A/n- Wow this is my last author's note on this story! I have spent over four years writing this fanfic and I have seen how it grew and turned into the kind of story I wanted to create. Thank you for all the reviews for this story, I would love to hit a hundred reviews by the time this is read. I have enjoyed reading every review and comment made. Thank you for all the support!

- Gp

Chapter 24

( Anakin’s POV-Death Star- Yelona Month 8 - Day 30. Year: 2 ABY)

Our blades clash together, again and again. Luke lowers his weapon and then kicks me down the staircase. I use the force to aid in my landing, and land with a loud “ thud”, sucking in air while landing on my ass.

Palpatine calls to Luke, “ Good, let the hate flow through you.”

I stand to my feet and Luke watches me from above. He wears a gallant smirk as I disengage my lightsaber. I begin to walk back up the steps towards my son and he says, “ You are getting old father.”

I shake my head and frown, “ I will not fight you, son.”

I step up on the last steps and meet his gaze. “ You are unwise to lower your defenses!” Luke calls out to me, and I have just a knick of time to keep his light saber from tearing through my chest. Our blades meet in a lower “V” shape and he has me walking back towards the stairs once again. I use the back of my heels to trace where the edge of each new step is. I climb them and meet every one of Luke’s parries and attacks. I edge towards my left and the hissing and moaning of our clashed sabers can be heard throughout the room. I edge towards twin holocrons and use the force to backflip onto the second story in the room. I stand there watching my son below me and I can feel his conflict. He does not want to kill me, in fact he probably doesn’t have it in him.

I give him a side smirk and suggest, “ Your thoughts betray you son, I can feel the conflict.”

Luke grimaces, barking, “ There is no conflict!”

I walk along the railway and state, keeping my eyes locked on him. “ You couldn’t kill me before, and I don’t think you can now.”

He arms himself and says, “ You underestimate the power of the dark side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny.”

His arm throws his lightsaber and I duck as it sears through the pipes holding together the railing. I slide off the railing and back onto the floor. I hear Palpatine snicker, “ Good, good.”

I hide myself behind one of the columns as I listen for any movement from Luke’s footsteps. They draw nearer to me and I listen to him call, “ You cannot hide forever, father.”

“ I will not fight you,” I murmur back.

“ Give yourself to the dark side, it is the only way you can save our family,” Luke says back.”

I close my eyes and calm my breathing, “ You must fight me, isn’t that right father?”

He laughs and I swallow hard. “ Isn’t that your destiny? To bring balance to the force? If you will not turn, then I will begin picking off every member of the Skywalker line. Perhaps I’ll even start with Annika…”

“ NO!” I shout out and charge at him, anger surging through my veins. This is what he wants, then he should be careful what he wishes for!

I charge at him and he unsteadily defends my parries and attacks. Our blades clash as I move him back towards the opening. I use a side kick and he falls onto his knees. I arm myself, ready to dismember his head. I breath heavily and Papaltine snaps, “ Good, now fulfill your destiny. Kill him and take your place at my side.”

Luke’s eyes widen and I turn back to Palpatine, the man who took everything away from me. I turn back to my son and his eyes meet mine, they express weakness and regret for not killing me first.

I turn back to the Emperor and throw my lightsaber off to the side, “ Never. I should have said this twenty-years ago, but I was weak. I am a Jedi and always shall be.”

“ So be it Jedi,” Palpatine says, “ If you will not turn then you will be destroyed.”

His hands come up and I can feel the lightning I’ve felt so many times before hit me. I fall onto my side and scream in pain. It is a thousandths times more than the regular lighting I’ve been hit by. My body withers involuntarily. My eyes turn to Luke’s and I call out to him, “ Luke please-”

I scream in agony and wither, while Palpatine uses his lightening on me. “ Luke please!”

My voice pleads with him.

His eyes downcast, and I can see the regret and guilt. I wither and then I hear a shrill.

My eyes widen to see Padme’ standing behind Palpatine with her lightsaber seared into his back. He trembles and laughs and then uses the force to shove her out of the way.

