Hello everyone, I have finally returned with the last chapter of my story. I want to apologize for taking so long to post it. After I finished chapter 15 I needed a brake, and battled with some bad writers block. Towards the very end of the story I do refer to my first story "Last Night of Innocence" to tie everything together. Thank you all for reading my stories I appreciate your reviews, and now the conclusion to "The Day After Innocence."
Chapter 16: The Grand Finale
The sun was shinning through again, and the windows had been replaced. Even the charred burnt smell of furniture didn't break their spirits as Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme stood together with Master Yoda, Master Windu, and Master Ti in what remained of the Jedi council room.
"Welcome back."
"Thank you Masters." Padme answered back to Master Windu.
"First we want to inform you that the code from Count Dooku was effective in reversing the clones. We immediately contacted Lama Sue of Kamino. We informed Kamino of the trouble, and unfortunate deaths their clones have caused. Under serious consideration Lama Sue understood the need to destroy the clones, and to never create any form in any way again. A special self-destruct code was set forth within the clones. They were terminated by a lethal injection mechanism that was placed into their bodies from their early formation. This device was created in case of an emergency situation. After they were terminated their bodies were disposed into the raging Kamino-sea. Boba Fett is the only remaining clone that will still reside on Kamino. However, Lama Sue, and the rest of Kamino understands that the Jedi Order will make frequent trips to ensure that there is no illegal activity of cloning being committed, and for Boba Fett to remain on Kamino for good. We intend to keep a watchful eye on him as he has been brought up, and trained by Jango Fett. We do not intend to take any chances on his possible intentions of future retaliation towards the Jedi, and the Republic."
Anakin smiled and nodded. "A well conceived plan Masters. I apologize for the condition of the room, but Obi-Wan and I didn't have any other choice. It was the only way to convince Sidious."
"Master Windu held up his hand with grace. "No apology is needed Anakin. Master Kenobi explained everything to us. It was a wise gutsy decision that served its purpose well."
"Thank you Masters." Anakin bowed before the remaining Jedi Masters.
"Young but wise you are Anakin. Old but too rigid I was. Saved us you have with your opened mind. Too arrogant to see that the old way is not the only way. Changed has the galaxy. Many Jedi we have lost to my own narrow view. Changed, the Order did not because let it change, I did not. Much to learn there still is, much to learn about life, and love we still have. Proven us all wrong you have Anakin." Master Yoda said as he proudly pointed his little green finger towards Anakin.
"How so Masters?" Anakin asked hardly believing what he was hearing.
"Proven you could defeat the Sith, and be emotionally attached you did."
"I only did what my heart, and the Force were speaking to me Master Yoda."
"Tap into this new knowledge of the Force we all must, or gone the Jedi will be. Listen to you we should have Padme. Right you were for us to consider your plea."
"Thank you Master Yoda." Padme replied with a bow, and a beaming smile.
"Anakin you have fulfilled the prophecy; you are the chosen one." Master Windu said with quiet confidence.
"I only did what I felt I needed to do. I couldn't have done it without Obi-Wan, and Master Qui-Gon." Anakin bowed to Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan bowed back to Anakin with a smile of appreciation.
"A new bond of respect we see you have formed with Obi-Wan. Pleased we are of this."
"We've become brothers Master Yoda. Anakin has grown tremendously in the past few months."
"Amazed we all are of this new knowledge of the Force you shared with us on your way back from Mustafar Obi-Wan. We are all truly grateful to Master Qui-Gon for contacting you. His warning has proven to be successful in defeating the Sith, and in bringing balance to the Force." Master Windu said.
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. "Master Qui-Gon did mention he would come back one day, and share his secrets in joining with the afterlife through the Force. His instincts, and wisdom have saved us all."
"Anakin we would like you to consider coming back to the Jedi Order." Master Windu asked with a calm peaceful voice.
Both caught completely by surprise Anakin and Padme glanced at the each other's expression. Anakin turned away from her searching eyes slowly, and answered back with conviction. "I'm sorry Masters. I am truly honored, and very grateful from your kind, and thoughtful words. But I will not abandon Padme, and our child."
