Star Wars is owned by George Lucas. I own nothing; this is my creative twist to the series

Chapter 15: The Aftermath of Battle

Darth Maul had escaped, leaving Ahsoka unconscious, Anakin hanging on to the side of the generator and Obi Wan and Qui Gon injured. They both ignored the searing pain in their injuries to slowly pulled themselves up to their feet, "Come on, we have to help Anakin" Qui Gon told his eldest son moving over to the core where they saw Anakin desperately holding on to one of the small poles on the side of the core.

Obi Wan smirked. "Well, this is a situation I'd never thought I'd see you in" he teased as Anakin rolled his eyes, "Don't start on this again Obi Wan. You've been in worse situations than this" he reminded him as Obi Wan scoffed, "Oh no, this one is different" he laughed as Qui Gon rolled his eyes, "Can you two put aside your taunting with each other for a few minutes. We need to help Anakin" Qui Gon pointed out

Anakin laughed, "No need, I know just how to get out of here" Anakin smirked, "Just stand back from the edge" he warned them as they slowly stepped back and seconds later, using the force Anakin leapt right up and out of the core back before his father and brother. "See, no problem" he proudly boasted

Obi Wan rolled his eyes at the same time Anakin turned and rushed over to where an unconscious Ahsoka laid, with a bleeding gash on her forehead. He scooped her small body into his arms as Qui Gon and Obi Wan slowly joined him, "She's like you know you Anakin. She wanted to help you through to the end" Qui Gon explained as Anakin sighed, "Yeah but Darth Maul escaped. He's still out there" he pointed out.

Qui Go nodded "It seems that Sith are re emerging. We will need to report to the council about this" he informed them. Anakin nodded silently in agreement, "Well, come on, let's get you all checked over at the medical centre" he informed them

Anakin; carrying Ahsoka in his arms, starting helping his father and brother back down the generator complex towards the hanger where all the pilots and Naboo troopers had gathered in triumph of their victory over the Trade Federation when he saw her, standing with the Queen, smiling happily, his angel, happily hugging troopers and Hannah before she saw him approaching and a huge smile crossed her face.

Padme looked down into the generator complex and she felt her heart beating faster, when she saw Anakin once again. He was walking in between Qui Gon and Obi Wan carrying Ahsoka in his arms, his face was dripping with sweat, but he was still alive.

Though she could see that the pain in his injured shoulder was affecting now, as he came closer, she quickly sprinted over to him, throwing her arms around him, "Oh Anakin! Thank goodness you're safe!" she cried as he just looked down, "Yeah but the Sith lord escaped" he muttered however Padme shook her head. "He made have escaped but because you were able to distract him, we were able to capture the Viceroy and free Naboo!" she happily told him just as Hannah rushed over to them, her arms around Obi Wan.

He winced slightly in pain but returned her embrace. "You don't look too bad" she joked as he smirked, "Just a few small wounds, nothing that bad" he joked right before the Queen approached them all, "Master Qui Gon, I wish to thank you and your family for helping us free Naboo from the Trade Federation" she informed them

Qui Gon nodded somberly, "Thank you your highness. Unfortunately the Sith lord managed to escape" he replied as she paused for a moment. "I know you all fought bravely and we thank you for your help" she told them seeing Anakin and Obi Wan both look to their father, "It is what the Jedi do as peacekeepers to protect the galaxy" he assured her, as the Queen noticed his injuries, "Thank you Master Jedi. Tomorrow we shall celebrate Naboo's victory from the Trade Federation" she went on, "Today, will be a day of recovering from the battle and time to mourn the troopers that were lost" she continued.

"Captain Panaka" she called out, "Yes your highness" he replied in a clear voice, "Please show the Jedi to the medical centre where they may be treated for their injuries" she instructed. "Of course your highness" he assured her with a bow before taking Ahsoka from Anakin's arms and moving off with Qui Gon, Obi Wan, Hannah following him while the Queen left with her handmaidens back into the palace leaving Padme and Anakin alone in the hanger.

Feeling safe back in Anakin's arms, Padme was still confused about the bond that they shared during the fight and obviously Anakin could tell something was bothering her.

"What's wrong Padme?" he asked curiously, stroking her arm as she looked up into his sweet blue eyes. "Anakin, during the battle, the bond we shared together. How did it happen?" she asked, "I mean we weren't even in the same rooms and I'm not a Jedi so I don't understand how it worked" she pointed out while he smiled, "I don't know. I will need to speak to my father about it" he replied kissing her sweetly on her lips causing her blush a light shade of pink.

