Prelude to a Fall (sequel to Prelude to a kiss)1/5

by Anakin's Angel

Retreating to the safety of Coruscant, Amidala discovers something greater than she could have ever expected.

5. Default Chapter Title

Prelude to a Fall
(Sequel to Prelude to a Kiss)

Rated: PG13
Same disclaimers apply

---

Part Five

Alone in her own room that night, Amidala studied her reflection in the mirror. It was stilly to think that she might have changed, physically anyway, since accepting Anakin's proposal. Her heart had changed, yes...but she looked the same. A lot happier, but the same. What a day it had been! Building the start of her own lightsaber, and getting engaged!

They'd made a promise to inform Obi-Wan and Adi in the morning. Keeping such a thing from them would only make it appear that it was something well, //bad//. Plus, she was just bursting to tell someone! Anyone! She recalled a time when such news would have been shared with Sabé and the people of Naboo. It was not meant to be... not now.

Walking to her bed, she curled up under the covers with a happy smile. They may have taken away her Palace, her friends, her title... but they would never have Anakin. They would never have her *life*.

..

Anakin was practically jumping around the kitchen the next morning. Only able to sleep about 5 standard hours, he had awoken early enough to make breakfast. Cooking was something he'd learned at an early age from his mother. She'd insisted that he be able to take care of himself, should anything happen to her. Obi-Wan took great joy in this, when they'd first arrived as Master and Padawan. His cooking attempts, he'd said, usually resulted in a trip to the healers.

Yet, as they'd been spending more time focusing on other things, their breakfast was usually eaten in the cafeteria. Seeing as how this morning was special, *and* that Master Gallia and Amidala were coming, he'd gone all out.

He could hear Obi-Wan rattling around in the 'fresher, so at least he was awake. His only concern was the fact that the room still smelled sweetly of the Naboo bubblebath. It wouldn't take a genius to put two and two together *there*. He shook his head, that didn't matter now. They were engaged, and that should hold *some* sort of clout here in the Temple.

Even if it made the Council crazier than a mad bantha.

//Get a grip, here he comes.// "Morning, Master," he greeted, almost too-cheerfully.

Obi-Wan smiled at the sight of all the food. "Either you've done something absolutely horrid, and I don't want to know, or-"

The door chimed then, alerting them to the presence of Amidala and Adi. "I'll get it!" Anakin practically ran to the door, opening it with a huge smile that Amidala returned easily.

"Good morning, Anakin, Master Kenobi."

Adi did not appear as cheerful, however. She exchanged worried glances with Obi-Wan, before walking over to him. "Any idea what they've done? I know this little display isn't for our benefit alone." She watched as Anakin and Amidala gravitated towards one another, oblivious to all around them.

"No, I wish I could say. Why don't we let them tell us, before thinking the worst." Truth was, he'd only felt pure, untainted joy coming from Anakin through their bond. Had they done something wrong, he suspected that joy would be the last thing resulting from it. Adi nodded, and they joined the two lovebirds at the table.

After enjoying a lovely breakfast, Adi cleared her throat. "So, are you going to tell us, or shall we punish first, and ask questions later?" She quipped, enjoying the flash of panic in Anakin's eyes.

He took Amidala's shaky hand into his own and began. "We have something to tell you." Amidala nodded, but Adi could feel her nervousness through their bond.

"Go on then, Padawan." Obi-Wan pressed. He was hoping, more than he'd ever hoped for *anything* that she wasn't... well, that they weren't *expecting*. Some of this must have made its way to Anakin, who shook his head briefly. //No, Master. That's not it.// Well, that was *was* it?

Amidala finally spoke up, unable to contain it any longer. She wasn't sure how she'd managed to keep it from Adi all morning! "Last night, Anakin asked me for my hand in marriage. And I accepted." Her smile was bright enough to light up the entire room, but it wasn't one shared by her Master...

********************************************

Amidala clenched her hands nervously in her lap. This was not the reaction she'd expected to receive from Adi, nor Obi-Wan. Although, Obi-Wan appeared more open to the idea than Adi. She could feel Anakin's gaze on her, and sent him a thanks through their bond. //I can do this!// "Seeing as how we are both still young-"

Adi shook her head, breaking her train of thought. "It's not just that, Amidala," She let out a deep breath, "Whether you still hold the title or not, you, my Padawan, are the Queen of Naboo. Ultimately, you would be required to present Anakin before your people in ceremony, am I correct?"

Amidala paled at this; She had almost forgotten. "Yes, a formal statement would be required." She looked sadly at them. "Naboo is not safe for me right now, as you all know. I suppose, with the Council's permission, I could release a statement from the Temple, via the holonews? It's not protocol, but then, nothing since... since a long time, has been."

Adi stiffened, feeling the sheer pain and fear radiating from the young woman. She reached out, sending Amidala understanding and compassion. "It will, of course, be discussed with the remaining Council members. Although, you will find them more harder to dissuade than I, I'm afraid."

Anakin was trying to take it all in. //Present me to your people? That would be...interesting.// He felt her laugh through the bond, even if the smile never reached her face. "We hadn't really thought about anything, other than...each other." He said, softly. Suddenly, the night before seemed like a dream, a far-away place where everything was perfect. //Sithly reality!//

Amidala blushed, feeling the bubbles and his kisses, as if they were again on her body. "Regardless of tradition, and my... people, the choice of who I decide to marry is mine alone. As important as the title is, ultimately, it is only that. I have some power, a palace, and a room full of gaudy gowns! At the end of the day, if I had to choose, I would always pick Anakin. Always." She reached across for his hand, feeling foolish for the tears now running freely.

She felt Adi's warm hand on her shoulder, and turned to look at her Master. "Padawan, nobody doubts your feelings. My only concern is the hard road ahead for both of you."

Obi-Wan nodded, clearing his throat. "We must make contact with Naboo. If for no other reason, to find out about their current state of affairs. Master Yoda has been keeping tabs on Sabé, but she may find herself unable to handle the job she's taken on."

Amidala opened her mouth to reply, but gasped instead, at the dark surge she felt in the force. "I... don't know if any of you felt that-"

"A disturbance, Padawan. Yes, I felt it too," Adi replied, taking Amidala's hand. "Come, we must speak to the Council."

Anakin and Obi-Wan followed, as the group of four wondered what exactly could have caused such a reaction. Obi-Wan feared it had something to do with Naboo, since that was where the force had led them in the conversation. The force never gave you the answers, it only told you where to look sometimes. This time, they would have to look at Naboo...

***********************************

The Council chamber, for all of it's sun-catching windows, was frigid. Or, perhaps it was just the chilly, dark presence that she had felt. Either way, she felt herself draw closer to Anakin as they awaited for a transmission from Naboo.

Upon gaining Yoda's approval, Amidala had contacted Naboo on an untraceable frequency know by she and one other person. Sabé. Now they waited; Which was doing nothing for her nerves. Adi was directly beside her, ready to offer any support she could. Everyone, as it turned out, was offering her support. A total opposite from what she was about to come into contact with.

"Certain are you, your feelings are correct?" Yoda asked, shattering the silence. Amidala nodded, approaching him. "Yes, Master Yoda. Something is not right, there is darkness..."

Yoda regarded her, his ears downcast. "Correct you are. Much danger I sense on Naboo. Strong you are, Padawan. Stronger yet, you must be."

She nodded, trying to stop the tears that had pooled in the corners of her eyes. //Danger, I sense it too.// Standing taller, she took a deep breath. "I have to believe that the force brought me here. Brought me to understand that I can help my people, but perhaps not as Queen." She said, evenly. She could feel Anakin and Obi-Wan's shock, as well as her own Masters agreement. "I will not go down, however, without helping the Naboo."

"Make a decision right now, you shall not. Meditate you will, discover what you seek, young one."

Amidala shook her head, growing slightly impatient. "This is not something I've come by lightly, Master. I've thought about this since arriving here in the Temple, and found it was a decision that I needed to come by alone."

"Talk we will again of this, Padawan. Turn our attentions to Naboo now, we must." He directed them towards the flickering image of Sabé and Captain Panaka.

Feeling her heart fall directly to her feet, she turned to face her former friend. Dressed elegantly as *Queen Amidala*, Sabé was also acting the part very well. "Members of the Jedi Council, we are here at your request," she stated, in her most *regal* voice.

//She hasn't seen you yet, Am.// Anakin grabbed her hand, leading her closer. She hesitated; couldn't she just go hide behind Master Windu? Once she was standing directly before the screen, she stood proudly in her Jedi tunics.

The expression on Sabé's face was priceless. "What is the nature of this visit, *your highness*?" The girl sneered, earning her a few chuckles from those off-screen.

Thinking quickly on her feet was something Amidala was extraordinary at; she was prepared. "I am returning to Naboo, to announce my engagement, Handmaiden. Accompanying me, will be my fiancé, Anakin Skywalker," she stated, using the same regal tone Sabé had been cheaply imitating.

"You are not welcome here, Padmé. The Naboo people have been ordered to arrest you upon sight," Sabé sneered, waving around a manicured hand.

//Then they are in for quite a surprise.// "I am returning, Sabé; whether you welcome me or not." Her voice level and controlled, she was once again appreciative for the Jedi training she'd received. She was going to need it with this one.

"Denying Jedi to your planet, is not wise...*Your Highness*. Masters Kenobi and Gallia will be accompanying their apprentices." Mace Windu interjected. The faux royal stiffened, her features growing hard under the makeup.

"Very well, I will expect you soon." She ended the transmission then, much to the relief of Amidala. Turning around, she cleared her throat. "Please, call me Padmé; it is my given name. Amidala is... a title." Her eyes bore into Anakin's, willing him to understand.

//Can I call you bubbles?//

//Only if I can call you ducky.//

She smiled then, so glad to have him in her life. There would be no way she could do this alone.

