- CASTLES CRUMBLING (A.S.) -

- 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 -

you already know that you won.

"I AM RELIEVED TO SEE YOU BOTH back safe and sound," Master Obi-Wan said to the Padawans. The four Jedi–Master Quillow, Master Kenobi, Skywalker, and Regina–were standing on the green grass of a forest planet near the Umbar System.

"Thank you, Master," Skywalker said, actually being respectful for once in his life. Regina rolled her eyes, hoping instantly that Quillow didn't see her reaction or sense her annoyance. He gave her a look. Of course he had. He let out a warning Wookiee grunt of disapproval before turning his attention back to the other pair of master and apprentice.

"You have done us a service, Regina. Hasn't she, Anakin?" Kenobi spoke up, turning his attention from his Padawan to Regina. Skywalker cleared his throat, meeting Regina in the eyes. His blue ones flashed with something close to indignation, or something close to it.

"Yes, Master," Skywalker forced himself to say. Regina's master turned to Kenobi, an urgent look on his furry face. Regina raised an eyebrow, curious to see why Quillow was so anxious to leave.

"If you will excuse us," Master Quillow said to Kenobi. "My Padawan and I have some unfinished business on Coruscant that we must attend to." Regina glanced at the Wookiee, recognizing their code: the Council had summoned them.

"We will see you soon," Kenobi nodded. After a nod of his own, Quillow turned in the direction of his carefully landed starship. "And Regina." The girl paused, turning to look back at both Obi-Wan and Skywalker. The latter had his arms crossed over his chest, a begrudging look written on his face. His master, on the other hand, gave off quite the opposite feel. "You have our undying gratitude."

"It was my pleasure, Master Kenobi," Regina said, inclining her head. "May the Force be with you."

Hardly waiting for a reply, Regina turned back around and hurried to catch up with Quillow who was already nearing the spaceships.

"Master," Regina said as she neared her master. The Wookiee spared her a glance. He eyed his Padawan, sensing her emotions and gauging her actions. "I need to confess something to you." Quillow hardly broke a stride, maneuvering himself and his apprentice in the direction of their starships. "Skywalker and I... I mean, I'm afraid the Council's hopes didn't pay off. There isn't much to report."

"I disagree," Quillow contradicted. "The two of you, though friends you may not be, are on better terms. Both Obi-Wan and I sensed it." Regina faltered, taken aback.

"Better terms?" she repeated. She thought back to the short and concise conversations she had had with Skywalker in the past couple of days. Most of the time, they had argued, fought, and bickered. Like when they usually saw each other. But then she realized something: toward the end of her short adventure with him, she had found patience. Perhaps her Master was right. Maybe progress had been made. "I understand, Master." She looked up at the Jedi Master; a small Wookiee smile played on his lips which sparkled in the sunlight.

"All is not lost for you, young Regina," he said. "You have come far."

Regina felt pride swell in her chest due to her master's adulation. He was proud of her; maybe he hadn't said those exact words, but that was what he had meant. Praise from Quillow was far in between. All compliments were welcomed and kept dear. But for him to express his pride in his Padawan was all but unheard of. It made her swell with joy.

"Thank you, Master," she said, inclining her head slightly, out of respect. Quillow replied in a bark and went silent. They were nearing the place where they had left their starships. The grass underfoot was soft as Regina padded over to her ship. Walking to the cockpit entrance, she spared a glance over her shoulder.

Skywalker and Kenobi were still standing where she and Quillow had left them; they were talking. Even from where she stood, Regina could sense their emotions. Skywalker felt tense, maybe even a bit ashamed. Kenobi was clearly lecturing. She couldn't sense the same amount of emotions from him, but he was definitely not thrilled. Regina moved her eyes back to Skywalker, observing him and how he interacted with Kenobi.

As if sensing that someone was looking at him, Skywalker turned in Regina's direction. Seemingly by fate, their eyes met. Tilting her head, Regina maintained eye contact, watching the other Padawan with his master. What Regina had noticed was that as soon as Skywalker had met her eyes, his back had straightened and his confidence had kicked back in. It was as if meeting his rival's eyes had made Skywalker determined not to show any form of weakness. Or something else. And for Regina, it gave her a feeling, not one she could explain. Not anger, happiness, determination, nothing. Something unexplainable.

"Regina," came Quillow's voice from the cockpit of his starfighter. "Time to go."

"Yes, Master," Regina replied, pulling her eyes from Skywalker and placing her attention on her spaceship.

Still, she could remember the look Skywalker had given her.

And what irked her was that it seemed like he was trying to tell her something.

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