Anakin but also not?!

Back on Coruscant, Emperor Anakin Skywalker embraced the dual roles of ruler and reformer. The Empire, under his steady hand, was evolving into a beacon of fairness and justice, a far cry from the oppressive regime it could have been.

His first decree outlawed slavery across the galaxy, including the often-overlooked Outer Rim. Enforcement was swift and uncompromising. Fleets of droids, clones, and loyal officers were dispatched to dismantle the remnants of the trade, liberating countless lives. Anakin's vision of a galaxy free from chains was becoming a reality, and the people adored him for it.

Coruscant itself transformed under his watchful eye. The once-divided planet, where the lower levels languished in darkness, now thrived with shared prosperity. Artificial suns illuminated the depths, and infrastructure projects turned desolation into flourishing communities. It wasn't long before citizens began pushing for a law to name Anakin "Emperor for Life."

Anakin, however, rejected the idea with a smirk. "Retirement sounds pretty good, actually. You're not locking me into this forever, no matter how tempting." His humility only endeared him further to the people.

Amid his duties, Anakin devoted himself to Padmé, driven by a desire to know her not as the icon of his memories, but as the woman she truly was. With the galaxy in a state of relative peace, he found time for dates and quiet moments with his wife.

Whether it was moonlit dinners on Coruscant's restored balconies, exploring Naboo's lakeside retreats, or simple evenings spent reminiscing, Anakin charmed Padmé with every word and gesture. His affection was genuine, his attention unwavering.

To Padmé, her husband seemed revitalized, a mix of the passionate Jedi Knight she married and something more—wise, playful, and deeply thoughtful. Their nights together became moments of intense intimacy and connection, where they found refuge in each other's arms. Anakin, ever mindful of their privacy, ensured that no sound or disturbance escaped their quarters, employing every technological and Force-based measure available.

Even as he indulged in personal joys, Anakin remained steadfast in his broader mission. The Galactic Empire under his leadership was becoming a true force for good. Clean-up operations extended far beyond Coruscant, reaching Outer Rim planets long abandoned by the Republic.

The reforms spread hope, and the galaxy responded in kind. Sectors once ruled by despair now thrived under Anakin's guiding hand. He had crafted a government that worked for the people, not against them.

One evening, as Anakin meditated on his progress, the Force spoke to him again. It wasn't a voice, but a pull—familiar and insistent. The call was from Mortis. Unlike before, it wasn't the beings of the mysterious realm summoning him. It was the planet itself, its will resonating deep within him.

Anakin knew he couldn't ignore this. He contacted Yoda and Obi-Wan, asking them to meet him in orbit above Dagobah.

"Be ready," he told them. "I'll meet you there. You'll know when."

The Jedi Masters, though puzzled by his cryptic instructions, trusted him implicitly and made their way to the designated point.

Before leaving, Anakin spent his last hours engaging in a surprisingly intense staring contest with Luke and Leia. The twins, barely toddlers, were already displaying a mix of stubbornness and charm that melted Anakin's heart.

"You're going to blink first," he teased, locking eyes with Luke, whose determined expression mirrored his own.

Leia let out a tiny giggle, but her resolve didn't waver. Anakin matched her defiance with a grin, refusing to look away. Padmé, drawn by the commotion, joined in, laughing as she tried to outlast her family.

In the end, it was Padmé who blinked first, groaning in defeat as she leaned against Anakin. "You're impossible," she said, pouting.

Anakin smirked. "You married me, Senator."

Their laughter filled the room, a precious moment of warmth before his departure. He kissed Padmé deeply, savoring the connection. She grinned as they pulled apart. "Come back soon, Ani. The galaxy may need its Emperor, but I need my husband."

He smiled and nodded. "You know the plans. If I'm delayed, you'll keep everything on track."

Donning his black Emperor robes, Anakin prepared to leave. He gave Padmé one last look, then turned to the twins, giving each of them a kiss on the forehead.

"Be good for your mother," he said softly, his voice filled with affection.

With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and reached out with the Force. In an instant, he vanished, the air where he stood shimmering faintly.

Yoda and Obi-Wan stood aboard their small starship, gazing out at the swirling stars beyond Dagobah's orbit. Suddenly, a flicker of energy filled the room, and Anakin materialized before them, his robes billowing slightly from the momentum.

Obi-Wan blinked. "You've got to teach me that."

Anakin chuckled. "Maybe later. Let's go."

As the ship entered hyperspace, the three Jedi sat in silence, each reflecting on the journey ahead. Mortis awaited, and with it, the next chapter of Anakin's destiny.

AN: Spacefold Anakin goes brrrr.