Star Wars is owned by George Lucas. I own nothing; this is my creative twist to the series
Chapter 16: Victory Celebration & Returning Home
The white rays of Naboo's sun rose in the pale blue sky the following morning, it was a day marked for celebration after being held captive by the Trade Federation. Queen Jamilla and Senator Amidala will honour those who fought bravely in the battles including Jedi Qui Gon Jinn, Obi Wan Kenobi-Jinn, Anakin Skywalker-Jinn and Ahsoka Tano. With everyone beginning to awake in the palace, two people just found themselves just pleased to be with each other and time to themselves.
Padme's left arm was draped across Anakin's bare naked chest while his right arm was around her slender waist, her deep beautiful brown hair flowing down her back and as Anakin slowly opened his eyes, to look down upon his sleeping angel, he just smiled-she was so angelic but yet she also showed she fought bravely against the Trade Federation and captured the Viceroy who would now be brought back to Courscant to await trial.
Though it wasn't the Viceroy, Anakin was thinking about, it was the Sith Lord who escaped. He escaped us, he proved himself to be stronger and there was no doubt that he would attack again. He looked down at Padme again before he saw her starting to awaken, her bright brown eyes and cheerful smile stared up at him. "Good morning Ani" she smiled before he leaned in closer to share a sweet tender kiss together. "Did you sleep well?" he asked her watching her blush, "Knowing you were next to me, of course" she assured him then she went silent
Anakin knew it was about what happened last night "You're still thinking about what Palo's father said last night aren't you?" Anakin asked straight out before she laughed, "Anakin, are you trying to read my mind?" she asked with a smirk hearing him laugh, "Is it working?" he teased then she sighed, "It's just that, Palo's father is a very powerful man in the countryside of Naboo. He can wield great influence over the Queen and can have her make me step down" she informed him, a slight quiver in her voice before she felt Anakin pull her closer, resting his head on top of hers, "Padme, I promise you, I will not let that happen to you. You're a strong Senator and the Queen knows that. She's not going to let you step down" he replied, going on,
"Besides, Obi Wan, dad and grandfather aren't going to let him hurt you either" he assured her as she looked up at him once more a smile starting to cross her face, "Well, seems like we're destined to be together after all" she teased, lips passionately touching once more ahead of Anakin smirking at her, "Let's resume from where we left off from last night" he taunted hearing her laugh, "I'm all yours, Jedi" she whispered.
In another part of the palace, the Jedi Council members including Qui Gon had awoken early to discuss the knighthoods of Anakin and Obi Wan however as usual the Jedi Council just couldn't see past the fact that Anakin was still only 16 and through their eyes, he was often reckless and rushed headlong into potentially dangerous situation. "I understand what you are saying Masters but Anakin is one of my sons and I know that he is ready" Qui Gon protested once more, "He proved himself to the Sith Lord in the battle yesterday. He is ready" he kept insisting but Master Windu disagreed, "He is still young and needs to improve himself" he replied
Yoda then spoke up "His strong fighting skills he has however hasty his actions usually are" as Qui Gon tried to argue "Yes but Masters, please, you can't be serious" he tried to say before Jaden spoke up. "Masters, I believe Qui Gon is right, I've watched Anakin since he was born and he is showing himself to be a powerful Jedi and the Chosen One we all thought" he reminded them. "Powerful Jedi, he is, not ready to become a Jedi Knight he is" Yoda finally concluded
"Obi Wan will become a Jedi Knight upon our return to Courscant. Anakin will remain a padawan until he is ready" he concluded as all council members rose to their feet and exited the quarters leaving Jaden and Qui Gon alone. "Why can't they see he is ready?" Qui Gon asked as Jaden placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"That I do not know how to answer son, perhaps they can see something that we can't" he replied but Qui Gon still couldn't believe it" But Anakin is ready, he's my son and I know it!" he snapped but Jaden just smiled, "Son, the council has the final decision and did you know that when you were ready, they thought you were still young but I managed to show them otherwise" he told him,
"He'll be a Knight when the time is right" Jaden promised, "But for now, let's be proud for Obi Wan's achievement" he pointed out. "You're right father. Now let's go and change for the parade" he replied before both men exited the quarters together.
