Palpatine was sitting on the throne in his throne room, with anger evident in his eyes.

A sadder, wiser, yet still evil Tyrannus was standing near him, at the foot of the stairs on his left side.

His hands were both mechanical, and were covered by black gloves.

Sidious snarled, "With Skywalker lost to us, and on the side of the rebels, the Empire's position will be at stake."

Tyrannus said, "I shall defend the Empire with my life, my Lord."

Sidious snarled, "See to it that you do. I have spared you for a reason after all."

Tyrannus asked, "What about the remaining inquisitors?"
Sidious said, "We shall need them. We have lost some to death, and Barriss Offee has betrayed us and joined Skywalker and Tano."

He then turned to him and said, "You were right in having reservations about him training Tano, it clearly made him even more determined to oppose me and reject the dark side, but you, even though I gave Skywalker permission to kill you, you are still dedicated to the dark side, and to the Empire. Your loyalty is commendable."

Just then, an aide rushed into the room crying out, "Your majesty, a transmission is being broadcast across the galaxy!"

Sidious snarled, "Show me at once."

He was shown a holo device on which something live was being displayed, and Sidious let out a cry of rage when he saw the hologram of Anakin Skywalker who was standing on what seemed to be a podium.


Meanwhile, on Yavin Four, in one of the huge abandoned temples…

Anakin was standing on a stage in a huge hall, in front of a podium, facing the assembled clones of his rebellion. The 501st was facing him, and outside assembled nearby, were the other legions that had joined him.

Anakin cried out, holding his right arm in front of him as if flexing his muscle, his mechanical hand closed into a fist, "People of the galaxy, Darth Vader is dead! I am Jedi Knight and General Anakin Skywalker, whom some of you may remember as the hero of Naboo and student of Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi!"

He continued, "Palpatine, your emperor is a Sith. He engineered the war for his own gains, he framed me and used me for his selfish needs, and I have proof."

Meanwhile, on Palpatine's own end, he could see the screen suddenly showing a recording.

Palpatine, his face not yet deformed was putting up a hood and speaking with Vader who was at that time wearing his suit.

Palpatine said, "The time is coming. I have arranged for the Separatists to kidnap me from my office. You will arrive with the rescue team and eliminate Grievous. Then soon, the galaxy will be ours to rule."

Darth Vader responded, "Yes my master, and soon, I shall have Mace Windu's head. But what of Darth Tyrannus?"

Palpatine said, "Dooku shall be useful for us. When the time comes, he will surrender himself publicly, while actually joining us physically. We are all on the same side after all, and the rule of two shall no longer be needed."

Suddenly, the scenario shifted to another recording with Palpatine, Dooku and Senator Orn Free Taa.

Palpatine was saying, "Remember Tyrannus, we must prepare our forces more quickly than before."

Tyaranus replied, "It can and will be done my lord."

Orn Free Taa asked, "But what of Anakin Skywalker?"

Palpatine replied, "Aurra Sing shall be useful here. Once the senators on our list are finished off, or the assassin I have hired is captured before, Aurra Sing shall eliminate her and frame Skywalker."

Orn Free Taa cried out elatedly, "And then we'll sentence him to death! Excellent my Lord!"

The recording ended and the scene shifted back to Anakin.

Meanwhile on Yavin Four, Plo Koon who was standing with some clones said, "I found that one in Orn Free Taa's office."

Commander Wolffe who was standing next to him said, "Good thing you did Sir."

Anakin cried out, "Palpatine is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, who rules as a tyrant over you and will exploit you. I wish to bring him to justice. I was framed, I was his prisoner, tricked into being his slave! He tried to have my mother killed and lied to me that the Jedi killed her, but Obi Wan Kenobi saved both her and me. Padmé Amidala is also alive and is with us. Both she and Kenobi saved me from Sidious' grip. And today, I stand with you to announce, Darth Vader is dead, and Anakin Skywalker is alive. Let us stand and fight together for justice and freedom!"

And the clones, and people all over the galaxy who were watching the broadcast cheered, even as Palpatine let out a roar of rage and destroyed the device.

And on Yavin Four, Anakin stood straight and announced, "My most loyal men, to your stations."

And the 501st began to march out through a side entrance, facing Anakin and saluting him even as he saluted them back.

Padmé who was standing nearby came over and said, "That was a wonderful speech Anakin. Quite dramatic if I might say."

In response, Anakin spun Padmé in his arms and said, "I couldn't have done any of this without you."

Just then, there came a shout, "Three cheers for Generals Skywalker and Amidala!"

Anakin and Padmé looked down to see Rex and Fives crying out for them.

And the rest of the 501st cried out, "HIP HIP HURRAY!"

And Obi Wan who was standing nearby said softly, "The poster couple of the rebellion. A lovely sight indeed."

And there came a whisper, "The entire 212th knows about us. You got the same treatment when you tried to kiss me yesterday when we arrived."

And just then, Commander Cody cried out, "Three cheers for Generals Kenobi and Kryze!"

And the color drained from Obi Wan's face and he groaned, "Oh no," even as his own men nearby cried out, "HIP HIP HURRAY!"


A few days later on Alderaan…

Padmé was nervous even as Sola and Dormé were adorning her hair with flowers.

Sola said, "Padmé, there's no need to be so nervous."

Padmé said, "I know, but this is something."

It really was something huge.

For she wasn't marrying just anyone.

