CHAPTER 37 : Siri's offer
Author : I told you that I would upload that chapter mush sooner than last time :D. I was soooo pleased with all of your reviews, it gave and still gives me hopes for the rest of this fiction : there will be plenty of chapters of this kind. I unfortunately have the regret to announce that considering that the CW serie is not going as fast as I hoped, I will have to do much more non-canon when I'll finish the events of the season 5, because yes, you realised that my fiction had now passed the season 4 of CW. Well after the famous battle, let's have a little rest and see Assajj's health.
For once, Ahsoka was really relieved to not have to go on the battlefield. She grew more and more tired of this non-end conflict so accompanying Yoda for the Gathering of younglings had been a welcomed mission when the Grand Master had asked her. It was not like she could have refused anyway, but she was very glad, and felt proud : such honour was given to the apprentices the most gifted and wisest amoung their peers. She had ran in all the Temple for a whole hour now in order to find her master to tell him about her new mission but, as always, when Anakin Skywalker decided to stay unfounded, he became a real shadow. Padawan Tano sighed heavily as she stopped in front of a large and high window. It was propably because of the presence of that woman inside the walls of their home. Many had disapproved, at first, that their healers were taking care of someone like Assajj Ventress : after all, hadn't she killed many Jedi ? She was a dark Jedi, every one knew that but Master Kenobi had brought her here and he had spent every single day in her medical room since their return. How could someone stay ten days around that witch ? But Yoda had explained her earlier, Ventress had been a Jedi once ago, she had witnessed the death of her master helplessly and had fell to the darkside. In fact, she was home for the first time of her life. Once Ahsoka knew the truth, she started to accept Kenobi's move, but she reminded cautious : how would react Assajj when she would wake up, if she could. There were too much questions in her mind for such hour, she would just go inform Obi-wan about her departure tomorrow and then, go to bed.
Reaching the Healer Wing about five minutes later because a very young Jedi had, again, asked her where was Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka found herself staring, behind the transparent glass of Ventress' room, at Obi-wan sleeping, totally exhausted, at the end of the bed where the Rattataki woman where still laying unconscious. The guilt of the man was easily felt, nearly making the glass walls shaking or breaking. A guilt that in fact seemed to never left the auburn Council Master : if every one had repeated that it was not his fault, Obi-wan felt responsible, always responsible for too much things. Sometimes Ahsoka thought that the Jedi Order simply asked too much of Obi-wan Kenobi. Even the strongest had to rest. The female Togruta chuckled looking at the Jedi Master and the dark acolyte : things seemed so simple when people where sleeping, they looked tired but not weak, and if there hab been conflict between them, Ahsoka knew that a friendship had been formed.
Only then, Tano noticed that she was not alone in the corridor. Master Tachi was resting behind her, on a chair, her hood covered her tired face and a sticky blonde hair that used to be so bright. She understood that the Council Member had reclused herself from her husband because she had wanted to cry, alone. Perhaps coming here had been a bad idea.
"Master Tachi ? I didn't feel your presence. Do you want me to leave ?" asked timidly Ahsoka. She always had difficulties to talk with the blonde woman, she respected her way too much. Even if she had understood that Siri was willing to be friend with her, she felt she was not worthy to speak with the Cold Queen like if she was like Anakin.
"No Ahsoka," Siri dried her eyes, "you can stay. Do you need something ?"
"I wanted to warn Master Kenobi that I'll leave with Master Yoda for the Gathering," informed the padawan.
"Aren't you a little old for such trial ?"
Ahsoka smiled, "I'll be the instructor this time."
"The younglings are lucky. I wished I had someone like you for my Gathering," commented the Jedi Master.
"Yours went bad ?"
"Oh not at all. But the padawan thought he had better things to do, so you can imagine what Yoda said," Siri chuckled a little thinking about her childhood.
"I didn't know," said Ahsoka with her usual timidity in front of Siri.
"Only a few talk about their childhood so how could you have ?"
