Disclaimer – all original Star Wars characters in this fanfic (excluding my OC's) are the property of Lucasfilm and Disney.
Chapter 26 "The Joy and The Sorrow."
Padawans in the Kingdom! The Kingdom of the Force managed to rescue the Padawans from the Republic's prison and ensure that they wouldn't fall into the hands of the Dread Masters. While the mission was a success, the Kingdom of the Force has lost many Sentinels against the Sith Lords, but the most painful was the loss of the former Jedi Master and now its Knight, Shaak Ti.
While the Padawans are being treated and fed in the medical center, the rest of the Kingdom needs to say goodbye to the brave Togruta, who died, protecting her friends.
Zulio – Third Moon of Shili, Temple of Balance, The Sacred Hall.
The Sacred Hall was a vast, multi-floored chamber located underneath the Temple of Balance, which served as a tomb. Ancient symbols and language of the Force was carved on the chamber's white, tiled walls. It was a place where the Knights, who have fallen in battle, had their bodies placed in a beautiful, gold sarcophagi, which were surrounded by evenly-arranged maritime crystals from Christophis.
Despite being under the Temple and without windows, the chamber was nicely lit by candles and torches. The gentle light was reflected off the crystals, walls, and floor, giving the fallen the peace they had earned.
All four ArchKnights together with the rest of the members of the Kingdom stood before the opened sarcophagus and the body of Shaak Ti, who lay on white sheets surrounded by cut turu-grass. The red-skinned Togruta was much paler now and she was clothed in traditional Togrutan attire and her hands, that held her lightsaber, were placed on her chest.
One could fell the sorrow and even anger from the members of the Kingdom, especially Anakin, who blamed himself for being weak and thus for the death of Shaak Ti. Maul wasn't with them but Zai'shira didn't force and expect him to come. He did his fair share during the mission and that was enough for now. He helped save the young Padawans, so participating in a funeral of a former Jedi Master was above his duties.
General Grievous and Commander Rex were also present in the chamber. Even Jaydon, who, while not a member of the Kingdom, wanted to pay his respect, so he stood silently and watched the Knights with compassion and admiration.
He noticed that many Knights had tears in their eyes since no one was afraid or ashamed to show emotions. The mercenary now truly believed that the Padawans were in good hands and that he made a good decision by trusting the group that came to the Citadel.
The ArchKnights turned around to the group and Zai'shira spoked with seriousness and sadness in her voice. "Every one of us is a child of the Force. While our bodies are weak, fragile and we can be killed by the smallest thing, they are also vessels for something far greater... the Force. While Knight Shaak Ti is no longer with us physically, she is still present with us and forever will be."
Deiven nodded and also spoke a few words. "She believed in the balance and did everything in her power to save the Padawans and her friends. She's now in the Realm of Balance and believe me, there is no greater reward which the Force could bestow on her."
"But that doesn't mean her death will not be avenged," added Avelon. "The Dread Masters need to pay for her death and we'll not rest until they do."
"For now, let's honor Shaak Ti and thank her for her love, friendship, and devotion towards the Kingdom," said Qui-Gon. The ArchKnights turned towards the sarcophagus and extended their hands. All other Force-sensitives did the same gesture. The heavy lid of the sarcophagus was lifted into the air and gently placed on top of the rectangular frame of the sarcophagus, covering Shaak Ti's body.
Silence filled the room as everyone closed their eyes and stood in silence for quite some time. Finally, one after another they turned around and left the Sacred Hall through the large lift on the far end of the chamber.
When the lift reached the ground floor of the Temple and everyone got out, Anakin hit the wall with his fist. "Dammit!" he growled. Some of the members glanced at the human but didn't comment on his actions. They knew Anakin well and understood him.
"Anakin," Aritia said softly and looked as Avelon approached the human from behind and placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's not your fault Anakin," he reassured. "Against the Dread Masters, and all six of them at once, even all four ArchKnights would have a serious problem. The fact that you survived and managed to keep them from hurting the Padawans is a success."
"But she died because I needed to be rescued!" Anakin said forcefully.
"And that's my fault," suddenly Ahsoka spoke with guilt written all over her sad face. "If I hadn't of launched that stupid missile, you and the others would not have needed to be rescued."
"Oh, in that case, it's my fault because I didn't come with you," Deiven, who stood right beside them, said looking at Ahsoka. "I could've got into the Citadel and use Force travel to take all the Padawans to Shili. Or even it is Avelon's fault because if he would be on the mission with you, he could use his Dark Transfer to bring Shaak Ti from the brinks of death."
"Exactly," agreed the Anzat. "You can't blame yourself for your actions because no one would and could have know what would happen. The Dread Masters could've easily pushed the gunship into the river if you hadn't fired that missile. True if we had approached the mission differently maybe Shaak Ti would still be alive, but someone else could've died instead. We're at war and it would be foolish to think that we would win it without casualties. She knew the danger of this mission and didn't hesitate to risk her life for others."
"So don't blame yourselves," said Deiven. "You gave your all and succeeded. You saved the Padawans and we all are proud of you."
