Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.
AN: Here's chapter 46! Thanks for all the great feedback!
Forever Destined
Chapter 46: Light in the Darkness
Padme awoke to a whimper on the baby monitor. She rubbed her eyes, as they adjusted to the darkness. As she slipped her robe on she noticed the chrono read three a.m.. Quietly, she padded to the twins' room, where Leia was standing in her crib, whimpering.
"Oh baby girl, what's the matter?" Padme cooed, as she lifted her little girl into her arms. She quietly touched Luke's back and was glad to find that he was still fast asleep. Padme took her crying daughter out to the living area and raised the lights to a dim glow. Leia fussed and whimpered and Padme noticed her gums looked sore.
"Baby, open up for mommy so she can see," Padme said, as she held her daughter's small mouth open and looked her over.
"Well, no wonder you're hurting. You've got four teeth trying to come in at once, poor baby. Let's go to the kitchen and mommy will get you some medicine," Padme said, as she kissed her head.
"You're awfully warm, angel. I think you might have a fever," Padme said, as she prepared Leia's medicine. She took the eyedropper and squirted the fever reducer in her mouth first. Leia made a face, as the medicine slid down her throat and she fussed again.
"Sorry baby, but it will make you feel better," Padme cooed, as she squirted another kind of medicine into her mouth that was meant to kill the pain in her gums.
"Mama..." Leia whimpered.
"I know baby, I know," Padme said, as she took out her teething ring from the refrigeration unit and handed it to her. Leia latched onto it and put it into her mouth. She took Leia into the living area again and sat on the sofa. Padme sat her in her lap and kissed her little head. Padme smiled at her little girl, as she sucked on her teething ring. She brushed her fingers soothingly through Leia's brown curls.
"You'll fee better soon, little angel," Padme cooed.
"Stowy mama?" Leia babbled.
"You want mommy to tell you a story?" Padme asked. Leia grinned at her.
"Okay baby, mommy will tell you the one about the beautiful princess and her handsome Jedi prince," Padme said.
"Daddy!" Leia exclaimed. Padme giggled.
"That's right, my smart girl. Daddy is the handsome Jedi prince," Padme said.
"Okay. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess who lived in a beautiful Kingdom. But the princess was very sad, for her very evil father was forcing her to marry an evil man who planned to use the princess for his own political gain. Her father was holding a grand ball to announce his intentions to give his daughter to the wealthy, but evil nobleman. The princess was so sad that after his announcement, she ran into the gardens and collapsed by the fountain to cry.
The princess sobbed, as she had just been promised as a bride to a man she despised. But her father cared not for her happiness, but only what he would gain by the union.
"There you are princess," an unwelcome voice said.
"Stay away from me!" the princess cried.
"Now darling, is that anyway to speak to your future husband?!" the man said menacingly, as he grabbed her arm.
"Stop, you're hurting me!" the princess cried.
"Let her go!" another man's voice said.
"Stay out of this Jedi and go back to your security post since that is what you've been sent here to do. I must teach my future wife a lesson in obedience," the evil man snarled.
"I said let the princess go," the Jedi said sternly. The evil man snarled and pushed the princess down.
"I'll deal with you later," the man said, as the stalked off. The young, handsome Jedi knelt down beside her and helped her up.
"Are you all right?" he asked tenderly. She nodded.
"Thanks to you," she said, as she tried standing on her own, but stumbled. However, he caught her in his strong arms before she could fall.
"You're too beautiful to be treated that way by the likes of him," the young Jedi said, as he brushed her tears away. She blushed under his gaze.
"Thank you...for saving me from him," she said.
"I wouldn't be a very good Jedi if I did not rescue those in need," he said, as they sat down by the fountains. She watched in amazement, as the handsome Jedi used the Force to pluck a flower from the garden and then slipped it in her hair. It was there for hours that the princess and the Jedi talked and night had quickly fallen, forcing them to part.
"The princess continued to see the handsome Jedi over the next few months and they fell in love. But she grew increasingly sad since her wedding was fast approaching," Padme continued, as Leia stared up at her.
The young Jedi climbed up the bannister and to the veranda outside his beloved princess' bedroom. After knocking softly, he saw a dim glow light the room and she opened the door.
