Mustafar

Epilogue

“The prophecy has been fulfilled,” stated one authoritative voice.

“He has much to atone for,” added another.

“And that process had already begun,” came yet another voice.

“Will it continue? Does he have the fortitude to continue?” a skeptical Jedi Master asked.

A Jedi Master who had not expressed herself as of yet nodded her head, “Yes, he has proven his remorse and learned that life is a precious gift.”

“Masters, his penance has been decided,” Qui-Gon Jinn stated. “In time, the Force will come back to him.”

 

Dazed, Anakin opened his eyes and stared in wonderment at the scenery around him. “Am I back on Naboo?” he quietly asked himself. The greenery all around, the scent in the air, and the sound of waterfalls nearby nearly convinced the Jedi that he was back home. But then he recalled Palpatine, his one time mentor and friend, and the battle they had fought. He knew the Sith Lord was dead and that his life was now no longer his own.

“Am – I…within the Force?” he asked even though he was alone.

Suddenly a hand touched the young man’s shoulder from behind. “Yes, Anakin, you are where you should be.”

The Jedi knew that voice and slowly turned around. “Master Jinn,” he respectfully said and bowed.

“Greetings, my apprentice, although you have grown beyond such a position,” the Jedi Master replied.

“Indeed you have,” Master Windu added as he approached.

“The galaxy is grateful for your triumph,” the beautiful Jedi Master Adi Gallia said as she joined the group that was forming.

“But your reparation is not over,” Ki-Adi Mundi stated as he filled an open position of the circle that was taking shape around the Jedi Knight.

Kit Fisto now approached and took his place among his fellow Masters within the circle. “The circle will soon be complete.”

Anakin slowly turned, transfixed by the Jedi Masters all around him – each of them one with the Force.

Master Jinn spoke up. “The future is unclear but you have taken the first steps to make amends for your transgressions. Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker it has been decided that you may return to your corporeal form but your Force powers will no longer be a part of you.”

Anakin stood stunned. He had been prepared to give his life to the Force once he defeated Darth Sidious, but this was not what he expected. “H-how? I don’t understand. You said I had to give my life for my children.”

Master Jinn nodded and replied, “As Master Mundi said, your reparation is not over.”

Anakin was mystified and euphoric at the same time. “But the Force – it’s always been a part of me. What will I do?”

Master Gallia stepped forward and walked up to the confused Jedi. “Anakin, you have done a great deed, but you now must experience a new life. You will go back to your family and teach your children about the Force, and support Padmé in the Senate. She will be a great leader.” Adi gave him a smile and then went back to her place within the circle.

“It is done,” Qui-Gon ordered. “May the Force be with you.”

************************************************************

Anakin turned his head, moaning something Paddy couldn’t understand and then awoke. Dazed, he glanced around as water sprayed his face.

“Wh-where am I?”

Paddy looked back over his shoulder. “That must’ve been some dream.”

“Dream?”

“Mmmhmm,” was all Paddy said before he turned back around to steer the skiff as it soared across the lake.

“Naboo!” Anakin shouted excitedly and scrambled to his feet. Shielding his eyes with his hand, he could see the Lake Country retreat coming into view. “Home,” he jubilantly said.

 

Padmé stood waiting as the skiff pulled up to the dock, the excitement on her face barely contained. To see her husband coming back to her unharmed gave her an enormous amount of relief and happiness. She knew from the HoloNews that the Emperor was dead, but nothing of the final battle itself.

“Oh Anakin,” she exclaimed, rushing to embrace him just as his feet touched the stone path next to the water. “You’re safe!” she hurriedly said as one hand touched his face.

“I told you I’d always come back for you, my love.”

Paddy moved the skiff away from the dock as the lovers held each other tightly. A few minutes later, he glanced back and smiled wryly at the couple who were now walking away. His facial features shimmered and changed, leaving Qui-Gon Jinn standing there instead.

“Welcome home, Anakin,” the Jedi Master remarked and then disappeared.

