The couple's perfect moment was shattered by the desperate pleas of their children. "Mummy, daddy, help!", the twins shouted desperately.
Both Anakin and Padmé's heads snapped towards their children. Their heads were just above the surface but were sinking quickly. Without hesitation both Padmé and Anakin swam towards their children.
"Its mud, we are sinking. We can't get out", Leia shouted, desperately trying to free her feet from the sand below.
Padmé got to her children first and dived down below the water to try and pull her children's feet free, to no avail. She looked to her husband desperately, as he too attempted to pull their feet free from the sand quickly consuming them.
"Padmé keep their heads above the water", Anakin ordered his wife, as he pushed away from them to float just in front of his children. He closed his eyes and reached out his hands as he called on the force, seeking to use all of his power to free his children. As he felt the force flow through him, he focused on his children and his desire to save them and let it guide him in his actions. Seconds later he felt the force free them from the sand, as Padmé grabbed both of them.
"My babies", Padmé shouted, trying her best to contain her rocketing emotions.
Anakin swam over to them and carried Luke out of the water, as Padmé carried Leia. Both children were visibly shaken by the event as they were pulled from the lake back on the bank.
Padmé ran and grabbed two blankets and wrapped them around her children, hugging them tightly, so grateful they were alright.
"That was so scary mum", Leia said as her mother comforted her.
"I know baby, I was so scared too. I was so worried", she confessed, as she hugged both of her children tightly.
"You did it, daddy. You used the force to get us out", Luke commented, smiling softly at his father.
"I am most grateful I was able to do so. For a moment there I didn't know what me and your mother were going to do. It just proves you should never underestimate your environment and always be cautious of what is around you. You are both confident and capable swimmers, but today none of us were good enough swimmers to be able to pull you from that sand. It is because of the force that we were able to free you", Anakin stated, hoping to instil a lesson in his children.
"Yes, father, we understand", Leia replied.
Padmé tried her best to calm her racing heartbeat as she said, "Let's get both of you inside for a warm shower before dinner". She kissed them both on the forehead and held their hands as they walked back inside. Anakin followed behind them as he ran a hand through his hair, still overwhelmed by what had just happened. In the blink of an eye he had gone from a peaceful romantic moment with his wife, to having to save his children from drowning. He had called on the light side of the force and used all of his strength to free his children. It had pained him to see the expression on Padmé's face as she saw her children in danger, and he knew that she had been shaken by the event.
Dinner was a quieter than usual affair that evening. Both the twins were also shaken by what had transpired at the lake. Geeta and Obi-Wan had tried to help keep the conversation flowing, but it was a lot more challenging than normal. The berry cake that Geeta had prepared was well received, but the twins had insisted they were not that hungry. Geeta promised them that she would save some for them to have tomorrow, knowing that they would regain their strong appetites soon.
"Mummy I'm tired", Leia stated.
"Me too", Luke said.
"Let us get you two into bed. You have had a big day", Padmé replied.
Her and Anakin left the kitchen, each carrying one of their children, as they left Obi-Wan and Geeta in the kitchen.
"It appears that what transpired at the lake really scared the children", Obi-Wan commented.
"I know bless them, they hardly touched the cake, and I know they were so excited for it this morning", Geeta stated.
"Anakin too seems rather unsettled by it. He used the force to save them. They are most fortunate that Anakin is so strong with the force", Obi-Wan added.
"I think we are all very fortunate for that", Geeta commented.
"You are right Geeta", Obi-Wan concluded.
Padmé and Anakin finished putting the twins to bed, each taking more time than usual to hug and kiss them goodnight. It has been a scary day for all for all of them, and not one that Padmé desired to repeat any time soon. When the couple got to their chambers, Padmé fell into her husbands arms and cried. Anakin could tell that Padmé had forced herself to contain her emotions in front of the children, so not to worry them. But not that it was just the two of them, her emotions were came flooding to the surface.
"I can't believe what nearly happened today Ani. We nearly lost our children", she stated, tears running down her cheeks.
Anakin wrapped his arms around his wife, as her head rested on his chest. "I know it was scary Padmé. But we got to them and they are going to be just fine", Anakin stated, trying his best to reassure his wife.
