𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. | a. skywalker

𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞

The flight back to Coruscant felt unusually quick. I could blame it on my tiredness, though. I had trained many a times in lightsaber combat with my peers, and I had a fair amount of experience battling droids, but nothing compared to the exhaustion that I felt after fighting Ventress.

The mental exhaustion from fighting my foreboding thoughts was another contribution that I was not yet ready to face.

I felt myself drifting in and out of sleep on the way back. I awoke for the last time when I felt the ship hit the ground.

I noticed my head was on Anakin's shoulder, and I jolted up quickly. I hadn't even noticed him sitting beside me.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"I wasn't going to wake you," he laughed, "You looked peaceful."

I shook the event out of my head, hoping no one thought much of it. As we got up to leave, I swear I heard him mutter I wish I could sleep like that.

_

Once again, we found ourselves waiting outside of the Council Chambers, but this time, Master Kenobi excused himself inwards.

I wonder what they're talking about that we cannot know.

I felt myself slightly less uneasy than last time. I guess I am just going to have to get used to going in there, but I don't know if I would ever really like it.

I thought it was interesting that I never felt that kind of uneasiness radiate of of Anakin. Maybe he was masking it, but I also remember him being alongside masters and knights from the time we were younglings.

I always wondered how he knew everyone so well when the rest of us didn't.

"Master Secura, Padawans Bache and Skywalker. You may enter," Master Windu called out to us.

We entered the Chamber, the two of us following behind Master Secura.

"We are pleased to hear that you all have returned safely and completed your rescue mission. Ventress has proven to be especially dangerous," Master Windu began.

"Heard of your encounter with her, I did," Master Yoda added, looking towards me and Anakin.

"They handled the situation with grace, Master Yoda. I am proud of their accomplishments," Master Secura responded.

"Hear about it from them, I would like to. A feat, to engage her, it is for two Padawans."

My eyes widen and my heart skipped a beat. I had never been addressed by the council before, and the nervousness flooded me like a wave.

Anakin, however, seemed to have no issue talking to the Council.

"She was very intentional with her skills, and especially with her words. It was training that could be taught by no other than a Sith."

"The Dark Side, indeed, surrounds her," Master Yoda pointed out.

"I agree. She is a force to be reckoned with. We will keep an eye on her. Thank you Padawans, you are dismissed," Master Windu finished.

I bowed my head, and turned to exit when Anakin piped up again.

"That's all? Surely there is more to uncover with Ventress, particularly because she had no issue attacking two Padawans. And she got away!"

"Know your place, Skywalker," Master Windu chided sternly. "Your mission was completed. The safety of our order is the priority. You are dismissed."

I was in shock with his blatant disrespect to the council. I couldn't muster up the courage to speak about the mission when prompted, yet here he was talking back to them.