XXI
Jareth returned to the throne room with Yoda and his fellow Master Jedi in tow. "I am tired of all these uninvited guests, Master Jedi." Jareth snapped as he threw open the doors and ushered them inside. "Patience, your majesty must have. Far from over, the struggle is." Yoda chastised as she shuffled past the Goblin King to Padmé's limp form. "Returned, Obi-Wan has." Yoda sighed as he patted her hair softly. She managed to lift her head in acknowledgment. "Obi-Wan," she offered a faint smile as Yoda's companion stepped forward and gathered the young woman in his arms. "Leave us," the young man commanded flashing a dark look to Yoda and the Goblin King. Jareth's sharp retort quickly died on his lips as he looked to the young woman. He did not need magic to know how rapidly she was failing. "Come along, Master Jedi." Jareth motioned for Yoda to follow him into the corridor.
"Padmé, why would you do this? How did you do this?" Obi-Wan's voice was no more than a harsh whisper. "He was going to find them," she looked into his frantic blue eyes and sense the fear lurking in their depths. "How did you do it, Padmé? Even for a Jedi reincarnation is not an easy skill to master," he adjusted her position in his arms as she curled, like a child, against his chest.
"I cannot explain it. I could feel the fear, fear of darkness, fear of Anakin. I tried to reach out to his dreams and slow the hunt but the Emperor has too much power over him, and I could no longer reach him. I remember watching the children as they slept, praying that their guardians would come to see sense and take them somewhere safe. I remember nothing after that. Nothing except the feelings of fear. I could feel a pull, so I followed. The closer I got the source the more agonizing the pain became. There was nothing but darkness and pain. Then there was light, a hazy fog, and I was here. I was told to run the Labyrinth but somehow the Queen could sense my weakness. She runs in my place, but I am afraid Obi-Wan. What if I fade before she completes the maze? What if she becomes trapped? Her life is in my hands and I am nothing more than a restless spirit! A paradox that should not exist in any realm!"
Obi-Wan took a moment to process her words before he spoke. "Why did you conceal this from Master Yoda? Why tell me?" He asked, gently pushing the hair from her face. "You are my dearest friend, Obi-Wan. You were Anakin's dearest friend and protector of our children. You, more than any one, deserved to know the truth." She smiled weakly and laid her head against his chest. "Padmé you must friend strength," he whispered as her breathing slowed. "You must see Luke and Leia returned," he held her tighter, praying she would find the will to hang on for a few more hours.