Author's Note: Hey there! This chapter isn't as long as the others, but I wanted to get something out to you guys – I've left you hanging far too long as it is! Eriks Leadinglady – Yep, Padme is a smart cookie, isn't she? I also can't believe that the trilogy is almost over – it's going to be so weird! Jedi X-man Serena Kenobi – Hee! I love how enthusiastic you got over the last chapter – definitely made me smile! Meandmysharpie – I have a soft spot for Padme too – I had to make her do something – she sat around far too much in ROTS so I'm making up for it! HellishRedDevil – Aw, I know – Obi-wan always has to wait till the very last minute. Geez! ;-) As for Jarrick, well… I don't know that he's found pace, but I also don't know that we've seen the last of him. AJedistuckintheMatrix – I couldn't help it! The cliffhanger police MADE me do it – I had no choicel! Padme's Sister – I'm so glad you like Siri so much. (Spoiler alert) I believe she actually dies in the books, giving her life to save Padme if the fan fics I've read are correct. Thank goodness for AU stories, right? ;-) RavenRulzRF – Hee! I'm sure Padme appreciates your support – she can use all she can get at the moment. Stanfield Skywalker – Yes, this story is slowly drawing to a close – I can hardly believe it. Thanks for sticking with it – I'm happy you seem to be enjoying it so much. Elmthesmartypants – Aw, I love Siri too – she has been so fun to write!

ALL – Real life is continuing to be insane, despite my vigorous protests! Thanks for bearing with me – as usual, I'll be back as soon as I can with more. On the bright side, I don't think this cliffie is as evil as the others.

Padme knew what she was about to do was necessary, but that didn't stop her from shrieking as she sank the iceblade into the flesh of a man she had always considered a friend.

She watched Palpatine stumble forward, thrown off-balance by what was surely a horrendous amount of pain. She took advantage of the distraction to scramble for cover, ducking behind one of the enormous storage containers.

Slow breaths and raise your mind shields - just as Anakin taught you, she reminded herself. Keep yourself hidden both physically and mentally. The search will keep Palpatine preoccupied and away from Siri – focus on that.

Even though the female Jedi was hovering near death… that was still far preferable to actual death... and at this point, she was gratefully taking the positives wherever she could find them.

Silently, she toed off her second iceblade, intending to use it as she had the first. She doubted she would be able to get close enough again, but she wasn't going down without a fight. After all, she was Padme Amidala-Skywalker and as small as the chance was, she was going to reach for it. Having the weapon in her hand was something, at least, and she kept it close, blade pointing outward.

A sudden silence fell over the room and she fought the instinct to peek around the crate for Palpatine's whereabouts. She stubbornly held her position – body tucked in a low crouch, her nerves strung so tightly that every passing second felt like an eternity. She was reminded of her childhood, of numerous games of hide-and-seek. Only this time the stakes were much, much higher.

When the first crash came, she nearly toppled over from the shock to her senses. Her ears began to ring from the audible onslaught as one splintering noise was followed by another and another. She pressed her hands to her ears, gasping as the crate beside her was hurled through the air before tumbling to the ground and shattering.

He's using the Force to levitate the containers! she realized in a panic. If she didn't move soon, one of the heavy crates could end up killing her as easily as the slice of a Sith blade. It was only a matter of time before he reached her hiding place... a deadly process of elimination.

There was only one thing she could do…

…run!

She limped in a zigzag pattern to the far reaches of the room, hoping the murky shadows would compensate for her brilliant costume. Jagged remnants of the destroyed crates stabbed her bare feet, leaving them sore and bleeding. She spotted a length of thick velvet draperies and dashed behind them, dropping to the floor silently.

Now she could only wait… and hope the Force was with her.

"Senator!" the Chancellor called. She cringed at the way his voice sounded. It was as if he was intoxicated by the looming promise of violence.

"I saw you running away, Padme. Do you really think you can hide from me, especially after handing me one of the most famous iceblades in the Galaxy? However, I must admit – I am a bit disgruntled by your outright display of arrogance. If I had wanted a personal souvenir I would have asked."

There was another sound, but this came from his light saber as it sliced through the hovering camera droid. She winced as the shower of sparks lit up the room, sending dancing shadows across the fabric that hid her from view. Although the droid wasn't even there on her behalf, its loss suddenly made her feel incredibly alone.

The Sith sensed her fear and smiled, feeding off it. "Now we won't have the bother of witnesses during our personal conversation. Since we're alone, why don't you come on out and we'll have a talk, just like we used to when you were Queen and I was the Naboo Senator. You always have been a wonderful public speaker... you might even be able to persuade me to let you live long enough to see the birth of that precious child. I won't extend it beyond that, I'm afraid - I'm generous, but not ridiculously so."

Padme bit her lip to keep from screaming in anger. She scooted back as far as she could go, shoulders pressed firmly against the damp wall behind her. Don't say a word; he's just goading you. He wants you to protest - it will give away your position that much sooner.