"We know Anakin, and we have considered your loyalty to your family a great deal.
You have grown strong, wise, and kind with the Force. We need you to help rebuild a new Jedi Order."
Master Yoda nodded to Master Windu. "A new Jedi Order will be. Our blessing for your wedding we give."
Anakin's and Padme's mouth dropped opened in shock. Now Anakin was sure that he was hearing things. They couldn't be saying what it sounded like they were saying. "What do you mean Masters?"
"Change the code will. Attachment forbidden will no longer be by our approval."
"The council has decided to amend the code in regards to emotional attachment. We will allow members of the order to seek companionship. However, marriage must be approved by a vote within the council. If we approve of the relationship, and feel it is essential and beneficial to a Jedi's life we will give our blessing. In addition, in regards to the soon to be birth of your youngling, we also see the value in children with Force tendencies to be trained by their parents who are members of the Order. Anakin and Padme you have proven that your bond has undoubtedly been created by the will of the Force. We give you our blessing for a life together of great love, and respect for your family. Please consider our offer."
"Apologize to you both for our foolish ways we do." Master Yoda said with great remorse and sorrow.
Tears were falling from Padme's happy eyes as she stood next to her stunned fiancé.
She clutched his hand in elation. Anakin swallowed hard; he simply couldn't believe their dream had finally come true. Anakin turned to Padme his smile of love and happiness mirroring her own, filled with emotion they embraced each other warmly. Finally able to gain his composure Anakin stepped closer to Master Yoda.
"Padme and I except your offer Masters, thank you for understanding how much we mean to each other." He said as he bowed before them.
"Thank you Anakin earned our trust, and respect you both have." Master Yoda said nodding appreciatively towards the elated young man.
"Kneel before us." Master Windu said quietly with a warm smile.
Anakin kneeled in front of Master Yoda, and Master Windu. Master Yoda, Master Windu, Master Kenobi, Master Ti, and Master Fisto began to surround Anakin. Padme watched as all five Jedi Masters ignited their weapons, and touched the ends together. The soft greenish blue light reflected from the top of Anakin's sandy blond hair.
Master Windu began to speak. "Anakin Skywalker you have trained with your Master as his Padawan, and have passed the trials by defeating the Sith. You have proven to us that you are ready to take the next step in the discovery, appreciation, and bond with the Force we all share. Therefore, we deem you Anakin Skywalker Jedi Knight; may the Force be with you always." With his last words the five remaining Jedi Masters retracted their weapons.
Anakin rose to his feet. "Thank you Masters I am honored, and intend to serve the Order well."
"We know you will Anakin, and we would very much like to be present at your ceremony." Master Windu asked warmly.
"I think that would be wonderful Masters. Ani and I would be proud to have you all there to share it with us." Anakin walked back to Padme's side, and put his arm around her. The young mother to be smiled back patting her belly.
"Padme and I would be honored Obi-Wan if you would be present at our wedding as my best man."
"It will be my pleasure Anakin." Obi-Wan bowed, and smiled at the joyous couple.
"Senator Amadala have you spoken with any of the members of the senate in regards to how they plan to deal with the new issues facing the Republic? Master Windu asked.
"Not yet Masters, but I plan to address it this afternoon in the senate meeting. There is much to discuss, and figure out towards our future."
Master Windu nodded. "We are all most interested to see who the senate will vote as the new Supreme Chancellor."
"Yes I think we all are." Anakin said in agreement.
"We will be present to mediate if needed. It is very difficult to say what we can expect from the senate. Mas Ameda, and the other members of Palphetine's remaining entourage are already being held in captivity, and will be questioned. We must be sure of their intentions towards the Republic. The destructive situation that Sidious so easily created cannot happen again. Till then we suggest you both try to get some rest. We will see you at the senate meeting." Master Windu said bowing to the young couple along with the remaining Jedi Masters.
