Author's Note: Guess who's on break? This guy! So y'all can expect a few more chapters this season. Also, thanks to everybody who voted in the poll. Looks like Extreme Notoriety is going to remain one chapter. But I did edit it so it's not too far out of line but also isn't directly related to the 'Heroes on both Sides' arc. Anywho, hope y'all enjoy!


-Chapter 33: Happy Anniversary

Location: the Works, Coruscant

"Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to a plan. Sometimes you just want to watch others burn."

Padme was violently awakened from her unconscious state when ice-cold water splashed across her face. Gasping for air, her dampened curls clinging to her face and brow, the senator managed to quickly view her surroundings as she returned to consciousness. She was in a darkened room with a single dim light shining down on her, a room so dark she couldn't make out any features. Attempting to move her hands she found herself bound hand and foot to a chair by metal cuffs. The dull thrum of machinery in the distance informed her she might be in a factory or warehouse of some kind. A spot of dried blood stained the front of her gown, obviously from the wound made by his throwing knife prior to her capture. It seemed to have clotted and healed, but who knows if the blade had been laced with a neurotoxin or not.

"Wakey wakey, Senator." A deep synthesized voice whispered in her ear. Although she did not wish to look, Padme turned her gaze to the right and found the crimson visage of The Wraith staring back at her.

"How... H-How long have I been out for?" She asked, her voice weak.

"Not long, I guess. I haven't been keeping track of time." Wraith replied, walking around to her front. Taking a shallow breath, Padme plucked up her courage and looked up at her captor.

"What do you want with me?" She asked.

"Apart from the obvious, someone you know has wronged me... severely." Wraith answered. "And I'm going to use you to take my revenge." So he had a motive. Now Padme just needed the last piece filled in.

"W-Who?"

"Someone you know." Wraith repeated before elaborating. "A certain Jedi Knight. One I believe you know rather... intimately..." He explained, slowly reaching into his jacket and retrieving a necklace...

The same one Anakin had given to her as a boy when they first met.

Padme stiffened as the custom-made necklace dangled before her.

"I-I don't know who you're referring to." She quickly lied, saying the first thing that came to her mind in an effort to deny the idea that Wraith knew she was married to Anakin. This proved to be a mistake as Wraith slapped her across the face.

"Don't play coy with me Amidala." He growled. "It may work on politicians of lesser intelligence, but I know all about you're little secret." He stated as Padme recovered, wondering if there would be a red mark on her cheek. "Besides, why else would you say 'Ani'?" He continued, voice returning to its taunting tone. "Would 'Ani' happen to be short for 'Anakin'? Is that a little pet name you've given your husband?" He wondered. That last word earned him a quiet gasp from Padme. He said it with such certainty.

"You know?" She wondered, sounding much more fearful now.

"Just 'cause everyone else is dumb as rocks when it comes to you two doesn't mean I am." He responded, turning around and walking away from her. "I first realized it on Tibrin, though I wouldn't confirm my suspicions until now. I mean, why else would one senator remain to cheer on the 'Chosen One'?" He mused, partially explaining how he had come to this realization.

"I am not afraid of you. And neither is he." Padme responded with all the courage she could muster.

"Oh... That's a very bad idea Senator." Wraith softly growled, making his voice sound as threatening as possible as he turned back to her. "The last person who said they weren't afraid of me... well, they're dead now." He leaned over her now, his mighty hands grasping her bound arms. Padme had no choice but to look up into his crimson gaze, his hulking form looming over her petite and slender frame.

"The Republic will find me." She said, determined to keep her hopes up. She was such a prominent figure, how could they not come looking for her? And if not them, then Anakin would certainly tear Coruscant apart to locate her. To her surprise, Wraith answered,

"I want them to find you." Taken aback, Padme was thoroughly confused. But his following explanation sent another wave of fear rippling through her. "It's just a matter of what condition they find you in."

"They'll avenge me, you'll catch hell for this." She continued, now trying to deter him.

