Author's Note: I make no money from this story. Star Wars is the property of Disney/Lucasfilm.
Warm golden light flooded the wide windows, heating Leia's cheeks as she followed the pair of Queen's guards, serving as her escort. She rubbed at her arms to chase away the chill she felt so at odds with her warm surroundings. Leia knew the source of the cold was within her, not without, even as Artoo warbled happily beside her.
Both guards stopped, turning sharply on their heels. Placing their fists over their hearts, they bowed deeply before Leia. "We will be just outside, Princess Leia," they informed her, emphasizing her title.
Even in the secluded comfort of her shared chambers with the Naberries, Leia and Luke heard whispers of the awe and pride surging among the people of Naboo. Once Padme Amidala's child, the one thought to have died within her, carried the title: Lost Child of the Naboo.
Now tales of the triumphant return of the Lost Children of the Naboo inspired celebrations: twin fires raised, first over Padme's tomb, and then above every town on Naboo. Leia shook her head just a bit to clear her mind as she recalled the conversation she had with Pooja.
"Leia, I'm sorry," she had explained. "But you really don't understand how much we loved Padme as a people. When she died, taking her child with her, we mourned for her and that child. We don't have princes and princesses on our world as other systems do, but you two would have been held in that level of esteem as Padme Amidala's children if you had been brought to us after her death. Then you risk everything to protect us from the Imperial attack on Theed and bring the lost Gungans back to us…"
Pooja shook her head as she trailed off. "Even though it's only a start in renewing our strained relationship with them, it means everything to the Naboo."
"But we can't stay here," Leia explained. "You know Luke and I can't settle with the our work in the Alliance."
"Of course, we know that, Leia," Sola said, hugging her obviously distressed niece to her side. "And during your press conference, Pooja instructed your reporter to allow the two of you to make that case before our people. They will understand. After all, we couldn't keep Padme tethered to our world either."
"Our people will need to express their gratitude to you for what you have done, and will want to extend the love they have for your mother to you two. Please, try not to allow it to make you too uncomfortable," Pooja said, a soft smile on her lips.
Luke walked up and clasped her shoulder gently. "Mon's calling. Do you want me to take it?"
"No, I'll go this time. Maybe a walk would clear my head."
Luke chuckled and pressed a kiss to her forehead before she turned to leave. "Thanks, Sis."
Shaking herself from her memories Leia drew on her royal Alderaanian upbringing and nodded, her face a serene mask.
"Artoo and I are grateful for your vigilance.
Artoo beeped happily and rolled into the small secure comm center, plugging in to add his extra layer of security to Leia's first post mission communication with Mon Mothra. Though there mission was a success, she was not looking forward to this discussion.
Leia slumped to the secure comm chamber and dropped wearily to her seat, rubbing her hands on her face. Flipping a few switches, she forced herself to sit tall and take a deep, calming breath.
Artoo beeped and chirped. "Make the connection," Leia said.
Mon Mothra's image lit up the screen. She was smiling and shaking her head as she looked at Leia.
"The galaxy reels from your latest revelations, Princess Leia."
Mon chuckled, "I seem to recall asking you to be circumspect in your actions and behavior on this mission. I also warned you of the impact of the free flow of information. I did not expect you make that very information exchange a lightsaber to the heart of the Empire itself through actions, words, and knowledge."
"I…We didn't intend that," Leia sighed, her shoulders slumping a bit in front of someone she saw as a mentor and friend. "Luke was relying on the Force. We both were, actually, and things a little out of control."
"A little out of control?" asked Mon dryly.
Leia waited as Mon paused a moment.
"It was masterfully done, Princess Leia," she said as wide smile on her face.
Leia let out the breath she did not realize she had been holding.
Mon chuckled. "Indeed. Though with the unintentional revelation of who your biological parents were, I can say that such unexpected miracles from chaos seemed to run in your family."
Leia laughed. "We've only just learned who our mother was after landing here on Naboo, but what we've heard from her—our family— here; I'm sure you're right."
"You know, I knew them, Leia. Your parents. I only saw Anakin Skywalker walking about in the Senate halls or on the holovids, but he was quite the striking figure."
Leia nodded, trying to not to show her discomfort as she pictured, not the handsome man in the holovids, but a dark lord striking down Alliance soldiers racing to deliver the Death Star plans to her ship above the ruins of Jedha. Mon continued even as the images of that carnage ran through her mind, her words interposed on the nightmarish memories. "He was a hero of the Republic, and a very fine man."
