(y/n) POV:

I didn't know how long it was until Obi-Wan and Yoda arrived on Naboo, but they did. Their ship landed in the midst of the chaos that I created, causing further disorder in the crowds. No one knew what was going on, not even me. I was too focused on Anakin, only Anakin. My thoughts were solely on him and his safety, especially as I brushed his beautiful hair out of his eyes while his head laid on my lap. I kept repeating the same phrases: "It's going to be okay", "I've got you", "Please wake up."

When the two familiar Jedi Masters arrived unexpectedly, the rest of the night became a blur.

While Yoda and a few of Anakin's clones carried him to the ship, I saw Obi-Wan put on some gloves before bending down to pick up the bracelet I had previously abandoned. I was confused as to why he wore gloves, and handled the bracelet with such care as if it would blow up at any given moment. But I was too tired and disoriented to ask.

It was when we got Anakin into the medical wing back on Coruscant, that my senses came back to me, and the fuzziness that clouded my mind slowly dissipated.

We were told by the doctors that they noticed contusions in the area of Anakin's occiput. And along with the fact that he was unconscious, they easily came to a conclusion for his diagnosis; craniocerebral trauma.

Although, it's thankfully just a mild brain injury in the occipital lobe. That's the 'visual function' part of the brain, so that means for a while he'll have some trouble analyzing, processing, and recognizing visual stimuli.

So all in all, he's going to be alright.

But it doesn't change the guilt that's fused itself into my heart, clinging onto it like black tar, and pulling me down to drown in a sea of regret. One that was much too deep to swim out of. I did this to him, whether intentionally or not, I'm the reason he's unconscious and hurt.

Just when my guilt from all the other turmoil I've caused disappeared, it's now resurfaced. I'm so tired of feeling this way.

No one was allowed inside of Anakin's medical room yet, so I was waiting in the small lobby just outside. After a while, I noticed someone else enter the lobby to sit down in a chair beside mine. I was startled at first since it was late in the night and I began to doze off in my chair, but then I smiled when I recognized the person, who I haven't seen in a while.

"Rex! It's so good to see you." I greeted to the tired-looking clone next to me.

I don't see Rex as often as someone like Anakin does, since he's is the captain of Anakin's battalion, but every now and then our paths will cross.

"Likewise. Though I wish it were under happier circumstances." He sighed sadly.

I nodded as I was once again reminded of the reality of our situation. Rex and Anakin are close in their friendship, so this must be affecting him greatly.

He then gave me a sympathetic smile, "I know, you know. About you and General Skywalker."

My eyes widened at first, before blinking a few times at his sudden revelation. That's not the direction I expected this conversation to turn. But my surprise faded when I remembered who I was talking to; Anakin tells Rex everything, because he knows Rex is loyal enough to keep secrets like this.

Flustered, I chuckled nervously, "Yeah uh, how much has he told you?" At this point all the Jedi and clones know about the prophecy, and how I'm a chosen one, but I wondered if Anakin has told him about my....experiences, over these last couple of months.

Rex chuckled as he seemed to understand my question, "He tells me everything. So whatever it is that you're thinking, I probably already know."

I nodded and stared past him at nothing in particular, slightly embarrassed by the fact that he knows of all the trouble that's followed my path recently. I trust him, obviously, but it still feels weird that he knows about these kinds of things. I worry that people will think differently of me if they learn of my darkness.

He noticed my discomfort and cleared his throat, causing me to look back over at him. "That being said, he sometimes gets carried away when telling me about his love for you. It's sweet, but some things should probably be kept between just the two of you." He smirked, and by the gleam in his eyes I could tell he was attempting to brighten the mood.

And it worked, because I couldn't help but laugh at his reminiscence of the way Anakin talks about me. It gave me butterflies to think about, and recently I've done similar; with Obi-Wan and Padmé and Elijah. Of all the times I've seen them, I've mentioned in some way how Anakin makes me feel, how crazy I am about him. And of course. I myself get carried away sometimes too.