************************************************************

3 years later

A solitary figure clad in a dark hooded robe briskly strode up the walkway, his features indistinguishable but not exactly unfamiliar.

Standing at the window in the main living area looking out, little Luke seemed to be watching for someone when he suddenly squealed in glee. He recognized the approaching Jedi and ran out to greet him.

“Uncle Obi, Uncle Obi!” he shrieked.

Obi-Wan Kenobi threw back the hood of his Jedi robe and smiled brightly. He spread his arms wide and Luke happily jumped into them.

“How did you know it was me and not your father, little one?” the Jedi Master inquisitively asked.

“The Force told me!” Luke stated proudly. “Where’s father?”

“Coming along,” Anakin replied as he walked up and joined them. “I can’t beat Obi-Wan up here all the time,” he said with a wink.

“Daddddyyy!” screamed another voice as Leia charged out of the door and ran toward her father.

Using the Force to propel her, Leia jumped and flew into Anakin’s awaiting arms.

“There’s my girl!” he proudly declared.

“Mommy’s waiting on the ver-an-da,” Leia informed them, struggling with the pronunciation of the word.

“We mustn’t keep the Supreme Chancellor waiting,” Obi-Wan remarked, looking at his friend.

“Are you reading my mind again?” Anakin asked with a laugh.

“After last time?” the Jedi Master replied, his eyes wide. “No thank you!”

 

The foursome walked along idly talking until they reached the veranda where Padmé was waiting. She turned as they approached, smiling from ear to ear, and held her arms out wide. Luke and Leia needed no further prodding as they jumped down and rushed into their mother’s embrace.

“And how is my lovely wife on this glorious day?” Anakin asked as he walked up to her.

“I’ll be happier when my husband extends a proper greeting,” she mischievously replied.

“Miss me?” he retorted with a roguish grin.

“Come you two, let’s give your parents a few moments alone,” Obi-Wan advised as he walked toward Padmé and held out a hand for each twin. “Let’s go see what goodies we can find in the kitchen.”

“Wheeeeee!” exclaimed both children as each of them grasped their uncle’s hand.

After the trio disappeared into the house, Anakin stepped closer to his wife, his arms instantly enveloping her. “I missed you too,” he whispered in her ear.

“I’m relieved your mission was successful. Your adjustment continually impresses me,” she said as she held him tightly.

“Thank you, Madame Chancellor.”

Padmé pulled her head back to look him in the eye, her expression becoming more serious. “For you to be without the Force… You have accomplished a great deal in the last few years, my love, and I’m so proud of you!”

Anakin never lost his boyish grin as exhibited by the present look upon his face. “And I’m proud of you, leader of the New Republic.”

Cupping her chin in his hand, he bent his head toward hers, their lips touching in a tender kiss. Padmé’s arms tightened around her husband as the kiss elevated to one of more passion and longing. It was during this kiss that a sensation – barely discernible – came into being. As it gradually grew in magnitude, Anakin suddenly became aware of it as he began to recognize a particular feeling. Something he hadn’t felt in a long time and thought he never would again.

As if moving in slow motion, he pulled back from Padmé, his eyes wide in anticipation and then his adrenaline began to surge through his body at light speed.

Padmé’s own eyes opened fully as she stepped back and witnessed an incandescent field beginning to form around Anakin. Her hands instantly covered her mouth as tears formed in her eyes. She knew it could only mean one thing.

Smiling brightly, Anakin held out his arms, closed his eyes and tilted his head back. The warm rays of the sun caressed his face as the luminous outline around him intensified.

In spite of the powerful radiance, Padmé did not look away. She couldn’t even if she wanted to – something within her mind insisted she bear witness to this event. She watched awestruck as Anakin rose off the ground and tiny pinpricks of sparkling light mingled with the blue and white glow surrounding him.

And then she heard a voice, barely above a whisper say, “The Force will be with you…always.”

 

The Force had come home to the Chosen One.

 

Finis