Shortly after breakfast, Anakin headed off to find his brother leaving Padme with Sabe and Dorme to start getting ready for the parade. She had chosen a long flowing cream white gown that scooped around the neck and around her bosoms. Dorme has styled her hair with a plaited bun up the top before letting the rest flow down her shoulders in her natural thick curls as Sabe lightly applied her make up.
Padme simply took the time to clear her mind and think about the time she would have after the parade, going home with Anakin however all three girls were startled by the sudden knocks rapidly at the door. Quickly moving to answer it, "Can I help you?" she asked straight out at the man before who simply brushed her away, "Yes, you can let me pass, you foolish maiden" he snapped straight into the room
He saw Padme at her dresser, Palo's father angrily glared at her. "Mr. Sienar, what are you doing here?" Padme asked him as he moved forward, "I simply have come to speak with you Senator" he told her, "Now that you're away from that meddling Jedi boy" he scoffed taking her hand in his's to kiss it only to pull away from his grasp.
"Anakin is not meddling in anything, I love him and Palo and I are over" she informed him however he laughed, "Oh come on Padme, you know that's not true. You were promised to Palo by your father yourself. He made the deal with me when you simply eight years old, don't you remember?" he pointed out noticing Padme remind silent, knowing she had tried to block out that day….
Flashback
Dressed in a adorable pale yellow sun dress with her hair plaited into two plaits on the side of her face, eight year old Padme knelt in her favourite place of her parent's garden, picking small brunches of her flowers for her mother. Her sister watched nearby as Darred stood behind her, kissing her neck. Ruwee and Palo's father Derek Sienar observed them all from the porch. "So, have you decided on a potential suitor for Padme yet?" Derek asked, "It is coming close to the time where you must decide" he pointed out as Ruwee shook his head, "Not yet. I mean Padme has told me about some of the boys in our village but I don't see them as husband material for her" he explained. "What do you mean?" Derek asked. "Padme needs a man who can hold her in her place. Not allow her to run off and do what ever she pleases" he explained. "Ah, is she still dreaming about becoming a Senator or Queen?" he asked him. "Yes, and what's worst is that her grandmother Winama is supporting even going to pay for her teaching" he went on. Derek shook his head, "We can't have that now, can we?" he asked him then he got an idea. "Well how about Palo. I know he's a few years older than Padme but he can keep her in her place" he assured him. Ruwee nervously bit his top lip but looking over Derek, there was something about this idea that he couldn't say no to. Could it be the masses of wealth Derek has? "I'll agree to that. Padme will marry your son Palo" he finally agreed as Derek and he shook hands, "Excellent, you'll see. Padme will become the woman she was raised to be, nothing more than a wife and mother to my son" he smirked as both men turned back out to the gardens, to see Padme had now moved over to her sister.
End of flashback
"You see Padme, the deal was done that day and you will marry Palo. He desperately loves you" he told her, "Besides, what can being a Senator do for you let alone being with a Jedi?" he asked her. Padme couldn't believe what she was hearing, "Anakin loves me more than Palo did. Palo only hurt me and forced me to only be with him, hurting me every time another male would even look at me" she explained but Derek shrugged,
"Well that's what you get for trying to cheat on him" he simply told her. Padme gasped, "I did not cheat on Palo. He was too jealous and I will never be with him" she snapped, "Now, I would advise you to leave or I will have security escort you out" she warned him but he only smirked, "Padme, don't do this. I am a very powerful persuasive man and I can have you forcefully brought back to your home if necessary" he informed her.
Padme remained strong, "You can try but Anakin nor his family will let you" she informed him as another knock came at the door. This time it was Hannah, dressed in a stunning cream halter neck dress flowing to the floor and hair plaited straight down the back. "Sorry, am I interrupting?' she asked upon seeing Derek with Padme who shook her head, "No, in fact Mr. Sienar was just leaving" she spoke up.
