Dawn of New Innocence

by bluemoongirl27

AU Takes place the morning after Anakin and Padme's wedding. Anakin and Obi-Wan have defeated Darth Sidious and his plot to destroy the Republic. Anakin and Padme are about to become parents. What's in store for their new life together? Sequel to Last Night of Innocence, The Day After Innocence, and Honeymoon on Naboo. This story is the fourth in my Anakin and Padme series.

4. Chapter 4

Authors Notes:

As Anakin would say "this is where the fun begins." Below is chapter 4 "The Festival of Love.". I want to thank all of my awesome readers for your recent reviews both under this story Dawn of New Innocence and Honeymoon on Naboo. Thank you for following and favoriting my stories.

It's taken me months to write this chapter. There was tons of research and decisions put into writing this chapter, but most of all love. I really love this chapter and I hope you do too. I would greatly appreciate it if you would take the time to write a review. I took some real creative risks, and I would love to hear your thoughts. There will be authors notes at the end of the chapter as well. But first, I wanted to share quotes from those that so kindly took the time to write a review.

cullenLaly: "Well 3PO I drop the soup haha. I laughed a lot in that part. an excellent chapter. I wanted to tell you that your stories healed the horrible wound left by the prequels when padme died and anakin went over to the dark side thanks."

I can't think of a more thoughtful compliment than this. It means a lot to me that you feel that my stories have helped to heal the horrible wound of Anakin and Padme's tragic love story. When I decided to write this new story, I knew that I wanted to continue to explore what all their lives might have been like if Anakin didn't turn to the dark side. Ha, ha, yes 3PO really put his metal foot in his mouth once again. He can't seem to avoid embarrassing himself, poor innocent sweet protocol droid that he is.

Sfloresf: Hello There bluemoongirl27... I've read your message and my eyes grew wide... I have so many times defended and explained to others how and WHY Anakin Skywalker turned to the Darkside.
Many people I know don't understand the depthless of Anakin's emotions. Everyone (Except Shmi and Padme) wanted to used and control Anakin Skywalker for their own agendas."

I'm glad you enjoyed what I had say about the Jedi Order's role in Anakin's turn to the dark side. It fascinates me that all these years later, there is still so much to learn and evaluate about this story, it's deep and makes you look inside yourself. Lucas could have portrayed the Jedi in anyway he chose, but he decided to give them a code that goes against human nature. He had a lot to say to the world.

PrinzessinSkywalker: "The first time I watched anything of Star Wars was in January 2021. I was stunned that I missed so wonderful movies Episodes I to III were my absolute favorites with episode II being my most loved one. I suffered through the entire episode III with wondering what would've happened if the council was more considerate or Anakin was sooner to tell people about the attachment to Padmé. So I am totally here for your entire story and love it so far. Thank you for all your hard work and love you poured into the story."

Thank you, this story has been a labor of love. Wow, January 2021 you discovered Star Wars and your already reading Star Wars fanfiction? That is so cool. I am so happy you are enjoying my story. There is more to come with Anakin, Padme and the council in this story.

Guest: "I sort of consider Star Wars has lost its soul the day it was sold to Disney. The longer Dave Filoni works for Disney, the more I'm convinced that he is just pandering and does not have George's guts, vision, scope and sincerity. I am grateful that Disney is leaving the prequel alone, so they remain the way they are instead of being ruined like the OT. If Lucasfilm ruins continuity in this Kenobi series, I would just pretend that it's not canon, even though I long to see Hayden reprises his role. The Mandalorian does not appeal to me very much and fanfictions like this one rekindle my love for Star Wars. Great work."

As far as commercially into the future, I completely agree Star Wars has lost its soul by means of the crap Disney is putting out. The Star Wars fandom will carry on with or without Disney productions. The Mandalorian and Rogue One are the only two good Disney productions, other than that it is a dumpster fire. The day it was announced that Lucas sold his baby to Disney, I knew it was game over. Disney better leave the prequels alone if they know what is good for them. Everyday my faith that Kenobi will be worthy of Ewan and Hayden's talent portraying Obi-Wan and Anakin slips further. Fingers crossed I'm wrong and Kenobi is good.

---

The Festival of Love – Chapter 4

The soft morning light floods through the Lake Retreat's windows. Anakin is lying on their king-size canopy bed stretched out in only a towel wrapped around his waist. He is holding his data pad reading an article about parenting titled "How children pick up on parents' anxiety and anger and why we should be mindful of how we act."

Padme is sitting at her vanity drying her hair. "Are you going to get ready soon sweetie?"

"Yeah, I'm just reading something. I'll be done in a minute."

"I'm looking forward to today. I think the Festival of Love is going to be beautiful." Padme says as she puts down her hairdryer.

Anakin peeks up from his datapad and grins. Padme is massaging lotion on the small stretch marks along the sides of her baby belly. Her opened deep blue robe barely covers her nude body. Force Padme is so hot, Anakin thought to himself. Watching her rub small circles into her creamy skin was motivating him to pull her robe down and make sweet love to her, which he had twice this morning. Anakin puts down his datapad and walks over to Padme. He kneels and kisses her belly.

"Mmm, that lotion smells amazing. It's still the morning and we've got time. Why don't we have our own festival of love right now angel."

"It's cocoa butter Ani."

"I love it," Anakin says seductively as he captures her lips.

Padme breaks their kiss. "A little built-up anticipation is good my love. I want to show you around Kaadara and the festival sounds very romantic. I'm sure by the time we get home tonight we won't be able to keep our hands off each other, but right now let's get ready so we don't miss the day."

Anakin smiles and places another soft kiss on Padme's lips. "Ok, my love, your right and we are on our honeymoon after all. Not to mention our babies will be here soon. Once they're here we probably won't have many opportunities for a while to visit oceanside cities let alone anything else out of the house." Anakin walks over to his dresser, puts on black boxer shorts, and pulls out a pair of dark brown trousers.

Padme sinches her robe and walks over to the closet. "hold on a sec I have something for you."

Padme walks over to Anakin with a white box in her hands. "What's this angel?"

"Open it!"

Anakin lifts the cover on the box and pulls out what looks like a pair of black pants that have been cut in half with part of the legs of the trousers missing.

"Padme what is this?"

"Their shorts."

"Shorts, these don't look that comfortable to sleep in."

Padme smiles and giggles. "Ani, you're not supposed to sleep in them. You wear them. You can wear them today. Since you like to walk around the house in your boxers, I thought this might not feel like too much of a stretch."

"To wear them at home that's fine, but you expect me to wear these in public?"

"Lots of men in Kaadara wear them."

"What would I even wear this with? I would look ridiculous trying to wear my utility belt, lightsaber, and cloak."

Padme starts laughing. "You wouldn't wear them with your Jedi attire, only when your off duty like today. You could wear them with one of the sleeveless black shirts you like to wear around the house."

"Are you serious Padme, I'd be practically naked walking around in public."

"it's going to be so warm today. I want you to be comfortable. Shorts are becoming popular on Naboo. I think they would look great on you."

"The Jedi Council would totally be on my neck if they saw me in this getup."

"Anakin."

"I'm sorry angel. I appreciate the gift; this was very sweet of you." Anakin steps into the shorts. The hem ended a few inches above his knees and there were pockets on the sides near his hips.

Padme's eyes light up and she bites her lip. "Hmm, Ani." She says breathlessly.

Anakin walks over to the mirror. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I do like the way they look, and they are way more comfortable than those trousers."

"I told you and now you can show off those muscular legs."

"Padme, please I'm not a piece of meat."

Padme puts her hands on her hips. "And what exactly is the difference between me appreciating your body in those shorts compared to you talking about how much you enjoy how I look in my outfits?"

"Ok, I see your point."

---

The small beautiful oceanside city of Kaadara is bustling with activity on this sunny very warm day. Anakin and Padme are finishing up their lunch at a café overlooking the breathtaking shore. Anakin finds Padme very fetching dressed in an off-the-shoulder lavender dress with the straps curling around her arms. The dress sinches underneath her bust and falls almost past her ankles. A slit runs up her left leg. Due to the extreme heat Padme has her hair swept up. A braid wraps around the top of her head like a headband, the braid moves down behind her ears and curly thin wisps of her hair fall past her ears.

The newlyweds visit several shops. They pick up two iced cafs. They sit in the shade for a while to cool off and Anakin steals a few kisses. They continue walking hand in hand when they hear an old woman's voice call out to them.

"What a beautiful young couple. Please, let me read your future. I love reading the energy of young couples in love." An old fortune teller calls out to Anakin and Padme. She sits at a small table in front of the Kaadara Theater. The theater has not yet opened for business for the upcoming evening's operatic performance. A deck of cards is on the table and several colorful stones surround the deck. The deck of cards is facing down.

Padme and Anakin turn to look at the woman. Padme speaks quietly to Anakin." I'm curious to hear what she has to say."

Anakin whispers in Padme's ear. "She's just looking for credits."