"This is one situation you can't talk your way out of Amidala. Your words don't frighten me." Wraith growled, his voice indicating his fearless attitude and his less-than-caring mindset. Straightening up, Wraith suddenly drew a knife from behind him, Padme's gaze quickly drawn to the gleaming edge and all the sinister potential it had. Knowing Wraith he would likely use it. He didn't hold back, he had no restraint when it came to dealing with his enemies. "But clearly I frighten you." He mused, twirling the weapon around in his hand. "I won't lie, this will hurt. Believe me when I say this won't be a day at the spa."


After the failure at Gandolo, all Anakin had wanted to do was to go home and see Padme. He knew today was their anniversary and he had every intention of spending at least the night with her.

Little did he realize that events had been set in motion that would occupy the rest of his night.

It was Sabe, one of Padme's handmaidens, who had alerted him first. She claimed to have stumbled across two of the local senate guards. Both of them were dead, cut to pieces. Then she told him that Padme was missing. She was always home by this time, this was not normal for her. Anakin had immediately followed her to Padme's apartment where he was greeted by an equally worried Rabe and Dorme. All three handmaidens knew of his marriage to Padme and they had kept their secret well enough for him to trust them. The first thing he did was survey everything they had uncovered, including the dead guards. Anakin looked at the slash marks cutting deeply through their armor, their severed limbs and bloody corpses and he knew only one person who would even think about butchering the guards. Most of the assailants he'd dealt with in the past preferred to subdue guards before point-blank executing them, or simply taking them out in a firefight. But there was one who took his time, using cold steel to send a message.

He knew who, but he refused to acknowledge the possibility.

Rising to his feet and returning to the handmaidens, he addressed Sabe first.

"Where were you all when this happened?"

"We were out running an errand. Mistress Padme had sent us a message earlier this evening to go and collect some things." She answered, truthfully. Not responding, Anakin moved with determination back to Padme's apartment.

"We need to know more. She's gone, virtually without a trace."

"Who could possibly want to kidnap her Master Skywalker?" Dorme wondered.

"The list of enemies and rivals she's made while a politician is a long one. The question is: who would be brazen enough to attack her here?" Anakin answered, mind kicking into overdrive. He wanted to sort this out as soon as possible, not wishing for Padme to come to any harm. He quickly convinced himself that someone might have a twisted sense of humour and was only making it look like The Wraith was responsible for Padme's kidnapping.

That super-soldier wouldn't dare come anywhere near Coruscant. Especially not after Gandolo.

"Should we take this to the other Jedi? Maybe even the Chancellor?" Sabe asked him.

"We will. Once we figure out what kind of situation we're dealing with." Anakin confidently responded. If this was a task he could handle, maybe they wouldn't need everybody. Returning to the apartment, Anakin was suddenly greeted by a familiar face.

"Threepio?" He wondered.

"Oh! Master Skywalker! Thank the maker you're here now." The gold-plated protocol droid greeted him, sounding very much like his anxious, uptight self.

"Did you happen to see Padme? Or someone else?" Anakin asked, feeling a tad anxious himself.

"Well, now that you mention it, I did hear some footsteps earlier." Threepio answered. "Mistress Padme sent me to gather some liquid refreshments for her. While I was doing so I heard footsteps, heavy ones at that, and then... nothing more. I attempted to leave, but the door had been sealed. Fortunately, Mistress Dorme let me out a short while ago."

"The door was locked. Someone clearly wanted no witnesses." Anakin mused, slowly understanding this kidnapper. While C-3PO's report wasn't very helpful, it at least gave him a few clues to work with. This person seemed to be highly skilled, if not ruthless. Maybe they were paid to do this... "I'll get Artoo in here. Maybe he can access the security system and get us some more answers." Anakin decided. "But first, I want a look around." Choosing his next course of action, Anakin turned back to the protocol droid. "Threepio, can you call Artoo and have him meet us here?"

"Certainly, sir." Threepio shuffled off to do as told as Anakin and the handmaidens began their investigation of the rest of the apartment. Anakin made a beeline for the bedroom, being it was the room he often shared with Padme. Upon entry, he soon realized the room was practically untouched. No signs of a struggle and virtually no signs of an intruder. It were almost as if nobody had been in here at all, apart from a slight depression in the bed and the wine glasses on the nightstand.

"It doesn't make any sense." Sabe said. "It's like she was here and then she left."

