Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars. I just created my own little AU sandbox to play in.
AN: Here's chapter 24! Sorry for the delay. Thanks for all the great reviews. Here's notes to some of those individuals:
Harry2: Yep, Hunter and Blake have found a family. But I doubt Mace will be deterred. Thanks for reading and enjoy this chapter.
Annabel Willow: Thanks, glad you enjoyed the chapter and that you like Hunter and Blake. It's hard to know how OC's will be received. Enjoy this installment!
starwars1885: Thanks, I'm really glad you enjoy the story. Unfortunately, I don't really have a set schedule for chapters. They go up whenever I get the time to work on my stories and I try to divide my time between this one and my others. I try to get the chapters out as quickly as I can, but sometimes life gets in the way. Don't worry, I don't abandon stories though. ;)
Lusitana: Thanks, glad you like the story!
FateOfChaos: Yes, I decided I really liked the idea of a close bond between Padme and Blake. Thanks for reading and enjoy this chapter!
Dolphingirls: Well, here you go. Enjoy this next chapter and thanks for reading!
sexystarwarslover: Glad you're enjoying the story so much! Lots more in store, like more family time, action, and danger. Enjoy this next chapter!
WolfOfProphecy's: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it. Here's the next chapter!
Welcome To Lala-Land: Here you go! An update. Enjoy!
Force Jumper
Chapter 24: Something More
Master Yoda watched Plo Koon's recording and felt deeply troubled about what had occurred and the power this new adversary seemed to have. With such a leader, the droid army of the Separatists was not to be trifled with. It seemed his old padawan was more treacherous than he had imagined.
"Deeply disturbing this is. A worthy adversary this General Grievous will be," Yoda stated.
"And the teleporting…do you think this means he has any connection to that Knightblade vigilante?" Adi Gallia asked.
"That's exactly what it means. This is proof that Knightblade is dangerous and that Senator Amidala is foolish to keep such company with him," Mace said, keeping his voice as even as possible. He knew full well that Knightblade had no connection to Grievous, but if others could be convinced that he was, then that would them reason to label him as a clear enemy and get Jedi involvement.
"No…believe there is a connection between them, I do not. The same strange ability they have, but a creation of my old padawan, Grievous is I'm sure," Yoda spoke.
"I am inclined to agree with Master Yoda. After all, we have discovered that Count Dooku also possesses this strange teleporting ability. And while Knightblade is clearly a vigilante, he has yet to hurt any innocents," Shaak Ti agreed. Mace seethed inside. He didn't care if Knightblade was connected to this new abominable creation. It was just another monstrosity that they had to deal with. The Force jumping ability would only be brought to light even more after his people had worked so tirelessly on keeping most of the public unaware of their existence. Now that this droid was at the forefront, leading the Separatist army, it only shined more light on those like Knightblade. He knew it meant more might be bold enough to surface on the core worlds, creating more havoc. Then there was the problem of Knightblade himself and the young boy he had rescued. Mace knew he would train the brat and his worst fear was that he would continue to recruit Force Jumpers to his cause. Dealing with a single Force Jumper was enough of a challenge, but dealing with multiple ones at a time could prove to be their undoing.
"He hasn't hurt any innocents yet…but his ways are not of the Jedi and we must be wary nevertheless," Mace stated neutrally.
"Correct, Master Windu is. Remain vigilant, we must," Yoda said, as he dismissed the meeting. Mace turned off the holoscreen and sat back in his chair. He and Scout were currently on a Republic cruiser in mid rim space. So far, his new padawan had proved her worth by working twice as hard as he asked, but it didn't matter. Out on the battlefield, she wouldn't survive. He would see to that.
Anakin nodded encouragingly, as his practice saber clashed with Hunter's and he continued to instruct him in the art of the light saber while Sifo-Dyas and Quinlan looked on.
"21,000?" Quinlan asked in amazement. Sifo nodded.
"Not as high as Anakin's, but significantly higher than Master Yoda, not to mention the rest of us," Sifo answered.
"So do you think that explains his ability to use Force lightning at such a novice level, not to mention that it's not your normal lightning? Any Force lightning I've ever seen has been evil in nature," Quinlan expressed.
"It may. Anakin is not an ordinary Force Jumper. It could very well be his incredible midichlorian count that makes him extraordinary even among other jumpers," Sifo suggested. Quinlan shook his head.
"What are the odds that Anakin just happened to be near that very alleyway that those boys were that morning?" he asked wistfully.
"The Will of the Force is truly an amazing thing," Sifo reminded.
"So how do you feel about becoming a grandpa?" Quinlan jabbed.
"I welcome it actually, Uncle Quin," he teased.
"One big happy Force jumping, rule breaking, un-Jedi like family that is the bane of Mace, I have a giant stick up my ass, Windu's existence," Quinlan joked, making Sifo-Dyas chuckle.
