Hi Everyone. Thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews. My most sincere apologies for not updating this sooner; howver, Darth RL has been especially vicious lately, plus I've been working on The Naboo Chronicles a lot lately. However, I have not given up on this series and hope you haven't either.
Felica Mondkind: Glad to hear that you have been enjoying. It is definitely a lot of fun to put our favorite characters into these different situations to see how they play out.
Emerald Green Queen: Happy to know you like. The Skywalkers, while extremely gifted, are just like the rest of us so it is interesting to put in real life situations and see how they react to them.
Shina937: Three pieces of bread with many slices of turkey, cheese, bacon, lettice, tomatoes and onions. Basically, I made it up ;).
Natalie-Corr: Thanks again for your kind comments. My apologies for the delay in the updates. Hope you enjoy this chapter just as much.
lil-blu-penguin: Wonder no further about what will happen when Anakin heads off to a mission. Should be interesting, I hope :).
Pokey1984: Although life as a Galactic Senator is rough, I'm thinking Padme convienantly forgot about her nieces. Glad you liked and hopefully an NC update will be coming out this week ;).
Kazzy: Anakin is definitely experiencing and doing first time father things. Hopefully in time he will become a pro and not do such stupid things. However, it is funny to imagine our hero doing those things though.
JC-Puzzler: Glad to know that you are enjoying this series. As I mentioned above, Anakin is making rookie mistakes and he tends to run into the brick wall rather than thinking his way around it. Hope you like this update!
A/N: My undying thanks again go out to my beta Pokey1984. If you find any mistakes, they are all mine. Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Two long weeks. That's how long Anakin had been gone since the Jedi Council urgently sent him and Obi-Wan on an urgent mission on behalf of Chancellor Organa. Padmé sighed deeply as she briefly glanced at their wedding holo, which sat amongst the multitude that her husband had taken of them with the twins. For the most part, it had been a quiet since she was home due to Senate recess and Dormé had to return to Naboo to attend to a family emergency. Thankfully, he was due to arrive sometime that afternoon.
Padmé truly relished time alone with her two children. They were growing quickly and soon they would be going with Anakin to the Jedi Temple to start their initial training. While it pleased her that the Order had made special arrangements so that their family would not be separated; the thought of her two babies being called into dangerous situations scared her. Then again, as she knew all too well, politics could be equally precarious.
She had only meant to glance at the holos for a second, but her thoughts caused her attention to waver for much longer, until she felt a slight tugging at the hem of her nightgown.
"Mumma," called out seventeen month old Luke.
Padmé beamed with pride, remembering both of her children were now talking on a regular basis. She still smiled when she remembered how Leia had climbed onto the couch where she and Anakin were cuddled up, to utter her first words. It wasn't long afterwards that her brother also graced them with his voice. The challenge had now become to keep them quiet long enough so she and her husband could get a little peace.
"What's the matter, baby?" She asked sweetly.
The blond haired boy, who was looking increasingly like his father, pointed in the direction of hers and Anakin's bedroom. "Leeah play Geedi."
Padmé furrowed her brow, trying to understand what her toddler son was trying to tell her. "What's Leia doing?"
Luke sighed deeply, almost as if he was annoyed at repeating himself. "Leeah play Jeeddi."
"Jedi?" Padmé asked to clarify.
The boy nodded quickly as he tumbled his way back towards the bedroom. Still uncertain what her son was trying to relay, she got up from her desk to see what Leia was actually doing. Perhaps she had gotten into Anakin's things and pulled out one of his robes. The young Senator then shivered involuntarily. What if she found one of Ani's lightsabers?
Now fearful, Padmé ran to the bedroom to see her worries realized. Sitting on the floor with several of her father's robes, tunics and belts strewn all about her, Leia was in the middle of the mess with the open end of the Jedi's weapon in her mouth. The little girl grinned and waved with her free hand as she saw her mother, who was at a near panic.
Hoping not to frighten Leia, Padmé knelt down in front of her. "Honey, give mommy the lightsaber."
The twin chuckled as she continued to squeeze the hilt of the weapon in her tiny hands. Padmé was praying to the Force that she wouldn't find the activator switch. With her voice quaking, the young mother softly pleaded, "Please sweetheart, give me Daddy's tool."