------
For the first time in what seemed like ages, and ages the grand senate building was filled with doubt and uncertainty. For so long now all their questions were answered for them. Now they were all going to have answer, and solve them themselves as the hushed room of leaders watched Master Window, Master Yoda , Master Kenobi, Jedi Skywalker, and Senator Amadala stand together on the center platform.
"As you know the Jedi Order made an announcement to the senate earlier today that Count Dooku and Chancellor Palphetine are dead, and that the war is now over." Master Windu replied to the nervous room.
"How did the Chancellor die?" Senator Mon Mothma asked.
Anakin stepped forward. "I killed him."
A breathy gasp circulated through the amphitheater. "What, what happened we demand to know?" Senator Ask Aak asked with shock, and worry in his voice.
"Our dear Chancellor was in fact the dark lord of the Sith."
"That's quite an accusation senator Amadala; do you have evidence to back that statement up?"Orn Free Taa of Ryloth asked in an angry demanding tone.
"No you will just have to trust my word, and the rest of the Jedi Orders." Senator Amadala answered back.
"What is the fate of the senate now that Chancellor Palphetine is gone? The state of the entire Republic rests in the Jedi Order's hands, we're all doomed." Said, Orn Free Taa of Ryloth.
"Thank the gods the Republic still has a powerful army."
"No it doesn't senator Ask Aak. The clone army that was created on the star system of Kamino has been destroyed." Master Windu replied back.
"What? This is outrageous. We didn't even have a say in this."Ask Aak Senator of Malastare shouted back angrily.
Mace Windu began to explain. "The termination of the clone army was necessary for the safety of all living beings in this universe. There was no other choice. Kamino agreed with our assessment, and activated a built-in self destruct mechanism in the clones. The clones were then disposed into the Kamino-sea. Lama Sue of Kamino, and his people all agree to never clone anything, or anyone again. The Jedi Order will keep close watch of Kamino's activities as well as any other suspicious activity that might uncover cloning in the universe. We want to make sure this never happens again. The Jedi were nearly wiped out. We lost many Jedi Masters, Jedi, and Padawan Learners from this war."
"Not to mention all who were killed throughout the duration of this war. Palphetine was planning to take over the entire galaxy. The republic would have been replaced by what he called the "empire." Life as we know it would not exist."
"Again Jedi Skywalker do you have evidence to back up your statement?" Ask Aak Senator of Malastare asked back heatedly.
"No you're just going to have to trust the Jedi Order." Anakin answered back sternly.
"Senators I implore to you all to listen to the Jedi; they are the reason why we are all still free. I have complete faith in them. They suffered great losses in the effort to protect us all. I myself would not be here today if it wasn't for them. I was nearly killed by the clone troopers. They were threatening to shoot me, and my unborn child when I went to Mustafar to find Jedi Skywalker. Don't you understand senators we were all tricked by Palphetine. His real name in Sith tongue is Dark Sidious. He was slowly, and systematically stripping away our freedoms, and taking over everything. Sidious was evil to the core, and a master of manipulation. Let us all be thankful that he did not succeed in his ultimate goal to control us. There is much to discuss, and decide over the future of the republic. The future of our universe."
Queen Jamila moved her platform forward. "Senator Amadala I'd like to motion for a new vote of confidence. I feel we should start to focus on a new election for Supreme Chancellor."
"I second that." Senator Mon Mothma replied back as she moved her platform forward.
The complex of planetary leaders stirred to life once again. Communication, and delegation had returned to rebuild and re-guide their future. Darkness had been replaced by light once again. Over the next few days after much discussion, and debate the senate had narrowed their choices of Supreme Chancellor down to two: Senator Organa and Senator Amadala. Senator Amadala stood next to Anakin holding his hand as they both awaited the results of the votes. She knew what she wanted in her life right now, and had decided on what she felt for the time being she could do without. Just as the voting process was about to begin Senator Amadala addressed her fellow senators from the center platform.
