A/N: I am so sorry for the delay it has been complete chaos recently LOL I had to help run a church carnival and now I am getting ready to run a vacation bible school, it's been a mess so I hope you don't hate me for getting this up late!

CHAPTER TWO:
Broken Hearts, Mended Spirits

What happened out there? Anakin is different; he's changed somehow in that short time. He found his mother, just in time to watch her slip away. Oh, I ache for him, I know what it is like to lose your parents and I know it's a hurt that can't be measured and a hurt that never really goes away.

I wish he'd talk to me. He's been in the Lars' garage since the funeral and I know we will have to leave soon and he needs to put to right his anger if he ever wants to heal.

"Anakin, I've brought you something to eat," I finally say after standing in the door way for a good five minutes. He refuses to acknowledge me so I step in further and place the plate on his work bench.

"I'm not hungry."

His tone is sharp, empty, hard…and desperate in some underlying way. I hesitate to leave though his remark is dismissive.

"I killed them," he speaks to the air dropping a tool absently.

"What?" I question breaking my unspoken vow to let him talk and me only listening.

"I killed them all! Not just the men but the women and children! I killed them and didn't feel remorse," he shakes with seething anger even now, even while his eyes brim with tears.

I swallow unable to reply. I can't even think.

"I am powerful Padmé…these hands," he lifts his scared, though still child like hands, to me in disgust, "they have the blood of many on them! I am powerful and I am only a learner! It's Obi-Wan's fault you know…" he shakes his head lips pulled in an angry snarl.

I suck in a shallow breath not sure, if I am going to be able to take this. Obi-Wan responsible for his uncontrollable killing?

"He's holding me back! I feel my power and I can't act with it…it just builds and builds in me till I can hardly see straight! I am ready for the Trials but he refuses to clear me! I am strong and I rival even Master Yoda in my lightsaber skills, everyone knows it! Obi-Wan is just jealous!"

I have to close my eyes biting my tongue till I taste the saltiness of blood. My hands clench by my side and I count slowly in my head till my temper passes.

"Anakin…" I labor to keep my voice even. "Your greatest ally is also your great enemy. That foe is time. Time has a way of either making hurt and anger fade or deepen. Obi-Wan cares about your future not just your present, he is trying, I am sure, to make sure enough time has passed for you so you can put away your hurt, and your anger before you cross a line you can't return from. Yes, your talent is a gift but Anakin your anger and your pride are your biggest faults. You can blame Obi-Wan all you want to, but ultimately the reason you aren't a full Jedi is because you can't let go! Trust in your Master's wisdom, they have been doing this a lot longer then you have," I breathe in deeply as I finish.

He just stares at me for a long moment and for a second I am worried he is going to strike me. But I just stare him down, I won't let him do this, I won't let him blame Obi-Wan. Time wares and I see him relax, I watch his shoulders hunch. I won this round.

"It's okay you know, it's okay to grieve for your mother, it's okay to hurt," I step closer putting a hand on his shoulder. He lets out a haggard sigh and I watch tears escape, "Let go Ani, don't let it consume you," I whisper and he trembles.

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We make our way back to ship late in the afternoon with C3-PO in tow. This protocol droid has been outfitted with a new shiny gold covering but still seems to have a nervous personality and is a bid fleet of mind; but I like him.

"Turning on systems," Anakin states flipping switches, making the ship hum.

I toss aside my wrap and make sure Threepio is safely in, this is his first time on a ship, and he is not taking it very well.

"Anakin, I think there is a message," I point to a flashing light on the communication panel.

"Huh, well play it," he responds still flipping switches.

I nod pushing the button. Light flickers and an image though grainy, appears on the projection stand. It's Obi-Wan.

My heart hits the floor as I hear blaster shots sound just before he says to send it on to Coruscant.

"Oh, dear," Threepio squeaks from his seat. I know the feeling.

A wave of fear washes over me and I feel ill. I had to force my breathing to normalize and I focused my eyes so they wouldn't fill with tears.

"What are we going to do?" I ask and am glad to hear no trace of the tremor or the tears in it.

"Send the message on, and head back," he shrugs.