“ Mother!” Luke shouts, he ignites his own brilliant sithly blade and lunges it into Palpatine’s chest.

Palpatine quivers and then uses the force to ignite his own blade. It sears through Luke’s own chest before I can react. Palpatine collapses onto the ground, with his saber in his hand. It pulls out of Luke, and he falls to the floor. Padme’ and I both scramble for him. He shudders and Padme’ presses her hand onto his cheek.

“ Oh please Luke-” She sobs.

I press a hand to his wound and look upon my dying son. I know there is nothing I can offer him but peace.

“ I’m sor-ry father. I failed you,” He whispers.

I shake my head and utter, “ No, you have not failed me. Luke you must live- you have a family of your own to look after.”

Padme’s eyes widen and she glances up at me and I shrug. I glance back down at Luke and he whispers, “ Do-me a favor….”

Padme’ nods and says, “ Anything son.”

Luke grips his lightsaber and suggests, “ Give this to my son or daughter when they are old- enough- train- them-in the ways of the force.”

I swallow hard and try not to cry. I am his father, but a man who must stay strong for his family. I grasp the saber and whisper, “ It would be an honor.”

His breathing becomes shallow and he says to Padme’, “ Mom- tell my sisters’ that I’m sorry for what I’ve don-e.”

She chokes onto her sobs and utters, “ I will, but no matter what you have done you are still our son and we love you.”

He smiles at the both of us and whispers, “ And tell- Mara I’m- sorry- I couldn’t be there-”

I cut him off, “ You will be.”

He smiles and says, “ May the force be with you-”

His eyes close once more and Padme’ leans over me and sobs into my chest.

Our son is dead.

( Mara Jade- Endor, ewok village- Yelona Month 8 - Day 30. Year: 2 ABY)

The fire burns my eyes, and the smell of brunt flesh fills the air. It is not an overwhelming smell, but my heart aches the truth. Lord Tranis- no Luke is gone. He died to save us all. I sigh and silently allow a free tear to fall. I rub my flat stomach, I won’t be showing for another three months, but I already know my child will be strong, like his father. He’s already there within my very being and a part of both Luke and I, but will be raised in the light just as Luke wanted. This is his destiny.

I feel a hand reach for my shoulder and my eyes land on Anakin. His expression is sad and I can understand his pain for the loss he and Padme’ feel. Their son is gone and with him one less force user left in the universe. I peer back at the flames and stare into them, pits of sadden hell, but a celebration for the Alliance. The Empire is not finished with them yet. This is just another battle that they can place on their victory belt, until a treaty is signed with the government of the Empire and the alliance there will be no peace. I will do what I can to help, but my aid will be limited amount due to me expecting.

I smile softly and feel through the force Anakin’s conflict. I murmur softly, “ You will have to face their judgment in the coming days you realize this.”

His eyes turn back to the flames and he whispers, “ I am fully aware of my actions and will follow through with their judgment.”

My eyes dart to his and I suggest, “ They will put you to death, you are aware of this?”

He does not flinch upon my words, yet I sense the longing he wishes for: peace and a life with his JedI lover. I pat his shoulder and utter, “ You should go to her, be with her while you still have the time.”

He grins slightly with his lips on one side still sideways, and says, “ I believe your right. I have much to celebrate and grieve over.”

( Padme’s POV- Endor, ewok village- Yelona Month 8 - Day 31 Year: 2 ABY)

I shudder from the chill of the room temperature. The morning sun has not arisen yet, but I know it won’t linger for long. The celebrations have lasted most of the night, and I believe it is near five in the morning. My children are sleeping quietly and/or have passed out from exhaustion over the last few days events. I rub my arms thinking about the next weeks and months ahead. The Alliance will meet back at the first of the next month, in seven standard days, after the Harvest Day. This is not going to be easy for any of us. No one can expect the Empire to loosen their reins once there is a treaty signed and even that will take time. They must fall under the distinction of whoever is in line for the title of Emperor. Luke was killed in battle and who is in line after him? Mara? I sigh heavily thinking about the last few hours of my life.

I murdered a woman who was like my sister.