"But Ani, if you hadn't been there or didn't have the force, we wouldn't have been able to save them. I am such a terrible mother, I should have been closer to them, I should have been watching them more carefully", Padmé cried, chastising herself bitterly.
It hurt Anakin to hear her say such things. He cupped his wife's face in his hands and looked into her eyes lovingly. "Padmé, you are the most wonderful mother that any child could hope for. I could not think of anyone that could have done a better job raising two force sensitive children. You did all that you could, and we were so close to them as well Padmé. What matters is that I did have the force and I was able to pull them from the sand", Anakin reminded her.
"I am just so grateful you were there Ani", Padmé replied, tightening her hold around her husband.
"I will always be here Padmé, to protect you and the twins, I promise you", Anakin told her passionately, kissing her forehead tenderly.
"I love you Anakin Skywalker", Padmé stated, looking up into her husband's sky-blue eyes.
"And I love you Padmé Skywalker. You are the most incredible woman, wife and mother, please don't ever doubt that", Anakin replied, as he leaned in to catch his wife's soft lips in a kiss.
After their kiss broke Anakin lifted Padmé into his arms and carried her out onto their balcony that offered them a beautiful view.
"I just want to stay here Ani. I wish we did not have to leave. I don't want to leave Luke and Leia again", she confessed.
"I know Padmé, I do not want to leave them again either", Anakin replied.
"How long do you think it will be before the Emperor requests you and we have to leave?", she asked him.
"I'm not sure. I need to consult with some of my troopers tomorrow and establish the status of the investigation. I do want to find out who tried to kill you. The investigation has acted as good cover and has enabled me to come here, because I can justify my off-world travels by following up any leads", Anakin commented.
"Yes, that makes sense. I am not sure how long the Senate will be disbanded for either. I think that depends on your investigation", Padmé stated.
Anakin put his wife down as she stood next to him on the open balcony before saying, "In truth Padmé, I do not think you should return to the Senate. There have now been two attempts on your life, and I am concerned that the Emperor is going to remove me from your protection. The only reason I was comfortable with you returning last time was because I knew I was there to protect you. But even then, I was called off world and I nearly lost you. I cannot and I will not risk losing you again Padmé", Anakin stated strongly, looking at his wife.
"I understand Anakin. I want to go back and continue to serve my people, but I know it would be foolish of me to think it is completely safe, even with you there. Our focus now needs to be on moving forward with the Alliance and on destroying that monster Palpatine", Padmé replied.
"I think it would not arise suspicions if you were to concur that you were executing your duties from your home world of Naboo. That way you can continue to occupy the role, but you are not at risk from any attacks", Anakin concluded.
"Yes, I think that is a wise precaution. But there would be some rare occasions when the Senate would be called to session when I would need to be in attendance, for a vote or a call to action. But we can address that issue when it arises", Padmé stated.
"It won't be much longer that we have to do all of this Padmé. Soon we will restore peace to the galaxy, and the Senate will have real power again. You can step down as Senator of Naboo and finally we will be able to live together as a family", Anakin promised his wife.
"That day cannot come soon enough for me Ani", Padmé told him, her eyes glistening with tears.
"Let's get some sleep Angel", Anakin stated as he took his wife's hand and walked with her back inside to their chambers.
When they woke the next morning, Anakin and Padmé were greeted by their children, Geeta and Obi-Wan in the kitchen.
"Morning everyone", Padmé smiled, as she and her husband kissed their children on the forehead as they sat down eating breakfast.
"Morning mummy, morning daddy", both twins replied, their mouths full of berries and pancakes.
"What are we doing today mum?", Luke asked him mother as she and Anakin sat down to eat too.
"Well, I was thinking we could play some games this morning. I know how much you both enjoy playing Sabacc", Padmé answered. "I think your father has some work to attend to this morning, but then we can join him before lunch in the gymnasium", she added.
"Yeah that will be fun. Maybe Obi-Wan can join us for a training session too", Luke stated.
"That is up to Master Obi-Wan", Padmé commented.
"I would take great pleasure in training with you all later on. Thank you for the invitation Luke", Obi-Wan stated with a smile.
"I am most intrigued to see what skills you still possess Master", Anakin commented wryly.