"Senators, I have learned so much over the course of six and half months. I thought that the only important thing in life was to devote myself to my work here in the senate. I am very proud of the work I have accomplished during my reign as queen, and now with my term as senator of Naboo as well. I am honored that so many distinguished leaders feel that I am the right candidate to take on this position. But I have realized that there is in fact more to life then work, there is also love and family." Padme turned to Anakin her eyes smiled with joyous tears as Anakin returned her smile, and mouthed the words "I love you." Padme turned her attention back to her colleagues. " I have found that fulfillment of love. I have decided to devote most of my time to my growing family." She said as she patted her belly and smiled. "Therefore, it is with immense honor, and joy that I am withdrawing from your election."
The room erupted in loud discussions of shock, and confusion. "Senators." Senator Amadala tried to yell over the crowd, but was drowned out. However, everyone heard Anakin's roar. "Excuse me senators, but Senator Amadala has more to say." Padme turned to him, and mouthed the words thanks. Anakin answered by winking back at her. "Thank you Jedi Skywalker. Senators I am also withdrawing from this election because I feel that I am not the best choice for the job. I have had the privilege to work with you all for many years, but the there is one I have always felt has stood above and beyond. I urge you all to elect senator Bail Organa of Alderan. He is the person to guide us, and bring this senate back together."
The room shook with applause, and cheers of approval as Queen Jamila moved her podium forward once again. "Senator Amadala I completely agree with your statement. I too feel that senator Organa will be a great supreme chancellor, and I second the motion. May I ask if you will be continuing to serve Naboo until the end of your term as senator?"
"Yes Queen Jamila I will carry out my full term as senator."
"Wonderful, I'm sure the people of Naboo will be happy and relieved, and with this news I would like to share the request the people would like to make to you."
"What request senator?" Senator Amadala asked in confusion.
"The people of Naboo wish to be present at your wedding. We wish to honor, and thank you and Jedi Skywalker for all you have given our planet, and the Republic."
Padme turned to Anakin who put his arm lovingly around her. She searched his eyes for approval. Anakin smiled back at her and nodded. "Yes your highness we except your offer. We would be honored to share our special day with the people of Naboo."
-----
The square of Theed held tens of thousands of people gathered to witness the joining of their beloved senator with whom the galaxy now famously knew as Jedi knight Anakin Skywalker, the chosen one. There were colorful shreds of tickertape falling in all directions, and speeders flying overhead. Happy faces of all ages were cheering, and waving streamers on every rooftop, and balcony. Children were throwing flowers everywhere jovially.
Anakin stood at the top of the great-stairs waiting impatiently for his bride to arrive. His attire looked much more like the light colored Jedi robes he wore the last time he stood on these stairs during the celebration for the defeat of the trade federation's blockade. Along side him as best man was Obi-Wan smiling, and patting his friend on the back. The remaining Jedi Master's, Padawan's, and Bail Organa the newly appointed supreme chancellor with his wife Rebecca stood next to the best man. Queen Jamila, and the rest of her royal court stood on the opposite side.
Padme, and the rest of her family arrived in a elegant shiny carriage pulled by horse-like creatures. Her sister Sola left the carriage first along with her husband, and their two little girls Rooyo and Pooja. They began to walk up the isle, and the two twin girls began to throw flowers down to the ground as they walked. Padme's parents Jobal, and Ruwee walked hand in hand following close behind.
A gasp, and a sigh escaped everyone's lips when the bride finally left the carriage. Suddenly soft haunting music began to play. It sounded like the gentle breeze blowing through. The most heavenly celestial tune Anakin had ever heard. He knew it was the traditional Nubian wedding march called "Across the Stars." If Anakin, and Padme didn't know better they would say that it was their song. The melody was utterly breathtaking, but haunting at the same time. It seemed to put together all the emotions they had felt, and battled with since the moment they met each other.
With the sun shining down on Padme, Anakin's heart swelled in his chest from the sight of his angel slowly moving towards him. She was a vision of exquisite beauty, and grace. She was his to have, and to hold for as long as they both shall live, and even beyond that. Anakin knew that even time, and space couldn't keep them apart; their connection was unbreakable. The long white embroidered lace gown danced like mist at the bottom of a Nubian waterfall. Her luxurious brown waves tumbled over her shoulders, and down her back along with her delicate white lace veil.
