Author's Note: I'm back with the mother of all chapters! Seriously, it is LONG! But it really kicks off the finale, so I wanted it to be just right. Hope you enjoy! Elmthesmartypants - I'm so glad you liked it - thank you for your encouragement, it means so much. Hopeless4Life - Thank you for being so understanding. I like to update at least a couple times a week, but unfortunately - real life just hasn't allowed me to do even that! HellishRedDevil - Aw, I'm glad you're excited about Jarrick! He's been keeping himself hidden, but not for much longer! Meandmysharpie - Yes, the Chancellor has arrived - dum da dum dum! RavenRulzRF - Sorry I didn't update sooner - I wanted to, honest! Padme's Sister - Mmmm... Chocolate! Sounds like a good distraction to me! Yeah, the Chancellor's appearance should add some... interest, to say the least. Eriks Leadinglady - Oh, your Christmas cards sound adorable! Did everyone like them? I bet they were impressed! That's really creative! To all - Thank you for your patience. Unfortunately, I am heading out of town for Christmas and then my in-laws are coming to town, so I will be away for a bit. Should be back soon after the New Year though. Happy Holidays to you all - hope Santa is good to you!
"What in the name of all that's holy and good is THAT?" Siri asked, pointing to the flamboyant yards of fabric that lay before her.
"That, I'm afraid, is our costume," Padme sighed. "Well, yours at least. Mine is already in my dressing room. I'm hoping that by the time I get in there, it will have spontaneously burst into flame."
"What happened?" Siri gasped. "It looks like the color wheel blew up in here."
"I guess when we told them to use their imaginations, they took us seriously,"
A smirk began to make its way across the Jedi's face. "Have you seen our lovely partners yet? I bet they are NOT going to be happy."
Padme clapped a hand to her forehead. "We never told the designers about the no-sparkles rule, did we?"
If possible, the grin on Siri's face grew wider. "No, you had that little morning sickness episode."
"Oh no," she groaned. "Anakin is going to kill me. And then Obi-wan will find a way to resurrect me, just so HE can kill me."
Siri shook her head and assured her friend, "It's all right. They'll get over it. Just think of this as... a team bonding moment."
"Oh, yes," Padme retorted. "Where their foot is going to bond with my-"
"You're being overly dramatic," Siri interrupted, amused by the Senator's colorful description. It was obvious that she was rubbing off on the young woman.
"I guess I'm just nervous," she admitted. She placed a hand on her abdomen. "I've decided to tell Anakin about the baby after our performance. He deserves to know; I can't stand any more secrets."
Siri nodded sympathetically. "He will be thrilled. You two will make wonderful parents. That baby is the luckiest little one in all the Galaxy."
"Thank you, Siri. That means a lot." Padme smiled through the tears that had sprung to her eyes.
Siri stood, clapping her hands together. "Now, what do you say we see about getting this make-up thing taken care of? I daresay they just may be able to work a little magic."
"Good plan," Padme said, happy for the distraction.
Outside the dressing room, a twisted grin spread across the features of the shadowed man. Yes, the Force was certainly with him
He now had the final ammunition he needed to destroy Skywalker.
And now at long last, he could claim what was rightfully his...
NINETY MINUTES LATER - DRESSING ROOM
Padme was shifting her weight from foot to foot, trying to work the nervousness out of her system. The show was starting in fifteen minutes and for their routine to be successful, she needed to be totally at peace and relaxed.
Of course, the exact opposite of what she was feeling now.
Her costume was a sight to see. Every color of the spectrum seemed to have found a spot in the material. Reds, blues, yellows and greens - they were there in all their splendor.
The fit wasn't too bad, overall. Long sleeves covered her arms and the skirt was a short, flirty style. But the train - oh, that was a subject that would live on in the minds of the audience for years to come. It was ruffled, frilly and outrageous, certainly fulfilling the "creative" look they were going for.
