Visions
Tobius and I sit opposite each other. We have been sat like this for several minutes now. I open my mouth to begin but I can't find the words.
"I'll start then. How long have you had these dreams?"
"About 9 years."
"What was the first one?"
"A shrivelled old man cackling, telling me to join him. His eyes were a Sithly yellow."
"How many of them were about me?"
"I don't know. I've had too many to count."
"What was the one you had last night?"
"I was chained up. Ana- someone evil was watching my reaction as you were tortured. You were attacked by Sith lightning and you were in agony. Then the Sith in the room killed you."
"That was why you were so happy to see me again." I nod, not wanting to talk about that particular vision anymore.
"The visions have become more and more terrible."
"I noticed. Is there anything we can do?"
"I do not know master."
"Don't call me master when we're alone. There's no need for it in here."
"The moment when we lose formality will be the moment when we lose self-control. That is something we cannot afford to lose around each other."
"Do you think you could have a vision now? I could enter your mind and see one."
"I could try." I close my eyes and open myself to the force. "I'm getting something..." I feel Tobi's presence in my mind. I try to pull out when I see what it is but to no avail.
Anakin and I are in a heated duel. This time it isn't practise, or even a competition. We are fighting for our lives. I want to break down and burst into tears but this is something I have to do. I'm stronger and more skilled than Anakin but he has the dark side, giving him an advantage in ruthlessness.
"Give up!" He shouts at me after delivering a kick that sends me flying into a control panel.
"Ani stop!" I try to appeal to his human side. He barks a laugh without humour.
"Anakin Skywalker is gone. Only I remain." He says darkly before leaping at me again.
My eyes fly open and Tobi's arms are around me before I can make a sound.
"We have to tell the council about these visions."
"No..." I refuse to let Anakin come to any harm!
"Damn it Ratha! Stop protecting him. Do you want this to happen?" I'm repulsed by the idea but the need to protect Anakin is too great. Unfortunately, my silence seems to be enough for him as he grabs my wrist and pulls me to the council chamber.I follow passively. Not supporting the actions of my master but not going against his wishes either.
We arrive in the centre of the council chamber only moments later.
"Knight Xeto and Padawan Skywalker?" Master Windu asks, unsure of what this is about.
"Masters. I am here to tell you something rather disturbing. My apprentice here has seen terrible visions of the future regarding Anakin Skywalker. She has seen him attempting to kill her, his eyes a sithly yellow. I believe that he turns to the dark side and becomes the apprentice of the Sith Lord we are looking for." I inhale and exhale deeply to keep my emotions in check.
"True, is it?" Master Yoda asks me personally. I nod, remaining silent.
"What can we do for them both?" Master Fisto asks.
"Forgive me for interrupting master but surely it is only Anakin that needs the attention. My apprentice is-"
"Extremely attached to her brother, she is."
"These visions are clearly destroying her, my apprentice. She needs help." I clench my fist to control my anger.
"With respect masters, I believe I can handle this." I start.
"No you can not young Skywalker. You may be very strong in the force but your emotions betray you. We are very concerned for your welfare. Visibly, you are exhausted and your mind is somewhat of a mess." Master Adi-Mundi says from behind me.
"I would suggest that she returns to Tatooine temporarily. She needs time in a familiar place to gather her thoughts." Master Fisto gives another suggestion.
"Agreed." The rest of the council says at the same time.
"But-"
"Tobius we will not accept this behaviour. She may be your apprentice but you are not a master." Master Windu's tone gets through to Tobi, he clenches his fists and leaves the council chamber without being dismissed. Master Fisto smiles at me, grateful that I didn't follow my master's lead.
"Masters. Do you think the visions will stop?"
"We do not know, little one. For now, we can only get you away from the temple. If you are not there when the event happens then maybe you will not be able to see it anymore."
"With respect masters, what precautions will you take to ensure that this does not happen?"
"We will inform Master Kenobi and tell him to keep a close eye on his apprentice. You are dismissed, padawan."
"Thank you masters." I say bowing. I hear mutterings behind me as I leave. I return to my bedroom and take a nap pondering over the council's decision. Maybe they want some time to learn more about the visions without fear growing inside me.
When I wake up Tobius is sat on his bed.
"Ratha you can not convince me that you believe them on this."
"Tobi..."
"Don't you Tobi me, young lady. You'd be leaving me for about two months, you know that right?"
"I am aware of this." My answer only seems to disgust him.
"You're THAT willing to leave me?"
"It's not-"
"If you do this I will not see you again for two months. I am not about to let-"
"Don't interrupt me Tobi!"
"You do not have the authority to challenge my actions."
"This is not about power." I plead my case despairingly.
"No. This is about you abandoning me for no good reason."
"There is plenty of good-"
"Like what?"
"Like you finally getting over me! It was a brilliant feeling Tobi, it really was. We have to move on." I stun him into silence.
"I don't want-"
"Tough." He clenches his fists and his eyes flash yellow for a split second.
"You don't like me." He says, a look of hopelessness on his face.
"Now you know that's not it. It's just best for the order if-"
"You. Don't. Like. Me." He says slowly, anger rising in him.
"Tobi stop. You're scaring me."
"Fear leads to the dark side." He approaches me, getting closer quickly.
"So do attachments."
"You never did like me at all!" He has me pressed up against a wall.
"Check my mind. Search my feelings." I feel his presence surrounding my mind and I let him in. A few seconds later he breathes a deep sigh.
"Thank the force. You haven't gone yet."
"Gone where?"
"There's a reason I haven't let you forget about what happened on Dantooine. The Jedi are inhuman in their opinions on love. Your personality when we first met was perfect and intriguing to me. You were still capable of love. I didn't want to lose that." I slowly shake my head.
"You need to get your emotions in check Tobi. It's time to move on." I straighten out my robes and leave the room. I go to the senate building. Anakin is always talking about how supportive the chancellor is so maybe he'll help me.