"Padmé, you will leave for Naboo, once construction of your lightsaber is complete. You do need more training, if you are to defeat the darkness. Master Gallia, please arrange for Padawan Naberrie's classes to be given instead by you in the form of training."

Adi nodded to Mace, thankful that they were on her side. Taking a fully-trained Padawan such as Anakin would be hard, she didn't even want to think about all she would have to teach Padmé. //She needs you now, trust the force.//
"Come, we have a lot of work to do."

Padmé nodded, falling in step behind her Master. Catching Anakin's eye, she winked. //I love you, Ani.//

//Love you too, bubbles...//

With a roll of her eyes, she exited the chamber. If Naboo thought they could push her around, they were about to find themselves sorely mistaken...

*****************************************

The following days passed in a blur for all of them, Obi-Wan mused. Padmé continued to grow in strength, and just two days ago, completed her lightsaber. He'd seen little of his apprentice, as he was constantly trying to nose into Padmé's training; Much to the chagrin of Adi Gallia.

Finally, they were leaving for Naboo. It would happen in the morning, but this night was his. And he needed to see Bant. A custom of theirs, whenever they were both in the Temple at the same time, was to say goodbye before a mission. This time around, he mused, would be a bit different of a goodbye.

Reaching out, he tried to locate her in the Temple. She was close, that much he knew, but where? Walking down through the healers area, he followed where she was leading him. //Bant, you're killing me here!//

//You're getting close, Kenobi.//

"Yeah, close to what?" He mumbled, opening a door that led towards the steam rooms. He rarely, if ever, came down here; But Bant, needing as much moisture as possible, was a frequent visitor. Why she would pick here, of all places, was beyond him. It was just so...hot!

First, all he saw was steam. Billowy white, and effectively stifling, steam. This was followed by a rather loud "NO! Don't close the.... door."

He looked up, having done just that, and smiled at the steamy sight of Bant. "Afraid to be alone with me?"

Bant smirked, shaking her head. "No, it's just... the door is broken, and can only be opened from the outside. Which means-"

Walking closer to her, he pulled her close for a hug. "Which means, we are effectively stuck here. At least for a while." Truthfully, the thought of being locked inside a steam chamber was pure torture, at best; But, in looking at Bant, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad after all. Clad only in a towel, she was quite fetching.

On the other hand, Bant didn't appear as pleased. "I don't know why you're so happy! You don't like steam, or so you've told me for years and years."

Obi-Wan regarded her with a broad grin. "Mmm, previous experiences did not involve you and a small towel..." He kissed her softly, feeling her laugh.

"Why don't you treat yourself to a towel then? You'll faint hanging around here in those clothes!" Walking to the other side of the room, she threw him a large, tan towel. Part of her wondered just where this night was headed, but that same part somehow already knew. Watching as he changed out of his robe and tunic, Bant felt a shiver of excitement rush up her spine. //And with Obi-Wan, of all people...//

Dressed now as they were in their towels, they both tried to get comfortable in the small chamber. There were, of course, larger chambers on the outside, but this would have to do. "Only you would pick the most miniscule chamber, my dear Bant," Obi-Wan joked, leaning his head on her shoulder.

She pushed him off with a grin. "It's not my fault that you locked the door, Kenobi. I didn't know that the idea of being locked in with me was to repuls-mmph" Obi-Wan's lips were upon her then, effectively shutting her up. If she wasn't already hot, this would do it. //By the force!// Thinking back, she knew now why every female Padawan had chased him around the Temple.

The man could kiss...

A sigh escaped her lips as they parted. "I could kiss you forever." She breathed, resting her head on his now-sweaty chest. The steam swirled around them, but she paid it little attention. He chuckled, and she delighted in the way it sounded coming from his chest. "Kissing certainly has its merits."

It was his turn to sigh and shiver when he felt tiny kisses running up his neck. She paused, looking up and catching his eye. She was beautiful. Silver eyes, shining and happy, her hair was caught in tiny ringlets around her face from the steam, and the smile that made his heart skip a beat. He realized that *this* was why Anakin could hardly bear to be away from Padmé.

//Love, turns the best of us into saps.// "Are you sure we should be doing this?" he managed, wanting to give her an out if she needed it. The last thing he wanted was to push her into anything she wasn't ready for.

//Am I? Am I really?// She stopped, mentally pondering his mental, and out loud, question. While they were both adults, both Masters, this would significantly change their relationship. Forever. No more would they be only friends, they would be lovers. //He's in your heart, you mind, now... your body.// It was a natural progression, she knew. //Just make up your mind!// Running her hands through his hair, she moved herself onto his lap. "You've been my friend for so long, and I will always cherish that-"

"But?"

"But, I would very much like to be your lover," she said, before pulling his mouth to hers for a lingering kiss...

******************************************

Moving slightly inside the tight, steamy chamber, Obi-Wan pulled Bant as close to him as possible. Both growing lazy and relaxed, as was the purpose of the steam, their inhibitions were growing increasingly small. For him, hearing that Bant wanted to be more than friends had been enough; But hearing that she wished to share his bed, nearly made him elated. And it *wasn't* just the physical reasons, it was for the way she smiled at him. They way she'd always smiled that special smile just for him. //Yes, I've gone and fallen in love...//

Their kiss seemed to stretch on forever, each one not wanting to be the first to let go. Bant could feel their lifeforce swirling around them madly, and imagined that it would be a bright blue color, if it were actually visible. "I sense some hesitation," she whispered, as they finally broke away for air.

Obi-Wan blushed, his eyes downcast. "You sense some nervousness," he mumbled. True, it was hardly the first time he'd made love, but it was the first time with *Bant*. It had to be special, it had to be something that they would always remember, always cherish. His nerves always ate away at him in times like this. //Funny,// He mused. //I can defeat a Sith, but I cannot express my love.// Something about that was just wrong.

Did he love Bant? Yes, sometimes so much it hurt. Could he give her his whole heart and soul? That was the question. A Jedi's training led them on a path of isolation in the matters of the heart. Love could complicate things, Qui-Gon had always told him. Yet, if love could also make him feel the way he did right now, he would take the complications as well.

Looking at the beauty in his arms, he was more worried now about the complicated maneuvers they would need to make inside of here to make this work. "We only get one chance to make the first time perfect, you know." He pushed away a stray piece of ebony hair, tucking it behind her ear.

She sighed, curling into his embrace. "Mmm, I don't know. They say that practice makes perfect . We should at least... try." She smiled prettily, before nipping his chin. Force knew she was as nervous as he was, but it was only to be expected. The anxiety surrounding them was so great, that a good roll in the hay... er... steam was just what they needed.

A hiss of steam blasted out then, bringing visibility down to nothing. They had to rely on touch, and a keen sense of the force. Just to make things exciting, she reached for the light switch with the force, and they were enveloped in darkness. "Think of it as an exercise in sensory awareness," she whispered, reaching for the knot in his towel.

Her efforts were halted as hot, feather-light kisses rained down the hollow of her throat. The tingles traveling up her spine were divine, and she couldn't hold back her moan.

In the darkness, their world was tuned into only each other. Obi-Wan tugged gently on her towel, tossing it to the damp floor below. Her skin was soft as synthsilk beneath his hands, and he memorized every inch he could get them on.

Sensory awareness was putting it rather mildly, she mused. Though impeded by the darkness, she was welcoming it as well. It caused her to rely solely on touch. Pulling hastily at the knot of his stubborn towel, she felt an urgent need to get as close to him as possible.

The air around them was hot, and impossible to breathe. He gasped anyway, feeling the tenderness in her touch as she held him close. It was taking all of his famed Jedi control to not make a fool of himself. She was just... she was everywhere, all around him. Her hair in his face, her kisses on his skin, her body on his.

She couldn't take much more of this. Her mind was screaming for his, wanting to be joined to him body and soul. His hands came up to cup her chin, and they kissed madly. "You're an animal," she breathed, slapping him lightly on his bottom.

"Yes, but I'm your animal," he quipped. He could imagine her silver eyes shining at him, the way her skin always seemed to glow in the sunlight. They way she gracefully swam for hours, her ebony hair trailing behind her. With a small adjustment, the joining of body and soul as complete. They were two, yet one everywhere it mattered. She held him close, letting him be the guide.

They traveled. Vivid memories of the past, first meetings and joyous laughter. Times of doubt and depression, times when they thought they may never see other again. All passed by, all acknowledged. He was acutely aware of her body, moving in tandem with his; the Force entwining their minds tighter than they could have imagined. A Force bond, one created out of love, would remain even after death.

As the journey came to an end, he smiled at the expression in her eyes. He saw them then, blinking brightly in the darkness. They said everything, held back nothing. "I love you," they said.

"I love you too," he said, feeling the tears running down his cheeks. All this, and he had to leave her in the morning.

Bant felt the laughter come then, a release of the happiness built up inside her. She laughed, hugging him tightly to her. "You are so amazing," she exclaimed. And he knew she meant in more ways than those just... displayed.

"You are my heart," he told her, feeling lightheaded and silly.

They remained close, sharing in the pure joy of each other. Morning was coming, but they would always be together...

*******************************************

The Temple, dark as it was at night, provided just the right atmosphere for a certain group of Padawans. Leading the way, naturally, was Anakin. Beside him, Den and Hilos made up the male-half of their little group. The fairer sex, whispering and giggling behind them, Padmé, Kyliene and Gaiya tried to remain as quiet as possible.

"Come on, we know *something* happened. You look too... happy, or something!" Gaiya squeaked, referring to Padmé. She had yet to tell a soul about her engagement to Anakin, aside from Adi and Obi-Wan that was. Her nerves, in a constant state of irritation, were all concentrated on what the morning would bring.