Her hair was done up in a complicated series of twists, each knot held in place with a sparkly clip. The make-up was the only somewhat subtle thing, but even that was put over the top by the bold black and silver eyeliner that stretched from her lids to her temples. She looked quite exotic, if she said so her self.
And she did.
"Can you believe this?" Siri moaned, slinking into view. Her train got tangled around her ankles and she kicked it out of the way angrily. "Evidently, we should have been a bit more specific."
"I know," Padme acknowledged ruefully. "But they're fun and cheerful, and that is what we wanted."
"Well, I am glad we had the foresight to add cloaks to our repertoire. That will save me from Obi-wan's teasing for a few minutes at least." She donned the additional garment, effectively hiding her costume from sight. "Even the cloaks they gave us are colorful," she noted with a sniff of disdain.
Padme laughed and pulled on her own, noting that the very edge of her train still peeked out. She shrugged and moved towards the waiting room where Obi-wan and Anakin would meet them. "There's nothing wrong with a bit of color now and then. The Jedi are far too monotonous with their uniform choices."
"Somehow, I don't think our enemies would be too intimidated if we came after them in sparkly ruffled tunics."
Any further conversation was halted by the appearance of their partners, wrapped snuggly in their capes.
"How do your costumes lo-" Siri began.
"We don't want to talk about it," Obi-wan replied flatly as Anakin nodded emphatically. "Let's just say it's a sparkly nightmare."
There was a moment of awkward silence while they searched for something else to talk about. Tentatively, Padme offered, "I like what they've done to your hair. It's quite different. Very clever."
Anakin's had been darkened significantly while Obi-wan's had been lightened, yet both changes had a dramatic overall effect on their appearance. Padme hoped it would be enough to fool Palpatine. As long as the V.I.P. hovering camera droids didn't get too close, they just might have a chance to escape with their dignity intact. Well, somewhat intact, at least.
They all started to head for the rink's entrance, but were stopped by Mace Windu.
"The Jedi security team is in place and on the highest alert," he assured them. "Chancellor Palpatine has arrive safely and is already in his seat, accompanied by his personal guards."
"What about the video monitors, Master?" Anakin asked. "I know the V.I.P. room usually gets close up shots from the hovering cameras-"
"Taken care of," Mace interrupted. "The monitors will simply show what the rest of the viewing audience will see. Now, have a good show. I look forward to seeing what kind of a routine three Jedi and a Senator come up with."
"It will certainly be memorable," Obi-wan promised, turning a bit red.
THIRTY MINUTES LATER - TIME OF PERFORMANCE
"And now, it is time for our second group of the evening," the announcer cried. "It is my pleasure to introduce the contestants we've all been waiting for... Liri, Kaide, Dake and Kahla!"
Padme followed Obi-wan to the side of the rink and they faced each other nonchalantly, costumes fully covered by their cloak and cape, respectively. Siri and Anakin took a similar stance on the far side of the rink. Padme didn't need to look at them to know they were bitterly nervous.
She could feel traces of it through their revived, but muted connection.
The trumpets that preceded the start of the song blasted through the arena and the noise shot through her body, clear to her toes. She forced herself to move and knew immediately that her motions were stilted and awkward. Blast! She just couldn't seem to make herself relax. There was something about this night...
Well, I will just have to make do, she silently chastised. I am a politician! I make my living while in uncomfortable situations! Surely I can get through one silly little performance?
Determination filling her, she reached up with her right hand and pulled her cloak off with a flourish as Obi-wan did the same. Their backs to each other, they tossed the outerwear into the ecstatic crowd and spun, hands up in the starting position.
She froze... stared... and burst out laughing.
"That's incredibly unprofessional, Milady," Obi-wan grumbled. But the sting from his comment was lost as the corners of his mouth twitched in a desperate attempt to keep his smile hidden.
Padme watched him slowly give in, his laughter spilling forth at the sight of her - the famed Naboo Senator - in an outfit that was fit for some sort of... showgirl. And then she saw his eyes light up as the realization struck him that a certain female Jedi was most likely dressed the same way...