"Oh, my love!" she exclaimed, as she dove into his strong embrace.
"I've missed you, my beautiful angel," he said, as he captured her lips in a passionate kiss.
"I am frightened, my Jedi. Father is forcing me to marry nobleman Danae tomorrow at dawn. I am in love with you and cannot bare to be with another. What will I do?" she fretted.
"Come away with me, my love. Come with me to the capital world and leave all this behind. I am in love with you and I wish for you to be my wife. Say you'll come with me, princess. Say you'll be my wife," he said, as he knelt before her.
"Oh yes...yes I will. Take me away with you, my love. Take me away with you," the princess cried. The Jedi prince kissed his princess and swept her off her feet in order to carry her off to his ship and take her away from the evil people that had controlled her life for so long...
"And he did. He swept her off her feet and married the princess. And they lived happily ever after...with their two beautiful children they conceived together in love..." Padme finished softly, as she kissed her sleeping daughter's forehead. Quietly, she put her little angel back to bed next to her little prince and not without a kiss to his head as well. She quietly slipped back into her bedroom and slipped her robe off, before climbing back into bed next to her husband.
"Padme?" Anakin asked sleepily.
"It's okay Ani...I just put Leia down again. I had to give her some pain medicine for her teething and some fever medicine," Padme explained. Anakin sat up part way.
"She has a fever? Is she okay?" he asked, going into protective father mode. She smiled at him, thrilled that her children had a father that loved and protected them.
"Not anymore. She's fine baby, go back to sleep," she replied. He accepted her answer and laid back down, but not before pulling her tightly into his arms. Padme snuggled against his chest and breathed in his wonderful scent that she loved so much.
"Good night, my Jedi prince," she whispered sleepily, as she fell asleep almost instantly against him. Anakin looked confused for a minute.
"Prince?" he mumbled. He shrugged his shoulders and eased back into sleep in the arms of his beloved wife.
Obi-Wan stepped off the ship and extended his hand to Sola, helping her down.
"Well, here it is," Obi-Wan said, as he pointed at the palace.
"It's beautiful," Sola said in awe, as she looked around.
"Wow! Are we really going to get to stay there!" Ryoo exclaimed.
"You sure are, Ryoo. Grandpa is just sorry he couldn't come too," Elana said, as she held Pooja and Obi-Wan helped her off.
"Well, girls let's get settled and then I'll take you girls to the wildlife park," Elana said. Ryoo gasped.
"Really grandma?" Ryoo asked in excitement.
"Really, sweetheart. How does that sound Poojy?" Elana asked.
"Fun! Can we go now grandma?" Pooja asked.
"We sure can sweetie. Let's go get you ready," Elana said.
"Are you and mommy coming, Master Obi-Wan?" Ryoo asked.
"Actually Ryoo, I am taking mommy somewhere special this afternoon, but then we'll be meeting all of you for dinner tonight," Obi-Wan said.
"You'll have lots of fun with grandma Elana," Sola said.
"Come on girls, let's go," Elana said, as she winked at Obi-Wan.
"So, are you going to tell me where you are taking me?" she asked.
"Sorry, my love, but it's a surprise," Obi-Wan replied, as they went inside and Obi-Wan showed her to their room. Sola freshened up and changed into a light, airy, yellow spring dress being that it was warm and breezy out. Once she was ready, Obi-Wan led her to his speeder. Obi-Wan took the scenic route to the city, before he parked and they began trekking through the busy metropolitan marketplace.
"Oh, this is such a beautiful city," Sola said.
"Well, would you like to see it from up high?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I'm taking you to the state of the art observatory tower. You can look down on the whole planet. And I know how much you love to star gaze, so then we can go into the planetarium. It is a massive room and you can see hundreds of quadrants at once.
"It sounds amazing," Sola replied.
"Good, but before we go. Wait right here," Obi-Wan said, as he dashed off around the corner. Sola shook her head.
"What are you up to, Obi-Wan Kenobi?" she asked out loud.
Obi-Wan dashed into the small jewelry shop where Anakin had bought Padme's ring.
"Ah, I was wonderin' when you'd be showing up, Jedi Kenobi," the shopkeeper greeted.