Yet, she ached to tell them; to have real girl-talk with someone. She would have to ask Anakin first, make sure he was okay with the idea. "What you see, is the face of someone in love," she answered, earning her a groan from the two girls.

Kyliene smirked, eyeing the guys before her. "Can't live with them..."

"Can't cut them in two with your lightsaber," Gaiya finished, shaking her head.

"Come on, you three. We haven't got all night!" Den barked, with his usual charm. Kyliene promptly stuck her tongue out at him. "We'll be there when we're good and ready, Denny."

Padmé giggled when Den stopped in his tracks, turning three shades of red. "Do. Not. Call. Me. Denny!" He ground out, walking an inch away from Kyliene.

"Why, what will you do about it?" She pushed him back a bit, smiling. "Denny..."

Den started, walking the few short inches back to where he was. "Wouldn't you like to know?" He whispered, close enough to make the hair on the back of her neck stand up. Her heart beating madly in her chest, she managed to smile sweetly. "In your dreams... Den." //Or mine...//

Den leaned in closer still, returning her smile, yet not saying a word. Anakin cleared his throat from behind them, breaking the tension a bit. "Uh, guys? Can we move this elsewhere?" A pause. "Unless, you'd rather be alone?"

That did it! Moving as far apart from each other as possible, Den and Kyliene made their way into the large room they were headed for. Opening the door, they were taken back by the cool smell of the water and the slight mist radiating from it.

"Ah, gotta love the pool," Den exclaimed, already pulling off his robe.

Gaiya covered her eyes in mock-horror. "Oh, please use the changing rooms, will you? Not all of us care to see what's under those tunics, Den!"

She turned her eyes to Kyliene who was avoiding her gaze.

Padmé smiled, feeling Anakin wrap his arms around her from behind. "Any bets on how long it takes Den and Kyliene to kiss?" she whispered, eyeing them.

She felt his rumble of a laugh, "No longer than one standard, I say."

She considered this. "I'll take that bet. This is gonna be fun-"

Gaiya walked up to them, an evil grin splitting her face. "We could... help things along, you know." She added. Kyliene was already in the water, and could not hear their devious planning.

All three of them watched, in obvious delight, as Den and Kyliene stayed as -far- away from each other in the large pool as possible. Each one stealing glances when they thought the other wasn't looking. It was quite comical, really.

"You're on," Padmé whispered, before plunging into the warm water herself. She needed this, this moment of freedom and fun. The morning would bring many trials, and she wanted to have this night to hold close when it got bad. And it would get bad, this she knew. For now? Now... she was going to swim with her fiancé and help her friend find love...

*********************************

...
'Now baby don't be shy, you better cross the line'
...

"Maybe he's just, I don't know, shy or something?" Gaiya wondered, eyeing Den as he swam alone at the back of the pool. Kyliene, in true fashion, was at the opposite end, floating on her back. Padmé took a sip of her muja juice and shook her head. "No, I don't think that's it, exactly. I think they are both afraid of being rejected by the other."

That made a certain amount of sense. "What can we do then? If they can't see it for themselves...?"

Anakin sighed. Deep down, he knew that Den really liked Kyliene; he was just too much of a goof to do anything about it. Den's approach to women was always, 'irritate then drive nuts'. That may have worked when they were younger, but now... it just looked immature. Not that he professed to being so mature, but he knew how to treat a lady. Padmé's smile could attest to that. "You're right about the shyness, it's not that. Den doesn't really know how to act around girls. He's nervous, I think."

"Kyliene, on the other hand, *is* very shy," Gaiya pointed out. "You saw how she reacted when we called her on it before. I think we need a more... subtle approach for these two."

Hilos snorted at that. "If they get any more subtle, they may as well not be together! No, we need to stir the pot here, so to speak. Maybe a game?"

"Yeah, but what? We're a little old for blind-man's bluff, in case you haven't noticed," Padmé quipped.

Anakin laughed, kissing her on the cheek. "Not that kind of game, sweetheart."

She regarded him with a frown. "Okay, explain."

Clearing his throat, he motioned all of them a bit closer. "You've all heard of the seven-minute kiss, right?" Two nods, one confused expression. Smiling at Padmé, he explained. "The point of the game is simple. You pick a name, and then proceed to spend seven minutes with that person, usually kissing."

"But you don't *have* to kiss," Gaiya added.

"Right, but what's the fun in that?" he shot back.

Padmé didn't look all-too happy at the idea of sharing Anakin with anyone. Nor did she want to kiss Den or Hilos. No matter how cute Den was. "Will they even play?"

"Only one way to find out." Anakin said. "Den, Kylie, get your asses over here!" he called out, causing Padmé to roll her eyes. He could be such a *man* sometimes!

Once the six of them were together, Anakin explained the game. "You in?"

Kyliene looked positively pale, and only agreed after Den said he was in. Padmé guessed that the girl would rather spend seven minutes with a wild bantha, then face those same minutes alone with Den. After fetching some flimsy from the table near the door, Anakin scribbled their names and placed them into his bag. "Okay, whose the first victim?"

Gaiya stepped forward. "Oh, I'll do it. And NO peeking, you hear me?" She waved a finger at the five of them. Reaching inside the bag, she pulled out the first name...

***************************************

P ALIGN="justify"Gaiya unfolded the piece of flimsy and turned as red as a wild berry. "Uh... well, I can pick again, you know?"

Five groans resounded and she took a deep breath. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you!" She turned the flimsy over, revealing the scrawled name of Anakin. Padmé appeared to falter for a moment, thinking up a suitable response. Gaiya wanted to positively die! She couldn't kiss *Anakin*!

"Well, you heard the woman, get moving!" Padmé said, at last. She pushed Anakin towards the back of the pool, winking at him. //ONE kiss, and on the cheek. You got it?//

//Loud and clear, babe.// "Shall we?" He extended his hand towards Gaiya, who was still blushing fiercely. They walked, rather -swam- towards the designated area, and stood rather stiffly for a few moments. "The things we do for a friend, huh?" he muttered, splashing her.

Gaiya relaxed a bit, rolling her eyes. "They are so blind, the two of them! I swear, if they *don't* get it together after this, I will personally impale them both with my lightsaber! Darkside be damned!"

Silence again. Anakin wasn't so sure that this was a good idea; the thought of Padmé standing here waiting to be kissed by Den or Hilos was enough to boil his blood. "I think this game works best in the company of those you don't know. It almost feels like-"

"Kissing your brother?" Gaiya filled in, smiling.

"Yeah, I guess that would be it." He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her cheek. "There, they can't get us on a technicality now."

Turning around, she spotted four heads whipping back to face the opposite direction. "I saw that, you cheaters!" She called out, swimming back over.

Padmé laughed, holding up her hands. "It's very hard not to look, trust me!" She felt foolish, really. I mean, what did she expect? Anakin to ravish poor Gaiya once her head was turned? Her only hope was that whomever chose her was as chivalrous as her Anakin had been. "Okay, whose our next victim?"

Hilos raised a tentative hand. "I'm game." Reaching inside, he pulled out a name. "But, I'm not that game." Chuckling, he turned the flimsy over and had a laugh. Written there was Den's name.

"Oh, but I *so* wanted to kiss you, Hilo-baby!" Den teased, faking tears.

An en masse rolling of the eyes followed, and Hilos chose another name. "Padmé... what is this, partner-swapping night, or something?" He was half-dunked by Anakin at that, and had to laugh.

Padmé swam over to him, leading him to the back of the pool. Now... now she just felt old; Hilos was almost ten years younger than she was! And he was trembling like a scared child. //He is a child, compared to you!// With a shake of her head, she forced a smile. "You haven't kissed many girls, have you, Hilos?"

Hilos faltered under her gaze, looking at his feet in an 'aw shucks' fashion. "Not really, no." And he didn't want to expand of that now, not with Anakin's... woman.

Smiling, Padmé took his hand. "You can kiss me, you know. I won't let Anakin kill you."

He chuckled at that. "Good. I don't consider a trip to the healers grand fun." He quickly, and very chastely, brushed his lips against hers and backed away.

If it hadn't been so sweet, Padmé would have laughed herself silly. "Shall we go back?"

..

The game continued for the next twenty minutes, and Anakin and Padmé were finally paired together. Bad part was, after about three minutes, the others called time. Seems they were getting a little too carried away. Den and Kyliene had since managed to escape getting each other's name, and Anakin was beginning to smell a rat. They were both highly capable of persuading the force to do their bidding, and he needed to find an end to that. For their own sakes..

"Alright, Denny...your turn again." Gaiya smiled sweetly and handed him the bag. She saw Kyliene attempt to look uninterested, and failing.

Anakin, with his arms around Padmé, used that 'great untapped Force gift' (Obi-Wan's words) of his to block Den's rather weak attempts at avoiding Kyliene's name.

Confusion registered on Den's face, and well, that wasn't really anything new, as he pulled out the flimsy. "Ah... Kyliene..." he mumbled, turning bright red.

Padmé put her hand to her ear. "What? I couldn't hear you!" She grinned evilly at Den, who shot her a withering glance. Turning the flimsy over, he cleared his throat and said the name again. "Kyliene..."

Poor Kyliene was so taken back that she choked on her muja juice. "Wha?" Gaiya thumped her on the back a few times, pushing her towards the back of the pool in the process. "Go on, we want a full seven minutes!"

Anakin, looking mildly put-out, snorted. "Yeah, give them seven whole minutes-"

"*They* won't take it as an invitation to participate in public indecency!" She shot back, bringing a blush to both Anakin and Padmé.

.

Den took a deep breath and focused all he had on *not* looking at her bathing suit-clad figure. His Master once told him that the safest place to look at a girl was her eyes, and so he did. Kyliene had the prettiest pale green eyes he'd ever seen. They reflected the aqua color of the water, and seemed to go on forever. //Man, I am getting as sappy as Skywalker!// "So..."