"Oh Ani, you are too cute" she giggled right before he lifted her up and spun her around, "You know you love it" he teased before placing her back down on her feet, Anakin raised one hand to her right cheek softly stroking it, "So, you going to be coming back to Courscant when the celebrations are all over?" he asked her

She paused for a moment, "Um, actually, I was thinking of staying here for a while. I wanted to go visit my mother. The last time I saw her was when I was 8 and I miss her so much" she confessed as Anakin understood. He couldn't imagine not seeing his own mother for years. "What has stopped you from seeing her sooner?" he asked as she softly started to cry. "My father. Ever since I didn't marry Palo when I was younger and went into the political arena. He has disapproved of me. Blocking my mother from seeing me or me coming back home" she sobbed before he took her in his arms,

"It's okay Padme. We can go see her. I'll even come with you. I would meet your mother too" he told her looking into her teary eyes, then she threw her arms around him, "Oh Anakin, thank you! That is so nice of you" she happily cried before he could smirk, "Besides, I'm sure dad and Obi Wan can live without me on Courscant for a few days" he confidently informed her.

Meanwhile, Darth Maul had successfully managed to flee Naboo in his sith infiltrator; he quickly contacted his master to inform him about the unfortunate failure of their plan.

"The Viceroy has unfortunately allowed himself to be captured by the Republic" he informed him "And what happened to the bounty hunter?" Sidious asked in a cold voice before Maul replied, "He managed to escape the planet as well however he has yet to contact me"

Sidious snarled, "The Jedi may have stopped us from taking over Naboo this time but this is only a minor setback. They will soon fall and not even their "chosen one" will be able to save them" he assured his apprentice

Darth Maul then asked "Shall I come and meet up with you?" he asked when Sidious had a better idea based on some recent information he had received. "No, instead I want you to go to Xizor's palace" he instructed him,

"He has a secret agenda happening that could help in destroying the Jedi" he went on as Maul silently nodded. "Very well, I shall contact you when I arrive at his palace" he replied as the hologram of his master disappeared and Darth Maul sent his ship into hyperspace.

However back on Courscant, things were different, Prince Xizor was eagerly awaiting the return of Cad Bane hopefully with the beautiful Senator Amidala who he will make his's without the inference of Skywalker and Kenobi-Jinn.

He slowly watched as his aide Guri entered the room. "My lord, Cad Bane has arrived at the palace, and unfortunately, I have noticed that the Senator is not with him" she informed him. Xizor began to grip the ends of his arm rests on his chair.

"How unfortunate but please send them in" he told her as she moved away and minutes later, Cad Bane entered along with two other people Xizor did not recognise. He got straight into it,

"How could you have let Senator Amidala escape!" he snapped, once he got straight to his feet, "I was assured that you could have captured her and killed both Jedi!" he raved on but Bane remained unafraid of the Prince's suddenly rise in temper.

"Unfortunately Jabba let you down in that area, not me" he started, red eyes staring directly at Xizor, "I had brought her to the palace as ordered to. He couldn't kill the Jedi," he went on, "And now the slimy hutt is dead, oddly enough by the Senator's hand" he explained.

At the mention of this new information, something clicked inside of Xizor's head, a new plan to get to the Senator. "That could be of use to me" he started, smirking slyly,

"Once the hutt clan finds out, a bounty will be put out for the killer, so Bane, how would like to double your original fee?" he asked seeing him look to his two companions, "I've already told your aide I don't work for free, I expect my first payment now" he informed him.

Xizor smirked, "Of course, even though you failed, I wouldn't want to get on your bad side. This assignment will earn you a bigger fee" he explained. Bane's red eyes stared at him curiously, "Go on" he simply replied.

Xizor smiled, "I will contact the hutt clan with news that I know about who murdered Jabba before telling them I will personally track down who is responsible" he went on,

"You will go and track down Senator Amidala once more, capture her and bring her to me personally" he went on, "No stops at the hutts anymore" he added moving over to one of his large glassed windows,

"Oh and if the Jedi are with her when you do find her, this time I want you to KILL them on the spot" he finished. Cad Bane nodded slowly moving over to him, "You have yourself another deal but this time, I want payment before I begin" he instructed.