Anakin held out his hand to Padme, he couldn't take his eyes off her, and swallowed hard with the knowledge that this moment was really happening. He wanted to kiss her, but he knew he'd have to wait. The Nubian holy man had not even spoken yet. The holy man instructed the bride, and groom to stand arms length apart, but Anakin was having none of that. He shook his head, and reached for Padme's hand again. Everyone laughed at the groom's smooth move. Padme smiled at Anakin's impatience to be physically connected with her in some form.
The young couple stood with their fingers laced together facing each other. Deep blue pools of emotion locked onto glistening brown eyes of love. They felt like one person as the words spoken from the Nubian holy man sung into their ears. The bride and groom were surrounded, and were being watched by the entire universe by holonet, but for them it all disappeared around them as they pledged their vows, and spoke their words of love and devotion to one another. Their last vows were recited with rings exchanged.
Minute's later their lips joined with a passionate kiss that would begin a marriage between two people bonded together by true love, and the powerful will of the Force. Anakin and Padme had finally become Mr. and Mrs. Skywalker.
----
The soft afternoon light sparkled over the peaceful lake country retreat, Padme strolled down to the lake hand, and hand with her handsome Jedi husband. She wore a light airy off the shoulder dress in soft pastels of pink and blue. Her hair fell down her back in curly ringlets. Following right behind them were their two trusted droids. C3PO chattered on and on as usual with R2 carrying a twin baby carriage. Luke and Leia both cried out in protest. The two infants exercising their lungs over C3PO's annoying insistent chatter.
"3PO enough already even Luke, and Leia can't take your complaining any longer. R2 is holding the carriage perfectly fine. He knows what he's doing."
"I'm sorry Master Anakin I just worry he'll make a mistake. I don't want anything to harm Master Luke or Mistress Leia."
"We know you don't 3PO, but stop worrying you'll shorten your circuits. Ani's already had to fix your wiring twice."
"I'm terribly sorry that I've been so much trouble lately Mistress Padme."
"Stop apologizing 3PO we're happy to have you with us, but for now take R2, and work over on the landing platform. See if you can find those parts for the speeder I brought home the other day."
"We absolutely will Master Anakin." The protocol droid responded, and walked off towards the lake retreats landing platform. R2 beeped, and whistled cheerily in response.
Anakin smiled at his little friend. "Thank you R2, watch him." R2 beeped back, and chuckled as he rolled off.
"That will keep them busy for awhile." Anakin said nuzzling Padme's sweet scented neck.
"I hope so love." Padme said while spreading out a blanket on the grass, and placing a picnic basket down on top of it.
Anakin walked over to the carriage, picked up, and coddled his son. "I think he's hungry." Anakin said handing Luke to his mother.
Padme cradled Luke near
her breast to feed him. She looked over at her husband who was
staring in fascination.
"It never ceases to
amaze me how you do that." Anakin said appreciating the pleasant
view of his lovely wife.
"You just can't take your eyes off of me can you?" Padme said flashing her husband a flirty smile.
"Nope, you're absolutely beautiful more so everyday."
"Thank you my handsome husband." Padme took in their enchanting surroundings.
"This is where it all started for us isn't it."
"Yep, take a look around guys this is where you were made."
"Anakin." Padme shrieked pretending to be shocked at his slightly raunchy statement.
"What, well actually it was there on the balcony on that lounge chair up there." Anakin sighed contently "Happy memories."
"Very, very happy." Padme smiled cradling her son in her arms.
"Ani."
"Hmm."
"Do you ever think about Russ, and Angelica?"
"Sometimes especially when we're down here near the lake." Anakin replied to his wife.
He smiled from the heart warming feeling of Leia placing her little soft cheek against his own.
"I must confess I think about them quite often."
"Really, Why?"
"Because it helps me to put things into perspective. From the moment you walked back into my life I was walking on air, skywalking. I'd never thought I could ever feel that way, and it scared me to death. I was so nervous, and frightened to give into my feelings for you, but then when you took me to the island everything seemed so clear. If it wasn't for what we learned from Russ, and Angelica I don't think any of us would be here together."