She regarded him with a nervous glance. "So..?" She was not going to let him get to her! He could just take those muscles and...//kiss me...kiss me until I can't breathe.// Giving up on her traitorous mind, she found her center of calm. Unfortunately, her 'calm center' was anything but. She was wound up tighter than a spring.

Den sensed some of this, she knew, but he hadn't let on. Yet.

"Kyliene... you know I... ah, Force! Why is this so hard?"

She didn't think of *exactly* what was hard, and shook her head. "I don't know, Den. Why don't you tell me?" Her tone was a lot more harsh than she'd intended, and he stepped back some.

"Why do you have to be so... stuck up all the time?"

Kyliene was outraged. "ME? I'm stuck up? Why do you have to be so... immature!?" Her eyes flashed, and grew stormy. Despite her rage, he wanted to take her and kiss her... if only to shut her up. He thought about it, and she was right... to a point. His view on women was rather, childish. He still giggled whenever his Master brought up sex. //No wonder she can't stand me!//

"You're right, I am immature."

Looking twice, just to make sure she heard him right, she smiled. "And I am somewhat of a snot, I suppose."

"TWO MINUTES!" They both turned as Anakin called out time.

"We don't have to kiss, you know." Kyliene offered. She wanted anything but to think that she forced him into this. If they were to kiss, it would be consensual, and -more importantly- for the right reasons. He smiled at her, taking her hand. Shivers crept up her arm, just at the heat of his touch. //Oh, my...//

"I've wanted to kiss you for a long time, Kylie," he paused, pulling her closer. "I didn't think that you... that a person like you could ever like me. I mean, I'm often rude and I tend to-"

"Den?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you ever going to kiss me?" She wound one hand behind his neck and drew his head down to hers. Inches away from another, she smiled against his lips. "So?" He laughed, tickling her with his breath. "So beautiful." He whispered, bringing his lips to hers. Soft and just hot enough to send a massive rush of shivers up her spine, the kiss was perfect. She opened her mouth, exploring his in turn. Wrapping his arms around her, Den pulled her to him.

When they finally did break apart for air, they were rewarded with a loud round of applause. Blushing, Kyliene rested her head against his chest. "Ten to one they planned this just to get us to kiss." He laughed, kissing her on the top of the head. "Love is in the air, Kylie..."

******************************************

Kyliene and Den swam back towards their applauding 'fans', both smiling and somewhat giddy. Den mused to himself about how it does look somewhat different, once you're on the inside. He could see now why Anakin, Padme, Hilos and Gaiya delighted in each other. Well, not all of them together, mind you. No, now *that* would be interesting, to be sure. He wrapped a long arm around Kyliene, pressing a kiss to her temple. "We've been bamboozled, I'm convinced," he quipped, eyeing the others suspiciously.

"Ha... you don't look too put out, I must say," Gaiya shot back. A few giggles followed. "In fact, I think that our 'plan', devious as it was, was for your own good." She stated, matter-of-factly. Hilos hugged her from behind, nodding in agreement. "We were seriously going to look you in here until you cracked, you know."

"Now that would have made for an interesting morning," Anakin added. "Initiates are the first into the pool in the morning, you know." The image of Den, Kyliene and a pool full of initiates too young to know they should *not* pee in the pool was priceless.

"You're a funny guy, Skywalker." Den shook his head, holding Kyliene a bit closer. She complied, melting into his embrace. "We all a bunch of saps! You know this, don't you?" Her voice was gentle, the words teasing.

They all shared a questioning glance before nodding. A few mumbled 'Yeah, that' us' and 'damn rights' were heard. Before long, they would seriously have to get out of the water; It was way past curfew now.

Anakin turned to Padmé, brushing a wet strand of hair from her cheek. "We should get going. I don't know how much sleep we'll be able to get on the ship.." He could feel her emotions turn cloudy as the trip back to Naboo loomed closer. She leaned into his chest, letting go of a deep sigh. "I know. I just...tonight was fun. We needed this."

He couldn't argue with that. "Let's make our goodbyes and head out then?" She nodded, wading back towards the others. Clearing her throat, she was not at all surprised to find Kyliene and Den lip-locked once again. They parted with a smile and turned their attentions to her. Taking a deep breath, she began.

"As you all know, Anakin and I are departing for Naboo in the morning. We do not know when we will... return," she paused, looking to Anakin. She was breathless at the pure devotion she saw in his eyes, and it gave her what she needed to go on. "What I need now is your support. Naboo is my... homeworld and a place very dear to my heart."

Gaiya and Kyliene swam towards her, enveloping her into a hug. "You've got it, girl. Be careful, the both of you. And may the Force be with you," Kyliene offered.

She smiled at them, thanking the Force for bringing these wonderful people into her life. She was more certain now that she could face whatever the next day brought; The Force would guide her, show her the path that had been laid out for her. "Thank you both, I am going to miss you greatly-"

Gaiya pulled back, pointing a finger at her. "You are coming back! Anakin won't let anything happen to you, right, Skywalker?"

"Damn right I won't."

"Be that as it may, that is why we must now leave. Morning will come all too soon, and the trip to Naboo is a long one, indeed." She tugged gently on Anakin's hand, pulling him towards the ladder. "May the Force be with you all," she said, trying to sound cheerful. //Sometimes, there is just no cheery way to say that!//

//Tell me about it...// Anakin concurred.

Although, it *did* sound quite cheerful, as it echoed around the room from four voices. Padmé took a deep breath, looping her arm into Anakin's. "Let's do this, shall we?"

Kissing her lightly, he smiled. "Yes, let's."

********************************

"You look beautiful, as always."

Startled, Padmé drank in the sight of her fiancé. She had gone back and forth all morning, trying to decide what to wear. The Jedi robes felt comfortable, proper even. Yet, she had settled on a new gown purchased here on Coruscant. It was of a deep maroon, with precious Alderaani gems handstiched at the hem and bodice lines. Paired with her Jedi robe, she had woven the two parts of herself into one.

Still, a third, deeper part of her, rested inside the heart of the warm body kissing the back of her neck. "Mmm, we have no time to play, Ani." //As much as I want to..//

Reaching around to capture her lips, he took her hand in his and placed inside it a small box. "Maybe this will change your mind?"

She regarded the box with confusion. When had he had the time to go out and buy her anything? What could be inside?

Then it hit her.

Raising her eyes to his, she tore off the dark blue flimsy coverings and popped open the box. Before her, nestled inside a shimmering band of gold, rested a Naboo diamond. It sparkled in the morning light, casting tiny prisms on the walls...in Ani's eyes...on her hand as she held it up. It was everything she had dreamed about. "Oh, Ani...where, I mean, how?"

Looking a bit embarrased, Anakin smiled shyly. "Master Yoda, actually. This diamond was a part of the Jedi collection, where it's remained for the better part of too many years to recall," He paused, taking the ring from her hand, and again descending to one knee. "Padmé Naberrie, will you be my wife?"

Wiping away tears, she pulled him to his feet with a tug. "Yes! Although, I did like the original better, ducky..." She swatted his backside, before outstretching her ring finger. The band slid on, adjusting itself slightly to fit her tiny digit.

"Beautiful, just like it's owner." He mused, pulling her close for a kiss. They breathed in each other, trying to ignore the heat rising between them. Scheduled to leave for Naboo in twenty standard minutes, they needed to get going!

"Mmm, as much as I'd love to pin you down and kiss you senseless, we have to go!" She tried pulling him towards the door, but he resisted. "Look, it took me 10 minutes, just to get *into* this dress!" She quipped, her hands on her hips. Anakin relased a loud chuckle.

"You know how much I love you?" He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her from behind

Her face relaxed into a blissful grin, as she melted inside his embrace. "Yeah."

"Then let's go face this together, Jedi Padawan Queen Amidala Padmé Naberrie..soon to be Skywalker."

Shaking her head, she pulled her hood up and walked towards the doors. "Padmé Skywalker, if you please."

"Right this way, Mrs. Skywalker." Linking her arm with his, they headed down to the hangars. Both wearing ridiculous smiles, they seemed unaffected by the somber events to come in the days ahead. The Force, swirling around them through their bond, even rubbed off on Obi-Wan, who smiled as they walked past.

Padmé took a last look at the Temple. Whether she returned or not, this place would live in her heart forever. And with Anakin, Obi-Wan and Master Gallia at her side, she took her seat and prepared to take back her Palace...

*****************************************

All and all, the trip to Naboo passed relatively quickly. Master Gallia kept Padmé busy most of the trip, working on her lightsaber skills and such. It had done wonders for her physically, but she was still a bundle of nerves mentally. Looking down, she smiled as the glow of her lightsaber blade reflected off her ring.

Her ring. Her *engagement* ring.

"It's truly beautiful, Padmé." Adi mused, taking her Padawan's hand in her own for a closer look.

Smiling, the girl could only nod. "So much has happened to me since leaving Naboo...since meeting Anakin, actually."

Adi didn't miss the sadness and pain that radiated across their bond. "Yes, but you will replace the bad times with good times. You will continue to grow, both in the Force, and in your love."

"Thank you, Master." She replied, shyly. A sudden jolt of the ship signalled the jump back to regular space. Naboo was now close at hand. "We should take our seats."

Adi pulled Padmé in for a hug, infusing their bond with comfort and motherly concern. "As many times as I've told you this, you must remember that you are not alone here." She whispered, smiling as she felt the girls mood shift slightly. Back was the brave woman who'd she first met; She'd been sorely missed. "Now come, let's prepare to land."

......................