"That's not like Padme. This was definitely a kidnapping." Anakin replied, knowing his wife well enough to know that this was out of character for her. Taking another step into the room, Anakin suddenly paused as he heard a faint noise coming from somewhere in the room. Slightly raising his hand, he stopped the handmaidens. "Does anyone else hear that?" He asked. Dorme did and she quickly followed the noise to where she believed it was coming from. It was a soft beeping, continuous and persistent. Opening the opposite nightstand, Dorme pulled out a holoprojector. A small red light, indicating an incoming call, was steadily blinking in time with the beeps.

"That's Padme's communicator!" Sabe exclaimed. Hope soared within everyone present, believing Padme might've gotten free and was calling them now. Anakin took the projector from Dorme and answered the call. The projector flickered before revealing Padme, bound to a chair and looking a little dishevelled. Her expression brightened upon seeing her husband.

"Anakin!" She sounded relieved.

"Padme! Thank the Force." Ankain replied, breathing a sigh of relief. "Where are you?" He wondered. Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed through the calm as a figure approached Padme from behind.

"With me." The deep synthesized voice sent chills through the handmaiden's spines and caused Anakin's blood to freeze as Padme's captor stepped into view.

"Wraith." Anakin hoarsely said his name. This situation had just gone from bad to worse.

"It's like I told you, Skywalker. You had your fun, humiliating me. Now I'm gonna take my revenge... in the coldest way possible." Wraith growled. Drawing a knife, the silver blade was pressed against Padme's arm, not breaking the skin but still dangerously close to her.

"Anakin... he knows... a-about us." Padme quickly said.

"Yes... Indeed I do." Wraith agreed. "I thought Jedi weren't allowed to get married... Ani." He continued, chuckling as he used Padme's nickname for him. Anakin started shaking, his emotions getting the better of him. Mixed fear and anger surged through his veins, overwhelming him.

"I swear, I will hunt you down and treat you like the psychopath that you are..." He rasped.

"Oh, why so serious Skywalker?" Wraith shot back in reply, unfazed by the threat. "You Jedi really need to learn to lighten up." Glancing down he noticed the slight tremble in Padme's limbs. "You too Senator." He added. Stooping down, Wraith arms encircled her body as his head peered over her shoulder, his free hand holding her chin as his raised knife pressed against the corner of her mouth. "What say we put a smile on that face, hm?" He mused, delighting in his torturous actions and the slow psychological breakdown going on in both participants. He looked back to Anakin. "Might wanna hurry, or else a few cuts are going to be the least of her injuries!" He cackled, the transmission suddenly shutting down. The last thing Anakin saw was absolute fear on Padme's face.

Wraith really wasn't messing around. If he wanted to hurt Padme, he could and would.

Silence filled the room as the party of four stared at the disabled projector, alone with their thoughts but fear chief among their feelings. It was Anakin who summoned his composure first.

"We're taking this... to the Chancellor." He said, voice shaking and all sense of confidence drained from his body.

For the first time in a very long time, Anakin Skywalker was afraid.


Later, in the office of the Supreme Chancellor...

It was decided that Anakin and Sabe would present the issue to Chancellor Palpatine. Sabe would do all the talking in order to protect the secrecy of Padme's marriage, Anakin being nothing more than someone who was dragged into this. The Jedi Knight was quick to use the Force to calm his emotions, he couldn't afford to reveal anything that might incriminate him and Padme. It was a task easier said than done, though, as Anakin was extremely worried about his wife.

Sabe presented the situation to Palpatine, Anakin chipping in when need be. They left out the portions where Wraith revealed his knowledge of Padme's marriage to Anakin and could only shrug their shoulders when asked if Wraith made mention of what he wanted.

"This is very grievous news, for more than one reason." Palaptine mused, rising from his seat. "Firstly, one of our most prominent and finest senators is now in the clutches of a known war-criminal. Secondly, the fact that Wraith was able to arrive on Coruscant and kidnap such a prominent senator without raising a single alarm presents a very dangerous reality for us all."

"He can come and go as he sees fit, doing as he pleases... and we can't do anything about it until it's too late." Anakin grimly stated. Palpatine nodded in agreement.