Derek coldly glanced at her, "You still have not won yet Senator" he warned her brushing past Hannah and out of the room. "Wow, he seems friendly doesn't he?" Hannah laughed but Padme just shook her head, "Don't worry about him. Is something wrong?" Padme asked her before she went on,
"I was just coming to see if you were ready to join us because the crowds are starting to line the street, the soldiers preparing themselves, the Queen and royal advisors are ready along with the Jedi Council members and the Gungans are ready to march along with Master Jinn, Obi Wan, Anakin and Ahsoka" she informed her. Padme smiled just hearing Anakin's name again. "Excellent, are the medals ready as well?" she asked her seeing her nod as Sabe spoke up, "Then I think you're all ready m'lady" she assured her before Dorme and her pulled their hoods up over their faces and following Padme out of the room with Hannah.
Meanwhile back on Courscant, Cad Bane was losing his patience with Prince Xizor who had now decided to send him on a new assignment without settling his fee for the first one. His red eyes glared over at the Prince who was standing nearby with his aide Guri about to say something, he stopped himself as Prince Xizor cheerfully walked over to him,
"Stop your smirking your highness" Bane snapped, "I demand to see payment now before I leave on this "new" assignment or the deal is off" he warned him but Xizor wasn't even worried by this threat in fact he continued to smile. "Oh, you will be paid handsomely. I had just contacted the hutts and informed them of Jabba's death and who was responsible" he started to reply as he continued,
"They have issued a bounty out for Senator Amidala and her Jedi friends. There will many bounty hunters going after her for the large reward, that's where you come in" he paused before continuing, "I have managed to convince the hutts that I will personally over see that her friends and herself are dealt with, to which they have agreed" he finished. Bane looked at him, his red eyes staring straight at him. "You are so certain that the Jedi will be killed so easily" he replied, "You don't have a death wish your highness so you better have a larger reward for all this" he warned him.
Xizor smirked, "Of course I wouldn't have it any other way. Now you haven't got a moment to spare" he pointed out, "Go now and don't come back until you have the Senator and the Jedi" he instructed him watching him go along with his two companions as Guri moved alongside him, "Your highness, you have another visitor. He wishes to speak to you about a very important matter" she informed him. Xizor turned her, "Very well, send him in" he replied moving back over to one of the large glass windows overlooking the city.
The crowds cheered for their heroes who saved their planet from the Trade Federation. Queen Jamilla stood on the steps outside the palace in a beautiful royal pale blue grown and her face painted in the traditional make up of the Queen. Padme stood beside her, her cream white gown flowed to the door hiding her shoes and her curls down her shoulders shimmering in the sunlight.
The Jedi Council members stood to the side, watching the parade before them. Anakin's eyes never left Padme. She was truly beautiful. She caught his eye and smiled happily at him as he started to climb the steps along with his father, Obi Wan, Ahsoka and the leader of the gungans Boss Nass. Crowds continued to cheer and wave to their heroes before watching them reach their Queen and Senator, along with the Queen's handmaiden Eirtae who carried a tray of medals with her.
Queen Jamilla took one and placed it around Qui Gon's neck then another, placing it around Ahsoka's neck whilst Padme took a third placing it around Obi Wan's neck before she finally took the last one and turned back to Anakin. Her eyes meeting his's even as she placed the medal around his neck. He smiled that charming smile that always made her weak in the knees.
Anakin then moved up to her, wrapping his arms around her waist prior to watching Queen Jamilla move over to Boss Nass along with Sio Bibble presenting a round medium sized globe which represented Naboo's appreciation and friendship to the Gungans. Boss Nass happily took the globe from her, and turned back to face the crowds of Gungans and Naboo people,
Boss Nass held it high before them all and the cheers erupted happily. Queen Jamilla smiled cheerfully as Obi Wan spun Hannah into his arms, tenderly kissing her whilst Anakin turned Padme around to face him, her arms wrapped around his neck, they shared a passionately kiss for all to see as the celebrations continued all around them, the only thing Anakin cared about was holding Padme in his arms.