Leia gripped the arm of her chair so hard, her knuckles turned white while she, maintaining her regal princess facade, nodded in acknowledgment if not agreement.
Mon continued. "Padme was champion of freedom. I see them so strongly in you and Luke." At this Leia did smile, though again she worried how much of her father was in her, and exactly how that would impact what she would become.
"Did you know Padme sat in some of the initial planning sessions for the founding of the Alliance." Mon chuckled.
"But I suppose you and Luke were there as well considering how much she was showing when she attended those meetings."
Leia smiled brightly at the image that brought to mind. "Rebel from birth?"
Mon laughed and nodded. "If ever there were two children who deserved such a label, it would be you and your brother."
Leia's face fell as a recurring worry struck once more. She sighed, "I would gladly flout that title to every Imperial I met, but now Luke and I have family again, and I worry for them, Mon. Queen Setalla is providing increased security them, but I worry it won't be enough. Luke and I already have so many enemies, and we've both lost so much of our family to this damnable war already."
"Actually, that is one of the reasons I called you. We want to provide the security and use some of our newer technology to aid in protecting them. As a thank you to both of you for all you have done."
"I just wish that blasted mic hadn't been active." Leia sighed. "Luke and I wanted them kept out of this. They've suffered enough."
"Our Bothan sources say that several of the reporters on Naboo are from worlds that have used new technologies to listen in on interactions by remotely controlling listening devices, active or inactive. We are going to have to be extra vigilant in this new age to guard that which we do not wish others to know."
"That sounds like a nightmare in the making," observed Leia tiredly.
"I'm sure it will be. Our agents are scrambling to keep up on this front, but at this point I feel we must hope the Force is as strongly with the Alliance as it was with you three."
Leia chuckled.
"Speaking of the Force and spilled secrets," Mon began.
Leia shook her head wearily. "Let me guess. Some of the footage from the battle at Theed shows me using the Force."
"It appeared so and it, if I may add, was very impressive. I am guessing you are the person Luke was referring to when he discussed taking a Padawan learner."
"I am," she admitted. "And I'm still mulling it over. There's one more piece of research I have to do before I can truly commit to path of the Jedi."
"I have alway valued you as ally in the political arena, Princess Leia, but by following the lead of the Force, your mission on the Naboo has spearheaded our actions. We can now say the breaking point we saw in the cohesion of the Empire only a day after the death of the Emperor is now the crux of a splintered Empire."
Leia smiled widely at that report. "I am grateful. So our hope for a restored Republic grows."
Mon nodded. "But there are rumors of an Imperial reorganization from within the Naval leadership. It is a true threat, but one we are only beginning to uncover. In the days of the Old Republic such tasks usually were taken up by the Jedi Order."
Leia grimaced but nodded.
"I know the life of a Jedi is not easy. However you chose to serve will be appreciated, but I have seen enough to believe that the impact you would be make as a Jedi would be felt across the Galaxy for generations."
"So no pressure," Leia joked without true mirth.
"Exactly," Mon agreed with a genial smile.
"If you have time to swing by the Naboo system for a few hours three days from now, I can tell you my decision at my wedding."
"Your wedding?" Mon said smiling broadly. "I am glad to hear the chaos on Naboo has not sidelined this happy event."
"We promised our family we'd marry here, and now, with all the attention we've garnered, the Queen has requested she be allowed to arrange the ceremony and the celebration afterward as a thank you. I could not refuse her. So we'll be taking care of that event before we leave the world to rendezvous with the Alliance."
"I suppose that means the Jedi Order's rule about avoiding attachments is no more?"
"Yes," Leia said with a smile. "Luke said that was the first thing he knew he was doing differently."
"Then I look forward to joining you for the happy occasion."
"Any Alliance friends who wish to attend need only contact Queen Setalla's office for permission to enter Theed."
"Until then," Mon said, and with an impish smile she added. "May the Force be with you."
Leia chuckled, shaking her head. "May the Force be with you."
When Leia left the communication hub she was met by the Queen, the true Queen, in her Royal garb, today deep purple and teal blue accented with silver beads that fell like silken rope all about her head and crossing her shoulders to meet and drape from each hip.
"Queen Setalla," Leia said bowing her head one she now considered a true ally.