"I'm not just looking for credits young man. I sense there's something very special about you two."

"I'm sure she says that to every passerby," Anakin speaks softly to Padme. They begin to walk away from the fortune teller.

"I don't just say this to everyone who passes me by. You have a strong energy about you both, it is almost regal."

Padme and Anakin stop walking in surprise. "Ok, now I'm really curious."

"I have to admit I am too," Anakin says to his wife.

"Do you sense anything about her? Do you sense darkness surrounding her?" Padme whispers to her husband.

Anakin turns to look at the woman. He quietly looks her straight in the eyes for a few moments. Anakin shakes his. "I don't sense the dark side, in fact, the opposite. I sense her intentions are pure."

Anakin and Padme walk over to the old woman.

"Thank you for taking the time to speak to an old woman. I'm going to read the energy that you are both manifesting and energies that surround you that hint at what may be coming for you in the future. I'm also going to read the energy of what your souls may be trying to create in your lifetimes. I'm going to use these cards."

"You can predict our future with cards?" Anakin asks.

"They are called tarot cards young man. Fortune tellers have used them throughout the galaxy for centuries. The magic of the cards is that it measures the energy in our universe. Everything we think, say, write, take action towards, or don't take action towards creates energy or delays energy that is constantly shifting. However, we also have free will to change our thoughts, actions, choices. Therefore, some of what the cards may reveal about you both is not necessarily set-in-stone to occur in the future. The cards more times than not show us our deepest thoughts, desires, and conflicts. This knowledge the cards reveal allows us to be honest with ourselves and encourages us to understand ourselves better. With this wisdom, we can choose to make different choices with our life."

"What are these stones?" Anakin points to the colorful rocks.

"These are crystals. Different crystals sendoff different energies. I use these crystals to amplify my senses and clear my energy."

"So how do you choose the cards?" Padme asks.

"You can ask a question for the cards to answer or not ask a question. I am going to have you both shuffle the cards a few times. You can continue to shuffle the cards until you feel that you have shuffled them to your liking. That way your energies will meld into the cards. Then I will shuffle the cards. I will continue to shuffle the cards until the cards that the universe wants to come out will fall onto this table. Those cards will form a message that I will interpret for you both. There are four suits, and each suite has an element that holds our universe together: cups are water, and they represent emotions and relationships, swords are air and it represents thoughts and communication, wands are fire and it represents action and creativity, pentacles are the environment of your planet which represents resources like currency and work."

"So how much?" Anakin asks.

"There is no set price. If you feel after the reading it has brought something of value into your lives you can pay me whatever you wish."

Anakin and Padme look at each other for a moment. They say "ok" at the same time and nod their heads yes.

"Let's get started. What would you like to ask the cards, young man?"

"Is there a message the universe wants me and my partner to know?' Anakin says to the fortune teller.

"Ok, we will see what message the universe has for you both." The fortune-teller hands the deck of cards over to Anakin, but Anakin does not take the deck and instead nods his head to Padme. The fortune-teller hands the cards to Padme.

"How do I do this?" Padme asks.

"Shuffle them however you wish my dear."

Padme stands next to the table and mixes the cards for a few moments, stacks them, and hands them back to the fortune-teller.

"What message do you have for this beautiful young couple?" The fortune-teller asks out loud to no one. She begins to shuffle the cards. She holds the deck in one hand and uses her other hand to shuffle the cards. In seconds four cards fall onto the table faced down. The fortune-teller begins to flip the cards over.

The fortune-teller speaks. "Nine of Swords, Two of Cups, The Empress, and The Moon reversed. You are together in a loving partnership and you are expecting. You were very recently joined together in marriage, but there is mental stress overshadowing your happiness. There is something hidden here."

"What do you see in the cards that is telling you this?" Padme asks the old woman.

The fortune-teller picks a card and holds it up. "To start with The Empress means fertility and nurturing. You can even see she is pregnant from the extension of her belly. In the Two of Cups, we see two people facing one another holding out their cups offering them to one another. The Nine of Swords is a card of mental torment. We see a person who can't sleep because of their anxiety. Lastly, The Moon which is in what we call "reversed", upside down, represents repressed emotion and inner confusion."

The fortune-teller sits back in her chair and exhales. She looks up and at Anakin and Padme. The old woman can see the look of confusion and concern on their faces. Anakin and Padme turn to look at each other but don't say anything.

The fortune-teller picks up the deck of cards. "I am going to clarify some of the cards to see what else the universe is trying to say here. Clarify the Nine of Swords!" She begins to shuffle, and one card falls to the table upright.

"Oh my, my The Emperor. This card can depict a father figure, someone who has the authority to take charge." She looks up at Anakin. "You've been very stressed about something. Recently you might have even had trouble sleeping and at times suffered from nightmares."

Anakin does not respond and wraps his arm around Padme's waist.

"Clarify the Two of Cups!" She shuffles again and two cards fall to the table facing up. The fortune-teller smiles. "Oh, how lovely. The Sun and The Lovers." You're in love with one another. You make each other very happy. This is a healthy relationship. You are soul mates. Your marriage has the potential to last a lifetime and beyond. We have The Empress and The Emperor and The Sun and The Moon on the table. Both of these dualities in energy indicate again that you are soul mates and that you share a very powerful connection. Your relationship is without a doubt the will of the universe and dare I say the Force itself."

"You understand the Force?" Anakin asks.

"I'm not a Jedi young man, unlike you that holds your laser sword tucked to the side of your utility belt. However, I am fascinated by the Force. Tarot card readers have been studying its mysticism in relation with tarot and the alignment of our planets for a very long time." The tarot card reader explains. Anakin does not say anything and only nods his head.

The fortune-teller picks up the deck. "Clarify The Moon in reverse!" Three cards fall to the table. She flips the cards over.

"The Eight of Wands in reverse, the Ten of Swords and Ten of Wands." Hmm, wow.

"What does that mean?" Anakin asks with a bit of concern in his voice.

"You two are not communicating with each other. There are things you are not telling each other that are burdening you both."

She points back to the Emperor. "I am sensing there is one person that is holding back. One of you is much more fearful in communicating these burdens in this marriage. This person is you, young man."

"Why do you say that?" Padme asks.

"The Emperor clarifies the Nine of Swords which was the first card to fall out of the deck. That first card that falls out is usually important and at times the cards that follow will support that energy. Also, I sense that there is someone you know that served in your life as an Emperor figure that caused you a great deal of mental anguish."

Anakin takes a deep exhale. "There was someone like that in our lives."

"This still creates a lot of anxiety for you, your relationship with whoever this is." The fortune-teller states.

"This person is no longer in our life," Anakin says firmly.

The fortune-teller shuffles the cards again. "What else about this Emperor? One card falls out directly onto The Emperor card. "The Devil, thank the Force this person is no longer in your life because they were toxic."

"Yes, he most certainly was," Padme says.

"What about The Empress card?" Anakin asks.

"Clarify The Empress!" The old woman shuffles the cards once again and two cards fall out face up.

"The Chariot and The World, very interesting."

"What's interesting?" Padme says while holding her belly.

"You will deliver soon. You're almost at the end of your pregnancy and you may need to travel soon. You may have to travel out of Naboo."

"We are not leaving Naboo. Our doctor warned us not to." Anakin said shaking his head. Padme looks up at him and squeezes his arm.

The fortune-teller looks up again. She locks her eyes with the young, confused man towering above her. "You're having anxiety about becoming a father. Traveling may become a very important task to relieve you of these demons that have plagued you mentally. I am going to clarify one more card, but the card's message seems very clear here." She picks up the deck again. "Show me The Devil!" One card falls out face up. "The Ten of Swords, yes of course." The fortune-teller looks up at Anakin and then at Padme. "Your husband needs to work through his anxiety, it's vital for the health of your marriage. The Ten of Swords is a card of endings. You've been through the worst and there is hope on the horizon, but the Devil also tells me that he's holding on to this anxiety. He thinks he's trapped in it. You need to help your husband through this."

The fortune-teller turns her eyes away and picks up the Two of Cups card once again. "You love one another. You are deeply in love with one another. There is a lot of passion in your relationship. But these darker energies are dominating this reading. You will need to work through this together. You just need to talk to each other and be honest. Again, you have already been through the worst of it, you can get through whatever it is you are not telling each other. This Emperor, Devil figure almost tore your love apart and you defeated what this person was trying to do to you both. But if you both do not start to communicate fully together on your thoughts and feelings, this could be a problem in your marriage and raising your family together."

"Thank you so much for your insight. This was very interesting. You gave us a lot to think about." Padme says to the fortune teller and Anakin turns to look at his wife.

"You are very welcome. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. I have faith you will get through whatever the universe is trying to bring to your attention."

"Thank you," Anakin says as he bows to the old woman.

Padme reaches into her small lavender purse that sits on her wrist and gives the tarot card reader a generous amount of credits.