"Why?" The little girl responded with her squeaky voice.
Sighing deeply, Padmé quietly answered, "Because we don't play with things that aren't ours."
"Why?"
"Daddy's lightsaber is not a toy for you to play with."
"Why?" Leia asked emphatically.
Trying not to get agitated, the former Queen gave her daughter a stern look before replying. "Mommy told you so, that's why."
The little girl suddenly looked distraught as she saw the disapproving glare of her mother. That and a tremor in the Force warned Leia that she'd better listen or else a spanking might be in her immediate future. Reluctantly, she handed the weapon over to her mother's outstretched hand. Padmé gave a sigh in relief, thankful that nothing happened.
However, as she pulled away from her daughter, Leia released a shriek that caused Padmé to noticeably wince. "What's the matter, darling?"
Leia pointed at the metallic object in her mother's hand as she sobbed, "Wannnnna."
Trying to be reasonable, the young mother retorted, "But it's not yours and it is dangerous."
Her little girl did not like the answer, causing her to cry louder. "Wanna!" she cried out more emphatically.
As Padmé scooped her into her arms in order to get her to relax, she felt something hard strike her back. Becoming frightened, she squeezed Leia tightly as she reached down to pick up Luke with the other arm. Years of threats to her safety made the Senator a little more than fearful. However, there was nobody else in the apartment.
Before she skirted over to get her hidden blaster, Luke pointed down to the floor while chuckling, "Leeah hit mummah."
Padmé scanned the floor to see one of the wooden boxes that Anakin used for storage, laying near where she was standing. Becoming upset, she gave a stern look to her daughter. "Did you do that?"
Sensing that she was in further trouble, the little girl let out another pained cry, followed by her brother. Before Padmé could do anything, several boxes, plants and glassware started flying about the room. As the young mother found safety with her two little ones, she mused that this was definitely not a good start to the day.
After two long weeks of negotiations, I was thankful to be returning home to Coruscant. Due to the gravity of the situation, Master Obi-Wan accompanied me and I was thankful that he did. Never thought I'd actually hear myself say that, let alone think that, but had it not been for him, the situation could have easily fallen under the auspices of "aggressive negotiations."
For whatever reason, the government of that world requested me by name to represent the Republic in these discussions. I suppose dealing with that old bag of bones Palpatine gave me some credibility or notoriety, whichever way you want to look at it, throughout the galaxy. I never would have thought that I would relish the peace and tranquility of the Jedi Temple and Coruscant over adventurous and exciting missions. Then again, that was before I was married and had children. Amazing how those simple facts can alter one's priorities.
It had taken us nearly five days via hyperspace to return home. And despite my predilection for space travel, even I was longing to be on solid ground for awhile. I must have been broadcasting my thoughts and feelings too loudly when I heard the polished voice of my former Master echo the cabin.
"Your nervous, Padawan."
I turned to see the mischievous smirk cross the face of my former teacher. Just like a parent, he'd like to still refer to me as his apprentice, despite our equal rank. "I'm not nervous, Master; I am just ready to get home."
He offered a brief smile as he folded his arms. "I know it must have been difficult for you, not being able to communicate with Padmé and the children during this mission."
"We both knew that this would always be a possibility. Thankfully, my duties usually keep me at the Temple, so this isn't a common occurrence."
Obi-Wan laughed ironically as his face was now gleaming. "Who'd ever thought that the brash, young Anakin Skywalker would pine for the quiet, boring life of a Temple Jedi?"
Now I knew he was reading my thoughts earlier. "Master, didn't Master Yaddle always used to say that it was improper to read other's thoughts?"
"Call it Master's privilege," he retorted, causing me to roll my eyes in mock annoyance. However, before I could fire back a snappy comeback, the transport's pilot voice came over the intercom.
"We will be landing at the main governmental complex pad in 5 minutes. Please prepare to disembark."
As Obi-Wan and I return to our cabin to gather our things, I asked, "Would you like to drop by the apartment? I'm sure you could use a home cooked meal instead of the usual Temple food. Besides, I'm sure Padmé and the kids would love to see you."
"I don't want to be an inconvenience, as I'm sure you'd want some private time with your family."
