Chapter Two --

In which Anakin remembers a lesson...

First, Anakin had stared at the blank, white door that faced him. Then he'd screamed, and the violence began.

One ruined shirt and several smashed pieces of pottery later, he stopped to survey the damage. His foot throbbed from kicking the very solid wall a few times, and his head ached worse than he could ever remember experiencing. He pinched the bridge of his nose and considered calling for a medical droid, but whatever drug they brought would likely put him to sleep, and he dreaded the images he thought his dreams might bring.

He sank down against the wall, and stared at his knees. For once, he felt no desire to know what was going on in the council meeting above him. Right then, he wanted no part in their decisions. He only wanted to be told what to do.

When Mace returned to the council chamber after an hour spent with reporters, something of his exasperation must have shown on his face, because Kit Fisto's lips twitched up in amusement. Mace glared.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves in my absence," he muttered rather mutinously. "Next time, one of you can go explain to the reporters why an important political figure was killed by a Jedi weapon."

"I might take you up on that offer," Agen Kolar replied. "I, for one, would love to start dispelling all the propaganda Palpatine was spreading. 'Only Jedi carry lightsabers.' Honestly, you can by them here in Coruscant if you know where to look."

"True enough," Saesee Tiin added, "but the argument remains that only those skilled in the Force can use them effectively. And to the public, the Force still means Jedi. They try not to concern themselves with the Sith."

"Which is why we must appear to still be searching for Darth Sideous," Kit replied, "While our glorious figure-head--" Mace glared again, "--assures the public that they are safe."

"Don't you see a little flaw in this plan, though? The public believes Anakin fought Sideous. It's only a matter of time until they question why he wasn't killed along with the Chancellor."

"For the time being, people will be far too preoccupied with the senatorial elections. By the time that's finished, we will be able to spread word that Sideous has been found and defeated."

"And if we shouldn't actually find him?"

"Well, I think that threat is rather low anyway," Kit responded, "considering Anakin already killed him."

He was met with silence, but Kit's steady gaze did not waver.

"You believe Anakin's story, then?" Mace asked.

"Certainly. The boy has never lied to us before. What could he possibly gain by beginning now?"

The masters exchanged uneasy looks. There was an unspoken fear of a plot by the Sith, a traitor in their midst. None of them really wanted to consider the possibility that the Dark side may have corrupted Anakin. It was unthinkable, really. He was a dedicated Knight…

…still…

A holocrom blinked into existence in the center of the room. "Masters." Commander Cody saluted. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Secretly glad for the break in the tension, Mace signaled him to continue.

"Utapau is secure, all enemy droids destroyed and bases disabled. However, I'm afraid General Grievous managed to disappear again, and we've had no word from General Kenobi either."

Mace's voice was firm and controlled as he responded. "Very well, Commander. I will expect you back within the week to make a full report."

"Of course, General. Cody out."

The holocrom flickered off. "Grave news, this is," Yoda murmured, "to loose Obi-Wan."

The masters looked at each other, their expressions masked and difficult to read. Then Kit Fisto stood up and faced Mace Windu.

"With your permission, Master," he said, inclining his head in a slight bow, "I'll go tell Anakin."

It was near dark when Anakin suddenly realized that he was hungry. He stood up in one fluid motion and pulled his door open.

Kit Fisto was standing on the other side, hand raised as if about to knock, wearing a grim expression that Anakin didn't like in the least. All thoughts of food forgotten once more, he invited the Nautolan inside and shut the door again.

"Has something happened, Master?"

Kit hesitated over an answer. "We've received news from Utapau. And… it wasn't all good, Anakin."

The young Knight hung his head. "Obi-Wan is dead." It wasn't a question.

"Commander Cody would not confirm anything--"

"He doesn't have to." Anakin looked up. "I'm sorry, Master Fisto. I know you were his friend too."

Kit held his gaze for a long moment. If a Nautolan's eyes could have expressed emotion, it would have been a soul-searching stare, but Anakin was unable to make out anything in the black depths. Finally, he smiled sadly. "I should have realized," Kit said quietly, "that if anyone could have retained the bond between Master and Padawan, it would be you."

"Well," Anakin muttered ruefully, "It's broken now."

Kit laid a hand on Anakin's shoulder. He shuddered; the Nautolan's touch was cooler than a human's. "I wouldn't be too sure of that. Remember, Anakin, Obi-Wan lives on in everything he taught you."

Suddenly, Kit's joking smile was back. "I'm sorry. I must sound like Master Nu, quoting the Code at you like that."

"No, it's fine." Anakin replied half-heartedly. He wanted badly to believe Master Fisto. But right then, he could only manage to remember one of Obi-Wan's lessons, and it didn't bring him much comfort.

"All things die."