Gavin Jothra nursed his drink in the shady establishment that he frequented just once a year. While he loathed making this transaction, he believed it was something that he was doing for the greater good. If anyone were to discover the underground network of well known, wealthy constituents that contributed to this secret cause, the media firestorm would be damning to them all.
Gavin came from a long line of public servants and was one of Chandrilla's brightest up and coming delegates. The whispers that he would be the obvious choice to replace Mon Mothma when she chose to retire were prominent being that the Jothra name was nearly infamous on his home planet.
But the Jothra family belonged to a legacy that none but them knew about and their involvement went back nearly to the times of the Great Sith Wars. While they never actively participated in the cause, they were one of many rich families that made a sizeable yearly donation so this group could continue the work they did.
Truthfully, a year ago and for all his time on Coruscant, he had constantly questioned why his family was involved with such things and even considered stopping his funding. But due to his father's angry reaction to that, he continued his donations. Now, in light of recent events, he saw why they funded this cause.
Knighblade…the renegade vigilante that supposedly gallivanted across the galaxy freeing slaves had caused nothing but turmoil. He now saw why the secretive group he helped to fund hunted ones like him. However, if he were truthful, his hatred of this masked menace began when he saw how close Padme had gotten to him. He knew he had messed up by getting caught with that prostitute and his career had taken a bit of hit. Being the boyfriend of the esteemed Padme Amidala had afforded him instant respect and entrance into prominent circles in the Senate. He had been so confident when he was with her that he had considered running against his own boss for her Senate seat in the next election and with Padme on his arm, he knew he would have won.
But she wouldn't take him back. No, instead she was disgracing herself by having a torrid affair with a violent vigilante. But he would have his revenge on her. He saw the cloaked figure enter the cantina and approach him. It was the same women as it had been last year. Depa Billaba, the right hand to the leader of the Xal'Kaar, quietly sat down next to him without looking his way. He quietly pushed the datacard over to her.
"You'll find that I doubled the amount. I hope your people can put it to good use and stop our enemy," he stated. She nodded.
"Your generosity is appreciated and my Master assures that we will do whatever necessary to stop this man," she replied simply, as she left as quietly as she came. He finished his drink, paid, and left as well.
"Senator Amidala…there have been speculations about your relationship with the mysterious Knightblade. Can you offer a statement?" the reporter shouted, as she waded through the flashing holocams. Typho and Sabe led the way, as Padme remained silently irritated by their intrusive questions.
"Senator…is it true that Knightblade is your lover?" another shouted.
"Word is that you know his identity. As a public servant, do you realize that it is a breach of ethics to keep his secret!" another shouted maliciously.
"You will let the Senator pass," Typho commanded, as they escorted her to the speeder. Once they were in, Typho sped off toward Republica 500.
"What a nightmare," Padme said with a sigh.
"You do know that it's only going to get worse when you publicly file the adoption papers, right?" Sabe asked. Padme nodded.
"I'm worried about it, but I can't keep the boys a secret. People are going to see them, so they might as well know that they are legally ours," Padme replied.
"I've been meaning to ask you about that," Sabe said.
"Ask what?" Padme questioned.
"Well, are you really going to put Anakin's name on their papers as the father?" she asked.
"The papers will be sealed. It's the law so they may find out that I adopted two boys, but the papers can't be viewed by them. Anakin and I talked about it last night…and to the public, the boys will use my maiden name as theirs. But yes, legally I'll be listing them as Hunter and Blake Naberrie Skywalker," Padme explained. Sabe nodded.
"I guess it makes sense. No one really knows who Anakin Skywalker is, but you know the media is going to suspect that Knightblade is raising the boys with you," she warned. Padme nodded.
"Let them speculate. I'm not going to let those vultures stop us from being a family, as unconventional as we are," Padme replied. Sabe smiled.
"Those are two very lucky boys," Sabe said.
Anakin and Hunter appeared on Padme's veranda. Anakin took a device out of his pocket and pressed the button in the center. A red laser was emitted, as Anakin ran the laser over his jump scar.
"What is that?" Hunter asked.
"Well, it's a device I built that will hopefully help our jump scars disappear faster on places like Coruscant. It can be dangerous to jump here, because our jump scars stay open much longer in places with less natural life," Anakin explained.
"It is working?" Hunter asked. Anakin probed the air and smiled.
"The scar is closed now so it looks like it worked. I'll build another one for you since I think it will definitely come in handy," Anakin replied, as they went inside.
"Hunter!" Blake called, as he sat on the floor playing with his toys. Anakin smiled.
