Of Love and War Book 3: In The Thick of Battle

Chapter 40: Season 5 (The Revival)

"Zelina, you could have died!"

Zelina sighed as Anakin grilled her for what felt like the thousandth time in her young life, shaking her head.

"Anakin, I'm fine, and I feel like Obi-Wan would have been worse off if I hadn't been there."

She was out of the med ward now, and, as soon as he had enough of a break to come back from the frontlines, Anakin had visited her in her Temple quarters to tell her just how stupid she really was for running off to a fight with Maul that was obviously a trap for Obi-Wan.

Regardless if it was something Anakin himself would have done as well.

"No, Zelina, it is not okay! You were still recovering! Did you stop to think of what would happen if you did die? What that would do to Obi-Wan? To me?" Anakin said fervently, coming forward and grasping her arms in a surprisingly tight grip. His gaze was intense, and it almost caused Zelina to shrivel in shame.

Almost.

War had...well...changed her. Once Anakin's words would have pierced her deeply. Now...

"I thought of what would happen to Obi-Wan if he did go alone—I arrived to see Maul and Savage Oppress hovering over his unconscious body, Anakin. Who knows what they would have done to him in the back of that ship. I will not be ashamed for doing what I think is right even if my own life was at risk. He's a brother to me—like he is to you. I wasn't going to let him head to Maul on his own, and I won't in the future either," Zelina said sharply, a fire in her eyes that rivaled Anakin's.

"Next time?" Anakin asked in a low voice, his grip unrelenting.

"I told Obi-Wan we're together in this Maul business no matter what he says, and he agreed. Wherever he goes hunting for Maul, I'll be right there beside him," Zelina said firmly.

"Zelina, this is Darth Maul we're talking about, not Dooku or Ventress or Grievous! Maul!"

"I know very well who it is, Anakin! I remember what he did to Obi-Wan! And in case you don't remember, I was there too!" Zelina snapped, shrugging Anakin's ironclad grip off. "I've already had this argument with Obi-Wan and I have no problem having it with you! I'm not a child anymore, I can take care of myself, you don't have to coddle me. And if I want to take a risk for someone I care about I can do so just as much as you and Obi-Wan do! I may be the youngest, but I'm just as capable! I thought you of all people would take my side in this, that you knew I could take care of myself, that you would be glad I went to back Obi-Wan up instead of sitting idly by as he marched off to a trap set by Maul."

Anakin huffed. "I was thinking of how I almost lost both of my closest friends at once—one of them someone who's already promised to be a teacher for my son. You and Obi-Wan are family, Zelina...I don't want to risk either of you!"

That one softened Zelina, and she sighed, shaking her head. "I know you don't, Ani...I don't want to lose you or Obi-Wan either, but we're in a war, and we're going to be risked—that's just how it is. We just have to try our hardest not to get killed. Just because we risk our lives for someone else, doesn't mean we're not going to fight tooth and nail for our own lives at the same time. Besides, if the Force really has a plan for me, it's not just going to let me die because of stupidity on my part."

Anakin shook his head, already disagreeing with her. "Not necessarily. You've forgotten your own vision, Zelina. One of the first things Luke told you was that while you could be so many things to him...depending on our choices...you also could not be there at all. And considering you're my best friend...the only way I see you not being in my son's life is if you died," Anakin whispered. "And that...that is what has me so scared for you, Zee...knowing that you very well could die at any point, and I'd be powerless to stop it."