AN: Here is part 2 of the lead up to the Original Trilogy.

Chapter V (Part 2):

Percy's POV (337 BBY)

Ever since that fateful night of the Treaty of Naboo's signing two years ago, I had avoided Padme. It hurt to do it but I was still unsure what had happened. I still wasn't even fully healed from Annabeth's breakup and my banishment. And after everything Ruwee and the Naberrie family had done for me by taking me in, I did not want to do something that could ruin that friendship with the family.

I had finished up my 2 years of expeditionary forces and city guard rotation. I was working currently on my mechanics rotation. With Hephaestus' blessing I was able to really have an edge in this job. I understood any kind of ship that stopped by. I could fix and improve them. I managed to come up with a few creations of my own.

I had Riptide still, but I could not bear to open it. I had only opened it once after I had first arrived, and the pain of my banishment made it to hard to look at it. I kept in my toolbelt but had other tools to work with now.

The creations had started after meeting a Mandalorian about a year ago. I had met him in the tavern I localized and we had started up a drunken conversation. He would not stop talking about his vibroknife. With R2's help, I had found the schematic for one and made myself one. At least now I had a weapon that was effective and did not hold bad memories. After making my own, I even started tweaking around with it. I modified the generator to have a self destruct mode. I could throw the blade as a last ditch effort and the generator will overload, causing an explosion.

I made several, always keeping 3 on my person. Two strapped to my belt, and one in a sheath on my right leg. I had also made a few as gifts. That was the main reason I was out and about today.

I had agreed to meet Ruwee at the tavern to catch up. Ever since my banishment, Ruwee and Panaka had become father figures in my life. I respected them both, but Ruwee was the closest thing I had to a father left since I couldn't return to Earth.

I arrived at the tavern and the matron, Sara, gave me a nod and already started prepping my order. When I first started working with the guard, I had saved her life and business. A dangerous criminal had taken her and her workers hostage. Percy had come in playing oblivious then used hand to hand combat to defeat the criminal. Ever since that the matron had a soft spot for Percy. He always paid and helped make sure drunken nights did not get out of hand.

I found a table in the corner by the fire. Even though the fire was not needed the customers enjoyed it. It was a main reason I enjoyed this tavern. Due to Hestia's blessing I was always calm and at peace here. This table was my unofficial one. If you ever needed to find me or meet me, it was here. Sara brought me my drink right as Ruwee sat down.

We made talked for a few hours. As it was starting to wrap up, I was getting nervous as I had a few things to ask. I brought out the package that was in my coat pocket. I gave it to Ruwee and watched him open it. He pulled out one of the 3 vibroknives that I had made for his family. His eyes widened in surprise. He thanked me profusely.

Now for the hard bit.

"Ruwee, I know we have not been friends for long, but I feel like you trust me. I again ask for you to hear me out before responding." I cleared my throat and began. "I would like your permission to court Padme. I have some feelings for her and I would like to see if she reciprocates them. I ask for your blessing..." I was interrupted by Ruwee.

"Percy my boy, you are like a son to me. You have brought so much good to this planet. Any man would be lucky to have you courting his daughter. Of course you have my blessing. Padme has confided in my wife, who in turn told me, that she also shared some feelings for you." Ruwee had stood up and given me a big hug.

"Thank you sir." I squeaked out.

"Think nothing of it! Welcome to the family." Ruwee said happiness shining through his voice.

I was walking back to my quarters in a daze. I had expected shouting and threatening from Ruwee. Certainly not what I had received. Now the fun part would be talking to Padme. I reached the edge of the capital building and heard a splash as I stepped into the building.

I glanced down and realized I had stepped in a puddle of blood. Two bodies were laying there. I recognized both, Adam and David. David was missing his armor. I had a bad feeling about this.

I quickly drew my com link and commed Panaka.

"Panaka we have an emergency situation. An unknown number of assassins have entered the capital. I know of at least one in guard armor so I would expect at least one Clawdite. They are most likely disguising as David. Are you with the Queen?" I asked panicked.

"Percy, listen carefully." Panaka whispered through the com. "I am here with the Queen and two of her handmaidens, Sabe and Padme. David is on guard duty with me. You need to get here ASAP so we can deal with protecting the Queen... Hurry." The com was cut off as I heard blasterfire and screams echo through it. I ran as fast as I could toward the throne room, drawing one of my knives.

I reached the room and found chaos. Panaka was holding his shoulder hiding behind a pillar. Sabe was unconscious on the ground near him. The Queen was across the room hiding behind another pillar with a blaster pointed at the fake David. To my horror the fraud was holding Padme hostage with a gun to her head.

My mind went blank and I stepped out from cover to Panaka's horror. The fraud turned his attention to me. The Queen still could not get a clear shot. My body was on autopilot. Reaching out with my hand I used some unconscious power to rip the blaster out of the frauds hand. Then with my power over water, I made his body let go of Padme. As soon as she was free Padme ran forward towards me. In that moment, I threw my knife, nailing the fraud in the head. It was a gruesome sight.

Padme ran into my arms, sobbing uncontrollably. I made soothing noises while rubbing circles into her back. Panaka went to check on the Queen and Sabe. We grouped together with Padme still not letting go of me.

"My Queen, can we talk later. Padme needs rest and Sabe needs to be checked on by a medical droid. Permission to take Padme to my chambers to keep an eye on her?"

The Queen gave a nod of acceptance.

I tried to guide Padme out of the room, but it was like her legs wouldn't work. With a sigh, I picked her up bridal style. She was still crying and shaking all the way to my room. I laid her in the bed and brought the covers up around her. I sat in the window and waited.

It was a few hours later when she awoke. I had used that time to com Ruwee and explain the situation. He at first wanted to be here also, but understood that Padme probably didn't want to be overwhelmed right away.

She awoke with a start. Looking around fearfully. I stepped into her view and she instantly calmed. I helped her to sit up. She grabbed my hand and was holding my hand like a lifeline. I explained what happened and where we were.

She was looking around my room in wander. I understood why. I had found out that I was decent at drawing. I had drawings all over my walls. I had pictures of Hestia, Hades and Persephone, Hephaestus, Hermes, my father, my mother and Paul, Tyson, Mrs. O'Leary and Blackjack. Her eyes seemed to pause on Hestia and my mother.

"The one on the left is my favorite aunt. The one on the right is my mother." I explained sadly.

"She is beautiful, your mother. You look just like her." Padme said softly.

"Padme, listen I wanted to ask you something." I said hesitantly. I knew I should probably not do this now but I couldn't wait any longer.

"Go ahead." Padme smirked, gripping my hand tighter.

"Ever since I first saw you, I had these weird feelings about you. And when you kissed me at the treaty signing, I realized that I liked you. I have tried to stay away for the past two years because I didn't know if you returned the feelings. But after seeing you in danger today, I couldn't not let you know. Padme, would you do me the honor of being my girlfriend?" I rambled out.

Padme looked at me hard then smiled brightly.

"Yes." With those words she leaned forward and kissed me. Not afraid this time I kissed back. Life was good.

AN: And that is a wrap with this chapter. We officially have Percy/Padme. Next chapter will be the final of the pre Prequel Trilogy. It will establish how Padme becomes Queen and what Percy does in the meantime. Please review and comment if you have any questions.

Last Updated: 11/213/20