"I have a gift for you," she extended her hand.
Leia took the tiny pin.
"When you tap the red jewel in the center a small altered field will surround you muffling your word so they will be unintelligible to any known technology. I only wish I knew you would have need of this technology prior, and I would have commissioned its construction sooner. But perhaps I this will allow you to keep some things in confidence," The Queen explained.
Leia smiled, "Thank you, Your Highness." Leia looked at the guards as she felt a shiver once more. She needed to go somewhere quiet and think for a while.
"My Queen," Leia said. "Your Guards have been most attentive and I truly appreciate the care they have afforded my family and myself, but I would like, if possible, take a walk within the palace alone for a bit."
"I understand," Queen Setalla said. "Captain Nuwaad, your blaster please."
The captain passed his blaster to the Queen, and she passed it to Leia. "I know, we all know, you can defend yourself well, Princess Leia."
Queen Setalla smiled down at Artoo beside her. And I know your droid has a long history of protecting you as well."
Leia nodded and smiled as she tucked the blaster in the pocket deep pocket of her white pants.
The Queen pulled a communicator from her sleeve and passed it to Leia. Call if you have need, but make sure the disruptor pin is not active or the communicator will not be functional."
Leia nodded as she took the small device and nodded to all as, once again the guards bowed sharply, fists crossed over their chests.
Artoo, Leia said, dropping the communicator in one of his compartments once she was out of sight, "Tell Luke and Han I went for a walk to clear my mind. I'll let him know if I need him."
Artoo beeped inquisitively popping open the compartment Leia had just dropped the communicator in as he rolled toward her.
"If you're asking me how I'll call him," Leia anticipated the little droid's question and closed his compartment once more, "I'll use the Force."
Artoo beeped his affirmative trill and rolled away beeping happily away toward the chambers where Luke rested with the remaining members of his family.
Leia's white boots clicked quietly as she strolled down the expansive marble hallways. She reached out with the Force, seeking the empty hallways and clear paths, so she could be alone with her thoughts.
Leia wandered peacefully, running her hands down the long blue jacket with wide flowing sleeves she'd belted over her white long sleeved top and white pants. Her grandmother and Aunt teased her that they'd not intended this first new garment made this salvaged material from her mother's wardrobe end up looking like a style forward version of a Jedi's robe and must have been guided by the Force. Leia groaned an rolled her eyes at their joke, but was grateful the blue dress she'd laughed in and loved in, the one her mother had once worn, was not entirely lost to her.
Closing her eyes, Leia allowed the Force to guide her steps. She found herself going deeper and deeper into the palace toward the lower hanger where the Falcon was docked. It was when she passed another hanger a vision of the Sith from the recording she'd viewed earlier appeared in front of her. She jumped back at the sight of the red and black Sith fighting Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn. They raced down the hall. Leia gasped and chased after the vision she knew could not be real. Soon she stood before the door she and Luke had been unable to pass during their chase of the Troopers only a day ago.
The vision faded as she realized this was the site of the death of Qui Gon Jinn. This was the place Obi Wan Kenobi promised to his dying master that he would train the boy because he was the chosen one.
Walking the dark bridge through the power generation rooms, Leia saw the gaping exhaust port where everything ended during that dark battle. Knowing the shielding would snap in place quickly, she raced through the small corridor. Just as she crossed into the circular chamber the shields sizzled behind her. Leia relaxed a bit as she realized she was completely alone now and no one should be able to sneak up on her. Pressing the red jewel on the pin the Queen had given her, Leia looked around and took a deep breath, steeling herself.
Leia supposed this was as good a place as any to have a conversation with a dead Sith Lord.
"Anakin Skywalker," she said, "Father," she added with difficulty. "I need to speak with you."
Anakin appeared, moving from the shadows and approaching her slowly as if not to spook her.
"You don't need to call me, Father," he said sadly. "I do not deserve that title."
Leia was surprised at his voice, so gentle and full of compassion. "No," she agreed without heat. "You don't, but it's the truth, and I will no longer hide from it."
Anakin smiled sadly at his daughter. "I know it can do little good to tell you this, but I am truly sorry for everything, Leia."
"Why?" Leia asked, looking up at him her eyes bright. "You were good once. Everyone who knew you tells me this. The few vids of you I've seen…" Leia trailed off. "And my mother. The more I learned of what an amazing person she was… I can't believe she would love someone who could become Vader. I don't understand, and it terrifies me that I could become like you."
