Destruction of the Innocent (Anakin Skywalker)

~30~

"I have to say, Nova! You almost had me there!"

My lungs feel as though they're on fire. I'm gasping for breath but somehow manage to push myself to my feet. Blinking hard once, twice to stand-everything around me is a swirled blurry vision.

 Everything is in slow motion and I sway as a fuzzy tall dark figure stalks towards me. The silhouette is so hazy I'm barely able to see before their lightsaber swings up, but I stop it with mine own.

A red one mixes against my amethyst blade.

This is'nt real. It can't be. This is just me siking myself out, because it's been so hyperfocused on things of this nature for so long, it's penetrating my dreams.

It felt as thought I was surrounded by one giant oven. Fighting against my opponents unbelievable strength, I allowed myself to look around to try and remember at least one thing around this place.

I muster whatever strength is in me and throw it into one hard shove away from me. I nearly knock myself off balance and into the lava below me. As they see me glance over my shoulder, they take advantage and swipe my leg out from under me.

 I'm on my back in half a second and the crimson blade is driven through my heart.

My eyes snap open and I am on my back,  looking at my kitchen upside down. I shift onto my side as my hand flies to my chest. I look down and see there is no entry wound visible, but the burning sensation still resides. I release a sharp exhale and my head falls back again as I take deep breaths.

Then the front door to my apartment opens.

"Cora!", I call, only to get no answer. I find this strange,"Cora?"

I then roll onto my side and freeze- watching a black hooded figure makes their escape through my front door. 

They shut it behind them quickly and I look around. Onyx is at the end of the hall-his eyes wide as gold saucers as he stares the door down. I jump to my feet, crashing against the cabinets as I was still disoriented.

 I pause in case they heard me, then steady myself and pull my weapon from my belt.

As I crept toward the door, I look around the entry way. Nothing seemed to be moved or stolen. I don't know who in their right mind would want to even attempt to steal anything from our palace. Looking down the hall towards my reading nook area, I see the book is still intact.

I open it just a crack and peek down the hallway. The torches lining the staircase are the only things in motion. 

I'm still catious as I make my way down the stairwell to the hall. It's there I catch the last glimpse of the figure reaching the bottom step, so I pursued them-every step as light as air.

When I reach the ballroom I look around at the empty room and listen. I listen passed the heartbeat in my ears and search the shadows again.No one.

My grip on my saber becomes tighter, and just as I was hoping it was another one of my delusions-the front doors open and close. I run to the balcony that over looks the entry way, and through the stained glass windows above the door-I see my target walking away.

I release an angry exhale through my nose and jump over the banister to the first floor. My feet land with a soft tap and I hurry to the door. Heaving one side open, I race down the steps and run after them.

They look around as they walk to the back steps of the temple. I lean behind a pillar and watch their figure walk in and out of the moonlight shining through the arches of the walkway. They wave the door open and look around before entering.