"Ahh yes well I am afraid I may disappoint you there Anakin. I am a lot older now, and more than a bit out of practice", Obi-Wan defended.
As the group laughed at the comments being exchanged, Padmé then said, "This afternoon your father, myself and Obi-Wan have a meeting with Bail Organa here. So, for a little while you can help Geeta with preparations for dinner".
"Is it an important meeting?", Leia asked.
"Yes Leia. Very important. I hope that soon we will not have to have any more meetings and that there will be peace in the galaxy, and we can all live together as a family", Padmé stated, looking at both her children.
"The galaxy is very lucky to have you mummy", Leia replied admiringly.
"You are right Leia, we are all very lucky to have your mother", Anakin stated, kissing his wife's hand. "Now, if you will excuse me, I need to make contact with my troopers", he added, before standing and departing the kitchen.
"I hope he does not encounter too many problems", Obi-Wan stated as Anakin left.
"I hope so too Obi-Wan. I know it is extremely hard for Anakin to continue his servitude to the Empire", Padmé replied. "Well enough of that talk, let us go and play a game. Obi-Wan would you like to join us, we could use an extra player", she added.
Obi-Wan smiled and replied, "Alright then, thank you. But I am afraid I will not be much help in such a game. I must have only played a handful of times".
"It's alright Obi-Wan, we can teach you", Leia stated excitedly.
"Excellent then, I am all yours", he added.
Anakin had retired to his office in the establishments in order to distance himself from his family. He knew that right now he had to become Vader, and he did not want to be that man around them. As he put on his mask, he dialled in the frequency for his commander, and waited for his holoimage to appear.
"Lord Vader, Sir", the trooper stated as he saluted his commander.
"What is your update on the investigation into Senator Soruna's assassination attempt?", Vader asked.
"We are still pursuing several leads My Lord. We attempted to get hold of you yesterday, but the troopers who are usually posted at your hangar bay informed me that you had transferred them Sir", the trooper replied.
"It was my belief that they would be better utilised in the effort to investigate the assailant. I am currently off-world following my own leads in the investigation", Vader informed his commander, hoping it would buy him time.
"There is one thing that came up Sir", the trooper commented.
"What was it, Commander?", he asked.
"We succeeded in tracing some of the explosives that were used in the attempt against Senator Soruna and yourself, and we found that the explosives were purchased by an organisation within the Imperial network", the trooper reported.
"That is most interesting Commander. I want you to handle that information with the greatest degree of care. If it is to be made known that the order on Senator Soruna was made by an Imperial, then it could have catastrophic consequences. I want you to continue to chase that lead and speak to anyone you can that could give as an idea for who was responsible for the attack", Vader ordered.
"Yes, Sir I understand", the trooper responded.
"I am unsure when I will return, but I want regular updates trooper and I will see what progress I can make at my end", Vader stated.
"Of course, Sir. I was also asked by Governor Tarkin to relay his concerns about the ongoing construction of the Death Star. He asks you to make contact Sir", the trooper informed his commander.
"I will speak with that impatient snake of a Governor", Vader replied. "I will be in contact soon", he added, before he ended the call.
Wanting to get it over with, Anakin then input the frequency to reach Governor Tarkin. He was not surprised that the Governors and Moffs were growing increasingly impatient. For many of them, construction of this mechanical monster was going to catapult them into considerable positions of power. Vader was not naïve to the fact that many of the highest-ranking officers desired his position as second in command. Anakin knew that if peace was to be achieved, many of these officers would have to be destroyed too. He was then broken from his thoughts by the monotone sound of Tarkin.
"Ahh Lord Vader, how kind of you to finally respond", Tarkin stated bitterly.
"What do you want Tarkin?", Vader asked impatiently.
"Construction of the Death Star has stagnated Lord Vader. Because of the Senate's furlough and your demand that troops be transferred for the investigation we are falling behind schedule", Tarkin reported.
"That is not my concern Tarkin. I would not have thought that construction would be significantly impacted by events at the Senate. You should not have a problem getting back on schedule. The Emperor would be most displeased with your apparent lack of progress", Vader retorted.