Palpatine continued to stroll forward. It was clear he was enjoying the hunt, stalking her at his leisure. "Do you know that some people claim they can literally smell fear? I believe I have that power myself, even without utilizing my extensive Force abilities. Yes, I will be able to find you, Senator. Your anxiety is rolling off you in waves and oh, it is a delicious scent..."

She drew her legs up to her chest, resting her chin on the tops of her knees. Just a few more minutes and Anakin will come. I know he will. Even as she thought it, the curtain was ripped aside and her heart soared, certain her beloved husband had heeded her call.

But when she glanced up, it wasn't Anakin. Force, it wasn't Anakin. Instead of meeting the loving blue gaze she so adored, she locked onto Sidious' yellowed stare. He grinned at her, his features nearly unrecognizable, twisted by his hatred.

Extending a hand, he pointed to the ground and cackled. "Even if I couldn't smell fear, I can follow a path of bloody footprints, you pathetic little fool." He raised a hand and the skate she was holding so tightly was wrenched from her grasp. "You won't have need of that."

She raised her chin in defiance, straightening her spine regally. She noted with some satisfaction that his light saber was in his left hand, the other apparently rendered partially immobile by her previous attack.

"Your traitorous reign will end tonight," she stated calmly. "Anakin will see to it."

"No, I fear he will be too busy grieving for you and raging at the Jedi for letting your death happen," he coolly replied. "Farewell, Senator. You always were a thorn in my side."

His blade came slashing down and she threw her hands up in a futile gesture to protect herself. Her eyes fluttered closed, refusing to allow that acidic gaze the privilege of being the last thing she saw. Memories began their sweet assault and instead she saw…

…a child with tousled blonde hair, wise beyond his years. "Are you an angel?"

…a young Queen strangely bonded with the Jedi's newest Padawan. "Many things will change when we get to the capital, but my caring for you will remain."

…a full-fledged Jedi returning to her life ten years later – now a man, emanating strength and courage and yet… haunted by uncertainty and loneliness. "Ani, you'll always be that little boy I knew on Tatooine."

…a man full of love for a woman who was out of reach in so many ways, yet so close in the ways that mattered. "I'm haunted by the kiss you never should have given me."

…Threepio issuing the words that would prove to be the catalyst for a new phase in their marriage – one that would become an instant legend and reveal their secret to the Jedi Council. "It is a feminine dance of courtship and seduction."

…the stern Master Windu finally acknowledging the mysterious power their love held. "Hate is powerful but it doesn't stand a chance against love."

…the way their circle soon included Mace Windu and Obi-wan Kenobi, a.k.a. "Tarv and Dake." She had never meant anything more when they toasted each other that final night of the Race, "To family, friendship and unbreakable bonds; may love always triumph over evil."

…the addition of Siri's spirited presence, a gift of the brightest kind. She had been the link that had allowed four friendships to solidify into something that went beyond the mere meaning of the word. A different kind of love had been silently pledged, the kind that would withstand the test of time.

…the promise the new lives held that were growing inside her. There was going to be a son with blue eyes and sandy hair just like his father's. But Luke wouldn't be the only child born in a parent's image – their daughter, Leia, would be graced with her mother's dark eyes and rich brown hair. The twins would be strong in the Force, connected in a way that could never be broken.

She saw her love for them, stretching into eternity.

The chilling aura of fear that had started to encroach was gone – vanquished as if it had never existed. Its absence allowed her to feel the bonds that connected her to the people she loved and once again, the whisper of the Force swirled through her mind. Now, Padme! She obeyed the command and threw herself to the side, her injuries screaming from the effort.

There was the briefest sensation of searing heat as she hit the ground. And then… nothing.

I didn't jump far enough? I'm dead?

No, there is no death, there is only the Force. For the first time, she found herself wondering what the Force looked like when you merged with it. Would her surroundings be purely white and serene, or would there be vibrant colors and soothing sounds? Would she get to meet her children or would she be alone? She bravely chanced a peek.

The Force looks like the Arena's storage room?

Her bewilderment was replaced with a wave of relief as her eyes fell on a familiar pair of ice blades. Anakin…He had come back to her, but had returned… different.

He was looming over her protectively, his blue saber holding off what was supposed to be her death knell. His blue eyes sparked with a strength that could only come from The Chosen One, his stance prepared for the attack that would surely come at any moment.

But the most noticeable change couldn't be seen physically – his Force signature.

It had been set ablaze by the Light, freed from the darkness and uncertainty that had always dampened it. He was now enveloped in an invisible embrace, lovingly cradled by the mysterious power that had created him. Any moves he made would be carried out purposefully, but without the malice he had once craved.

Yes, she realized. He is the powerful Jedi he always knew he could be. The only one holding him back had been himself.

Now his destiny lay before him, the path was clear. And, at long last… he was ready.