Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

24.

"Fear is the path to the dark side, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." -Yoda

Her boots clomped on the metal platform as she stepped off the ship, her movements purposeful, daring any who saw her to get in her way. Two clones followed behind her, flanking her on either side, one of them gripping the reins that connected him to a growling, menacing Wookiee. Anywhere else, their strange group would have caused quite a scene. But in the cold, cruel halls of the Death Star, they looked like they belonged.

Rain's hood was down, her identity on full display as she marched through the ship, leaving the docking bay behind her. Clones and officers moved out of her path, their eyes averted, their fear palpable in the air. It was the kind of fear that had become all too familiar to her, a fear she had been forced to cultivate and embody for years. Yet, despite the power that fear gave her, it felt hollow, like a mask she had worn for so long that it had almost fused to her skin.

As she walked, she pushed out with her senses, trying to locate Leia. But all she managed to find was Anakin's presence, strong and dark, like a shadow cast over her mind. He was aware of her, of course, but there was no urgency in his response. For all he knew, she had just returned from her mission, another obedient act in service to the Emperor.

She reached out again, this time grabbing Luke's arm to steady herself, closing her eyes as she extended her senses further. And then, there it was—Leia's presence, faint but unmistakable. Rain stumbled, nearly dragging the clones and the Wookiee into an elevator with her. The sudden movement drew curious glances, but she ignored them, focusing instead on the task at hand.

Turning to the group, she issued her instructions with a tone of authority that brooked no argument. "Leia is close. You know your orders. Get to her, retrieve her, and make your way back to the ship. The Emperor is expecting me, so I'll keep his attention on me while you do what needs to be done. But make no mistake—time is not on our side."

The urgency in her voice was unmistakable, and the clones nodded in understanding. The Wookiee growled lowly, sensing the gravity of the situation. As the elevator doors opened, Rain stepped out, allowing a small smirk to play on her lips as she slid back into the role of Darth Karus. 

She tried to stay calm, wandering the halls as casually as possible, keeping his head down to avoid drawing attention. But as he reached a door and stopped, he could feel the weight of the mission pressing down on him. The Emperor was waiting on the other side. He had to distract him—nothing more, nothing less. But the thought of facing such a powerful enemy made his heart pound in his chest.

* * *

Luke watched the strange woman—Rain, or Darth Karus, or whoever she truly was—turn back to look at them one last time before she replaced her reassuring smile with one of cold malice. The transformation was chilling, as if she had become someone entirely different. It unsettled him, made him question whether he could really trust her. The stories he'd heard of Darth Karus were terrifying, and he wasn't sure how to reconcile that with the woman who had just tried to comfort him.

Rain's directions had led them to one of the lower floors, and as the sign indicated, they were heading to the Detention Centre. The elevator squeaked softly as it approached their level, and Luke glanced over at Han, who nodded back at him. They were ready—at least, as ready as they'd ever be. Chewbacca made an indignant noise, clearly doubting the plan. But Luke felt a strong pull to save Leia. He didn't know why, but he knew he had to do this.