Arriving at the medical centre a short time later, Anakin found his father, brother and Ahsoka were all recovering well and now resting. Padme insisted Anakin get his shoulder re checked to which he argued that he was fine however Padme knew better and after minutes of arguing, he agreed

A short time later, Anakin was slipping quietly into Ahsoka's room, where she was asleep. He smiled, before taking her right hand in his's. "You did a good job today Snips. For a youngling you are showing great skills" he went on before he looked away,

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect you against the Sith Lord" he softly muttered looking up at the now bandaged gash on her forehead. Padme watched quietly from the entrance to the room, she knew that he was still blaming himself for the Sith Lord escaping despite Padme pointing out that even though he escaped, he still had his family; Ahsoka still with him and Naboo was free from the Trade Federation.

She knew she had gotten to him because he smiled slightly when she told him but still wished he could have finished the Sith off for good. She slowly slipped into the room just as Anakin felt Ahsoka gripping his hand tighter before her eyes started to open.

She cheekily smirked, "You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily did you Sky guy?" she asked seeing him smile even more, "Not at all, I knew that one small gash on your head wouldn't knock you down" he teased letting go of her hand while she pulled herself into a sitting position as Padme moved next to Anakin.

"I'm sorry I ran off Senator but hey, I heard you were able to capture the Viceroy" she told her. Padme smiled slipping her arms around Anakin, "Thanks to you all. You were able to help us get into the palace" she reminded her "And then you stopped the Sith Lord from coming for us" she explained, "The Queen has expressed her thanks and hopes you'll all be at the parade tomorrow" she went on

Just as another voice joined them, "Are you kidding? We wouldn't miss it for the world" the spoke as all three saw Obi Wan and Hannah entering the room. Obi Wan was slightly limping still from his injuries but still looked fine and another chance to tease his younger brother, "And it will give Anakin a chance to lighten up from letting the Sith lord escape" he smirked but Anakin was quick to snap back, "Oh please, if it wasn't for me being there, he would have finished dad and you off in one strike" he glared at him.

"He only managed to injury me because of his double blade" Obi Wan scoffed back however Anakin just laughed, "Oh yeah right and I suppose all those times I beat you in training were just luck" he pointed out seeing Obi Wan glare back at him, "Youngling" he spat, "Elder" Anakin smirked cheekily whilst Padme, Hannah and Ahsoka quietly giggled at the two brother's childish behaviour with each other.

While Anakin and Obi Wan were teasing and taunting each other, Qui Gon had quietly left the centre to meet with the Jedi Council members who were on their way here shortly after hearing of the battle. It was approaching dusk on Naboo and he was met with Queen Jamilla, Senator Amidala, the Queen and Senator's handmaidens and security forces awaiting the transport that would take the Viceroy back to Courscant and bring the Jedi Council members to them.

He was surprised to find Padme here who was dressed in a simple formal white long dress with her hair plaited down the back after only just seeing her at the medical centre a short time ago. They all watched the medium sized light red and white republic cruiser gently land in the middle of the city's centre a few distances before them and the ramp descend.

Queen Jamilla looked straight at the cowering Viceroy and his associate before she spoke, "Now Viceroy, it's time for you to go back to plead your case" she spoke in a clear voice while she allowed a smile across her face before Padme added, "And I think you can forget about returning to your masses of wealth and luxury" she smiled meaning they'll be spending a long time in asteroid prison Oovo IV

Before Captain Panaka and Typho both escorted towards the ship as Qui Gon moved over to greet the Jedi Council members leaving Padme to turn to Jamilla. "Well, your highness, we have saved Naboo from invasion bringing back peace to our world" Padme smiled with the Queen nodding silently.

"Yes but we cannot allow this to happen again and will slightly increase security on the planet to protect our people from another invasion" she explained as Padme agreed. "Yes and we will have the protection of the Jedi Order as well" she assured her looking over at Qui Gon chatting with the members of the Jedi Council.

At the same time….