"No training today. Now go and rest, you earned it," added Avelon.
Ahsoka and Anakin nodded. They weren't happy but felt relieved in some way. Still, 'what if' questions were dwelling inside their minds. Anakin met Aritia's gaze, who approached him. With a reassuring smile, the Firrerreo hugged him and he embraced her back.
Ahsoka, who watched the two, felt something around her hand and looked at it. Deiven's tail gently wrapped itself around her palm and gave her a reassuring squeeze. She smiled at him and squeezed back his tail.
When the three turned around and headed off, Avelon and Deiven approached Zai'shira and Qui-Gon, who talked with Jaydon. "So you're Jaydon Lawson, the mercenary from the same timeline as the Dread Masters," said the young Firrerreo.
"Yes, please to meet you and my condolences for the loss of your friend," said the human.
"Thank you, for that and for your help during the mission," said Deiven.
"I've promised the ArchKnight that I would help the Padawans, but I wished I could've done more," admitted Jaydon.
"You still can," assured Deiven. "The Kingdom could use someone like you and..."
Jaydon raised his hand, interrupting the young ArchKnight. "Sorry, I'm not interested in joining any alliances or groups, at least not permanent. If you have a job for me that's okay, but I'm not cheap. The mission in the prison was a one-time free of charge offer."
"If you wouldn't warn us during the fight with the Dread Masters, more people would of died," pointed out Zai'shira. "So it wouldn't be fair to leave you empty-handed."
The Togruta glanced at the Rakata, who approached her with a briefcase and a datapad. She took the items and looked back at Jaydon. "This is for you," she announced extending her arms. "The datapad contains information about what happened while you were in stasis so you can bring yourself up to speed and in the briefcase, you have 20 000 credits, that will help you get some food and equipment for you to start."
"We also prepared a ship for you," added Avelon. "Nothing conspicuous, a simple Mu-class shuttle."
"Now that's a parting gift," stated Jaydon as he took the briefcase and the datapad from Zai'shira.
"You should start by flying to Corellia," suggested Zai'shira. "I'm sure a mercenary with your skills would find a job quickly. Just bear in mind that some bounty hunters don't like competition. You learn the names of the most famous ones soon enough."
"Noted," Jaydon nodded.
"Our Rakata friend will take you to your ship," said Qui-Gon. "We hope that your assignments won't be conflicting with our goals."
"I hope the same, for your sake," Jaydon said teasingly, making Zai'shira roll her blue eyes. "Thanks again for everything and good luck in the war with the Dread Masters," he added honestly. "I'll be cheering for you."
The three ArchKnights smiled and nodded to the human, who turned around on his heel and began to walk along with the Rakata. They watched him carefully and their smiles faded.
"I think that soon enough the reality of the situation will hit him hard," stated Deiven. "I just hope he can handle it, for his sake."
"Yeah, no matter what he endured during his times, this situation is far more difficult than one could imagine and no matter how strong one is, it will get to him either way," stated Avelon. "It always does, but he must handle this problem on his own."
"Hmmm anyway," Deiven looked at Zai'shira. "The A1s... how did they perform?"
"Very good," replied Zai'shira. "They survived the fight against the crazed creatures of the Dread Masters and worked with HK very efficiently. They're far more capable than the standard B1 battle droids."
"Good, we'll start mass production at once," announced the young Firrerreo.
"What about the Republic? Any contacts and accusations from Windu?" asked Zai'shira.
"Nothing," Avelon shook his head. "The Republic doesn't know that the Kingdom was involved. They only know and are sure that only the Dread Masters attacked the Citadel."
"I see, well, now we need to figure out how to save the younglings," stated Zai'shira. "And first things first, learn their exact location."
Zulio – Third Moon of Shili, Temple of Balance, Medical Center.
Adi Gallia and Siri Tachi assisted the healers and the medical droids with the treatment of the Padawans at the request of the ArchKnight Zai'shira and it was a good idea since the Padawans were happy to see them and most importantly, they trusted them.
When Master Yoda arrived to see the Padawans, their joy could be felt in the whole Temple. Some of the Padawans even jumped out of their beds and ran up to the small alien when he entered the random room. Both the Padawans and Master Yoda himself had tears in their eyes. While the young Jedi were genuinely shocked to see the oldest Jedi Master crying, they were too happy to ask questions.
The Padawans in the other rooms felt his Force signature and quickly wanted to see him. While the healers wanted them to remain in their beds, Adi and Siri agreed and let them see their friend. Each bed had four or even five Padawans sitting on it when all of them gathered inside the room.
"Glad to see you safe, I am," said the green alien. He lowered his head in shame as he continued. "Protect you, I was not able. Weak, I was. Tortured, you were."
"It's not your fault Master Yoda!" Barriss said forcefully. The Mirialan sat right beside Caleb, whose head was bandaged and his eye-sockets covered. The young boy did feel slight pain and was uncomfortable with the lack of sight, but he felt somewhat more attuned to the Force around him. While he didn't see his friends, he could sense them.
"Yeah! The Republic is evil!" said another Padawan, a Rodian male. The Padawans nodded in unison.