"We must do something about this immediately." He continued. "Given the threatening tone, I would say Senator Amidala does not have long before she too comes face to face with Wraith's brutal nature."

"He did say a few cuts would be the least of her injuries." Sabe added, affirming Palpatine's understanding.

"Then we will need to act soon." Palpatine decided. "Lady Sabe, I ask you leave Senator Amidala's projector with us. It will be easier for us to track and monitor any more incoming communications." He requested.

"Of course, Chancellor." Sabe agreed. Carrying said projector, Anakin turned it over to Palpatine as the Chancellor addressed him.

"Master Skywalker, if you could please inform some of your fellow Jedi Masters of this development? I have a feeling we will need as many available hands as possible." Anakin gave a quick nod.

"Right. I'm on it."

"I will contact the Republic Security Bureau, we'll run tracers on this projector and begin scanning for any possible leads." Palaptine stated. "We will get Senator Amidala back. That is my promise to you, Lady Sabe."


Padme winced and grit her teeth as the sharp knife slit her shoulder, a thin red line appearing in its wake. A single trickle of blood began creeping down her arm, moving steadily towards the lower sleeve of her dress.

"Ever heard of 'death by a thousand cuts' Senator?" Wraith asked. "It's a particularly drawn-out sort of execution, practiced by, believe it or not, some of the more civilized worlds as their capital punishment." Padme made no response, trying hard to keep her mind focused on the hope that Anakin would soon find her, now that he was aware of her predicament. Wraith had already raked his blade across her flesh more than once, resulting in at least six wounds along her arms and one dangerously close to her neck.

"Is that the only reason why you've kidnapped me? To kill me slowly?" She asked, voice weak as the pain took its toll.

"Hardly. Death would merely allow you to escape from the suffering I will inflict upon you." Wraith answered. Towering over her, Wraith leaned over the petite senator. "You've been a real thorn in our side, uncovering our plans and halting our operations. This... This should serve as a reminder for you. Cross us again and you will suffer our vengeance. For we never forgive criminals such as yourself... nor will we soon forget your face."

"You're the criminal here, not me!" Padme exclaimed, the insult suddenly granting her enough strength to retort.

"Is that so? You think you're high and mighty position as a senator keeps you safe from the consequences of your actions? Every time you open your mouth you doom millions, if not billions, from seeing true freedom, from experiencing relief from the Republic's corruption!" Wraith growled in reply. "You have as much blood on your hands as I do. With your words you doom thousands to this war and prevent them from experiencing freedom and peace under Separatist rule."

"Freedom? Peace?" Padme sounded incredulous. "Look, I don't know what they've done to your head, but you are mistaken if you think that's what the Separatists will bring!"

"How predictable." Wraith rumbled as he straightened up. "Coming from the likes of you, a champion of the old and outdated way of doing things, you would resist any form of change." He suddenly whipped his arm around, knife raised. Padme barely felt anything before the stinging sensation set in, realizing Wraith had cut her cheek.

Her torture was far from over.


Later, at the Republic Intelligence Operations Centre...

In addition to Chancellor Palpatine, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mace Windu, Anakin Skywalker and Thrawn stood present as Clone slicers ran scans of Padme's projector and wired the device into their tracking systems. All of them were anxiously anticipating another transmission from Wraith, all while trying to discern his motives and his possible location. All of them were tense and disturbed by Wraith's presence here on Coruscant, especially his ability to slip into their territory unseen and undetected.

But out of them all, Anakin was having trouble standing still and not pacing or showing emotion of any kind. This was far more gruelling for him than any of them could've ever known.

"This seems to be particularly brazen of him, even though that seems to be the trend with The Wraith these days." Mace determined.

"I agree. Although there was that one time where he came here to kill Daav Philo'nis. But to kidnap a senator? That takes some doing." Obi-Wan agreed. "Surely he has some kind of motivation for something like this." He mused, attempting to determine why Wraith would do this. Anakin knew, but he kept his mouth shut.

"With all due respect Generals, some people just want to watch the world burn. Wraith's emotions may get the better of him at times and this in turn drives him to simply make life miserable for his enemies." Thrawn calmly explained. "There is no rhyme or reason for what he does. He acts simply out of passion, driven by his feelings alone."

