Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. It all belongs to George.
AN: Here's chapter 28! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Forever Destined
Chapter 28: A Jedi Wedding
It was a nine hour journey back to Coruscant from Geonosis. Not long after their short meeting, everyone retired to get some sleep since it would be morning on Coruscant when they arrived home. After they showered and Padme put bacta on the scratches Anakin had got from the Nexu, they both got some much needed sleep. This was a welcome thing since there would be no rest when they arrived home, for they were going to married at sunset that very day, since no time could be wasted. His eyes slowly opened and adjusted to the darkness in their bed chambers. He snuggled closer to her and kissed her hair.
"It's time to get up, isn't it?" she asked sleepily.
"Yes, we'll be landing in about an hour," he replied, as he slowly raised the lights to a dim glow. Padme yawned and stretched her arms over her head.
"Are you ready for today?" he asked.
"I've been ready for today for a long time. I can't wait to be Mrs. Skywalker," she said with a dreamy smile, as she cuddled against him.
"We should get dressed. We have a very busy day ahead of us," Padme said.
"I suppose you're right," he groaned, as he got out of bed. They got dressed and went out to greet the others, as they prepared to land.
Darth Sidious waited on the private landing platform for the arrival of what should have been Maul, but wasn't. He had felt his apprentice die and now his hired assassin, Xanatos was coming to report to him. Xanatos' cloak swirled , as he stepped down the ramp, before kneeling before Sidious.
"Rise my friend," Sidious ordered and he obeyed.
"Maul was killed," Sidious stated.
"Yes master, Skywalker killed him. But there is good news; the war has begun," Xanatos said.
"Maul's death is unfortunate. I shall have to train a new apprentice," Sidious said.
"Master, if I may be so bold, I request that you take me as your apprentice," Xanatos stated.
"You Xanatos? You feel you have what it takes to be a Sith Lord?" Sidious asked.
"I do Master. Take me as your apprentice and we will bring the Jedi to their knees!" Xanatos clenched his fist.
"Had it not been for the Clones, I would have killed them all," Xanatos said.
"Yes...very well Xanatos. You will train as my new apprentice. But should you fail me, then I will have to replace you," Sidious said.
"Thank you Master...I will not fail," Xanatos replied.
"See that you don't. From this day on, you shall be known as Darth Seditious," Sidious declared.
"Thank you, my master," he replied.
The landing pad at the Senate had been a nightmare when they landed. Holonet had swamped them and fired questions a mile a minute. Painstakingly, they had waded through them and managed to board a private transport that took them to Dooku's penthouse where the rest of their family waited. Shmi threw her arms around her husband the moment she saw him. Qui-Gon hugged her tightly and kissed her softly. Elana greeted her husband with a hug and kiss as well.
"Aunt Padme! Uncle Anakin!" Ryoo and Pooja came bounding toward them. Anakin and Padme hugged their nieces, before Sola practically knocked them both down with hugs of her own. After she hugged them, she surprised Obi-Wan with a hug as well.
"We were so worried about all of you," Sola said.
"We missed you Master Obi-Wan!" Ryoo said to the man that she would soon be a padawan to.
"Well, I missed you as well Ryoo and you too Pooja," Obi-Wan said, as he knelt down beside the children. Shmi and Elana hugged both their boys and Padme, before they ushered everyone to the dining room.
"We've got breakfast ready. You all must be starving," Shmi said. They agreed and sat down to breakfast, as a family. Sadly, they knew it would be a while until they were all at the same table again, since Anakin and Obi-Wan would be among the first Jedi to ship out. But no one was going to allow that to spoil this happy day...
After breakfast, Anakin and Padme were separated for the day to prepare for the wedding. Anakin was taken to the Temple where his finest Jedi robes were being pressed. He would spend the day accepting well wishes from his friends and Masters while Padme was readied back at the penthouse. After a little sisterly time with Sola, Padme showered and began to prepare for the happiest day of her life. Padme sat very still at the vanity in her white undergarments, as Elana applied a light amount of make up to her face. It was subtle and enhanced her natural beauty. Next, they began fixing her hair. They let her natural curl flourish and brought the sides up and to the back of her head. They secured the hair at the back of her head with a decorative clip that matched her dress. They let two curls hang beautifully at the sides of her face to complete the hairdo. After her hair and makeup were done, Shmi and Elana helped her slip into her white shimmer silk dress. The straps were silver and very thin. The collar came down in a v shaping over her bosom in a heart shape and the skirt flowed around her. A silver beaded design adorned the dress and it shimmered in the light. Elana secured her sheer veil on her head and pulled it over her face. Both women stepped back and smiled brightly at her.
