A/N: I can't apologise enough for the seemingly endless delay. Being a third-year uni student is more time-consuming than I anticipated. For those of you who've stuck with me, thank you so much! I know I try your patience : )

But anyway, without much ado we find ourselves at the final chapter. There will, however, be an epilogue, so it's not over yet!

Chapter Sixty-Two – The Army of Ghosts.

Having allowed Sabé and Obi-Wan their reunion, Qui-Gon reappeared to explain the situation. Obi-Wan was better prepared for it than Sabé had been but it was still strange to him. Qui-Gon revealed everything that had been kept back from him in life, including the truth about Mara. Obi-Wan was stunned to hear she was alive. He showed no resentment to Qui-Gon for keeping it from him, but he was curious as to why.

Qui-Gon's explanation was simple. "I couldn't risk you rushing recklessly off to save her. It is not your task."

"Then whose?" Sabé wanted to know.

"I don't know," Qui-Gon admitted. "No doubt we will find out in time."

And time was something they had plenty of. Keeping together, the three spirit people watched the destruction of the Death Star. Sabé, although a spirit woman with no grudges, couldn't help but feel some satisfaction that Tarkin had died with such impeccable timing. She had watched the battle with Obi-Wan, but had slipped into the Death Star's control room to spy just in time to hear him comment, "Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances." She only hoped that the irony hit him when Luke's well-aimed shot hit the station minutes later.

Years passed and they saw the Rebel Alliance fight battle after battle against the Empire. They watched Luke and Leia grow in strength and courage. They watched Leia fall in love with Han Solo. They watched Luke become the first new Jedi Knight in twenty years.

Then they watched Yoda die. When he joined them in the spectral realm he delivered a message to Sabé. While Obi-Wan spoke to Luke on Dagobah, Yoda informed Sabé that the time had come to fetch Padmé from Naboo.

"We looked for Padmé," Sabé remembered. "Obi-Wan contacted Qui-Gon and said that we couldn't help her. Saché was with us too. Didn't Obi-Wan tell you about it, Master Yoda?"

"Call me Master you need not, Sabé. All equal are we in the Force."

"I know," she smiled. "But it's a hard habit to break."

"Obi-Wan told me everything. To help Padmé, your task it is."

"Could I not do so when I was alive?"

Yoda shook his head. Qui-Gon explained, "When you were alive you couldn't contact her on a spiritual level."

"Why wait until now? Why couldn't I have seen her earlier?"

"Almost ready to return is her husband. Be there for him she must."

Sabé knew better than to ask him to elaborate on this cryptic speech. She nodded and flitted to Naboo. Varykino was in an even sorrier state than it had been when she had last seen it with her mortal eyes. She materialised in the middle of the ruin and immediately reached out for Padmé. She sensed her lurking nearby and followed the feeling out to the terrace. Sabé did not realise it, but it was where Padmé and Anakin had shared two first kisses; once as forbidden loves, once as husband and wife.

Padmé's spirit floated into existence on the flagstones. She was pale and sad.

"Padmé," Sabé began.

"Sabé?" the spirit breathed. "My Gods, you're not…dead, are you?"

"I have been for over twenty years, Padmé."

Padmé took this news in with surprise and Sabé realised that time had no meaning for her anymore. "I've come to take you with me. You've hidden in the shadows here for too long." It was only after she had said this that Sabé realised what spending time with Qui-Gon and Yoda had done to her speech delivery.

Padmé looked suitably confused and seemed about to argue the point. "I have happy memories here," she said.

Sabé simply smiled and took her hand. "Come on."

So Padmé left the rut she had created for herself and joined the wider stretch of the Force.

"It's like being alive again," Sabé explained, "only you can feel the energy of…well, everything. If a star dies on the other side of the galaxy you can feel its passing."

"I felt Alderaan," Padmé said quietly. "But it wasn't my husband that did it. It wasn't my husband that did any of it."

