Chapter 16: Anakin & Padmé's Departure
After the battle of Endor, Han, Chewie, Lando, Obi-Wan, Anakin, Padmé, Luke, and Leia all returned to Tattooine. They landed outside the Lars farmstead and Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin's wrist. "May the Force be with you, brother," Obi-Wan murmured.
"May the Force be with you," Anakin replied. "Train my children well."
Obi-Wan nodded and said, "I will."
Leia threw her arms around Padmé's neck. Luke joined the hug. "Be strong, kids, your father and I will see you again," Padmé promised, holding her children gently.
Leia nodded through her tears. Anakin joined the hug then and held his family as tightly as he could. "Anakin?" Obi-Wan asked.
"Yes?" Anakin asked.
"Happy early congratulations on your and Padmé's marriage," Obi-Wan grinned at the two lovers, "Or belated congratulations, depending on your point of view."
The parents slowly pulled away from their children and walked toward where they had left the ship. Anakin slid his arm around her waist. Padmé twisted to look back, but Anakin blocked her view. "Padmé, we have to keep going," he murmured.
"One last look, please?" She begged.
Anakin shook his head. "It will only make going back harder," Anakin replied. "Go forward and don't look back."
Padmé nodded through her tears. They boarded the ship and Anakin started it up. "Ready to go?" He asked.
She nodded. "Let's save Obi-Wan, and the future," she grinned, despite the tears running down her face.
The ship lifted and again blasted into hyperspace. This time, the ship emerged safely outside of Geonosis.