"But why Senator Amidala? Why even come to Coruscant to begin with?" Mace asked.

"A desperate mind will do whatever it thinks is right." Thrawn quietly replied. "If Wraith deems this to be the best course of action..." Suddenly trailing off, Thrawn paused as he developed a thought and began to ponder it. He turned to Anakin. "General Skywalker, you were the last person to come into contact with Wraith, correct?"

"Yeah. Back on Gandolo. Why?" Anakin replied, not following.

"Did he say anything to you before he left?" Thrawn asked him.

"Something about 'retribution' for the times we drove him off." The Knight stated. Thrawn nodded slowly.

"Ah, then revenge is his motive. A powerful one, too." Thrawn realized.

"That still doesn't explain why he would go after Senator Amidala." Mace noted. Anakin suddenly felt tense, wondering if they were on to him. But before his fears could be realized or built upon, one of the Clones began speaking,

"Sirs, we've got an incoming transmission!" The Jedi were quick to gather around, Thrawn hanging back so he might observe everything.

"Ready when you are trooper." Obi-Wan stated.

"Activating signal tracer. Putting it through now..." The trooper continued, doing his job with refined effectiveness. The projector switched on, creating the holographic image of Padme strapped to a chair and Wraith standing next to her. Anakin could see the multiple cuts in her dress and across her body, his blood boiling despite his efforts to maintain a neutral state.

"Well now, Skywalker, I see you've brought some friends." The super-soldier noted. "Too dumb to figure this one out on your own?"

"If you want to deal with us Wraith, do so directly. Leave Senator Amidala out of this." Obi-Wan demanded. Wraith chuckled in reply.

"You Jedi really are a bunch of simpletons." He rumbled. "You wouldn't learn your lesson if I attacked you directly. But attacking those you serve and are supposed to protect? Well, people tend to listen when someone important's life is on the line." The Jedi knew not how to respond, neither did Thrawn. But true to the commander's word, Wraith seemed hellbent on taking his revenge in this manner. He had seemingly convinced himself this path was he right one.

Seeing an opportunity, Padme chose to speak up. Despite her torture, she had been carefully observing her surroundings, watching, listening, feeling. And she believed she knew where she was.

"Master Jedi! I think I'm in the-" before she could reveal her location, Wraith rounded a hard punch right to her abdomen, the senator doubling over and gasping for breath.

"Silence, you!" Wraith thundered. The Jedi visibly flinched at his rough treatment of Padme.

"This has gone on long enough." Mace stated. "Wraith, if you release Senator Amidala, we will allow you to leave without interference." He said, attempting to bargain with the super-soldier.

"Your words are empty, Jedi. Meaningless! You don't know where I am and, right now, I'm holding every card imaginable. I'm in control here... not you." Wraith growled, flexing his superiority in this situation. The Clone tracers were working double-time to try and pinpoint the origin of the transmission before it ended. The Jedi knew this and tried to buy them some more time.

"What do you want, Wraith? Dealing with a senator in such a way will surely guarantee you 'war criminal' status. There's no way this ends well for you." Obi-Wan asked.

"You think I don't know that? I don't care." Wraith retorted. "All I want is to make you suffer. And judging from your expressions, I think I'm doing a pretty good job." Pausing as he finished, Wraith eyed his audience and chuckled. "You all are so grim... so determined. Like I said before, you all could really stand to lighten up a little. Stifling your emotions all the time can't be good for you." He continued. Anakin could've sworn Wraith was staring right at him when he said that. Wraith then glanced down at Padme, who was still recovering from his punch, having had the wind knocked out of her. "Still not smiling, eh Senator?" Wraith wondered, drawing a knife with a wicked gleam in his optics. "How about I fix that for you..." The observers watched in horror as Wraith grabbed Padme by the face and purposefully cut two deep scars across her cheeks starting at the corners of her mouth and moving out, giving her the appearance of a grotesque smile. Turning around and feeling quite smug about what he'd done, Wraith regarded his now-queasy audience with a look of pride.

"You'll pay for this." Anakin stated, barely maintaining a level head. "I'll see to it myself." Wraith chuckled, knowing just how torturous this was for the Knight.