I smirked at him as I placed my hand on his shoulder. "But you are part of our family too and besides, I will have plenty time to get caught up."
Obi-Wan chuckled as he nodded his head in agreement. "Well, with an offer like that, how could I refuse?"
If he had only known what we were about to walk into.
After we went through the normal security procedures, we walked into a very quiet and dark apartment. I could sense the presence of my wife and children, but something felt off. Apparently, Obi-Wan felt it too because he reached for his lightsaber, I immediately followed suit. I then softly called out, "Padmé? Luke? Leia?"
No response was given, prompting me to motion to my Master that we head into the bedroom. As we passed the twins' room, I pushed the door slightly ajar to peak in. However, neither Leia nor Luke was inside. My intuition told me that they were all in the bedroom. As we continued down the hallway, Obi-Wan and I took positions opposite the door.
After giving each other a subtle gesture, we both ran inside. Our bedroom was in shambles. The mattresses were tossed about, clothes and linens are littering the floor and all the lamps, as well as the decorations were broken across the ground. The worry inside me erupted as I cried out, "Padmé, where are you?"
A muffled voice called out, "In my closet."
Quickly, Obi-Wan and I ran over and cautiously opened the door. There, buried underneath piles of clothes, blankets and pillows was my wife huddling with our two children, and she did not look happy.
"What happened?"
My wife gave me a menacing stare as she shed off all the fallen closet contents. She then handed me both of our sleeping toddlers and walked into the living area where I heard the door slam seconds later. My former Master and I shared a painful exchange as I knew I had better chase after my wife before I got into further trouble. So without asking, I handed over both twins to him
"Um, Anakin. I think…."
I abruptly left the room and the apartment before Obi-Wan could submit his protest.My poor Master. After dealing with me, now there are a whole slew of Skywalkers, ready to continue his torment. The Force definitely had a sinister plan for him.
Before my wife's security could even react, I dashed passed them as I felt Padmé's anxieties increase.
She was broadcasting her frustrations so loudly that every Jedi or Force sensitive on Coruscant was probably getting a nasty headache right about now. However, this was fortuitous because I sensed her on the turbolift en route to the roof. I quickly grabbed the other lift to catch up with her.
A few moments later I found myself atop our residence building. Off in the far corner, I saw my wife staring out at the city, looking obviously tense. I approached her cautiously, unsure of her reaction to my presence.
"Angel?"
I heard a few, miscellaneous, barely audible Nubian curses before Padmé turned to face me.. When I saw the angered look on her face, for a moment I'd wished that I had stayed downstairs with Obi-Wan and the twins. Not wanting to get into a staring contest with her, I tried to break the tension with a joke.
"Love what you did with the residence. Who's your decorator?"
That was probably not the thing to say as I saw her jaw muscles contort while she clenched her teeth.
"Don't start with me, Anakin."
Anakin? Oh boy, I really was in for it. So quickly, I changed my tone. "I'm sorry, angel. What happened?"
Her scowl never left her face as she turned her attention back towards nothing in particular. "Your children decided to have a Force powered temper tantrum when I took one of your lightsabers away from Leia," she said with agitation in her voice.
"What?"
"Oh yes, Master Jedi," she said sarcastically. "Our daughter found her way into your closet and decided to use your spare lightsaber as a chew toy."
"But that's impossible," I vehemently retorted. "It's always locked in metal case."
Padmé frowned as she stormed past me. I followed quickly behind and gently grabbed her. She stopped abruptly and turned around..
"I can't believe that you were careless enough to leave that box unlocked. You know the twins are into everything now"
Becoming incensed, I wrapped my arms firmly against my chest. "I haven't opened it in months and I know that it was locked prior to my leaving."
"So it just unlocked itself?" Padmé asked with her hands on her hips. However, before I could reply, her gaze shifted down to the floor. My wife then shook her head in defeat as she sat herself down at the edge of the roof.
"I don't know if I can do this," she said at a near whisper.
I sat carefully next to her, focusing my gaze at her. "Can do what, angel?"