"Returned indeed the Sith have, a troubling time this is" Yoda spoke as Qui Gon explained what had happened, "Yes however we can discuss that matter in private but right now, I wish to talk about Obi Wan and Anakin. They show considerable strength during the fight today despite their troubles on Cloud City, Malachor IV and Tatooine recently" he explained "Not to mention Ahsoka is improving in her skills despite these recent events being her first field experiences" he went on

Mace Windu then stopped him, "Yes however are you suggesting the council discuss knighting both Obi Wan and Anakin" he told him, "Are you sure they are ready to become Jedi Knights. Skywalker is only 16 as of this moment" he pointed out. "Soon to be 17 and one of the strongest young Jedi's in the order" he went on however Master Windu was still uncertain,

"And are you sure he is ready to become a Jedi Knight at such a young age?" he asked him with a stern voice before Qui Gon paused for a moment. "Anakin may only be just 16 but he has shown skills and wisdom of an older Jedi. I feel he is ready to be consider a Jedi Knight" he informed them before they all looked down at Master Yoda, who was leaning on his walking cane.

"Hmm, an interesting point Master Qui Gon makes. Deliberate on this matter the council later, we will" he informed him just as Queen Jamilla and Senator Amidala moved over to them.

"Master Jedi, it is an honour to have you here to help celebrate Naboo's victory" the Queen spoke before going on, "Tonight we have having a ceremony tonight to pay respect to the fallen heroes of our planet" adding, "And Senator Amidala and I would feel honoured in having you there tonight" she finished as Master Yoda replied, "Accept your invitation we do. Tonight, see you we shall" he assured her with Padme smiling,

"Thank you Master Jedi. We will see in the grand ballroom later on" she informed them moving off with the Queen afterwards. Qui Gon watched her leave. Padme was a lovely caring girl and Anakin cared deeply for her and she was like the daughter he never had and he was glad to see his son happy. He felt a hand on his shoulder, before a voice startled him, "She's the right girl for Anakin isn't she?" Jaden asked before Qui Gon turned back to look at his father. "Yes, she is" he replied.

Leaving Obi Wan alone with Hannah and Ahsoka heading off to find his father, Anakin manoeuvred his way through the palace hoping to find where Padme had run off to. It allowed him to admire the beautiful palace with its marble floors and giant glass windows with elaborate statues.

He wandered up another floor of the palace when he heard voices coming from a room not too far ahead and quietly proceeded closer to the room. He smirked to himself, thinking he had finally found her. Taking a deep breath, he quietly knocked on the door that was slightly ajar. "Come in!" someone called whom Anakin recognised as Sabe and pushed the door open as Sabe turned around from tidying up the dresser. She giggled, "Padme! You have a special visitor" she teased before Padme replied from an adjourning room.

"Sabe, what are you talking-" she stopped as she exited and saw Anakin smiling at her. "Anakin!" she breathed happily, "I thought you would be getting ready for tonight?" she asked as he moved forward, "I will be but I had to see you again" he replied. She was so angelic even though she was in a long creamy white night gown, her hair was already styled into two neat buns on either side of her head.

"Oh that is so sweet Anakin" she smiled; wrapping her arms around his neck while he slid his's around her waist, pulling her closer to him. "You look beautiful" he told her making her blush. "Oh Anakin, just wait till tonight at the ceremony" she teased but he shook his head. "Padme, you are naturally beautiful and don't need to tease me with anything" he pointed out

Their lips met in a long passionate kiss whilst her hands ran through his hair, twisting his padawan braid around her finger right as they slowly broke away from their kiss, "So I'll see you in a few hours?" she asked him sweetly as he smirked, "Oh you'll see me before the ceremony" he promised her and with one last kiss, he was gone leaving Padme to resume getting ready for the ceremony.

2 hours later….

Jaden, Qui Gon, Obi Wan and Hannah, dressed in a stunning long black thin strapped dress and blond hair straightened down her face, stood outside the ballroom as Naboo officials and troopers entered the ballroom, the Jedi Council members had already entered and were now seated however Jaden, Qui Gon, Obi Wan and Hannah all were awaiting Anakin and Padme to arrive.

"What is taking Anakin so long?" Qui Gon asked as Obi Wan turned him, "Do you really want me to answer that question dad?" he asked as Hannah quietly giggled as Jacen just smiled. "He's probably just waiting for Padme to get ready son. She is the Senator after all and needs to present herself formally" he informed him as Obi Wan went on, "But no girl can resist Anakin and I doubt that Padme can. She's completely fallen for him" he reminded him

He then cheekily added to Hannah "Probably off "rewarding" him for his efforts" while Hannah only rolled her eyes right before Qui Gon spotted Anakin and Padme approaching. He was dressed in his fresh cleaned Jedi robes while Padme wore a beautiful royal blue long dress with silver heels. Her arm linked through Anakin's as Sabe and Dorme followed behind in their traditional handmaiden outfits.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up" Obi Wan commented, "Did we get distracted?" he asked smirking as Anakin just shook his head before Padme spoke up, "No, the Queen required my presence in her quarters about tonight and the meeting ran over time" she explained as Obi Wan leaned over to Hannah. "I've lied better than that" he whispered as she playfully slapped his arm. "Well, shall we enter the ballroom?" Anakin asked them as Jaden nodded, "I think that's a good idea" he replied however another interruption was about to stop them.