For a planet currently ruled by a rag-tag group of handmaidens and an arrogant Healer, Naboo looked as beautiful as he'd remembered. Green and lush, it was the polar opposite of Coruscant. It was also the place where Qui-Gon had died, a great battle had been won, and he had first become Obi-Wan's Padawan. And where he'd once again met his angel; once she'd figured out it was him, of course.

Holding his hand, Padmé had taken on her Queen-like facade and speaking tone. Nearly buried though, beneath her brown Jedi robe and layers of fabric from her dress, she looked like a scared child. Her hair, woven into a long braid down her back, was set off playfully by her shoulder-length Padawan braid. She was actually quite fetching, and he bit back the urge to kiss her. THAT was not what she needed at the moment.

Sabé, Eirtaé and Saché were there to...greet them; accompanyied by a dozen or so armed-to-the-teeth droids. He casually considered dispensing of them with a simple wave of his hand, as he'd seen Obi-Wan do all those years ago, but resisted. They were here to make peace; not START trouble. For now, anyway.

........................

Watching from high above, nestled inside a private wing in Theed Palace, Darth Sidious was keeping a close tab on the arrival of the 'Queen'. Oddly enough, he felt the distinct presence of the Force around the woman. For a moment, he dismissed it, thinking it was the Jedi surrounding her on all sides. Yet, upon a closer look, and a small reach into her mind, he saw that it ran deeper than that. Before he could get anywhere, her mental shields doubled, brushing him away as an annoyance.

"So, the Queen is now a Jedi. Most interesting." He mumbled, pulling the darkside around him once again. This would make her even harder to defeat. He would have to speak with Sabé at once.

..................

Buried under a multitude of fabric and makeup, Sabé fought to remain detatched as Padmé made her way inside. It was something in the way she carried herself, the look of control and confidence that she possessed that told her something had changed. She was no longer the jittery, mourning Queen who had left for retreat. No, this was Padmé Naberrie, and she was prepared to fight.

"She certainly looks well." Eirtaé whispered mockingly. In light of the recent...switch of power on Naboo, Eirtaé had taken her place as 'loyal bodyguard' of the Queen...of herself..oh, what good was it anyway? This ahead was looking to be a war she was not going to win. She needed to see Lord Sidious... perhaps they would find a way.

***********************************

The Palace was surrounded with a great amount of darkness, Obi-Wan noticed. Glancing curiously at Adi, she nodded. "We must keep a good watch on Padmé. She's come far, but this may prove to be more than she can handle." The Master whispered. Obi-Wan couldn't agree more; This was a bad situation for all involved.

He hated to admit it, for it was such a strange feeling for him, but he couldn' help but feel somehow *more* protective of Padmé, now that she was training as a Jedi. //No, it's just because she's a good friend. You'd do that for anyone.// Yes, that was partly true, he guessed. That, and the fact that he would rather allow himself to be hurt before Anakin or Padmé.

Luckily, for all involved, the bond holding them together mentally was strong and solid.

Sabé led them to the throne room, where she quickly assumed her role as 'Queen'. "You've come a long way for nothing, Padmé-"

For her part, Padmé wasn't about to back down so easily. Walking directly before HER throne, she placed her hands on the cool marble. "You, young *handmaiden* have no right to speak to me this way." Cool and calm, the Force pulsed around her. She could feel Sabé's inner conflict, followed by the whispered name of 'Sidious'. She contemplated delving deeper, but her Master would most certainly sense that.

"You are no longer the Queen, Padmé-"

"Is that right, Sabé? And this is due to an official election?"

Had she not been trained in such areas, Padmé would have missed the utter fear Sabé was feeling. She knew very well that there had been no election; Sabé was merely betraying the Naboo people by pretending to be her. "That's right, Sabé. There was no election, or you wouldn't be sitting here doing a bad imitation of me. I would have thought that you would have at least had the tact to buy some new gowns." Padmé's voice was pure acid, but she was keeping her emotions in check. Barely. //Ani, Force help me!//

//Send those feelings to the Force, Pad..//

With a cleansing breath, she reached out and did just that. The room swam before her for a moment, before shifting back to normal. She watched, somewhat smugly, as Sabé's mouth opened and closed a few times. It was true, the girl was parading around in her best gown! She didn't feel as attached to the silly garments as she once had, but they were still *hers*.

"And you've done nothing short of desert your people when they needed you!" Sabé countered, standing up and tearing the elaborate headpiece from her hair. Hairpins flew everywhere, leaving behind a petite girl with wild-looking hair. "What could I tell them? Oh, sorry, the Queen went insane?"

Cold filled Padmé's veins, but she held her ground. "I did NOT go insane, Sabé! Rabé's death hit me hard, you know that."

"Hard enough that you had to runaway to Coruscant and take up with the Jedi?"

Maybe it was something in the way Sabé had snidely said the last word, but Padmé had had enough. She felt Adi's hand on her shoulder, and relished in it's comfort. "I *am* a Jedi, Sabé."

Blinking, Sabé barked out a bitter laugh. "So you *did* go insane then? What, did they brainwash you as well-"

"Handmaiden Sabé, I assure you that my Padawan tells the complete truth." Adi reiterated. Still, Sabé was not so easily swayed. Nor did she appreciate being called "Handmaiden" by this...Jedi.

Standing up, she signalled to the droids. "Then you won't have a problem with this, then...correct?" In a flash, the droids began firing.

It took no longer than the blink of an eye, before both Padmé and Anakin had their sabres ignited. Deflecting the shots, the easily disposed of the first six droids.

It was amazing, Padmé thought. She worked so well with Anakin, guarding where he needed it. The Force buzzed around her, guiding her, showing her where the next shot might come from. With little time to even think, she smiled before flipping into the air and slicing the last droid into two pieces. Now panting, she looked around to a surprised Anakin, Obi-Wan and Adi. "Something I saw you do, once." She said, smiling at Anakin.

She then turned to Sabé. "Oh, and while your at it, you might want to work on your accent." Closing her saber, she placed it back inside her pocket and walked towards the doors. She wasn't staying here, that much she was certain of. Anakin caught up to her, followed quickly by the two Masters. "Come on, we're going."

"Yeah, but where?" Anakin asked.

Looking up into the Naboo sky, she allowed herself to feel some pride. She would win here, of that she was certain. Smiling, she took his hand. "To stay with my parents."


**********************************

A deafening silence descended over the Throne room then, daring someone to break it's hold. Sabé, near tears, pounded her fist against the cool marble. She had managed to hold back her initial shock of seeing her former best friend behaving as a Jedi; Turing that shock into fuel for the rumour mill.

Yes, she knew the Naboo people would love to hear how their 'insane' Queen now believes herself to be a *Jedi*.

Problem there? Padmé actually *was* a Jedi. With a lightsaber to boot.

Before she could give the idea more thought, she felt the cool presence of Lord Sidious as he entered the room. "My Lord."

Sidious nodded, leaning across the desk as was his usual way. "Your Highness. I've heard you had some rather unsavory visitors?"

A bitter laugh from Eirtaé brought a smug smile to her face. "Nothing to worry about, my Lord. Padmé, and her Jedi bodyguards are no match for you."

She watched as the man's thin lips stretched into a miserable grin. "Yet, you are not as confident as you would like to me to believe?" He ran a cold finger down her cheek, and she shivered. "I will take care of the Jedi, Your Highness. Including that poor excuse of a Queen."

Sabé, vulnerable to the doting attention, beamed. "I knew you would, my Lord." Watching as he left the room, she then ordered housekeeping to clean up the mess Padmé and her Jedi had left behind.

.

Padmé, her nerves till raw, sat quietly as the ship cut through the Naboo sky. Anakin was beside her, his arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. There was so much that she wanted to say, so many things that would need to be said. Her parents. She hadn't seen them since her coronation -ten years previous- and now...what? She just arrives at their doorstep, with her fiancé, her JEDI MASTER, and news of a Naboo takeover?

//What was I thinking?//

No, she knew that her Mother would be happy to see her; Whatever the reason. She would be equally as happy to meet Anakin. It was Obi-Wan and Adi that worried her.

"The Force will guide us, Padawan." Adi whispered, taking a seat opposite her. For some reason, her Master's words calmed her to no end. A warm outpouring of affection filled their bond, and she smiled. "Thank you, Master. I... wish to apologize for my conduct back there-"

"Do not apologize for defending yourself, Padawan. As for your... lightsaber skills, I am glad we arranged all those extra sessions." Adi reached for her hand, giving it a warm squeeze.

"Yeah, we work pretty good together as a team, wouldn't you agree?" Padmé replied, looking around to everyone. "Still, I had no right to act like a spoiled brat back there."

Adi held up her hand. "You had every right, Padmé. Until an official election can be held, *you*, my Padawan, are the Queen of Naboo. The Council will support you on this."

She nodded, resting her head on Anakin's shoulder. "Queen... I don't even know what that means anymore. It feels like a million years ago, that I took the position; Eager and full of hope. I don't know if I could return now, or ever, knowing that my heart is not in it."

The sadness in her voice nearly broke Anakin's heart. As much as he wished for her to remain with him on Coruscant, he knew that she would long for Naboo until her last breath. It just wasn't fair. //Damn Sabé to the lowest of all seven Sith hells!//

//I heard that, Ani. She is still my-//

//Your what? Evil twin? She is not you, nor will she ever be. No matter how much makeup she piles on.//

Adi and Obi-Wan, privy to much of the silent communication, exchanged glances. "It will do none of us any good to react in anger," Obi-Wan admonished. He knew that behind his Padawan's gentle, teasing nature, a small glimmer of anger was always looking to burn bright. Thankfully, Anakin had never given into his anger, though he very much wished to a few times.

Besides, and it wasn't something he was proud of, he himself had fought the anger demons all his life. It was when one allowed the anger to take control, that darkness began to grow.