"Come and get me, Skywalker... if you dare." He answered, before the projector fizzled and the communication came to an end.

"Trooper! Tell me you have something." Mace quickly asked the slicers.

"We think so, sir. Looks like the transmission originated from the Works." One of the Clones replied positively.

"Good. Now let's put an end to this." Mace determined. Obi-Wan nodded in agreement.

"Master Jedi, if I may," Thrawn said, speaking up, "given the delicate nature of this situation, it would not be wise to rush in after Wraith. He is in a particularly volatile state, it would seem. He's feeling triumphant and he will do whatever is necessary to maintain that feeling of triumph. I would recommend you develop a plan of attack, use the available data to pinpoint his precise location and then plan accordingly." He suggested. While the elder Jedi agreed, Anakin did not.

"Senator Amidala doesn't have that kind of time!" He exclaimed. "We have to go now before that monster does anything worse to her."

"And we will move, Skywalker." Mace reassured him. "Once we've thought this situation through."

"Fine. Think all you want." Anakin relented, turning to leave. "I know where I'm going."

"Anakin, don't do anything rash." Obi-Wan called after him.

"I'm not. I'm just gonna take the Five-Oh-First and get Padme out of there. A quick in and out mission, not a problem."

"But Wraith is a really big deal, we can't just rush in after him and you certainly can't strong-arm him into surrendering." Obi-Wan countered, not wanting to risk having Anakin being put in the infirmary for another few months. "You heard what Commander Thrawn said, we need a plan of attack."

"I have a plan: attack." Anakin replied. "You can come with me if you want, Obi-Wan. If not, don't bother trying to stop me." He added, sounding very firm and very serious about his decision. The Jedi watched him leave, noting the sudden change in his demeanor.

This whole situation seemed awfully personal to him...

Wraith couldn't help but chuckle to himself as the communication ended. The tortured look on Anakin's face was absolutely delicious and made all the effort he'd put into this worthwhile.

"Knowing him, he's fool enough to come after you." He mused to Padme. Turning back to his captive, Wraith grabbed the senator by the chin and forced her to look at him. "And when he does... well... then I'll really have some fun with the two of you." He said, growling threateningly. Padme made no reply, but did cry out as Wraith suddenly slugged her across the face. It was a hard punch, and there would likely be a bruise left in its wake.

"N-No... Please... W-Why...?" She asked him, voice weak.

"Just getting you ready for when your husband shows up..." Wraith replied, cracking his knuckles as he did.


A short while later...

A single Republic dropship flew low over the buildings of Coruscant, destined for the Works: the industrial part of the planet. Full of factories, pipelines and all manner of manufacturing compounds, it was the one place on the surface of the planet that wasn't a glittering high-rise.

And it was also where The Wraith was hiding.

Having taken the coordinates retrieved by the Clone slicers, Anakin watched the miniature holomap before him with an intense gaze, watching as they drew closer and closer to the origin of the signal. Glancing up and out of the open door, Anakin spied a simple warehouse complex surrounded by all kinds of assembly lines off in the distance.

"That looks like the place." He mused, putting the holomap away. With him, with weapons primed, were Captain Rex and Torrent Company. "Alright men, this is a simple extraction mission. We don't want to be here any longer than we have to." He informed them.

"Roger that sir." Rex replied. "Wraith's on our turf now. This is a fight he can't win."

"I don't want there to be a fight unless there absolutely has to be one." Anakin told him. "We're still recovering from Gandolo and I don't want to lose any of you." The Clone nodded in understanding and stayed silent as the dropship set down in the street just outside the signal's location. "Set up a perimeter around the building." Anakin ordered as he and the men disembarked. Rex was quick to follow up with directions for his men.

"Fives, Echo, take point around the entrances. Jesse, Kix, up on those roofs, take aim at the windows. Dogma, Hardcase, with me." The Clones moved to obey, surrounding the building. Anakin and Rex advanced on the door before Anakin halted him.

"Wait out here. If you don't hear from me in five minutes, come in after me."

"Yes sir." Rex affirmed, staying behind as Anakin walked forward and entered the facility.

