Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.

AN: Here's part 14! Thanks for all the amazing reviews, as usual. Enjoy this next installment and let me know what you think!

Wicked Planet: A Forever Destined Vignette

Part 14/15

"Mom, what's going on?" Luke asked, as he entered behind his father. Anakin hadn't told him anything, only that he would learn when they joined his mother.

"Sweetheart, there is something very important that you need to know about. In fact, it's life changing," Padme said.

"It doesn't have to be or it wouldn't have had to be if you wouldn't have poked your nose into my business where it doesn't belong," Callista spat.

"What's going on?" Luke demanded.

"Tell him," Padme demanded of Callista. Callista was silent. She couldn't believe this woman! She had been this close to being rid of this problem inside her and now she had to put up with her for another eight and half months? Even if she stood to make a killing, because Padme was willing to pay just about anything for the safety of her grandchild, Callista wasn't sure if even the money was worth it. The woman was so good and pure, it was nauseating and it wasn't just the morning sickness talking.

"I was going to take care of the problem, but your goody goody mother wants me to do the right thing, or her version of the right thing, that is," Callista spat.

"All right, but why don't you tell me exactly what this problem is," Luke demanded.

"Fine. I'm pregnant," Callista announced. Luke's eyes were wide as saucers.

"You're pregnant?" he asked in awe. She huffed.

"Yes and I was going to take care of the problem, but your nosy mother stopped me by reading my medical files, which she had no right to do!" Callista yelled.

"Wait, what do you mean you were going to take care of the problem?" Luke asked.

"Luke, you're not even nineteen yet, so I wasn't going to saddle you with a kid. But your mom wants to buy the kid and the money is too good to turn down," Callista spat, glaring at Padme.

"We're not buying the baby. We're just compensating your for a job and that job is to keep yourself healthy, not to drink or smoke any death sticks, and deliver the baby," Padme snapped. Callista smirked.

"Sugar coat it all you want, sweet cheeks. You're going to ruin your son's life with a kid he's not ready for," Callista spat. Anakin scoffed, as he put his arm around Padme's waist.

"Yeah, because you know all about raising kids. You really think we're going to let Luke go through this alone?" Anakin asked.

"No, of course not. You two will be the doting grandparents and continue to live your little fantasy world where life is a nothing but roses and candy," Callista mocked. Anakin shook his head in disgust.

"You really have no idea what it's like to love someone other than yourself, do you? You're carrying a child inside of you, but all you can think about is how terrible it will be, because you can't knock back drink after drink and party at sleazy clubs all night," Anakin spat.

"My life works for me and it doesn't include this kid," Callista spat back.

"Well, that's my kid too," Luke snapped, surprising Callista, who shook her head.

"Luke, you're still a kid yourself. You're not ready to be a parent. Your life will be over," Callista insisted. Luke scoffed at her.

"Dad's right. You really can't think about anyone but yourself. This isn't about you or me. This is about an innocent baby," Luke replied.

"My life won't be over if I have a child. Maybe this is unexpected and maybe this isn't where I saw my life going, but I'm not going to turn my back on a baby that's my own flesh and blood! I couldn't do that and live with myself," Luke said.

"Ugh…you're as sickeningly noble as your mother," Callista spat.

"Sweetheart, your father and I won't let you go through this alone if you make the choice to keep the baby. In fact, we'll be extremely proud if you choose to take responsibility," Padme said.

"We love you and we all make mistakes. You have a very big family with lots of help. We're going to make sure you can finish your studies as a Jedi and we're going to support you, no matter what," Anakin added. Luke nodded.

"I'm sorry…for the way I acted a few weeks ago. I treated the people that love me the most really badly and now you're still helping me," Luke said, ashamed of himself. Padme hugged him tightly.

"That's what parents do, honey and we know you didn't mean any of the things you said," Padme told him. Luke sighed and took a deep breath.

"So…I guess I'm going to be a father," he said in disbelief.

"I know it's scary, but it will be all right, we promise," Anakin told him. Luke nodded. His life had changed in a way he hadn't expected and knew it would truly change when the baby was born. It would be a much tougher path to walk, even with his parents helping him, but it was the right thing to do.

"Um…excuse me, but I haven't completely agreed to all this yet. I want to see numbers," Callista said, reminding them of her presence. Luke glared at her in disgust.