As both of our laughter faded, the memories of Anakin just made me hurt even more. All I wanted was for him to wake up, to be okay, so I can apologize. Though I already know he'll be fine, it doesn't make this situation any less scary. What would have happened if he had hit his head harder? Or in a more sensitive area? I should know by now that it's dangerous to think this way, but any thought of him being hurt fills me with inextinguishable fear, which only makes me angry because I can't do anything to stop it. Those worries are constantly plaguing my mind, and tonight it's only enhanced.

I sighed and shook my head, "Rex.....I'm worried of what will happen in the future. Next time it might be worse than just a mild head injury. I feel like I'm a walking disaster, and I don't want Anakin to have to deal with that. It's so hard living with this darkness every day, trying to fight my fears and my anger."

I don't know how I became emotional so quickly, but before I knew it I was practically spilling my guts to him about every worry and frustration I have, and my recent interactions with the dark side. Including whatever happened tonight. Rex was a really good listener, and I was happy that I didn't scare him away at all.

He sighed after I was just about done with my gloomy spiel, "I may not be an oracle or any sort of prophet, but my brothers and I have endured enough trials of our own during missions to know that," He looked up at me intently and smiled, "with a lot of darkness, also comes a lot of light."

I blinked, and seemed to be at a loss for words at his comment, seeing as I couldn't form any. But as my mind caught up to what he meant by that, my heart swelled with gratitude. I wasn't sure if what he said is even true for me, but it still felt nice to have another person in my corner.

I smiled gratefully at him, "You're a good soldier, Rex."

Time skip~

It was early in the morning, and only the tip of the sun was peeking over the horizon. I couldn't sleep at all last night, but I spent some more time talking to Rex before he had to leave, so that was probably the highlight of my otherwise dreadful night.

I didn't think anyone else was awake right now, so I ambled aimlessly through the empty halls until I got to the cafeteria. The lights inside were dim, as they usually are in the nights and early mornings.

I sat down in the same plain white chair as I did on that first night with Anakin, after Grievous slashed my leg; the night we first kissed. It's funny, most of the ways Anakin and I interact now are no different from the past. I think I've always felt for him as more than a friend. But being a Jedi who isn't really taught on the art of romance and emotional connection, I didn't know how to act upon those feelings until the alcohol from that night coursed through my body, and persuaded my mind into finally making a move on him.

I almost smiled because I remembered how stressed I was that next morning that I had ruined our friendship. But looking back, I wouldn't mind going back to such a simpler time as opposed to the tumult that our lives have come to now, and the abiding pandemonium that I'm fighting inside of my head.

Just then, my attention was brought back to the present moment as I heard the sound of soft footsteps. I turned my head, and rose an eyebrow in surprise when I saw Obi-Wan entering the cafeteria, looking flushed and restless.

"What have you been up to?" I asked from across the room.

His eyes widened, and he seemed to be shocked that there was another person in here besides himself, "Oh! Why, hello there (y/n). Lovely day, isn't it?" He asked with what I could tell was a forced smile.

I rolled my eyes playfully, "Not really, but I guess it's better now that you're here." I patted the table for him to come sit down across from me. He nodded and accepted the invitation by sitting in the seat across from me, folding his hands together as he did so.

I cleared my throat, "So, what were you up to?" I asked again.

He chuckled and ran his fingers through his hair, something that he usually does when he's nervous, "Nothing particularly special. I merely had a....pleasant conversation with an arbitrary individual. As I said, nothing special."

I scrunched my features into an expression of disgust, "Okay that's great and all, but I'd rather not hear about your hologram sex fantasies."

I doubt that's what happened, but I was hoping to get a reaction from him purely for my own entertainment. And sure enough, the appalled look on Obi-Wan's face was enough to make me burst out into laughter.

He huffed, "How dare you make such a lewd assumption? I'm much too dignified to stoop to that level of self-gratification." He held his hand to his chest, gesturing to himself as he spoke.

I shook my head and sighed, "Well, it wouldn't be the craziest thing compared to all the other stuff that's been happening."

His eyes became sympathetic, "How are you doing, by the way? I'm sure last night was....a lot." His eyes slightly widened when he said 'a lot', as if remembering all the chaos that took place.

I tiredly rubbed each of my eyes with the knuckle of my index fingers, "I don't even know anymore. I found that talisman you were talking about, but as soon as I touched it, it caused some sort of apocalyptic explosion?" I explained, half questioning since I didn't really remember or see much of what happened; it was almost like I was blinded when I held that bracelet.