"I know, Padmé. I have forgiven him. I didn't think I'd ever be able to. I even swore to myself that I wouldn't, but dying and joining with the Force does tend to convert one."

Padmé smiled. "How did you…you know?"

"Die? It's okay, you can say it. Well, it was complicated. But long story short, it was Vader." Sabé made sure to stress the name, trying to convey that she didn't see him as Anakin.

"Oh Sabé, I'm so sorry."

"I'm not. I've got Obi-Wan and you. I've got the life I always wanted. Except…it's not really a life, is it?" She laughed. "I've got the afterlife I always wanted."

As Padmé drew further and further away from the cycle of memories of Varykino, she remembered more of her life. "You were pregnant when I saw you last," she said suddenly."

"Yes. I have a daughter. Mara."

"How old is she?"

"Twenty-two."

Padmé's eyes lit up. "How old are Luke and Leia now?"

"Twenty-four."

"Can I see them?"

Sabé grinned. "Oh absolutely. You'd be so proud, Padmé."

"What about Mara?"

Sabé's smile faded a little. "Her situation's complicated."

"Tell me."

Sabé explained, making sure to add what Qui-Gon had told her about Mara's light side. To her surprise, Padmé didn't apologise as she had thought she would. Instead she looked thoughtful. "What? What is it?"

"Qui-Gon finds all these truths in the Force. Do you ever sense any of them?"

"Sometimes," Sabé said thoughtfully. "Just sort of…feelings. Why?"

"Because something is telling me that my son will help your daughter."

Sabé's eyes widened. "Really? Are you sure?"

"No," Padmé admitted. "It's like you said. Just a feeling."

Padmé was overjoyed to see Luke and Leia. As Sabé had promised, they had grown up strong and accomplished individuals. Sabé was delighted to have her friend back. This was not merely in a company sense. In the spectral realms of the Force, she was her old self again, no longer the pale shadow of a strong woman.

Sabé checked up on Mara now and then, sobered by the fact that she showed no signs of forsaking the Dark Side. Qui-Gon gently informed her that while she was still under Palpatine's command, she would remain as she was. Obi-Wan had been just as proud and uneasy as his wife when Sabé had shown him their daughter. He trusted Qui-Gon's word that she would turn. The Force told them that it would not be long until Palpatine's hold over her was relinquished.

The Force had briefed them all on the approaching struggle that the Skywalkers would face.

I have asked so much of all of you and you have given your support without complaint. You truly deserve peace. But I must ask one last thing, my friends, before I can give you that peace. Help my Chosen One fulfil his destiny. Help him bring balance.

Every one of the spirit people heard the words in their minds. They all agreed. It was their duty and their destiny.

And so the ghosts of three Jedi Masters and two politicians found themselves in Palpatine's Throne Room at the second Death Star, watching Luke Skywalker resist the lure of the Dark Side.

"Both his son and his wife it will take to turn Anakin," Yoda said.

"What about Leia?" Padmé asked.

"Know about her he does not. Besides, her own battle she is fighting." He turned to fix her with a stare. "Help them both you must."

Padmé nodded determinedly. "I will."

Like Sabé had prior to the death of Obi-Wan, Padmé found she knew exactly what to do. But when she tried to approach Vader and Luke, she found an invisible barrier blocking her way. Somehow, Palpatine was holding her back.

"I can't break through it!" she cried.

Unaware of her distress, Luke had used the Force to call his lightsabre to his hand and was locked in a fierce duel with Vader.

Padmé watched, horror-struck, and called back over her shoulder, "Help me!"

Sabé rushed forward to stand beside Padmé. Together, the spirit women pushed against the barrier, but their endeavour made little difference. It was still as strong and dense as it had ever been.

Obi-Wan joined them and was quickly followed by Qui-Gon and Yoda. The barricade seemed to shift under their intent, but it did not waver.