"I know Luke has told you of what he's learned of my early life, Leia. How I was noticed by Palpatine while yet a boy suffering the leaving of her mother in slavery while I walked free. He was always there. Allowing me time to learn the ways of the Jedi, and grow strong in my knowledge and skill in the Force while he waited and prepared."
"All the while, he was there for me. He encouraged me when I was struggling with the rules and expectations of the Jedi. He was one of the few people I felt safe confiding my sadness over my separation from my mother. I felt accepted by him in a way I never felt accepted by the Jedi."
"It was a lie. I didn't see it. He was so cunning," Anakin paced, his arms crossed over his chest. Anakin laughed bitterly. "His Sith name was Darth Sidious, you know. Apt for an insidious sand viper like him." Anakin said sadly. "He found a way to weave his influence into the disgruntled races and rally them to become the Separatist movement. He used them to provoke the Republic and was even willing to destroy his home world of Naboo in service to his aims to control and destabilize the Republic from within. And he did it under the very noses of the Jedi Council."
"But he did the same sort of thing with people. I saw it over and over again during my time as his apprentice."
Leia wiped at the tears on her cheeks, and asked her voice shaky, "So you're saying he tricked you?"
"No," Anakin said, turning to face her. "In the end, I made the choice. I had been dreaming your mother would die in childbirth. I couldn't bear to lose her. He knew that and promised to save her if I joined him. I tried to resist him." He caught Leia's eyes. "I swear to you I tried."
"Love caused you to fall to the dark side then?" Leia asked both surprised and horrified.
"No," Anakain said. "Though I would have said I was acting in love at the time."
"I've been thinking long and hard on these things ever since Luke helped me drive out my inner darkness. If I had not been so afraid of losing her… If I had not allowed my fear of suffering her loss… If I were not determined to keep her like a possession, I may have been able to see beyond myself to her. I would have seen that she would rather me honor her memory by living a good life raising our children with all the love I bore for her, than live because I sacrificed so many others. When I became Vader I very nearly killed any part of myself that she loved and in so doing allowed my love to become twisted into hate."
Leia jumped in surprise as she felt Luke's arm draped over her shoulder. She leaned into her brother, as he held her to his side.
"Hello, my Son," Anakin said, joy driving a bit of the sorrow from his face.
"Hello, Father," he said, grinning back. "You're looking well."
"Thanks to you," Anakin's spirit chuckled. "You did well." He nodded to Leia. "You both did so incredibly well."
Leia stepped out of Luke's hold and walked toward Anakin. "I think." She began. She took a breath and met his eyes. "I think I should become a Jedi."
Anakin smiled widely. And she could feel Luke's happiness flowing from him.
"You will make an amazing Jedi, Leia."
"But I don't want to fall. You seem like an entirely different person. What if I fall like as you did?"
"You will be tested by the dark side of the Force if you choose to become a Jedi. All Jedi must always be on guard against it, but you already know the answer to your question."
"I do?"
"You answered it when you told my story to Jar Jar. What do you do when you fall, Leia?"
"You get back to your feet and stand once more."
Leia said. "You rise."
Anakin's smile was only joy as he nodded.
"Look inside yourself, Leia." He encouraged. "Find that last sliver of dark. It is your fear of hurting others. It is your fear of being hurt by others, it is sliver of your hatred of me that poisons you. Find it and release my wise, brave daughter."
Leia nodded and breathed in as she reached out to the Force and allowed it to flood into her fully accepting it. She felt a rush of power, peace, light and joy. The dark spot within her, her fear for her future, her anger at those who hurt her dissolved into light as she gave herself over completely to the Force.
"We are all here, Padme," called Obi Wan gently as he and Yoda sat with Qui Gon's spirt around the golden light that had grown stronger and more distinctly human shaped as they focused on the Force each remembering this loved one and calling her to draw herself together from the scattered pieces of herself that had long been floating not only on the waters of Varykino but also on the smooth surface of the Force that the four Jedi spirits now dwelt upon.
"Obi Wan?" gasped Padme as she sat, her ethereal hand cradling her head.
"I have you," he said, placing a gentle hand on her back.
"What is happening? Master Yoda?" she asked, then turning her head she saw Qui Gon. "Qui Gon? But you died?"