And he could certainly see a cause to be angry here. False accusations, horrible mind games, the assassination of her friend, the discovery of her Force sensitivity. And now this. Everyone had a natural breaking point; He just hoped that with the support of the people around her, Padmé would find her way.

"Fly low, Obi-Wan. We're almost there." He nodded, taking the ship down amidst the green trees and valleys. Glancing once into her eyes, he saw there the grim determination she had all those years ago.

Oh yes, Queen Amidala was back. And she was ready to fight.

*********************************

The modest home situated on a emerald-green hillside, sat as a reminder to Padmé of where she came from. She was born here, twenty-four years previous, to Madellé and Lucaas Naberrie. From her vantage point, just beyond the ship's ramp, she could see that the days activities were in full swing. Various beasts of burden loitered around the farmhouse, along with a smattering of small children. //My siblings.// She admonished herself.

Anakin placed a large hand on her shoulder, seemingly propelling her forward. //I can't, Ani. What if?//

Taking her into his arms, he sent as much love and affection he could muster through their bond. "The frustration in what if, often makes us miss the realization of what is," he kissed her quickly, "You and I, this moment, these days, they are what is. Reach out to the Force, you will see I speak the truth."

She nodded, distractedly. He was right, of course. Still. What if her parents believed all those awful things about her? //Then we will accept it, and move on.// She smiled at Anakin's fierce determination; It would be something she would need. Steeling her nerves, once again, she signalled to her Master and Obi-Wan. She was ready.

.

Madellé Naberrie, who'd been busily preparing the mid-day meal, watched, distractedly, as the dish she'd been holding crashed to the floor. Glass danced across the floor, splaying like the liquid it was, as the woman watched her daughter approach the house.

Tiny, as she always was, she was joined by a handsome young man, and two elders. Something in the way her daughter carried herself, told Madellé that something was very wrong. Although not having laid eyes on her daughter in just over ten years, she knew this as much as anything. Having left Orian for Theed at a young age, she was no longer a girl... and very much a woman.

"Luca? Luca, come quickly!" she cried out, stepping carefully across the broken glass. It crunched noisily under her simple shoes, as she prepared to greet her daughter.

The tall man bounded into the room, tossing aside the broken droid part he'd been tinkering with. "What is it, Ellé? You now I've got thirty things before sundown.... oh, by the stars above!" Reaching for his wife's shaking hand, all thoughts of work fled his mind. "Padmé, my beautiful girl." One large, sun-weathered hand reached for the door.

Behind it, with tears in her brown eyes, Padmé smiled shakily at her parents. "Momma, Poppa?" She managed, around sobs.

Without a moments hesitation, Lucaas embraced his little girl. "My little mé-mé," He whispered against her hair.

Padmé, smiling at the ages-old nickname, pulled slightly away. "Poppa, I need your help."

*******************************

Night had fallen over the Western part of Naboo, leaving only the stars behind for illumination. Anakin, alone for the moment, relaxed on his back amidst a thick carpet of grass. A warm breeze blew up from the South, carrying with it the smell of wildflowers. Here, free from technology and starships, the living Force pulsed around him.

Padmé, after the tears stopped, had explained her situation to her parents. Her Mother, having heard most of the rumors, was relieved to hear the truth. She'd left out the Jedi training part; Explaining that the Jedi were her protection.

It wasn't a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth.

Now that the truth was out in the open, it was all a matter of what to do next. Technically, none of them could involve themselves in any direct way. Even Padmé, as embroiled as she was in all of this. The Coucil would send in Jedi representatives to assist in the reversal of power on Naboo.

If it came to that.

More and more, Anakin was certain that Padmé no longer wished to be Queen. True, she would never be a Jedi Knight; but it was a nice way to keep her within arms reach. Even if she would kick his arse if he ever mentioned that. A broad smile stretched across his face, and he mused over the past years events. He was still smiling when Padmé appeared above him. "Your even beautiful upside down."

She giggled, and his heart leapt at the sound. She took a seat beside him, wrapping herself inside his robe. "Thank you, I think."

"And to think, Obi-Wan and I were only supposed to attend the liberation parade and head back to Coruscant," he teased, kissing her temple.

"Yeah, and there I was, mistaking you for my *pilot*! You must have thought I was the biggest brat." She closed her eyes, thinking back to that day.

Anakin pulled her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her. "It was fun, actually. I knew that you could sense something was up, you just didn't know how to figure it out." Against the blackness of the sky, his smile stood out.

They stood for a long moment, watching as the Force pulsed around them. Here, in the stillness, their bond was almost visible. If he closed his eyes hard enough, he could just make out the bright, blue-green thread tethering them together. It was beautiful.

"You don't know how long I've wished to come home, Ani." She paused, wincing as he bowed his head. "No, I take that back. You know exactly how hard it is to be away from home. It's like something that keeps pulling you, and you either find the strength to resist, or give in."

He chuckled. "Sort of sums up life, doesn't it?"

Relaxing into his embrace, she smiled. "For us? Yeah, I would have to agree."

There were many things that Anakin needed to tell her. Many things that she would not want to accept. He just... couldn't right now. Not when she was boneless and warm in his arms. Perhaps when the sun came up again, but not anytime before...

*******************************

Morning came, rushing in through the windows, and bouncing off the diamond on her finger. Tiny rainbows sparkled against the wall, and she smiled. She was in her old room, with Adi still asleep in the bed beside hers. It was usually where her sister would have slept, but Mial'e had since married and had a family of her own on the other side of Naboo.

Reaching out with the Force, she knew that Anakin and Obi-Wan were awake, and had been so for some time. Something in the way Anakin was talking the night before made her suspicious. She didn't think he was hiding anything from her... not really. Yet, there *was* something brewing. She sent him a good morning and then focused in on the Force-signature of her Master.

//Master?//

Fighting a grin, she watched as Adi nearly jumped out of her skin. "Anyone ever tell you not to do that?" She teased, wiping the sleep from her eyes. Checking the old chrono on the wall, the Jedi Master groaned. "Tell me that we didn't really sleep until ninth hour, Padawan?"

Padmé grinned, guiltily. "I'm afraid so, Master. The boys will likely think we're catching up on our beauty sleep."

That managed to make Adi giggle. "Beauty sleep is the last thing we need right now. I think the Force was telling us to get our rest," She sat up, stretching her long arms. "On a more serious note, I think it's about time you told your Mother everything, Padmé-"

"Everything about what?" Madellé asked, walking in with two trays of Naboo breakfast foods.

Padmé looked pleadingly at her Master. //I'm not sure where to begin!//

//From the beginning then, Padawan. You can do it.//

.

Out in the backyard, Anakin was busy trying to *not* show off his lightsaber to Padmé's relatives. Apparently, Jedi were more heard of than seen in these parts. Obi-Wan had told him plainly to 'not manage to cut clear through any of these children'. That was Obi-speak for 'ignite your lightsaber and find yourself in heavy meditation for three weeks'.

He tended not to argue with that.

Besides, his problems now were coming from Padmé's flirtatious neighbor. He'd used his usual -charm to try and let her down easy, but as Yoda would say, there is no try, only do. Right then. Well, he did *not* want to do what this girl was suggesting. That much was certain.

He longed to simply tell her about his engagement, but Padmé had not yet informed her parents of that either. He supposed that too much news in one day was not a good idea; But they did have the right to know. He turned around as he felt Obi-Wan's presence approaching. "Master."

Obi-Wan did not look pleased. "Madellé has asked to speak to us, Padawan,"

"About?" He prodded. The glare from his Master halted any further inquisitions.

"Padmé has attempted explaining how she came to be in the residence of the Jedi Temple, and her Mother has voice some... concerns." Obi-Wan explained, standing rim-rod straight, his hands folded into his robe.

The 'this is serious' stance. //Great// "Well, let's go then. Shall we?"

***********************************

Instinctively reaching out with the Force, Padmé was able to calm her fraying nerves. She wasn't as nervous about announcing her engagement to Anakin, as she was explaining her position with the Jedi. Her Mother, like most Naboo residents, did not understand why she ran away.

Sometimes, she didn't even understand.

She longed to meditate about it, but there was no time. Adi was a calm presence behind her, offering her support along their bond. She longed to tell her mother about that, too. About how a whole new world opened up to her when she stepped inside the Jedi Temple. Her friends, her lightsaber. Her Anakin. Everything worth anything in her life right now related to the Jedi in some way. She could feel the pulse of the Force as it coursed through her. No, it would not give her the words, it could only guide her. //Guide away!//

Adi reached for her hand then, squeezing it tightly. //Clear your mind, Padawan. Then you will see.//

//Very good advice, Master.//

Madellé, having gone to fetch Lucaas, returned with a much larger crowd. Anakin and Obi-Wan, to be exact. Standing there, silhouetted against the morning sun, Padmé felt her breath catch as she looked at him. //Oh, Ani.//

She saw the brief wave of emotion dace across his features. //We'll be alright, love.//

"Padmé, honey. Please, explain this so that we may understand?" Madellé urged, taking a seat opposite her daughter.

Padmé could see the love radiating there, when she looked at them. So, taking a deep breath, she began. "Well, I've explained to you what happened with...Sabé," she paused, tugging at the seam of her quilt, "I was a wreck, after that. My own friends believed me to be insane! Even the Palace healer was convinced. Yet, Anakin wasn't so sure. He felt that maybe, a change of scene, and an examination with a Jedi Healer would do me some good. I agreed."

"And who exactly, if you'll forgive me for asking, is Anakin to you that you would listen?" Lucaas asked, giving Anakin the once-over.

//Best friend, lover, fiancé?// They all fit. "I met Anakin shortly after I was elected. He was all of nine years old, and instrumental in saving Naboo from certain disaster." She explained, proudly.