"You look absolutely beautiful, darling," Shmi said. Padme looked down shyly.
"Thanks," she replied.
"You really do sweetheart and I am so proud that I get to call you my granddaughter," Elana said.
"Thank you," Padme replied, as she swallowed her tears. There was a knock at the door and Sola peeked in.
"Can we come in?" she asked.
"Of course," Padme said. Sola and the girls were all dressed in matching light blue gowns. Sola was her maid of honor, Ryoo was carrying the rings and Pooja was the flower girl.
"You look pretty, Aunt Padme," Pooja said.
"Thank you Poojy," Padme replied.
"Oh Padme, you really do," Sola said in awe.
"Thanks Sola," she replied.
"Well, it's about time. Yan has probably sent the transport to pick us up," Elana said.
"Are you ready baby sister?" Sola asked. Padme nodded.
"More than ready. I can't wait and I'm so glad you could be here," Padme said, as she hugged her sister.
"Me too," Sola replied.
Chancellor Palpatine stood on the balcony at the Senate building overlooking the arrival of hundreds of transports carrying Clone Troopers. The troops marched in perfect formation, as he and several other Senators, including Bail Organa watched. Bail could not believe that the Republic suddenly had this army that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. He lowered his head in sadness, wishing that it had not come to this. Slowly, he and the other Senators went back inside. He and a few of Senator Amidala's closest Senator friends were attending her wedding at the Temple. Chancellor Palpatine was also attending.
Anakin stood nervously at the entrance to the Temple gardens. Padawans, Knights, Masters, and even people from the Senate took their seats to witness him marry the woman of his dreams. To say he was a little nervous was an understatement, but his father had assured him that it was completely normal. The gardens were decorated with the Temple's most beautiful flowers and a large white archway stood brilliantly over the altar where Master Jocasta Nu would marry them. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked back to see his father and brother there.
"It's time to take your place. Are you ready?" Qui-Gon asked. Anakin nodded and his father hugged him and straightened his robes.
"I'm proud of you Ani," Qui-Gon said.
"Thanks dad," Anakin replied. Obi-Wan patted his back, as he walked to the altar. Next, the Council members minus Yan and Qui-Gon filed in and took their seats near the front. Once they were seated, Obi-Wan escorted Shmi and Qui-Gon escorted Elana to their seats. Anakin rolled his eyes, as he noticed that his mother was already crying and his grandmother was close. Obi-Wan took his place next to Anakin as the best man, as Sola slowly walked down the aisle and took her place on Padme's side. Ryoo and Pooja were next. Ryoo waited impatiently, as Pooja carefully dropped flowers to the garden floor. The music intensified and everyone stood, as the bride entered on Yan's arm. Anakin was stunned to speechlessness, as she approached him looking like the angel that she was. She reached the altar and Yan released her arm, as she took her place beside Anakin and Yan took his seat next to his wife. Jocasta Nu smiled at the young couple before proceeding with the ceremony.
"Friends, family, fellow Jedi, we are gathered here today to join Anakin Skywalker-Jinn and Padme Amidala in the bonds of marriage. This union has already been blessed by the Force and today we bless it in the eyes of our Republic law," she smiled and paused before continuing.
"Master Yoda, do you and the other members of the High Council sanction this union with your blessing? Jocasta Nu questioned. Master Yoda nodded his head and stood up on his chair.
"We do. Blessed by the Council, this union is. Brought them together, our great Force has. Joined together for eternity they shall be by the bonds of love and matrimony. Separate them, anyone or anything cannot. Proud to sanction this union, the council is," Yoda announced, before sitting down.
"Let it be known that this union is sanctioned and blessed by the Council. Join hands and recite the vows you have written for each other," Jocasta Nu said, as she nodded to Padme first. She took a deep breath and began.
"When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being the princess in the fairy tales that I would read. I dreamed of being the princess who met a kind, handsome prince that came into her life and swept her off her feet. I dreamed of a prince that would save me from the traditions I'd been born into and a life a unhappiness. For a long time, I thought it would always just be a fleeting dream, until that night you walked into my life. Before you, on the outside, I was this stoic faced Senator who figured if she didn't let anyone in, then she couldn't get hurt. But inside, I was still that little girl with dreams of meeting her prince. Being with you; being loved by you is more wonderful than any dream I could have ever imagined. You make me feel loved and beautiful and those are things I had not felt much of before I met you. I love you so very much and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you've made me. You are my life, my heart, and my very soul. And I will love you for all time," she finished. He blinked back tears and brought the back of her hand to his lips, as he kissed it. He looked deeply into her amber specked brown eyes, before he began.
