Author's Note: Disclaimers can be found in Chapter 1. Thanks to CrystalKenobi for reviewing. – vraie-rose
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"No," Padme said. She sat completely turned away from Obi-Wan, gazing out on the city from her window-seat. "We've had this conversation before, and it's ended the same way every time. I will not allow the twins to be separated either from me or from each other."
Obi-Wan sighed, in a very tired manner. "Padme, remember to keep your voice down. They would require some sort of explanation."
"Then I would tell them that Ben is paranoid and thinks it would be better if the family lived apart for a while, but that I would not allow them, ever, to be taken from me, so they don't need to worry at all."
"Padme, you're not even being reasonable. Every year, they get a year older, and we have this argument again. But your argument gets weaker every year, and mine gets stronger. Sooner or later you'll have to give in. I'm only afraid that by then it will be too late for the twins. Please, Padme, reconsider."
Padme was silent for a very long time. Finally, Obi-Wan went over to her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Padme?"
She turned her head slightly, and he could see, to his surprise, tears in her eyes. She had so far been the fierce mother-protector of the twins, ever since they were born. "This past year, I've been watching them carefully, and they're growing up so quickly. Leia especially…she reminds me of myself at that age…except with an added precocity in the Force."
"And that's what endangering them," Obi-Wan pressed. "Their precocity in the Force, most especially Leia's precocity in the Force. I haven't taught the girl a thing, and yet she has already realized the existence of the twin-bond, how to use it, and its significance. She uses the Force as if it was as natural as breathing.
"Padme, you know I'm shielding her from Vader's Force sense. But that only guards against her normal, day-to-day uses of it. I live in constant fear that Vader will be near when she one day taps into it farther than ever before, bursting past my Force shield and bringing Vader down upon us."
"Jedi aren't supposed to feel fear," Padme said idly.
His grip on her shoulder tightened in pain, then he took his hand away. She looked up to see him fighting pain. "I am one of the only Jedi left, that Vader hasn't killed," he offered in explanation. "It is bittersweet, to hear the Code thrown at me; it reminds me of all that we have lost…But you are right. That is why I fight the fear. But fear can also be a warning, and it is warning me that we are not long safe here."
"They're four!" It was Padme's last plea, Obi-Wan could feel it. He felt like a cad for what he was demanding of her, but he knew it was the only way.
"Let me take Luke with me to Tattoine and have Owen & Beru raise him. Vader will never willingly revisit that planet, and I promise you that I will not train him until he is ready for the danger."
"You certainly have this thought out," Padme said, running her finger along the window pane. He wasn't sure if there was bitterness in her voice or if she was simply stating a fact. Suddenly she raised her face again. "Wait – why are you taking Luke? You just said a minute ago that Leia is the dangerously strong one, Leia the one Vader will feel."
"Leia is the twin more closely in tune with the Force, true. She is also the one more in control of the twin-bond. When I take Luke, I must sever the Force bond and put a Force-hampering shield around the twin that remains with you. I feel that it will be easier for her to recover from the psychological damage that will cause, if she is here with you. She will be in great pain, and she is more likely to make a full recovery under the influence of her beloved mother, than under that of scolding annoying Ben. Also, Luke looks so much like his father, that the more isolated he is, the better.
He sighed. "And this won't make much sense to you, but I've seen a vision of us – Luke and I – on Tattoine together."
"But visions like that are only visions of what the future could be."
He smiled a little at her lecturing him on the nuances of the Force. "I just feel that Luke is the one whom I should take."
She seemed to be taking it in, accepting it. "My little Luke…" she said in a whisper, fighting back tears. Obi-Wan felt uncomfortable. Jedi training did not usually teach one how to deal with crying females, especially those who had been the wife of your Padawan.
"Mommy?" Luke was in the doorway. "Leia said…"
"Come here, Luke," Obi-Wan said gently. Luke came obediently. Padme turned and gathered him into her arms, burying her face in his small shoulder. For a four-year-old, Luke was very small. His baby-look was enhanced by the long curls his mother insisted on leaving long.
Obi-Wan moved toward the bedroom. "I'll get his things," he said softly.
Padme raised her head in shock, and hugged Luke closer to her. At that moment, Obi-Wan thought, she looked very young. "Today?" she whispered.
"It's better to get it over with," he said, and slipped into the bedroom the twins shared.
Seconds later he reappeared. "Padme, Leia's gone." He didn't even try to get the apprehension out of his voice.
Luke's head came up. "I was tryin' to tell you. Leia just woke me up in my head and sayed "I on a spaceship, Lukie! I in space! It's Cool!"