Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

9.

"You have your moments, not many of 'em, but you do have 'em." - Princess Leia

The days since their conversation on the balcony had been filled with a heavy silence, both Rain and Anakin choosing to avoid the subject altogether. It was as if that moment of vulnerability had never happened, yet the unspoken tension between them lingered, a constant reminder of the emotions they were trying so hard to suppress.

Rain noticed a shift in Anakin's demeanor, especially around Padmé. The easy camaraderie they once shared had been replaced by a strained awkwardness, and it was clear that neither of them knew how to navigate this new dynamic.

Today, Rain and Anakin were having lunch on her balcony, the warm Naboo sun shining down on them as they sat in quiet contemplation. The air was fragrant with the scent of blooming flowers, and the gentle breeze carried with it the sounds of the lake below. Yet, despite the beauty of their surroundings, there was a palpable tension between them, a silence that neither seemed willing to break.

As Rain absentmindedly toyed with a piece of fruit on her plate, one of the maids who had been preparing their food came rushing up to them, her expression urgent.

"Miss, we are receiving a transmission from Master Obi-Wan," the maid said, her voice slightly breathless.

Rain and Anakin exchanged a quick glance before rising from their seats, the tension between them momentarily forgotten. They followed the maid to the transmitter, where she quickly pressed a few buttons. A blue projection of Obi-Wan flickered to life, his holographic form standing before them. Rain offered a quick thank you to the maid as she left the room, then turned her attention fully to the message.

"Master," Anakin said, bowing his head slightly in greeting. Rain did the same, acknowledging their mentor with a respectful nod.

"Padawans," Obi-Wan began, his tone serious, "please transmit this message to Coruscant."

Rain quickly activated the necessary controls, and soon, a hologram of Master Yoda and Master Windu appeared next to the recording of Obi-Wan. The atmosphere grew even more tense as Obi-Wan continued.

"I believe I have found the bounty hunter we were looking for. She was working for another bounty hunter who currently resides on a planet called Kamino. I have also discovered that the inhabitants of this planet were paid and instructed to create a clone army at the request of Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas almost 10 years ago. Did the Jedi Council authorize this?" Obi-Wan asked, his voice steady but filled with concern.

Master Windu's expression darkened as he responded. "No, and if I am correct, Master Sifo-Dyas was killed before then."

"Well, after I spoke with this bounty hunter, Jango Fett, he managed to escape, but I tracked him to Geonosis, which is where I am now. I'm hoping to—"

Obi-Wan's message was abruptly cut off as a battle droid appeared in the projection, followed by several others. Within seconds, Obi-Wan had his lightsaber drawn, cutting through the droids with practiced precision. But Rain could see that he was quickly becoming overwhelmed.

The hologram cut out just as the situation seemed most dire, leaving the room in tense silence. Master Windu and Master Yoda's holograms filled the space, their expressions grave.

"You two may now return to the Jedi Temple," Master Windu instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument. "It will be safer for you there. I will take what Jedi we have left and go help Master Obi-Wan."

"Visit these cloners on Kamino, I will," Master Yoda added, his backwards speak bringing a small, fleeting smile to Rain's lips despite the gravity of the situation.