Something in Madellé's mind clicked, and she gasped. "That was you? My word, I've kept a holo of that day! Oh, let me get it." She dashed off into the next room, returning with a faded holo. It was a shot of Padmé, Anakin and Obi-Wan, taken shortly after the victory parade in Theed. All smiling, it was captioned with the words "Her Majesty, Queen Amidala of Naboo, with Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker."

Anakin groaned at the sight of himself then. He'd just gotten the requisite Padawan haircut, and it looked frightful. Even his braid, now resting just below his shoulders, was short and chopped-looking! Even more funny was the sight of Padmé, looking very mature and proper, beside him; essentially, a little boy.

Madellé smiled at them, shaking her head. "I must have seen this holo more times than I can remember, and it now just hit me! So, you've remained friends this long? That itself is something!"

//Yes, it's everything.// "That's another story onto itself, I'm afraid! So, after traveling to Coruscant, I settled into my own room inside the Temple. The Temple Healer found no signs that I was insane, or even delusional. In his opinion, I was fine."

"Yes, but how can you be certain, Mé-mé?" Lucaas asked, taking Padmé's hand.

Her first instinct was to react badly to that. //What, do you really think I'm sick, Dad?// A simple, undetectable brush against her father's mind, revealed nothing but concern, however, and she softened. "We... uh, the Jedi, use the Force for healing." She smiled weakly, hoping they hadn't noticed her flub.

"What do you mean, *we*, Padmé?" Madellé asked, a slight tinge of fear coloring her words. If Padmé didn't know better, she would think her mother to be afraid.

"That," she paused, reaching for her lightsaber, "is just what I was about to tell you." //Now or never, Ani. Think you can handle it?//

A snort. //Yeah, Force-enhanced running and all that. I'm pretty sure I can make a run for it, if need be.//

She sighed, mentally smacking him. //Be serious, will you?//

//Alright, but who will you be, then?//

She smiled at that. He only wanted to cheer her up, which he was, but she needed to focus right now. //I'll be the one relegating you to the floor later, so be quiet!//

//Yes, M'lady.//

"Either explain, or put that awful weapon away, Padmé," Madellé urged, taking a step back.

"Mom, Dad, I have been, for the last few months, training to be a Jedi. Master Gallia, is actually *my* Master." //There...//

Madellé struggled to remain upright. She was mumbling, but most of it didn't make any sense. All anyone could make out was 'never give her up' and 'lightsaber... no lightsaber'

****************************************

The fear radiating from Madellé didn't go unnoticed by the four Jedi in the room. Obi-Wan could feel as Padmé used her tentative grasp on the Force to try and calm her mother down. He was just about to assist, when Anakin stepped in. He couldn't help feeling pride, watching how gentle and understanding his Padawan was being with Padmé; It was endearing. At any rate, Madellé did, indeed, calm down. Leaning back into the couch, she seemed to hide inside her husbands embrace.

"Mom?" Padmé whispered, reaching for her mother's hand.

Madellé reared back, "What? Is there more?"

Retreating slightly, Padmé held steadfast onto her mother's hand. "Mom, I know this is confusing for you. I didn't expect it myself, really." She paused, thinking about her time at the Temple. "I just... knew the moment I walked into the Temple..."

Madellé and Lucaas held tight to one another. No matter what surprise they'd affected now, they knew all too-well that they should have seen this coming...


24 years previous
Naboo

Playfully batting at the mobile above her bed, six-month old Padmé Naberrie giggled. Around and around the animals spun, blurring the colors together. A tall figure beside her bed smiled, and reached for his daughters tiny hand. "My little mé-mé," he whispered, laughing at the girls expression. She was so small, so innocent...

//They are not taking my little girl away...//

Pulling a small, pink blanket over the girl, he left the room. She would sleep now, and be forever grateful for her parents sacrifice.

"Have you made a decision?" A tall man asked him, from beneath a dark brown hood.

Lucaas nodded. "She will remain here, with us."

The man nodded, bowing his head. "She would have made a powerful Jedi, but we respect your decision. Thank you for your hospitality." And with that, all hopes that Padmé Naberrie would become a Jedi flew out the door with him.

Lucaas sighed, leaning back against the door. He could see Madellé, rocking herself on the couch. How could have let them take his... their baby girl? No, Padmé would respect the decision they made. She would be thankful that they hadn't let those brain-washers take her away.

She would.

*********************************

"Padmé, we... we were, oh, Lucaas... you tell her." Madellé urged, sitting up somewhat. Her olive-colored skin was streaked with tears, she looked completely distraught. Without realizing it, Padmé placed her other hand on top of her Mother's and sent her wave after wave of comfort and love. The room seemed to spin around her, casting an ethereal glow across the faces of her love, her Master, her friend. Her parents. Taking a breath, she was able to clear her mind enough to take in what her Father was about to tell her.

"Your Mother and I were approached concerning your future," he began, "You couldn't have been much older than your sixth standard month, right Ellé?" Off his wife's nod, he continued. "Your Grandmother had always said that your destiny was a tangled web. That you would be an important part of the Galaxy."

Padmé nodded, she already knew this. Winama had always had a sense of the future. Visions, that sort of thing. What Padmé never could understand was her Grandmother's reluctance to allow her Granddaughter to enter into politics. She would tell her, when she assumed she was asleep, that her destiny lie elsewhere.

Elsewhere.

//With the Jedi.//

"I understand, Dad," she whispered, at last.

"We were visited not soon after that by two... offlanders that wished to check your... mini... um, mimi-"

"Midichlorians?" Anakin supplied.

"Yeah, whatever," Lucaas responded, waving his hand in the air. "Your Mother refused to allow these strangers near you, but you had other thoughts. So, like any rebel would, you came crawling out of your room, all smiles," he relayed, smiling at *that* memory. That one wasn't so painful.

"Please understand honey, your Mother and I had never seen a Jedi before. We didn't know what was going on. All we knew was, strangers were asking to take a sample of our baby's blood. You weren't shy in the least bit, you pulled yourself up into the man's lap. He stared right into your eyes and I swear, he talked to you, but I never saw his lips move." Lucaas's hand had been tightening around his wife's shoulder, trying to keep her from weeping again.

Padmé, nearly in shock, stood up and walked over to Adi. She wasn't sure why, but she needed to be by her Master. Her parents meant her no ill-will, but there was just... something. //Master, I'm scared!// she screamed out. Adi grasped her hand, and she was calmed instantly.

Something she should have been able to feel from her own Mother.

//Your destiny has yet to be revealed, Padawan. I am here for you, always.//

She smiled inwardly, glancing over at Anakin. He looked about as shell-shocked as she, and she noticed his proximity to Obi-Wan. Her heart broke when she thought of the sacrifice Shmi had made in letting her little boy go. Anakin was looking at Madellé, but she knew that Shmi was the only Mother on his mind right now.

//But wait... why wasn't I taken to the Temple? Was I not good enough?//

She looked back at her parents, feeling something akin to anger bubbling inside her. "Did they test me?"

No response.

Louder, then. "Dad, did they test me?" she screamed, Adi's hand firmly in her own. It was the only thing keeping her from snapping.

Lucaas bowed his head, and had the silence not been so complete, his whispered "Yes," would have gone unnoticed. "Yes, they wished to take you to the Temple to be a Jedi," he admitted, at last.

Crying herself now, Padmé tore out of the room as fast as she could. A million thoughts ran around her mind. She could have been a Jedi Knight by now! She would have grown up to be a Jedi! Instead, she was *guided* into politics by her selfish parents. Sure, they wouldn't see her as often as they'd liked, but she would be forever saddled on Naboo.

"No more!" she screamed, falling to her knees under a tall tree. The roots were rough, but she curled into the warm dirt anyway. She wasn't insane! She was just... she was beginning to see that becoming Queen Amidala was a terrible mistake.

"A mistake that I need to correct," she mumbled, feeling herself fall into sleep.

.

From a few steps behind, Obi-Wan and Adi watched as Anakin gently took the sleeping girl into his arms. "This will take time to mend." Obi-Wan commented.

"Yes, and things must be righted," Adi added. "The Force, we will trust in the Force."

They stood silent then, watching as Anakin's tears mingled into the dark brown dirt beneath him. The sun was high in the sky. The day was going on around them.

******************************************

...
'Doubting if there's a woman in there somewhere. Here, here, here...'
...

When Padmé awoke, she found herself bathed in silver moonlight onboard the ship. //What the?// The last thing she remembered was running from her Mother's words, and lying beneath a big tree? //Well,// she mused, //that still doesn't explain why I woke up here.// Her head was pounding, and she couldn't remember even falling asleep. The ship was quiet, but a quick check outside confirmed that they were still on the ground. //Then why are we on the ship?//

Pulling a blanket around her shoulders, she decided to go and find out.

.

Theed Palace was bustling with activity, for such a late hour. Sabé, after regaining her lost confidence, had put on a brave face and decided to face her fate. What could be a potentially dangerous situation for everyone, was currently be discussed amongst members of her Council. Sio Bibble, her closest advisor aside from Sidious, had confirmed to her that an armed security team was assembled around the Palace.

There would be no welcoming party for Padmé, should she chose to return.

After being humiliated like that, Sabé was more than a little pissed at her former Queen. Sidious assured her, in the smooth, calming voice she'd grown to love, that the Jedi, including Padmé, were nothing to worry about. Yet, she wasn't so sure. Having seen, firsthand, what the Jedi could do to defend their own, she was more than a bit concerned. //Seeing Padmé with that lightsaber hadn't helped.//

Staring into the dark, star-filled night, she relaxed into the arms surrounding her. "You're going to tell me that everything will work out, right?" she whispered.

A pause.

"I find your lack of faith in me... disturbing," came the answer. Smiling, Sabé turned her head and came face to face with someone she'd never expected to see.