"Hello sir, is the ring ready?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Sure is and the Countess already wired the credits, so you're all ready to go," the man replied, as he handed a small ring case to Obi-Wan.
"Excellent," Obi-Wan said, with a smile, as he opened the case to gaze at the generous, princess cut diamond with four sapphires around it, set on a gold band.
"It's perfect, thank you," Obi-Wan said, as he dashed out of the shop. The elderly man chuckled.
"What a wonderful thing love can be,"
"There you are! Where in the world did you dash off to?" Sola asked.
"Oh, there was just something I had to take care of really fast. Now, let's go, because the observatory awaits," Obi-Wan said. Sola looked at him suspiciously, as he tugged her along. He was definitely up to something.
Obi-Wan and Sola stepped off the observatory lift and to the railing on the high tower. The view was breathtaking.
"Wow...what an incredible view!" Sola exclaimed.
"It is breathtaking, but not nearly as awe-inspiring as you are," Obi-Wan said, as he gazed into her eyes.
"Oh Ben," Sola said, as she blushed shyly. He kissed her softly, before pulling her into his arms, as they watched the incredible view, as Serenno's sun dipped below the horizon. After that, Obi-Wan led her into the massive planetarium where an oversized cushion awaited them. There was no one else, as Obi-Wan had requested it be empty for an hour. The request was kindly granted, being that he was the grandson of the Count and Countess.
"This is amazing," Sola said, as she stared up at the stars.
"I knew you'd like it. Over here are the core planets," Obi-Wan pointed.
"Is that big bright one Coruscant?" she asked.
"Very good. And there is Alderaan and Corellia," he pointed.
"Bail Organa is from Alderaan, right?" she asked.
"That's right. And there is Malastare and Chandrilla. Then, if you move over here, this area is the mid rim," Obi-Wan said.
"Where is Naboo?" she asked.
"This small cluster right here is the Chommel sector and this bright one in the center is Naboo. Then Serenno is way over here," Obi-Wan pointed.
"Wow, it seems so far from Coruscant, yet in a ship it only takes a few hours," Sola mentioned. Obi-Wan smiled and kissed her cheek, as she looked around in wonder.
"You've been to a lot of them, haven't you?" she asked.
"Yes...and I'll take you to them someday. Well, I'll take you to the good ones. We'll skip the dreadful ones like that one," Obi-Wan pointed.
"Which planet is that?" she asked.
"Tatooine. You'll never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Though some good did come out of a visit there once," Obi-Wan said.
"What was that?" Sola asked.
"That is where we found Shmi. I think it was love at first sight for both of them and then about a year later, along came Anakin," Obi-Wan chuckled.
"Well, what about that star directly above it then?" she asked.
"Now that is Dantooine. Unlike Tatooine, it is very wet and lush. Lots of jungles, wilderness, even beaches and large oceans. It has several village populations, but no major cities. Some of the villages don't even bother with the Holonet. It would...a great place to hide," Obi-Wan said thoughtfully.
"You think Anakin might take them there?" she asked.
"Perhaps eventually," Obi-Wan replied.
"I hope they're okay," Sola replied.
"They are. I'm sure of it. No more long faces tonight, though. I have something special for you," Obi-Wan said.
"I thought this was my surprise," she replied.
"Only part of it, my love," he said, as he took her hands in his own and pulled her to her feet.
"Sola, I love you and you've made me happier than I ever thought possible. You've made me a better man. You healed me; we've healed each other and you've shown me how wonderful it is to be in love. Sola, I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. I want to be the father that Ryoo and Pooja need. I want to be the man you need. A man that will the rest of time loving you, taking care of you, and protecting you," Obi-Wan said, as he got down on one knee. Sola gasped, as he opened the ring case and tears welled in her eyes.
"Sola, will you marry me?" Obi-Wan asked. Tears of happiness slid down her cheeks.
"Yes...nothing would make me happier," she cried. Obi-Wan slipped the ring on her finger and stood up. Sola threw her arms around him, as they lips crashed together in a passionate kiss. Obi-Wan picked her up and spun her around, while holding her tightly. Their lips moved over each other's in several long, hot, passionate kisses, as they lost themselves in one another. When their lips finally parted, Sola stared at the ring.
"Oh Ben, it's so beautiful," she said.
