Hello, and thank you for reading Different Lives. As you read this, please note that there are mature themes, (swearing, strong sexual content, violence, etc), so read with caution. The first chapter is short because it's more of an introduction, the other chapters will be longer. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy this story!

Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine, and I have no rights to the Star Wars franchise. This is just a fanfiction.

Naboo, Medical Unit

"We must split them up."

Padmè sat quietly on her medical cot, absorbing the news Obi-Wan had just told her. In her hands she held her children, Luke and Leia. Tears formed in her eyes as looked down at her twins. "Padmè," Obi-Wan said quietly. "It's the only way to keep them safe from Vader." Padmè remained quiet, and focused on her children. Leia carried her brown hair and dark eyes, well Luke had Anakin's blonde locks and blue eyes. They were such beautiful kids.

"How..." Padmè whispered, her voice fleshed with pain. "How can I do that, Obi-Wan? How can I just...abandon one of them?"

Obi-Wan gave her a pitiful smile. "It won't be like that, Padmè. You know one of them will grow knowing of you, of your kindness. Of your fight for the rebellion."

Once again, Padmè remained quiet. "Vader will take them and yourself if he learns of their existence." Obi-Wan said softly. "They are strong in the Force. He will train them to become Sith."

Padmè sucked in her breath and closed her eyes. Sith. A lifeless, cruel position her children could possibly carry if she didn't act. She didn't want that for them. She already lost her husband to the dark side, she refused to loose her twins as well. Opening her eyes, she set a determined, but heartbroken look on her face. "Leia will go to my family, home on Naboo. My family...They won't know of my existence. They must believe I'm dead," Padmè said flatly, and Obi-Wan nodded stilly. "I will go with Luke to Tatooine. Anakin hates that planet, I know he'll never go back. I'm sure Owen and Beru would help us, and if not...I'll make my own living."

Obi-Wan sighed. "I will accompany you and Luke to Tatooine. I will stay away, but remain on the planet to protect you both," He paused. "I got in contact with Ahsoka. She is safe, and said she will be up for anything to protect you and the twins. I will ask her to stay here on Naboo and watch over Leia."

Padmè widened her eyes. "What was her...Her reaction? Ahsoka's? To Anakin and I?"

Obi-Wan managed a smile. "Oh, Padmè. She knew long before the rest of us did."

Padmè didn't even have time to be shocked. Instead she looked down at Leia, the tears returning. "When do you have to take her to my family?"

Obi-Wan frowned. "Tomorrow would be the safest," He stood up slowly, and placed one hand on Padmè's shoulder. "I'm going to get in contact with your family now. I'll tell them...I'll tell them that you've passed, and that Leia is your only child who needs care. I'll contact Ahsoka as well."

As Kenobi left the room, Padmè stayed still, tears now spilling down her cheeks, knowing that this would be one of the last times the twins would be together. Pain ached her heart. Choosing Leia to go to Naboo hurt her, and it would be a pain that she would feel for the rest of her life. But she had to be strong. For Luke.

Soon Padmè was kissing her beautiful daughter on the head goodbye. This is the last time I will ever see her, she thought painfully. Ahsoka placed her hand on Padmè's shoulder. Obi-Wan contacted Ahsoka, and she showed up on Coruscant in an instant. She was no longer a child, now a grown woman, a Jedi Knight.

"Thank you, Ahsoka. Thank you so much. I am forever in your debt," Padmè said, and Ahsoka smiled faintly.

"Anything for you, Padmè."

Padmè smiled meekly, and then looked down at Leia in her arms. Her chocolate eyes were wide open. "Goodbye, my sweet Leia," Padmè whispered, her voice breaking on every word. "I...I love you so much." Planting a long kiss on her head, Padmè handed the infant to Ahsoka, who smiled down upon the baby.

"I'll notify the both of you once I arrive on Naboo," Ahsoka said, then looked at Padmè. "May the Force be with both of you." Then, the young Jedi was gone, leaving a heartbroken ex-Senator and a broken Master of a dead cause behind her.

Padmè collapsed in Obi-Wan's arms, crying profusely. "It'll be okay, Padmè...It'll be okay..." He whispered. But somehow he wasn't sure if it all would be.

Days later, Padmè, Obi-Wan, and baby Luke arrived on the sandy, hot planet. Padmè wrinkled her nose thinking of the sour memories she had from this place. Oh, well, she thought, this is home now, better start treating it like it. Obi-Wan bought a used speeder at a sketchy market, and soon the three were off, racing through the sand. Padmè managed to admire the beautiful sunset, which was splashed with red, blood orange, and yellow. Padmè sighed. She missed Leia fiercely, and felt terrible guilt about telling her family she was dead. But she had to. Her main purpose was Luke and Leia now.

Soon they arrived at the small home of Owen and Beru. Beru raced outside, embracing Padmè tightly, rubbing her back like she was a child. "Thank you for taking us in," Padmè whispered. Beru laughed painfully. "No 'thank you's', you are family now, it is Owen and I's honor to be with you and Luke."

After having a long talk with Owen, Beru, and Obi-Wan, the Jedi stood up and walked Padmè outside. The two embraced. "Padmè, I will be watching over you four. Anything you need, and I mean anything, never hesitate to contact me." Padmè nodded slowly.

As the Jedi began to walk back to the speeder, he was stopped by a halting question. "Obi-Wan? What happened to Anakin?"

Kenobi stayed silent for a couple moments, then turned to face Padmè. The pain and heartbreak in his eyes was all she needed to know.

Far Off in The Galaxy-The Devastator

Darth Vader balanced on his newly robotic knees, bowing down to his Master, Emperor Sidious. Every part of Vader's new mechanical body ached in fierce pain. Every movement he made resulted in agony. "Vader, I am very pleased with the work you've done," Sidious said. "You have proven yourself to be a worthy apprentice."

Vader dipped his head down. "Thank you, my Master."

Sidious studied Vader slowly. "I sense..Unease inside you, Vader. Speak of this."

Vader was quiet for a moment, thinking of how he should express himself to his Master. "I am still saddened over Padmè and my child's death, your Excellency."

Sidious looked suprised. "Still?"

Anger stirred in Vader's stomach. Did Sidious really believe he could forget his beautiful, smart wife in a matter of weeks? Of course Vader still grieved for her. Oh, how he longed to run his hands through her dark, curly hair, and touch her soft skin. But of course, Vader never could see her again. His Padmè was gone, dead. It's what he deserved, anyways.

Vader toddled upwards onto his feet. "Never mind, Master. I will put the thoughts of her out of my brain."

Sidious nodded. "That would be best. After all, you killed her."

Those were the last words that Darth Sidous, the galaxy's former Emperor, would ever utter. The old, wrinkly man lay dead on the floor, his former apprentice's lightsaber strike so powerful and quick that he didn't even have time to raise his hand. And as Darth Vader left his old Master's thrown room, he managed a broken, pitiful smile. The galaxy had a new ruler, and things were about to change.

End of Chapter One

Thank you for reading. Chapter two is up, and it will be longer. This chapter was more of a set-up and an introduction to the format of the story. Vader will have surgery that will make him look exactly how he once was, so this is the only chapter he will be michanical in. There are other changes to the story, and these will all be written and explained at the top of each chapter so you don't forget. I estimate Different Lives will be 15-20 chapters. I hope you enjoy the story

-shortygirlwriter