A/N) Here we are with Chapter 11. It was quite a struggle to write this chapter so hopefully it comes off okay even though to me it feels a little rushed. I hope people enjoy!


A Mother's Love

Eleven

Theed was in many ways like Coruscant, a busy city with traffic coming and going, freighters and shuttles arriving and leaving from the main space-port, however one main difference made it stand out away from the planet that Anakin had spent the last ten years on: Naboo was soft in appearance, with very few towering buildings, and the architecture was beautiful, made of stone and varying colours whereas Coruscant was bland in appearance due to the vastness of the city that stretched around the planet.

Naboo would always be Anakin's favourite planet. He had loved it here for the few days he had been present during the Trade Federation Blockade.

Anakin and Padmé strolled through the main plaza; a plaza of which had once been the site of a battle as the Jedi and the former Queen had fought to enter the Palace and regain control of the planet. Behind them trailed R2-D2, Padmé's loyal droid, beeping along.

"You seem very happy, Ani." She had noticed the young man grinning widely.

Anakin blushed. "I can't see how you could leave this place. It's beautiful. If I lived here I don't think I could bring myself to leave!" He sounded like an excited child.

"I doubt that…" Padmé laughed.

Shaking his head, Anakin denied it. "No, honestly, I'd stay. Out of all the planets I've seen this is by far my favourite. It's such a wonderful place: calm and peaceful, so unlike Tatooine or Coruscant." He glanced at Padmé. "When I started my training this was the one place that I could think about that made me truly happy. It was difficult for me, for that first year."

Padmé cocked her head realising what Anakin meant. "You were homesick, weren't you?" she said gently. "Despite the battle you saw here, what you saw afterwards with the parade and the unity of the people stuck with you, didn't it?"

Anakin nodded. "I was. I missed my mother and Master Obi-Wan didn't seem to understand. He never gave me the impression that he cared about me, but I was wrong. He saw that I needed help. Sorry, I'm talking about myself again, and I shouldn't. Just that…" he hesitated, "Naboo made me feel better, knowing that when I was a Knight I could come back here if I wanted to."

"Until your mother came back into your life," finished Padmé.

"Yeah," he smiled, as they strolled towards the Theed Palace. "Now I want to be on Coruscant as much as I possibly can because of her. It's been hard the last few months always constantly away but the Republic needs us and my mum is happy so I don't feel bad leaving her. Master Obi-Wan did something for me that I never thought could happen. He convinced the Council to allow me to have my mother in my life. I think it has made all the difference to who I am as a person."

"Sometimes people come along that can change the foundation of a long-standing Order," explained Padmé. "I understand that Jedi aren't allowed to love but the changes that I have heard about that have been implemented appear to be doing good to the Order. The public's view of the Jedi is very different now to what it was only a few years ago."

Anakin frowned. "I thought the public were fond of the Jedi?"

"Some are and some aren't. The fact that the Order took young children from their parents and allowed no contact with them was taken to be mean in spirit. The Jedi do wonderful things," said Padmé carefully, "but there will always be those who feel that the Jedi just mercilessly take any child, despite the fact it is the parent's decision. Your mother chose to let you go even though she was stuck as a slave. Some parents choose that because they want a better life for their child and the Jedi can offer them that."

"And has opinion changed since the Council authorised contact to parents?" questioned Anakin.

"Mostly. As I said there will always be detractors against the Order. You can't please everyone," Padmé explained.

They were now walking past a fountain in the centre of the plaza, and Padmé found herself receiving nods and smiles from citizens alike as they recognised their beloved Senator. She took her time to smile in return and to answer what they said to her; Anakin looked on in amusement.

As they reached the large brooding doors that led into the Queen's palace, Anakin turned to Padmé, and asked: "Your people really love you, don't they?"

"I'm just doing my job, to protect my people, and to set a good example," she responded lightly.

"Did you always want to be a politician?" grinned Anakin as they stepped into the palace and began to walk down the marble halls.