.

Stopping suddenly, Padmé held a hand to her head. //What was that?// She'd felt something, cold and dark, twisted with evil. "Anakin? Master?" she called out, making her way to the cockpit.

Anakin was instantly at her side. "Shh, it's okay. We felt it, too." He soothed, pulling her into his lap. She huddled against him, as the residual effects of the disturbance faded away. "That was a bad one," He said, carefully.

Obi-Wan nodded. "It was centered around Naboo, other than that..."

"Other than that, I think we must be cautious. I suggest we contact the Council." Adi broke in. Her bright eyes reflected the concern she was feeling. Maybe it was her attachment to her Padawan, but she felt something... stronger.

And it was coming from Theed Palace.

.

"Hard to see, the dark side is," Obi-Wan whispered, as he placed the call to the Council. It took several minutes to re-routing the signal and disable the tracer, but they couldn't afford to be careless now. He would die himself before he allowed anything to happen to his comrades. //Master, a word of advice now would be appreciated.// With a deep sigh, he caught himself before reaching out to Qui-Gon. Although a silver filament of their bond remained, even after all these years, all it would bring him was a cold reminder that his Master wasn't there.

After all, he was the Master now; And his Padawan needed him.

Staring into the screen for a moment, he was pleased when the eleven faces of the Jedi Council came into view. Their twelfth member was seated beside him, her face difficult to read.

"Master Kenobi, Master Gallia, unexpected this is," Yoda said, by way of greeting.

Obi-Wan went to speak, but stopped as Adi began. "Things have taken a different turn than we'd expected," she said, choosing her words carefully.

The face of Mace Windu filled the screen. "There has been a disturbance in the Force." It was not a question.

With a nod, Adi continued. "I... fear for the safety of my Padawan," she confessed, bowing her head.

Obi-Wan looked up sharply. For Adi to admit her fears... that meant that something was indeed wrong. It was akin to Qui-Gon admitting fear. And that NEVER happened. He watched as both Mace and Yoda nodded.

"Bring her back to Coruscant, you must. Safe there, you are not. Handle this from here, we can," Yoda announced, with a tap of his stick.

Anakin was already preparing the ship for departure.

.

"What do you mean, we're leaving?"

Wincing, Anakin tried to ignore the 'royal pain in the arse' voice that Padmé had affected. It came out at her worst times, when she wanted to hide behind her title and persona. He doubted that she even realized she was doing it. "Orders from the Council, actually..."

"Well, we don't really have to listen to them, right? We can stay here and fight?"

Her voice was filled with such desperation, that it broke his heart. But, seeing as how defying the Council was *not* an option. "That might be a problem, considering your Master is one twelfth of the Council..."

"Anakin! When I want an answer from you, I'll ask!"

//What?!// Checking the navicomp, he shook his head. "Padmé, please! We're leaving, we cannot stay here. Got it?" That seemed to do the trick.

Spinning on her heal, she walked right up to him. "Don't you yell at me! I've had enough!" She was screaming now, and it was becoming very liberating. Still, he knew, HE KNEW what she had been through. Her hands were shaking, and she felt the pull of the ship, as it jumped into hyperspace. They were pulling her farther and farther away from her...

"From your what? Your home? Your Palace?" Anakin asked, not hiding the contempt.

//He's right. I have no place there.// The realization of that brought her to her knees. Literally. But, hadn't she been wanting to go back home to the Temple, anyway? //Yes... home. My home at the Temple.// "You're right. I'm wrong, you're right-"

Anakin left his seat, and gathered her into his arms. Sobbing and defeated, she allowed herself this comfort. The Force was a steady stream of brilliant rosy pink around her. //The color of her sabre.// he noted, dimly. He could feel Obi-Wan's concern along their bond, and reassured him that all was okay. Placing a warm kiss atop her head, he gave her a tentative smile. "We shouldn't fight, you know," he whispered.

He could have imagined it, but he swore her lower lip jutted out into a pout. "That was not a fight," she argued.

"You know," he whispered, kissing her cheek, "had it been a real fight... we could be making up right now."

She smiled then; a real smile. "Making up, you say? Tell me more about that, fiancé of mine..."

******************************************

...
'In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn...'
...

The ship cut through the stars effortlessly, despite the tumultuous emotions of its occupants. Finding himself unable to meditate, Obi-Wan rummaged around the ships supplies, in search of tea.

"Hoping to find the answers in those cabinets?"

Jumping slightly, Obi-Wan smiled at Adi. He hadn't heard her approach. "No," he sighed, closing the cabinet, "Just some tea. I've found it impossible to meditate."

She nodded, going to where she knew the tea was hiding. "It's times like these, when you wish you were still the Padawan," She mused, scooping out some of the fragrant leaves. "Or, at least, the advice of the Council?" The sly smile on her face lit up the room.

"Yes, it's too bad I don't know anyone on the Council," he teased, affecting a confused expression.

After preparing two steaming mugs, Adi sat down beside her friend. "You can talk to me, Obi-Wan. I might not be as good a listener as Qui-Gon..."

He smiled. "No, but you aren't obligated to give me Masterly advice as he was."

After a sip of her tea, Adi reached for his hand. "Aren't I though? Qui-Gon and I were good friends. I know that he would like to know that someone is looking out for you."

//Yes, and I wish it were him.// "I think sometimes, that we forget that we don't know everything. They," he pointed towards Anakin's room, "believe that their Masters have all the answers. I know I did."

Adi shook her head. "No, we don't. Even the Council doesn't know everything. We are constantly learning, as the code says. Their idea that we know everything is a safety blanket... of sorts. They are safe, as long as they feel we are in control."

That made much sense. His safety had been pulled painfully from him when Qui-Gon died. "This whole situation, Naboo, Padmé, Anakin... it just, it brings back every one of those painful memories. My life seems to be going in circles," He rubbed a hand against his forehead. "Every time I close my eyes, I see... I see..."

Adi squeezed his hand. "In my experience, the Force never acts without reason. Now, there's something happening to that poor girl... something beyond her control. She's been manipulated by nearly everyone she's ever cared about -present company excluded."

He nodded, releasing his rising agony into the Force. "You're right, being a Master means thinking about them first... Force knows that Qui-Gon always-"

"Hey, you need to feel confident that *you* can do this. Anakin is not looking at what Qui-Gon did, he's looking to you." Adi argued. It hurt her to see Obi-Wan doubting himself like this. She knew it would be hurting Qui-Gon even more. There was little time now to wallow in self-doubt; not with what they were going up against.

Obi-Wan stared at the closed door to Anakin's room. Would he be able to guide his Padawan down the right path? //You've done a good job so far...// "Somehow," he said, finding a smile, "I think that what we're doing is the last thing on their minds right now."

************************************

As Coruscant became ever closer, the large cabin where Anakin and Padmé were resting was lit only by the light of a glowrod. Strong, blue light cast a coruscating shadow around the room. A small holoplayer Anakin had found was set to a relaxing beat, all in hopes of calming his love's tense psyche. She was practically broadcasting her emotions, and Anakin put up a shield around her, knowing she was too troubled at the moment to manage it.

She was curled up inside his arms, taking from him all the comfort that he'd been offering. He'd thought, once, that his struggle to find his destiny had been unbearable. Still now, he had moments of great self-doubt.

It could not even compare to what Padmé was going through.

Knowing that your destiny might have led you on a different path entirely? Knowing that you were cheated out of what might have been?

//No,// he thought, //*that* is unbearable...//

He idly wondered if the Council knew about this. Yet, he doubted whether or not they kept tabs on those who chose not to take the Jedi path. Certainly there had been others? True, Padmé could not have chosen the Jedi way as young as she was, but...

"But what?" Padmé whispered, taking his hand. "My Mother should have allowed them to take me." The fire in her voice caused him to wince. She was so angry. "They always told me that my destiny was to become Queen. My *destiny* was to become a Jedi!"

Anakin considered this. "Maybe it was both?"

A confused glare. "What to do you mean, both? That doesn't make-"

"Yes, it does. Think about it! My destiny was to become a Jedi, right? Perhaps, it was also my destiny to be a slave. Who says we're only destined for one life?"

Looking up at him, she felt a small smile tug at the corners of her mouth. "Is it my destiny to fall in love with a smart, sexy Padawan?"

Anakin rolled his eyes. "Be serious, would you?"

At this, she sat up. "Come on, I've had enough seriousness to last me a lifetime!" The slight, whining tone in her voice made him smile.

"You have a lot of decisions to make, love. I know, and Obi and Adi know, that the Council will not make this easy on you. On any of us."

She nodded, pulling her knees up to her chest. "I know. I'm more worried about what I will do to myself, Anakin. There's no greater doubt than self-doubt."

They sat alone for a moment, watching the blackness of space outside the window. Watching the blue light dance around the room.

Destiny...

//What if I cannot be a Jedi, either?//

Destiny...

//Your Highness, there has been an accident. One of the handmaidens...//

Destiny?

//..they wished to take you to the Temple to be a Jedi...//

Destiny, then.

//Your destiny has yet to be revealed, Padawan. I am here for you, always.//

She wasn't sure when the tears had started. All that surrounded her was pure, passion-tinged love. Blindly, and nearly on instinct alone, she reached for Anakin. He was there, holding her tight, as their lips met. The Force sparked between them, melding along their bond in a kaleidoscope of color and emotion.

//Never doubt my love...//

"Never," she whispered, against his lips. With so many decisions to be made, so many roads yet not taken, they decided to start where at a place they new well.

With each other.

Making love late into the night, the two Jedi, the man and woman, slave and Queen, held on as tight as they could.

Was it not destiny that led them this far?

...

THE END

To be Continued in the Sequel "Anulekha"