Office hours [all day]

[sith_happened]

Anakin was deeply immersed in research about the seven deadly sins today (especially pride), but his door was still open for visitors.

Hopefully not anyone's relatives today, though.

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[trigons_child]

And look at that, there was Pride at his door right now, not looking much more settled than she had been Saturday. "Good morning, Professor Skywalker," she said.

[sith_happened]

"Good morning, Raven," Anakin said, glancing up from his book. "Did your weekend improve?"

[trigons_child]

She shook her head slightly. "I encountered my brothers again Saturday evening," she said. "They attempted to force their powers on Jono and provoke me into anger. And I have learned they also harassed Karla, Sookie, and Bobby. They must know who helped to destroy my father."

[sith_happened]

"Well, that's not great," Anakin understated.

[trigons_child]

"They are gone now, at least," Raven said. "I do not sense their presence on the island anymore. Hopefully their failure to truly affect anyone here will convince them not to return any time soon."

Hooray for having friends who were skilled telepaths?

[sith_happened]

"They can stay far, far away," Anakin decided, though he rather doubted that would happen.

Anakin didn't believe in good luck.

[trigons_child]

"Have you learned anything more useful about the Seven Deadly Sins?" Raven asked. "I remember them well from your class, but I never expected to be one."

[sith_happened]

"Not yet," Anakin was forced to admit. "They aren't generally thought of as people. Maybe I should ask the librarian for help."

[trigons_child]

For a moment Raven wanted to say no, she didn't want this new revelation shared with people she didn't know, but she realized she'd stopped hiding she was a demon, so there was no reason to hide this. So she nodded. "If you think his assistance would be helpful," she said.

"I do not feel any differently than I did before meeting my brothers, I think," she added. Because that was important. "They did attempt to use their powers on me, but that has been dispelled."

[sith_happened]

"How was it dispelled?" Anakin asked.

[trigons_child]

"I shielded myself from the brunt of it," Raven explained. "And the rest I sent away, as I do when I heal, before it could consume me."

[sith_happened]

"Good," he said approvingly. "Did they expect that?"

[trigons_child]

"I think they were very disappointed," Raven said. "Perhaps they expected us to be equals, and that the three of them could overwhelm me, but I am stronger than they are."

Mmm, Pride.

[sith_happened]

"Careful," Anakin counseled quietly.

[trigons_child]

"But it is true," Raven said, frowning slightly. "You were also stronger than they. So were Jono and Karla."

[sith_happened]

"I suppose it's too much to hope they'll take that as a hint," Anakin replied.

[trigons_child]

"I fear they will take it more as a challenge," Raven sighed. "But perhaps their failure will keep them away for some time."

[sith_happened]

"Good," Anakin said with a slightly wry smile. "We could do with a break."

[trigons_child]

"I will tell you immediately if I hear from them or sense them," Raven promised. She'd learned her lesson after what had happened with Trigon, after all.

[sith_happened]

"Thank you," Anakin said with a smile. "Your family is...interesting."

And Anakin knew interesting families.

[trigons_child]

"I would much rather be an only child again," Raven sighed. "I have always envied the relationship of siblings, but I do not want this."

[sith_happened]

"I don't blame you," Anakin replied. "I was an only child myself, and while Obi-Wan was like a brother, he wasn't actually blood."

[likes_scoundrels]

Leia had just gotten word from home, but she wasn't about to rush off without talking to her father first.

"I wanted to let you know I have to go home for awhile," she said, leaning against the door frame. "Wish me luck. I just received word that the plans for the Death Star are being transported to the Imperial vaults. I'm going to intercept them."

[sith_happened]

All of the color drained out of Anakin's face. "Now?!"

[likes_scoundrels]

"It's our best change to get the plans," Leia said. "Our only chance." She gave him a sharp look. "What's going to happen?"

[sith_happened]

This was his very last chance to tell her, and he was sorely tempted to. "I can't tell you," he said softly.

[likes_scoundrels]

Leia shrugged. "How bad can it be?" she said. "I don't want to be cocky, but I know I succeed, don't I?"

[sith_happened]

"I can't tell you that either," Anakin said. "Be very careful, Leia."

[likes_scoundrels]

"I'm coming back," Leia promised. "Whatever happens."

[sith_happened]

He was a bit afraid of that too, but he stood up from behind his desk to give her a hug.

[likes_scoundrels]

Leia gave him a hug back. "I'll be all right," she said.

[sith_happened]

He held on very tightly. "May the Force be with you," he murmured.

[likes_scoundrels]

"Thank you," Leia said.

She turned her head to kiss his cheek before she drew back. "I'll let you know as soon as I'm back," she said.

Be afraid, Anakin, be very afraid.

[sith_happened]

Oh, he was.

"I love you," he said, touching her face and saying a very silent goodbye.

It was never going to be the same after this.

[angelo_wings]

On her lunch break, Rinoa found her way down to Professor Skywalker's office. She didn't hesitate in the hallway as she had two weeks ago, but she did linger in the doorway itself for a moment.

"Hi," she said. "Can I come in?"

Her feelings were twisting themselves around like snakes. Everything had gone a bit surreal on her.

[sith_happened]

"Please," Anakin said, looking immediately worried.

[angelo_wings]

She offered him a weak smile before closing the door and taking a seat.

"I don't feel like myself," she said. "I think it's the sleep. I mean, I'm not getting enough sleep. I'm keeping her out, I know I am, but I just don't feel right."

[sith_happened]

"I don't suppose the med center would have anything that could help," Anakin replied.

[angelo_wings]

Rinoa shook her head. "I think it's just ... a side effect," she said. "Of everything going on. I'm not even sure why I'm here. And I can't even look at Squall lately. I think she hates him. And I feel it, even though I don't want to."

[sith_happened]

"So she's affecting your reactions to things now?" Anakin said, frowning worriedly. "But you're here. I must not have impressed her that much."

[angelo_wings]

"I ... didn't want to come," she admitted, as reluctantly as if she was confessing to stealing his knick-knacks when he wasn't looking. "I was convinced you were against me. I -- I know it's not true. I just feel it. With everyone. That you're trying to trick me, plotting against me ..."

She shivered slightly before adding, "And Squall's a SeeD. SeeDs are trained to fight Sorceresses. That's why it's so much worse, with him."

Also, Squall had had his own theory about that -- that Ultimecia had figured him for her biggest threat, since he was Rinoa's Knight.

[sith_happened]

"Well, I'm not plotting against you," he said with a tiny smile. "I promise. What can I do to help you?"

[angelo_wings]

"Thank you," she said softly. "I ... don't know. I don't know why I'm here. I thought ... I felt like I should come see you, and then I felt like I really, really shouldn't, and that's when I thought I should, all the more, because if she thinks I shouldn't, then that probably means I should? Unless ... unless she's trying to help me, but I don't think someone who's trying to help me would act like this."

Her logic was tangled, and logic had never been her strong suit, anyway.

[sith_happened]

"Generally people who help you don't make you angry with your...Squall," Anakin said.