Luke had paused in the duel, refusing to fight his father, and was standing on a walkway above the Throne Room. The unseen spirits watched in dismay as Vader threw his lightsabre in a spinning arc, cutting through the balcony supports. Luke fell the short distance to the ground and rolled away to a well-concealed hiding place.

Vader continued to goad the young Jedi, searching for him among the shadows. Reaching out, Vader picked up on Luke's thoughts. He sensed his son's resolve, his loyalty and bravery. Then he sensed something so entirely unexpected it caught even him by surprise. He had a daughter. Luke's determination to keep his sister safe had reached the forefront of his thoughts. Vader felt it and saw an image of Leia Organa in his son's mind. He put two and two together.

For a brief moment Anakin's thoughts overwhelmed him, memories of Padmé and his joy at her pregnancy. He remembered how he had been responsible for torturing Leia for information on board the first Death Star. He was swamped by guilt and Vader shook the feelings off.

"So, you have a twin sister," the Sith Lord said. "Your feelings have now betrayed her too. Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the Dark Side, then perhaps she will."

Mother and son screamed a protest. Palpatine smiled at Padmé's efforts to break through his barriers. Luke was once again caught up in duelling Vader, faster and fiercer than ever. Padmé and Sabé saw the danger just as well as the Jedi.

"It could go either way," Qui-Gon said grimly.

Padmé shook her head firmly. "No! I need more help! We cannot do this alone."

Then something remarkable happened. Behind them suddenly appeared the transparent figure of Mace Windu. Next to him sprung up Kit Fisto, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Shaak Ti and a host of robed figures. Every Jedi that had ever lived and fought against the Sith had materialised beside them.

Siri Tachi smiled at them. "We are with you," she said simply.

The spectral group moved as one, denting Palpatine's defences.

Luke had managed to overpower Vader but had stopped before striking a killing blow. He tossed his lightsabre aside and firmly stated his refusal.

"You've failed, your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me."

As the force of his words hit the Emperor, the army of ghosts broke through his blockade. Padmé rushed forward to join her son and husband. Palpatine glared coldly at the spirit woman and her Jedi son.

"So be it, Jedi. If you will not be turned, then you will be destroyed."

Blue lightning leapt from his fingertips, striking Luke. Sabé screamed and almost darted forwards. Obi-Wan caught her and held her back, slipping a comforting arm around her waist. "Let Padmé do her part," he told her softly.

Vader watched the ongoing torture to his only son, fighting an internal battle with his old self. Padmé, gathering all her spiritual power, spoke to him, pleaded with him to see her. Vader was blind to her efforts. But Anakin took notice. Since Luke had come back into his life, Anakin had little by little been creeping back into Vader's consciousness. At the time of his turn to the Dark Side, Anakin had wanted power. In gaining it, he had lost all he loved. In hindsight, he saw all too clearly his terrible mistake. But never before had he considered rectifying it. Palpatine hadn't helped him. He certainly hadn't helped the galaxy. Now Anakin had a son and a daughter to consider.

Padmé knelt by her son, put an unfelt arm around him. "Help him, Anakin. Save the galaxy. Save your children. Save yourself. Come back to me. I love you."

She watched as her husband battled his demons. Sabé, Obi-Wan and the rest of the Jedi watched. Palpatine saw nothing of his creation's struggle, too focussed on destroying Luke.

Vader…Anakin looked between his Master and his son. One, the greatest evil the galaxy had ever known, the other, the hope that fought it. There was no contest as to where his loyalties lay. He had known it for a long time. He had just failed to acknowledge it.

Anakin moved swiftly, lifting Palpatine above his head and sending him plummeting down the battle station's reactor shaft. The Force-lightning had torn into him, leaving him mortally wounded. He found he didn't care. He had fulfilled the prophesy, he had saved his son. He felt no pain, only a deep, cleansing sense of ease.

Padmé lingered close at hand as Luke tried to rescue his father. She was with them when Anakin Skywalker, fully repented, died. She was there to embrace her husband when he joined her in the spectral realm.