"I did," he confirmed, a smile lighting his face.
"I died too," she said, looking down a the shimmering blue dress she was wearing "My family walked behind me as they took me down the street wearing this dress with water lilies in my hair. How could I see that? How could I know that?" She looked down and saw the jappor snippet in her hand. "Anakin," she said, her voice broken.
"You were right about him," Obi Wan said gently. "There was still good in him. He came back to the light."
"I remember,' she said her eyes unfocused as for a moment she was lost in thought.
"It like I've been dreaming since the day I died. I saw him. So many dreams."
"Luke! Leia!" she said after a moment. "My babies. I've been dreaming of them! They were here! Are they still here? Please Obi Wan I need to see them."
"Of course, " Obi Wan said. "We'll take you to them."
Padme draped her jappor snippet over her head and then took Obi Wan and Qui Gon's hands and rose with them vanishing from the surface of the waters of her beloved lake.
"There are some Sith teachings scattered around the galaxy. Maybe one day when the Jedi are strong once more, they can seek out these records and destroy them. But for Sith betrayal is expected. Dying at the hand of your master or your apprentice are the ways most Sith die," Anakin said answering Luke.
"So, I don't think there is enough information recorded for anyone to learn to become a Sith on their own. It was one of the ways to keep an apprentice loyal. Constantly making them aware that there is more to be learned. More that cannot be learned by written records or holocrons, but only from the master you serve. Because of the tradition I am sure that the bulk of Sith teachings and skills remains unwritten and unrecorded.
"So the Sith died with you? You destroyed them?" Luke asked, hope in his voice.
"I hope so. That's why the Jedi always believed I was meant to do. I'd like to believe I'd managed to accomplish it in the end. That all we've suffered wasn't for nothing."
"The chosen one?" Leia asked. "Was that what Qui Gon and Yoda were talking about in the palace recordings."
Anakin nodded. "That blasted obscure prophesy that no one could agree on and was so debated it was about a useful as if it had never been clearly written down in the first place. But the general idea was that somehow I would remove the darkness and imbalance from the Force with the destruction of the Sith."
"And Yoda was right that it was dangerous to train you even though you were the one who did end up destroying the Sith."
"Did it have to be fulfilled the way it did, Father?" wondered Luke. "Surely there was another path for you to take and still fulfill that destiny."
"I have run what happened over and over again in my mind. I know if I hadn't joined the Jedi, Palpatine would have been there to take me into his teachings earlier. I know how powerful and how convincing he would be. It was only my love for Luke that allowed me to defeat him." Anakin stopped for a second. "Perhaps there would have been a way if I had…"
"Ani?" called a gentle voice.
"Padme?" Anakin cried and he raced to her. Sweeping her in a tight embrace he held her, his hand treading through her flower strewn curls.
He pulled back a moment later to kiss her, his hands cupping her face. He pulled back. "My Angel. How? I don't understand."
"You came back." She said, smiling through her tears. "You came back to me." She leapt back into his arms. For a moment both clung to the other.
"I'm so sorry, Padme. I didn't understand what I was doing. I was so afraid of losing you, and I was so wrong. I am sorry, my Love."
"I forgive you," she whispered still clinging to him. "I've missed you so much, Ani. I'm so glad Luke…" she began.
Padme pulled back as soon as her son's name passed her lips.
"Luke?" she said, her eyes darting away to search the strange room her Jedi companions had escorted her to.
"Here," he called, a smile on his face his eyes bright. "Mom," he added softly.
"Luke! Leia!" she cried as she rushed toward her children her arms outstretched. Luke and Leia reached out toward her as well soon her hands reached their's only to pass through theirs.
Padme gasped as she drew her hands up over her face. "I can't touch you. My beautiful younglings and I can't touch you," she whispered, her voice breaking.
"They're both strong in the Force, my Love," Anakin said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder gently. "They can feel your presence in a way many can not. Try again." Anakin encouraged gently.
Padme nodded and reached out once more. This time she laid a hand just above Luke's cheek and another above Leia's
"First official lesson, Padawan," Luke said, his voice soft but teasing.
Padme broke into a smile at Luke's words.
"Focus on, Mom's presence and send yours out to meet hers."
Leia smiled, her eyes bright, as she reached up with her hand. She could sense her mother's ghostly hand, the warmth of her love and her kindness. Feelings of her mother she'd only had impressions of before were now full and rich and wonderful.
