Prompt:

Not a Request ♥︎

Part 4! To Be With You

She/Her❥

1st POV
♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎♡︎

               The night went by so slowly. I tossed and turned non-stop. Obi-Wan had gone back to his quarters, and I returned to mine, but honestly, I wanted nothing more than to curl into his side. I was scared. In less than a day, I would be confronting my true enemy, Count Dooku, after all these years of endless torture. Even though I'd become a Jedi only a little while ago, I felt more at home here than I ever had with the Sith. I just hope after this mission, Skywalker and the others would learn to trust me...

The sun was beginning to shine through my shut blinds in the small meditation room that I called a sleeping space more than often. Huffing silently, I pulled my weary bones from the bed, and stood up; stretching. Likely, Obi-Wan and Master Ti would already be awake by now, and intensely preparing for our mission.

I stripped from my temple robes; a basic black robe that swooped around my ankles. It was far too long for combat in my opinion. I tripped up often on my robe when sparring with Obi, so I fashioned one a little like his— it was a light brown; perfect for blending in on the sand planet of Tatooine, and came down to my lower knee. It was still good for hiding my identity, and it wouldn't be a death sentence to wear it.

                   Right as I grabbed my lightsaber and clasped it to my belt, a knock at the door alerted me that I wasn't alone, "Padawan (L/N)," the voice of the Togruta Jedi Master by the name of Shaak Ti started, "We are ready to go now. I hope you're not still sleeping."

                      "Of course not, Master," I called back, walking over to the door and allowing her to come in, "Would you like to walk down with me?"

"It would be an honor, young one," the Jedi Master nodded, turning tail and lacing her hands together behind her back, "We haven't been acquainted well yet. How is Master Fisto treating you?"

                      I internally sighed at the thought of the Nautolan Jedi who has trained me since I joined the Order. Kit Fisto was a good Master, but I could tell he was with Anakin Skywalker on the topic of me; he didn't trust me, and trained with a huge bias. If I had someone like Obi or even Shaak Ti to train me, I would enjoy training way more. I know why the Council didn't allow Obi-Wan to train me, which I don't blame them. They could sense our bond, but they don't understand to the extent of what our bond entails,

"I enjoy training with Master Fisto," I replied, half-lying, "He is training me well, and I appreciate how welcoming everyone at the Temple has been. You guys didn't have to welcome me in, yet you did."

The Togruta didn't reply right away. She stroked her tendrils in thought, then cracked her mouth open in reply, "I sense doubt in you. Fear?"

Now it was my turn to not reply. The Council members were very talented in the force, and although I was lying, she could sense it. I was fearful, indeed. A habit I have had a hard time breaking. I was always taught that fear would make me strong, strong enough to survive to see the next moon pass by. Strong enough to overthrow the Republic and bring power to my old Master. I couldn't wrap my head around how the Jedi didn't let their fear define them. I was having a hard time keeping up...

                   "There's a lot of things to be afraid of in this life," I began, facing the Togruta as we walked towards the Temple docking bay, where our ship, and Master Kenobi were both waiting for us, "Living the life I once did, I'm accustomed to this feeling I have. Fear. Master, do you think once Dooku is gone, I'll be able to move past this feeling?"

                      "This may be a conversation you should be having with Master Yoda," she replied, laying a soft, caring hand on my shoulder, "I don't have many answers, but I do know Master Kenobi believes in your abilities to fight this Sith Lord, so I do too, despite my better judgement. Getting rid of Dooku won't get rid of this fear you speak of, but it may help you move on from your old life. You keep referencing it like it holds you back. I can tell it's keeping you from reaching your full potential, my young friend."

I nodded, feeling a tad bit better after talking to this member of the Council. I wouldn't admit it to anyone, even Obi-Wan, but I had a deeper running guilt about my unorthodox relationship with the Jedi Master. I am happier than I've ever been before, but this sense of breaking the code despite being let into their walls was weighing on me.

                      I shook away the feeling, not wishing to admit anything further to Shaak Ti despite her helpfulness. This topic was something that couldn't be shared. And besides, we had reached the docking bay, and there stood Obi-Wan, smiling at the both of us,

                      "I was wondering when you two would be along," the male commented, and waited for the two of us to board the ship, "We're already late as it is, so strap in, and get ready for take off."

I didn't reply to his statement, and neither did Master Shaak. I just wanted to get to Pantora and protect the Chairman from whatever it was that the Count wanted from him. Likely, as our fears predicted, the Count wanted to persuade the Chairman to join the Separatist Alliance, which would result in his death.

                           The ride to the distant planet wasn't too shaky, thank the force. If it was, I think I wouldn't have done too well, combined with my conflicting thoughts, "We're beginning landing sequence, Generals," the voice of Boil echoed through the ship, "Buckle up and brace for landing."

                            I hadn't said a single thing the entire trip, and I know Obi-Wan noticed my unusual silence. He nudged me as we began landing and sent me a concerned look, which I, in turn, just brushed off. It's not the time to worry about me. The Chairman and all of Pantora need us focused.

                            As the ship hit the ground, we received immediate revolt from the surface; likely droids, "We've got company!" Obi-Wan shouted, wrapping his lightsaber in his hand as the door began to crack open, "Get ready."

                            As those words slipped from the older Jedi's mouth, the door opened, and the combat began. Shaak Ti and Obi-Wan split down the middle, creating a tunnel for myself and some Clones to combat the oncoming droids with. Slicing all the droids down with my (F/C) lightsaber, I immediately sensed a familiar presence, causing me to cease movements, "Masters! Dooku is here!"