That's it? My mouth drops, I can't believe it! I know he is having issues with Obi-Wan at the moment but I can tell you one thing, I am NOT letting my husband die! Who knows how long it will take for the Council to send back-up and we are too close to not do anything! I square my shoulders and nod. Pushing past Threepio I head to the pilot chair.

"What are you doing? I'm supposed to be keeping you on Naboo!" he glares at me.

"Well you can just go back to Naboo and do your duty alone, because I am going to go rescue Obi-Wan," I meet his eyes and flip the landing gear switch.

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"Anakin, Padmé! What in galaxy's name are you doing here?" I yell in disbelief and anger. What were they thinking? What ever possessed them to come here? She is supposed to be keeping away from danger not landing in the middle of it!

"We're rescuing you, Master," Anakin replies dryly as he and my wife are shackled to tall pillars identical to mine.

If given a moment longer I am afraid I will be ranting, I meet Padmé's eyes and she offers a hesitant smile, "Some rescue," I mutter.

I should be livid at my padawan for this. I should be terrified for my wife, I should be chewing him out but somehow I know Padmé had as much if not more say in this then he did.

My heart beats as rapidly as my thoughts as the mass of people start to cheer in the coliseum. How are we going to get out this mess? I swear could this day get any worse?... I spoke too soon.

"Acklay monsters!" I shout as iron gates release and I heart grunting noises.

"Well Master, this changes things a bit," Anakin grunts in disgust.

"You don't say Anakin!"

"Hey, I am just saying," he swings to miss a thrashing claw.

"Listen, if we want to get out this…" I dodge a sharp blow as it collides with my pillar and sends rubble falling from it, "We are going to have to work together."

"I agree, but what about Padmé?"

I look past Anakin and can't help but grin, "She looks to be on top of things."

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"You were supposed to be on Naboo!" I grunt as I stand back to back with Padmé. I have my lightsaber and she has a blaster, Master Windu as come with backup thank goodness.

"Come on Obi-Wan," she shoots a droid, "You send a message that ends with you being shot at and captured and you expect me not to come?" she shouts above the noise of battle.

"Hmph," I grunt pulling her out the way of piece of toppled pillar.

"I expected my padawan to keep you away from danger on Naboo, not Tatooine, or Genosis," I breathe deflecting several blaster shots.

"Oh that…it's a long story," she blasts several droids as we dodge behind a turned speeder chariot.

"Nice shot…and I look forward to hearing this story when we are done here!"

"Thank you, and of course," she takes a pause from her droid blazing to give me a wink.

"I've got to go find Anakin, we have to find Dooku…stay here okay?" I pull her down behind the safety of the cart.

"All right," she sighs.

I eye her knowing she won't stay put and away from danger and I laugh because I know I really wouldn't expect anything less.

Yes, there is a battle raging around, and yes there are very many eyes to see but I take her arm and pull her roughly against me kissing her deep and hard, "Be careful," I say then pull away and sprint from the cart.

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Where is he? I have been pacing the small outer room of the medical bay of Republic Carrier One for what seems like forever. I've been with Anakin and he has told me of the battle he fought with Obi-Wan against Dooku. Anakin seems to be in a fair mood considering his injury, he said Obi-Wan was hurt in the fight but remained on planet to get the last of the men out. I haven't seen him since he left me behind the cart.

Sometimes I wish my husband wasn't as brave and dedicated as he is…but then he wouldn't be Obi-Wan if he wasn't. It still does little to ease my fear.

"Please Senator Amidala, let a medic droid look at your wounds," a nurse puts a hand on my shoulder.

I fight not to flinch at the pain even her light touch caused, "No, I am fine, there are ones far worse then me," I wave the well meaning woman off.

I will not rest or pause till Obi-Wan comes through those doors and I see him safe with my own eyes.

"All available medical personal and medic droids on ready, Major Trauma with extended troops incoming, Docking Bay 3!" the intercom announces.

Bay 3, maybe he is with this group. I blend with the racing group to the docking bay.

I reach the area and it is filled with stretchers and personal on the ready with medbags at hand ready to treat the critical and rush them to the medical bay.

"Mrs. Kenobi," a hushed voice comes close to my ear, "you shouldn't be here," its Master Windu.

I turn, "He isn't on ship yet, Master Windu and until he is I will be here waiting for him," I answer firmly.