"I guess..." Then, the Togruta dared to ask what her mind was asking, "Master Tachi, why were you crying ? Is this because of Obi-wan ?"
The blonde Jedi slowly rose, letting Ahsoka notice that she wasn't wearing the stunning dark blue robe, but a large green Jedi tunic, a simple black trouser and black boots, and she came next to her, staring at her sleeping husband. "It is about Obi-wan, but it's absolutely not because of him. I can't find a thing I coud blame him for." A lovely smile appeared on her lips, "I sometimes check during the night if he is still next to me in my bed because I feel my life became a dream thanks to Obi-wan, even with that war."
"He has that kind of power yes. I mean, when I'm fighting next to Master Kenobi, it seems like war is just a training session in the Jedi Temple."
"And fighting his old nemesis seemed a safe to do when you are Obi-wan Kenobi," added Siri thoughtful.
"Anakin told me about that Darth Maul. Such monster is too dangerous to let alive."
"This is not very Jedi-Like, Ahsoka," recalled Siri, "But I agree. Such thing did enough."
"So your sadness is caused by the late events?"
"Look at Obi-wan. He is always trying to help the Healers. They had agreed that only Obi-wan could reach Assajj's mind, so he is trying as much as he can. But every day, reality strikes him and he had to accept that there is a possibility for Ventress to stay like this forever. You were not here when he brought her back. I never saw him so sad, he feels she is here because he hadn't protected her."
"Obi-wan is always try to protect the other."
"Yes, but this time, he had to protect himself first because Maul and Oppress wanted him. The guilt in his heart is very strong, but he will have to realise it's misplaced. But he has to do it alone, and for the first time of my life, I cannot help my husband."
"It's not your fault either, Siri."
"I am the one who has to support him, to comfort him, I must be here when he needs me," tears were forming again in her blue eyes.
"Siri," Ahsoka took her hand gently, "I think he knows that."
"I think too but …," Siri cleaned her face a little with her sleeve, "He has to do so much. I can't stand seeing him desperate because he realises he can't change some of the things."
"Obi-wan is a great Jedi, but he can't change destiny."
"If you only knew, young Ahsoka," Siri kneeled in front of the wall of glass, "He can, and you know it. Look what Obi-wan did with the Order's philosophy about the attachment. He showed to the whole Jedi Council how much we had been wrong with our interpretation of love. What else will he change too ?"
"I … I don't know, Master," simply replied the padawan. Siri Tachi was right, if Anakin Skywalker was supposed to be the Chosen One, the Force seemed, every time Ahsoka checked, right behind Obi-wan Kenobi, encouraging him, supporting him, and thanking him. And she was sure every one felt that way around the auburn human. "I am sorry Siri, but I'm tired, it had been a long day."
"Alright, Ahsoka. Good night, and good luck for tomorrow."
"Good night Siri," and with those last words, Siri was once again alone in the warm darkness on the Healer Wing during the night, watching her husband sleeping in a terrible way on a hard medical bed. She decided to enter Ventress' room to check if everything was fine, even if she knew that Bant was not far in any case. First, she stopped next to Assajj, cautiously observing the pale head which wasn't showing any sign of pain, only peace and calm. But such observation wasn't really good, considering her coma. Ventress would probably not awake tonight. She then went behind her husband, caressing his auburn hair that she loved so much and gently rubbed his back, not wanting to awake him, but of course he did.
"Siri ?" asked Obi-wan without opening his eyes, recognising her touch.
"Yes it's me, love," replied the blonde woman, leaning to kiss him with a certain amount of seduction that would not make him resist. And of course, Obi-wan rose to deepen their tender kiss in this little medical chamber.
"How long have I been sleeping ?"
"Two hours I think," she looked a little guilty to have wake him up, "You need to rest a little more, I'm sorry, I didn't want to-"
"It's okay Siri," he caressed her left cheek with the back of his hand, "If I want to gather strength, I should be in a proper bed."
"Are you trying to bring me in your bed Master Kenobi ?" teased Siri, licking her teeth.
