Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

4.

"These aren't the droids you're looking for." - Obi-Wan Kenobi

Months passed, and Rain threw herself into her training with an intensity that bordered on obsession. The training halls became her sanctuary, a place where the soft hum of lightsabers and the steady rhythm of her own breaths were the only constants in an increasingly chaotic galaxy.

Each day was a relentless grind of physical and mental challenges, honing her skills and deepening her connection to the Force. Rain's movements were graceful yet powerful, her every strike with the lightsaber a brushstroke on the canvas of combat. The room often echoed with the sharp clang of lightsabers clashing, the sound bouncing off the stone walls as she pushed herself to new limits. Her dedication was unwavering, each session bringing her closer to mastering the skills she had once only dreamed of possessing.

Despite the rigors of her training, the moments she cherished most were those spent with Anakin. Their bond, forged through countless hours of shared practice and quiet conversations, grew stronger with each passing day. They became inseparable, their camaraderie a rare source of solace amidst the unending challenges of Jedi life.

One evening, after a particularly grueling session, Rain and Anakin found themselves facing off in a friendly duel. The training room, bathed in the soft glow of evening light, became their battleground. Anakin's strikes were swift and precise, each movement a testament to his growing skill and experience.

Rain matched his movements with fierce determination, her lightsaber a blur of blue as she parried and countered his attacks. The tension between them crackled in the air, a mixture of competitive fire and something deeper, unspoken.

"Your skills are improving, Tyandas," Anakin observed, his voice tinged with admiration as he deftly parried one of her strikes.

"And you're no slouch yourself, Skywalker," Rain countered, her tone playful yet focused, her eyes narrowing with determination.

From the corner of the room, Master Yoda's approving nod was a silent acknowledgment of their progress. Rain and Anakin exchanged a look, their mutual respect and unspoken connection evident in the way they sparred. But beneath the lighthearted banter, Rain felt the growing weight of her feelings for Anakin, a burden she struggled to keep hidden.

Their duel was interrupted by a voice calling out from the doorway. "Anakin Skywalker, your presence is requested," the Jedi at the door announced, his tone formal and precise. Anakin shot Rain a questioning glance before following the Jedi out of the room, leaving Rain to wonder about the sudden interruption.

When Anakin returned later, his demeanor had shifted, the light in his eyes dimmed by something heavy and unresolved. Rain approached him immediately, her concern palpable.

"What happened? What did they want with you?" she asked, her voice gentle yet insistent.

"I've been chosen to become Obi-Wan's Padawan learner," Anakin replied, his gaze dropping to the floor as he spoke, the words laden with the weight of inevitability.

Rain's heart sank as the implications of his words hit her. "That means... you'll be leaving the Temple?"

"Yes," Anakin confirmed, his voice tinged with resignation. "It's what I've wanted, to learn from Obi-Wan. But I didn't expect it to come with such a price."

Rain's excitement dimmed, replaced by a hollow ache in her chest. The prospect of Anakin leaving filled her with a sense of loss she wasn't prepared to confront.

* * *

Anakin's departure left a void in Rain's days, a hollow space where his presence used to be. She threw herself into her training with renewed fervor, using it as an escape from the pain of separation. Months turned into years, and Rain's training continued unabated. Her mastery of the Force and her combat skills grew, her name becoming well-known among her peers. Her dedication was unwavering, her focus sharpened by the knowledge that her future was fast approaching.