"Oh, thank you, my dear. Thank you both." Padme smiles and takes Anakin's hand. The newlywed couple slowly walks away. They walk for a while in silence. They walk past a bank and a medical center and see a cantina ahead when Padme finally speaks up. "You're quiet, is there something you want to talk about my love? Is there some truth to what she told us?"

"No, angel, I'm really happy about the babies arriving soon and I'm madly wildly in love with you," Anakin says wrapping his arms around Padme's waist and pulling her towards him.

"If you are having anxiety and doubts that doesn't mean you don't love the babies and me Ani. Please don't be afraid to talk to me."

Anakin shakes his head. "I am not afraid to talk to you. I am feeling some anxiety, but I will work through that as we raise our younglings. I know I have a lot to learn. We can talk more about this later, but today we are on our honeymoon. We are here in this beautiful city and I'd like to enjoy it with you."

"Of course, Ani. I want that too." Anakin smiles and leans down to capture Padme's lips in a gentle kiss.

"Where to next?" Anakin asks his wife.

"I know a couple of shops I'd like to visit."

"Lead the way!" Anakin says as he places his hand on the small of Padme's back.

As the sun begins to set the sound of drums can be heard. Pink and lavender spread throughout the sky blending with the white wispy clouds. Anakin and Padme are holding hands. They can feel the sand beneath their feet as they walk onto the beach. This sensation is certainly not one of Anakin's favorite. He's not a fan of sand. Sand reminds him of Tatooine. Then again, not liking sand was what Anakin was talking about right before he and Padme shared their first kiss. So maybe sand wasn't so bad after all.

They approach a protocol droid in a tuxedo. The droid speaks. "Welcome to the Festival of Love hosted by the Ewoks from the Forest Moon of Endor. Please take a complimentary love card. Find the Ewok with wings named Kyoopid to help you with your love cards. Enjoy your evening." Anakin and Padme each take a love card from the droid.

As they walk past the droid hand in hand, they notice a large presence of security. There are royal Nubian guards scattered around the event. The largest concentration of guards was surrounding a tall bamboo structure that stood in the sand. It looked like a large teepee.

"Those are royal guards."

Anakin nods his head. "I recognize their uniforms."

"Queen Jamillia must have been able to attend after all," Padme says to Anakin.

"That structure must be where Queen Jamillia is located," Anakin says to Padme.

"That's Captain Typho talking to those handmaidens."

"I didn't tell him or the queen that we would be here," Padme says.

"Good." Anakin kisses Padme's hand. "I want you all to myself tonight."

As Anakin and Padme continue to walk towards the festivities, they see torches lit all around the beach. There are fires lit with branches surrounded by large stones and spits of unidentified meat being roasted. In the middle of the beach are two large standing drums on each side of a giant fountain spouting chocolate surrounded by beautiful pink flowers. Several people are dipping Camby berries into the chocolate and eating them. Ewoks, miniature bear-like creators are dancing all around the fountain performing some funny-looking dance moves. The beat playing has a tribal sensual feel.

After watching the Ewoks dancing for a few minutes. Anakin and Padme lock eyes and bust out laughing.

"That chocolate fountain looks delectable," Padme says.

Anakin nods his head. "Let's try it."

Anakin and Padme walk over to the fountain. An Ewok hands them each a skewer filled with Camby berries.

"Thank you," Padme says to the Ewok.

Anakin bows in appreciation and the Ewok says something back that neither Anakin nor Padme can decipher. They both dip the berries into the chocolate and bite off the first berries off their skewers.

"Umm yumm," Padme says as she licks her lips.

Anakin nods his head while chewing on several berries. "This is good."

Padme starts picking the berries off the stick with her fingers and popping them in her mouth. Her fingers are covered in chocolate. "This is delicious but oh so messy," Padme says looking at her fingers.

"Let me help you with that." Anakin takes Padme's hand and begins kissing the chocolate off her fingers. Padme's fingers are tingling, and her heart is fluttering. Just as Anakin is about to kiss the chocolate off her pinky an Ewok interrupts him and hands Padme two cloth napkins.

"Oh, thank you," Padme says to the Ewok.

"Yum." The Ewok replies and moves his arms towards the fountain. He is encouraging the young couple to continue to eat from the fountain.

"This chocolate is delicious but I'm getting thirsty."

"They're selling some drinks on the other side of the fountain. Let's check it out!" Anakin says as Padme hooks her arm with his.

"What is this drink? How much?" Anakin asks the Ewok.

"Chak." The Ewok replies.

"Chak juice," Anakin says.

"How do you know what he's saying?"

Anakin whispers in her ear. "The Order teaches many different languages and the planets where they are practiced."

Padme nods in understanding. "She looks at the purple liquid in the wooden cup. "Is there alcohol in it?" Padme asks.

Anakin searches "chak juice" on his comlink. Anakin shakes his head. "I don't think so. It says the substance is made from the Spirit Tree of Endor, but just to be on the safe side let me try it first."

Anakin takes a couple of sips. "I don't taste any, hold on" Anakin takes out a digital contraption from his utility belt. He pours a small amount of liquid onto an extension on the device.

"What's that?"

"It's a midi-chlorian meter. It's mainly used by the Jedi to test blood samples for midi-chlorian counts but you can also test for substances like alcohol and drugs."

The meter read 0% presence of alcohol. Just to be on the safe side Anakin also tests the substance for drugs and again the meter reads 0%.

"There doesn't appear to be any alcohol or drugs in the liquid. I think it is safe for you to drink. I think you will like the drink. It's sweet just like you like your drinks."

"How I like my men too." Padme places a long peck on Anakin's lips. "Thank you for testing it."

"Of course, angel."

"One chak juice please," Padme says as she pays the Ewok the price for the drink.

"To tonight my love," Anakin says to his wife.

Anakin and Padme clink their wooden cups together and drink. They look around taking in the happy atmosphere of the festival while finishing their drinks.

"Ani look that Ewok has wings. The protocol droid told us to talk to him."

Anakin and Padme walk over to the winged Ewok. He is hovering a few inches off the ground.

"Are you Kyoopid?" Padme asks.

Anakin pulls out the love cards tucked under his utility belt. "What are we supposed to do with these love cards the droid handed to us at the entrance to the festival?" Anakin asks Kyoopid.

Kyoopid puts his hands out and gestures for Anakin to give him the cards. Kyoopid points to the symbol on the front of each card. The Ewok begins to jump up and down and flutters his wings. He rises a foot off the ground. Kyoopid points to Anakin and then Padme. He forms a heart with his fingers. Some of the language the Ewok speaks Anakin recognizes.

"A match, we match?"

"What's he saying Ani?"

The symbol on the cards match. We both have hearts on our cards. Hearts are one of the symbols that can be embossed onto the front of the love card. We match our cards. We are a love match."

"There are different symbols on the cards?"

"Yes, if you find someone with the same symbol, you've found a match and you win a love prize."

"What do we win?"

Kyoopid gestures for them to follow him. He leads them to one of the round straw huts.

"We can pick a prize in there?"

The Ewok speaks again and Anakin can make out some of it.

Anakin turns to Padme. "We can upgrade to nicer prizes if we help more festival attendees match with one another."

Padme giggles. "Obi-Wan should have attended and brought Dorme with him."

"Match-making is something I can't imagine Obi-Wan ever taking part in," Anakin says.

"I have to admit I can't imagine that either," Padme says to her husband.

Padme turns to Kyoopid. "Thank you for your help."

Anakin and Padme enter the hut. The first thing the young couple notice is the line of people waiting to speak to the girl who is giving out the prizes.

"This is a long line," Anakin says.

Padme looks around. "Over on the wall, there are wings of all different colors. Let's go look at them."

"Why don't I wait in the line and you go look at the wings?"

"I can wait."

"This tent is so crowded as it is. The line is only going to get longer. I'll call you over when I know what the prizes are for our love match."

"Ok, I'll be right over there." Padme kisses Anakin on the cheek and walks over to look at the wings.

Anakin quietly waits in the line. To pass the time he watches Padme look at the wings. Not to his liking, he noticed the male salesperson has been spending a little too much time talking to his wife and watching her. If the guy did not keep his eyes to himself, he was going to leave the line, and prizes be damned. After fifteen long minutes, Anakin is finally at the front of the line.

Anakin steps up to the prize counter and the pretty young woman's eyes grow wide with delight. "Hi dream."

"Good evening, are these the prizes?"

"Not as good of a prize as you dream."

"What do you recommend?"

"A date with me?" The girl asks flirtatiously.

Anakin pulls out the love cards. "I have one match. What can I get with that?"

"You know you are by far the hottest man to walk in here. Wait, you look familiar. We haven't met, have we?"

"No, we have not. Now, what can I get for my match?"

"The miniature chocolate fountain, a box of chocolate-covered Camby berries, or a bouquet of red roses."

Anakin nods his head. He turns to look at Padme. She is holding a set of white wings. "Pa.." Anakin stops himself from saying his wife's name. "Um babe, come pick what prize you want."

Padme smiles holding the white wings. "Ani look at these aren't they amazing. You wear them on your back. They flap and can lift you a few feet off the ground."