"Go on and play. Training is over for today," Anakin told him, as he patted him on the shoulder and removed his mask. He went into the bedroom and removed his armor, leaving him in the black pants and tunic that he wore underneath. He dropped the case in his hand and examined the contents. Master Sifo-Dyas had acquired more of the metal he had used to construct his disguise and he had brought a small sheet home with him. He was going to start fashioning a mask for Hunter, knowing that he would need his identity protected as well when he started taking him on missions. He smiled, as he heard Blake call out to Padme, who was just arriving home. He returned to the living area and smiled, as he watched her hug the boys. They shared a kiss and she went to see if Dorme needed help with dinner.
"Thank you for not alerting her to my presence just yet. I was hoping to surprise her," Ruwee said, as he rode the turbo lift up with Sabe. She smiled.
"She'll be ecstatic to see, albeit a little sad to hear about your split with Jobal, though probably not surprised. I'm sorry too, by the way," Sabe replied. Ruwee smiled.
"Thank you, but it was long past time for us to move on and I hope Padme understands," Ruwee said. Sabe smiled.
"She will, because she loves you and wants you to be happy. And she has a little surprise of her own for you," Sabe said mysteriously. Ruwee smiled.
"Well, now you have me intrigued," he replied.
"Trust me, I think you'll find it to be a good surprise," Sabe promised.
"Dinner is coming along. It's okay if you want to go spend time with the boys," Dorme told her mistress.
"Are you sure you don't mind?" Padme asked. The handmaiden smiled.
"Of course not, that's what I'm here for. To help you," Dorme replied.
"I know, I just feel a little guilty since I sprang extra duties on you with watching Blake and all during the day," Padme said.
"Padme, he was no trouble at all. In fact, I enjoyed watching him. You have to go deal with slimy politicians all day and I got to spend mine with a sweet little boy. Trust me, I don't feel that you've added any extra duties and certainly none that I can't handle," Dorme said kindly. Padme smiled.
"Thanks Dorme," she said, as she went out into the living area to the sight of the boys climbing on Anakin, as they play roughhoused.
At that moment, Sabe came into the apartment and Padme gasped in surprise.
"Daddy?" she asked. Ruwee smiled and opened his arms, as Padme rushed to give him a hug.
"What are you doing here? Not that I'm not glad to see you," she asked in surprise.
"Well…I decided to come for a visit," Ruwee said.
"Is Mom with you?" she asked. He shook his head.
"I'm afraid that your mother and I have decided to separate," Ruwee told her gently.
"Oh…oh daddy, I'm so sorry," Padme replied, as she hugged him again.
"It's all right; your mother and I have not been on the same page for a very long time. It's better for both of us at this point," Ruwee said, as she welcomed him in and he spotted the two young boys.
"Sabe said that you have a surprise of your own for me," Ruwee stated, noticing the tall young man with them.
"You're…" Ruwee started to say. Anakin nodded.
"I am, but my real name is Anakin Skywalker. I'm sure I can trust you to keep that to yourself though," Anakin replied. Ruwee smiled.
"Of course. It's the least I can do for the man that has saved my daughter's life more than once," Ruwee said, as he offered his hand. Anakin smiled and shook it.
"And who are the children?" Ruwee asked.
"Well, they're orphans that Ani rescued not too long ago and we haven't told them yet, but we're going to adopt them," Padme told him quietly. Ruwee grinned.
"Padme…that's wonderful!" he exclaimed.
"The older one is Hunter and he has the same ability as Anakin," Padme explained, feeling elated that she could share everything about her life with her beloved father.
"But…he's so young," Ruwee said in astonishment.
"Believe it or not, I was only year older than he is right now when I did it for the first time," Anakin replied.
"Now I know why your name sounds familiar! You were the little boy that destroyed the droid control ship during the blockade!" Ruwee exclaimed. Anakin nodded.
"You think you're surprised. Imagine how surprised I was when I found out," Padme said.
"Does the little one have powers like yours too?" Ruwee asked. Anakin shook his head.
"No, but he's Hunter's little brother, even if it's not by blood. He looked after him when they were in the orphanage together," Anakin explained.
"Boys come here," Padme called. Blake scampered to her with Hunter following behind.
"Boys, this is my father, Ruwee Naberrie," Padme introduced.
"It's very nice to meet you both," he greeted.
"Nice to meet you too," Hunter responded.
"Hi," Blake said shyly from behind Padme's skirt. Ruwee chuckled.
"I'll get you settled in a guest room, daddy and then we'll eat," Padme said, as she lifted Blake into her arms and led her father into the back of the apartment where the bedrooms were.
After getting her father settled, they enjoyed dinner together and Padme was soon putting the boys to bed for the night. After finishing another story, she kissed them both on the forehead when Blake's sleepy little voice stopped her.
"Miss Padme?" he asked.
"What is it sweetie?" she asked.
