Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 40! Thanks for all the great reviews!
Forever Destined
Chapter 40: Chosen Hero
Anakin opened his eyes and saw the guard letting his father in. The night before, Qui-Gon had been allowed to say a quick good night and promised to return in the morning to spend some time with his youngest son.
"You have thirty minutes, sir," the guard said.
"Thank you, but I do not need a time limit. I may stay as long as I like," Qui-Gon said, as he waved his hand in front of the man's face.
"You may stay as long as you like," the guard repeated.
"And the young woman, Senator Skywalker, will be allowed to stay as long as she likes as well," Qui-Gon said.
"Senator Skywalker will be allowed to stay as long as she likes as well," the guard repeated and left. Anakin smiled and chuckled.
"Mind tricking the poor guard. I would expect that from grandfather," Anakin teased.
"Well, who do you think I learned it from?" Qui-Gon teased back, as he hugged his youngest son. He stepped back to look at his grown boy. Qui-Gon's eyes teared up, though he tried to hide it.
"Dad, what's wrong?" Anakin asked.
"I was just thinking about how you used to sit on my knee, asking me to tell you all kinds of stories about my travels and then you'd fall asleep in my arms. Your mother and I would just sit and watch you sleep for the longest time. And now...you're all grown up," Qui-Gon said. Anakin rolled his eyes playfully.
"Are you getting all mushy on me, dad?" he teased.
"Now, now, you'll be this way with Luke and Leia someday, I assure you," Qui-Gon promised. Anakin smiled.
"Sometimes, Padme and I just watch the twins sleep too. I've been in here one night and I already miss them so much," Anakin said. Qui-Gon hugged him and then sat him down.
"Ani...there's something I need to talk to you about," Qui-Gon said.
"It sounds serious. What is it?" he asked.
"Anakin, there's is something I need to explain to you about your...your unusually high midichlorian count," Qui-Gon began.
"Well, it's high, but not unusually high...isn't it?" Anakin asked.
"Ani, I've always done everything I could to protect you. When I told you that you had one of the highest midichlorian counts in the order...that wasn't entirely accurate. You have the highest count of anyone in the entire Order," Qui-Gon stated.
"You mean...right under Master Yoda's, right?" Anakin asked. Qui-Gon sighed.
"No Ani...yours is higher that Master Yoda's...much higher. It's the highest count any Jedi in the history of the Order has ever had," Qui-Gon confessed. Anakin was silent for several minutes.
"Why...did you hide this from me?" Anakin asked.
"Ani, you have to know that we did it to protect you from the Sith. We did it so you could have a normal childhood," Qui-Gon replied.
"But...so what if I have a high midichlorian count. It doesn't really mean anything...does it?" Anakin asked.
"Ani...we've always known you were special. Indeed, it is why myself, your grandfather, Yoda, Mace, Shaak Ti, and Obi-Wan are the only ones that know that your midichlorian count is nearly thirty thousand," Qui-Gon confessed. Anakin's eyes widened at the number.
"Anakin, when you faced Maul for the first time, you should have been easily defeated based on your inexperience. But you amazed us all by defeating him and nearly killing him. After you nearly killed Maul, Master Yoda brought up an ancient prophecy that has been forgotten by most Jedi. It speaks of one who the Force has chosen to defeat the Sith and bring the Force into balance. It's called prophecy of the Chosen One...and we think you are the person it speaks of," Qui-Gon said.
"Me?" Anakin asked in disbelief.
"Yes...we believe you are the Chosen One. Your midichlorian count is higher than any Jedi in history. And...you were the first to kill a Sith in over a millennium. You've defeated everyone the Sith Lord has thrown at you, save Grievous, because the Sith know he's not powerful enough," Qui-Gon said.
"But...I don't understand. You and grandfather are more powerful than I am. So is Master Windu and Master Yoda. And I may have killed those Sith agents, but you and the others could have too," Anakiin protested.