The alliance has brought the Empire to its knees by killing the Emperor.

My son was killed by his hands.

Tears threaten to return to my eyes as I watch the night sky thin and the beginning rays of sunlight return to the sky; to start another morning and day. The first morning I know in my heart, where my son is dead. I clasp my hands to my face and sob into them. My shoulders bob and I feel the heavy tension and weight upon me release.

“ Shhh- c’mon here,” soothes my best friend’s voice.

His hands turn my body in towards him and I lean my head onto his chest, sobbing violently in his chest. Anakin could be sentenced to death in the next few days. I could lose him just like I lost our son. This thought sends more raking sobs through my chest and Anakin does not budge. He holds me there as I release my anger and grief. When I feel as if I cannot cry any longer and my eyes feel dry and cannot bear to shed another tear, I look up at him. His eyes hold mine and he wipes my saturated cheeks with his hand. I can feel myself calming down underneath his gaze, the calming waters of his eyes. He stares back and then I pull him in, wanting to kiss his mouth, to hold him tight like we use to do- before the Empire- when he was Vader- and now.

His lips respond back and I kiss him over and over, short and breathless kisses to his lips. I push him back towards the wall and cot in the room, remembering to loosen his belt and begin to wriggle my hands to his pants. His hands respond and we reach the cot and his hands halt my workings for a mere few seconds. I protest with a groan and he cups my face in his hands. My eyes meet his and he asks, “ Is this what you want?”

I respond with a moan and whisper, “ Anakin, this may be the last time we make love. You might die-”

His finger presses my lips together so he breaks off my words. His says simply and softly, “ I know, but we haven’t been together since I was Vader- and I-”

It is my turn to cut him off with a kiss to his lips. He moans and shoves me back lightly, not to hurt me. “ Padme’- I don’t think now is the right time.”

My eyes widen and I take a step back away from him. I stare him down and know what he means. He didn’t want to hurt me again, especially with the circumstances surrounding his fate in the next few days. I step forward and press him down onto the cot, knowing it could be hurtful and a stabbing pain for us to open our old wounds once again. But I would do that for him- I just know I love him even after everything he has done…..

I cup his face and his hand glides over mine. “ Anakin, I love you and nothing has ever been easy for us, but all that matters I see now is that I loved you through it all.”

His eyes search mine uneasily. This isn’t unproblematic for him either, he may die within the next two weeks. I kiss him hard on the mouth and then whisper against his lips, “ For once it is just about us. Let us have at least that.”

He gulps and lightly kisses my lips and I begin my proceedings before his halting…..

( Anakin’s POV- Main Alliance Ship- Enroot to Coruscant, Relona Month 9- Day 1 Year: 2 ABY)

The cuffs are snug against my wrists as I am led through the main hallway to the bridge. This is where I will receive my sentencing, which will probably in all fairness end my life. The two soldiers stand next to me on the right and then left, in case I make any attempts of escaping again. My eyes flicker in front of me and onto Momn Monthma, and the rest of the alliances’ leaders, including my daughters; Leia and Leena. Leia stands next to her sister and grasps her shoulder, she is as eager to get through this day as I am.

Mon Monthma begins her speech as she turns to the alliance leaders, “ We have at our grasp the general and right hand man of the Empire. Darth Vader is an abomination in the eyes of the former Republic and a traitor to the Alliance. Read the charges, Captain Skywalker.”

All eyes are on Leia as her hands tremble but her voice is strong, “ Lord Vader of the Empire is charged with impersonating a commanding officer of the alliance, the destruction of Hoth, Naboo, Tatootine, Kashyakk, and other worlds alike. You are charged with murdering innocent lives without consequences in the third degree of murder. You are charged with the destruction of the Jedi temple and murdering of the entire Jedi Order.”

Mon Monthma’s eyes fall on me and they narrow, “ How do you plead Lord Vader?”

I shrug and reply, “ I am clearly guilty in your eyes so why don’t we just get on with the execution.”

Admiral Ackbar approaches me an snaps, “ You do not feel any remorse of your actions?”