Sabé found she had tears in her eyes as she watched. She turned to Obi-Wan, her smile matching his. "We have done our duty," she said. "As we were meant to do."

"Yes. Everything is as it should be. For now, at least."

"Not quite everything. I will not rest easy until Mara is saved."

Obi-Wan clasped her hand. "No. Nor I."

The ghosts had shielded themselves from the outburst of dark power that Palpatine's death created. Now they began to disperse, drifting away as smoothly as they had arrived. Obi-Wan did not miss Siri's significant but absolving parting look.

Yoda and Qui-Gon too disappeared, leaving only the four friends. It was a time for private reconciliation. Anakin was smiling as he greeted Padmé. He was as he had been before the Clone Wars, only there was not even a hint of darkness in his conduct. When he turned to Obi-Wan and Sabé he could think of no adequate words. He reached out a hand to his old Master. Obi-Wan shook his hand and smiled warmly. Anakin briefly smiled back before looking at Sabé. The smile faded as he remembered that he had been responsible for her death.

Sabé stepped forward and accepted his hand. Obi-Wan and Padmé watched silently. Then Sabé pulled him into a hug. Anakin returned the hug, grateful that she understood. Padmé grinned. Anakin felt a sudden burst of happiness and spun Sabé round in a circle.

She laughed and gave a yell. "Put me down, you idiot!" She was only too grateful to return to Obi-Wan's more steady arms. She exchanged a smile with her knight. Things were coming right at last.

On the forest moon of Endor, Anakin Skywalker's funeral pyre had burned itself out. Luke made his way back to the celebration party, still half-wishing that he could just go to bed. He was exhausted, physically and emotionally, and he had a lot to think about. But the rebels had worked so hard, sacrificed so much for this victory. The galaxy's new Jedi Knight couldn't deny that that was something that deserved a celebration.

Leia and Han rushed to welcome him. Luke found their good mood infectious. He was glad to see the Ewoks so happy.

The Force rippled, calling him. He turned his head. There was a shimmering blue haze becoming visible on one of the wooden walkways. He moved closer and the haze became clearer. Luke saw Obi-Wan, Yoda and his father smiling at him. He smiled back.

Leia's soft footfalls approached him and he turned to wrap an arm around her shoulders. She beamed at him. Then she glanced up and saw the spirits. Luke felt her freeze with shock. Then she relaxed and smiled.

As the twins watched, another form materialised. Then another. The first was a beautiful, graceful woman. She appeared next to Obi-Wan, taking his hand. When he looked at her, he seemed to grow younger. The couple glanced back at the siblings.

Leia started. "I know her," she said to Luke. "She worked with my father. My adoptive father, I mean."

The second figure became visible next to Anakin. She too was beautiful, but seemed more elegant and regal than the first. Leia knew her from memory, Luke by instinct.

"Mother," Leia breathed.

As Anakin glanced at Padmé, he too seemed to become younger. The proud parents smiled at their children, the new hope for the galaxy.

Luke and Leia saw the love exchanged between the two couples and felt a great sense of elation to know that they would be together forever.

As the siblings turned to leave the scene, something else caught Luke's eye. Behind the spirits, more were appearing. They were much more shadowy and iridescent than the others, except one. All wore Jedi robes. Luke realised at once that it was the old Jedi Order. The clearer ghost, the Jedi with the long hair, led the others in a bow towards him.

Luke removed his arm from Leia's shoulder to bow back. The Jedi ghosts scattered, leaving only Obi-Wan, Anakin and their wives.

Han swaggered up behind the Skywalker twins, making them jump. "What're you two doing lurking over here?" he asked good-naturedly.

Luke and Leia smiled and turned to leave with him, looking back only once.

"Do you think we'll see them again?" Leia asked.

"I doubt it," Luke said.

But they did.

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A/N: Epilogue to follow. I'm not saying when, because I seem to keep jinxing myself if I do!