Disclaimer- I do not own any of the Star Wars or Harry Potter characters in this story.
Harry Potter and the Clone Wars
Chapter 13 – Pursuit
"Finding the ringleaders of that invasion should be the number one priority," said Daakman Barrek. "Three Jedi have been slain and the Chancellor has been kidnapped." He continued.
"Exactly why the Senate has ordered us to immediately search for and rescue the Chancellor," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied.
"Master," Anakin Skywalker interrupted. "My padawan and I are ready to leave at this moment and rescue the Chancellor."
Everyone fell silent for a moment in thought. "Do you have any leads?" Mace Windu questioned.
"Yes," Anakin replied. "My clone troopers have found a strong ion trail that we believe to be left by Grievous cruiser."
"Very well," Jedi Master Barrek said sternly. "You both leave immediately."
Anakin rose to his feet and bowed to the Jedi Masters in the room then turned and took his leave through the large sliding doors. The other Jedi remaining sat in the room and continued their conversation.
"I will search for this Assaj Ventress woman," Obi-Wan finally said breaking the silence.
"Why do you feel the need to pursue her?" Mace Windu asked.
"This isn't the first time we've encountered her," Obi-Wan responded. "We first met on Ilum during the battle."
"And?" Mace Windu demanded more from Obi-Wan; he could sense that there was more to what Obi-Wan were saying.
"I could sense good in her," Obi-Wan replied. "She has been trained by a Jedi Master in the force but somehow has lost her path."
"And you wish to waste time and energy at such a precious moment on an attempt to reform someone who clearly has no intention of doing so?" Ki-Adi asked seriously staring Obi-Wan down.
"With all the Jedi that have fallen in recent months we cannot afford to not try and recruit more," Obi-Wan shot back making the others think of the Jedi that died during the invasion. "Any person that can wield the force against the Sith is an asset to us right now."
The room fell silent. "Right he is," Master Yoda said in a tried way. "Find her he must."
"Fine," Mace Windu said giving in to something he believed to be a bit ridiculous. "The rest of us will stay here and prepare the ceremonies for the fallen Jedi."
"We need to address the dwindling numbers in the Jedi ranks," Daakman Barrek said but Obi-Wan stood to his feet and bowed taking his leave. He wanted to find this Assaj Ventress woman and find out more about her hopefully she could be saved.
Harry and Hermione walked slowly hand in hand down a stone pathway. The Jedi Council had given orders to those that had duties and then broke to carry out tasks. Master Windu had offered to prepare ceremonies for the three dead Jedi so Harry and Hermione has some alone time. The ceremonies weren't for a while and the clone troopers were cleaning up the damage from the invasion so they decided to take a moment and escape.
The area around them was a beautiful field of grass, butterflies dancing through the sky and kissing the flowers. Hermione had grown to love just soaking in Harry's presence and feeling his love wrapped around her during their alone time. She realized she was staring at Harry when he looked down at her and smiled.
"What's on your mine baby?" Harry asked sweetly.
"Nothing," Hermione replied in a cute tone. "Just thinking about you."
Harry laughed. "Thinking about what?"
"Just imagining," Hermione replied in the same cute tone.
Harry smiled down at Hermione. "Imagining what?"
"Us and what we'll be like later on in life," Hermione replied this time in a more serious tone as she stared deeply into Harry's eyes.
Harry gazed down at her and placed his hand on her chin. "We'll be the perfect couple." He pulled her close and locked his lips with hers.
A sleek shining starfighter sped through the black abyss of space dashing to its destination. R2-D2 was sitting in the droid seat at the back of the ship, its red light blinking while it beeped keeping track of everything.
"So," Anakin broke the eerie silence that had been going on for so long the air seemed stale. This was his padawan now and he wanted him to be the best, this was Anakin's chance to leave his mark in the force and the Jedi. But he could not for the life of him think of anything to say.
"You and Padmé seem happy," Ron blurted out immediately feeling he had said something he shouldn't have.
"Yes," Anakin paused. "I love her."
"Is that allowed Master?" Ron asked.
"No," Anakin replied. "I should have been kicked out of the order when they found out but for some reason I wasn't."
"Why not?" Ron asked.
"I do not know for certain," Anakin replied. "I think the Council decided to use my ties with her to keep some hold in the Senate, the same way the use me to spy on Chancellor Palpatine from time to time."
"Does the Jedi Council fully distrust the Republic or something?" Ron sounded confused by this information.
"Sometimes I don't know," Anakin said sadly while he stared blankly into the open darkness ahead. "Sometimes I think the Jedi are just for the Jedi and not really for the Republic."
Silence…
"So have you found anyone to your liking?" Anakin had to say something, he knew from his comment he had confused his padawans still fresh trust in the Jedi Council.
"I think I love Hermione," Ron told him shyly.
Anakin smiled. "Then make your move young one and make her yours." He instructed.
"I don't think I can Master," Ron replied a little sadness in his voice.
"What is stopping you?" Anakin questioned.
"She is in love with Harry,"
Anakin fell silent for a while not really knowing what else to say after hearing that bit of information.
"Do you think what the Chancellor said is true Master?" Ron asked. "When he said if I got great power she would love me?"
"I cannot say," Anakin replied. "But having power has never been a bad thing if it's used for a just cause."
R2-D2 began beeping suddenly alerting Anakin of something up ahead. "We're coming up on Grievous ship," Anakin said then looked over at Ron. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"Ready for what exactly Master?" Ron asked back.
"R2 and I are going to slip through the ships docking bay shields as they open to release fighters," Anakin replied. "We'll have to time it perfectly or else we'll be destroyed by the closing shield."
Ron sat back in his seat and began gripping the armrests beside his seat. Anakin pushed the starfighter forward making it rapidly gain speed dashing towards Grievous large ship. Anakin began releasing laser fire into the side of the ship causing several small explosions to dot the ships sides. Moments later the blue shields covering the docking bay split apart and began releasing a few ships then closing and releasing them again.
Anakin now had the ship moving at top speed, Ron was glued to the seat holding on for dear life as everything around them became blurs to his vision. All he could see was the blue shield getting closer and closer opening and closing opening and closing Ron began counting down.
5…4…3… 'I'm gonna bloody die!' Ron thought just as the blue shield closed right in front of them. At the very last moment it ripped apart and Anakin began firing into the ships attempting to move out. Explosions ripped through the docking bay as the starfighter crashed into the bay and dragged itself up and slammed into the wall.
The starfighters doors pulled apart and Anakin leapt into the air pulling his lightsaber from his side and slapping away laser fire. Ron immediately followed him drawing his lightsaber and taking the defensive against the weak droid shots.
"R2 you come with us," Anakin instructed.
The little robot beeped then was jettisoned from his seat before landing safely on the ground next to Ron. They quickly made their way down and towards the door slicing up droids as they moved to make their escape from the bay. The explosions had caused fires and the sound of alarm was now tearing through air alerting everyone of what had happened.
"Not much of a subtle entry Master," Ron said laughing.
"Who said anything about it going to be subtle?" Anakin asked him.
They reached the door and R2 pulled up beside it and began working his magic picking the lock after a few seconds forcing the door open. They moved through and R2 closed it behind them.
Palpatine sat in a large king like chair covered in black with its back turned to a huge plasma window displaying outer space. The ship suddenly vibrated violently then stopped Tyranus turned his head to the nearest droid.
"What's going on?" he demanded.
"Fire in the docking bay," the droid buzzed its reply.
"I believe my rescue is here," Palpatine said happily.
Tyranus stared at the Chancellor for a moment then turned swiftly on his heels and stormed off through the doorway.
Anakin pulled his light saber down through the last droid tearing it in half. He then jogged forward down the hallway closely followed by Ron and R2-D2. As the neared the end of the hallways more droids poured from around the corner immediately opening fire on them.
Ron blocked and slapped away laser fire standing his ground next to Anakin. Anakin used the force and pushed all the droids backwards into the wall shattering them to pieces.
"R2 try and find where their holding the Chancellor," Anakin ordered. R2-D2 moved to the left and inserted himself into the ships systems beginning his search.
Massive doors at the end of the hallway opened and more droids started running down the hall towards Anakin and Ron. "Hurry R2," Ron said wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Follow me padawan," Anakin shouted running towards the droids, Ron obediently followed his master into battle.
The two Jedi made quick work of the weak droids and ran back to R2-D2 who was beeping and making all kinds of noises letting them know he had found the Chancellor.
"We'll follow you R2," Anakin told the droid.
R2 spun around and shot off down the hall closely followed by Ron and Anakin. The droid led the left, then right, then left again and after a while Ron began to wonder if they were lost in this massive cruiser ship. Just as the doubts about R2 really started to fill his mind the droid stopped and opened a door to the right of them, Ron could clearly see the Chancellor inside the room sitting.
Anakin used the force to jump from the doorway directly beside Palpatine, Ron did the same. "Are you alright Chancellor?" Anakin asked cutting the binds that were tied to the Chancellors wrist.
"Yes I'm fine thank you," Palpatine replied. "We should hurry Count Dooku is somewhere on this ship."
"I prefer Darth Tyranus,"
Anakin and Ron turned around to see Darth Tyranus standing behind them in the doorway, his body covered by his long black cape.
"It is good to see you again Master Skywalker," Tyranus added politely then looked at Ron. "I do not think we've been properly introduced."
Ron cocked his head to the side and eyed Tyranus confused by his polite ways. "You are some kind of psycho," Ron replied.
"I may be evil young one but I am still a gentleman," Tyranus replied. "I assume you are Skywalker's apprentice," neither Anakin nor Ron replied. Tyranus nodded his head and breathed deeply.
"Lets get down to business then," he said in a tired tone. Tyranus used the force to summon his light saber forcing the red beam to stretch upwards while he sprang into the air.
Anakin and Ron stepped in front of Palpatine and summoned their light sabers as well. Tyranus landed in front of them and paused for a second gripping his light saber in on hand grinning. "Two against one?" he said sarcastically. "Those odds didn't end so well for you the last time Skywalker."
Anakin attacked swinging his saber swiftly over his head but Tyranus blocked and used the force to stop Ron in his tracks. Anakin swiftly turned and struck again from the left, right and left again but all strikes were deflected by Tyranus swift defenses.
Ron leapt over Anakin's head and brought his saber down into Tyranus red blade then began to swing wildly forcing the Sith Lord on the defensive. Tyranus stepped backwards easily blocking the young Jedi's attacks with his one hand laughing as the moved around the room. Anakin came from the left, Tryanus blocked and jumped into the air landing with his back turned to Palpatine.
"Your padawan is well trained Master Skywalker," Tyranus commented. "His saber skills are a bit off but he has much potential."
"Shut up and fight," Anakin grumbled rushing forward.
Tyranus expression changed and he shot sith lightning from his fingertips. Anakin barely jumped into the air dodging but the lightning bolts engulfed Ron and sent him flying backwards into the wall. Ron hit the ground and didn't move, steam floating from his body.
Anakin looked back at Ron making sure he was alive then turned angrily to Tyranus who was grinning happily. "Remind you of something?" he asked mockingly.
Rage swelled inside Anakin's body as he thought about the first time he fought Tyranus. The anger filled Anakin's body with intense heat and he could feel the force inside him grow stronger then ever before. He attacked.
Anakin released a powerful force push at Tyranus making him stumble backwards. Anakin opened his palm and shot another force attack at Tyranus this time knocking the Jedi master to his knees.
Anakin lifted his saber over his head and brought it down but Tyranus held his saber firmly blocking the strike. The two sabers locked and Tyranus began to struggle to climb back to his feet gripping Anakin by the wrist. The two grimaced and growled as Tyranus began gaining ground and finally reached his feet.
Anakin jumped back and as he jumped swung his saber swiftly to the side slicing through Tyranus wrists. The old man cried out in pain and fell to his knees staring at his now handless arms. Anakin caught Tyranus light saber pushed the blade out and placed them both at the sith's neck then stopped.
Behind him Ron stirred back to consciousness and sat up rubbing his throbbing head. He looked around remembering where he was and noticed Anakin holding two light sabers at Tyranus neck. Ron could sense the anger and rage burning inside Anakin but he could tell it was calming down.
They had done it! Not only had the rescued Palpatine but they were about to bring back an extra bonus. Then Ron looked at Palpatine and saw the twisted expression the Chancellor held on his face. He could hear his words clearly.
"Do it Anakin!" Palpatine hissed. "Finish him off!" Tyranus turned his head and stared at Palpatine strangely.
"But he should stand trial," Anakin replied still hesitating.
"He is to powerful," Palpatine shot back. "Finish him now before he can do any more harm!"
Anakin took a deep breath and pulled the light sabers through Tyranus neck then watched his head roll off into the corner. Palpatine laughed gleefully then climbed to his feet embracing Anakin in his arms.
"You have done well Master Jedi," the Chancellor commented.
"You killed him Master," Ron said softly walking up behind them.
"You also did well young one," Palpatine said placing his hand on Ron's shoulder. "The force is very strong with you."
For some strange reason Ron felt good when the Chancellor touched him. "Listen to your Master carefully, learn from him and you will become powerful in the force."
"I would love to stand here and trade pleasantries all day but we are still on an enemy ship and we do need to return you safely to Coruscant," Anakin interrupted.
"Yes, yes of course," Palpatine said snapping back to reality. "Lead the way Master Jedi,"
Anakin turned and began walking out of the room. He loved the way Palpatine treated him with the respect he felt he deserved not like the Jedi council that acted as if he wasn't capable of doing anything. Anakin was on top of the world as he stepped out into the hallway and noticed they were completely surrounded.
Several B2 super battle droids had their weapons pointed forward ready to fire along with a few of Grievous special MagnaGuards and some regular droids.
"Hands up Jedi," the droids beeped.
The doors opened and the MagnaGuards led R2-D2, Anakin, Ron, and the Chancellor into the control room of the ship. General Grievous turned and began laughing when he realized who had entered the room.
"Such a foolish rescue attempt," he taunted. "Now all of you will die,"
"If you kill me the full weight of the Republic will fall on your shoulders General," Palpatine replied unmoved by Grievous threats.
Grievous exploded into laughter but had to stop when he began coughing uncontrollably. "I am not worried about your pathetic republic Chancellor," he snapped. "I am the Supreme Commander of the droid army I have legions of mindless minions to do my bidding."
"Where is Count Dooku?" Grievous asked one of the droids.
"He's dead," a droid beeped. "We found his body earlier."
"I am sorry to hear that," Grievous said. "MagnaGuards take them to the holding cell and make sure they are unarmed."
"We have their light sabers right here,"
R2-D2 suddenly went crazy and rolled right into the leg of the MagnaGuard pushing it forward. The guard turned and kicked R2 hard pushing the small droid back into the wall. This was all Anakin needed. He used the force and summoned his light saber from the guard's side and cut his bonds quickly.
A moment later Ron was free as well and holding his light saber in his hands. Grievous began laughing and stepped back behind the three MagnaGuards that were present. "Kill them," he said.
The MagnaGuards pulled electrostaffs out and rushed forward. Ron used the force and slammed the nearest one backwards into the control deck. The guard's electrostaff sliced through the controls causing explosions to rip through the control room and alarms began filling the air.
Anakin ducked and sliced the legs from underneath the guard then drove his light saber through its face finishing the job. Grievous ducked and dodged the explosions around the area growling loudly.
"You have destroyed my ship!" he shouted angrily.
Anakin and Ron leapt over the flames and landed directly in front of Grievous about to attack him. The General however sprang backwards and drove his metallic feet through the giant window in front of them getting sucked out into the vacuum of space. Ron and Anakin were quickly pulled towards the hole but the safety procedures kicked in and the hole was sealed with a line of plasma.
They watched Grievous fire a grappling hook and pull himself back to the ship then disappear as he walked along the side up towards the top.
"C'mon Chancellor we've got to get back to our ship before this thing blows," Anakin said running back up next to Palpatine.
"R2 find us the quickest way out of here!" Ron shouted.
"Good thinking padawan," Anakin commented.
After a second of being plugged into the system R2 beeped and lead they down the hallway towards the docking bay.