Obi-Wan's features changed into what looked like terror, and I could visibly see him beginning to pale, as if he just realized something horrible. I narrowed my eyes, "What is it?"

He then went on to answer the question I've been asking myself all night long about that psycho bracelet. And it explains so much why it didn't react in such an unnatural way when Anakin touched it; he held it in his gloved hand the whole time.

I let out a dry chuckle and shook my head at how ill-fated this whole situation is. This would happen to me. I'm not surprised, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it.

I grabbed the empty tray that was in front of me and smacked Obi-Wan on the head with it, earning an 'ow' from him.

"I know you didn't know any of this beforehand, but it sure as hell would've been nice to know." I grumbled, sinking back into my seat. If I had known to bring my own gloves or something to Naboo, then Anakin wouldn't be lying unconscious in the medical bay right now.

Obi-Wan rubbed the top of his head and scoffed, "What is it with you people and hitting me on the head?" He complained.

I rolled my eyes, and smiled at his remark. I couldn't stay mad at him, and it's not like he wanted this to happen. None of us did. But for now, dwelling on what we can't change or fix won't make our lives any easier. I'd have to do my best to not obsess over Anakin's health until he wakes up.

I suddenly remembered what Rex said to me last night; "With a lot of darkness, also comes a lot of light."

Does that mean that there's hope for me? That I won't be fully consumed by darkness? Though I agreed to the Council's plans for me to connect with the dark side, I'm worried about just how much of it I can take without being pulled in too deep. Playing with fire is dangerous enough as it is, but it's even more perilous when you see how far you can go until you get burned.

But Rex's words gave me hope that I didn't think I could have anymore. I may not know exactly what his words meant, but I do know now that if there is darkness, there has to be light to balance it out.

"So, what now?" I asked Obi-Wan after a moment of silence.

He sighed and massaged his beard in thought, "Well, it seems all we can do now is move forward with this promising plan of finally finding our Sith enemies. It won't be easy and if I'm being honest, I don't necessarily agree with the idea of the talisman giving you potentially dangerous powers. However, your new powers which you will receive later will be a very beneficial aid."

I sighed, "Okay but how am I supposed to use that bracelet and receive powers from it? Do I just wear gloves? I have to be careful when I use that insane thing. I'm not sure I want another repeat of the mayhem it caused last night." Seriously though, how can an object so small cause so much damage?

He nodded, "Precisely. I will let you use my protective gloves that I was given a couple years back. They are layered with blaster-proof padding, just to be safe." He grinned at the last part, like it was the most classy and creative thing he had ever heard.

I giggled at how excited he was about something as simple as the way his gloves were made. It was what I needed right now before the next storm that was sure to come. I needed all the positivity and simplicity of life before it would undoubtedly be crushed by a heavy, dark rain cloud.

Obi-Wan POV:

I was just as worried about the uncertainty of the future as (y/n) was. Firstly, because of Anakin's unfortunate circumstance, I'm not sure what his next step will be about his proposal. This morning I was in fact contacting Elijah; but not in the way (y/n) was thinking. Gods, the imagination of that girl.

I was in fact asking him to get ahold of Padmé for me, since she was originally a big part of this plan. We had hoped for her to host the engagement party, assuming that (y/n) would say yes. But since we've hit a bump in the road with Anakin's condition, the plan may change.

Of course, since I was once again graced by Elijah's devilishly handsome presence, I couldn't help but invite him in on this plan as well. He's a Senator, so I know for a fact that he's used to these types of parties. And I believe he knows (y/n) well enough by now to be comfortable at this type of event with her.

If Anakin is awake and well in time for our original proposal date, then we will continue on as planned. But for now, there are more important matters that need to be taken care of, starting with giving (y/n) her new powers.

(a/n): I'm so happy I finally finished this chapter! It took forever, even though school is over, this week is still so busy for me😩

Anyways, I hope you guys liked it! I know I said the book is going to end soon, which I guess it technically is, but there will still be quite a few chapters before we get there. I'm excited, and I'm having so much fun with this😌❤️