"I love both of you so much," Padme said, as she sensed her children's presence reaching out and holding to the hands grazing their faces.
"And we both love you, Mom," Leia said. Luke nodded just tiny bit as if not wanting to have their mother draw away from them.
"I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to stay with you."
"Mom, you have nothing to apologize for," Leia said, tears running from her eyes.
"Do you know how proud we are that you are our mother?" Luke asked with a watery chuckle. "Everything we've heard… Everyone who knew you… The wonderful family we're a part of now because of you. But seeing you now, and sensing how good, kind, and beautiful you are for myself. I love you." After a moment Luke added with a laugh, "but I do wonder how you're here."
"That's a good question," Anakin said, looking to the trio of Jedi standing a respectful distance from this strange family reunion.
"It seemed Padme stumbled across some of the techniques Jedi can use to maintain their presence within the Force," Qui Gon answered.
"Though untrained, strong in the Force she must have been in life, her form to gather onto Varykino's lake."
"You were the light on the lake?" Luke asked with a smile."
"I've always loved the water," she said. "You don't know how happy I was when I dreamed, or saw you two laughing and playing at the lake. Or at least it always seemed like a dream or a maybe a reflection on the surface of the waters? But I've been watching these refections? Dreaming? I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I've been watching you, both of you," she said turning a smile from Luke to Leia, "your whole lives."
"My Leia Amidala Skywalker." Leia smiled widely as for the first time she heard her full name. "I named you Amidala, because, even though the Naboo elect their queen, and we don't really have princesses the way they do on other worlds, I wanted you to wear my queen's name, to always remind you that you're my princess." Leia smiled, a look of wonder and amusement mingled on her face. Padme laughed, shaking her head a look of pride shining in her eyes. "But my little Leia, she goes and captures the heart of Bail Organa, and the next thing you know the whole galaxy calls my little girl princess. Oh, my Leia Love. I saw you giving your Aunts Rouge, Tia, and Celly fits as they tried to make you a proper princess. I saw Bail conspire with you to help you beat them at their own game. I saw you play with your toys as Breha told you stories and braided your hair."
"Oh my love. I've watch you give your first address to the Senate. I saw you laughing and working with Pooja to craft legislation, the whole time not knowing she was your cousin. I saw the fight you had with Bail when you first joined the Alliance. I was so proud of you that you stood for what was right, but so afraid for you just as he was. I saw you being so brave, so brave," she said sadly. "I saw," she whispered sadly. "Alderaan. I think that was the closest I came to waking. I wanted to come to you, My Love. I wanted to hold you, but I couldn't wake." Padme reached up and cradled Leia's face in her hands, Leia reaching to the Force even as she lifted her hand to rest just over where the image of her mother's hands glowed. "I saw you rescued by a short Storm Trooper," she said with an impish grin and a glance at Luke who chuckled. "Lead in spite of your sorrows… Fall in love with a scoundrel…"
Leia laughed at her mother's words.
"Who also happens to be a really nice man. Oh I approve, Leia! Tell Han I'm so happy you two found each other."
"I will," Leia promised.
Padme lowered her hands and turned to Luke. "Luke Anakin Skywalker, my Son, I am so proud of you." Luke reached out and placed his hand, and, with it, the sense of his presence on his mother's cheek. She leaned into his presence, placing a glowing hand over his solid one. "I've dreamed of you, too. Owen and Beru holding you as the twin suns set over the homestead… You racing around the house with Beru chasing after you… Your first word," she giggled. She cut her eyes to Anakin and said, "Sand."
Obi Wan chuckled and Anakin's mouth dropped open in shock before he recovered and smiled widely shaking his head.
"Oh, Luke, I saw you work and work for hours on your school project about Naboo. You hair had gotten so long an shaggy. I wanted to sweep the hair from your eyes as you slept holding that picture you drew of me for your project held to your chest. When Owen yelled at you for that project. Oh, Luke, you know he didn't mean it. He was…"
"Scared," Luke completed. "I understand."
"You were always scaring the life out of them," Padme said her tone mock scolding.
"Speeding through Beggars Canyon like you were pod racing… Taking crazy risks to explore when the deserts could be so dangerous… Wrecking ships and then walking away laughing because it was so wizard?"
