Bittersweet Devotion [Star Wars x Anakin Skywalker]

14.

"I find your lack of faith disturbing." - Darth Vader

Rain followed closely behind Obi-Wan, her green lightsaber cutting through the advancing droids with practiced precision. Each move felt more natural, more fluid than before. Over the years, she had trained relentlessly, pushing herself to the limit under Obi-Wan's guidance. The raw talent she had brought to the Jedi Temple had been honed into something formidable. Now, each strike was a testament to her growth and dedication. She was no longer a novice; she was a warrior, confident in her abilities.

Beside her, Anakin moved with his usual flair, his blue lightsaber flashing as he effortlessly dispatched droids. Their old game—a friendly competition that had persisted through countless battles—was still in full swing, a comforting reminder of their connection amidst the chaos.

"Thirteen!" Rain shouted triumphantly as she severed the head of a droid with a swift stroke. The thrill of battle surged through her, a reminder of how much she had grown to embrace the challenges they faced.

Anakin glanced over with a smirk, his blade slicing through the air. "Ha! Sixteen!" he called back, his voice filled with playful competitiveness.

Rain groaned, though she couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride. Even in the heat of battle, they managed to stay connected, reminding each other that they were more than just soldiers. The bond they shared was strong, forged in the fires of countless missions, and it showed in the way they moved together, almost as if they could anticipate each other's actions.

As they fought their way toward the room where R2 had indicated Chancellor Palpatine was being held, Rain felt a growing sense of urgency. The droids seemed endless, and she knew they couldn't afford to be delayed. Every moment counted, and the stakes had never felt higher.

Finally, they reached the door, and Rain kicked it open, her heart pounding with the adrenaline of the fight. Anakin sprinted over to Palpatine, who was bound and seated in the center of the room, while Obi-Wan and Rain positioned themselves at the entrance, ready to fend off any droids that might have followed.

Anakin quickly freed the Chancellor, who looked up at him with a mixture of relief and fear. "We need to move, now," Anakin urged, helping Palpatine to his feet. Rain could hear the tension in his voice—an urgency driven by the need to succeed, to protect those he cared about.

But just as they were about to make their escape, a loud bang echoed through the room. Rain's heart sank as Count Dooku leaped down from a platform above, his red lightsaber igniting with a menacing hiss. She tightened her grip on her saber, her determination solidifying. This was the moment they had prepared for, and she was ready to face him again.

The three Jedi immediately readied their sabers, their faces set in grim determination. Rain raised her saber above her head, her gaze locked on Dooku. The memory of their last encounter still burned in her mind, fueling her resolve. She was determined not to let him win this time.

"This time we take him together," Obi-Wan instructed, his voice firm. He knew how dangerous Dooku was, and the concern in his tone reflected his fear of losing another duel—or worse, another Padawan.

Rain couldn't resist a quip, despite the tension. "Yeah, 'cause our last plan worked out so well," she said, recalling their previous encounter with Dooku. She could still remember the searing pain of his lightsaber cutting into her, and the fear that had gripped her when she realized how close she had come to death.

Anakin let out a short laugh at her comment. "I was thinking the same thing," he said, glancing at his robotic right hand—a constant reminder of their last duel with the Sith Lord. The sight of his mechanical hand was a stark symbol of what they had lost, but it also served as a motivator for what they needed to gain today: victory.