The anxiety now a distant memory, she threw herself into the routine with reckless abandon. Facing Obi-wan, the tips of her blades dug into the ice, legs moving in exact synchrony with his, front and back. She was pleased to note that her reluctant partner had no trouble getting up on his toe picks this time and in fact, actually appeared to be enjoying himself. She grinned broadly as they circled each other, hands clasped loosely.
Not bad, Master Jedi, she taunted.
We've only just begun, Senator. Try to keep up.
Oh don't worry about me. I had all that dance training, remember?
Giving him a knowing wink, she pushed off with her back foot and soared across the ice.
It was time to skate.
As Siri made her way across the rink by Anakin's side, they caught a glimpse of Obi-wan and Padme, faces shining with amusement.
So we weren't the only ones who nearly lost it when the costumes were revealed, she noted. Good to know.
Her gaze locked with Obi-wan's for a heated moment, but the soaring music drew her back to the difficult task at hand - a double toe loop. She hoped she didn't fall - mortal embarrassment was not high on her list of Things She Liked to Feel... It was right behind pain, agony and...
Oh for Force's sake, she admonished herself. Focus, Siri!
Her feet crossed over each other as she steadily built speed, her arms pumping in time with the music. As the drums began to thump dramatically, she leapt with all her might, arms tucked in tightly, chin down, body spinning... and stuck the landing.
Judging by the roar of the audience, she wasn't the only one who had been successful.
She circled around and found herself in perfect stride with Anakin. They worked through some complex steps, each motion timed to coincide with the rise and fall of the music. He really was a fun partner. While Obi-wan tended to be more tentative and shy, Anakin was bold and commanding. It was an interesting change, but she did find herself missing the uncertainty in Obi-wan's gentle touch.
And the sizzling electricity.
As they polished off the rest of the footwork, she gave Anakin a stern glance out of the corner of her eye and he sighed in resignation. He hadn't put up as much resistance as his former Master when it came to the next move, but she knew he wasn't a big fan either.
"So we rum bum bum bum!" the singers chirped. She bent her knees and swayed her hips from one side to the other, noting in delight as Anakin did the same. "And we rum bum bum bum!" Again, she moved to the music, feeling playful and spirited.
Well done, Anakin, she cheered silently when they finished. Do you think your former Master managed to follow through?
Yes, he did. I saw it and now my eyes are about to fall out of my head, he retorted.
She laughed.
The chorus revved up again and they headed for center ice, reuniting with their usual partners. She wasn't prepared for the thrill that burst through the Force as they all caught sight of one another. The rush of emotion spoke of eternal friendship, love, and family. It washed over her like a soothing rain, cleansing her of the worry and fear that had plagued her for weeks.
The Force, it seemed, was speaking.
And it was telling her it was all right.
Anakin puzzled over the intensified connection that was now humming between the four of them. Although different from his tie to Padme, it was still strong and vibrant, reassuring and comforting. He looked around at the three faces turned towards him and he finally saw them for what they were...
His family. The one he had always wanted.
Suddenly he felt freer than he ever had in his life.
Exchanging smiles, they group split up and Anakin headed for his designated spot in the far corner of the rink. As he neared the destination, he spun rapidly, the pace so fast the colors of his costumes streamed together until they blurred. As the music began to die away, he came to a hard stop, the abrupt loss of momentum sending a spray of ice towards the audience, much to their delight.
Raising his hands to the sky, he encouraged the audience to join them for the chorus.
He sang along, his voice clear and steady, but subdued. His mother had always said he had a nice singing voice, but he still found it embarrassing. He found Padme studying him and she gestured frantically, the meaning clear: Louder! She lifted her chin proudly, singing with all her might.
He shrugged his shoulders and followed her example. The audience joined in, their voices blending and soaring through the Arena in an uproarious harmony.