This was to be the first wedding of a Jedi Knight in centuries.

And not just any Jedi Knight, but the Chosen One himself, one who had been through darkness and had now come back to the light.

Meanwhile, in another room, Anakin was fidgeting nervously in his dark brown Jedi robes even as Obi Wan was examining him to make sure everything was perfect.

"Anakin," Obi Wan gently chided, "Stop fidgeting. It won't help you."

Anakin said, "I know, but I'm so nervous. You're not the one getting married today."

Obi Wan said, "Not today for me, but soon. I proposed to Satine last night."

Anakin asked, "What did she say?"

Obi Wan replied, "She was all for it."

Sometime later, on a balcony overlooking the mountains of Aldera City, the wedding guests and host were standing, awaiting the wedding couple.

On one side, there stood Anakin's family, his mother, Cliegg, Owen and Beru, C3PO who was saying, "I can't believe it, but my maker is getting married to yours. I think we are going to have a wonderful time together, Artoo. I'm sure of it."

Artoo beeped cheerfully in response.

Standing with them were members of the surviving Jedi and their loved ones, Shaak Ti and her adopted son Han Solo, Aayla Secura and her boyfriend Commander Bly, Barriss Offee and Luminara Unduli, Plo Koon and Commander Wolffe, Commander Rex and Captain Fives, and the adopted son of Anakin and Padmé, Boba Fett Skywalker.

On the other side, there stood members of Padmé's family and her friends, Jobal, Darred and his children Ryoo and Pooja who kept on saying, "Where are Auntie Soka and Auntie Padmé?", Bail and his wife Breha and their adopted daughter Mara Jade Organa, Mon Mothma, Garm Bel Iblis, Jamillia, Sio Bibble and Gregor Typho.

And standing with Anakin's family were the rest of the Jedi survivors.

And standing on the stage which was on the balcony, was Yoda in the center, and Anakin on Yoda's left side of the stage with Obi Wan standing behind him as his best man, both in their Jedi robes.

And then, there came the bridal procession down the hallway.

Padmé was in the front, in a beautiful white wedding dress, being escorted by Ruwee, followed by Ahsoka who was her maid of honor, Sola who was her matron of honor, and a few handmaidens including Dormé.

Anakin could not help feeling excited when he saw Padmé in all her glory, stepping onto the stage.

Soon, Anakin and Padmé were facing each other, and Yoda was standing in between as the priest on a stool, given his small height.

Yoda spoke, "Come together we have, to witness the first wedding of a Jedi Knight in centuries, yes. Yet, the first wedding ever with the blessing of the order, this is not. A time there was, when allowed, marriage was. Changed, times did when consumed by the dark side, a young padawan was, owing to attachment to an evil Sith. Changed again, times have now. Love it was, that saved young Skywalker from the clutches of the Sith, a mother's love, a brother's love, and the love of Padmé Amidala it was that brought Skywalker back to the light, and destroyed Darth Vader. If any objection, one has, speak now, he or she must, or forever hold their silence."

There was only silence, a respectful silence. Even some of the critical ones like Oppo Rancisis nodded their heads in respect.

Shmi smiled at her son, even as a tear rolled its way down her cheek.

Yoda then turned to Anakin and said, "Young Anakin Skywalker, take Padmé Amidala to be your lawfully wedded wife, do you, and promise to stand by her until one with the force, she becomes?"

Anakin replied, "I do."

Turning to Padmé, he said, "Young Padmé Amidala, take Anakin Skywalker to be your lawfully wedded husband, do you, and promise to stand by him until one with the force, he becomes?"

Padmé replied, "I do."

Yoda said, "If, anything else you wish to say, now say it you may."

Anakin looked at Padmé deeply and said, "Padmé, I don't know how to say this, but from the time I met you on Tatooine, I always loved you. You have always been an angel to me from the time we met. Even now, I can't believe I even had the… audacity to say the least, to torture you and imprison you like a criminal when I was Vader, and you are one person capable of seeing good in people like me. If it hadn't been for you, my life would have been nothing but anger, hatred and grief. You brought me back 'From Darkness To Light', and I promise that I will always love you, in this life and beyond."

Padmé held Anakin's hands and spoke, "When I first met you, you were a sweet little boy who was always willing to risk your life to do the right thing. I was distraught when you were framed and I couldn't do anything against Palpatine to free you. I was horrified when you took off that mask and showed me who you were, but as I spent more time with you, I understood more and more of you. Part of me was already in love with you from the time you saved me from Ventress. And when you swore you would never treat Ahsoka like Palpatine treated you, I was filled with awe at how much you cared for her, and afterwards, I knew I was in love with you. After that, I knew that I could never leave you and let you sink in darkness. I love you for who you are, for the good person you were before and now have become. You are my Knight and I promise to always love you, in this life and even beyond."

Yoda then held their hands and declared, "With the blessings of the force, declare you married, I do. Kiss the bride you may."

And Anakin and Padmé kissed, causing the audience to cheer and Ryoo, Pooja and Mara covering their eyes, and Han looking down and making a face, much to Shaak Ti's amusement, and Boba standing unsure of what to do, with a baffled look on his face.

Anakin and Padmé held each other's hands and looked at the beauty outside, with the setting sun in all its glory.

Soon, their sun would set, and a new war would begin.

But this time, it was to be a war for righteousness, fought by the newly formed Rebel Alliance.


THE END