The shop girl's mouth suddenly falls open and she covers it with her hand. "Ani as in Anakin, as in Anakin Skywalker. The man who defeated the Sith lord. The hero without fear. Oh, my gods, that's where I know you from." As the girl speaks her voice raises and several people turn to look and listen. They begin to gather around.

Realizing that he has missed his chance to attempt a Jedi mind trick on the girl, Anakin grabs his lightsaber and hides it behind his back. He smiles and chuckles. "I have no idea how you can even mistake me for him. I don't look anything like him. Look how I'm dressed. A Jedi would never wear shorts." Anakin turns to Padme. "Do you want the chocolate-covered Camby berries, the bouquet of red roses, or the mini chocolate fountain?" Anakin whispers in her ear. "Please pick one fast, this girl is on to us."

"The red roses."

"My wife would like the red roses," Anakin says to the girl. Padme hands the white wings to the girl. She takes them from Padme but is not paying attention.

"Please give these wings back to that vendor over there."

The girl ignores Padme. "Wife, wait your Senator Amidala. OMF, oh my Force. Oh, my force." As the girl speaks her voice raises and several people turn to look and listen. They begin to gather around.

"We'll take the red roses please," Anakin says in an annoyed tone.

As the girl turns to get the bouquet of red roses. Anakin and Padme feel people's eyes on them, but they do not turn around. The young couple are starting to feel claustrophobic in the prize hut. The girl hands Padme the bouquet of roses.

"Thank you," Padme says to the girl. Padme lifts the bouquet to her nose to smell the pleasant fragrance of the flowers.

Anakin feels someone poking him in the arm. He looks down and sees a small Ewok with adorable big dark eyes. Anakin smiles but when he looks up, he sees a young boy, a man, and a woman. The woman puts her hand over her heart and the young boy speaks out loud.

"Wow, you are Jedi Anakin Skywalker. You're my hero. Can I have your autograph?" The kid holds out his love card for Anakin to sign.

The young boy's father speaks. "Thank you for what you've done. Your all my boy talks about. He dreams of becoming a Jedi like you."

Before Anakin can speak. The whole hut starts breaking out in applause, cheers and people start recording digitally with their comlinks.

Anakin starts shaking his head. Padme is holding his arm. "Look there's been a misunderstanding I'm not."

"Jedi Skywalker."

Anakin and Padme turn their heads. They see five royal guards in front of them.

"What do you want? What is this?" Anakin asks angrily.

"Please come with us, you too Senator. Queen Jamillia wishes to speak with you." The guard looks down at Anakin's lightsaber. "There will be no need for that. This is a friendly visit, we assure you."

Anakin nods and turns to Padme. He hooks his lightsaber back on his utility belt. Anakin takes Padme's hand. The young couple is escorted out of the hut by the royal guards. As Anakin and Padme leave the hut the chatter around them grows louder.

"Oh, my gods honey, do you think that's Anakin Skywalker?" A woman says to her partner as Anakin and Padme walk out of the hut.

One of the guards turns and looks at the crowd. "Please, continue with the festivities. This man and woman are of no concern to you. Now carry on and go about your business."

Anakin and Padme continue to quietly follow the guards. Anakin whispers in Padme's ear. "Our night of anonymity is starting to go up in smoke like Mustafar angel."

Padme whispers in Anakin's ear. "It will calm down Ani. There are plenty of living beings here chugging down anything alcoholic they can get their paws on. They'll forget all about that little incident back there, especially once the stage show starts."

"I hope you're right, my love."

Anakin and Padme follow the guards to the large teepee structure at the end of the beach near the shore. They walk through the door to find Queen Jamillia, her handmaidens, Captain Typho, and more royal guards. Queen Jamillia is sitting on a throne of bamboo accented with the same pink flowers that were surrounding the chocolate fountain.

"Senator Amidala Skywalker, Jedi Anakin Skywalker I'm so happy you were able to join us. I didn't know you were attending today."

"We weren't sure if we were going to attend your majesty," Padme says to the queen.

"Are you enjoying the festival?" The queen asks.

Anakin bows to Queen Jamillia. "Padme and I are enjoying the festival, thank you, your majesty."

"I am very happy to hear that. I'm sure your aware there has been a great deal of talk from our people praising your bravery in defeating the Sith Lord and his apprentice along with the help of Master Kenobi. I had invited Master Kenobi to attend the festival as well but unfortunately, he declined. I will be making a speech to thank the Ewoks for bringing the festival to Naboo. I'd love for you both to join me on stage, so I and our people can thank you properly."

"Your majesty I am honored by your thoughtful offer, but I am going to have to respectfully decline. Padme and I are on our honeymoon and we choose to attend quietly. We are here to enjoy the festival as husband and wife, nothing more."

"Are you sure Jedi Skywalker?"

"I am, thank you, your majesty."

"Very well, would you like a couple of my royal guards to accompany you? Captain Typho has also offered to assist you."

Captain Typho bows. "I am here to serve you both."

"Thank you, Captain, that's very kind of you, but Anakin and I are here on our honeymoon. We want to enjoy the festival alone. If there is any trouble, we can always comlink you."

"Very well Senator. If that is what you both wish. I will keep my comlink on just in case you need me."

Captain Typho gestures to a couple of chairs next to the queen. "Please feel free to wait in here with us till things out there settles down."

"Thank you, Captain. We'll leave through the back way out of this structure. I'd like to walk with my wife along the beach. Come, my love." Anakin bows to the queen and they walk out through the back door.

With the festival in full swing and the sun now set, the beach is empty for the young couple to enjoy alone.

"You don't mind us getting away from the festival for a while do you?" Anakin says as he holds Padme's hand walking over the sandy beach.

"This is beautiful Ani, of course, I don't mind. Padme says as she stops walking for a moment. She turns to Anakin and puts her hands on his shoulders. "Our honeymoon isn't about festivals it's about exploring wherever we are together as husband and wife."

"The festival is pretty cool though."

"It is my favorite part so far has been dipping the Camby berries in the chocolate foundation. That was delicious and to be honest a little sensual."

"I saw a sign before. They are selling giant working chocolate fountains. Maybe we should buy one for the lake retreat?"

"What would we even do with that much chocolate?"

"I don't know bath in it?" Anakin raises his eyebrow. "Eat it off each other?"

"That would get messy pretty fast."

Anakin laughs. "We could run into the lake afterward and wash off."

"We probably shouldn't run in too far. Remember that lake is probably covered in seaweed."

"Oh yeah, poor Russ and Angelica. You know I think it's time Padme we went to whoever runs Lake Varykino to find out if they ever cleaned out the seaweed in the lake."

"I think that's a good idea. People should not be swimming in that lake, and we've seen some people doing just that on our boat rides."

"Speaking of Russ. When we found his diary. That was quite a night."

"It was life-changing."

"I didn't know how to act around you."

"You were a perfect gentleman."

"You in that dress didn't make it easy for me."

"Well, maybe I'll wear it again for you in a few months. Maybe for the anniversary of that magical night?"

"I'd love that."

Anakin leans down to kiss Padme. He slowly slides his lips over hers for a few minutes. He takes her hand and they walk down to the seashore to watch the waves crash onto the beach. Anakin holds Padme in his arms and she rests her head on his chest.

"It's never going to be normal for us is it?" Padme says quietly.

"It will calm down this interest in us. People will forget and move on."

Padme looks up at him. "You're the chosen one Anakin. I was their queen and now their senator. That's not something easily forgotten."

"So what do we do?"

"I guess we'll have to take it day by day as this craziness comes at us."

"What about the babies? How can they grow up normally when we're their parents?"

"It shouldn't affect them too much in these next few years, but when they are of age to go to school and interact with other children that we'll have to figure out," Padme says to Anakin.

"If they are strong with the Force, you are still ok with me training them?"

"I am Ani."

Padme gives him a funny look. "When we first met up again, I think that Anakin might have wanted to go up on stage and receive all that attention and praise from this festival crowd."

Anakin shakes his head. "I only wanted to be recognized for my skill and power as a Jedi from my peers and mentors, the Jedi Order. I'm not looking for fans or like that girl back in the prize hut, groupies."

"Oh, really?" Padme asked with her eyebrow raised.

"I ignored her. She was annoying."

"Yeah well, that guy selling the wings was flirting with me."

"What." Anakin turns suddenly and begins to walk a few steps. Padme grabs his arm and giggles.

Anakin looks down at her hand. "That ring on your finger didn't give him the message?"

"That doesn't always discourage someone. Ani, your so cute when you are jealous. There's only one man on this beach that I want." Padme says with her hands locked around the back of Anakin's neck and his around her waist. They close the space between their lips and kiss.

A short while later Anakin and Padme are standing near the chocolate fountain to distance themselves from the crowd. Anakin is holding Padme in his arms with her back facing him. He kisses her shoulder as he rocks her gently. The festival attendees are not aware of the happy young couple's presence, as they are gathered near the stage several feet away eager to watch an entertaining show.