Padmé laughed out loud, sending a shiver down Anakin's spine. The sound of her laughter was intoxicating to him. "No, that was the last thing I thought of being. My dream was to work in the Refugee Relief Movement which is a far cry from running for elected office. I loved to study history and the more I read of our history, and the galaxy's, the more I understood the good that politicians could do. I joined the Apprentice Legislators when I was eight, which is like making a formal announcement that you are entering public service here on Naboo. I quickly progressed to becoming a Senatorial Adviser, and I went about my duties with such passion that before I knew it, I was elected Queen."

Anakin was impressed: Padmé's dedication to duty showed that she was a truly remarkable woman. He couldn't have chosen anyone better to fall in love with.

"I scored really high on my education certificate which appealed to my people: it helped them to trust me and that I knew what I was doing even though when I took office I didn't feel confident at all."

"From what I saw you looked it," said Anakin, remembering the strong young girl that had successfully led a liberation of her planet.

A heart-warming smile crossed her face. "It was an act, Ani. I didn't feel in control at all. But I had to do that otherwise I wouldn't be able to free my world. My ascent to the throne became about due to also my conviction that reform was possible. The people of Naboo embraced that dream wholeheartedly, so that my age was barely an issue during my campaign."

"Were you the youngest queen?" Anakin couldn't imagine taking on such a responsibility so young.

Padmé shook her head. "No, I wasn't, but looking back on my terms now, I'm not sure that I was old enough or if I was ready…" She bit her lip.

"The people you served thought you did a good job." He swallowed remembering a news announcement on the holonet about Padmé's election to the position of Senator and that had included a small nugget of information that proved that the woman he loved had indeed been exceedingly popular with the people of Naboo. "They tried to amend the constitution so that you could stay in office."

Padmé shook her head. "They did but that isn't democracy and I am passionate about that. The people may want certain things but it doesn't give them what they need. I was relieved when my two terms were up as were my parents! They worried for me during the blockade and couldn't wait for me to return to a normal life." She blushed as she said the following words. "I was hoping to have a family by now…"

A slight smile formed on Anakin's face. Padmé wanted a family. He wanted to be the one to give that to her but he couldn't and it hurt him that his duty as a Jedi was keeping him away from that. She was staring at him in wonderment.

"What?" he asked, surprised at the depth he saw within her eyes and how open she seemed to be to him.

"It's nothing," whispered Padmé. "Just dreams that I had that I can't do until my duty as a Senator is complete. When I'm thirty I am retiring from politics to focus on what I want for a change." She lifted her chin. "The crisis with the Separatists cannot go on that long, surely?"

"I hope so," replied Anakin, "but I haven't been on Coruscant much to really understand the full implications behind planets leaving the Republic."

"Well then," grinned Padmé as they reached another set of marble doors, "perhaps this meeting with the Queen, Anakin Skywalker, will enlighten your knowledge about the Republic's situation."

Dutifully, Padmé opened the doors and stepped into a large hall, Anakin following behind.


For two hours Anakin and Padmé stayed in the company of the Queen; Anakin learning more about the state between the Republic and the Separatists. When they had finished their meeting they had made their way to Padmé's parent's house where they had spent the night, so that her parents and her sister could see her. Anakin had been honest and explained to Padmé's father that his daughter was in danger but he was there to protect her and that his Master Obi-Wan was tracking down the assassins.

The following day, Padmé and Anakin packed their bags once again and headed out to the Lake Country, a place of calm serenity offering quiet and protection.

Now they walked slowly around the isle Padmé had chosen for her sanctuary; it was small and idyllic, quiet and peaceful. The water shimmered in the bright sunlight as they looked out from the walkway. Stopping by a balustrade, Padmé and Anakin stared out into beautiful Nabooian country.

"I never got to see this place last time," Anakin remarked as he leaned out next to Padmé. "I've been to many planets during the course of my Jedi studies but I have barely seen water so clear… clear enough that you can see the mountains reflected in them."

Padmé smiled. "We used to come here for school retreat." She pointed out to another island in the distance. "See that island? We used to swim there every day. I love the water."