"I can't believe my parents have to pay you to take care of yourself and the baby. You should want to do that on your own," Luke said.

"I don't want this kid!" Callista spat.

"Please…just keep the baby healthy, give birth, and then you can walk away. You don't have to help me raise him or her, in fact, I'd prefer it if you didn't. I'm begging you and if my parents have to pay you, then they will," Luke said.

"Name your price," Anakin said. Callista smirked.

"Fine…it's a deal. I'll get back to you on the numbers, but you can start by getting me a posh little apartment on Coruscant. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to tell my Queen what is going on," Callista said, as she brushed past them.

"Not so fast," Anakin said, causing her to turn to look back at them.

"No drinking, no smoking, no spices, no partying, no sex with random strangers or risky behavior," Anakin stated sternly. Callista scoffed.

"Yes Dad," she said sarcastically.

"I'm serious and you will be monitored. We'll pay you your price and make sure you want for nothing during the pregnancy, but the money comes with a few strings attached, like a round the clock Jedi detail," Anakin said. Callista's mouth dropped open in disbelief.

"You're putting a guard on me?" she asked in outrage.

"Twenty-four/seven with three shift rotations," Anakin replied.

"You have to get that approved by the Council," she refuted. He shrugged.

"True, but I don't see that as being much of a problem. My father is a Grand Master now and Mace too. If he and Master Yoda think you might pose a danger to the unborn youngling and future padawan, then they'll have no objections. Neither will the other members of the Council like my brother, Kit, Aayla, Ferus, and Serra," Anakin replied. Callista glared at them.

"Fine, but my price just doubled. I'll give you the numbers later," Callista said, as she stormed out of her own quarters.

"I can't believe she wasn't going to tell me. What did I ever see in her?" Luke wondered. Anakin patted his son on the shoulder.

"It was hormones and an error in judgment. It happens to all of us," Anakin replied.

"Not to you. You chose mom," Luke replied. Anakin smiled.

"Yes and you'll find the person you're supposed to be with too, trust me. She's out there," Anakin assured him.

"I'm going to go get some air," Luke told them. Padme hugged him.

"I love you mom," he said.

"I love you too sweetie," she replied.

"I love you dad," he said. Anakin nodded.

"I love you too son," Anakin replied, as they watched him go. Padme sighed.

"Now we have to tell everyone, including Leia and the twins," Padme said. Anakin checked the chrono.

"Well, it's getting close to dinner time. The twins should be back from the beach soon. Do you think we can ask the Queen if we can borrow one of the dining rooms for a family dinner?" he asked in amusement. Padme smiled.

"I'm sure Pooja will be only too happy to host a family dinner. Then after we tell them the news, we can go back to our room and finally read my grandmother's diary," Padme said.

"Sounds like a plan," Anakin replied, as they joined hands and went to visit Pooja.

Natalie relaxed on the beach, as she let the sun warm her. The beach was busy today, for it was sunny without a cloud in the sky and the temperature had reached a summery ninety one degrees. She occasionally looked out at the watch to watch the amusing antics of her friends and boyfriend, as they attempted to stay on their wake boards long enough to surf the rather choppy waves that crashed on the sand. Jenna was doing well and the boys would have been doing better if they weren't trying to out do each other with one stunt after another. She shook her head in amusement.

"Boys," she mused, as she closed her eyes and went back to her relaxation. A few moments later though, she suddenly felt something cold and wet dripping on her. She opened her eyes and saw Jayden, dripping wet and standing over her with laughter dancing in his cobalt eyes.

"Jayden!" she cried.

"Come on in the water Nat, it's great," he said.

"You got me wet, so I guess I have to now," she replied.

"Marc and I rented wave speeders. He and Jen already took off, but there's one waiting for us," he said.

"That's more like it. A romantic afternoon on the water with my handsome boyfriend. What could be better?" she replied, as she stood up, admiring his shirtless torso, which was shredded and sculpted with taut, lean muscle. He was doing some admiring of his own, as her two piece lavender swim suit was sending his hormones into overdrive.

"Jay…you're staring," she teased.

"Huh? Well…how do you expect me not to with you wearing something like that?" he replied. She smiled and sauntered toward him, as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I could say the same about you," she replied, as their lips met in a passionate kiss.

"So, how about that ride, handsome?" she asked.