"I had a good life here in the Temple and a good home life too. I know I was very lucky, especially since I know it was not like that for you. But as I got older, there just seemed like there was something missing from my life. And I knew it was you the moment I laid eyes on you. Up until then, I was incomplete, because half of my soul was missing. You are that other half, Padme, and there is nothing in this galaxy that I would not do for you. I know I cannot erase your painful past, but I can promise you that I will love you, take care of you, and cherish you for all time. I can promise you that I will protect you with my life and let no harm come to you. And I can promise that I will love you for eternity and that we will be together forever. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you Padme, my beautiful angel," Anakin finished. Padme carefully wiped away a couple of tears that had slipped down her cheeks. Jocasta Nu smiled warmly at them.
"The rings please," Jocasta requested. Obi-Wan and Sola each handed a gold-silver wedding band to both Anakin and Padme.
"Anakin, do you take Padme as your wife?" Jocasta Nu asked.
"I do," Anakin replied.
"Place the ring on her finger as a symbol of that love and commitment," Jocasta Nu said. Anakin did as she instructed.
"Padme, do you take Anakin as your husband?" she asked.
"I do," Padme answered.
"Place the ring on his finger as a symbol of that love and commitment," she said. Padme did as she instructed. Jocasta Nu smiled at them.
"By the powers vested in my by our Republic and the Jedi Council, I pronounce you, now and forever, husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," Jocasta Nu announced. Anakin carefully lifted her veil and their lips met eagerly in a tender, loving kiss. There was applause from their guests, before Ryoo and Pooja went skipping down the aisle. Obi-Wan escorted Sola and Anakin and Padme were last. The wedding party and guests headed for the atrium where the reception would be held.
Anakin and Padme accepted hugs from their family, as the festivities began.
"We love you both so much. We're so proud," Shmi said.
"We love all of you too. This is the happiest day of our lives," Padme replied.
"She's right and I believe it is some sort of tradition that the bride and groom share the first dance. So, Milady Skywalker, may I have this dance?" he asked. She giggled.
"You may, Knight Skywalker," she replied, as she let him lead her to the dance floor.
"You know, that looks like a very good idea, Sola. May I have this dance?" Obi-Wan asked. Sola blushed and accepted his hand.
"I'd love to Ben," she replied, as he led her to the dance floor.
"Oh Yan, they look so happy," Elana said, as she watched them and happened to spy Chancellor Palpatine talking with Bail Organa and Shaak Ti.
"Ohh, that man has a lot of nerve coming here to celebrate with us when he's just waiting to rip our grandsons away from us and send them off to his Force forsaken war! I have half a mind to go over there and tell our good Chancellor exactly what I think of him!" Elana said angrily.
"Now darling, as entertaining as that would certainly be, this is neither the time nor place. However, I do believe I owe my beautiful wife a dance," Yan replied. Elana smiled and let herself be lead onto the dance floor. Qui-Gon and Shmi soon joined them as well. Padme exchanged dances with Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Yan, Bail, several of the other Council members and even Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin danced with his mother, grandmother, several of the female Jedi, including Shaak Ti and Sola as well, before he found Padme in his arms again. After much dancing, the wedding cake was cut and the toasts began with fine red wine for the adults and sparkling cider for the padawans. The evening wound down and it became time to see the bride and groom off. Anakin and Padme only had a total of three days until Anakin was shipped off to an unknown location. Their honeymoon would be spent in the tourist section of Coruscant, which had fine hotels, parks, museums, restaurants, and markets. Anakin and Padme were staying in a very high end hotel in the honeymoon suite that Dooku had sprung for them. Everyone lined up on either side near the exit to the landing pad, making a pathway for the newly weds. Anakin lifted Padme into his arms and carried her toward the exit. Their family and friends tossed rose petals on them as they passed by. Anakin placed her on her feet and they waved to everybody, before they boarded the private transport that would take them to the hotel.