"This," she pointed down towards our apartment. "Leia threw a fit and then start screaming. Then Luke joined in and the next thing I knew, I was dodging flying furniture. If I could use the Force like you…" She paused as she took in a breath. "Sometimes I feel so left out…"
The sound of regret in her voice said it all. "I'm so sorry, Padmé. I suppose we should have spent more time at the temple with the crèche masters to better handle Force sensitive temper tantrums."
"But that's the problem," Padmé's voice rose as she turned to look at me. "The crèche masters are Jedi and I am hardly Force adept."
I immediately stood up and I took her hands into my own. "Come. Let's speak with Master Obi-Wan. Perhaps he can offer us some suggestions."
My wife slightly nodded as she stood up to join me. "Perhaps you would have been better off with a Force adept or a Jedi as a wife and mother. I…"
I immediately interrupted her as I softly grabbed both of her shoulders in order to make my point. ""Padmé, you are my wife, the mother of our children, my very life and I can say with absolute certainty that there is no one else in the universe I would want raising Leia and Luke. " A small smile started to form across her face as I moved closer. "Nor do I know anybody else as patient and kind and as loving as you to put up with me."
Padmé scoffed as she wrapped her arms around my neck. "You aren't that bad, Ani," she joked as we both laughed softly. "And I'm sorry for being angry at you. I am just so frightened that I can't handle this."
"I would have been too had I seen that," I said as I squeezed her hand affectionately. "Let's going talk to Master. I know he can help us."
Padmé nodded confidently as she reached for my hand. "I love you, Ani. And please know I don't regret a second of our lives together."
I smiled as I kissed the top of her head. "I know, angel. And I love you too."
After several cups of caf, Master Obi-Wan sat back in his chair after Padmé relayed all her frustrations and troubles with the twins. What was most surprising was that Dex had never spoken to him about the little incident a couple months back where the twins threw a Force tantrum that caused quite a scene. The graying Jedi look thoughtful for several moments before he finally spoke to us.
"I know you two had hoped to delay Luke and Leia's initial training until they were a little older, but I think from what you've both said that's no longer an option."
Padmé looked at him in confusion. "You mean you can train children as young as the twins?"
"Even younger," Obi-Wan said with a glint in his eye. "There are several techniques developed by the crèche masters that allow us to be able to communicate with them."
I turned to Padmé who gave a slight nod of approval before returning her stare down towards the table. "I think that sounds reasonable, Master. I would hate for Padmé or anybody else here to get hurt because the twins got out of hand."
The distinguished Jedi Master nodded as he turned his attention towards my wife. Through our old connection, I could sense his thoughts and he too felt Padmé's inner turmoil over the situation. He slightly smiled at her as he stroked the hair on his chin.
"I think it would be really helpful, Milady if you were to accompany Leia and Luke to the temple so the crèche masters can help you better manage this incidents."
Padmé looked up at Obi-Wan and offered him a smile of appreciation. "But Master Jedi, I am not Force adept."
My Master smirked slightly as he shook his head. "You don't need to be able to touch the Force in order to use some of the techniques employed by the crèche masters." The young Senator looked at him skeptically before he continued. "Besides, part of the training in the crèche requires no usage of the Force when caring for the children. I learned this all too well when Master Qui-Gon sent me down there as part of my punishment on several occasions."
This statement immediately caught my attention. "You got into trouble, Master? The venerable Obi-Wan Kenobi," I uttered sarcastically. My former teacher sent me one of his disapproving looks, which I knew all too well. Finally, unable to maintain his stoic façade, the elder Jedi laughed heartily causing Padmé and me to join him.
After the humor of the situation died down, Obi-Wan continued to speak to Padmé. "Besides, I know the Council wants you involved in the twins' training so they will welcome your presence."
"I appreciate that Master Obi-Wan; that truly means a lot."
While we were all busy in our discussions, none of us noticed that my son had crawled over to the table and climbed into Obi-Wan's lap where he fell fast asleep. It wasn't until my Master was about to rise from the table when he noticed Luke.
"Oh my," Obi-Wan uttered as Luke shifted in order to make himself more comfortable.
Padmé and I shared a warm smile as we saw our son sleeping peacefully. "Looks like you may have to train another Skywalker."
Obi-Wan scoffed as he gave me an odd look. "I was right, Anakin."
"About what, Master?"
"You are going to be death of me."