Elsewhere in the city, Derek and Ruwee watched the parade through the holo net and unfortunately for them, the cameras were now showing Padme passionately kissing Anakin Skywalker as the young reporter then went on to say, "Looks like our new Senator already has caught the attention of Jedi Anakin Skywalker-Jinn" going on to add "Only time will tell if their romance will last"
Ruwee shut off the holo net in disgust ahead of Derek speaking, "You know Ruwee, I am very upset with you" he started to say, "All those years, you promised Padme's hand in marriage to my son" he paused attempting to control his temper, "And just last night, not to mention just now as well, I see her on the arm of a Jedi!" he snapped but Ruwee seemed unaffected by his sudden rise to anger.
"Padme has always been a handful ever since she was a little girl, unlike her sister" he started to reply, shaking his head, "I will force her to come home and I have just the person to help me out" he re assured him but Derek wasn't convinced, "You better be going somewhere with this" he warned him. "She keeps pushing him away and soon she'll have that damn Jedi arresting my son for a crime against her he didn't commit" he warned him
Ruwee only smiled, "Not if we can have her forced out of the office" he went on, moving over to the comm, activating before both men saw a young girl slightly older than Padme staring at them, dressed in a satin silk night dress. "Oh, this better be important. I was in the middle of something" she snapped as Ruwee only rolled his eyes. "Rabe, I have a task for you to undertake and if you successful, you might just become Senator for Naboo" he informed her noticing her familiar smirk crossing her face,
"Well, I always said that Padme was simply to kind to be a Senator right from the beginning" she started to reply, "And besides, her new boyfriend would be perfect on my arm" she smirked. Derek scoffed, "You can gladly have Skywalker. I simply want my son to have his bride" he informed her. "And you shall sir. I won't fail…this time I have a plan that will work" she assured them. "I'll keep in touch with my progress" she added before her hologram disappeared
Ruwee turned to Derek, "Soon everything will be back to normal, the way it should have been right from the very beginning" he pointed out however Derek looked over at him, his deep brown eyes staring into his's, "You better be right about this" he warned him, "Because I would hate to take out my frustration with Padme on you" he explained. Ruwee started to look frightened, "Why me?" he asked with worry in his voice. "Your failure as a strong father figure to Padme as she was growing up has caused this" he simply replied.
While the celebrations continued throughout the city, Padme and Anakin had joined the Jedi Council members, Qui Gon, Obi Wan, Hannah and Ahsoka inside the Theed hanger, to see off them off back to Courscant. Padme had her arm through Anakin's as Qui Gon moved over to his younger son.
"Now try and keep out of trouble Anakin, just for a few days then we'll see you back on Courscant" he informed him. "Dad, it's me. You know I can be always on my best behaviour" he smirked but Qui Gon didn't buy into it. "Uh huh, sure Anakin" he replied. "Don't worry Master Jinn. I'll keep an eye out on Anakin" Padme promised seeing him smile at her ignoring Anakin's glare
As Obi Wan and Hannah moved towards them, Obi Wan playfully slapped his brother on the back, "Well brother, I guess I'll have to find another friend who can help me with the ladies" he teased before Hannah slapped him on the arm. "Obi Wan! You will do not such thing" she snapped as Anakin smirked to his brother, "Uh oh, you've done it now Obi Wan, she's pissed with you" he teased
Obi Wan only just rolled his eyes, "Nah, she knows I was just joking" he simply replied with an arm around her waist, he started to kiss her neck but she remained strong. "I'm not laughing Obi Wan and so when you stop the jokes, I'll be waiting" she informed him storming up the landing ramp. "She'll cool down Obi Wan. Just give her some time" Padme promised him
He just smiled, "Thanks, I'll see you when you get back" he told them running up the ramp just as Ahsoka joined them. "Well Skyguy, I suppose I'll see back home if you don't take too long" she smirked.
"Funny Snips. I'll take as long as I want, just to have a break from my training" he joked, hugging her then watching her proceed up the ramp. They then saw Qui Gon enter the ship along with the council members before the ship left the hanger bay leaving Padme and Anakin, alone together, at last, once again.
