A/N: I own none of the characters, they belong to the great George Lucas. Lucky him! But, I do own Zankou, Ghanima/Chani and Alia (just three names which I'm borrowing from Frank Herbert's Children of Dune) so no stealing!

Dearest Readers,

I am so very sorry for the long delay. I've been busy these past few months doing a massive editing on all of my stories. This is still not finished since I have so many stories, but I'm close. Sadly, some of my stories won't be updated again for a while, such my LotRs fic Sleeping Refuge. I'm sorry! I love that story, and it's not going to be discontinued, but it's going to take some time to get it finished. Also, I've been working on five new fics for Blade, The Fast and the Furious, PotC, X-Men, and The Covenant. These are close to being finished and will be up soon. I hope you enjoy them. Once again, so very beyond sorry for the delay!

Yours truly, Zelinia

I love that I've got such vocal responses out of Ghanima's actions! XD Everyone has amused me so much! Thank you all!

The Most Humble and Obedient Author: If Dooku came off as though he was hitting on Ghanima, that was a strange little accident. It's kind of cool, yet freaksome at the same time. You're right though; that would make a hell of a twist. (shivers) I love Jango and well, which is why I'm glad there's millions of him. Gotta love cloning! As for Ghanima being evil, it's so much fun to write. In fact, writing evil characters just fun in general. She's the second time I've written an evil character, but I plan on writing more. No doubt! As for your questions as to whether or not she's acting, you'll just have to wait and see. Hope you like!

Thanks to Jedi X-man Serena Kenobi, DarthGladiator45, Nari-chan SND, Fortune Zyne, Hiding in the Shadow, Elibe, Siry pop, Hope and love, Han'slilgirl, Kellsoo, and hikishianara!

Chapter 51

In the gloomy tunnel to the Execution Arena, Anakin and Padmé were tossed into an open cart. The murmur of the vast crowd could be heard as they stood there, waiting for the inevitable. The Geonosian guards extended their arms along the framework, and tied them so that they stood facing each other.

"Don't be afraid," Anakin whispered to her as the driver got up onto his seat, waiting for the command to enter the arena.

"I'm not afraid to die. I've been dying a little bit each day since you came back into my life." Anakin looked her rather confused; she sounded exasperated not angry, so he asked her what she was talking about. "I love you," she whispered sadly with an inaudible sigh.

"You love me," he whispered with shock, forcing himself to whisper as he leaned down towards her. He couldn't help but give her his famous lopsided smile. "I thought we decided not to fall in love, that we would be forced to live a lie, that it would destroy our lives…" He trailed, seeing that she saw all the same reasons he had.

"I think our lives are about to be destroyed anyway," she stated, effectively making Anakin smile ruefully. She saw this and looked into the open arena, speaking a little too formally. "My love for you is a puzzle, Ani, for which I have no answers. I can't control it…and now I don't care." With a soft sigh and heavy heart, she looked back up at him a bit sheepishly. "I truly, deeply love you, and before we die I want you to know."

Padmé leaned toward Anakin, and he down to her. By straining hard, it was just possible for their lips to meet in a soft, tender kiss. They were interrupted by the driver cracking his whip over the Orray harnessed between the shafts, and the cart jerked forward in the huge roar of the Geonosian Execution Arena.

P.S.: One page total.