After escaping what should have been their downfall, the Jedi made it home to Coruscant, where they were welcomed by their brethren. Anakin was still surprised at Ahsoka's recovery rate. By the time they hit hyperspace, she was already up and helping everyone else who was hurt. Did that boy really help her?

"Anakin? Are you listening Anakin?" Kenobi interrupted.

"Huh?"

"I'm sure the Council will want to know what happened out there."

"We're off to report then?"

"Indeed. I sense you are worried about our most recent encounter?"

"…You're close. Ahsoka mentioned that the enemy made her feel less pain before he left. It…still bugs me."

"I understand. What would the Sith gain from healing a Jedi?"

"Perhaps throw us off our guard? He did work for Dooku."

"If that where the case, he would have killed us when we felt that moment of security. No…I think there is more to find out here."

Kenobi headed to the temple with Anakin and Ahsoka following after. Anakin looked at his Padawan with concern. He could have sworn she would've died a few days ago.

"Snips…you sure you're alright?"

"Oh come on, Master. For the hundredth time, yes I'm fine."

"Well, I'm sorry. I didn't know it was bad for the Master to worry about his student."

"Hmm…he held back when he fought me alone…I just thought about that. Do you have any idea who he was?"

"I have no clue. Perhaps the council will investigate this. In the meanwhile, get some rest."

"I said I'm fine. Besides I have to give my report." She stated smugly.

"…hah…Okay, but get some rest after the report is done."

Soon the Jedi were in front of the Jedi Council. They gave their report on the mission and of the mysterious attacker that aided Dooku.

"Interesting, this development is…hmm" Master Yoda, Head of the Order, thought out loud. "This boy you spoke of, was powerful in the Force, yes?"

"Indeed he was Master. Almost like it was second nature to him." Kenobi stated.

Ahsoka kept quiet during most of the report, something Yoda noticed right away.

"More to say have you young one?"

"…Yes, Master Yoda…the boy may have used the Dark Side…but he healed me after the assault. And it didn't feel corrupt. I sensed a bit of cocky compassion from him as he did it. I was actually thinking…if he would be able to assist us."

"Absolutely not." Master Windu interjected quickly. "We cannot allow a Sith into the Jedi Temple. His influence would corrupt the order that we have worked so hard to create."

"Yes Master…" Ahsoka said quietly.

"I have to agree with Master Windu here. That still seemed like a false sense of security tactic." Anakin said.

"I understand…"

While discussions took place, an older blue Nautolan Jedi Master by the name of Sen Baado had heard about the boy. He smiled when he heard of Ahsoka's concern for him and decided to go and search for him when the opportunity arose. After the Council had heard what they needed to, they dismissed the three Jedi to rest up before they were called again.

Sen thought quietly about how he would extract the boy from the Dark Side. As he pondered, heading to his room, he sensed as old friend and saw Master Yoda.

"Heard everything I assume, Master Baado?"

"Yes my friend, I apologize for overhearing all of that."

"Careful consideration for what you were thinking, Master. The Darkness clings to the boy."

"Heh…that may be true. But don't the old teachings tell us to purify darkness with light? I at least think I should see if he can be trained in our ways of the Force."

"Hmm…a dangerous move, this is. Tread carefully you should, if actions you take to meet the boy."

"You wouldn't stop me?"

"A mysterious power, the boy controls. A bit curious, I am, to see what he could do."

"So is that permission from the Council?"

"Went anyway, you would have. Never had this discussion, we did." He said with a slight smile.

As the Grand Master hobbled off, Master Baado went to his study and started devising a way to bring the boy over. In the distance, a Padawan listened in on the plans of the old master. She smiled as she headed to her room. She had to go with him…to help of course.

Meanwhile on Dooku's Fleet, the Count was speaking with the dark robed enigmatic man. As they discussed a new tactic, the man became quiet…

"Is there something wrong, my Master?"

