Breaking The Code (Anakin Skywalker x Reader)

Chapter 39

Ahsoka POV:

"Hello Master, it's been a while." I crossed my arms over my chest proudly. Beneath my nonchalant attitude, was an anxious beating heart. Even after all this time, I wanted to impress Anakin as if I was still his Padawan.

I expected a simple greeting in return, but instead I was taken by surprise as he pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm so happy you're safe, Ahsoka." He breathed out a sigh of relief.

I chuckled at his amicable protectiveness, and patted his back affectionately. We both pulled away and he looked at me seriously, "I wasn't sure if you were even alive after the rise of the Empire. A lot has changed since we saw you last." He smiled softly and chuckled, "Obi-Wan and I were able to sneak out of Palpatine's meeting last year before he could jail us with the rest of the Jedi." He sighed.

I nodded sympathetically, "I thought by now he would've killed them all on the spot."

Anakin nodded before leading me inside the lake house. I practically gasped at the inside, and how elegant it was. The outside made the structure seem like a normal cabin, but the inside could easily be mistaken for a mansion. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't envious, considering the conditions (y/n) and I have been living in.

"I agree. He must be keeping them alive for a bigger reason. But I can't figure out what." He sighed, plopping down onto a couch in the main room, where a fire was currently kindling in the fireplace.

I shrugged, "Maybe he doesn't want to seem like a cruel dictator. He's probably waiting for one of us to attack him so that he can turn it on us, making it look like we're the bad guys."

That's my theory, anyways. He has no reason to keep the imprisoned Jedi alive, aside from gaining support from the rest of the world. If he lets them live, he'll be considered 'generous'. But if we try to take him down, I have no doubt he'll alter the situation so that it seems like we're the rogue oppressors. And after that, is when he would kill all the Jedi. To further prove his point that they've been plotting against him since the beginning.

If Palpatine knows that (y/n) is alive, then this must be the reason he's keeping the other Jedi alive. So that she'll attempt to kill him again, where everyone will be able to see. And if that's the case, then how will we take him down?

Anakin's eyes drooped, and his expression suddenly made me wonder if he's been getting any sleep at all lately, "Who knows." He muttered.

I furrowed my brows at his sudden drop in excitement, "Are you alright, Anakin?" I asked softly.

The skin on his forehead creased as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "Not really." He sighed, and looked back up at me, "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to see you, Ahsoka. But I'm in a bit of a rough patch right now." He paused and blinked, before averting his gaze to the floor. "Well, by rough patch I mean since the beginning of the Empire. I feel as if I'm a broken vessel, living out my days with no sense of direction. I'm exhausted, and my hope is fading day by day." His voice cracked.

I could sense he was on the verge of a breakdown, one that I imagine he's been holding in for a long time.

I stayed silent so that he could continue. He wiped the knuckle of his index finger under his eye, "Obi-Wan has been trying to help me, to comfort me through it all. But I keep pushing him away; I keep pushing everyone away. I'm just..." He groaned, placing his head in his hands, "I'm embarrassed. I didn't want them to see me so vulnerable and depressed." He sniffled inaudibly, "I just miss her so much, and it's all my fault." He murmured so quietly that I almost couldn't hear it. Maybe I wasn't supposed to.