"I do too," admitted Anakin, "I grew up on a planet where water was sparse. The sand… there was too much sand. Course and rough, irritating and getting in everywhere, but here its fine and smooth to the touch." Without knowing what he was doing, Anakin had reached out and was stroking Padmé's bare arm.

The dress she wore exposed her body in a way that was causing Anakin to lose control. He couldn't help himself despite the sane part in his mind telling him to stop. He pulled his fingers away, feeling ashamed that he had lost control. "I'm sorry…" he whispered, stepping away from Padmé and breathing heavily.

"Anakin?" Padmé turned away from the view and looked at the tormented young man behind her.

"I shouldn't have done that… I can't let myself become attached to you… I can't fall in love with you further then I already am because of my promise… I can't. Not yet." He looked up at her finally. "Padmé, I don't know if you even feel that way about me but…"

She stepped closer and raised a hand to his lips. "Shh." She could see how tormented he was by the mere action of stroking her arm. "It's alright."

Submerged into the current of the Force, Anakin attempted to calm his raging emotions but as he did so he felt Padmé's electrifying presence and he sensed her uncertainty but also love… love for him radiated from her and he gasped, stumbling back a bit more as his head told him that she felt the same as him.

Anakin swallowed. "I…I have to go."

And he turned and ran back along the pathway. Padmé slowly followed behind, wishing she could do something about her own feelings too, but her duties as a Senator were far too important for her to indulge in a relationship.

The Republic was at the brink of war, she couldn't put aside what she had worked for to allow herself to fall in love with someone who simply could not love because of the Order he was a part of. It wouldn't work, and she'd have to let him down quietly, no matter how much it hurt her inside to do so.


The next week was uncomfortable for them both. Padmé tried her best to not entice Anakin's feelings for her but with the hot weather gracing the Lake Country, the only clothes she could wear were ones that helped her keep cool. Anakin kept an eye on her, watching for any danger, whilst trying to stop himself from succumbing to his feelings.

They spent time in the waterfall park where Padmé regaled him with tales of her childhood and listening to his own stories of his Jedi training. She learnt more about how Obi-Wan had freed Shmi Skywalker to and was very glad that Anakin had his mother in his life. She remembered seeing him curled up in her starship, afraid and lost in a strange new world as a nine year old. Now this boy was a man, a powerful man.

The more she watched him the more she felt her own feelings grow for him. He was the type of man she wanted in her life: strong, kind and caring, considerate of her every need but didn't hold her back. If Anakin wasn't a Jedi and if she wasn't a Senator they'd suit each other…

Their chosen paths made it impossible for them to commit to one another.

And that saddened her because Padmé felt that they were meant to be.


Two weeks had passed since they had arrived on Naboo.

Anakin had noticed Padmé's hesitation around him and he could feel that she was fighting her own battle against her feelings. How had he not realised her feelings for him before? Was it because his love for her had drowned out that connection that they shared?

Anakin shook his head and sat back on the sofa, the fire roaring away in the centre of the room, warming it up. He closed his eyes and sought his inner soul, trying to explore his feelings and wants for the future. But he couldn't settle.

"Anakin?"

His eyes snapped open and he saw Padmé standing in the door frame, dressed in a simple black dress with a choker wrapped lightly around her soft neck. He swallowed as burning desire rushed through him. Was she doing this deliberately? To entice him? He hoped not.

"Padmé? What is it?" he answered.

"I think we need to talk," she replied hesitantly, walking forward and sitting down next to Anakin on the sofa, facing him, her hands on her lap.

Anakin sat up. He felt unsure. "I can't change how I feel about you."

"I know. If you weren't a Jedi… And I wasn't a Senator…" she trailed off.

He understood what she meant. "We'd be free to follow our love if we weren't who we are now. We might not have met otherwise."

Anakin nodded silently. The promise that he had made to his mother haunted him. "Not everything is possible. I know my duty as a Jedi." He reached forward and took Padmé's hands in his own. "I won't always be a Jedi. I have a destiny that I must fulfil and when that is done I will leave the Order… if you can wait for me… We can be together, if you truly feel for me the way I sense you do." There was anguish in his voice, he was feeling tormented by the conflicting emotions he could sense within her.

