MAIN STAGE

As the lights were dimmed, Anakin and Padme walked stepped onto the dance floor. Getting into their starting position, they took a deep breath and waited for the opening beats of their music to start.

"And now, it is my pleasure to announce our third performance of the evening!" the announcer trilled. "The next couple impressed us last week with their breathtaking slow dance and won over fans throughout the Galaxy! Performing their version of the Zobaa, please turn your attention to the main stage for Liri and Kaide!"

Feeling the bright spotlight on them, they tried to tune out the wild applause and cheers that followed. Padme was finding it difficult to concentrate as the feeling of fire had started to engulf her arms.

Fighting back tears, she looked into Anakin's eyes as the music started. Comforted by the love and admiration she saw reflected there, she began to move.

Anakin was disturbed to see the pain in Padme's face when she looked at him initially. After a moment's hesitation, he followed her brisk footwork, relieved to see the tension melt away as she gave herself over to the dance. Her voice echoed in his mind, I'm okay, Ani... Smiling widely, he reached out to her and grasped her hands, twisting her in a series of tight spins. I love you, Padme... His eyes never left hers as he lifted her in a small jump. Landing easily, she was instantly back in his arms as they twirled around the dance floor, bodies pressed close together, feet flashing side to side.

Padme's mind seemed to overrule her body as they moved through their routine. Somehow, Anakin had become the sole source of her strength and the power of their connection had caused her pain to melt away. The sudden absence of its intense agony caused her steps to be quicker than they'd ever been. She felt weightless, like she and Anakin were two parts of one whole, anticipating each other's every move.

As the time came for the Throw, she knew they were ready. Expertly, Anakin spun her around and around, and Padme felt her body lift off the ground completely. As he released her, she felt like she could soar forever, and quickly brought her body into a tight double back-flip, grinning widely as her feet hit the ground and the crowd gasped in excitement. Feeding off their energy, she moved quickly towards Anakin as they started the last segment of the routine. Their feet were mirror images of each other as they conquered the intricate, grueling steps. Their spins were concise and perfect and Padme could feel Anakin's pride as she turned towards him time and time again. His face full of determination, Anakin gave her an imperceptable nod and she jumped with all her might as he easily turned her upside down and held her there a moment, high above his head. Changing his grip, he let her tumble down the front of his body and she gracefully slid to the ground, throwing her head back as the last strains of music died away.

The cheers from the crowd - and the judges - were deafening.

His breath coming in ragged gasps, Anakin gently helped Padme up and hugged her tightly to his side. He was still slightly staggered at the connection they had achieved during their dance. In those moments, he could feel the love and trust flowing between them as sure as he could feel the silkiness of Padme's costume under his fingers. It was as if they could see into each other's minds. Everything else had just fallen away.

After taking a few bows, they quickly made their way off stage. Padme felt her heart rate starting to return to normal and tried to ignore her shaky legs. She glanced at Anakin and smiled as she saw him breathing deeply, obviously coming down from their intense performance. As they disappeared behind the stage curtain, she felt a sharp pain encircle her ankles. It quickly intensified, feeling like someone was stabbing her legs with a thousand knives. Choking out Anakin's name, she fought against the blackness, terrified as she remembered her dream. No! she tried to cry, but the words came out as a whisper.

Anakin stopped in his tracks as he felt a crippling pain rip through his body. Turning sharply, he caught Padme's horrified gaze as she cried out in agony, "Hirtii!" before slumping to the floor.