"I thank the Force we found that journal." Anakin said smiling, and holding Leia's little hand.
"I now realize how empty my life was. I mean I was very busy, and successful dedicating myself to politics, but there was so much missing."
"I know for me as well with the Jedi Order, but whenever I'd think of you, and." Anakin sighed, and looked down at his daughter attempting to roll on her belly. "Mom, I wish she could be here to see her two beautiful grand children."
Padme wrapped her free arm around her husband's shoulder; rubbed it tenderly, and kissed him softly on the cheek. "I know I do too, but somehow I think she is watching us happy together as a family. I don't think it ends after our life ends; it's just another journey, another adventure."
"I hope your right angel. I think your right. In our vows we said to each other "till death do us part", but I have no intention of ever letting you go. You're stuck with me now, and forever."
"For me as well Ani, it is written across the stars for us."
"Across time and space my love, and I can't tell you how grateful I am that the nightmares have stopped."
"Me too they were torturing you, both of us."
"To think that all those nights being tormented in my sleep were caused by one man."
"He was evil."
"To say the least, but as soon as I defeated him my mind, and soul were free. I gave up that seduction of always wanting complete control over my life."
"It's the surprises that make life interesting." Padme said while patting Luke lightly on his back.
"Thank the Force for Master Qui-Gon I will never forget all he's done, and taught me."
"I only wish he would come back through the Force so I could tell him how thankful we both are for what he has done for all of us." Padme said laying down Luke next to his sister on the blanket.
"You know I forgot to tell you, but Obi-Wan told me that Qui-Gon said we were meant to fall in love."
"Of course we were just look at what our love has created." Padme said admiring their two precious children fidgeting on the blanket.
Anakin reached over to gently take Padme's hand. "I still wish I could have helped to ease your pain more while you were in labor with them."
"It did hurt a lot, and was very exhausting, but with you there holding my hand the pain was bearable. It was absolutely worth it. I meant to ask you how did you come up with the name Luke?"
"Luke is short for Lucas. He discovered, and named a strange mystical power that surrounds, and penetrates all life as we know it, he named it the Force."
"Then I'd say that's a fitting name for our beautiful little boy." Padme smiled as her son reached out his little hand towards her.
"Definitely, and considering that both our children are extremely Force sensitive it's a perfect choice."
"You'll be a Master soon my love."
"That will be an honor, and something I've been working towards for a long time. But I'm in no rush. I just want to enjoy every moment we have with them. I know before long they'll be big enough to hold a sparring saber."
"Not that soon, but when it's time their father we'll be a wonderful Jedi Master."
"Thank you angel; I will do my very best. We'll both teach them all they need to know to survive, but when it comes time for them to choose their paths we won't deny them what my mother gave me."
"The freedom to pursue their hopes, and dreams."
"Yes, and who knows; maybe we'll have a few more yet?" Anakin gave his wife a naughty smile and a wink.
"Not too soon Jedi, but in a few years I would love that. For now we'll have a lot of fun practicing."
The end.
Authors Notes For Last Night of Innocence and The Day After InnocenceI wanted to show a lot of irony in both stories. In "Last Night of Innocence" I felt I could relate to the characters. I remember what it was like to be inexperienced, and in love. This story is Anakin and Padme's first real date. It's just Anakin and Padme a man and a woman enjoying each other's company, and getting to know one another better. Towards the end of the story the young couple will get to know each other a lot better.
I have read the "Attack of the Clones" novel a couple of times. I was always intrigued with the scene where Padme talks about the island, and the glassmaker. There is some really beautiful dialogue here. I had the images in my mind of Anakin and Padme going to this island. I then came up with the idea of the journal. I'm going to share with you guys a secret. The journal is loosely based on my own first love. I found a really interesting cathartic way of telling my story, and at the same time help our favorite couple learn some important life lessons. I was able to share my feelings about that part of my past to move forward with my own life. In a way the journal of Russ is really my own journal metaphorically.