Her eyes softened as she added. "Getting into fights with your friends and the other boys when they went to far teasing the girls because you thought no one should be mean to a person's little sister… Crying with Beru when you were little because wasn't fair you didn't have your own sister…"
Leia looked a her brother a smile on her face, her hand clasping his shoulder.
"I didn't plan on naming you so well," Padme said smiling at her children. Luke lowered his hand as Padme turned to look on them both. "Luke is old Naboo for Light or light bringer, and you, my Luke, brought my Anakin back to the light. Thank you for saving him. Thank you so much," Luke smiled and nodded. .
"And Leia, it was the world for the Lillies that grow in the beautiful meadows. The shoot up so high they look like they float on the sky. She fingered one of the flowers in her hair like Padme was the word for the lilies that float on the lakes. And you are are more beautiful than a field of those flowers, my strong, brave princess."
Padme sighed sadly. "I had such plans for you. I was going to have you on Naboo. Your nursery would look out on the gardens in front of the lake country. I'd planned to have your blankets monogrammed with your initials in baby boy green or little girl blue. You'd play with your cousins and be spoiled by your grandparents."
Padme chuckled ruefully. "Well at least you were able to have a taste of the last."
Luke's tender smile turned mischievous. "We'll be traveling a lot. We'll put our initials on our travel bags in blue and green. Of course Leia will have to tack on an extra OS."
Padme laughed, delight shining in her eyes. "My funny son. Ani, do you know how funny, your son is?"
"Not yet," he said, but smiled. "But I look forward to finding out."
Padme turned to smile back at him. "You won't be disappointed. His, Han, and Leia's banter rival your and Obi Wan's finer moments."
She stepped back a bit looking at Anakin, Luke, and Leia. "Seeing you like this," she said. "I am complete."
Luke and Leia smiled at their mother but Anakin closed his eyes and took a deep breath as though he'd been struck.
A weary, unfocused look filled Padme's eyes. "I'm so tired, Ani."
"Then you should rest, my Angel," Anakin said, walking to her and holding her close.
"I don't understand?" Leia asked, looking to her father and the to the other Jedi ghosts in the room.
"Part of the process needed to maintain a sense of self after passing from your physical form is a sense that there is still more you must do."
"Unfinished business?" asked Luke.
Obi Wan nodded, "Now that Padme knows all she loved are safe and whole, she can rest knowing you will help restore the Republic she loved."
"Her link to this world is fading," Anakin said, voice breaking, even as he held her tighter.
"Calling her to her rest the Force is," Yoda said, compassion in his voice.
Anakin pulled back from Padme and tipped her chin up, so she was looking in his eyes.
"You are tired, my Love. You can rest now."
For a moment, Padme's eyes regained focus. "The Jedi are sending you away from me on another mission, aren't they?"
Anakin smiled, though tears gathered in his eyes. "Yes, my Love, I don't know when I'll be able to join you."
"I know," Padme said, releasing a weary sigh. "We can never tell how your Jedi missions will go Mr. Hero with No Fear."
Anakin chuckled wetly.
"I'll leave the covers down on your side of the bed," she promised.
"I'll try not to wake you when I come home to you," Anakin promised.
"A kiss to let me know you're safe at home will be worth a little loss of sleep," Padme said, repeating words that had become ritual to them over the course of their marriage.
He smiled sadly. "Then one for now, and one promised when I come home to you. This time, forever."
He gently kissed her and pulled away though it looked as though the movements left him in agony.
Padme's eyes did not open as she stepped back until she was stepping away from the edge of the exhaust port. Padme floated on the air, walking as if on nothing until she stood in the center of the dark hole. Padme's still form began to glow brighter and brighter until she was consumed in light the glow then grew beyond her as she became one with the Force in a blast of power that enveloped the others looking on in awe. The light shot up toward the dark ceiling and as it faded a vision surrounded them.
It was as if the very galaxy surrounded them in miniature, but more details and more real than any projection could be.
After a moment of awed silence, Yoda spoke. "Known by few it was, the legend of the call of the first to serve as Jedi. Passed down among the creschlings, it seldom was, when a youngling was I. Told we were that the Force itself shown it's light to the first Jedi and put in their charge, the fate of the Galaxy. A child's tale, it was thought to be."
"And now it begins a new," Qui Gon said, smiling as he walked beside Yoda.
"Are you all right, Anakin?" asked Obi Wan, standing before his friend.