"Ah Senator Amidala!" came the cheerful voice, stopping them all in their tracks, "What a pleasure to see you" they went on as they all saw a man coming towards them, around Ruwee's age if not a few years older. He was dressed in deep striking royal robes and wore a smile of confidence on his face. Padme gripped Anakin's arm tighter. "That's Palo's father" she whispered right as he stopped before her.

"Delighted to meet you after all this years Padme" he told her, lifting her other hand up to his lips adding, "It is unfortunate you have decided to dishonour your family by refusing to marry my son, who is smitten with you" he went on just as Anakin coughed quietly before he looked over at him. "So you must be the little bastard my son has told me about who has stolen Padme from him" he started before Obi Wan spoke up, "More like saved her from" he muttered.

Palo's father shook his head, "And apparently it seems that Jedi don't know how to keep themselves out of other's business" he scoffed. Qui Gon moved forward, "Excuse me, but I don't like how you are speaking to my sons especially calling Anakin a bastard" he told him as he laughed, "Well, who kind of young man goes after a young woman already engaged to someone else?" he asked when Padme spoke up, "Excuse me but Palo and I were broken up for months before I met Anakin. He kept forcing himself back into my life until he violently threatened me the night Anakin saved me from him" she explained.

"If that's what you call it" he went on, "I shall be meeting with your father tomorrow about our "agreement", hopefully by then, you will have chosen Palo once more" he insisted. Padme stared at him, shocked. "I will never chose Palo ever again after what he did to me" she informed him, as Anakin lead her away into the ballroom, eyes staring back at him while Obi Wan and Hannah followed at the same time

Palo's father looked across at Qui Gon and Jaden, "She is a feisty little thing isn't she?" he asked, "Perhaps you should convince your son to leave her less you want to see your son dead" he warned him as Qui Gon felt ready to punch this man however it was Jaden who spoke next, stepping closer to him, "I think it is unwise for you to be threatening my grandson and future granddaughter in law" he informed him. This really lit up this man's eyes.

"Future granddaughter in law?" he scoffed, "You are so certain she will marry your little boy there?" he laughed. "Not if Palo has his way" he informed them seeing Qui Gon inching forward but Jaden was quicker, grabbing him by his robes. "Listen here you slimy slug. Leave my family alone! That includes Padme and if Palo comes near her, I'll make sure you'll never see him again!" he warned him at the same time Qui Gon pulled his father away. "Come on dad, let's keep moving. I think he got the message" he informed him moving into the ballroom not seeing Palo's father glaring after them. "You think you'll so tough Jedi but Padme and Anakin will never be together"

Inside the ballroom, it was a sombre mood for all gathered there. Queen Jamilla sat before everyone dressed in deep black formal robes and hair in elaborate headdress as Padme moved before her to address everyone. Anakin sat with his family and Ahsoka in the front row.

"Welcome everyone" she began, "Today is a day where we mourn those who lost their lives fighting for their planet" she continued, "These brave men, women and gungans fought for Naboo to be free from the Trade Federation" she boldly went on, "And also we must thank Jedi Master Qui Gon Jinn, his two sons Obi Wan Kenobi-Jinn and Anakin Skywalker-Jinn as well as their friend Ahsoka Tano, for bravery fighting off a Sith Lord allowing the Queen and myself to capture the Viceroy" she continued as applause broke out

Padme went on, "And so tonight, we will mourn these brave heroes and praise the Jedi and the soldiers for helping us to win the battle" she finished, adding, "I will now turn your attention over to Queen Jamilla" she told them descending the stage and taking her seat next to Anakin, who slipped his right arm around her,

"You did good angel" he assured her as she smiled, "Yes, I meant my words and my heart is in the right place" she whispered to him leaning to kiss him gently on his lips turning her attention back to the Queen not noticing Palo's father evilly staring at her from his seat a few rows back. He would let no Jedi stop him from having his son marry Padme. He was a powerful rich man on this planet and he can be very, very persuasive.