Author's Note: Happy Friday, all! Thank goodness, huh? Anakin's Girl – Aw, I'm glad you liked the Obi-wan / Siri part. I'm surprised by how much fun I am having writing those two crazy kids! Hopeless4Life – It wasn't too bad of a cliffhanger, was it? I must confess, I'm leaving you with a small one again, but it's not too bad, I promise! Meandmysharpie – Hee! Yes, Mace Windu's plans are always full of flaws, aren't they? We'll have to see how this one goes, hmmm? Hellish Red Devil – Aw, I have a soft spot in my heart for Obi-wan, so I'm thrilled that you think I'm doing all right by him. And I have some Jarrick in this chapter, just for you! Hope you all have a great weekend! I'll be back as soon as I can with more!
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"Shut me down," Threepio fretted.
Padme knew they were quite a sight as they faced the center ice obediently, their chests still heaving from exertion. Discretely, she tried to work her hair back into a braid, but had a sinking feeling that she wasn't having much success as Siri was still grinning at her.
Curse Anakin and his impeccable swordsmanship!
He had taken to bopping her on the head at an angle so it dislodged her hairstyle a few strands at a time. Although she had landed a few hits initially, her hair had quickly obscured her vision and Anakin used it to his advantage, tickling her until she was breathless with laughter.
She had gotten a bit of revenge - although it was admittedly accidental. In her final attempt to scramble to her feet, she had grabbed hold of his tunic for stability and had inadvertently torn off a long thin strip. It was now hanging down the middle of his back looking like some kind of tail. If only the Jedi Council could see The Chosen One now! She suppressed her mirth and returned her attention to the droids.
"Congratulations to all of you on a wonderful performance last night! I was truly pleased with the results. However, this week's requirements do differ significantly," Threepio warned. "My programming tells me this routine will have a much faster pace, including a dramatic lift as the key element. The overall effect should be entertaining and vividly fun."
TX-306 urged the hoversled forward. "Today's objective: Begin learning the lift. Technique needed: Solid hold, good balance, upper body strength."
To emphasize the point, a holovid was projected onto the ice, and in slow motion it outlined the correct method for lifts. Padme watched Siri pale as the transparent man lifted the woman into the air and held her above his head, his hands mere inches from her backside.
As the image blinked off, TX-306 resumed her instruction, "First step: Stand behind your partner, hands on her waist. Second step: Lift up and shift the grip accordingly."
"Shift your grip accordingly, Kenobi, and I'm going to stab you with my skate," Siri hissed. Obi-wan looked mortified and didn't reply.
TX-306 continued, ignoring the threatening glares the two Jedi were sending its way, "Important reminder: maintain balance. Critical error: dropping your partner. Possible result: serious injury or death."
"Well, that's helpful," Anakin said darkly. "There's nothing like a possible death to brighten up the morning."
Putting a gentle hand on his arm, Padme promised, "We'll be fine." Then, trying to soothe Obi-wan and Siri, who were looking more and more agitated by the moment, she suggested, "Let's just try the lifting part for now."
Moments later, Anakin stood behind her and lightly grasped her hips. She placed her hands on his and bent her knees slightly. "Now!" she called, leaping with all her might.
Effortlessly, Anakin hoisted her into the air and she locked her elbows, keeping her body in a straight line. For a long moment, she held the position until he lowered her to the ground.
"Well done!" Obi-wan applauded.
"Yeah, you guys - that was great," Siri echoed, relaxing slightly.
"Thanks," Padme replied.
Anakin smiled at the compliment and eyed Obi-wan's nervous face. Innocently, he prompted, "your turn!"
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Blast you, Anakin!
Obi-wan frowned at his former apprentice, but got into position, resting his hands at Siri's side. He had to fight the urge to pull away as the electricity immediately began to course through his arms.
Why does she affect me like this? And even more depressing: How does she not sense it too?
He had wanted nothing more than to kiss her senseless as their program drew to a close the previous night. In fact, he had been leaning down to do just that when he caught sight of Master Windu's face. I cannot believe I had actually forgotten all about him... In shock, he had reeled slightly and the moment had been lost.
His heart pounded as he realized he was actually grateful for "Tarv's" disapproving presence. He saved me some deep embarrassment. For the second he pulled away, Siri had made her feelings known about being in his arms.
It was not a place she liked to be.
"Hellooo! Seriously, what is wrong with your attention span these days?" Siri's aggravated voice brought him back to reality.
As conflicting emotions warred within him, he sent her through the air and into the actual lift position, perpendicular to the ground. Effortlessly, he held her steady, his hands growing warm from the lengthy contact. He tilted his head back and smiled as he took in the sight of her. She looked bewildered but happy, her face framed by a wild mess of golden blond hair. He could have stayed like that all day, just watching her fly.
But after another moment, her eyes met his and she whispered, "You can let me down now, Obi-wan."
Startled, he lowered her quicker than he anticipated and she went down in a heap. Anakin and Padme winced as her body met the hard surface with a bone jarring thump.
I'm in for it now, he realized glumly. The apologies were already on his lips as he skated forward and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. She shook her head and he retreated a few steps, grateful she wasn't hurt but certain she was furious with him.
However, her eyes were sparkling as she turned towards him and got back to her feet. Checking the ties on her iceblades, she lightly commented, "Need to work on our landing, I think."
Staring at each other shyly, they grinned.
LOCATION UNKNOWN - SAME TIME
Jarrick paced the luxurious room, watching the replay of the previous night's competition. He didn't need to see it again - he already knew every piece of footwork, every spin... every smirk. The three Jedi and the Senator, playing the happy family for all the Universe to see.
How bloody infuriating.
His Master's words began to run through his head: Yes, yesss... Use those dark feelings. Let them flow through you and be the source of your power. Instantly, the mist responded, thinning the air with the acrid aura of hatred. He used it, let it dredge the deep recesses of his mind, bringing his deepest thoughts to the surface.
It was obvious. He was being taunted, just as he had been that fateful day.
"He is not fit to be a Jedi."
How dare they! He was one of the most powerful Force users to ever set foot in the Galaxy! Hadn't he proved that by imprisoning three of the strongest Jedi in history? He and he alone had created the weapon that brought them to their knees! And still they doubted...
He always knew he had been chosen. Before he could remember, an unknown voice had been telling him, whispering of his importance. He believed it started the day he was born...
The same day as Anakin Skywalker.
What possessed the Jedi to believe Skywalker was the Chosen One? Why, the idea was laughable. Why would an entity as all-knowing as the Force place its fate in the hands of a slave? When he, the son of a King, already had the status and grandeur that such a role would require?
"Fools!" he hissed, sending a pyramid of wine glasses to the floor, shattering them instantly. The noise was startling, enough to bring his new housekeeping droid flying around the corner, sensors flashing.
But he barely noticed, recalling the mist to his side as his breathing returned to normal.
"So uncivilized," he murmured at the mess, straightening the sleeves of his elegant tunic. He returned his attention to the Holoprojector, snarling as he saw Skywalker beaming at the crowd. "The Jedi have certainly misplaced their faith, that much is clear."
He could use it to his advantage and strike them down when the time was right.
Then they would see. Then they would know.
"Soon," he whispered, once again restarting the video feed. "I will get everything I deserve. And so will they."