I stare them both down and reply, “ Yes I surly do, but this farce of a trial should be done and over with, everyone in this room knows I am guilty of treason, and for that I should be executed.”

Mon Monthma places her hand up to signal for attention, “ In light of your actions we have found a solution that does not require your death Commander Skywalker.”

My eyes widen as she approaches me and suggests, “ You have saved us all and for that I believe we can make a compromise.”

I lift my eyebrow and reply, “ What do you suggest?”

Admiral Ackbar continues her babbling and says, “ We want the restore the Republic as our form of government and we cannot do this without signing a treaty with the rightful heir to the Empire’s throne.”

I narrow my eyes and ask, “ Excuse me?”

He sighs and says, “ You were the Emperor as of Paplatine’s death, he left the Empire under your control if anything should have happened to him.”

I am flabbergasted if I sign a treaty with the Alliance they are going to just let me walk freely? Leia chuckles and announces, “ Of course he’ll take it! Father say yes!”

A smile breaks out onto my face as relief washes through me. “ Yes, yes I believe we have reached compromise, I have one request though.”

Mon Momnthma sighs and asks, “ And that is?”

My grin widens as I announce, “ That I am in charge of the rebuilding and resettling of the Jedi temple.”

She nods her head and says, “ I believe we can arrange for that.”

(Padme’s POV- Lake Retreat, Naboo , Relona Month 9- Day 4 Year: 2 ABY)

It has been more than twenty years since I have step foot onto this planet. Twenty-two to be exact. And here in this city shall my former friend’s resting place be, here the former Queen of Naboo and Senator during the Clone wars shall be laid to rest. Anakin is at my side, holding my hand as we lean against the railway of the palace. I rest my head on his left shoulder and whisper, “ This place is the same. I remember the last time we were here with Sabe’.”

His hand squeezes my own and then he utters, “ Yes I remember- Padme’ you did what you had to do to defend yourself.”

My head droops to eye the craved stone of the balcony. I had done what I had to do?! I murdered someone- someone who befriended me from the beginning, she gave me every reason to trust her. I protected her daughter for her! And she died at my hands. My eyes tear up as they have over the last two weeks. I shudder and choke back a sob and utter to Anakin, “ I-- murdered a dear friend of mine. Anakin I am no better than-”

“ Me?” His voice echoes softly over my own. The wind carries it and my soul can feel his answer.

His right hand reaches out for my chin and he lifts my eyes to meet his. His eyes hold grief over his wife. He had loved her dearly and I took her away from him. He says sternly, “ You helped ease her pain. Padme’ she became who she was today because of me, not because you were defending your own life. If anyone killed her, it is me. I killed our love long ago because I was trying to save her, and in the end I lost her anyway.”

I sob and lean against him for support. His arms wrap around me and I can hear a soft sob coming from him as well. I wrap my arms tighter around him and we stand here,

grieving for our lost friend. Moments pass and then I allow myself time to wipe my tears as well as Anakin’s. He looks away and out at the beautiful Lake view. My eyes tear away from watching him and I stare out at the wondrous azure and emerald waters. I hear the chink of the urn and my eyes turn to watch Anakin opening it up, I touch his hands lightly and whisper, “ We should free her together.”

I take his left hand and dip both of our hands into the ashes of our friend and his beloved. The ashes cup into our hands and we both take a part of it and throw it into the wind. The dark soot blows far out and drops into the lake. Anakin takes the whole urn and throws the entire urn into the lake and says, “ You’re free now Sabe’. You’re finally free of me.”

“ And what of me? Am I free of you as well?” I whisper, keeping my eyes locked onto him.

His blue eyes stare me down and he says, “ If that is what you want, but after the other night, I thought-”

I press a finger to his lips and smirk, “ This is what I want Anakin, my choice hasn’t changed over twenty-something years, you’re still the one I want.”

He smiles down at me and his lips press to mine. I know we can make a future with our children and our grandchildren. I believe this is what I’ve wanted all along- happiness and splendor.

“ What do you think we’ll do now?” He whispers against my lips.

I shrug and before I kiss him, I whisper, “ We’ll figure it out, we always do.”

The End