Chapter 4

He did not have time to discover an answer, as relief washed over him like a tide. He could feel the force pushing him to not act, not yet, but found he could move again. As he stood, the first thing he noticed was a new presence in the force. The new presence was coming from Anakin, he thought, but as the presence became more apparent, it felt decidedly feminine.

Remembering Anakin's words, that padmè was pregnant, his first thought was their child, but no, the presence was too aware for that to be. Confused, he began to probe the new presence, the others doing the same, but hitting a wall within the force. Before anyone could seek more deeply within the force, they heard something else.

Heard, not felt. They looked around, trying to identify the source, which was steadily becoming louder. Suddenly a younger Jedi at the rear sent shock through the force. The others turned as one to the window.

A dozen holo-droids floated beyond, transmitting images to the holonet and from there, across the galaxy. How much did they see? Thought Obi-Wan as the source of the sound became apparent. Traffic outside had ceased, speeders floated in place, pedestrians halted in their tracks, staring at holonews boards. They were cheering. Distantly, he saw himself in one of the images, undoubtedly sent from the Droid outside the window.

Others saw it too, more than a few Jedi slowly moved their hands to see if it was a live transmission. The crowds took it as a wave, cheering louder. The only thought on the Minds of the Jedi was how?

One by one, Jedi began to depart for the temple, each receiving a clear instructions from the force to let the couple on the floor alone. Finally, Masters Windu, Yoda, and Obi-Wan were the last. Together, they removed the sith's body as they retreated from the room. Obi-Wan closed the door behind him and took up a position across from it, determined to protect his friends' privacy. He located the external controls for the office and swiftly closed the curtains before settling down to meditate as he waited. He could wait for his answers.

Meanwhile

Padmè and Anakin remained on the floor, embracing. They were dimly aware as the Jedi left, but paid it no mind. Unspeaking, they gazed at one another, each lost in the eyes of the other. Slowly, Anakin brought his other hand up and brushed the tears from her cheeks, briefly surprised that he could feel her.

After a moment that seemed an eternity, she dove in for another kiss, their lips crashing together in a well-known rhythm. Their kiss grew in passion as her tongue found its way into his mouth, beginning a fiery dance that neither would ever tire of. They pulled apart again when, finally, the need for air overcame their passion.

"I thought I lost you," Padmè said, her eyes watering with new tears.

"You did," he replied, his own vision blurring, "but I returned."

"How?"

"I can't explain it, you…called…to me, and I had to answer."

They lost the need to speak then, the joy and love in their wet eyes shone with all the things they needed to say. Anakin felt her more strongly in the force than he ever had before, while she became more aware of him in a way she had never experienced. They remained there for a time, quietly reflecting on their love as the sun began to sink in the distance.

Some time later.

Obi-Wan opened his eyes and stood, ending his meditation just as the door whisked open before him. The couple stepping out seeming to glow both to his senses and to his eyes. They stopped as they saw him and stood for a moment, silent. Suddenly Anakin grabbed him in a powerful embrace, tears falling fresh.

"Thank-you my friend," he choked out, voice thick with emotion, "for everything."

"You're welcome," he replied, embracing his former padawan in kind.

They drew apart after a moment as Padmè stepped forward.

"Thank-you Obi-Wan," she gasped, her emotions stronger than her husband's, sending a wave through the force.

"You're welcome my friend," he replied, heart swelling, "and congratulations."

"Thank-you."

Turning back to Anakin, he said, "we must talk."

"Yes master, but…not here."

Obi-Wan silently agreed. Together, they made their way slowly to the roof, Obi-Wan leading and the couple behind, exchanging kisses and heartfelt glances along the way. There they found an enclosed speeder and settled in. Obi-Wan thought that they would not want to go to the temple just yet, and so set a course for Padmè's apartment, allowing the ship to steer itself as he contemplated their impending discussion.

A/N: Well, what do you think? What was good, what was bad? I will update as regularly as I can, but my job can make it unreliable at times. As for future chapters, there will likely be an OC or two, and possibly a lemon if enough reviewers want one.

This chapter focused mainly on the aftermath of the battle. The next couple will focus on some explanations, including Padmè's POV of being captured and the events just prior. Obi-Wan will get some answers, while the Jedi will mourn those they lost.

New questions have arisen for the Jedi, namely the new presence they sensed, how the Droid were able to record the fight, Anakin's attachment (as they will see it at first), and his apparent resurrection. Yoda will meditate over it on his cushion of course, and the others will probably tear the poor archives apart.

I do think I made the new presence in the force a tad too obvious, but won't name who yet in case someone didn't pick up on it, thoughts on that?

Also, I noticed a few spelling errors in previous chapters. For some reason, my tablet keeps wanting to autocorrect the word but to the word utilities and I can't explain why. Sorry about those.

Lastly, please Rate and Review, constructive criticism is appreciated.

And, as always, May the force be with you.