He doesn't answer right away just observes me, "Alright, but be careful."

He leaves my side and soon disappears into the throng of people. I feel somehow very alone even in the crowd.

My heart beat quickens as I watch through the large glass window the ship beginning to dock.

I feel almost faint, squeezing my eyes shut trying to let the sounds of the people around me fade. Soon I hear the doors unseal and then the subdued panic stricken voices of the troops and medics consume.

Soldier, Jedi, and clone trooper stream all from the bay doors into the ship in an angry stream. I stand on the fringe bobbing and weaving trying to get a better look at them. It's a flurry of anguished cries of pain, soothing droid nurses and the smell of burnt flesh mixed with blaster shot residue. It makes my stomach hurt, somewhere here may be my husband.

The flow of people slowly dwindles. My heart plummets.

"I think they have all come off Padmé," Master Windu again appears at my side, his hand on my shoulder.

I nod turning my eyes from the aftermath, the tossed bandage wrappers, the empty syringes, the blood soaked covers, the empty bottles all the undeniable tattered and tossed remnants of conflict.

I relent to Master Windu's guiding hand and start to follow him from the bay.

"One more! I have a critical!"

It's Obi-Wan's voice!

"Obi-Wan!" I cry spinning on my heel starting at a dead run even though my every muscle screams in protest.

"Padmé," he says in what seems like shock as he steps through the door, a man in his arms. I slam to a halt seeing the wounded man in his arms.

"Critical, it's Master Billaba," Obi-Wan turns his attention back to Master Windu.

I sigh, feeling my fatigue close in on me; I am finally able to gain some kind of rest as I am able to see him, to know he is steady and safe.

Master Windu and Obi-Wan share a look that I don't understand, but I still lean a little unconsciously into Master Windu who is standing next to me. I want to go Obi-Wan but he still holds the wounded Jedi Master.

I see Obi-Wan is talking but my mind feels a little fuzzy and my vision is even a little unclear but I hear Master Windu call for a stretcher.

"There were so many of them," Obi-Wan shudders as he places the Jedi on the stretcher moments after it arrives.

"Yes, like it or not the Jedi are now in this war," Master Windu states voice flat and emotionless. His statement shocks me back into his focus and my heart stops cold.

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"You're bleeding…" I whisper hoarsely once Padmé and I stand alone in the docking bay, "Hasn't a medic seen you?"

She stares blankly still in the spot where she stopped when I arrived. Master Windu's footsteps fade from the corridor and I know that we are truly alone. I get one foot towards her and before I can reach her, she is catapulting into my arms.

I stagger back at the force and grunt in pain.

"Oh, I hurt you!" she gasps jumping back.

"It's alright, just some bruising," I manage through clenched teeth.

"Come on, the MedBay is full but I know a place," she takes my hand scooping up a left behind MedBag leading me down the hall.

I don't have the energy to protest and somehow I feel better just being with her. Seeing her safe though obviously hurt, does more for me mentally then any doctor could for me physically.

"I'm not a doctor but I did take Battle Med 101 when I was in school," she gives a lame attempt at a laugh as she lets us into a small windowless room down the hall, locking the door behind her.

"Oh, so you are regular Florna Morningale," I smile.

"Shh, now," she puts a hand to stop me, pointing to a low table, "Sit."

I do and she reaches for my belt, "Hey now, I am injured and tired, but if you give me a minute…" I grin wiggling my eyebrows, she rolls her eyes.

"I can't fix you unless I see what I need to fix."

She carefully undoes my belt laying it aside. I notice her hand lingering over the hilt of my lightsaber.

"You can touch it," I whisper.

She jumps, "I…I've just never really seen it up close…This is what kept you alive out there…and took the lives of others…It seems so…" she trails and she bites her lips.

My chest constricts, "If you were curious you should have asked. You can ask me anything you know."

She nods, "I know, another time," she comes back to me and reaches for my tunic, as she does I see her hands shake.

"I can do…" I begin.

"No, I want to. I want to take care of you," she firmly states, pushing back the stained material.

"There is so much blood," she whispers.

"It's not mine."

She blinks biting her lip again. She takes a firm grip on the hem of my undershirt and starts to inch it up, up and over my head. I wince.

