One Last Encounter

AUTHOR: Abigail

SUMMARY: There was only one way that Anakin and Padme could have stayed together…Twists the plot from RotS.

CHAPTER 4: Meddlesome

RATING: M

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything that was created by George Lucas.

NOTE: Whew! Saw RotS for the third time today. YES! It always seems to get better, yet more depressing and heart wrenching at the same time. . Anyhoo…here's my next chapter. I'm somewhat at a halting point in this story and I'm not quite sure where I should go. Someone holler if you have any ideas.

Anakin paced back and forth in the ship, his hands running through his hair. What am I doing? I can't believe I'm letting Padme do this. Yet he did. After talking for 10 minutes, they discussed what had to be done. The two of them knew that soon their whereabouts would be questioned. The Jedi Council, what was left of it, would know what Anakin had done and would be coming after the two of them. It was only a matter of time before Padme and himself were the two most wanted beings in the Empire. Anakin also knew that we would have to confront the Chancellor soon, something that he was beginning to regret.

Although his loyalties still remained to his Master, he started to feel like Palpatine was holding him back from his true potential. Anakin felt like he could be so much more. Padme and him could rule the galaxy if they wanted. He was that strong. But his Master was a large barrier. Just as Obi-Wan is. Obi-Wan… Another meddlesome person that needed to be taken care of…

If Anakin was correct, Padme would be talking to Obi-Wan right now….

Padme's hurried steps were silent on the ash covered bridge. The violent eruptions from earlier had passed and a great calm lay over Mustafar. Only the low rumble of the lava river below could be heard. She silently made her way towards Obi-Wan's ship, where the platform had already come down, with Obi-Wan's figure appearing at the base of the plank. He hurried toward her, a look of concern on his face.

"Where have you been, Padme?" he questioned, thoroughly worried. "C-3PO said that you left suddenly, without telling where you were going. He and I were lucky enough to trace your ship here. Why are you on Mustafar?" Padme reached for his hand and grasped it tightly in her own.

"There's no need to worry, Obi-Wan. I came her looking for Anakin. But it seems that he's already left. I'm worried about him, ever since what you told me…" A small tear traveled its way down Padme's cheek. She lightly brushed it away, turning away from Obi-Wan, quietly sobbing to herself. Obi-Wan reached out towards her and brought her into his embrace.

"My dear Padme. I'm so sorry. I will do everything I can to help you find him, but I cannot guarantee his state of mind. What I have told you is true, about what he's done," Obi-Wan said affectionately. Padme looked up at him, her blue eyes watery with tears.

"I know. I guess I've know all along. I still love him though. No matter what…" Padme tried to continue but she began to cry again, leaning her head against Obi-Wan's shoulder. He patted her back and whispered calming words to Padme, but nothing seemed to help.

She pulled away from him and looked back into his worried and sympathetic gaze. "Obi-Wan, would you mind taking me home? I don't think I could get there myself," she whispered sadly, tears still streaking down her face.

"Of course Padme. I'll have C-3PO meet us there. No more talk of your worries. Let us hurry back." Obi-Wan offered her his hand, and she took it willingly, leaning against him as they walked toward her ship. They had nearly reached the entrance when the door began to open, slowly revealing a dark figure at the top of the ramp. Obi-Wan retreated back, pulling out his light saber and activating it. Padme released his arm and moved off to the side.

"Stand back, Padme. It appears you had a visitor waiting on your ship for you," Obi-Wan said, ready to attack whoever it was that was lurking on Padme's ship. Padme walked towards Obi-Wan, her hood now covering her face once again.

"I fear you are wrong, Master Kenobi. It is you, who are the visitor." Obi-Wan's surprised face turned towards Padme's concealed one. Before he could speak another word, his head suddenly turned toward the descending figure whose menacing steps sounded horrifically familiar. The hooded figure stopped at the base of the ramp, turned toward Padme, and silently bowed. Obi-Wan's confusion flooded his mind, keeping the force from warning him of what was coming next.

Without moving a step, the dark figure turned to Obi-Wan and pulled out a light saber, which shone a blazing blue when activated. They brought the weapon up until it vertically crossed their face. Once again, they bowed, but this time towards Obi-Wan. They stood up again and lifted their face, revealing their identity. Obi-Wan was not surprised when his gaze met that of Anakin Skywalker's, his young apprentice.