"Hmmm…that boy you trained….as grown powerful indeed. He has taken the life of many Jedi and made plans move smoothly for the Separatists' fleet."

"Yes…this is all true. His power as grown exponentially since I found him."

"Exactly….if he gains any more power, he could destroy all that we have worked for. Kill him."

"What? But he serves you…!"

"How do I know that you aren't making a weapon to destroy me, Count Dooku? Kill him, and prove your loyalty to me." The man said grimly.

"…As you wish, my Master…"

Dooku went to his chambers to prepare for the disposal of the boy. He calmly grabbed his lightsaber and walked towards Tan'nis' room. The boy felt…something wrong. Where was this disturbance coming from? He quickly grabbed his weapons and robes and got ready for whatever was coming. Just then, his master walked into the room with a slight face of regret. His lightsaber was draw.

"I am afraid that I do not need you anymore…I'm going to ask you to die…"

"…"

"Oh? I sense no fear in you…"

"…try me."

"You certainly are the impetuous one. Even to the end…Now, show me what I have taught you!"

With that, Tan'nis pulled out his golden lightsaber and defended Dooku's offensive. The result was a battle of discovering openings. Soon the boy changed his stance to Shi'en again. Dooku was on the defensive now, blocking the quick attacks of his protégé. Dooku soon found a counteroffensive and pushed the boy back. The battle escalated into using the Force along with skill with a lightsaber. Parts of the vessel became weapons. Even nearby droids were flung to gain an opening. Dooku actually found himself in a bind due to the power the boy possessed. Tan'nis found a wide opening and took it. He focused and shot lightning from his hands and pushed Dooku away. The Count yelled in pain from the intensity of the Force. After a moment, Tan'nis stopped to look at his former teacher.

"You…didn't want this…who called for this?"

"…."

"Who…called for it?"

"My master…Darth Sidious…he wanted you dead…"

"…I'm leaving…I expect resistance…I let you live. I don't expect you to do the same should we meet again…"

"…I see…"

Tan'nis calmly walked off, ready for a back attack while heading for a ship. He hijacked a nearby fighter and took off towards a nearby planet, Dantooine. As he left, droids opened fire on the ship and caused a bit of damage, enough to make it go for a spin before heading into the atmosphere.

"With that at least, he would appear to have died there…let us move on." Dooku ordered.

Tan'nis crashed onto the planet hard, knocking all the air out of his lungs. As he crawled out of the ship, he surveyed the landscape and saw an old and decrepit temple. No one was inside, so he took refuge there, thinking of a way to get revenge on the Dark Lord who requested his death.

On Coruscant, Sen sensed a great disturbance. Looking to the stars, he felt that the opportunity to move had finally come. He calmly headed out of the temple, waving at younglings that greeted him. Heading for his ship, he stood in silence, hoping the Force would guide him. It was then that he sensed someone trying to suppress their ability so as to not be detected.

"Ha…I figured you would pop up sooner than this, young one. You can come out of hiding, Ahsoka."

The young Jedi came out of her hiding place, a bit frustrated at being found so quickly. The old master laughed as he walked up to her.

"Why do you wish to board my ship, my friend?"

"I…wanted to see…that boy again. He helped me when he could have killed me. I want to know why."

"A curious mind can be a dangerous one, young one. What would your master say?"

"…Does master have to know?"

"Hmm…I suppose you did sneak on when I left the atmosphere…I couldn't turn back while on my journey, could I?" he smiled.

"Then you'll let me—"

"I am responsible for you now. Listen to me while we are out there. I do not want to regret this choice. Understood?"

"Yes! Thank you, Master Baado." She bowed before running into the ship. The old man hobbled onto the cruiser and got it running up and flew off. As they went towards the stars, he sensed something coming from the girl. Why would anyone pursue their attacker with interest? That would be interesting to find out.