Noticing how quiet Anakin was once his family, friends and the council members left, Padme slowly rubbed his arm, "Anakin, what's wrong?" she asked in her sweet voice before he sighed, "I was just thinking" he admitted, "Thinking about what?" she went on. "About today" he confessed turning to her, "Padme, I don't deserve any honour today" he insisted, going on to explain why, "I didn't kill the Sith lord. We all fought him yes, but he then escaped! He's still out there!" he reminded her trying to control his temper
Padme then wrapped her arms around his neck, so he was looking into her deep sparkling brown eyes. "Anakin, listen to me" she told him in a clear voice, "You all distracted him while we captured the Viceroy" she went on, "The Queen couldn't have done it without you all" she pointed out before he felt her sweet soft lips brush against his's. "Yes but…." He tried to argue afterwards before she put a hand on his lips.
"Anakin, Naboo is grateful to the Jedi for helping us. This Sith Lord may have escaped but the next time, he may not be so lucky" she smirked making him smile, pulling her closer, "Oh angel, you really know how to make relax" he told her sharing another kiss together, she giggled, "It's because I'm in love with you" she smiled, taking his hand
"Now come on, let's go start packing so we can make our way over to my parent's house" she told him unable to contain her excitement at being able to see her mother after all these years. "And then the rest of the time to ourselves" he promised her leading her out of the hanger back towards the palace.
Shortly after Cad Bane had left his palace, Prince Xizor was not alone for long, as Guri had already informed him, there was another who wished to speak with him. Lord Maul, he introduced himself and his proposition was simple-alliance with the Sith and he will be protecting his planet and his people forever though the Prince was still sceptical.
"Lord Maul, I have to ask you again" he started trying to find the right words. "Just what do the Sith want with me and my people?" he asked him, "I only want Senator Amidala….for myself" he smirked as Lord Maul stepped forward. "The Sith want to destroy the Jedi starting with it's precious Chosen One" Lord Maul started to explain, "And if Senator Amidala is used as bait for him, we can bring the Jedi falling" he went on as Xizor was still unsure.
"The Jedi will not go down that easily and if you are implying that Skywalker is the Chosen One, you are mistaken" he shot back seeing the Sith Lord's yellow eyes staring directly at him, "My master has never been wrong about anything and if he says Skywalker is the Chosen One, then he is" Lord Maul replied however Xizor was still unsure about this, "I already have a bounty hunter going after the Senator because the hutts have placed a bounty on her for killing Jabba the Hutt. How would you manage to capture her?" he asked.
The Sith Lord smirked, "I would be able to surprise attack the Jedi where the bounty hunter would create a mess and end up getting killed" he explained. Prince Xizor moved away to stare out at the Courscant industrial district. "If I join you, I want not just myself but the people of Falleen well protected. I don't want consequences of my actions hit them" he replied.
"It is done, my master will be pleased to hear that you have join our side" Maul told him, "I shall be contact once the Senator is in my grasp" he assured him moving from the room without another word right as Guri approached the Prince, "Shall I contact Bane to inform him the deal is off?" she asked but Xizor surprisingly shook his head "No, leave him go after her. If the Sith Lord can't capture her, Bane could beat him to it" he replied.
On the other side of Courscant, the Jedi including Qui Gon, Obi Wan, Ahsoka and Hannah, were returning back from Naboo and could see a small welcome home party awaiting them inside the Temple's main hanger. Obi Wan and Hannah stood by the landing ramp waiting for it to descend.
Obi Wan kept his arms around Hannah's waist as she kissed his lips once more, she smiled up at him, "So Obi Wan…." She started to say, before she continued, "Now that Anakin is still on Naboo, how about you and I have tonight for ourselves?" she asked with a smirk running a hand down his arm, "I mean, you can relax from being an older brother to him and just have some fun he is with Padme" she pointed out
Obi Wan then cheekily smirk back, "Well, I can't say no to that" he laughed, "I mean, where do you think he learnt to be romantic?" he asked her while she rolled her eyes with a small laugh right before they saw Qui Gon join them along with the Jedi Council members at the same time the ship docked inside the hanger and the ramp start to descend.
