Disclaimer: Star Wars and all associated characters, plotlines, and worlds (good and bad) are property and copyright © of George Lucas (aka The Richest Man in Hollywood). This is purely for fan entertainment only.

Also a warning… this fanfic is rated MA for adult themes. I have also officially crossed over into "Obidala land"… in other words, if you're offended or otherwise do not like the pairing between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, then please don't read further to spare yourself the irritation. Otherwise, enjoy!

This Chapter is dedicated to the couple people that have been dedicatedly reading as quickly as I can put it out and then reviewing the whole way- the handful of you know who you are. I have enjoyed this story immensely and could not have done it without this support and encouragement!

Chapter 17 – The Japor Snippet

Padmé's heart raced as she made a quick attempt to digest everything that had just gone on, and try her best to kick her survival instincts into high gear. She had little to go on- much of what had befallen between the former Master and Apprentice had been mental, through their old Force connection acquired during training. She had not learned anything from their verbal exchange, but had not been surprised to see the fight come to blows.

She had understood the tension that had gone on between the two men after their duel on Mustafar. At least, she had understood it from Obi-Wan, who normally was capable of hiding the tension, and the disappointment, both in the outcome and himself. She had hoped against hope that Anakin had come back to them when Darth Vader did not try to annihilate them on contact, but instead sought a diplomatic approach.

She wished she have glimpsed in their bond for just a moment, to at least feel the emotions that must have been going through them. Her heart pounded as she realized that no matter what the outcome would be, she would have to save herself and her child. No matter what she felt for Obi-Wan and no matter how worried she was about him, she knew he would want the best for their child.

She chided herself- it was as if she already felt that Obi-Wan would lose. There was no indication that he would- the Jedi Master had beaten his Apprentice once before. But something felt different this time, and she did not have the benefit of the Force bond with Obi-Wan to let her know what was going on. She knew he was trying his best to hide her, so he cut off all emotional ties with her.

Padmé fingered the japor snippet, her last ties to Anakin. She had carried the necklace even here to Endor, even after she had vowed to herself that she would start over and begin a new life. Now that he was here, she could finally face what he had become. She found herself not sure whether she found Anakin in a dark suit, or Darth Vader. She had watched as Vader had hesitated, waited to fight Obi-Wan. She was not sure what to do now, but she did know she could not wait to find out.

She picked up what bags they had not previously loaded into their ship and hefted them to her shoulders, heading out. She would need to get a head start to get away. She was stopped at the open doorway, as Darth Vader appeared. He grabbed her arm roughly, stopping her in her tracks. "Where's Obi-Wan?" she demanded, her heart stopping when the Jedi Master did not appear around the corner.

Darth Vader felt surprise at not feeling anger well up at her inquiry. He commented impartially, wondering at her response, "He is dead."

She spat at his feet, her own anger sparking. "Liar. But I should expect that." She struggled futilely against his hold, knowing she could not escape his grasp.

He let her insults glide over him, as if he was channeling the Force once more, not embracing anger. He had every intention of letting her go, letting her lead him to their children. Darth Vader only wanted to impress a little fear to her, as partial revenge for everything he had been through. "He'll never see your child." He knew he was lying through his teeth, but she did not have to know that.

She stared in horror at him, wondering why he was so still and calm if he did indeed know the truth. She felt a cold chill run up her spine, knew that the worst was yet to come. Her knees seemed to liquidize, she was not sure how much longer they would keep her standing upright. But yet, she must fight for this child. "He will." She insisted, tugging once more for her arm.

He released it, stepping back from her. She found her will to move and ran, dropping the japor snippet in her rush to leave, letting go of the last piece that tied her to Anakin Skywalker. Her thoughts ran through the awful scenarios, wondering at Obi-Wan's fate. She did not take the time to wonder why the Clone troopers were all letting her pass.

She paused, not sure where to go. She had assumed to go to their ship, to resume the plans that they had already conceived of, to go to Naboo. But now that she did not have Obi-Wan at her side, she was unsure. Darth Vader would surely find her if she went directly there. She did not know how to make a decoy, how to find and remove the tracking devices that would surely be placed on their vessel. Her panic was eased, however, as she felt a hurried but reassuring presence urge her, Go to the ship. Hurry.

She took off in renewed haste, knowing at once that the presence was Obi-Wan, and that he was alive. Padmé smiled at that, knowing that everything would be alright. She found her way to the ship and was closing the doors behind her as she felt his presence behind her. He wrapped his arms about her and she fell into his embrace, her anxious heart at last resting.

He drew back from her, held her at arm's length to examine her. "Are you alright, my love?" his concern showed on his face clearly.

Padmé nodded, kissing him back with urgency as he seized her mouth, claimed her again, reminded her of his love. He had pushed all other thoughts, all other feelings out of the way except for the need to hold her. Those thoughts could be wondered on at a later time. And he could ponder the anger at another time, cleanse himself with the Force and meditate later.

But for now, he wanted to feel the warmth of her body against his in his arms, know that his lover and their child were at last safe from threat, for now.

Darth Vader watched the Senator's back as she ran away from him. He waited long enough to make sure that she would be alright and then stooped to find the familiar necklace on the ground at his feet.

The japor snippet had always symbolized his love for Padmé, to him, which had been the reason that he had given it to her. His Angel had come from the stars and rescued him from slavery and led him on his path.

He did not know what to make of it- she apparently hadn't forgotten completely about him. It nearly made his cold heart warm, that she had not forgotten Anakin Skywalker. But instead, he scorned the object, saw her as still mourning a man long dead. It was all that was left of Anakin's Padmé and Padmé's Anakin, they could both finally put that to rest for good.

He grasped the snippet in a gloved hand and strode out towards Commander Appo, who had been holding the men back during his duel with Obi-Wan. "Do not follow them. Is the tracking beacon in place?"

Appo nodded assent. "Yes, master."

His blood heated in anticipation of another game of cat and mouse- he enjoyed the hunt. "Give them some time. Then we'll get them again. She will lead us to her child."

The Commander again nodded, "As you wish, Master."

That's all she wrote.

Yes, I know it is complete yet not complete. That's what sequels are for! Let me know what you think, how I did with it, etc… I was very discouraged by the lack of reviews to Chapter 16. I was beginning to think that no one liked the story anymore, nor cared what happened. Let me know that it's not the case and I will write the sequel for more than just Hearts, Gizzi, Darth Lemon, and a handful of others.