"This way, my princess," he replied, as he led her to the dock where they boarded the wave speeder. She held onto his waist tightly and called out in excitement, as they went speeding out onto the waves.

That evening, the Skywalkers, their extended family, and close friends gathered for a family dinner in one of the palace's banquet rooms. As they ate, conversation filled the room, as it usually did when they were together. And once their eating slowed, Padme rose from the table and gained the attention of everyone in the room.

"Anakin and I have gathered everyone here this evening to make an important announcement that involves our family. We have invited the Organas and Olins as well, because we feel that you are very much a part of our family," Padme said.

"What is it Mom? Is something wrong?" Leia asked.

"Does it have to do what you and Dad have been looking for?" Jayden asked.

"Well, your father and I did find what we were looking for, but this is not about that. In fact, that will likely be another matter entirely later. But this has to do with our family, particularly Luke, as we have just learned something that will be changing our family in the form of a new addition," Padme replied.

"If you're marrying Callista, big brother, I'm gonna beat you up," Jenna threatened.

"Jenna…" Padme warned sternly. Jenna shrank back and was quiet again.

"Don't worry baby sister, I've learned my lesson with Callista, more than you know," Luke promised, as he looked at his mother.

"Do you want to tell them, sweetheart?" she asked. He nodded.

"I've learned today that Callista is pregnant…and that the baby is mine," Luke announced, causing looks of shock and gasps of surprise to reverberate through the room.

"But that's not all. If it weren't thanks to mom perhaps doing a little investigating into Callista's medical files here in the palace, I would have never known. Callista was going to terminate the pregnancy and while she still fortunately wants nothing to do with the baby after it is born, we have convinced her to abstain from her normal risky behaviors and have the baby," Luke stated.

"You mean you had to pay her, am I right?" Qui-Gon asked. Luke lowered his head in shame.

"Yes, but we don't consider any price too steep for one of our own," Anakin said, as he patted Luke on the shoulder.

"Oh sweetie, it's all right. You must know that you're not going to go through this alone," Shmi assured her grandson. He nodded.

"I know. Mom and Dad have been amazing already. I was so stupid and I'm so sorry for everything," Luke said. Leia got up and hugged her twin.

"It's all right Luke. You're doing the right thing by taking responsibility for the baby. That's a brave thing to do and far more noble than what Callista was going to do," Leia promised.

"She's right honey," Elana told him.

"We're proud of you, Luke. Many young men your age would have taken the easy way out," Qui-Gon told him. Luke was taken aback.

"You're proud of me? How can you be proud of me? I'm going to be a single father by the time I'm nineteen," Luke said in surprise.

"Of course we're proud, sweetheart. Do you really think we'd be more proud if you decided to let Callista get rid of the baby?" Padme asked.

"Your Mom is right. She wanted to take the easy way out and most young men your age would have been relieved and willing to let her do so. But not you. You're far more brave than you give yourself credit for," Anakin told him.

"Mom and Dad are right. In fact, I think I'm going to like being an Aunt," Kimberly told him, as she hugged him. He smiled.

"You'll be a great Aunt, Kimmy," he told her, truly humbled now by his family's love and devotion to him. He now knew that he was truly one of the luckiest people in the galaxy.

"I'm just sorry you have to put up with Callista for the next nine months. You know she's going to extort a fortune from you," he told his parents.

"Now Luke, you know money isn't an issue for this family and it's never really meant that much to us. We're doing this because we love you and we already love that baby too," Padme reminded him. Luke nodded, as his mother hugged him again.

"Thank you. Thanks to everyone," Luke said graciously.

Much later that evening, Anakin and Padme readied for bed. Padme slipped into a long silky white nightgown and Anakin donned his usual bedtime attire in the form a pair of black sleep pants. They were eager to finally read what was inside her grandmother's diary and Padme clutched the book, as they slipped into bed together under the cool sheets.

"Are you ready?" he asked. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"You know, I'd understand if you wanted to read this alone. It is your grandmother's personal diary, after all," he said.

"Do you really think I would want you anywhere else other than holding me in your arms while I read this? This is about both of us and I need you," she replied. He nodded and kissed her forehead.

"Then I won't be anywhere else," he told her, as he opened the diary. She opened the leather bound book and immediately found another note from her grandmother, personally addressed to her.