"Must I remind you that I've been in yours more than in mine ?"
"My bed is for two, not yours. And even if I like behind held very tightly against you," she pressed her beautiful body against his, "I'm sure you'll agree with me in saying that we sleep better in my bed."
Obi-wan crossed his arms behind her back to bring her even closer, and kissed her lovingly, "I agree, my dear wife."
"But you are going to stay in this dark room, watching her, right ?"
"I can hear her calling my name, I don't know how but I'm sure she will awake," replied Obi-wan.
"Alright then, I'm staying too. Someone needs to watch over you too, and who else than your wife ?" Obi-wan was about to protest, but Siri continued, "No but, Obi-wan. I'll sit in that armchair, I'll be fine."
"I know better than arguing with you."
"I like the fact that the famous Negotiator is speechless against his wife," she giggled a bit, "what would your fans say ?"
"If they knew, they would kill you out of jealousy," warned the auburn man.
"They can try, I have the Knight of the Force to protect me !"
Obi-wan laughed slightly, "The mighty Cold Queen is no longer able to protect herself ?"
"I am. But my husband is so much a show-off that he won't resist showing his skills with a lightsaber." She winked, "But I love him for that too."
"I'm not a show-off !"
"Of course you are not. I was just teasing, my modest husband."
"I love you Siri Kenobi."
"I love you too, Obi-wan Kenobi."
When Palpatine entered the main room of his Office, he found the young Jedi Knight Ferus Ollin looking through the huge window behind his desk. His face, impassive but focus, was reflecting on the window, and the Sith Lord knew something was bothering the boy.
"I thought I told you you didn't have to stay in the Office when I'm inside. You can check the docking bay, perhaps even see Aayla if you want to," stated Palpatine gently.
"Even if you don't really need protection, you can't blow your cover : if the Jedi knew that you're a Sith, you'll be arrested. So someone has to play the bodyguard," replied coldly the Jedi Knight.
"May I help you with something, Ferus ?"
"Yes my Lord, I believe you can. But first, I need to ask something."
"Then ask my friend."
"As I told you, the previous Sith apprentice Darth Maul has resurrected," started Ferus. "Was he your apprentice ?"
Palpatine chuckled, "Yes he was. But he became too reckless for my plan so he seek the approbation of my master. Unfortunately, my master saw Maul as a useful tool and orchestred the invasion of Naboo using my name. Naboo is my native world, how could I wish to see it burn ?"
"Then if Darth Maul becomes a threat to your plan, today, will you go and stop him ?" asked Ferus.
"I will. But as you told me, Obi-wan Kenobi seemed to have dealt with the two Zabraack."
"They are not dead, I am sure you felt it as I did," informed Ferus, "this is why I'm telling you this : I will go hunting them. If I do not kill them, they would slain many Jedi in revenge."
Palpatine bowed his head to think about what Ferus was implying. He crossed his arms behind his back, he had thought of a new use for Darth Maul when he heard about his return. But sending Ferus after him would make the Jedi stronger in the darkside of the Force, considering his motivations. And Sidious needed a corrupted Ferus Ollin for his final move, so Maul would serve this cause, not the initial one. The Dark Lord of the Sith slowly raised his head and watched Ferus. Determination was indeed readable in those black eyes. Then Sidious with his true dark voice replied, "You may proceed then."
"Do you have any idea where they could be, my Lord ?"
"You should return to the witches of Dathomir, perhaps they could help you. But Voss seems a good start."
"Another very dark planet ..." thought Ferus, "Very well. I shall depart immediately."
"Ferus... Perhaps you could interrogate Darth Maul about my former master before ending his life."
"Perhaps I'll keep such information for myself," Ferus looked at the Sith Lord behind him with cautious eyes. Then simply walked pass the Chancellor and headed to the main door of Palpatine's office, "He will tell us everything he knows."
"Be mindful, Ferus. I have trained Darth Maul since he is a child, he will be a true challenge," warned Darth Sidious, even if he knew Ferus would not stop the Zabraack. He had felt it, the boy would come back, but it would be the task of the Dark Lord to neutralise Darth Maul.