As the pulsing music took over once more, he bowed in gratitude and headed for Padme. She leapt into his arms and he spun her in a circle before lifting her over his head, easily holding the precarious position. As he watched her, radiant even amidst that ridiculous outfit, he felt his heart surge with love. She is worth anything and everything.
He kissed her deeply and returned her to the ground, setting her on her feet with infinite care. They spun and twirled their way over to Obi-wan and Siri, who were lining up, ready for the final step of the routine.
The Conga line.
Come on, Master, Anakin teased. Lead the way.
Blast it all, Obi-wan muttered. I cannot believe I am leading a Conga line in front of the entire Galaxy.
Get a move on, Kenobi, came Padme's teasing command. Show us how it's done.
Yeah, Obi-wan, we're waiting for your flashes of brilliance. That jab was from Anakin, arrogant tone and all.
But the elated feeling that had filled him so completely moments before had suddenly evaporated and he found himself halfheartedly moving his arms, forcing the others to mimic his dull motions. He closed his eyes, aggravated with himself. He was going to ruin their entire routine and let the team down.
You'll never let us down, he heard Siri whisper. He started to snort at her simple statement when felt a rush of love from her that was so real, so certain, it took all his Jedi training not to whip his head around and stare at her, to make sure she wasn't feverish nor delusional. He had never known her to be so honest with her emotions.
It's going to be all right. Trust me.
There was such truth in her statement that he smiled so broadly, his cheeks ached.
And then began to lead the Conga line.
The movements were simple enough, yet performed with such enthusiasm that the audience leapt to their feet, clapping in time with the music. Obi-wan waved his hands in the air, legs kicking sharply from side to side, forward to back. He ducked down, knees scaping the ice and seconds later, leapt up, blades leaving the ice completely. His teammates followed him without question, anticipating his movements by reaching out through their bond.
Wow, Master, I didn't know you had it in you! This time, Anakin sounded almost in awe.
Obi-wan simply laughed as the formation broke up. It was time for the free skate and he knew just what he wanted to do, where he wanted to be.
He grabbed Siri by the waist and led her in a quick dance, holding onto her tightly. She was light in his arms, warm and willing - the perfect fit. Across the way, Anakin and Padme were doing something similar, although they were being a bit more adventurous by adding small jumps in between the long series of steps.
No matter, he thought blithely. There is something beautiful about simplicity.
Don't be jealous, Master, Anakin scolded, dipping Padme dramatically.
Padme was the one who actually fielded the annoyed glance he shot towards his former Padawan and she furrowed her eyebrows in mock disappointment.
I think that was meant for you, Ani.
Oh, I don't doubt it.
Obi-wan gave up and shook his head at the young couple, grateful the Force had brought them together – even though they were well on their way to givinghim a few gray hairs.
The two couples worked their way towards each other, their once-cohesive skating and dancing dissolving into silly randomness. When they bumped into each other, Siri and Padme embraced impulsively while their partners took the opportunity to engage in a silent challenge.
You won't do it, Anakin insisted.
I will too. Watch me, Obi-wan retorted.
Siri watched in confusion as the two Jedi dashed to opposite ends of the rink, still skating in tune with the melody. When they reached the far sides, they faced each other, nodded sharply, and took off, shooting forward with an incredible amount of speed. About halfway to center ice, they turned on one foot and sailed backwards, their hair ruffled by the chilly air - and executed a pair of simultaneous back flips, landing solidly on their feet...
Before flailing blindly and wiping out, landing hard on their backsides.
The audience erupted in cheers and laughter while Obi-wan and Anakin stared at the ceiling, completely dazed.
Oh, for the love of-
Siri's oath was cut off as Padme dragged her towards their mortified partners. Rolling her eyes, she extended her hand to Obi-wan, but found herself - along with Padme - yanked to the icy surface beside him.
Somehow, Siri thought it was fitting that the routine ended just then… with the four of them splayed on the ice, breathless with laughter.
Together.