"My dearest Padme,

I am glad you are reading my diary, for I believe there is very important information inside. And while I encourage you to read the entire thing, I must ask that you first skip ahead to a certain page. I began writing this diary when I was just nine years old, but the most pertinent information was written during my late teen years and begins on page three hundred and twenty seven, just after my eighteenth life day. What you will read will shock you and your husband to the core of your beings, but may make sense of things that you have not been able to fully understand before this. You are one half of the pair with the power to save this galaxy from the darkness that threatens to consume it…the darkness I encountered in my young life. Trust in your love and never let go of it, for it will be the only thing that can defeat the evil that surrounds you,"

The message ended and Padme looked at her husband in surprise, as she quickly turned to the page her grandmother had asked her to in the note and began reading aloud.

"I met the most wonderful man today. He is a Jedi and quite handsome as well. We talked for many hours and he seemed so absorbed by me in a way I have never experienced. He said he admired my conviction to see a peaceful galaxy through to the end. He says he has lost faith in the Republic's ability to keep our galaxy peaceful, but I encouraged him not to lose faith in the Republic. His name is Sifo-Dyas and he is a promising young Knight with an insight into politics that I would have not expected from a Jedi. I must admit, I am quite taken with him and I believe he is with me as well. He was so charming and kept telling me how beautiful I was. I have never been so flattered in my life or blushed so many times in one afternoon. I couldn't believe how taken he seemed to be with me. He wanted to know everything about me and my family. If he was not a Jedi, perhaps I would suspect that he is not as sincere as he claims to be. But I could tell he was sincerely interested in me. I am going to see him tomorrow again,"

Padme stopped as the entry entered and she dropped the book in her lap in disbelief.

"Angel…are you okay?" Anakin asked, as he held her tightly.

"He knew my grandmother…" Padme said in awe, trying to wrap her mind around it. Anakin picked up the book and turned the page, deciding that he would continue for her. He had a feeling that what they were going to read would only get more bizarre.

"I saw Sifo again today and what it day it was! He romanced me and told me that he had never met anyone as wonderful and as beautiful as me. It has been so fast, but I truly believe I am falling in love. We talked all day about history and I told him about my family. He seemed absolutely entranced by the ancient times and how my family goes back to the beginning of Naboo's history, to times only recorded in our own family's history. He agrees with me that the mainstream history that is taught is a watered down version with all the mystical wonders of the ancient times omitted. I never thought I would meet a man so enthralled by history, the true history as I am. He seems particularly fascinated by my distant ancestor, the woman thought to be the first Queen of the Naboo. Her name was Padmia and he wanted to know everything about her. I thought for a minute that it was very strange how he seemed almost obsessed with her, but then I have sometimes displayed the same hunger for history and knowledge. It is refreshing to meet someone that craves the true history like I do. My ancestor, Padmia and her mysterious husband are no where in any of Naboo's mainstream history books. He is so fascinated with my family's account of our history, the book believed to be written by Padmia herself, that he has asked me to translate it for him. Though normally I would refuse, I truly believe we are meant to be together. I love him and agreed," Anakin said, pausing before he began the next entry.

"No…no that monster. He seduced my grandmother…" Padme said, as tears slipped down her cheeks. Anakin held her tightly in his arms and kissed her forehead.

"We can stop tonight if you want to, angel," he told her. She shook her head in vehement.

"No…no I need to know everything," Padme insisted. Anakin nodded and began reading the next entry. He noticed immediately that the next entry was several weeks later.