"Anakin…" Padmé hesitated. She wasn't sure of what to do.

"Please, Padmé, you don't have to answer now," he beseeched her, "just think about it and tell me when you have decided."

She could only agree to that and they sat in silence.


"You're worried aren't you?" As ever Mari was very perceptive. The years she had worked with Shmi had given her an intimate knowledge of the woman. Shmi worked longer hours when her son was out on a mission compared to when he was on Coruscant. Despite having a husband and daughter to look after, Shmi's continued worry for Anakin never went away.

It had got worse since the news of the Separatist movement which was gaining prominence with every passing day.

"Anakin has been gone for a month," she said, "I hope he's alright."

Mari smiled gently. "I'm sure he is. He's an intelligent young man."

"But a month for a protection mission?" queried Shmi. "Isn't that lasting too long?" She knew that Obi-Wan had been trailing the assassins but surely he would have uncovered something by now that would allow Anakin to return to Coruscant? "Never mind, I'm sure he'll be home soon."

She hoped.


Padmé hadn't answered Anakin yet and he didn't mind. He knew it was a hard decision to make. He didn't wish to push her into anything she didn't want. They had carried on with their retreat, waiting for the news they needed so that they could return to Coruscant. Padmé was still hoping that she'd be back in time for the vote. But as days went by the date drew closer to that all-important date.

Despite the fact it was slightly awkward between the two considering their feelings for one another they continued to live life, exploring the surrounding areas and getting to know one another even more. Padmé was delighted to learn about Anakin's extended family and she was thrilled that Shmi had found a better life.

Padmé found it a marvel that it had been Obi-Wan who had orchestrated it all and she could see the gratefulness Anakin harboured for his Master. The young boy she had known had become a fine and honourable man.

As they walked along the beach, their fingers barely entwining, Anakin stopped.

And then he grunted.

And fell.

"MASTER!"

Padmé whirled. "Anakin!" She knelt down beside him, as the young man bent over, holding a hand to his stomach. "What is it?" she asked desperately.

Anakin panted, his eyes squinting shut. "It's Obi-Wan," he stuttered. "Our bond is very powerful… because we are so far away from one another I haven't felt him but just now…" he grunted, "he's being hurt, Padmé, I can feel his pain!" A look of intense fear came across his face; the colour of his skin completely white.

He gripped her arms hard. "I have to know what's going on! Please, forgive me!" He raced off towards the retreat that they were staying in, Padmé close at his heels.


"I shouldn't be doing this," Anakin explained as he punched in a priority code to the Jedi Temple. "I should only contact if I have need to, but I have to know what's happened to Obi-Wan. If the Council don't know then I have to tell them…"

Padmé rubbed his back soothingly. "I understand, Ani." She didn't know what it was like to suddenly feel the pain of someone you love but the way Anakin had reacted made her realise that it would have been a terrible shock.

I hope Obi-Wan is alright for Anakin's sake…

"Windu here."

"Master Windu," Anakin bowed before the hologram on the table. "I apologise for contacting you out of need but I felt Master Obi-Wan in pain. I didn't know whether you knew what had happened to him…"

"You felt his pain?" Mace Windu, one of the most composed Jedi of the Order was hard to surprise.

Anakin nodded. "I did."

"This is unexpected, Skywalker," Windu admitted. "We are aware of the situation. Kenobi sent us a message. He tracked the bounty hunter to Kamino where an army was being built for the Republic –"

"WHAT?" Padmé exclaimed.

Anakin glared at her but Windu continued as if he hadn't been interrupted.

"- he then followed the bounty hunter to Geonosis where he found the leaders of the Separatist cause. Nute Gunray is behind the assassination attempts on yourself, Senator, paid for by Count Dooku. Obi-Wan presence was discovered because during his message he was shot and presumably captured. He is still alive as we all sense him in the Force." The Jedi Master looked to Padmé. "Unfortunately due to the confirmation that the Separatists are building an army to launch against the Republic, the Senate has voted in favour of the creation of an army. We are going to war. And we are leaving for Geonosis shortly to rescue Obi-Wan."