The stage is made of raw wood from tree trunks. Tree branches and vines curl around the frame of the stage creating a forest-like aesthetic. In the front and surrounding the stage are tall standing torches spiked into the ground. The blaze of the torches looks dramatic. The stage is also surrounded by dozens of royal guards.

There are two straw-covered huts are on the stage, one on the left-hand side and one on the right-hand side of the stage. The stage is covered in sand. Stones are placed on the stage that forms a circle and in the middle of the circle are a pile of tree branches and twigs. Two large drums are located on the left and right hand of the stage to the sides of the straw-covered huts and two Ewoks stand next to each drum ready to hit the drums.

The Ewoks start beating the two large drums slowly. The Shaman Ewok, Longray holds a blazing torch. He walks on stage and stands in front of the pile of twigs and branches. He holds the torch high in the air and ignites the woodpile to light the fire. As Longray begins to speak, a Nubian translator speaks into a microphone.

"Thank you all for joining us today. Love is in the air. Romance, joy, and song are what we all need. Spread the love! We hope you enjoy and may the Force of love be with you always. Please enjoy the Camby berries. We gift these to all of you to demonstrate trust and acceptance. Maybe you will even find your true love tonight? We've already had one marriage proposal this evening, good luck to you both. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and love. We encourage everyone to participate in matchmaking with the love cards you were gifted.

The Ewoks have been holding this beloved event since Ewok culture began. The Festival of Love is held each year by the Ewoks on our home planet the Forest Moon of Endor, to honor the kinship and love between tribe members. We give gifts, prepare meals, sing, and dance. Now all of you here are a part of our tradition. You are one with our tribe and way of life."

The crowd claps and whistles in approval. There are hoots and hollers. Anakin and Padme can tell dozens possibly hundreds of party-goers are intoxicated. Anakin looks down at Padme with a smirk and Padme smiles up at him. They hold eye contact for a moment and laugh quietly.

The Shaman Ewok Longray sings a mystical Ewok song and recites an old Ewok prayer to honor the gods. He exits the stage and the crowd claps.

The Ewoks begin to beat the drums again. An Ewok blows into a horn and Queen Jamillia walks on stage.

"Naboo is honored to host this year's Festival of Love, a very special event that truly celebrates the important things in life: love, friendship, family, and community. We are so happy Chief Chirpa, Shaman Longray and the rest of the Ewok tribe were able to join us this evening. Naboo humbly unites in kinship with the Forest Moon of Endor to celebrate our cultures. Although the many inhabitants in our galaxy's star systems do not always agree, as a galactic community our many great societies have managed to live in peace for a long time. Up until a few months ago, there had not been a full-scale war since the formation of the republic. The Clone Wars changed all that. This war was the result of a failure to listen. We must take a step back and realize that no one planet has all the answers. We must listen to one another to be able to work with each other. There must be an equal say in how we move forward as a galactic community. This festival is a vital step in the direction of building sustainable peace between star systems. We need more events like this to continue to build that community.

Our democracy was almost destroyed because of our blindness to the very evil that arose from our beautiful planet to the ultimate seat of power. Chancellor Palpatine, once Senator Palpatine of Naboo was a powerful very dangerous Sith Lord. Even the Jedi Order, did not know of his real identity and intentions. He wanted to rule and terrorize the galaxy by creating a totalitarian evil empire. That is until one gifted and forward-thinking Jedi Knight and the Master Jedi that trained him realized the dangerous path, we were all heading towards. I thank Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Master Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi for their quick thinking and bravery in trapping and defeating the Sith Lord, Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, we are so grateful to you for saving our democracy. You will always be heroes of the people."

Queen Jamillia bows along with the rest of the Ewoks on stage. The crowd follows with loud cheers and applause chanting "Skywalker, Kenobie" repeatedly before Queen Jamillia smiles and puts up her hand to quiet the festival-goers. That still doesn't tame the crowd. Finally, a loud horn is blown by an Ewok and that quiets the crowd.

Chief Chirpa walks up to the stage and stands alongside Queen Jamillia, he speaks in Ewokese. The Ewok interpreter speaks. "Now we celebrate in song and light up the sky."

The Ewoks begin to bang their drums and play their instruments in a melodic beat.

Suddenly a white spark shoots up from the ground into the sky and loudly explodes into a captivating pyrotechnic display of magnificent color and light. Dozens of fireworks of different colors and formations light up and fill the sky. Anakin and Padme look up in wonder and joy at the beautiful sight. It is the first time either of them has seen fireworks in person.

As the fireworks of all types continue to erupt and spread throughout the sky with color and smoke, the Ewoks begin to sing.

Yub nub, eee chop yub nub;

Ah toe mee toe pee-chee keene

G'noop dock fling oh ah

"May I have this dance, my lady? Padme smiles and takes Anakin's hand. They walk away from the fountain and towards one of the lit bonfires to give themselves space away from everyone else. Padme puts down her bouquet of roses in the sand next to the bond fire. Hundreds of couples are dancing. The energy is electric.

Yah wah, eee chop yahwah

Ah toe mee toe pee-chee keene

G'noop dock fling oh ah

Anakin twirls Padme gently and dips her, but the young couple notices others are dancing together much more provocatively. At some of the clubs and bars that Anakin and Obi-Wan had busted criminals, people danced with each other in the manner they were right now. Some are facing each other grinding their pelvises together. Others are moving against one another with the women rubbing their backsides against their male dance partner's crotch. The Ewoks begin to cheer and hoot as they enthusiastically sing the song.

Coatee cha tu yub nub

Coatee cha tu yahwah

Coatee cha tu glowah

Allay loo ta nuv

Anakin begins to wonder what is really in that chak juice. Could it be a type of aphrodisiac? If it was it didn't feel different for Anakin, he and Padme were always hot for each other. Feeling bold Anakin pulls Padme close, but the possibility of grinding their pelvis' together while facing each other was out. Anakin's arm is around Padme's waist. His hand is massaging her back and his other hand is moving over her belly.

Glowah, eee chop glowah

Ya glowah pee chu nee foam

Ah toot dee awe goon daa

Padme's hands are running slowly up and down and squeezing Anakin's biceps. Their eyes are locked on one another. The look she's giving him makes him want to ditch this party crowd right now and get a room at the Kaadara hotel. Anakin doesn't feel the babies moving at the moment. He can sense they are calm and at peace with the Force. The material of Padme's dress is soft and the fabric glides with Anakin's fingers as he moves his hand up her belly and along the side of her breast. He's even bolder using his other hand sliding it down her hip and caressing her ass.

Coatee cha tu goo; (Yub nub!)

Coatee cha tu doo; (Yahwah!)

Coatee cha tu too; (Ya chaa!)

Before Padme can think on whether they are getting too intimate in public, Anakin is spinning her around. Its dark no one is near us and no one is paying attention to us, Padme thinks to herself as she starts swaying her backside into her husband's crotch. With their knees both slightly bent they grind against each other with Anakin's hands on her hips. Padme places her hands over Anakin's hands.

Allay loo ta nuv

Allay loo ta nuv

Allay loo ta nuv

She feels his hot breath and hears his heavy breathing as he starts kissing and sliding his tongue along the shell of her ear. Anakin works his lips down to his wife's neck. She tilts her head allowing him greater access to kiss and nibble the sensitive skin. Padme cannot help but close her eyes to savor how good it feels to be with her husband at this moment.

Glowah, eee chop glowah

Ya glowah pee chu nee foam

Ah toot dee awe goon daa

Her moans of pleasure only make him kiss and suck on her neck with even more enthusiasm. Padme knows they should probably slow things down as she can feel how aroused Anakin is with evidence of his erection, but she is so turned on herself to worry about getting caught. Anakin takes his hands-off Padme hips and slowly turns her around to face him.

"Allay loo ta nuv. Allay loo ta nuv. Allay too ta nuv." Anakin sings softly to Padme while staring intensely into her eyes. His eyes are dark with lust for her.

Padme's lips are less than an inch away from meeting Anakin's. She runs her fingers through his hair. "What does allay loo tu nuv mean?" Padme asks breathlessly.

Anakin places his hand at the back of her head, his fingers gracing where the bottom of her hairline meets her neck. "Celebrate the love," Anakin whispers to Padme as he crashes his mouth onto hers in a fiery lip lock that she can feel all the way down to her lavender painted toes. Their tongues dance in their mouths mimicking the movement of their hips.

The sound of exploding fireworks peaks to a powerful crescendo, but Anakin and Padme are so lost in their passion for each other to pull away to watch. When the last of the fireworks have exploded in the sky the song finally ends. The crowd erupts in joyous cheers and applause of appreciation. Anakin and Padme finally slowly separate their lips when they realize the fireworks and music has stopped.

Padme smiles and giggles. "Guess we missed the ending."

"Do you want to get out of here?" Anakin asks quietly while rubbing Padme's back and squeezing her hips suggestively.