Russ and Angelica are also similar to Anakin and Padme. Both couples lose each other tragically. In a way I sort of made them suffer for the greater good; which is Anakin and Padme's love for each other, and their future together. I also threw in some irony to their story that connects the Star wars saga. For example when Russ burns Angelica on the island this moment reminds me of when Luke burns his father. The journal is meant to be a kind of warning as well. The most important thing Anakin and Padme learn from the journal is to follow their hearts, and not waste a moment. I wanted the love scene to show Anakin and Padme's innocence, nerves, emotions, awkwardness, etc. I also tried to capture some comedy that would bring some lightheartedness and realism. I wanted the consummation of their love to be sexy, romantic, tender, and contemplative.
After her first time with Anakin, Padme becomes pregnant. However, I don't reveal this secret until the 9th chapter of "The Day After Innocence." Because Padme becomes pregnant so quickly all the events as we know them between "Attack of the Clones" and "Revenge of the Sith" is sped up, and subtly changed. Sidious senses that Padme is pregnant as the story goes along. The dark lord of the Sith does not want Anakin to be on the light side when Padme gives birth. He knows that if Anakin is there to experience the moment of having his newborn child in his arms, this could deter from his evil plans to turn Anakin to the dark side.
However, Anakin and Padme are together and have tremendous influence over each other. The love, friendship, and trust they share guide's them through the darkness of frustration and confusion. When Anakin wakes up from his recurring nightmare of his mother dying, Padme insists that Anakin should contact the council. Because Padme is now officially Anakin's girl he finally gives in, and listens to her. This action alone is a major catalyst that changes all the events that occur in "The Day After Innocence." Because Mace Windu is there with him, Anakin does not turn to the dark side in the Tusken Raider camp. Therefore, his mind is much more clear, and he has a better check on his emotions. In addition, I thought it would be interesting to have Windu there to stop Anakin as in the real story we all know that the death of Windu is the finale event that occurs before Anakin turns to the dark side.
I knew I was going to write a sequel. I felt that the first story could never be continued past chapter eight. The two stories are so different, and have such a different flavor to them. "Last Night of Innocence" is much more sexy, fun, and flirty. The sequel is much darker and complicated. My main goals with the sequel were: to change the Jedi code in regards to attachment, explore the government and media of Coruscant, and to have Palphetine/Sidious burn to a crisp on Mustafar because I HATE HIM. I also enjoyed throwing in my views, and opinions towards the Jedi Order's views towards love and marriage. It was also fun using the original dialogue in the Stars Wars saga, and I changed it to fit my plot.
From chapter 10 and up the story is written in a very sneaky way. I wrote this story like a mystery. I wrote it like the movie "The Sixth Sense" by leaving the reader subtle clues. If you go back, and read the dialogue it's written in a way where there really could be two meanings. Chapter 12 to 15 are written with the goal of fooling the reader into believing, or at least worrying that Anakin is going to turn to the dark side and become Darth Vader. Once you've read the whole story rereading it you may notice that things are not always what they seem. For instance when Qui-Gon contacts Obi-Wan; I cut off their conversation about Anakin at a key moment. It's the same situation when Anakin is walking into the Jedi temple with the clones. I cut it off at a certain point. I thought doing a flashback reenactment at the end of chapter 15 would be a fun twist. I reveal how I manipulated the plot to create a surprising happy outcome. I thought this would be something unique, and different for a Star Wars fan fiction story.
In conclusion, everything I did in these two stories changed the fate for Anakin and Padme, and the rest of the Star Wars universe. Our favorite couple gets to live happily ever after with their children, and there's no big bad empire to fight. Best of all Anakin does not lose any body parts, and Padme lives. Thank the stars I've finished these stories. Thank you all for reading and reviewing for all these months. You've made all this hard work rewarding, and worth it. And like I said in some of my notes before, you never know what can happen when you put your work out there. I myself have gotten involved in a number of great projects because of writing this story. The only thing that holds us back is our own doubts. So keep on writing, and dreaming folks; you can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. Just look at what Mr. Lucas created.