"Well, it has to be to even hold a candle to your beauty," he replied. Her cheeks reddened.
"You're sweet," she replied shyly.
"It's only the truth, my love. Now, if you we don't go, we will be late for dinner with our daughters and grandmother," Obi-Wan said, as he hooked her arm on his. She nearly started crying again when he referred to the girls as our daughters, as if they were his biologically. And even though they were not, he was the only father they really knew and he loved them, just like they loved him. Sola finally had the family she always dreamed of and never thought possible...
Obi-Wan and Sola arrived at the restaurant and were led to the table Elana and the girls waited.
"Mommy!" Pooja called.
"Hi Poojy, did you have fun?" Sola asked.
"Yay!" Pooja replied in excitement, as she held up a necklace with a stone that was royal blue.
"That's a pretty necklace. Did grandma buy that for you?" Sola asked.
"Uh huh," she replied.
"I got one too mommy! What kind of stones are they again, grandma?" Ryoo asked.
"Syrian mood stones, sweetheart," Elana replied.
"Yeah, they change color with your mood!" Ryoo exclaimed.
"Or the temperature," Ben smirked, as he sat down.
"Well, let me see how it looks," Elana said. Sola beamed and held her hand out for Elana to see.
"Oh, it's beautiful darling. I'm so happy for you two," Elana exclaimed.
"Wow!" Ryoo exclaimed.
"Pretty mommy!" Pooja called.
"Mommy, are you marrying Master Obi-Wan?" Ryoo asked in excitement.
"Yes Ryoo, mommy is going to marry him," Sola answered.
"We is going to be a family?" Pooja asked.
"That's right Poojy," Ben answered.
"The Force did answer our prayers! I told you it would Poojy!" Ryoo said.
"What prayers Ryoo?" Sola asked. Ryoo and Pooja hopped out of their seats and went between Sola and Obi-Wan.
"We asked for Force to make you our daddy and it listened!" Ryoo exclaimed. Sola and Obi-Wan looked at each other in surprise, both suppressing tears.
"Can...can we call you daddy?" Ryoo asked. Obi-Wan pulled them both into his lap.
"If you want to, young one. I would certainly have no objections," Obi-Wan replied, as he kissed them both on the head. Sola couldn't help the tears that were now flowing down her cheeks. Elana observed the scene with a quiet elation.
"Countess Dooku, may I bring you and your companions some wine?" the waiter asked.
"Yes, we are celebrating an engagement. Bring us your finest bottle of Syrian white wine and sparking cider for the children," Elana told him.
"At once, milady," he answered.
"Love is a light in this darkness," Elana said quietly to herself.
"I know you'll find a way to bring them home, my love," Elana said, as she reached out to her husband with her heart.
Qui-Gon stood on the veranda, trying to meditate. He could not stop thinking about the powerful ripple that had vibrated through the Force yesterday. He knew with a certainty that the eruption of power had come from his son. But for him to feel such an explosion of power so far away...it meant, well he wasn't even sure what it could possibly mean.
"It could mean that the Force is awakening the raw, incredible power that courses through his veins," Dooku said. Qui-Gon turned, as his father joined him.
"It's getting him ready to face the Sith," Qui-Gon suggested.
"Yes...which means we are close to discovering his identity," Dooku said.
"The frustration is rolling off you in waves. You spoke to the Chancellor, I assume," Qui-Gon said.
"Yes and it was not good," Dooku replied.
"He accused you of knowing where they are again?" Qui-Gon asked.
"He accused the entire Order. But that was not the worst part," Dooku replied.
"What has he done now?" Qui-Gon asked.
"He has ordered Queen Apailana to terminate Padme service as Naboo's Senator, effective immediately. They've already sent Sabe home and Governor Danae is now Senator Danae," Dooku answered.
"What?! He can't do that!" Qui-Gon exclaimed.
"Apparently with the Emergency powers afforded to him by the Senate in this time of war, he can. I checked and he did nothing illegal," Dooku replied.
"This means we will lose Naboo's support in the Senate. This will not bode well for the Order," Qui-Gon replied.
"I know son. That is why we must double our efforts to uncover the identity of the Sith Lord. I already have agent Jade investigating several leads and I will continue to comb through the archives for any helpful information," Dooku said.