The place was drab, not much to look at. It was empty, devoid of all machinery with a fine layer of dust covering the floor. Anakin could care less, though, and proceeded to make his way upstairs. Lightsaber in hand, Anakin drew on the Force as he got ready to square off with Wraith, wherever he might be.

Away from his men and without any other Jedi around, he was ready to get emotional.

"Alright, scumbag, where are you and where's my wife?" He muttered under his breath.

His answer was not far away.

Using the Force to blast open a locked door, Anakin stepped into a much more open room and there, in the middle, sat Padme, abound to a chair. A single ray of light shone down upon her, illuminating her. Despite the cuts across her body, her loose and mangy hair and the bruises blossoming on her cheeks, she still looked like an angel to him. "Padme!" He called, so happy and relieved to see her. Padme looked up, eyes brightening as she laid eyes on him.

"Ani!" She cried, feeling so relieved that this little nightmare was almost over. Anakin took a few cautious steps into the room.

"Where is he?" He asked, referring to Wraith.

"I don't know." She honestly replied. "He disappeared a while ago." This was true. After having smacked her around a few times, Wraith had seemingly made to leave, moving behind her where she could not see him. Not caring and his mind-narrowed by his sudden find, Anakin moved further into the room, intent on freeing Padme. Suddenly, the air shimmered as Wraith's cloaking field powered down, revealing the super-soldier directly behind him. Padme saw him, eyes wide with sudden fear. "Ani! Behind you!" She cried. Anakin heard her warning but, a split second later, Wraith clubbed him across the back of the head, knocking him down before he could react. A boot was driven into his side, knocking him down further as a pair of pistol rounds shot his lightsaber out of his hand.

"Welcome to the party, Skywalker." Wraith growled. "So glad you were dumb enough to try and rescue your dear little senator." Quickly putting the Jedi in a choke-hold, Wraith wrestled Anakin into submission. "You know, I've been thinking, and I've gotta know, Senator: what do you see in him?" He asked Padme. "'Cause it mystifies me to no end as to why anyone would want this arrogant fool."

"I don't expect you to understand this, Wraith, but when there's someone special in your life you can look past their faults because you care about them so much."

"Is that so?" Wraith mused, glancing down at his captives. "Maybe you should remember that the next time I talk about Ahsoka." He added, throwing yet another personal jab at Skywalker. "Still, you could do a lot better than this desert rat, Senator." He continued, delivering a hard punch to Anakin's face before releasing him. The Jedi fell to the ground, coughing.

"Why go to all of this Wraith? Why not just kill me and be done with these revenge games?" He asked.

"You really think I want to kill you?" Wraith said, sounding almost bewildered by his question. "No no no no no, you've got it all wrong Skywalker. I want you to suffer. The same way you've made me suffer." He explained. "Only this time, it'll be the worst possible suffering... because it's someone you love." Walking back over to Padme, the senator started to panic as did Anakin.

"Ani... Ani, i-it's going to be okay-" She tried to reassure him, but was cut off by her own scream of pain as Wraith dislocated her wrist. With a furious shout, Anakin called his lightsaber to him with the Force and switched it on, lunging at Wraith. Blocking his incoming strike with his gauntlet, Wraith attacked with two quick blows to the midsection and a high kick that caught Anakin on the jaw and knocked him flat on his back. Quickly kicking his lightsaber away, Wraith stooped down next to the chair Padme was bound to.

"Ah, hope. The ever-present source of strength that gives people cause to do what they do..." He mused, noting both of their actions and the reasons behind them. He stood back up, a metal pipe in hand and he walked over to the downed Anakin. "I'll take that from you first!" Bringing the pipe down as hard as he could, Wraith bashed Anakin's knee with a loud crack that caused the Jedi to cry out in pain. Anakin grit his teeth and stifled a louder scream, replacing it with a growl as immense pain surged through his leg.

His kneecap had been broken.

Dropping the pipe, Wraith walked back over to Padme and drew his knife. The senator assumed he would cut her again, but was proven wrong when Wraith buried his weapon in her arm. Padme cried out as Wraith promptly wrenched his blade free and blood started to gush from the wound. "I know you've been described as one of the tough ones, Amidala. Unflinching in the face of opposition." Wraith said, speaking aloud as he walked around her. "But I wonder... just how much can you handle?" Launching his shock chips into his hands Wraith promptly grabbed Padme by the head and unleashed a powerful shock that caused her to scream again.