"I have got men working around the clock to maintain construction progress. We have had some changes made to some of the defence systems schematics and we require you to review them for any flaws. This station cannot possess any weaknesses that those Rebel scum could exploit", Tarkin spat.
"Send me the schematics and I will review them. Next time we speak Governor, I hope you present me with more fruitful news", Vader stated, before ending the communication without another word.
As Anakin removed his helmet, he felt himself relax now that he had conducted his duties as Vader. He found it particularly interesting that it had been someone in the Imperial network who had ordered the assassination of Senator Soruna. He hoped his troopers would be able to establish more information from the trace of the explosives, but he did want to find out who it was that nearly killed him and his wife. Anakin departed his office, leaving the mask and suit there and went to go and join his family in the gymnasium.
When he entered, he was greeted by his children warmly, who had been practicing with Obi-Wan.
"Yay daddy now you can train with us", Leia stated excitedly.
"Yes, young one, I am excited to see what you have learnt", Anakin replied as he walked with his children hand-in-hand towards the centre of the gym to meet Padmé and Obi-Wan.
"How was your meeting?", Padmé asked, kissing her husband on the cheek softly.
"I will tell you later, there has been some interesting developments", Anakin told her quietly.
"Come on you two, refocus. Show your father what we have been practicing", Obi-Wan stated, coaxing the children back towards the practice mat.
Anakin stood next to his wife as he watched his children take their stance in front of Obi-Wan. In sync with him, they changed their stance, moving their saber's from attack to defence and parry positions. He admired the way they moved, guided by the force as they did so. Obi-Wan had taught them a combination of movements that would help them alternate between attack and defensive positions, but he knew that soon they would each select their own combat form.
"I am very impressed by both of you. It is indeed a very valuable skill to know how to move on the attack and parry blaster shots. This experience will help you in time determine your own Jedi form", Anakin stated.
"What is your lightsaber form dad?", Luke asked his father.
"I was always more of an offensive fighter. I trained in the form of Djem So", Anakin told his children.
"What was your style Master Kenobi?", Leia asked curiously.
"Soresu. Unlike your father, I was much more of a tactical and defensive fighter. I preferred to lure my opponents into positions that provided me with an advantage", Obi-Wan replied.
At that moment both Anakin and Obi-Wan clearly had flashbacks of Mustafar. They were reminded of Anakin's brutal attack on Obi-Wan and then the older jedi's defensive style providing superior when he got the high ground on the banks of the lava planet.
Before he could continue down his path of dark memories Anakin stated, "I believe Master Windu called you the 'Master of Soresu".
"Perhaps he did. It was a long time ago now", Obi-Wan replied.
"Can you show us how you fight father. Two Jedi masters fighting together, that is so cool", Luke asked enthusiastically.
"I was never a Jedi Master son", Anakin stated, remembering the shame he felt at the time of being appointed to the Jedi Council but not granted the rank of Master.
"That may have been the case, but that does that mean you did not deserve it Anakin. You are the most gifted Jedi, the Order has ever seen", Obi-Wan commented.
"Perhaps", Anakin replied shortly.
"Please dad, please Obi-Wan. Show us a few tricks", Leia pleaded.
Padmé looked at her husband softly, knowing this must be hard for him. "You don't have to if you don't want to Ani", she told him reassuringly.
"I am alright Padmé. As long as Obi-Wan is willing", Anakin stated.
Obi-Wan looked at his friend for a moment. He knew that what happened on Mustafar was something that neither of them would forget. But he also knew that Anakin returning from the dark side was a gift to the galaxy and he had been willing to put aside all that happened to rebuild their relationship. This right now was a test of their friendship, and Obi-Wan did not want to let Anakin down as he did 8 years ago.
"It would be an honour", Obi-Wan replied with a small bow before he drew his lightsaber and took his stance.
Anakin smiled at him before he grabbed his saber and took his position on the training platform. Padmé and the twins stood back from the main arena, wanting to give them both plenty of space. Anakin then ignited his blue lightsaber and swished it around in his hand effortlessly.
"I see you haven't changed your desire to show off a few tricks", Obi-Wan commented.
"How can I resist. It intimidates most opponents. It gives me an advantage", Anakin replied.
"I think you will find that doesn't work on me Anakin", Obi-Wan stated. "But blue is most certainly your colour", he added.