"Senator Amidala Skywalker and Jedi Anakin Skywalker so happy you could join us."

So caught up in the heat and delight of each other, the young couple did not notice the female halo reporter and her protocol droid camera operator starring right at them. Anakin and Padme immediately pull apart from one another. The reporter's rude interruption feels like a cold bucket of ice water dumped on both of their heads.

"You seem to be enjoying the Festival of Love. Are you on your honeymoon? Looks like you two were having a very intimate moment."

Padme picks up her bouquet of roses. "I don't think this is the time or place for an interview," Padme says.

"What about the rumors that some of Chancellor Palpatine's supporters may file a legal dispute or demand a vote in the senate regarding the explanation of his death?"

"I have heard of no such plans for any type of legal dispute or any kind of vote in the Senate."

"Chancellor Palpatine does have supporters that have made their voices heard that they don't believe he was the Sith Lord." The reporter says sticking her microphone in Padme's face.

Anakin pushes the microphone away from Padme's face with his hand. "My wife clearly stated she is not doing interviews tonight."

"Jedi Skywalker don't you think it's time you granted the halo media an interview? People want to hear your story about how you fought and killed Chancellor Palpatine?" The reporter shoves her microphone near Anakin's mouth.

Anakin shakes his head. "That's never going to happen."

"We shall see, but yes let's no longer focus on that. We're at the Festival of Love after all. Senator, your people have fallen in love with your love story. A senator and a Jedi, forbidden love it's irresistible and so juicy."

"You are overstepping your bounds. Leave now if you know what's good for you!" Anakin says raising his voice. The vein in his forehead popping out from the anger boiling up in him.

"What about you Jedi Skywalker, the man that captured the heart of our former queen and beloved senator. You defied the Jedi code all for love. Surely you have plenty to say about your love story?"

"You are invading our privacy and ruining our evening. I'd walk away now if I were you."

"But you're a Jedi. A member of the Jedi Order would never harm anyone that wasn't directly threatening them."

"I'm not like any other Jedi." Anakin lifts his arm. The reporter's protocol droid is lifted a few feet off the sandy beach. The halo cam held by the droid begins to wobble. Sparks begin to set off as Anakin slowly closes his fist. The droid loses his grip on the camera and falls on the sand. The halo cam is slowly crushed into a crumbled smoking ball of metal that weakly falls to the sand.

"Do you have any idea how much that equipment costs? We'll be sending the bill to your office senator." The reporter yells loudly.

"I find your lack of respect disturbing. Don't get in our faces ever again." Anakin says threateningly to the reporter.

The reporter looks physically shaken. She stares at what is left of the halo cam and up at Anakin. His eyes are dark and menacing. Her eyes are wide with fear. She nods and leaves.

Anakin and Padme look around and realize a large group of people has gathered to watch the uncomfortable scene including Captain Typho. Several people are holding out their comlink's and appear to be taking pictures and recording halo videos. A handful of halo reporters and their droid cameramen were also surrounding them.

"Senator Amidala Skywalker, Jedi Skywalker what happened?" Captain Typho appears before them. A dozen royal guards surround him.

"There was a very rude pushy reporter that wouldn't leave Anakin and me alone." Padme is forced to raise her voice over the loud crowd of watchers that has doubled, along with the halo press reporting on the scene.

"The halo press scum wouldn't leave us alone, so I crushed their camera with the Force," Anakin says as he takes Padme's hand. He grabs his lightsaber with his other hand but does not ignite it.

"This evening is over my love, let's go!" Anakin says and Padme walks with him as they push their way through the crowd. Captain Typho attempts to follow them.

"Senator this looks like a big mess. Is there a message you want me to send to Queen Jamillia?" Captain Typho yells over the loud rowdy party-goers.

"Thank you, Captain but no. I will contact Queen Jamillia in the morning. Right now, I think it's best if Anakin and I leave."

"As you wish my lady." Captain Typho says he watches Anakin and Padme walk away from the beach.

---

The Nubian night sky is a magnificent sight with a brilliant full moon. Anakin lands their black speeder on the lake retreat's landing platform. He Force jumps out of the speeder and runs around the vehicle to help Padme out.

"You really enjoy doing that."

"What Force jump?'

"Yeah, I'm jealous," Padme admits to her husband.

"Why?"

"It looks like such an amazing thing to experience and I'm sure it hasn't escaped you that the past few months have been challenging for me carrying these two babies."

"I know angel, but your almost at the end of it and then you will be feeling like yourself again."

"Being pregnant has been amazing, but not being able to do things like get up from the couch or sleep through the night has been tough. I'm ready for our younglings to be here already."

"If I could do anything else to ease your discomfort I would."

"I know Ani, you've been wonderful. So how did you learn how to Force jump?"

"Obi-Wan taught me. You have to channel all your awareness of the Force and you propel your body with it."

"So you decide instantaneously you want to jump? Ha, ha, that would be incredible. I'd be lucky with all this extra baby weight if I could jump a few inches off the..." Padme giggles as she begins to hop a few inches off the ground, but before she realizes what's happening, she is propelled into the air like a jet pack with powerful velocity. Just as she begins to fear for her life, she feels her body collide with a solid object. As she falls back to the ground the acceleration of her body slows down. Her heart is pounding uncontrollably in her chest as she finds herself safely in the arms of her husband.

"It's ok, my love, I've got you. Are you ok?"

Padme takes a few moments to try to catch her breath. Her hand is placed over her heart that is still beating wildly.

"What, what happened?" Padme asks breathlessly.

"I'm not sure, but somehow you Force jumped."

"But that's impossible. I've never been able to channel the Force before."

"It might be possible."

"What do you mean?" Padme asks Anakin.

"I think we need to test your blood."

Anakin starts to lean down to encourage Padme to stand, but Padme shakes her head and holds him closer.

"Ani I'm scared. I don't know if I can walk right now."

"It's ok, I'll carry you inside," Padme responds by placing a soft kiss on his lips.

Anakin holds Padme in his arms as he walks into their speeder garage. "Do you feel you can stand now angel?"

"Yes, but please hold my hand. I'm so freaked out."

Anakin takes Padme's hand and asks her to sit on the seat located near a set of computers.

"Hold out your arm Padme. I need to take a blood sample" Anakin rubs some disinfectant on the inside of Padme's arm above her elbow. He pulls from his utility belt the same contraption he used earlier to test the chak juice and makes a small prick into her skin with the device. He plugs the meter into the computer and the screen lights up with several arches of blazing red-orange. A loud buzzing sound is emitted from the computer system.

"Force, what the."

"What is it?" Padme asks.

"The reading is off the charts over 40,000. You have twice as many mid-chlorians as me. Your most definitely Force-sensitive."

"But why wouldn't I notice this before? If I am Force-sensitive, why is this showing up now?"

"Over the past few months, I've noticed some unusual abilities of yours lately. For one thing, from what I have read, most women during their pregnancy get very tired. However, throughout your pregnancy, you've only gained more energy as you get closer to delivering our babies."

"That's true, but honestly I just thought it's because I'm young and maybe fortunate that I haven't gotten run down energetically. However, feeling sore and weighed down is another story."

"But maybe you haven't felt tired for a reason? Maybe as the babies have developed and grown in your womb you've picked up on their powers?"

"I guess that's possible. But now we have a new challenge. I don't know how to control what's happening to me with these new abilities I'm developing. What are we going to do?"

"I can teach you some techniques to control your abilities with the Force."

"Do you think that will be enough?"

"I think so. As far as I know, my mother never went through any incidents where the Force put her in danger while she was pregnant with me. We can start tomorrow morning, alright?"

"Ok, but do you think there is any danger that I might Force jump while in the house? Force forbid I jump and smack my head into the ceiling."

Anakin smiled grinning and trying desperately not to laugh. "Forgive me for fighting back my laughter. You are so adorable. I think there is no chance that will happen unless you want that to happen. I believe you Force jumped because you wanted to at that moment. You even started jumping off the ground. You unknowingly called upon the Force to allow yourself to jump."

"But I never thought in my wildest dreams that would ever happen. I was just joking around when I started hopping off the ground."

"I know that my love and that's why you won't Force jump again. You won't Force jump because you don't want to do that again. I can teach you how to control your Force abilities."

"But what if our younglings Force ability grows so strong that they overpower my attempt to control it? You said that I have twice as many midi-chlorians as you."

"That you do, it's quite remarkable. As far as I'm aware you may have more midi-chlorians than any Jedi ever in known Jedi archives history."

"Wow, do you think I will have these Force abilities after I deliver the twins?"

Anakin takes her hand and kisses it. "There's no way of us knowing that until you deliver them."

Padme looks down at her belly and pats it for a few moments. She looks back up at Anakin. "Ani, maybe it's time we told the Jedi council or at the very least Obi-Wan."

"This isn't something I think would be wise to tell the council by halo. Our message could be intercepted. Palpatine has supporters. You never know who could be listening on the other end. I can send a message to Obi-Wan to his comlink. I know that is secure. Obi-Wan and I used that method of communication while I was training with him to trap and defeat Sidious."