"I'm never alone," said Ferus raisin his left hand, showing the glowing Sith holocron hung on the chain, "I'll come back."
Ferus passed the doors and finally let the Sith lord alone, lost in his mind, to admire the night in Coruscant. As usal, the Jedi met with Anakin Skywalker who had another appointment with the Chancellor, even if it seemed that the Chosen One could visit Palpatine whenever he wanted too.
"Going somewhere, Ferus ?"
"What about you, Anakin ? I heard that Grievous' fleet has done many damages in our rank. I wish we could stop that damn droid," countered Ferus.
"This is the purpose of my visit, I think the Chancellor should be aware of those late news," confirmed Anakin.
"He won't be pleased. Be careful, the mind of the Chancellor is not to play with today," warned the protector.
"War even reaches the wisest, unfortunately."
"What about Ventress' health ? Has she woken up ?"
"Not yet," said Skywalker.
"Too bad. She could give us precious information."
"I'm not sure," Anakin's anger was risen quickly, Ferus was not mistaken, "Obi-wan told us that she had been betrayed by Dooku, perhaps she doesn't know much. But anyway, I'll be delight to take her into custody."
"That would indeed be very wise," added Ferus, thinking about how much he could learn about Darth Tyrannus and perhaps Sidious' master, which identity remained unknown, even for Palpatine himself. Even if the master had been killed by Palpatine, the secrets the late sith could be holding appeared essential to Ferus' quest. And Sidious had been clear about it, they needed to discover the mystery of his master.
"I shouldn't make the Chancellor waiting. Good night Ferus."
"Good night Anakin." And then Ferus Ollin disappeared at the end of red and grey corridor.
It was now the turn of Anakin Skywalker to enter the famous Office of Chancellor Palpatine. The leader of the Republic was simply observing the night's traffic of Coruscant, waiting for his friend. Mental strength had always been a quality of the Chancellor, but tonight, Skywalker was only seeing fatigue on his friend's face. And the news he was bearing would not ease the old man.
"Ah Anakin, please have a sit," said the Chancellor noticing the Jedi Knight in his black robe, waiting at the entrance. Seconds later, the two men were sitting in front of each other, excitement was once again felt in the heart of the Dark Lord : how tempting it was to tell the young boy the whole truth and see his reaction about the true nature of his old mentor. Palpatine chuckled, "How are you, my young friend ?"
"I'm fine Chancellor. I'm just having some issue at being at the Temple this time."
"Is something wrong ?" asked Palpatine, his smile fading.
"I sometimes do not understand the Council's choices," confessed Anakin, embarrassed.
"Are you referring to Assajj Ventress ?"
"Yes, Chancellor."
"Well, I think that they are keeping her until her health is stable. It seems to be a good idea," stated Palpatine. "But I understand that many Jedi are reticent to her presence considering what she had done in this war. Perhaps she could be treated as with the Jedi as in a public hospital."
"exactly, Sir. In the Temple, security is not enough, what if she escapes ? I wish you could say something, I think she should be placed under clones' supervision."
"Do you want me to say a word to the Jedi ?" asked Palpatine.
"No no, we should not place you in a bad position with the Jedi Council. I know how difficult the discussions already are," replied Anakin. "But the Council should listen to the other Jedi, the majority do not want her inside our home."
"I am sure she would be deal with when she'll wake up," added the Sith Lord, "After all, hadn't she capital information for both the Jedi and the Republic ?"
"Indeed she has Sir."
"Do not worry, every one will play his part," reassured Palpatine. "But if you are not staying at the Temple, where do you spent your time ?"
Anakin laughed a bit red, "I didn't come here to speak about my free time, Chancellor." Now the young Jedi Knight became all the more serous, "I have the displeasure to announce that General Grievous' power is growing every moment. He has manage to win many battles due to brilliant strategy. War will clearly turn to his advantage if we do not act against the cyborg general."