"No! Padme!" Anakin cried, struggling with his knee. Fortunately, Wraith released her and Padme sagged forward, breathing heavily. Retracting his shockers, he returned to Anakin, stooping down and grasping the Jedi by his throat.

"As long as I live, knowing this little secret of yours, my hand will always be around your throat." He growled, ensuring Anakin was staring into his optics. "I own you Skywalker."

"You own nothing!" Anakin spat, determined to maintain his determination.

"Your defiance only means more pain for your dear, beloved senator." Wraith retorted. "Question is..." holding up his free arm, his wrist blade shot out from underneath his hand, "which do you prefer?" He wondered, wrist blade disappearing with a flick and his arm blade appearing with a shrill ring seconds later. Anakin sealed his mouth, refusing to choose.

Fortunately, he didn't have to.

From another door, Rex and Torrent Company burst into the room, weapons raised and ready to fire.

"Five minutes are up, General." The captain quipped. "As for you, Bucket-head, hands off the General and hold 'em high." He ordered.

"As much as I'd enjoy killing you all, my time here is up and I've got better things to do." Wraith replied, releasing Anakin and straightening up. He'd sent his message, done what he needed to do. There was no reason for him to stick around. Wraith triggered his cloaker as he bid farewell to his enemies. "Until next time." Disappearing from sight, the Clones fired a few scattered shots, missing him entirely.

"Damn. He's gone." Rex surmised. "Alright men, secure the area. Fives, Echo, help Senator Amidala." The Clones spread out across the room as the two went for Padme and Rex went for Anakin.

"Nice timing Rex." Anakin grunted as he was helped up.

"Orders are orders, sir." The Clone replied. "Should I call ahead for a medical transport?"

"Make it a double order." Anakin responded, wincing as he tried to keep any and all pressure off his knee.


A short while later...

Obi-Wan and Mace, accompanied by Palpatine and Thrawn, stood waiting alongside the medical transport as the lone dropship touched down before them, baring Padme and Anakin with equal wounds. Padme was immediately placed on a gurney while Anakin was helped off by Rex before Obi-Wan took over.

"See Master? A little strong-arming works just fine." Anakin quipped, maintaining his trademark smirk.

"I'll remember that, the next time I wish to have my knee bashed in." Obi-Wan remarked. The two Jedi made their way over to another gurney opposite Padme where Anakin sat down, before being approached by Chancellor Palpatine.

"On behalf of the senate, I thank you for rescuing Senator Amidala from such a dire predicament, Master Skywalker."

"Well, you know, had to show Wraith who's the boss." Anakin nonchalantly replied, doing his best to appear neutral. "I just hope Senator Amidala will be fine."

"I'm sure I will be... eventually." Padme weakly answered from beside him. Anakin gave her a quick, knowing smile.

"Let's get you two to some proper medical attention." Obi-Wan said, helping to move them out. Palpatine held back and watched them leave, being approached by Mace and Thrawn from behind.

"At least they're back safe... well, relatively safe." The Jedi Master mused.

"Indeed. But there is something alarming about this whole situation." Palaptine replied, turning around. "The simple fact that Wraith could arrive here, undetected, and kidnap a prominent senator right under our noses is too grave a fact to ignore." He stated. Thrawn and Mace nodded in agreement understanding the situation. "He is growing bolder with every victory. He must be dealt with." Palaptine continued. "This attack cannot go unanswered."

"I agree. But how? He is still such an enigma. He comes and goes as he pleases, appearing when needed and then vanishing without a trace." Mace responded, at a loss for what to do.

"We will do what we must, Master Jedi. We will find him and we will stop him." Palaptine answered. He believed he had a solution in mind, one that would force Wraith to lie low for a while. Hopefully, Darth Sidious would not have to physically intervene, only give an order that would force Wraith to back off. Such a brazen and intrusive mission like this made him believe his rewiring was coming undone. The Wraith would have to be taught another lesson.

The Wraith would have to be punished.