「 star-crossed ⭒ anakin skywalker 」

chapter eighteen

Anakin's POV:

I watched as Vienna's figure moved farther away, alongside Obi-Wan, toward the Temple. Her blonde hair was draped over her shoulders as she hung her head in defeat.

She didn't deserve to be blamed for this— it's outrageous. As Jedi we were always taught to use our senses when making judgments, and hers were completely right.

Slowly turning back to face Master Windu, I was met with his infamous scowl that we all know and love, exactly what I was expecting. Unfortunately for me, Master Plo and Yoda had left this lecture solely up to him and were already walking away.

"Sorry to interrupt your staring, Skywalker, but this is important."

"I know, I know. I was supposed to keep her at the Temple, but I let her come with me. It won't happen again, Master," I said with a sigh, blah blah the usual apology they make me do every time.

"It better not. But that's not what I'm here to talk to you about," he said. Oh, here we go. What else could I have possibly done wrong.
"The Council is growing concerned about your apparent attachment to Vienna."

"What are you— why would you think that?" I spoke defensively.

"You seem to be going to great lengths to protect her and it leads you to get involved with things that shouldn't even concern you."

"I was only helping out a friend. I would do the same for anyone else," I explained, not sure where these accusations were coming from.

"If you say so, Skywalker. But know that we'll be keeping a close eye on you."

I sighed, knowing there was no winning this argument. I don't care what he says, it's not like he knows what it's like when a friend needs you— he literally doesn't even have any.

And sometimes trusting your feelings and doing what you know is right is more important than following stupid orders.

"You are dismissed. Now head back to your quarters, it's getting late," he finally said.

The evening shadow cast against the Temple steps as the orange sun dipped below the horizon. Darkness fell across Coruscant, and the soft hum of the nightlife could be heard buzzing from the lower levels.

I winced as my mind played flashes of that night in the cantina. Watching Vienna nearly die before my eyes, helplessly begging the universe to spare her life.

It was then that, without even realizing it, I had vowed to make sure nothing like that ever happened to her again.

—

Vienna's POV:

I looked above me to the towering ceiling, scattered with beautifully patterned glass. The setting sun beamed into the Sundari Royal Palace, casting a shadow upon the throne.

I was home. I felt like I was a child once again, admiring the elegance of everything my mother built for our planet.

But something didn't feel right.

Squinting, I tried to make out the figures by the throne but was only met with darkness.

That's when I heard it.

Screams. My mother's screams. The same ones I've dreamt of for so many nights.
The cries intensified, I was unable to move.

With one final scream, I saw her. Her limp body fell to the ground. I couldn't run to her.