DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.

Sorry this has taken three months but I am losing interest in this story. I don't have any inspiration to write it anymore, even though I am nearing the end. I'm REALLY sorry all of my faithful fans have had to wait this long for such a short chapter but, as I've just stated, I'm just not feeling this story anymore. Thanks to everyone who has made this a 'favourite story' and a big shout out to everyone who reviews! You are the only reason this story is still around.

Anakin tried not to think about what he was about to do. He didn't want Palpatine to pick up on his feelings. He couldn't afford to lose this moment. His wife was counting on him. He breathed slowly, mentally preparing himself for the pain that was bound to follow.

He reached Ferus and Ahsoka, walking slowly as pain gripped him. Every instinct, every muscle was telling him not to do this. The only thing he had going for him was his speed. He needed to take everyone by surprise, not just Palpatine. He hoped that his conditioning wouldn't slow him down. He needed to forget everything he had been trained to respond to but more importantly, his muscles needed to. If Anakin couldn't make his muscles move, he wouldn't succeed. Taking a deep breath, he released his thoughts and impulses into the Force and sent out a prayer for its help. Then he reacted.

Anakin was one step past Ferus when he spun. He reached out with the Force, getting a grip on Ferus' lightsaber just as his booted foot hit his friend square in the chest. Ferus grunted in pain as he stumbled backwards, his hand involuntarily loosening its grip on the weapon. It was enough for Anakin to yank the lightsaber away from him and it flew into his hand. Anakin had already covered most of the space between himself and the Emperor by the time the lightsaber hit his palm.

He faltered slightly as the muscles in his hand cramped up instantly. The pain was quick to move up his arm, seizing every muscle as it travelled towards his chest. He knew he had only moments before he was on the ground writhing in agony, so he grit his teeth and swapped the weapon into his mechanical arm where he had no compromised muscles.

He didn't quite reach Palpatine before the muscles in his throat and chest started to contract. Ignoring his lack of air and racing heart, Anakin took one more step before his legs gave way beneath him. Using the last of his strength he brought the lightsaber down on the Emperor. The heated blade sliced straight through the Emperor's arm, severing the limb and cauterising the wound at the same time.

Anakin didn't see whether his plan had worked or not. He'd already passed out before he hit the ground.

Padme screamed as she saw the lightsaber descend. It was frighteningly close to her arm, so close she could feel its heat as it flew downwards. An instant later Palpatine's grip was gone and she stumbled away. Anakin lay on the ground, his hand still wrapped tightly around the lightsaber as his body convulsed.

What had he been thinking? She tried to hold him still but he was stronger than her, even unconscious. Afraid for the baby more than herself, Padme moved away and called out for help. Moments later Ahsoka was there with her. She grabbed the lightsaber and threw it away, just in case he accidentally ignited it and caused himself real harm. Then she held his head off the floor.

His seizing stopped almost instantly. Padme watched in morbid fascination as Anakin visibly relaxed, his head flopping to the side when Ahsoka released him. She sat back on her heels, just as confused as Padme.

An enraged roar startled Ahsoka to her feet and had Padme moving protectively towards Anakin. Both women turned to the sound in time to see Obi Wan chasing after Palpatine. Ferus called his weapon to him as he passed the women and sprinted after the two.

Ahsoka turned to the Resistance fighters who were standing around in a daze. Everything was moving incredibly quickly and they looked like they couldn't keep up. Ahsoka pointed to them. They were a ragtag group, none of whom looked like fighters.

"You lot! Come and help get Skywalker to the medbay and take Padme too. We'll deal with the Emperor," she commanded.

They looked relieved to have a job to do – away from the evil Sith Lord. Together they heaved Anakin up, carrying his dead weight between four people as the other two ushered Padme along behind. Padme glanced over her shoulder as they left the hanger bay but she couldn't see any of the Jedi or the Sith. She could hear them though. The hum of the lightsaber and the ominous crackle of what she suspected was Force lightning.

At least Anakin was safe. She allowed the two men to direct her to the medbay, her eyes never leaving her husband's still form.

It wasn't long before Ferus, Obi Wan and Ahsoka hustled over to her bedside. The medical droid had insisted upon checking her over despite showing no obvious sign of injury. For the sake of her unborn child Padme relented. The results all come back negative and Padme received the all clear. She had been about to ask about Anakin when her three friends joined her.

"What happened? Are you alright?" she asked.

None of them looked injured but they didn't look pleased either.

Obi Wan sat down on the end of her bed. "He got away."

Padme frowned.

"He managed to disarm Ahsoka and had Ferus and I held back with Force lightning. He made his way into a starfighter and took off," Ben explained.

Padme sensed there was something he wasn't telling her. "What else?"

Ferus sighed. "Before he took the starfighter, Palpatine said something about making do with a consolation prize. We can only suspect he meant Luke. I'm sorry we didn't rescue him."

Padme swallowed and forced back the tears. She wouldn't mourn the loss of her son yet. Now that Anakin and Leia were safe, her hope and determination were back.

"It's okay Ferus. I don't blame you. We'll get Luke back, I know we will."

Anakin's vision was blurry and his head was pounding. He groaned, struggling into a seated position. His muscles protested loudly, his arms shaking and weak.

"Ani!" Padme's voice was the only warning he had before a pair of arms wrapped tightly around his torso. Though his vision had yet to clear, Anakin knew whose arms they were. He pulled her closer, holding on like his life depended on it. He could feel her tears soaking his shirt and couldn't hold back his own. For the first time in nearly a year, Palpatine was nowhere near him.

He was free.

He lifted Padme's chin so he could see her properly. Her makeup had run with the tears and her hair was ruffled but she was still the most beautiful woman he'd even seen.

Without thinking he crushed his lips to hers, kissing her hard. He poured every ounce of love, gratitude and devotion into that kiss. He wanted – no, needed – her to know how much he adored her. She had always been his saving grace – when he was nine and a slave on Tatooine, when he was nineteen and an impetuous padawan and especially now, when he'd seen his darkest times and nearly given up hope. She was always there when he needed her the most. There was no way he could repay her except to show her how much he loved her.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathing heavily. Anakin smiled at her, loving the way her eyes lit up and knowing it was only him that could make her do that. Padme reached over to cup his cheek with her hand and gently wiped his tear tracks away with her thumb.

"The medical droid said you were okay," she whispered.

They were still yet to break eye contact, both afraid the other would disappear again. They had loved and lost too many times now. There was no way either was going to let the other go.

Anakin gently kissed her forehead. He knew she wanted some confirmation from him; that he was okay. He wasn't though. Physically yes, he was in the best shape of his life. The Emperor had ensured that. But internally, he was anything but.

And he wouldn't be for a long time.