"I think that's a very good idea. That brings me some relief. It will be interesting to hear if he has any feedback regarding all these midi-chlorians surging throughout my body."

"Those must be some very happy midi-chlorians."

Padme giggles. "You never pass up an opportunity to flirt with me."

"Nope, I definitely don't."

"So what are you going to do about it?" Padme asks flirtatiously to her husband.

"How about I run you a nice warm bubble bath? I think you could use it after the scare you've had."

"That sounds wonderful my love, thank you."

Anakin and Padme walk into the master bedroom bathroom. Anakin walks over to the large rectangular bathtub. He turns on the water and pours in some bubble bath and bath salts. The tub begins to fill up with white fluffy fragrant-smelling bubbles.

"Help me with my zipper Ani. They are so hard for me to reach."

Anakin smiles and walks over to his wife. He grabs the zipper that is located on the back of her dress and pulls it down. He helps Padme step out of her dress. She takes off her bra and Anakin holds her hand as she steps out of her panties. He continues to hold her hand as she climbs into the tub. She sits down in the tub and smiles.

Anakin takes off his shirt and sits down at the side of the tub.

"How is it?"

"Absolutely lovely, thank you."

Anakin smiles. "Good, are you feeling calmer now?"

"Yes, especially because you are going to teach me how to control these new Force abilities."

"I will and you will be fine angel." Anakin stretches and then stands up. "Well, I better go send that message to Obi-Wan."

"You're not going to join me?"

"You've been through a real scare tonight. Why don't you relax for a while and I'll get the word out to Obi-Wan."

"You can send it tomorrow morning, It's late. Hold me, I want to feel your arms around me."

Anakin nods his head and drops his comlink onto his discarded shirt on the white stone-tiled floor. He places one foot in the tub, but Padme looks confused.

"What are you doing? You still have your shorts on."

"It will be fine angel."

Padme starts giggling. "Ani don't be silly. Take off the rest of your clothes and get in here!"

Anakin steps out of the tub and onto the bathmat. "I'm trying to do the right thing here Padme. Your vulnerable right now. You have been through a big scare. I acted like a hotheaded jerk earlier tonight at the festival crushing that camera and you lost control of your body Force jumping. I do not want you to feel any pressure that something has to happen between us tonight. I am perfectly happy with just holding you."

"I want you to hold me right now in this tub."

"Yes, but we'll be naked in the tub together."

Padme starts playing with the bubbles. "You can't handle being naked in this tub with me without us getting intimate?"

"I mean I will control myself. I won't do anything you don't want. It's just that it's going to get obvious very quickly that my body has other ideas."

"Anakin, if I decide I want to get intimate with you tonight I won't make any secret about it. Now get in here right now!"

"Is that an order senator?"

"Yes, but not as a senator as your wife."

Anakin smiles, takes off his shorts and boxers. He steps into the tub. He sits behind Padme and puts his arms around her. She leans back into his chest and sighs. "Hmm, this is nice."

"Yeah, it is."

"Thank you for a beautiful day Ani."

"It was, well at least most of it."

"Can we talk about what happened back at the Festival of Love?"

"Yeah, guess we should," Anakin says to his wife.

"What was that? You Force crushing the camera? Where did that come from? Don't get me wrong that reporter was extremely irritating, but do you feel you needed to take measures that far?"

"Me losing control and losing my temper. Why can't the media leave us alone? You went through so much with those rancors on Coruscant while I was fighting in the Clone Wars with Obi-Wan. The terrible things the media published prying into our relationship and what those slimy senators said to you."

"People want to know what we're up to. They feel they know us, I guess. We are both well-known public servants. We knew if we committed to one another something like this would happen, at least from time to time. As for Palpatine's supporters possibly disputing the reason for his death and his true identity, what can we do about that?

"First off, I don't know if what that reporter was claiming is true. She might have just been cajoling me into talking. You haven't heard anything from the Senate, right?"

"No, but there has been increased talk about Palpatine's supporters stating they don't believe the Jedi Order. They claim not to believe our testimony against Palpatine or Obi-Wan's testimony. Some of Palpatine's supporters are in Coruscant prison and many more are under investigation. I think they are trying to do anything they can to avoid prison and free themselves of any further scrutiny."

"But you haven't heard anything new?"

"I have not checked my messages in a week. The senate knows I am on my honeymoon and for once they are respecting my time off. Sio Bibble our Governor and his staff have done a great job filling in for my absence. But still Ani, what if we are requested to produce solid evidence against Palpatine? What are we going to do?

"That is something I am going to have to discuss with Obi-Wan." Anakin takes a deep breath.

"I'm sure the news of my behavior at the festival is probably all over the place by now. I'll make a public statement if you think it will help."

Padme shakes her head. She turns in Anakin's arms to face him and caresses his face with her hand. "What would help would be for you to talk to me. That reporter was rude and obnoxious, but I sense there is something much deeper bothering you. What's wrong Ani?"

"I, I almost killed them."

"Who?'

"The Tuskan Raiders on Tatooine. They're like animals and I wanted to slaughter them like animals and not just the men, but the woman and children too. I hate them for what they did to mom, but I hate myself as well." He leans his head back and closes his eyes.

"Talk to me! Padme says to her husband as she rubs his shoulder.

Anakin picks his head back up to look at Padme. "What the Fortune Teller said is correct. I am stressed out. I am worried I am not going to be a good father. First, I was responsible for one new life, now I am going to be responsible for trying not to screw up two new lives, plus our marriage. So really four lives."

"Ani, where is all this coming from?"

A few tears escape Anakin's eyes. He dries his tears with the side of his hand. "I am angry and disappointed in myself. I was so close to turning to the dark side. I'm a Jedi. I know I'm better than this."

"Palpatine was trying to poison your mind and turn you to the dark side. You were being manipulated."

"Yes, but I can't just blame him. I must take responsibility for my lust for power and obsession with control in my life. I have to own up to my thoughts and actions."

"Anakin you didn't do anything wrong. You didn't hurt anyone."

"I know but I almost did. I was on a destructive path. Like I said to you on the ship leaving Mustafar, I'm a weak man Padme."

"And I told you don't talk about yourself like that because it's not true, you're not weak. To be angry is to be human. Your mother died in your arms after she was senselessly and viciously tortured. You were heartbroken and devastated when your mother died. With Sidious's influence, you were young and a little too trusting. Remember he fooled me too. He was elected Supreme Chancellor because of me. I fell right into his trap. Like I told you when we had first arrived on Naboo. I was not sure if I was ready to be queen. Now knowing the truth about Palpatine, it turns out I probably wasn't ready.

"You were a great queen, and you are a great senator. You're a selfless fearless leader and your people love you."

"Thank you, my love. Let me ask you something. What if I was up to no good and I wanted to use you? Do you think you could have resisted me trying to seduce you?"

"Don't start putting ideas in my head right now angel."

"I'm not talking about sex Anakin. What if I was trying to convince you to kill someone for me. Would you recognize that what I was asking of you was evil?"

"You would never do anything like that."

"Of course not, but what if I was trying to seduce you to do something evil? Ok, yes, what if I was using sex to manipulate you? Would you be able to resist?"

"I probably would go along with it for a while and not want to see that something was not right. I would jump into a sexual romantic relationship with you. I would not be able to resist that. I would not want to accept that you didn't care about me. But eventually, I would have to come to my senses. It would not be easy for me to accept the truth about you. You know the effect you have on me."

"You see, exactly my point. You would only want to see what you wanted to see. You'd stay in denial until you'd have to make a choice when it was undeniable that what I was asking of you was not on the light side of the Force"

"I never felt any love for Palpatine."

"You thought he was your friend, though didn't you?"

"At one time I did, he sort of acted as a mentor or grandfather figure to me."

"He knew you struggled with your relationship with the Jedi Order. He took advantage of your vulnerability."

"Yeah, I know. But that still does not change the fact that if Master Windu wasn't there with me when my mother died, I probably would have killed them all. I am ashamed of myself."

"That's something you're going to have to continue to work out within yourself."

"What if Master Windu wasn't there. What if I did kill all of them in that encampment? Would you still love me?"

"I would, I would be there for you and try to help you through your pain and suffering."

"What if I did turn to the dark side? What if I joined Palpatine as his apprentice in my desperation to save you, what then?"

"Anakin when the clones told me that you had become Darth Vader and joined Darth Sidious, my heart stopped. Just the thought of that even possibly being true made my heartache and my mind break. Honestly, I think if you had turned to the dark side it would have killed me. I don't think I could survive that. I think I would have died from a broken heart." Padme told her husband with tears in her eyes.

"So in my obsession to gain the power to save you by turning to the dark side, I might have killed you by doing just that. Thank the Force I came to my senses. Well, it was mostly Obi-Wan that helped me wake up. I hope you know Padme that you truly are the best part of me. I don't think I could survive without you."