After flying through space, Baado calmly reached out with the Force to find the boy. Ahsoka meditated in the meantime, thinking about what would come. Baado finally found something and set coordinates for the source. Soon they got close to Dantooine, where the source dropped for a moment.

"I believe he is here….are you ready for what may come?"

"Yes master."

The ship landed a few miles away from the old temple and the two Jedi headed off to find their target. Ahsoka shivered at this new environment.

"Why is the Force so strong here?"

"It is believed that a Jedi order was here long ago. The planet was ideal to train those who could use the Force. Perhaps our friend knew of this place before."

"Maybe."

"I sense that you are worried for the boy."

"What? No. I'm just thinking about how strong he was. How are we going to get him to even listen?"

"…Heh, I have my ways."

As they ventured toward the temple, they both started sensing the Dark Side around the ancient building. Baado shuddered for a moment before walking into the temple with Ahsoka following after. After searching the ruins, they both saw the young man, floating while reconstructing his lightsaber using the Force. He seemed at peace for a moment. As he finally set his crystal in, he opened his eyes and let their bronze gleam survey his visitors. He recognized one of them. He thought she would have avoided him after that beating a week prior.

"So, this is him? I didn't expect such power from one so young…" Baado stated.

Tan'nis kept his eye on the two Jedi as he floated down. He pulled his weapon towards himself.

"So…you did survive…good."

"You helped me on purpose? Why?" Ahsoka asked.

"Hmm, I wonder why myself. It would have been one less Jedi after all."

"But you didn't kill her. I sense compassion from you, young one. You at least have the sense to speak with us." Baado interjected.

"Compassion…is for the weak…"

"Is it? I respectfully disagree. It can make the strongest bonds between people and worlds alike. You clearly demonstrated this trait towards Ahsoka."

"That…would be my mistake to correct then…"

"Really? We have to do this the hard way then? Very well. Ahsoka, watch my back then."

"Okay!"

The boy pulled out his sabers but was quickly pushed into a wall by the master. He then rushed with a blue saber and struck the boy. Quickly reacting, Tan'nis pushed him back and exchanges were made. Ahsoka saw fit to help overwhelm the target with her skills. Weakened by the struggle with Dooku, Tan'nis saw that he would have to hold them off for a bit. Going on a defensive, he kept them guessing on where he would block. Ahsoka actually took the head in the battle, charging and keeping pressure on him. Tan'nis…was struggling? Ahsoka saw the distraction in his eyes and kicked him in the face before Pushing him into another wall. Baado used the opportunity to keep Pushing him again and again into the wall, causing deep cracks in to wall and eventually him falling into a nearby river. He coughed as he swam to shore. The master immediately started using the Force to manipulate the water to surround the boy. He was locked in the river and couldn't breathe!

"Master! I thought we were bringing him to the temple!"

"We are. I just want to put out his fire. I assure you he will survive."

Then the river started to bubble.

"WRRRROOOOOAAAAAHHHHHHH!"

Tan'nis put all of his might into a repulse that sent the water away from him. he was flying for a moment.

"By the Force, he is bold." Baado chuckled.

Tan'nis landed calmly and faced his challenge. It began to rain on the planet just then and his eyes gleamed with confidence. Ahsoka was taken aback by his endurance. He calmly readied his weapon in front of him, waiting.

"Wow…"

"I sense…the future in this boy…"

"Master?"

"Ahsoka…watch and learn…" the master said as he advanced. He sped towards the youth and started striking certain points on his body with his fingers before the boy could react. Slowly but surely, the Force was temporarily weakened. The boy keeled over, perhaps from exhaustion. Baado had stunned the boy.

"I have a proposition for you, young one. Come learn the ways of the Jedi. The Sith have all but betrayed you. But I can assure you, the Jedi care for one another."

"What makes you think you can….convince me to join you? I have been betrayed before. I will NOT be turned on again!" he said with his eyes shining yellow.

"Hey…calm down." Ahsoka said as she kneeled by him. "You…aren't a Sith. I could tell. You are much more than that. I felt it. Please…come with us." She asked sincerely.

