The Apprentice || Anakin Skywalker x Reader

Chapter 23: Reputation

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(Y/n)'s POV
I looked down, feeling the sharp pain in my stomach, and saw a blue light glowing inside me. "I warned you that you would die by my hands, Anya," Obi-Wan said, rising from his knees. He held the lightsaber tightly and reached up with his other hand to pull off my mask, throwing it aside. He leaned closer, a happy smile on his face. Gently, he wiped away a tear that had fallen from my eye, his blue gaze locked onto my amber one. "A life for a life," he murmured, stepping back a bit while still holding my neck for support as he pushed the lightsaber deeper.

I bolted upright in bed, my heart racing and my hands instinctively clutching my stomach. Only to realize that everything was fine, it wasn't real, I was alive and here. But why did it feel so real? My breath quickened, panic creeping in as the nightmare replayed in my mind, each moment feeling like I was dying over and over again.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Anakin said, placing his hands on my shoulders. He pulled me close, pulling me into a hug. "It was just a dream. I'm here. Just breathe for me." His gentle touch on my back helped calm my racing heart. I focused on his words, inhaling and exhaling slowly, trying to regain my composure. Gradually, I felt the tension in my body begin to slowly ease. "That's it. Can you tell me what you saw?" he asked, pulling back to meet my gaze, his expression serious as he wiped away my tears.

I noticed that like before, he was sitting up and the book he read was resting vin his lap. I nodded and replied, "You can see for yourself." I closed my eyes, allowing him access into my mind. His cool hand rested on my forehead for a moment before he withdrew it.

When I opened my eyes, I found him staring blankly at the wall, his expression unreadable. "Get some rest; it was just a dream," he said softly, settling back down and pulling the blanket to cover us both.

"But it felt so—"

"Real, I understand. But, not everything we see becomes reality, and it's common for our fears to seep into our dreams. Now, try to relax and get some sleep; we have training in the morning." His tone was firmer than usual. He set his book aside and settled into the bed beside me. I followed his advice, striving to calm my mind and fall back asleep, with no luck. I assume he sensed my tension, because he took my hand gently under the blanket. "Don't worry about him. I won't let him get to you."

I turned to find him already gazing at me. "And what if he does—get to me?" I asked. I felt confident in my abilities, having trained hard over my time here, but I knew that against him—a man who had dedicated his life to being a Jedi and trained for years compared to my months—I stood little to no chance.

"He won't," he replied sharply, then took a deep breath to steady himself.

I believed he would do everything he could to keep me safe, so I felt myself relax just a little. Though I had a pressing question in my mind that rose with this entire ordeal. I turned my body to face him completely, resting my hand near my face as I held the pillow. "What if I die?" I questioned, noticing a flicker of anger in his eyes. "Not necessarily by his hand, but this new life you've introduced me to is dangerous. I could die in so many ways at anytime. So I've been wondering—what would you do if I were gone? Would you seek another apprentice?"

He exhaled through his nose before responding, "Probably not, no."

"Why not?" I asked, intrigued.

"I never wanted one initially," He paused, biting his cheek in thought. "But I saw something in you that I doubt I'll find in anyone else."

I smiled, feeling a bit flattered, and continued, "But what about your Empire? Who will take over when you're no longer here?"

He frowned, "Why all the sudden questions (y/n)?"