Padme threaded her fingers through his hair. "You would survive for our children's future."

"Thank the Force that's a choice that I don't have to make, and I hope I never do. I am so in love with you Padme."

"I am so deeply in love with you Ani. You're going to have to continue to strive to forgive yourself. You can turn this around and learn from it, instead of beating yourself up."

"I will try, I must. I want to."

"I have no doubt you're going to be a great father because you have so much love to give."

"Thanks, angel, I told your dad that I will do everything I can to give you and the babies a happy safe life."

"Anakin, all I want is your love," Padme says while placing her hand on Anakin's cheek.

"I will always give you that," Anakin says in barely a whisper.

"I will always take care of you," Padme says grabbing a washcloth. She dips it in the bubbles.

"Shouldn't I be the one taking care of you, especially right now?"

"We take care of each other Ani."

Padme holds the washcloth next to Anakin's neck, it's covered in bubbles. Anakin playfully blows at the bubbles and Padme giggles. Some of the bubbles fly off the washcloth into the air. Padme begins to lightly run the washcloth over her husband's neck. The water and bubbles are refreshing for Anakin after sweating all day in the blazing heat. Padme moves the cloth onto his chest. Anakin is doing his best to not allow himself to get aroused by his wife, but it is impossible.

"Shouldn't I be the one tending to you? Your back must be really sore. We were barely off our feet all day."

Padme shakes her head. "Not right now. Let me take care of you." Padme moves the sudsy washcloth from Anakin's shoulder, up and down his arm and under it. She does the same with his other arm and then drops the cloth in the water.

She brings her hands to Anakin's head and starts messaging his skull. His eyes are locked onto hers.

"Close your eyes Anakin." Anakin closes his eyes and lets out a moan.

"Clear your mind. Listen to your heart."

"When did you turn into Master Yoda?"

"Shut up Anakin," Anakin smirks at her comeback.

"Everything is going to be fine. It is wasted energy to worry about things that have not even happened, and it's also pointless to continue to punish yourself for being human. Most people never go through in their whole life span half the challenges you have gone through at such a young age. You're a very powerful Jedi and you can sometimes see into the future, but like the fortune teller said we always have choices. We can make different decisions and change our paths in life. You made good decisions when it mattered the most. You could have been seduced by the dark, but you embraced the light. I love you with all my heart and soul. You're going to be a wonderful father. I am going to be fine and so are the babies. Whatever challenges come along we will work through them together. You're stuck with me Anakin Skywalker." Padme says messaging the back of his neck. Anakin opens his eyes and looks at her with overwhelming love.

Padme slowly moves her face towards Anakin's, and he meets her lips with his. Padme's fingers slide over the wet skin on the back of Anakin's neck and into his hairline. Anakin savors the delicious taste of Padme's lips. She parts her lips and allows Anakin's tongue to explore her warm mouth. Padme has become addicted to Anakin's tongue. She cannot resist stroking her tongue against his. He moans into her mouth when she sucks on his tongue, a move that reminds him of another erotic act that she pleasures him with that is one of his favorites.

Padme breaks their kiss climbing onto Anakin's lap doing her best to straddle him with her large belly pressing into his torso. She moves in to kiss him again, but Anakin stops her holding her beautiful face gently in his hands.

"Padme you know I always want you, but I meant what I said. We don't have to tonight. I'm perfectly happy with…"

"I want you Anakin." Padme reinforces her statement by reaching down and grabbing his erection, another part of Anakin's body she has become addicted to.

Anakin responds launching his face back to hers and capturing her mouth in a sensuous kiss. He sucks on her lips hard, and their breathing grows heavy. She moves her hand from the head down to his shaft and begins stroking him in the way she knows drives him crazy.

With a loud pop, Anakin withdraws his mouth and dives his face into his wife's neck. He takes a moment to nudge his nose against his lover's neck to take in her sweet scent, the smell of Padme. Breathing heavy Anakin places kisses on her neck. Padme tips her head back in ecstasy. A rush of exquisite heat surges through her body from the sensation of Anakin sucking the sensitive skin into his mouth and then soothing it with his tongue. With his face buried in her neck, he leaves a trail of kisses from her neck to in between her breasts. He can feel her heart beating at an excited rhythm in her chest. Unable to hold back any longer Anakin covers her nipple with his mouth. He suckles her and then strokes the pink bud with his tongue with slow licks. Padme moans as she clutches the back of his head holding him in place and Anakin moans even loader from Padme's persistent hand. The pleasure Padme is giving him is too much. Anakin buries his face in her breasts heaving oxygen into his lungs from his accelerated breathing.

"Angel if you don't stop, I'm going to." Anakin places his hand over Padme's attempting to pull her hand away from him.

Padme does not remove her hand and instead tries to find an angle for him to enter her, but it is proving to be difficult being in the bathtub and having such a large baby belly weighing her down.

Anakin pulls her toward him and runs his hands over her arms. "I'm going to turn you around beautiful." Anakin turns her body around, so her back is facing him. His back is pressed up against the tub. She lifts herself up until they line up together and she lowers herself onto him. He snaps his hips forward and she leans back into his arms. They both moan in satisfaction at the feeling of being joined together. Padme starts moving her lower body in rhythm with Anakin's hips. Shivers tingle up her spine from the feeling of Anakin's lips and tongue working on the back of her neck. Padme turns her head meeting Anakin's mouth in a searing kiss. She keeps her hand on his cheek to hold the kiss, but the position is too difficult to maintain. They give one another one last peck on the lips and smile dreamily at each other. Padme leans back into him and Anakin trails his lips from her cheek and down to her neck. He is breathing heavily into his wife's neck as he gently moves his hands over her breasts. Her entire body is on fire from Anakin's thrusts inside of her and his thumbs circling her nipples.

"Oh Anakin." Padme calls out her husband's name in rapture, but a loud buzzing sound drowns out her voice.

Anakin ignores the noise and begins to quicken the pace of his hips, but the sound continues.

"Maybe you should answer that?"

"Whoever that is has impeccable timing. Ten credits it's Obi-Wan." Anakin says in aggravation.

"Maybe it's important?"

"We're in the middle of something here angel."

Anakin's comlink continues to buzz and a red-light blinks from the device.

"Ani, just answer it."

Anakin groans in sexual frustration. He stretches out his arm and the comlink charges into his hand through the Force. Anakin looks at his comlink. Padme notices he looks surprised.

"Is everything ok? What does it say?"

"It's from Owen."

"Owen, your stepbrother?" Padme asks.

Anakin nods his head. "Cliegg is very sick. He's dying, and he wants to see us."

---

Author's Notes:

Ha, ha I know I'm a Sith to end the chapter there. What did you guys think? I know this chapter was long and I thought about splitting it into two chapters, but I loved the idea of following Anakin and Padme on their Honeymoon for an entire day in one chapter. A few details to share, Padme's hair in this chapter is a nod to Leia's hair on The Forest Moon of Endor with the Ewoks. Padme's dress is lavender. She is carrying a boy and a girl. Light blue and light pink make the color lavender. Did you enjoy the Ewok's Festival of Love, the fortune-teller who had some wise powerful words for Anakin and Padme and Padme Force jumping?

The Festival of Love – When I decided to write this story, I wanted to have a chapter where we see Anakin and Padme go out and have fun on their honeymoon. They go exploring someplace we haven't seen them visit before. I researched Naboo and discovered the oceanside city of Kaadara and the Festival of Love. The Festival of Love is a video game that is offered every Valentines' Day to Star Wars gamers and it's adorable. Gamers have been playing it for years. I also loved writing Anakin Force crushing the halo media's camera. We got a little vintage Vader dialogue at that moment.

The Fortune Teller – As far as I am aware and I have read a lot of terrific Anakin and Padme fan fiction, I don't think there has ever been a tarot card reading in an Anidala story and possibly in any Star Wars fan fiction story. The fortune-teller had a powerful message for our favorite couple. I would love to know what you guys thought of me introducing this into the story.

I will share something personal. I am a tarot card reader. I have been reading for a year and a half. I wrote the entire reading based on my knowledge and love for tarot. I decided what I wanted the message to be for Anakin and Padme and I told it through the cards. The reading also serves to move the plot forward. I am working to become a professional tarot card reader.

Padme Force Jumping – So Padme has Force abilities, but will she keep them after she gives birth to the twins? I would love to hear your thoughts on whether you think Padme would remain Force-sensitive after she gives birth. It is canon that Padme had over 40,000 midi-chlorians while she was pregnant with the twins. I listened to several videos that speculate if Padme did in fact possess some Force tendencies. I thought it would be interesting and fun to explore that in this story or possibly another one down the line.

Thank you for reading my story. Please take the time to review and let me know your thoughts and opinions. Your feedback is very much appreciated. I have some of chapter 5 written but not much. I actually have way more of chapter 6 written. It will take me some time to post chapter 5. It all depends on how quickly I can put my thoughts together on my Word doc. Stay safe everyone and thank god spring is almost here.