                        At those words, Obi-Wan withdrew from his side of the battle and latched onto my side. The Togruta Jedi Master was doing fine on her own. Obi knew I needed his support during this fight. Facing my old Master would be the hardest, and most important fight of my life. One that'll help me to grow in the force, and as a Jedi, independent from my old life.

                         "I feel him too," the male whispered to me, pushing his back against mine, "Hopefully he hasn't gotten to the Chairman yet."

                          "I am getting a conflicting force signature," I commented, following my boyfriend in the direction of the Count, "I can't tell if he's alone or has company. We should expect the worst."

                           The blond nodded, his blue lightsaber illuminating brightly against his features, "I agree. Likely, Pantora has already fallen to the Separatists. They never requested Republic support, and unfortunately, this is always what happens."

                             "Here's something even stranger," I kept commenting as we walked forward, "I sense Dooku is close, which would mean he's fighting in this battle. Very unlike him to fight on the front lines. Normally he's commanding the battle from a safe distance."

"Perhaps he's expecting us," Kenobi smirked while brandishing his lightsaber against a droid; slashing it in half effortlessly, "That saves us a lot of time, hmm?"

Before I had time to reply with a snarky remark, the voice of my old Master boomed forward, causing chills to flow down my spine, "Master Kenobi. And my dearest apprentice, (Y/N) (L/N). How far you've fallen."

Pulling my lightsaber close to my front, I frowned as I noticed the Chairman laid behind the Count, unconscious. A hand full of battle droids stood guard over the man throughout the heated battle. Dooku must really need Pandora's alliance if he's risking this much, "I haven't fallen anywhere, Count," I replied, twirling my lightsaber, "You need to leave Pantora and never return. These people are under Republic protection!"

"Bold assumption, thinking I'd leave without my precious goal in mind?" the Count smirked, unsheathing his nasty, red lightsaber, "Enough talk, Jedi. It's time to die!"

The Count launched in my direction, very unlike his usual tactics. He's one of the only Sith who practices defensive tactics alongside assertive tactics. My hypothesis is because he trained as a Jedi before he was seduced to the Dark Side.

Obi-Wan and I took turns pushing back and parrying the Count's attacks, which became overly exhausting, but I was fueled by something more than the force. I was fueled by the thoughts that Count Dooku could kill my boyfriend, Obi-Wan Kenobi. I was fueled by all the years of torture dealt out by the Sith, and I was fueled by unbridled rage. I wouldn't stop fighting until the Count laid dead at my hand.

"Looks like my old apprentice is still using my tricks," Dooku sneered, pushing Obi-Wan back and clashing roughly against my new lightsaber, "Rage isn't the Jedi way, young one!"

Obi-Wan faltered a bit, then swerved back into combat, cutting me off from the assault, "(Y/N), don't listen to him! We can defeat him without Sith tactics. We've done it before, and we can do it again!"

Obviously, my boyfriend was referring to Anakin Skywalker when he said 'we.' Anakin just pissed me off more. He was always condescending towards me, and I knew he silently criticized Obi for allowing me to come back to the temple. He never voiced it, of course, but I could sense his hatred of me. And, that's not the Jedi way, way less than what I'm doing.

Just the thought of Obi's best friend angered me even more. As I was contemplating my next move, the Jedi Master and the Sith Lord were locked in a focused combat; the Count leaning towards victory.

                       I launched myself forward without thinking, and shoved Obi out of my way; flourishing the Count with many assertive attacks that he was having trouble keeping up with. Although he wouldn't admit that, of course. That isn't the way of the Sith; to show any weakness, "This is your last day, Dooku!" I growled, pushing all my weight into my lightsaber, causing the Count to fall below me.

                    Locked in vicious combat, I could see red. My very soul itself was telling me to kill Dooku right now, but there was another voice. Much more distant. The voice of reason? No, it was Obi-Wan,

                      "(Y/N)! This isn't the way we do things! Let him go! We have won!" he shouted, helping the Chairman off the ground and glaring at me, "Come on before Shaak Ti sees you! This isn't the Jedi way, and you could get expelled for killing Dooku out of anger! Let him go!"

                      I growled down at Dooku and shoved him back with my lightsaber, "Consider yourself lucky, Sith. Next time we meet, it won't be the same."

"I'd watch your tongue, young one," Dooku rebutdtaled, sheathing his lightsaber in defeat, "If we meet next, you won't have your Jedi friend with you. Fight like that again, and you'll be at my side once more..."

I couldn't believe what had just happened. Dooku had been in our grasp, and Obi made me just let him go. Frowning, we walked in silence towards the ship; the Chairman talking our ears off about how great, and brave we were taking on such an impressive opponent,

"It's our job, Chairman," Obi-Wan replied, bowing respectfully as we arrived back at their capital building, "And I respectfully suggest you let the Clones do theirs. After today, you'll need protection."

The Chairman nodded in agreement, "You have instilled a Clone presence on Pantora, and, you both have my trust. Pantora is at your call whenever we are needed."

It was my turn to bow in respect at the Chairman's suggestion. Obi-Wan and I turned to leave, and I sighed, "Darling, I'm so sorry for what happened back there. I don't know what came over me."

"The Dark Side is a very tricky thing. I thought you were ready, but I was wrong," he whispered, locking eyes with Shaak Ti, who was across the battle field, "I love you, (Y/N), but that wasn't the Jedi way, and I respect my code above all. I will write the report and I won't hide anything that happened today. Likely, you'll be stuck under Master Fisto's training for a while longer, unfortunately..."

"I understand..." I whispered, looking down at the ground as we walked towards the disappointed Togruta, which evidently, knew everything that just took place...

April 30th, 2021