Luke marveled at how they looked like they stepped out of a holovid as they stood young and whole in front of each other.
"I am," he said softly. "At least I will be in time."
Obi Wan hugged Anakin who gratefully hugged him back.
"I am so proud of you, my young Padawan."
"Misspoke you did, Obi Wan," Yoda corrected with a chuckle.
"What?" asked Obi Wan, pulling back from his friend.
"Padawn is no longer a fitting designation for a Jedi who has earned the rank of Master."
Anakin gaped at Yoda. "How can you say I've earned that rank after all I've done?"
"Because becoming a Master Jedi isn't about gaining a certain level of skills, Anakin. It never was. It is about complete surrender to the will of the Force. And surrendering Padme so willingly because it was best for her in spite of the pain it caused you proved your rise to that rank," Qui Gon answered.
"It was much the same way Luke earned that rank when in spite of all he feared to lose, he refused the dark side even after tasting it's power," Obi Wan explained.
"Hold it," interjected Luke. "People have been calling me Master Jedi and I've not been correcting them because I didn't feel like explaining the the different ranks. And partly because I wasn't sure of them myself. Are you telling me I've earned Master status?"
"The rank of Master, we confer on you officially now, Luke, but earned it long ago, you have."
"Thank you," Luke said with a smile.
"So do you have any idea when you might be doing your duty as a Master Jedi and formally taking a Padawan learner?" teased Obi Wan.
Luke grinned. "Hey, Leia?"
"Yes?" she grinned back.
"You wanna be my Padawan learner?"
"Sure. I didn't have solid plans for the rest of my life anyway. But Han has to be able to tag along. You know, since I'm going to marry him."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Luke agreed.
"With that settled," Qui Gon said. "We four members of the newly formed Jedi Spirit Council have much work to do. We must commune with the Force and seek how we may best help you rebuild the Jedi."
Luke nodded, smiling at Qui Gon. "And my Padawan and I have a press conference to attend."
Leia groaned. "Already?"
"That's actually why I was looking for you when I found you here."
"Then until next we speak," said Anakin. "May the Force be with you, my children."
"May the Force be with you, Father," said Luke. Leia nodded and leaned into Luke side as he threw his arm around her. Seeing the spirits fade, Master and Padawan, turned to go to the Regents Hall where they would answer the galaxy's questions in the light of their mother's window.
Luke and Leia walked arm in arm toward the hall for the unwelcome interview, but it felt less like a chore now and more like the first stop before a great adventure could begin.
"I would say you've taken your first step into a wider world, my Padawan," Luke teased, "but it feels like so much more than that."
"It is, besides," Leia reminded, a teasing tone in her voice. "You've already used that one." Luke nodded.
"Recalling the words of your Master already?" Luke said with a wink. "A very good quality in a Padawan."
Leia stuck her tongue out at him. Pulling away for a moment, Leia straightened the gathered pale blue jacket over her white shirt and pants. "I'll have to have Gram and Aunt Sola make fewer gowns from the fabric they've save from mother's gowns and make more Jedi like clothes like these."
Luke chuckled as they turned, walking sided by side, toward the Hall of Regents where the dreaded interview would soon begin.
"Less like taking a step on a new world, I think," Luke said as they paused and stood looking at the entry to the hall, "and more like taking off toward the stars."
"What else would you expect a pair of Skywalkers to do?" Leia asked.
Luke chuckled. For a moment they stared at the shadow across the threshold of the barely opened door before them. Shards of multicolored lights, much like stars and planets, danced in front of them, calling back the memory of the vision they'd just shared.
"Nervous?" Luke asked.
Leia nodded.
"Me too. Do you remember what to do?"
Leia smiled, with a nod she closed her eyes, and with a deep breath drew in the Force she grew to love more with each new taste of its light and peace.
Luke closed his eyes beside her, and soon, as one, both opened their eyes, centered and at peace with the the Force and within themselves.
Leia took Luke's hand, "Let's do this."
As they passed through the shadow and the door opened wider, noise, and excited activity greeted them, but in the light strewn shadows an echo, as if from a different time, in a galaxy far, far away just at the edges of awareness where few dwell for long, another sound was rising. The few that did dwell and listen just a bit closer would hear a fanfare of trumpets celebrating the wings of the Jedi unfurling and a pair of heroes walking the skies.