"Perhaps...perhaps not, but the fact remains that you have the potential to be more powerful than any of us. We may have more experience than you, but none of us can fathom the raw Force power you possess. It is why we've guarded and protected you all these years. It is why we kept your true midichlorian count a secret. If the Sith had known, they could have tried to influence you at a young age. I won't lie to you Ani, this Sith Master is immensely powerful. He must be if he can elude us so completely and yet still conduct his evil schemes right here on the same planet. You are our only hope of defeating him when he does finally surface," Qui-Gon replied. Anakin sighed.
"How can you be so sure this so called prophecy speaks of me, father? Why me?" Anakin asked.
"I don't know why Ani, but I do know that the Force has Chosen you to defeat the Sith and bring the Force back into balance. I think Master Yoda suspected your significance from the day you were born, but kept silent, so you could grow up and happy and without the burden of such a prophecy. But now...it is frighteningly clear that the Sith want to destroy the Jedi. You are the only thing standing in his way," Qui-Gon stated. Anakin was silent for a moment, as he let those implications sink in.
"So, what do we do?" Anakin asked.
"Whatever we must, my son. Do you know how proud I am of you, Ani? I am immensely proud...we all are. You've always been so special and we all love you so much. You and your brother mean everything to me. This Sith Lord s trying to get rid of you by manipulating the justice system, but we will not stand for it...even if it means taking the most drastic measures," Qui-Gon said.
"So, the Sith Lord wants me take out, so he doesn't have to face me? Don't Sith Lords believe they're invincible or something?" Anakin questioned. Qui-Gon smirked.
"Some may be foolish enough to believe that. But this one is not. He is very arrogant, but simply may not want to take the chance that you could defeat him. He thinks he's powerful, but is not without fear of your power. He fears that you are strong enough to destroy him. All the more evidence that you are, indeed, the Chosen One," Qui-Gon replied. Anakin sighed and Qui-Gon placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder.
"I know this is a lot to take in, Ani. Believe me, I wish it was not necessary to burden you like this. But I am afraid that it is necessary with the direness of this situation. But you must remember that no matter what, you are my son and I love you," Qui-Gon said.
"I love you too, dad," Anakin replied, as his father embraced him in a hug.
Padme exited the fresher, wrapped in a white, fluffy towel. She sighed deeply and tiredly. It had been a terrible, restless night. Their bed was so cold and empty without her loving husband by her side. She missed the way he held her in his arms and kissed her passionately. She craved his gentle touch and his intoxicating, masculine scent. She missed the feel of his body against her own and how they fit together so perfectly. She missed the way his beautiful eyes stared adoringly into her own and she missed the delicious chills that coursed down her spine at the sound of his deep, sexy voice. She missed him so much...and it had only been one night. He was tired of people trying to take him away from her. First the war and now these outrageous accusations. He belonged to her and she belonged to him. Why couldn't they understand that! Why couldn't they leave her husband alone! Why was that bastard Palo still haunting them from the grave! He was dead and that was a good thing, yet they dared to try and make her husband pay for it! A few tears slid down her cheeks, as she collapsed onto the bed. She pulled Anakin's pillow to her chest and inhaled his scent. Sometime later, she wasn't sure how long she'd cried into his pillow, Dorme came in to help her ready for the hearing. Once she was done, she came into the living area and smiled, as her children called to her. Shmi and Sola consoled her, as they readied the twins and soon left for the Senate.
When Padme and the others arrived in the judicial wing of the Senate building, Dooku was already waiting there with Luminara Unduli.
"Padme, you know Master Unduli. She has been practicing law for many years and handles many of the legal matters for the Jedi Order. She'll be representing Anakin," Dooku said. Padme bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for helping us, Master Unduli. I am very grateful and I know Anakin will be as well," Padme said. She smiled kindly.
"No thanks are needed, Padme. I've known Anakin from the day he was born. A serious injustice has been committed against him and I will do everything I can to see that it is corrected," Luminara said. Padme nodded gratefully.