"I have not written in many weeks, for I have been heartbroken. A few weeks ago, after I began reading the legends inside Padmia's diary to Sifo, we consummated our love. I gave myself to him one evening and we made love. He insisted that we would feel very different after doing so, but he seemed disappointed afterward. It was only the next morning that I would realize why. When I awoke in my bed, he was gone and so was my family's treasured history. Padmia's diary was gone. He had stolen it, even though I was not even near done reading him everything. That when I realized exactly who he was…or what he was. I had been seduced by the very evil itself that had haunted my ancestor Padmia. He wanted me for the diary, but at first, I believe he thought I was Padmia. I have long known that one day, according to the diary, Padmia would return to this world in a new body, just as her soul mate would. Once the evil rose again, they would be awakened to new lives in order to save us all. I have known for a very long time that I am not Padmia, but that she would one day be born before my life ends. I now know that he expected to gain some sort of amazing power by being with me, which he would have, if I was Padmia reborn. But he quickly learned that I was not and stole the diary in hopes of finding someone else to translate it. That was his goal all along. He is the evil reincarnated from long ago that sought Padmia for the power he would gain from her beloved. I don't even think he realizes yet truly who he is, but he will now. And he will not stop. I know he will be watching Naboo now for her to appear. And I must do everything in my power to protect her when she is born and I will know her when she is. I don't know how, but I will know her. Most would not believe these tales, which to most seem like wild fairy tales with no possibility of being true. I have failed my family by losing the diary…for allowing the very evil that I was supposed to guard it from, to have it. Therefore, I shall spend the rest of my days seeing that my family is protected. Now it is certain that Padmia and the Chosen One will return. They will have to in order to save the galaxy from this great evil once again. Sifo-Dyas is that evil's chosen vessel that the ancient texts speak of. May the Force forgive my blunder and help me work toward thwarting the evil that threatens everything good. May my family forgive me for the burden that will rest on their shoulders in the future," Anakin said, finishing that entry. On the next page, they found another note attached to the page. This time, Padme read it.

"Padme,

If you have just finished reading the entries that I specified, then you now know about my connection to Sifo-Dyas. I was heartbroken for a long time after what he did to me, but fortunately I met your grandfather and years later, when you were born, I knew you were Padmia. I knew he would be watching our family and I knew he probably would be watching you from afar. I know you have probably been baffled by his obsession with you, but now you may understand it a little better, if that is possible. I am so sorry my darling. I only hope that once you and your beloved reclaim the diary from him that you can learn everything inside. There are bits and pieces mentioned throughout the rest of my diary, but I am afraid he stole it from me before I was able to finish translating it. Anakyn, or whatever you are called now, please protect my little Padme from him. He will stop at nothing to claim her and your powers. You must stop him or the galaxy will be plunged into eternal darkness. Only together can you, son of the light, defeat the son of the dark. Padme, my darling, your love will give your beloved the strength he needs. Be safe and have faith in the love you share with him,"

Padme finished reading the note and closed the diary, as she and Anakin tried to process everything they had just read.

"Then what we suspected was right. Sifo-Dyas is the son of the dark side or at least was possessed by him at some point in his young life," Padme concluded.

"And he was hoping that your grandmother was Padmia in hopes of seducing you away from the light before we met. He must have been enraged when he learned that by the time you were born, he was already an old man," Anakin said.

"Then why did he choose to keep using Sifo-Dyas?" Padme asked.

"You are Padmia's direct descendant, one of the first Nabooan people. Sifo-Dyas is a Xalryn male. Their language is the same as the language as what's in the diary. He may be a direct descendant of the son of the dark side and that's why his soul insists on clinging to Sifo-Dyas. He was so masterful in his deception that he lived among the Jedi for years, commissioned a Clone army, and did everything he could to destroy our love. He's been waiting to pounce on you probably since the moment you became Princess of Theed. It makes sense as to why he was on Naboo when he lost the diary in the ocean. It wasn't just coincidence. He was behind everything," Anakin realized. And then it struck Padme. Had he manipulated everything in her young life? Everything except her love with Anakin?

"He probably thought by seeing that I was abused as a child and a young adult that I would somehow be ripe for his picking," Padme realized.

"But he didn't count on you running away to your grandmother and her shaping you into the leader you became, the strong woman you are," Anakin said.

"Then there was Palo…he almost had me again, until I made sure Palo couldn't come near me after he raped me," Padme replied. Anakin nodded.

"When we met, that's when he started trying to pull out all the stops. But now that we know, we can truly stop him this time," Anakin said.

"But you've killed him before and he came back. He should have been dead after Falleen, but somehow, he still clings to life," Padme replied. Anakin thought for a moment.

"Then there is still a piece missing. The piece inside the diary that will tell us how to destroy him once and for all. That's why he wants the diary too. He wants to know how to prevent his death and gain immortality. Our future hinges completely on what's inside Padmia's diary," Anakin said.

"And our love," Padme added. He nodded with a smile, as he kissed her passionately.

"He will not touch you…I will find out how to erase him from our lives forever this time," he said passionately, his gaze making her weak.

"Show him then…show him that I belong to you and only to you," Padme replied just as passionately, as he captured her lips with his own and love swelled between them. The room went dark, thanks to Anakin, and their passion exploded between them in a way it only could between them…