "And now we never have to keep it a secret again. Your mother can wear her ring proudly and I can tell everyone I meet that I am married to the most beautiful, strong, incredible woman in the galaxy", he added.
Padmé kissed Anakin on the cheek softly as the children asked, "Can we go for a swim in the lake now?"
"Yes, you can. But stay close and do not do anything too hard you have just eaten. Me and your father will come in soon", Padmé told them.
"They truly are the most wonderful children Padmé", Anakin commented, watching his children splash about in the water in admiration.
"Well they are fifty percent of you Anakin", Padmé replied.
"I don't think that is where they got all their wonderful qualities from my love", Anakin replied, looking into his wife's eyes lovingly.
"Oh, don't be silly Anakin. Luke and Leia possess so many qualities that I know they got from you. Their fierce devotion and love for their family, their passion and determination, and they are so strong with the force just like their father", Padmé reminded her husband softly.
"I think they are stronger than I could ever hope to be", Anakin replied.
"Don't doubt yourself Anakin. You have experienced more with the force than anyone will ever know. You have been on both sides, light and dark, and more than that you have faced your destiny. You are the chosen one", she stated, touching her husband's cheek softly.
"As long as I am the one chosen by you, that is all I need", Anakin replied, partially avoiding the statement made by his wife.
"Come on mum, dad, the water is nice and warm", Luke shouted out to his parents.
"Okay we are coming", Padmé replied, as she took her hair out from the style, she had it in, realising it was silly to believe she would not get it wet in the lake.
As they stood up Anakin looked at his wife, admiring her in her swimsuit and with her hair down. "You know you still make me feel like you did over 10 years ago".
"Well it is good to know that even in my old age, you find me attractive", Padmé commented.
"Well age brings with it many benefits. It has allowed me to appreciate the gifts I have", Anakin replied, as he and Padmé entered the lake.
"Okay, who was lying about it being warm. It is freezing", Anakin told his children. He had barely got into the water above his swim shorts, but already he felt the water's coolness.
"Oh Ani, don't be silly. It is fine. You never were a huge fan of swimming in the lakes", Padmé stated.
"I only went in so I could be with you Padmé", Anakin told her.
"Well now, you will have to come in to be with all of us", she replied, as she swam towards the twins.
"Haha, daddy is scared of cold water", Leia shouted, as they laughed at their father.
"I am not scared. I just don't like being cold", Anakin told his children.
"You were born on Tatooine weren't you father?", Leia asked.
"Yes, I was. It is a very warm and desert planet. I have never liked the cold", he added.
"Oh Ani, this is hardly cold. We can lie out after and let the sun dry us", Padmé told him, looking at him softly with her doe brown eyes.
Unable to resist his wifes beauty, Anakin waded further into the water, where both his children jumped on him excitedly. "The things I do for you three huh", Anakin stated, as he held his children in his arms.
"Why don't you two show your father what wonderful swimmers you are", Padmé told the children.
Luke and Leia proceeded to show Anakin their swimming skills, having clearly inherited their skill and love for the water from Padmé. "You most certainly got your love of the water from our mother", Anakin commented, hugely impressed by their physical abilities at such a young age. He was curious to see how their mental skills and connections to the force would develop in the future. He knew that they were already strong with the force, but with more training from him and Obi-Wan they had the potential to be the best Jedi in the galaxy.
"Yeah mum loves to swim", Luke commented, as the three of them swam further out. Anakin followed behind them, not wanting to be left behind as they swam out further towards the centre of the lake.
"Not much further please you two, stay in sight", Padmé told the children as she waited for Anakin to catch up.
"I am glad we are not aquatic animals. Because if we were, I would never be able to keep up with you. I would be forever chasing you", Anakin commented, as he pulled Padmé close to him in the water.
"You have the advantage on land, and I have the advantage in the water", Padmé replied, wrapping her arms around her husband's neck.
"I think we both know you always have the advantage my love", Anakin retorted, kissing her neck softly.
"Calm down now Anakin. The children are just over there", Padmé told him.
"To be continued, then Senator", Anakin replied with a keen smile.
"We shall see, Master Skywalker", Padmé teased.