- CASTLES CRUMBLING (A.S.) -

- 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐈𝐗 -

this is the start & end of everything.

CORUSCANT LOOMED BELOW. Regina could clearly make out the massive buildings and microscopic speeders as the transport passed over the Capital. They were close to the spaceport and Regina knew that as soon as they landed, their adventure would be ended. In that moment, she was very conscious of Anakin's hand in hers as well as the ring on its chain hanging at her chest. He was all that mattered to her, now.

"Before we land, I want to thank both of you for all you've done for me over the last month," Padmé spoke up. She was sitting across from Regina and Anakin—third-wheeling as usual—but looking entirely genuine.

"I think we should thank you," Regina replied, a smile on her lips as she looked at Padmé. "You've done more for the two of us than we can ever repay." R2-D2 chirped his agreement followed by C-3P0 reprimanding him for adding to the human's conversation. Regina smiled at the banter but continued speaking. "Anytime you need me, Senator, I'll be there."

"And the same goes for me," Skywalker added sincerely. "Really, Padmé."

The senator smiled.

"I couldn't have asked for better Jedi protectors if I'd wanted," Padmé told them. "Or for better friends." Anakin and Regina smiled back.

Minutes later, the ship landed in the spaceport and before they knew it, Regina, Anakin, and Padmé were exiting the transport much like they'd entered it long ago.

Regina thought about how ironic all of this was. She'd gone on this adventure in one frame of mind, and she'd come back thinking an entirely different way. This trip to Naboo had changed her, for better or for worse. But now she had two people on her side and both loved her unconditionally.

Stepping out of the ship, the first thing Regina spotted was the group of people standing under a pillar. Regina instantly recognized Padmé's entourage consisting of her bodyguard, servants, and others, all waiting for the senator's arrival. Standing a little ways from them were Kenobi and Quillow. Without a word to any of the others, each of the three companions went over to their respective groups, greeting the people they had to talk to instantly. As Anakin addressed his master, Regina shot him a look. As soon as their eyes met, she could visibly see his confidence increased. His back straightened and he met Obi-Wan's eyes with his usual fervor. Regina smiled and turned her attention to her own master.

"Greetings, Regina."

"Hello, Master," Regina replied, bowing her head to Quillow respectfully.

"I'm glad you received my message." Regina nodded her head, not completely sure how to reply. "Come with me; we have much to discuss." Quillow turned to go, nodding to Kenobi and paying his respects to the senator as he passed by. Regina walked beside the Wookiee, wondering what this was all about.

"Master, are Skywalker and I going to report to the Council?" Regina inquired. This thought had been on her mind for some time; she and Anakin had gone over what they were going to say in case this situation did happen.

"Not that I know of."

The statement caught Regina off guard. After any mission, no matter how insignificant, Jedi were usually required to present their findings to the Council. And considering how rough her previous experiences with Anakin had been, Regina had suspected that the Jedi would want to know how things had gone, if their "final test" had been successful.