"I can help, Master," said Anakin intently.

"No, we need you to continue to protect the Senator at all costs. We will handle Count Dooku," ordered Windu.

Anakin swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yes Master. I will stay here and protect the Senator." Even though that wasn't what he wanted to do.

"Good, Windu out."


It was a few hours later that Shmi was preparing to depart the Temple when she received a visitor: one of the Jedi Master's she had become friendly with over the years. Adi Gallia had become a staunch supporter and close friend of hers, being one of the few Jedi that had attended her wedding to Darec.

"Adi, what brings you down here?" She had been gathering her belongings in the staff room.

"I thought to bring word to you regarding a situation that could become quite volatile during the next few months. The Separatists have declared war on the Republic."

Shmi gasped. What did this mean? "But I thought negotiations were still on-going…" she remembered.

Adi inclined her head. "Unfortunately the Separatists have captured a Jedi. By capturing him and sentencing him to death they are making war on the Republic. We are leaving in one standard hour to go to his rescue."

It couldn't be Anakin who needed rescuing could it?

Adi seemed to sense where her thoughts were leading her and gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "Anakin is fine. He is still on Naboo with Senator Amidala. The Jedi we are in need of rescuing is Obi-Wan Kenobi. He tracked the assassins and got caught in the process. Unfortunately he has fallen into the hands of some very nasty individuals."

Shmi swallowed. Obi-Wan was like a father to her son, she considered him family. "It might not have been best to tell me that…"

"It is better you know the truth that you could lose someone you love today," answered Adi calmly.

Shmi couldn't argue with that logic since everyone knew how grateful she was to Obi-Wan for freeing her from slavery in the first place.


Padmé stared at the young man she had fallen in love with, hardly daring to believe what he had said. "How can you leave the man that is training you in the hands of the Separatists?"

Anakin sighed, his hand covering his face as he sat slowly down onto the co-pilots chair. "Because if I go after him I'm breaking my promise to protect you. I can't let you rush off into danger, especially to the people that harbour your attempted killers! Geez, Padmé, I love Obi-Wan like a father, but I can't simply disobey orders because I want to. Part of being a Jedi is letting go of your attachments." He looked at her, begging for her to understand. "One day soon Obi-Wan and I will part ways but if I go rushing off to rescue him now I risk losing both of you, and I don't want that Padmé."

She sat stunned at his admission. She understood where he was coming from but Obi-Wan was her friend too. She couldn't leave him. Turning away from the young Jedi, Padmé started to jog across the room, ignoring the tug of her dress against her legs. She would change and leave immediately, regardless of what Anakin had been ordered to do. He had his orders and she would see him follow them while still going to rescue the man that was as dear to him as his mother was.

"Padmé?"

"I'm sorry Anakin, but I can't do what you are trying to do. We have to help. And…" she looked over her shoulder at him slyly, "if you want to protect me you will have to come along."

To be continued...

Please let me know what you think!

Okay... so what do we know? Anakin is still trying to keep to his promise, but the difference here is that Anakin is asking Padmé to wait for him because of his duty. Secondly, the time-line for how long they were on Naboo I don't think was laid out so I decided to stretch it out over a period of a month, this takes into account hyperspace travel and the entirety of Obi-Wan's investigation. I don't think its unreasonable to assume that it could have lasted that long... Thirdly, Anakin was not needed to transmit Obi-Wan's message, that is explained in the next chapter. Fourthly, I'm assuming for Obi-Wan to be captured originally he was injured and because I've made a point of making sure Anakin and Obi-Wan's bond is strong, I think it is reasonable Anakin would feel if Obi-Wan got hurt which is why he is alerted to it straight away.

And so the end of this chapter brings us into the final part of Episode II.

The next chapter deals with the battle of Geonosis, duel with Dooku and the start of the Clone Wars. I'm still writing that chapter but its nearly completed so it will be posted next Saturday.

-the-writer1988-