Inside the transport, Padme sat across his lap, her lips locked in a passionate kiss with his. She sighed happily, as his lips traveled down her neck, before kissing back up to her lips. Padme held his face in her hands and stroked the hair away from his eyes, as she looked adoringly into those beautiful sapphire gems. They stared into each other's eyes for several silent moments, as they let their hearts speak, for there were no words to express the what they were feeling. Padme tilted her head and planted her lips on over his. He responded eagerly and allowed her tongue to slip into his mouth and glide along his own. Their lips moved passionately, deeply, and sensually over each other's, as they became lost in their love. Before they knew it, they had arrived at the hotel. Check in was quick and it was not long before they arrived at their room where the bags had already been delivered. Anakin lifted her into his arms and carried her over the threshold. The door slid closed and locked behind them and Anakin set her down on her feet.
"Why don't you get the wine, while I change into something much more appropriate for our wedding night and I'll meet you in the bedroom," she suggested.
"Nothing would be more appropriate. I can help you with that," he said, as he tugged at the zipper on the back of her dress.
"Patience my love...I have something special in store for you. I'll only be a few minutes," she said, as she winked at him, before taking her bag with her to the fresher. He grabbed the wine and a couple of glasses and headed to the bedroom where they would spend their wedding night expressing their undying love for each other...
Much, much later, they softly kissed and caressed, as they bathed in the incredible afterglow they'd created by their intense, beautiful lovemaking.
"Oh Ani...that was..." she couldn't find the words.
"I know. There aren't words to describe that. Amazing doesn't quite do it justice," he replied, as they lay entangled together.
"I love you so much," she said, as she idly traced the lines on his bare chest. He smiled and kissed her hair.
"I love you too, sweet angel," he replied. He felt a couple tears splash on his skin and quickly looked at her to see what was wrong.
"Padme? Why are you crying?" he asked.
"I'm sorry...I'm just so afraid," she sobbed. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her gently.
"I'm sorry...I shouldn't be crying on our wedding night. This is supposed to be the happiest...night of our lives. It's just...I'm so scared that you will not come back to me," she cried.
"Hey, we can't think like that, baby. I will do everything in my power to always come back to you, Padme. And I will fight like hell to end this stupid war so I never have to leave your side again," he promised, as he kissed her softly.
"I know, I'm sorry," she said, as she wiped her tears away.
"Don't be sorry my love. You have every right to be upset and I wish things were different. But until I leave, I'm going to spend every waking moment holding you, kissing you, and making love to you," he replied, as he slowly kissed her.
"Promise?" she asked. He smiled gently at her and rolled her onto her back.
"Promise," he replied, as his lips descended on hers again. Padme responded eagerly and they let their passion consume them once more...
Three days later, they stood on the landing pad where the transport waited to take them away to some Force forsaken planet to fight a war that none of them believed in. Elana and Shmi hugged Obi-Wan and Anakin tightly, both freely crying.
"You better take care of each other," Shmi made them promise.
"Yes, and you better both come back or I'll come after you myself," Elana cried.
"We'll be okay grandma. We'll look out for each other; we always do," Ben replied. Qui-Gon hugged his sons.
"You both better be careful out there. I don't think we could bare to lose either of you," Qui-Gon said.
"We will dad," Anakin replied.
"We will work tirelessly to find an end to this terrible war and bring you boys home. Please be careful out there," Dooku said. Anakin and Obi-Wan nodded. Obi-Wan knelt down beside Ryoo and Pooja and they hugged him tightly.
"We'll miss you Master Ben," Ryoo said.
"I'll miss you too Ryoo. But you'll learn a lot from Master Yoda and the others until I come back," Obi-Wan replied, as he stood up. Sola hugged him tightly and then blushed a little at her forwardness.
"You better come back or we're all going to be very disappointed," she said. Obi-Wan nodded.
"I will be back Sola, I promise," Obi-Wan replied. Anakin took Padme's hands in his own and squeezed them tightly. She sniffed and smoothed her hands along his leather jerkin.
"You look so handsome, but then you always do," she said, as a few tears escaped down her cheeks. He brushed them away, while fighting his own. How was he ever going to get through the empty days and lonely nights that he would spend without her? She threw herself into his arms and cried into his shoulder.
"I don't want to let you go," she sobbed.
"I know angel...I know. Going is the last thing I want to do. I will come back to you...I promise, no matter what," he said, as tears slipped down his cheeks. Their lips met in a passionate kiss. Their lips moved desperately over each other's, as they attempted to memorize each other's taste. The kiss ended all too quickly for either of them, as Anakin forced himself to leave her arms. Obi-Wan placed his hand on his little brother's shoulder, as they slowly walked to the transport. Anakin looked back one last time at his beautiful wife, before he got on the transport. As the transport took off, Padme broke down sobbing in her mother-in-law's and sister's arms...