"I'm sorr…oh Obi-Wan!" her voice cracks.

"It's not as bad as it looks," I try and convince her but she shakes her head.

"Oh Obi-Wan…"

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I cry inside as I look at the angry purple and blue bruises that stretch on nearly every inch of skin from his waist to his shoulders. .

"I've…I've got to check for…any internal bleeding for broken ribs…" I take a deep breath trying to focus and trying to steady my hands. I try and recall my classes.

"It might hurt…it will hurt," I bit my lip.

"It's alright."

"Okay," I put my hands on his side, "Take a deep breath."

He does or tries to but ends up wincing instead, "I guess I don't need to ask if that hurts…"

He shakes his head.

I carefully as I can check over his chest and sides, "Oh Obi-Wan," I choke as I reach the two deep burns on his right side, "Dooku," I have to bit my lip to keep from weeping. He doesn't reply.

I realize as I look over his body I've never before spent this much time just looking and touching. Not even, while making love. I've like to lay my head on his chest that is always warm and firm while I sleep, I like to bury my head in his shoulder when I cry and I stand at his side never really fully understanding...

Where I lay my head there are scars, not big and not overly obvious, from previous battles; battles he fought for someone's freedom or justice perhaps. Where I cry and seek comfort there are muscles pulled and strained to point of nearly tearing, how many times has the fate of a world rested there on those shoulders where I hide my tears? Now his side where I have staked my place as wife and help mate is battered and bruised.

I tremble rubbing balcta onto a gauze pad then applying it to the saber burns, "It stings…I am sorry, but it will help."

I have to put a hand to my mouth to keep from gasping as I move to examine his back. There are nasty purple, blue and almost black bruises there too. Nearly every inch is inflamed and the muscles are taut and strained. I feel a cry strangle in my throat, I squeeze my eyes shut willing the tears to subside.

I pull several long bandages from the bag and a bottle that contains a pale colored liquid made of aloe, pure oil of Llynn tree, a synthetic pain easer and healing balcta. I soak the gauze with the liquid and apply in to the bruises.

"I don't think you have anything broken…but when a real medic is available we'll have to be sure. I don't want to have to put any more pressure on your bruises then absolutely necessary," I wrap the bandages around, hating to see him cringe in pain.

"There," I fasten the last end, I pause hand hovering just above his chest, "Finished," I kiss two fingers and put them lightly on his chest. I sway with weary and with relief.

"Thank you…now it's my turn to take care of you, love…"

A/N: Hi, remember me? Yeah, I know it took me forever to get this up and I am sorry, please forgive me. At least it was a nice long chapter right? I get points for that right? Please? LOL Hope you guys all enjoyed! –RaeAnne

Zan189: I am so glad you didn't think it was dry. I was afraid that everyone was wanting action that starting off with a chapter that didn't contain anything much besides Padmé fretting over the Anakin thing and Obi-Wan only in there briefly that readers might bet mad at me LOL Thank you so much for reviewing, I hope you continue to enjoy!

Sassy-satine: aw, one of my most faithful reviewers! What ever would I do without you? Go crazy and forget how to write probably…

Thank you so much for the compliments! I am trying to twist and extended some of the scenes in AOTC kind of add some Obidala back story to scenes. I'm trying to keep it like movies, but having the Obidala story run parallel to the original. I wanted there to be some little scenes where you could read and go 'that's why she was so anxious to rush and save Obi-Wan because she was married to him!' you know little things…I am so very cheesy and little off, you must forgive me if I make no sense…LOL Anyway I am so glad you are enjoying, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter…it is just about as long as the first!

Mu-san: Do you know what using words like 'epic' does to an author? Makes them do their own little happy dance! I am so glad you are enjoying! And thanks for reviewing!

lazy.kender: Yeah I know, you can't help but feel a little for the guy, losing your mom like that is harsh. Killing the raiders was bad though, very, very bad. I am glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the review!