"Um…well, are me and Hunter going to live with you and Mr. Anakin all the time?" he asked. She smiled and brushed his dark hair away from his eyes.
"Of course sweetie, you're not going anywhere," she promised.
"Then we don't have to go to an orphanage?" he asked. She shook her head.
"No honey, you're both staying with us permanently," she promised.
"Okay…then is it okay if I call you…mommy?" he asked really softly. Padme beamed and felt tears come to her eyes.
"I would really like that," she whispered back, as she kissed his cheek. He was drifting off to sleep now, his tiny mind at ease and Hunter smiled at her, happy for his little brother.
"Can I too?" he asked. Padme smiled and nodded.
"Of course," she replied, as she kissed his cheek again and quietly left the room.
"Guess you were right a few days ago after all, B. Everything is going to be okay," Hunter said quietly, as he soon joined his brother in sleep.
Anakin saw the tears in her eyes, as she quietly shut their door and smiled at her.
"Are you okay?" he asked. She nodded.
"I'm…wonderful. They want to call me Mommy," she replied, as she smiled at him. He put his arms around her.
"Of course they do. They see what I see in you; that you're a wonderful, loving woman," he said, as he kissed her tenderly. They walked into their bedroom and the door closed behind them.
"You seem surprised," Anakin mentioned, as he shed his tunic and utility belt.
"I just…wasn't sure I would ever really want a family, before I met you. And now that it's happening, I guess I'm surprised at how much I want it," she confessed. He smiled and dropped a kiss on her head, as she sat at her vanity.
"It helps when you're with the right person," he added. She smiled and nodded.
"That it does," she replied, as she stood and let him unzip her dress.
"Thank you by the way," she mentioned, as she turned around.
"For what?" he asked.
"For trusting my father and letting him in on the secret," she replied. He kissed her forehead.
"Your father is a good man and the way your face lit up when you saw him was enough for me. I would have told him before, but I don't think your mother could have been trusted to keep the secret. No offense intended," he said.
"None taken, Mother gossips regularly with her so called friends. I'm a frequent topic of their criticism," Padme replied.
"They have no idea what an amazing woman you really are and that's their loss," he told her, as she kissed her tenderly. She giggled, as he picked her up and then jumped them the short distance to their bed.
"Maybe it's not your traditional family, but we're a family. And sometimes it seems like all the negative emotions around us are stronger, but they're not. Nothing is stronger than love and we now have two boys to pass those lessons on to," Anakin stated. She smiled and caressed his face.
"Being with me may never be easy in the sense that someone may always be hunting us. Sometimes I'm not sure if it's right to put you in that kind of danger, but the selfish side of me never wants to let you go," he continued. She kissed his lips softly.
"It's not selfish to want to be together and no one, especially not Mace Windu and his goon patrol, are going to keep me from being with you. He just better stay away unless he wants me to start telling everyone his dirty little secrets. Whether I'm believed or not, he doesn't want the things we know to ever be spoken of," Padme reminded. He nodded and kissed her again. Their kisses grew long and passionate. Hands explored with tender caresses and gentle squeezes. Clothes were shed until nothing separated them and the oneness of lovemaking consumed them…
Scout ran through the jungles of Felucia, her face marred with a fearful expression. How had this happened? One moment she was with her Master's clone battalion, taking down invading droids, and the next, she was running for her life. These two men, she wasn't sure if they were mercenaries, were chasing her. They had given no reason and she had used her secret ability to evade them. But to abject horror, they had used some kind of machine to follow her through the jump scars she was leaving. She abandoned the idea of using her powers and quickly climbed a tree, concealing herself in its thick leaves. Since her midichlorian count was lower than most, she was quite adept at hiding her presence with the Force. She peered down from the trees at the two men, as they looked around for her.
"Dammit…the brat got away," one cursed.
"Windu won't be happy. He wants that little Force Jumper dead," the other said. Scout gasped and then covered her mouth to cease any noise.
"Frackin' Felucia, the jumps scars disappear too fast here. We almost didn't make it through those scars and we'll never find her in this blasted forest," the first one spat.
"Well, maybe we'll get lucky and the wildlife will do her in. If not, she'll find her way back to the Republic base and we'll ambush her then," the second one reasoned, as they started back the way they had come.
Scout sat in the tree in stunned silence for what seemed like hours. Master Windu wanted her dead? He was Master Windu! Master Jedi and a lead Council member. It didn't make any sense. And what did her ability have to do with it? Why would Master Windu elect to train her…unless this had been his plan all along! If all this was true…then she could never return to the Jedi Temple. Tears sprang to her eyes at the thought of never seeing Ahsoka and Whie again. But if she was going to survive, then she had to go on the run. It was the only way she would have a chance…
AN: In the next chapter, six months have passed…