That odd feeling came back again…what is this?

"Give me one good reason why I should. I have learned the ways of the Force."

"Not all of them, my young friend. I believe I can make you a powerful Jedi, perhaps on par with the Chosen one." Baado chuckled.

"You can do that, Master Baado?"

"Well, at this point…HE can. He can be knowledgeable of the dark AND the light. He has been taught darkness. I plan to teach him light."

"…Is there anymore to be said?" Ahsoka asked addressing Tan'nis.

"So you offer to make me stronger than I already am?"

"No, I offer control, discipline and perhaps a way to end your internal pain. I am sure Ahsoka senses it as well. You have been holding it all in. Death of loved ones is so hard to bear alone. You may be the mightiest wielder of the Force, but no one in this universe could bear such pain."

"…Fine." He said calmly.

"I sense peace within you already. Perhaps it is the Padawan's presence here. I see that she did help me after all."

Ahsoka smiled as she reached for the boy's hand.

"What is your name, friend?" she said gently.

"…Tan'nis. Tan'nis Orela."

"I am Ahsoka Tano. And this is Master Sen Baado. Let me be the first to welcome you to the Jedi Order." She said as she reached and grabbed his hand. The boy got pulled up and Ahsoka helped him stand.

"I'm afraid that for safety…"

"…you have to restrain me? Smart man."

"Oh please don't, Master. He won't do anything….I can tell." She smiled.

"I'm afraid I have to. Just for appearances." He stated while shackling the boy. "When we get there, you won't be able to use your abilities. These binds were made for Sith. For appearances, of course."

"I don't like it…he's not a beast…" she groaned again. Why did she speak like she cared? And he was standing on his own, yet she insisted on helping him…

"Very well…I will unbind him until we reach Coruscant. But from there, no exceptions."

"Thank you, Master…" she bowed as he took the shackles off.

"Come to my ship, young ones." He said starting off. "By the way, Ahsoka, I may return here with Tan'nis to teach him. If you are willing, you may join us for a session or two."

"Oh really?"

"Indeed." He said while beckoning her closer. "He is calmer around you I have noticed. Did you do something?"

"I...don't think I did."

"Well regardless, you could help me greatly when you tag along."

As they headed for the ship, Tan'nis looked at the planet again…inhaling the Force into his body…gaining serenity. Baado showed him his quarters and Tan'nis laid down on the bed and waited for the craft to leave. After finally taking off, he looked out if the window and soon saw the stars. He sat down, meditating on what would become of him. Floating at peace, he sensed that girl again. When did she get in his room?

"Yes….Ahsoka?"

"I was just watching. How are you floating?" she said while watching with those…interesting azure eyes.

"I learned…by myself. It just happens honestly."

"You are strong in the Force. I don't even think I've seen my master pull tricks like that."

"Did you need something from me…?"

"Well, no. I just wanted to talk."

"About?"

"…what is it like…learning about the other side?"

"…it's tough. The pain endured to break your limits is incredible. But the results were worth it. I have become stronger than that little boy that was me. Lost on a desolate rock."

"Well…you were found now. And I won't accept you leaving now."

"Why would it matter to you?"

"I…want to repay you for helping me…A Jedi always settles their debts."

"Is that all?"

"Isn't that enough?" she asked sitting next to him. He floated down and landed near her before leaning on a wall, clearly tired.

"You should get some rest…Tan'nis."

"I suppose I should…" he said as he fell over onto the bed. As he dozed off, he felt something rest on his back. Ahsoka started getting comfortable on him before dozing off on his warmth. He blushed slightly before his finally closed his eyes.

Baado smiled as he saw the pair. He truly could sense the future from them. Perhaps, in time, the boy would learn what he offered and discover his true potential as a wielder of the Unifying Force. With Ahsoka aiding him, he felt that this task was not impossible. But for now they would rest.