Storms drown on through the day, but by nightfall they grow meaner and angrier. Darkness is where the shadows come out to play, and the dark side lives to bring in Jedi from the other side. Anakin Skywalker is the chosen one, and yet still takes ord...
"Why do I get the feeling you're going to be the death of me?" Obi-Wan asks with a wry smile as he leads his students into the club.
"Don't say that, Master. You're the closest thing I have to a father," Anakin replies, his tone half-joking, half-serious.
"Then why don't you listen to me?" Obi-Wan counters, his voice tinged with a hint of exasperation.
"I'm trying," Anakin responds earnestly, his eyes reflecting his determination.
They stand at the top of the steps, surveying the bustling club below, where patrons of all species mingle amidst flashing lights and pulsating music. Raina feels a pang of nervousness as a few scantily clad women pass by, their gazes lingering on her in a way that makes her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
But she pushes the distraction aside, focusing on the task at hand. She can't afford to let her emotions get the better of her.
After a brief discussion, they decide that their enemy may be a changeling, requiring extra caution and vigilance. The trio splits up, with Raina and Anakin tasked with locating the enemy while Obi-Wan heads to the bar, adopting an unusual tactic for their master.
As they weave through the crowded club, Raina and Anakin remain close, their senses alert for any signs of danger. They ignore the curious glances of the patrons around them, their focus solely on the mission at hand. Suddenly, Raina's instincts flare, and she gasps, coming to a sudden stop beside Anakin.
In an instant, Obi-Wan draws his lightsaber, deflecting an incoming attack from a would-be assassin. Raina and Anakin spring into action, standing by their master's side as he disarms the attacker and ushers them out of the club. The Jedi reassure the patrons that they are safe, urging them to continue with their evening as they handle the threat.
"Do you know who hired you to kill the senator?" Obi-Wan demands, his voice firm as he confronts the assassin in the alley.
"It was a bounty hunter called--" the changeling begins to reveal, but before they can finish, a dart pierces their neck, silencing them instantly.
Their heads snap in the direction of the attacker, only to see a figure disappearing into the night. Obi-Wan examines the toxic dart, his expression grave, while Anakin's jaw tightens with anger.
"We'll find him," Raina assures Anakin, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I have no doubt."
"You never have doubt, Raina," Anakin remarks, a hint of frustration in his voice. "You're annoyingly optimistic."
If only Anakin knew the truth - that Raina's optimism masked a well of uncertainty and fear that she kept buried deep within her.
The following day, Raina and her companions stand before the Jedi Council, recounting the events of the previous night. Masters Yoda and Windu decide that the senator must be escorted back to Naboo without registered transport for her safety, but knowing Padme's determination, they understand she will refuse to leave.
Senator Palpatine, they decide, will be the one to persuade her otherwise.
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