TheAmazingTecnocolorRingWraith: No internet? Aww, I have nightmares that have me waking up in a place with no internet…It's not a pretty picture. I am so glad you are back! Amazing is such an amazing word, I use it a lot. Though I think awesome is my most used word, it seems everything is awesome…you're awesome, reviews are awesome, this diet Pepsi I am drinking is…well it's not so awesome, but it's kind of awesome! LOL Anway, glad you're back and I even gladder (is that a word? I can't imagine it is, it's a rather stupid word if so…I mean really, who is ever gladder? Hmmm) you have your internet back; I would have had a major case of separation anxiety… LOL

sir-writes-a lot: :-) Well I am so sorry that it took so long to get chapter two up…Thank you so much for reviewing, I love it! I know it is sad to see the end nearing. I've been writing this story for five months…I've been posting for three months. I've gone through over 250 notebook pages, and have typed over 50,000 words (not counting review replies) so the upcoming end is both sad and kind of a relief. It will be rewarding to see it completed, but so very sad.

SeventhAngelicSlayer: I sorry, oh I am sorry I hate waiting too so I am really sorry I've kept you guys waiting…I hope you forgive me :-)

the rain in spring: I know, leaving Obi-Wan hanging wasn't very nice…but he was okay so I hope you forgive me :-) I am so glad you enjoyed, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well!

Valgerdur In Iceland: Well thank you so much! I appreciate so much your review I hope I can continue to live up to such wonderful praise! And thank you so much for promising to stay to the end!

Sparkle85: Yes, part three is here! Thank you for reviewing, I hope you've enjoyed so far!

Vee017: Well I am trying to move steadily out of AOTC territory but it seems I am bogged in for a bit longer. But I am adding stuff here and there so I hope to add some extra interests not just regurgitating same old movie plots.

Yes, Leia has her daddy's eyes, and I do agree every child fathered by Obi-Wan should have his eyes, they make me feel all gooey inside…awww see I am sighing right now just thinking about them! LOL

Yeah, the council certainly should have stepped in and did something, and the final showdown is not going to be pretty. I hadn't planned on putting the "no Anakin" at the end of chapters. I had it on the first one because it was supposed to be Qui-Gon, like in the movie when he is slaughtering the Tuskin Raiders and you hear 'No Anakin,' it was just a tie in to the movie. Thank you so much for your review, I hope you enjoyed chapter two!

Nyoko: Aww, my partner in our crusade to "Save the Galaxy One Sole at a Time!"

I almost made you cry? Wow, you got me teary that I made you teary! LOL Sappy songs will get you every time. I almost cry every time I hear Tim McGraw's Don't Take The Girl…and I don't know the singer but the song Not Me (it's country, I like country…and classic rock, and some pop, and oldies, and American Standards, and some classical…LOL I don't care for rap…or acid rock….or hard rock….LOL) made me break down in tears…Oh somebody slap me I am rambling again… grr I hate it when I do that…

Adore? Wow, I am humbled, I adore and you adore it! Hey I had a chair once that if you leaned back in it, it would throw you to the floor, after spinning you that is. It was a nice chair but it had to go. I am glad that while you were floored you were still supported by a chair because falling like that you could sprain something…and that wouldn't be good.

I am glad you are glued to my story and I am not ashamed to say it, I so enjoy your reviews especially when they are super long! I hope you continue to adore this story and continue to leave such awesome reviews, I adore them ;-) LOL

mrs. skywalker: Actually I am not a mother, I hope to be one day (in the distant future LOL) I am so glad that it came out well though, I really tried to put myself in her place and write as a mother…I am glad it seemed real. Thank you for reviewing, you are so awesome, always there with a ready review, and I appreciate it!

.xInuyashaxangelx: Thank you! And I am sorry I didn't get this hope sooner, I hope you enjoyed chapter two!

blackrosemystic: Thank you so much! I struggled with Padmé's reaction a bit, but I, because I like to connect dots, liked making the eagerness to help Anakin stem from her own despair over being separated from her daughter. I like trying to connect my story to the actual events of the movie in Obidala style because like you I am Obidala forever! LOL Thanks for reviewing!

Lehcar Sundance: Yeah, it is painful watching Anakin slip and I don't particularly enjoy writing it but it's something that has to be written and I do like having control over the circumstances. I feel for Anakin he had it rough as far as everything goes, but I have some of my own ideas to throw into this story on why he fell so we'll see how it goes. I hope you continue to enjoy the story! Thank so much for reviewing!

sarahhillary39: Thank you, thank you so much!

Falcon Princess: Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed!