Chapter 25 – Powers Revealed

Part 2

It had been years since he had been within the bounds of the Jedi Temple. Sure he had been here just the day before, but that was only to the Council Chambers, and perhaps up a few flights of stairs. Now though he was walking through the giant halls and auditoriums, the training room, watching as padawans and younglings and Jedi Knights alike all took in their training, sparing and learning within the Force. Vader…, well, he had to be Anakin for the moment, immediately thought that he would have to watch many of these younglings and padawans, to see if any had potential, and give the list to his master.

His line of thought was interrupted when Obi-wan stood behind him, watching him. Anakin felt the intense heat of his eyes, and felt his old friend's eyes glancing over him, as if studying him. It was what he had expected as soon as he had revealed himself to them, but not on this level.

Turning, he faced Obi-wan and smiled. "I felt you watching me."

Obi-wan's gaze turned to utter shock. He was surprised as he had his shields and Force presence masking him. He was about to answer when Anakin interrupted him.

"I could sense you a mile away, my old friend," Anakin now beamed at him, his tone becoming lighter. "Anyone could smell you with that aftershave almost to where the Senate district is."

The Jedi Master's face now narrowed. "It's not that bad, Anakin. You of all people would have to understand that. Just because you are not used to it on Tatooine, or wherever you actually come from."

"Still speculating about me then Obi-wan?" Anakin asked curiously, raising his eyebrows. "Can't figure out if I am telling the truth or not?"

Obi-wan wasted no time in stepping forward to Anakin, standing next to him and leaning against the railing. His face had become hard and serious. "The whole Temple has heard of you Anakin, and many of the Masters seem to be at abuzz, hoping to catch a glimpse of you fighting. You are still somewhat of a legend around here, especially since you fought with the Sith many years ago."

He paused momentarily, taking in a deep breathe. His tone became lower, "And yes, many of the masters are wondering why you have chosen to re-appear at this time once more. It is a bit suspicious, and they want to make sure that you are telling the truth."

"And what do you think, my old friend?" Anakin asked, his tone matching the Jedi Master's.

Obi-wan was silent for a moment, thinking of an appropriate answer. He moved his head from side to side, as if thinking hard. Licking his lips he then turned and stared at the younger man next to him, his gaze unwavering and stern.

"I think that there are some loopholes in your story, but other than that," he paused, "I believe you, though…"

"…from a certain point of view?" Anakin finished, smiling. He knew what Obi-wan was going to say even before he was going to say it. That line was always his favorite lines; it was as if it was his own personal catchphrase. It was one thing though; Anakin always hated it when he said it. Everything is from a certain point of view. Why can't everything be right or wrong, with no views in-between. It would make life a whole lot simpler.

Obi-wan smiled, seeing Anakin smile with him. "Yes," he stared at his friend, amusingly quaint. 'Here it comes,' Anakin thought. He had been waiting for it. "Everything is from a certain point of view."

They both smiled once more and then fell into a silent tone. There was nothing passed between them for a number of minutes, and around them they heard the sound of laughter and crying from the younger students. Anakin sighed as he remembered all of those younglings craving attention from him, leaving their classes just to watch the Chosen One in action. That was a strange feeling, and he loved it, gaining all of the attention. Though, in he end, he did piss off a number of Master's and Knights. But it was worth.

He remembered seeing that image, but he also remembered the night that he was ordered to destroy the Jedi Temple. That was probably one of the most pleasurable things that he had seen, or let alone down, in his lifetime. Fighting anyone who came up to him, be he Jedi Knight, padawan or Master. He killed them all, cutting them down one by one, leaving their remains to be gathered up by the Sith later on. And then the terrified younglings in the Council Chambers, he watched as every one of them screamed when he tore his lightsaber through their bodies. They cried out for him to stop, but he kept going, mutilating their bodies.

Obi-wan stood next to Anakin, and could see him gripping the hand rail very tightly. But he remained silent for a few more moments before gaining his attention. He touched him on the shoulder, shaking him lightly. Anakin sharply turned, facing the Jedi Master. Obi-wan almost cried out, watching the facial features on his younger friends head suddenly become twisted and dark. His eyes had turned a yellow colour, as if he was seething in anger. Obi-wan swallowed and shook him lightly once more, calling out his name.

"Anakin," he started, though softly at first, until it became louder. "Anakin? Are you alright?"

Anakin immediately shook himself out of it, shaking his head wildly. He bought his hands up to his eyes and rubbed them, drawing the liquid away. Groaning loudly as he did so he gained a worried stare from Obi-wan who, looked as if he had just been hit in the face with a brick. Anakin partly smiled underneath his hands, aware that he had done so. He hoped that Obi-wan was frightened of him to some degree. Obi-wan once more called to Anakin, asking if he was alright, but Anakin tried not to hear him as his attention was drawn away to the other end of the hall.

Turning abruptly, he felt the intent gaze of Master Windu on him. Stiffening, Anakin straightened up, and waited as Mace came closer. Even as he did so, Anakin began to read his mind. He had obviously just seen what had happened to him, and it had been a strange way for him to act, but, it didn't really matter. Anakin couldn't care less what Mace thought. It was none of his business, and technically, Anakin wasn't even a Jedi, although he had been trained by one. And he had been trained by another Jedi who had been in disgrace. Let alone, he shouldn't even be in the Temple bounds. Yet, the Council had asked him to stay on. It was as if he knew that they wanted to study him, to see if he was acceptable.

Mace stood firm in his place opposite Skywalker and Obi-wan, watching them with a firm gaze that equaled his stance. They merely stared back at him, securing eye contact. The darker Jedi merely nodded, his tone changing and he began to smile. His eyes darted over the darker Jedi, growing wider. Images of himself slicing off his hand in the Chancellors Office, and then subsequently throwing him out of the window, just so he could become a Sith Lord. He remembered him seeing him enshrouded in Sith lightning, the jolting volts vaulting through his entire body.

"Master Kenobi," Mace Windu greeted warmly making Anakin almost smiled, though he hid it.

"Master Windu," Obi-Wan said, his voice lightening into a friendly tone. He was still concerned with Anakin's behavior, and knew that Mace had seen it as well. He bowed hastily. "How may I honour you with this unexpected visit?"

Mace regarded him for a moment. Obi-Wan could feel his scrutinizing gaze. Anakin sighed as he felt Obi-wan's reaction to Mace's dignified gaze. Mace then turned his gaze towards Anakin, and Anakin immediately knew that his reaction to Mace's presence had made him curious. He then nodded, seeing that Obi-wan was awaiting an answer. "I came to…enquire about our young friend here, Obi-wan." The darker skinned Jedi narrowed his eyes at him for a moment, flickering his eyes along his whole body. "I came to see if he had time for a small sparing match before your meeting with Master Yoda."

Obi-wan mind flicked on and off in his head. He had a meeting with Master Yoda. He had forgotten all about it. "That's alright Master, you may take Anakin off of my hands here. I will be hard pressed by Yoda if I don't get to the meeting." He turned and faced his old friend. "My apologies Anakin, but I have to leave you in the capable hands of Master Windu for the time being."

"Swell." Anakin said in his most sarcastic and enthusiastic voice. Mace and Obi-wan merely eyed him.

As Obi-wan wandered off into the distance, Anakin turned and faced Mace. "I will take you up on your offer, my old friend, but I will warn you that you won't understand what you face."

Mace beamed with enthusiasm, hoping for a great challenge. "Try me, Skywalker. I want to see how good you are at sparing."

"I won't be what you expected," Anakin warned him. "In fact, I might surprise you."

"Excellent!" Mace cried out, grinning broadly. "I hope that you are worth the challenge Skywalker. Because if you're not…" he concluded shaking his head. They started to walk off in silence, making their way down to the sparing room below them. Anakin shot a quick glance at Obi-Wan over his shoulder that clearly warned him that he will pay for this.

Then again, all of the Jedi would.

Two cloaked figures stood in the dark room, watching the visual cameras on the screens before them. They had spent time in the past few years planting small cameras along the halls and corridors of the Jedi Temple, placing them in every major room that was notable to be concerned of, including some private chambers. They were mainly to watch Anakin, or Vader, through his wanderings in the Temple. Also, they did hope to add to the effect of watching the Temple burn down from the inside.

The man on the far right nodded as he watched the screen, following Master Windu and Anakin down the halls, with a small crowd billowing behind him. His silent tone pierced the room effortlessly. "This should be interesting."

"He shouldn't be doing this." The other to his right warned. "This is not what we wanted to use his time doing. He needs to be taking his mission seriously."

"He is taking it seriously, master," the other started, coming to the defence of Vader. "Let him have some fun with the other Jedi. He needs to gain their trust, and this is the only way for him to do so."

The man glanced at his partner, and eyed him curiously. "And this is coming from the Zabrak who had been created for the soul purpose of defeating the Jedi. I must say that I am surprised by you reaction, Maul."

The Zabrak's eyes narrowed as he followed his companion around the room, walking away from the cameras. "Were you expecting more?"

The Sith Lord's eyes shot up. "Yes."

The other Sith merely smiled, sitting down on a small chair opposite his master. "Sorry to disappoint," he added in his most quiet tone, almost sarcastic and yet emotional.

The other figure smiled, and began to laugh, sitting down opposite the Zabrak. He breathed in as he did so, eyeing him carefully. He looked to his right and stared hard at the cameras before turning has gaze back to the Zabrak.

"What did Thrawn say?" he asked in a quiet tone.

Maul's eyes lit up. "He said that he will support us if we are willing to support him."

"That's it"

"No," Maul shook his head in an annoying way. He swallowed hard and took in a deep breath. "I gave him Piett."

The older man's eyes widened at first, but then narrowed. "You what?" he asked in an assured way. He was hoping that he had just misheard him. Giving up one of their best commanders was not going to cut it very well with their plan. He needed Piett just as much as he needed Thrawn.

"I gave him Piett," Maul stated in a slow manner.

The Dark Lord pursed his lips together. "Why?" he asked as his anger was building.

Maul could feel his master's anger building, and quickly came to assure him that nothing was wrong. "He asked for him, or more likely demanded it." he stated in a quick, yet calm tone. "It was his concession to working with us. Anyway, they can learn much off each other. They are almost as brilliant as each other."

"Is there anything else that you gave him," Nihilus started, his eyes glowing in a complete yellow, "that I should know about?"

Maul thought hard for a moment. Perhaps he should tell him that he had to give up seventeen Imperial-class Star Destroyers, half of his own fleet, to Thrawn as apart of the deal. But he thought better of it. Anyway, he would soon find out. So he thought that he had better tell him. Suddenly, as he was about to open up his mouth he felt his throat tighten, and he struggled to breathe.

"You gave him," he heard a silent, but menacing voice suddenly crawl over him, "seventeen Imperial-class Star Destroyers. Ships that were meant to be used in the war against Palpatine, ships that were to be used by us, not him. Were they even finished?"

"Yeees," came the reply, though just.

Nihilus released the grip on Maul, "You have disappointed me Maul," he added in between the gasps of his younger apprentice. "I hope that you have learned your lesson."

He could only hear Maul breathe out a small reply as he turned his gaze back onto the screen before him.

Mace had struck hard against Anakin's shoulder, causing him to falter and fall to the ground. Even as Anakin hit the ground he stared back up at Mace, who was holding his purple lightsaber at his throat. They glared at each other for a moment, holding their stern gaze. Windu then deactivated his saber and held up a hand for Anakin to help him get up. Mace smiled as he did so, letting Anakin know of his triumph. Around him a few of the spectators laughed and clapped as Windu had won, causing both combatants to stare around the room at the people watching them. It was almost full, both of security guards and a number of Jedi initiates and padawan learners. A number of Knights and Master's had appeared as well.

Anakin stared around at the spectators, watching as they clapped. He studied their faces, and remembered how they had all died. His saber and their chest. It bought a smile to his lips as he thought about it.

"A bit cocky, Skywalker," Mace offered him, causing Anakin to turn around. They stared at each other for a moment, narrowing their eyes and meeting each others gaze. They held the gaze temporarily, waiting for the other to falter first.

Anakin beamed further into a smile, and began to laugh. "We are now equal, Master Windu, one point each. Now for the match point."

Mace saw the apparent would be Jedi's smile, and was sickened by it. There was still something that he didn't like about this boy, and he would find out soon enough what it was about his nature that he disliked.

Making their way to other ends of the small arena, both Mace and Anakin lined up and faced each other, their gazes unwavering. Anakin nodded to himself, he had been waiting to use this new 'skill' of his to his advantage, and he hoped that now would be the best time to use it. he smiled again as he thought of it.

Opposite him Mace could see the younger mans smile. 'I hate smile. He won't be wearing that once I am finished with him.' he thought all of a sudden. He wanted to embarrass the boy, hopefully shut him down a number of levels. Above all, he wanted to teach him some respect, and make him learn that he was the only Jedi Master, and true swordsman of the Temple.

Anakin, still smiling, read his mind and shook his head. 'Damn he is a cocky man himself.' He paused momentarily, watching as Windu readied himself. 'Let's see how good he is.'

They both readied themselves, and Anakin stood waiting for Windu to come at him. He was going to let him come, and then he would show him what it was truly like to feel the power of the Force, and what a master swordsman was like. As soon as he had thought that, the bell rang, causing Anakin to ignite his saber, and stand in a defensive position. Opposite him, Mace did the same thing, but ran at the apparent unprepared Anakin. The Sith saw him come closer, and closer, and merely smiled as he did so. Mace had the look of anger written into his face, trying to bait Anakin into moving, but was surprised when he did not begin to move.

Above them the crowd watched as Master Windu, seeing him get more incensed as he charged Anakin, who did not even move, but seemed to wait for the attack to come. Mace was yelling at the top of his lungs. He jumped up high into the air, his saber dragging behind him, and as he came closer to Anakin he swung wildly, slicing through the air and digging the saber into the ground.

There was a loud gasp as the air was sucked away. Windu had closed his eyes during what would have been the cut, but opened them again, and what he saw was – nothing. There was no Anakin Skywalker standing before him. He had all but disappeared.

The Jedi Master stood up from his crouched position, looking confused. Around him, the hundreds of Jedi and guards who had appeared to watch this match were equally mystified by Anakin disappearing. He stretched out with the Force, trying to find his signature, but was unable to do so. He was gone, he had disappeared. For a moment, Mace seemed worried, and yet triumphant, but the something appeared in his mind, growing larger and coming closer.

Mace took in a deep breath before swinging widely behind him, missing the younger Anakin who swung hard and slammed his body against Mace's and his saber against his. The Jedi Master cried out. Anakin had just appeared as he had disappeared. The crowds were equally shocked at his appearance.

Anakin smiled menacingly, showing his teeth. He then pushed himself away from Mace, letting him come at him. The dark skinned Jedi merely lunged at Anakin, swinging his saber past his body. Anakin slammed his saber down upon Mace's, causing him to jolt out of the way and reaffirm his stance. He watched as Anakin jumped high into the air, landing on one of the platforms. Mace followed him up there, their lightsaber fight intensified as a result of their confined space.

Anakin watched as Mace came at him in a rush, both hands wrapped around the hilt of his saber as he swung and twisted it at Anakin's thigh – and then he pivoted and came around for a strike at Anakin's shoulder. Anakin had anticipated such a feint, merely sidestepped and brought his blade up to block the shoulder cut, absorbing the slight jar as Mace's blade crashed into his own. But Mace was not yet left out of the loop. He jumped high in the air, pointed his lightsaber to the ground, and landed on his knee.

He stood up and waited for Anakin to come down and get him. Anakin, who was younger and more physically fit, was faster than Mace could comprehend; he was having trouble just holding onto his own. He watched as Anakin came down before him, lifting his saber up high, and bringing it down hard, striking Mace, and bringing him down to his knees.

Mace though was not yet finished, and resounding to beat his opponent he used his last amount of strength against him, striking him hard in several places. Anakin was afire with his lightsaber in his hand, blocking and parrying and cutting with effortless accuracy and precision, engaging and pulling back with a speed that couldn't be fathomed by Mace, causing him to falter where he stood. Anakin saw this, and with a swift strike kicked the dark skinned Jedi, making him fall to the ground. Mace's lightsaber flew up into the air making Anakin call upon the Force to call the lightsaber to him. As it landed in his hands, Anakin ignited it, placing both sabers at Mace's throat.

Mace eyed him for a moment, before he heard the distinct sound of the humming lightsaber disappear, becoming deactivated. He took in a deep breath before calming down. For a moment he was sure that Anakin was going to kill him, but he had been proven wrong. Indeed, he had just noticed himself that he was extremely cocky in his assuming that he was a better fighter than Anakin. He had been proven wrong.

Mace stood up, his face masking his defiance of Anakin winning. Taking back his saber from the younger man, he had a mind to ask him where he had learned his technique, but then though better of it. Anakin had won, and that was final. Mace proudly acknowledged his defeat before Anakin, by bowing, and then stalking off. Behind him though, the crowd began to murmur and then cheer the completion of the fight. Anakin stood where he was for a few minutes, waiting for the crowd to disperse. Even as he watched them go, he knew that they would be talking about this fight for many days now.

He turned around suddenly, and halted where he stood. Before him now three Jedi Master's stood before him, watching him distinctly. The Cerean Ki-adi Mundi, the Zabrak Agen Kolar and the Togruta Shaak Ti all stared at him, watching him carefully. He merely stared back at them for some time before they all congratulated him on his achievement.

Ki-adi, after a moment's silence, placed his hand on the Anakin's shoulder and looked into his eyes, trying to read them. Which, for Anakin's sake he couldn't. He nodded soon after, turning away. Beside him Shaak Ti spoke out.

"Anakin," she started, making him turn his attention onto her. "We were on our way to meditate when we saw you and Master Windu fighting. We are pleased that you won, and we were wondering if you felt like accompanying us to meditate."

Anakin thought for a moment. He was unsure how to go on, if he should say yes or no. 'Gain their trust,' a voice said in his head. He nodded almost immediately, accepting the chance to meditate.

Obi-wan sat in silence, watching as the smaller figure of Master Yoda appeared before him, his walking stick slamming on the ground as he made his way through his own chambers. The Jedi watched him as he made his way to a chair, and getting upon it, crossed his legs and stared at the youthful Jedi Master.

Obi-wan nodded his head as he stared at Yoda, he sighed, breathing in deeply. Yoda, noticed this, lowered his head in contemplation. "Bothering you something, young Obi-wan?"

The Jedi stared into Yoda's eyes, watching the queering nature and concerned looks of the Jedi Grand Master. He seemed to be employing a queering smile. Obi-wan shook his head, and then sighed even deeper. "Anakin, master," Obi-wan said quietly. "He has changed since we last saw him."

"Indeed," Yoda answered in a knowing tone. "Older he has become, and much wiser. Though I can tell, that you think he has not."

"No, master."

Yoda lowered his head and shook it. "Changed he has become indeed. A great darkness surrounds him, enshrouded within him. Different he may seem."

"There is fear surrounding the boy," Obi-wan continued. "He is full of hate," he paused for a moment, "And anger. He is no longer the boy that I used to know."

Yoda nodded. He had seen Anakin change even over the two days that he had been here. He had become more angry, less calm, and then would switch between the two. It was as if he had alternate personalities, and would at times choose which ones would suit him best. The younger man was complicated at best.

Yoda groaned in his seat, as if considering something. He then stared at Obi-wan, opening himself up into the Force. "Ask approval you do," Yoda stared at his younger friend. "Want him to come with you on your next mission, you do."

"Yes, master," Obi-wan countered, swallowing as he went. "I have found a link between the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala and a place near the edge of the CoCo Town, a small diner named after the owner, Dex."

"Know of it well, you do?" Yoda asked, his voice curious.

The Jedi Master nodded. "Yes, master. Anyway, he has told me that many 'shady' characters have been eating there as of late, talking about an employer named Dooku who apparently told them to watch out for senator Amidala, and if possible, to eliminate her." Yoda's eyes peaked at this interest. "It seems that they may also attempt to take out the other senators opposed to the Conscription Bill, as well as the Military Creation Act."

"What think you if they succeed?" Yoda asked with a meaningful tone.

Obi-wan took a moment to think of it. "If they do succeed in what they do they may bring about a start to the war that we all fear."

"I agree." Yoda said into silence. "Take with you, you will, the care of the Force. Changing, I sense it is." He stopped and fell silent, nodding his head. "Take with you, young Skywalker, you wish, do you?"

"Yes, master." The taller Jedi Master nodded assuredly. He might be able to fit in with them more so than Obi-wan could. And on the upper side, he was already attached to the senator, and they were extremely close.

"Allow this, I will." The aged Jedi aster commented. "Though lightly. Take with you another you will, and watch young Skywalker's movements. Fully trust him, I do not."

"Yes, Master Yoda." Obi-wan nodded, getting up off of his seat. He quietly left the room, heading out into the hallway. He had to find Anakin.

Far below them, and on the opposite side of the Temple, Anakin Skywalker, secretly Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, waited in silence, apparently meditating with three Jedi Council Members. He had heard what Yoda had said, and his discussion with Obi-wan. The attempts on Padme's life went ahead besides him being here, and he was not able to stop them. Although they did get Jango Fett out of it in the end, there were still threats on her life.

Anakin smiled. Obi-wan and he were going on their first mission, but they were not going alone. Perhaps they were going to bring another Master with them, or even perhaps a Jedi Initiate. But whoever it was, Anakin would have to get rid of them. It should just be him and Obi-wan. He would make sure that it would be just so.

But also, he would make sure that he would get rid of these apparent assassins. Then Padme can live her life in peace. They would pay for what they attempted to do to her. Oh yes, they would pay with their lives.

After all this, there was only one problem that he would have to deal with. He smiled now, even as he thought of that problem.

I hope that you enjoyed that. Please review.