"Then may the Force guide us all in our search,"
Sweat poured down her body and the sound of the flowing lava rivers roared in her ears, as she parried another of Grievous' vicious strikes. Her now blood red saber cracked from the contact of the emerald one he used.
"Useless weakling...surely you can do better than this," Grievous taunted.
"You've only begun to taste my power, you metal freak!" Xana spat.
"Master Sidious will soon realize his error in choosing you as his apprentice," Grievous replied. Xana snarled and embedded her foot in his gut, kicking him to the ground. Xana Force pushed him dangerously close to the edge, but stopped short of hurling over the cliff and into the lava river below.
"I am far more powerful than you, thanks to the dark side. It is you that will soon outlive your usefulness. And when my Master realizes this, I will enjoy torturing you before I obliterate your miserable existence," Xana snarled. Grievous looked truly frightened, as the female Sith's hands glowed blue with Force lightning. She electrocuted the droid General for a few seconds, enjoying his agony.
"Watch your back, General. Your days are numbered," she threatened, before walking off.
"That's what you think, you little wench," Grievous rasped...
Padme yawned sleepily, as she padded out to the kitchen where her family awaited her.
"Mommy!" Luke called.
"Morning, my sweet boy," Padme said, as she kissed his head, while he busied himself by stuffing another berry in his mouth. She looked over to Leia, who was also sitting in her high chair, sucking on her teething ring.
"Morning baby," Padme said in concern, as she put her hand to Leia's forehead.
"I think we've broke her fever. I gave her some more medicine for the pain," Anakin said. Padme leaned into his embrace, as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Did she eat?" Padme asked.
"I got her to eat a little cereal and some cloudberries, but she didn't show much interest in food," he replied.
"I'm worried about her," Padme said.
"I know. She'll be fine though. We'll keep an eye on her," he replied, as he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Leia whimpered, as they broke apart.
"I'm going to warm a bottle for her and see if she'll go down. Rest should help her get over this," Padme said, as she went about preparing a bottle for her. Padme cradled her daughter, as she drank from the bottle hungrily. Her eyes fluttered open and shut for a few minutes, before she finally gave in to sleep. Padme put Leia down in her crib and kissed her, before returning to the living area where Anakin was watching Luke, as he played quietly.
"He's quiet. I think he knows Leia doesn't feel well," Anakin said.
"Because they're twins or because he's Force sensitive?" she asked.
"Both," he replied.
"I need to check the ship's position. Why don't you go ahead and clean up since I already did and I'll watch Luke," he said. She nodded and kissed him.
"That sounds good," Padme said, as she headed for the fresher. Anakin picked Luke up and handed his toy star fight to him.
"Come on little man. Let's go fly the ship," he said, as took his son with him to the cockpit
About an hour later, Padme walked into the cockpit and smiled at the sight. Luke was sitting in his father's lap, looking at the controls and buttons in wonder.
"I'll teach you to fly someday when you're old enough. Then we'll go flying with uncle Obi-Wan and scare the Sith out of him," Anakin said, as he was looking at map on the screen.
"Hey beautiful, feeling better?" he asked.
"Much, thank you. What planet is that?" she asked, referring to the map.
"Dantooine. We're coming up on it pretty soon and it would be an ideal place to refuel, especially this cluster of islands. The big draw is that they don't have Holonet. I guess it is a place people go to relax and since the Holonet is intrusive, there are limited Holonet terminals on the islands.
"So, it is more likely that we will not be recognized there," Padme replied.
"It's a fair bet. We could probably stay a few days even. The fresh air will be good for all of us; especially Leia," he said.
"Sounds like a good option," she replied.
"You heard her, Artoo. Set our course for Dantooine," Anakin said, as he guided Luke's hand to the console to let him push the button to turn off the map screen.
"Push it buddy, you can do it," Anakin said. Luke did so and the map disappeared. Anakin and Padme watched, as his face lit up in awe.
"You did it Luke! What a big boy!" Padme praised. Luke grinned and clapped.
"We'll be coming up on Dantooine in about an hour, so we should probably get ourselves and the munchkins ready," Anakin said. Padme nodded, as they joined hands and went in back to the cabin area.