Qui Gon placed a hand on his eldest son's shoulder, "After your greet your mother and before you go off for some fun, the council wishes to speak with you in the chambers. I think you'll be surprised when you find out why" he smiled proudly seeing Obi Wan become confused then descended down the landing ramp with his right arm around Hannah's waist and moved across to his mother who happily embraced him, tears in her eyes,
"Oh thank goodness you're back, I was so worried" she happily cried as Obi Wan laughed, "Mom, you know I always come back, just with some small wounds" he teased, "Oh Obi Wan, you know I worry for you as well as your brother. You shouldn't joke like that" she warned him in a firm voice before she noticed Anakin's absence. "Speaking of he, where is your brother?' she asked, concern in her voice as Qui Gon joined them
"He's back on Naboo with Padme. He wanted to spend some alone time with her before they came back here in a few days" he explained to her not seeing Obi Wan lean in to Hannah, "And by alone time, he means alone time" he smirked while she just rolled her eyes then noticing Padme's sister Sola nervously silent. "Is something wrong Sola?" she asked startling her from her thoughts, "Oh I was just thinking of my sister, back home on Naboo. I know Anakin will protect her but if they run into our father, he is a strong man and if they've met Palo's father, he's just as worst" she replied.
"Don't worry Sola, Anakin's not about to be scared off by those two, Padme's in good hands with him" he assured her. "I hope you're right" Sola sighed moving off with Ryoo and Pooja as Obi Wan turned to Hannah, "Well, I suppose we should make our way to the chambers" he started to say, "Wait for me outside?" he asked seeing her smile, "Of course, I'm curious myself to see what's going to happen" she teased taking his hand, Qui Gon and Shmi watch then leave finding themselves all alone in the hanger now that the Jedi Council members had also left, along with Ahsoka. Shmi sensed something was bothering her husband….
"They didn't make Anakin a Jedi Knight did they?" she spoke out stroking his arm softly hearing him sigh and shake his head, "No, they still say he's too young and rash" he started to reply, "They're going to make Obi Wan a Jedi Knight and I'm proud of him. He's going to prove he is a strong Jedi Knight" he continued, "But I know Anakin too, was ready yet they still think he's still too young" he finished
Shmi only smiled, rubbing his back softly, "I know what you mean Qui Gon. Anakin certainly has proved himself a numerous amount of times" she pointed out, "But maybe perhaps, they know something you don't" she suggested before he pulled her into his arms. "How come you always know what to say?" he teased making her smile, "Because I love you, Obi Wan and Anakin with all my heart" she smiled sharing a tender kiss together right before another voice disturbed them.
"Master Jinn?" came Ahsoka's soft voice quietly before Shmi and Qui Gon both saw her standing at the entrance to the hanger. "Yes, Ahsoka, what's wrong?" he asked her seeing her step forward, "I was wondering if I could talk to you about something" she went on. Qui Gon smiled, "Sure, we'll talk on the way to the chambers" he replied, another kiss to Shmi. "I'll see back at our quarters later" he promised her then moved off with Ahsoka out of the hanger heading up to the council chambers.
"Now, little Ahsoka, what seems to be troubling you?" Qui Gon calmly asked straight out seeing her sigh, ""Master, ever since the battle of Naboo, I've been wondering if I had failed in my first set of objectives. Anakin told me to stay with the Queen and the Senator and yet I still came back to help you all" she replied as Qui Gon smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder,
"Ahsoka, you are still young and learning. You used your instincts and felt Anakin needing help and you came to his aid" he started to reply, "Your role in the battle of Naboo showed impressive strength and soon you will be ready to assume the role of apprentice then be taken as a padawan" he explained watching a small smile creep across her face,
"Thank you Master Jinn and do you think that Anakin will take me as a padawan when he becomes a Jedi Knight?" she asked turning the last corner to the chambers. "Seeing Anakin playing around with you, acting like a big brother to you, tells me you would make a great team together. I will suggest to him taking you on a padawan, though I'm already sure he is already considering you to be his padawan" he smiled reaching the chambers. "Now go off and rest. You've earned it" he informed her watching her skip off towards her quarters whilst he took a deep breath, then entering the chambers where his son and the council members were waiting.