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. It is also "Obidala"… 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!

Chapter 17 - Letting Go

Keine shook her head, replying quietly, "No, Obi-Wan, one of the tasks is already complete. Padmé has been injected with a neurotoxin and will die shortly. I assure you, it will be painless, Vader insisted on that."

His heart caught in his throat, his chest constricting. He took a deep breath, seeking the calming Living Force. His daughter's life was in his hands, he could not allow himself to completely lose control. "No." he whispered, tightening his hold on the child. A feeling of utter helplessness was beginning to set in, he fought to control it. So this was his plan all along... if he couldn't have her, no one could.

His eyes darted around the room, checking the exits, looking for others. None were around. This is where he miscalculates- he's going to need more than one to capture my daughter. But what of me? The plan seemed ill formed. "Why?" he asked after, seeking to buy time.

She shrugged lightly, hovering over Padmé, watching her slow breathing, eager to see the moment when her task had been completed. "They saved me when you would not… the Jedi are dead, Obi-Wan. You're just as evil as you claim Lord Vader to be."

He closed his hand over the child's ear as if to keep her from hearing the things the former Jedi said. "No, you're wrong." He protested, conviction ringing strongly.

Keine chuckled, shaking her head. "You're the one that left him there, burning alive, instead of giving him mercy. If you ask me, that's your dark deed, not my supposed death or Rono's. What kind of man leaves his best friend to die a slow and horrible death?"

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, trying to keep the inevitable sigh from escaping. She was right, no matter how she phrased the question. But, he would always remember the distinction, cling to it now when he needed it most: attachment was the root of all of Anakin's problems. He would have to learn to let go, even to let go of the serene face of Padmé shortly after giving birth to their child. He reopened his eyes, refocused. "It doesn't matter anymore." He replied simply. He hung one hand beside his waist, ready to draw his lightsaber.

"You see, he will always win, Obi-Wan. He's too powerful to avoid, he's even overcome your pathetic attempt to kill him. You should just give in now."

But he did just the opposite- he turned and left, not wishing to fight, not wishing to leave Padmé, but knowing it was the best way to let Tiané live, and to end the cycle. She would do well with Leia on Alderaan, it would be her best chance at survival. And he would watch over Luke on Tatooine.

One day, he might look back on it, wish that he could have done it differently. But in the end, it was just best to let go. And that way, they might all be safe, as Padmé wished…

At least for now.

And from afar, Vader watched, waiting...

Yes, I know it ended rather abruptly, but I did not want to dwell on it, for Obi-Wan has learned.

And it has come full circle.