"Daddy! Daddy!" the twins called, as Anakin and Qui-Gon rounded the corner, followed by two Officers. Anakin's hands were in front of him, bound by a pair of Force resistant cuffs.
"Can you please released him for the time being? He's not going anywhere," Qui-Gon pleaded.
"Sorry sir, but we cannot take the risk that he may try to use his powers against us. We have strict orders to keep him bound at all times," Jansen replied.
"Ani," Padme cried, as she ran up and hugged him tightly. They kissed softly and Anakin knelt down beside the hover stroller.
"Hi little ones," he cooed to them.
"It's time," Dooku said gently. Anakin nodded, as he, Padme, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Dooku entered the court room, while Shmi, Elana, and Sola stayed outside with the twins.
As they entered the courtroom, the judge was already sitting at the bench. They bowed formally to him and he motioned for them to be seated.
"I am Judge Masterson and I'll be overseeing this case," the male human judge began. The man was dark skinned, like Master Windu and possibly from the same planet as the Korun Master. Anakin only hoped he was as fair as Mace was.
"The prosecution may state its case against the defendant," the Judge said. A dark haired, aging man glared over at Padme with murderous intent. Anakin assumed this man was Governor Danae, a man that Padme had told him was an even more vile and disgusting excuse for a human being than Palo was; if that were possible. Next to Palo's father, another dark haired man stood. His hair was streaked with gray by time and his uniform signified his importance in the Republic government. He was a General...and apparently a qualified prosecuting attorney.
"Your honor, I am General Willhuff Tarkin and I come before you today to ask that you allow me to prosecute this young man, whom has committed a grievous act. Many would like for us to exempt him simply because he is a Jedi and a hero. But if we begin making exceptions for some, our justice system will cease to operate fairly and accordingly. As representative fo the Republic, we charge Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker with first degree murder," Tarkin said.
"That is a serious accusation, General. Master Unduli, do you refute these claims?" Judge Masterson asked. Luminara stood up.
"I do, your honor. Jedi Skywalker did not kill Palo Danae. The deceased had a history of violence against Senator Skywalker. He had threatened and assaulted the Senator before this incident and the defendant was protecting his wife, as any husband would do. However, Jedi Skywalker did not kill his wife's attacker, but merely subdued him," Luminara said.
"Our evidence suggests otherwise. The victim was Force choked to death and only a Jedi has that ability," Tarkin claimed.
"Jedi Skywalker has been framed. I ask that he be exonerated," Luminara replied.
"Just because he is a Jedi, that should not mean that he is above the law. They have no proof that he was framed. By Republic law, we must try him for murder," Tarkin argued. The Judge sighed heavily.
"As must as I wish it weren't so, I have no choice but to agree. Let the record show that Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker has entered a plea of not guilty. The attorneys prosecuting and defending this case will have three days to select the jury starting tomorrow and the trial will being in four," the Judge said.
"Your honor, I request that Jedi Skywalker be released on bail," Luminara pleaded.
"He is a flight risk, your honor. I request that you deny bail and he remain in lockup," Tarkin argued.
"If you deem him a flight risk, which I assure you he is not, then release him to the confinement of the Jedi Temple," Luminara suggested.
"That is no confinement. He should be locked up where criminals belong," Tarkin refuted.
"You are getting your trial, General. We will allow the accused to be released, but he must remain in the Jedi Temple. If he leaves there for any reason except the trail, bail will be revoked and the defendant will be remanded to the prison. Bail is set at 100,000 credits. Dismissed," the Judge said. Officer Jansen released Anakin from the Force resistant cuffs and Padme threw her arms around him. Anakin hugged her back tightly, as they exited the courtroom.
"Yan, what happened?" Elana asked, as they exited.
"The trial will begin in four days. But Anakin has been released to the confinement of the Temple for its duration," Dooku said. Elana sighed in relief and hugged her grandson. Governor Danae slowly approached them, glaring at Anakin and Padme.
"You're both responsible for my son's death. Do not think that I will not make you both pay for it," the man said, glowering at Padme.
"Stay away from her," Anakin warned.
"Or what Jedi? You'll kill me too?" he taunted.
"I didn't kill your son, even though he was a horrible and despicable human being," Anakin replied.
"Enjoy the time you have left together. It will be at an end soon. Once you've been dealt with by our justice system, I'll take possession of what belonged to my son," he said, as he stared at Padme..
"Like hell you will," Anakin growled, but Obi-Wan held him back. Governor Danae smiled evilly.
"Temper, temper, Jedi," the Governor spat, as he walked off.
"Mama!" Luke whined and bounced in his seat. Padme lifted him into her arms.
"It's okay sweetie," she cooed to him. Anakin picked up Leia and she laid her little head on his shoulder.
"We should get home to the Temple," Qui-Gon said. Everyone agreed and loaded into two speeders, before leaving for the Jedi Temple, which stood proudly in the distance.
Obi-Wan tucked Ryoo into bed, while Sola tucked Pooja in her bedroom next to Ryoo's. Padme had insisted that they would be fine in their spacious quarters in the Temple and there was no reason that they should have to stay. So, they opted to go home to Padme's apartment and let the girls sleep in their own beds.
"Master Obi-Wan?' Ryoo asked.
"Yes Ryoo?" he asked.
"Do you love my mommy?" she asked. Obi-Wan smiled at her.
"Yes I do...very much. And I love you and your sister as well," he replied. She grinned mischievously.
"Are you gonna marry mommy?" she asked. He chuckled.
"I would like to very much. But let's keep that between you and I for now. I'd like to surprise her when the time comes," he winked at her.
"Okay. And Master Obi-Wan?" Ryoo asked again.
"Yes Ryoo?" he answered.
"Me and Poojy love you too," she replied. Obi-Wan smiled warmly at her.
"Goodnight, young one," he replied, as he quietly slipped out.
"Is she asleep?" he asked, as she slipped out of Pooja's room.
"Soundly. How about Ryoo?" Sola asked.
"Getting there. You know how she fights sleep," he chuckled.
"I know. She's always been a bundle of energy," Sola replied.
"She reminds me of Anakin in that way. He was always on the move...still is. At least I can rest easy, knowing he's not sleeping in some dank prison cell tonight," Obi-Wan sighed.
"Palo is managing to still cause trouble even from the grave. This galaxy is much better off without that low life waste of skin. And yet, they have the nerve to punish Anakin for it," Sola said bitterly.
"They won't succeed. We'll find the evidence we need, I assure you, my love," he replied. Sola turned to him and cupped his face in her hands.
"I still feel like I am dreaming sometimes. I still cannot fathom how someone like you could love someone as damaged as me," Sola said.
"You are not damaged and I don't want you to ever think that again. You're so beautiful...inside and out. And I love you so much," he told her. Her eyes welled with tears, as he crushed his lips against hers. Sola moaned, as he plundered her mouth with his own. He broke the kiss, as his traveled to her neck and his hands touched her through her clothes.
"Obi-Wan," she moaned, as his passion left her breathless. He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom...
Padme sung softly to the twins and they drifted off to sleep soundly. Anakin held her in his arms, as he peered down at them. She finished the lullaby and turned in his arms. She laid her head against his chest and inhaled his wonderful, masculine scent.
"How is it that we were only apart for one night and it seems like it was months," she asked.
"Because we can't live without each other. Anytime we're forced apart, it's going to feel like a lifetime," he replied. Padme gazed up at him and their lips locked in a passionate, soul searing kiss. He lifted her into his arms and she locked her legs around his waist. Their lips met again, as he floated the baby monitor to his hand. Slowly, he made his way to the bedroom, as his beautiful wife kissed his neck. The bedroom door slowly closed behind them, as their love consumed them...