Before anymore could be said Anakin took a step forward and initiated the first blow. Obi-Wan deflected it effortlessly, moving around Anakin and taking his stance again.
"Come on old man", Anakin teased. "Let's see what Master Kenobi still has", he added.
At the comment Obi-Wan pushed his advances, hoping to ease Anakin's cockiness. They duelled for several moments, each alternating their advantage.
"I am not that old. And with age comes wisdom and patience my friend", Obi-Wan stated.
"You sound like Master Yoda", Anakin retorted, before continuing to push his Master back, using all his strength and power.
The pair continued to fight, as Anakin's family watched in awe of both of them. Both men struggled to gain an advantage over the other, for even after more than 8 years they found they still knew one another like the back of their hand. But Anakin knew he was younger, fitter, and stronger and he utilised the advantage when he struck a heavy blow to Obi-Wan, which the older Jedi defended. But the strength of Anakin's strike caused Obi-Wan to fall to the floor. Anakin held his saber to his old master's chest for a few seconds before turning and smiling to his children. As he was distracted, Obi-Wan seized the opportunity and swept Anakin off his feet, so he collapsed on the training mat next to him.
"And that is why you never take your eyes off your opponent. Never underestimate them", Obi-Wan stated, as he and Anakin both stood up.
"Well played Master, as always a cunning tactician", Anakin commented with a smile, as he wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Wow, that was amazing. You are both such amazing fighters. It is so interesting though because you fight so differently", Luke stated.
"There is no one way to fight with a saber. There are many saber forms and that is why it is important for a Jedi to find the style that is best for them. Mine and your father's style of fighting are very different, but when we are against one another, we are both as strong as each other. Your father is faster and stronger than me, and had that fight continued he would have bested me, I am certain", Obi-Wan told the twins.
"Thanks for showing us. One day I want to be able to fight like that. I want to be strong like you father and I want to be able to outsmart my opponent like you Obi-Wan", Luke replied, looking to both of the men in admiration.
"Are you saying I am not smart?", Anakin asked, jokingly looking offended.
"No father, just that you are different", Luke replied.
"Well your mother was always the clever one anyway", Anakin stated, winking at his wife.
"I think everyone should have a shower before we have some lunch. Then the adults have our meeting, so you two can be nice and help Geeta, I know how much she enjoys spending time with you two", Padmé told her children with a smile.
As Padmé, Luke and Leia left the gym the two Jedi stayed behind to tidy up the gym. Anakin removed his black sweat clad shirt in an attempt to cool down as he attached his blue lightsaber on the hilt of his belt. As he turned, he could see Obi-Wan looking at him with a familiar expression on his face.
"Something to say Master Jedi", Anakin asked.
"I must commend you on your fighting skills. You have progressed significantly over the last several years. I sense more calculation and purposefulness in your moves, it is very impressive. I can see you have gotten much stronger physically and with the force", Obi-Wan commented.
"Yes, I guess with age I have learnt a few things. I have gotten stronger with the force and I feel my connection to the light side growing stronger each day. I know with your help and the presence of Padmé and the twins in my life that I am again Anakin Skywalker. As for physically I have had to get stronger. My armour is very heavy and cumbersome, so I needed to be strong enough to fight encased in my suit as Vader. I suppose I should make the most of it now, I wont look like this forever", Anakin replied, tensing his muscles jokingly.
"You may not look like that forever Anakin, but it won't change how strong you are with the force, nor will the love Padmé and your children have for you", he reminded him.
"Yes, I know. I am the luckiest man in the galaxy that Padmé loves me for much more than what I look like. The love we have for one another is indescribable, it is as though are souls are aligned across the stars. Padmé accepted me as a slave boy from Tatooine and as a Jedi Knight and when I got my scar from Ventress. She has accepted me after what I did to her on Mustafar as Vader and the scars the Emperor has gifted me with. It is far beyond appearance. Anakin Skywalker is merely a face", he declared.
"You really have grown wiser Anakin. I am very proud of the man you have become", Obi-Wan said, reaching out to shake Anakin's hand.
"Thank you Master", Anakin replied, bowing slightly. "I think we should go and shower before lunch and our meeting with Senator Organa", he added.