"Accuse the Republic for every evil, you should not," Yoda stated, but he understood their anger. "Scared, the people are. Fear, a bad guide is. The fault of Mace Windu, that is."
Many Padawans looked at the floor, contemplating the words of their mentor and friend. When the door to the room hissed-opened, Ahsoka entered it with Anakin. The Padawans switched their eyes at them and smiled. "Is that Master Skywalker?" asked Caleb, who sensed the Force signature of the adult human.
"Yes," Barriss confirmed and got up from the bed together with the blinded boy, who held her hand. When they approached Ahsoka, Barriss bowed her head towards her. The Mirialan heard about Ahsoka being the daughter of the Queen of Shili and thus, the princess of the Togrutan homeworld.
Ahsoka rolled her eyes and stepped forward. She hugged Barriss, who suddenly huffed a smile and hugged her back.
"Thank you for saving us," Caleb said with a smile. Anakin crouched before him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You're a brave and tough young man," he praised. "If it weren't for your message, we wouldn't know where to look, so technically, you saved your friends."
Caleb blushed silently and Anakin chuckled at the sight. Barriss pulled away from Ahsoka and gently touched Caleb's back. "Can you repair the damage the warden did to him?" she asked hopefully.
"Of course," Anakin reassured and stood back up. "Compared to what we did to a former Sith Lord, this should be quite easy."
"Can you... hold off with that for a while?" Caleb asked drawing many confused looks, especially from Barriss.
"What do you mean?" Barriss asked perplexed. "You like being... blind?"
"I can feel the Force more clearly now," Caleb replied. "It's a nice feeling and maybe I can get used to it."
Ahsoka and Anakin looked at each other surprised. Well... it's not like we can't heal you later, Anakin stated, looking back at the young boy. I mean if that's what you want.
Caleb smiled and nodded in confirmation.
"Alright then," Anakin agreed. Master Yoda leaned on his cane and stroked his chin with an intrigued smile.
"So what happens now?" asked a black-haired female Padawan.
"We'll try to find your families so you can get in touch with them once again," Ahsoka replied, switching her gaze from Barriss to the Padawans. "You have the right to visit them. Of course, you can decide if you want to become Squires and in the future, the Knights of the Kingdom of the Force or simply stay away from the conflict and remain with your families. Even if you wish to join us, you can still remain in contact with your families. We don't force you to break ties with them. That's a crucial decision, so take your time and most importantly, rest."
Some Padawans began to look at each other and whisper, while the others only nodded after Ahsoka finished her speech. It was a lot of information for them and Master Yoda knew that. "To your own rooms, should you go," suggested Yoda. "The most important for the Kingdom, your health is."
The Padawans smiled and began to stand up and head towards the door.
Zulio – Third Moon of Shili, Temple of Balance, Maul's Room.
Maul meditated in cross-legged position in the middle of his room. He was in good humor and no one could blame him. He killed a Jedi Master and finished his mission. One could even say that he was relaxed.
A sudden knock on his door made him open his eyes. "Enter," he said. The door hissed-open and Shiva'ra, the former Jedi healer, entered his room.
"I don't need medical attention if that's what you here for," Maul stated.
"You weren't present at the funeral," Shiva'ra pointed out. "Why?"
The death of a former Jedi Master means nothing to me, Maul replied. Besides, ArchKnight Zai'shira didn't order me to come, so I didn't.
"I think there's a different reason," Shiva'ra said
"Oh please, humor me," Maul said with a mocking tone.
"I know that you're trying to fit in Maul," assured the female Zabrak. "You didn't want to be at the funeral because you know that your presence could arouse unwanted emotions from some members, which could ruin it. You actually paid respect to Knight Ti by not being at her funeral."
Maul looked at Shiva'ra silently for a few second and snickered. "Heh, bullshit," he replied and stood up. "If I ever want to hear a joke, I know who to visit."
"Say what you will, but I know what makes you tick," Shiva'ra said and turned on her heel. "Visit me from time to time at the medical center... or in my room if you feel lonely."
When Shiva'ra left Maul's room, he only shook his head and rolled his eyes. "What a crazy girl," he stated.
Hyperspace Tunnel, Mu-class Shuttle's Cockpit.
Jaydon sat in the pilot seat and had a serious expression on his face, which was illuminated by the blue light of the hyperspace tunnel. While he had everything he needed to start from scratch and create his legend anew, he wasn't happy. All this time with the members of the Kingdom of the Force he had his game face, which hid his anger and sadness.
The mercenary leaned back and released an exhausted sigh, everything and everyone he ever knew was gone, his friends, his contacts, everything he lived for was gone, the only thing that remained, was his nightmares. He released a humorless huff, of course he'd lose everything he cared for but have to deal with the one thing that he feared.
He'd always hoped he'd see the end of the war, end of the strife and conflict, sure that's where the money was but even he got tired of all the fighting, now look where he is, a new war, with new players but with the same enemy. He leaned forward and finally decided to ask the one question that was on his mind beside the obvious: "Is this some kind of joke or is this really my life?"
There was no one to give him the answer because the truth was, he was alone.
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