"What does the Council propose to stop the many victories of Grievous ?"
"They will send a Member to stop him," replied Anakin, disapproval filling his voice.
"Should I understand that they didn't pick the right Jedi Master ?"
"Absolutely not. Sending Obi-wan is clearly the wisest choice."
"But ?" Palpatine already knew what would Anakin said.
"He barely returned from a horrible test, why can't they just let him rest," added Anakin. "I am free to go hunt for Grievous."
"I thought you had a schedule with Senator Amidala, and if I remember correctly, your presence is also requested by Admiral Yularen to check his flagship," recalled Palpatine. "It is as important as going after Grievous."
"General Grievous holds a special grudge against Obi-wan, the fight won't be easy."
"I'm sorry but, correct me if I'm wrong, many separatist leaders seemed to dislike your Master," commented the Sith Lord, nearly speaking for himself. Sidious admired Kenobi for being such a beacon of the light side, but he hated him for making the corruption of Skywalker that hard : but after all, the challenge was worthy. And somehow, Palpatine knew that Obi-wan Kenobi would stay his main enemy until the end.
Anakin chuckled, "It is simply admiration, or fear, perhaps both. Every one wants to take down the Negotiator. But they can try."
"As they are trying for the famous Hero with no Fear ?"
"Exactly. We are simply given the Separatist armies some … motivations," stated Anakin proudly.
"I wish I could see this conflict as simply as you do, Anakin." Palpatine slowly rose and invited the Jedi to follow him to the doors of his office, "now my young friend, I must inform our military intelligence about Grievous' victories, perhaps they will think about something."
"Excellent, you Excellency. I wish you a very good night," said Anakin before passing the doors, and looked one last time to his mentor.
"Good night Anakin."
The former sailor ship Of Count Dooku, now in possession of Ferus Ollin, slowly exited the hyperspace and headed to Dathomir's surface where the villages of the Nightsisters was known to be found. Ferus knew that this visit would be much easier than last time considering the mark he left : the poor three girls hadn't stood a chance against him, he hadn't wanted to kill them but they had attacked, he had simply defended himself. But strangely, the whole planet seemed extremely different than last time, and the Force seemed shattered in such place like if a battle had taken place in front of the mountain. After landing, putting his armor on, he discovered with disgust, when outside, dead corpses everywhere with pieces of CIS droids. They indeed fought. Ferus was astonished to witness such disaster : weren't the Nightsisters working with Dooku ? Weren't them the ones who brought Oppress to Dooku ? So why betray his allies ? Was it because of what Obi-wan told everyone about Dooku's betrayal with Ventress ? That was the only logical reason Ferus could think about.
The Jedi sighed, now he was likely alone in the middle of a destroyed field and no-one would be hear to answer his questions. At least, he was now aware that the witches would not bother the Jedi during this war. But something caught his attention, a presence in the Force he was not familiar with, and he knew he had to check. So Ferus Ollin, after unclipping his lightsaber, headed towards the main entrance of witches' village. On his way, he found another bodies of nightsisters, which number was strangely far greater than he had imagined but he realised after falling over a body, that some of the woman seemed dead far earlier before others : if some seemed to be dead since a week, others appeared to be lifeless since decades. What kind of power could bring back the dead ? Then it stroke him : Darth Maul had been brought back to his former self because of the Nightsister. It was now clear, considering that Savage Oppress had already been in such place, the Mother Tazlin was the only being capable of such thing ! If the darkside could offer such power, then hope for Aayla remained in the Jedi's heart.
"And we will discover the technique, love" stated a gentle voice behind him. A voice Ferus knew very well and was pleased to hear it again. He truly had missed the dead Sith Lord.
"I know, I promised," replied Ferus turning back to watch the red Twi'lek in a black robe totally covering the upper part of her body, and only one leg. "I've missed you, Dia."
"It's been only a week. I can only come out when you are all alone."
"But you did come to protect me against Sidious," recalled the Jedi grinning.
"There is always exceptions to the rules, Ferus," said the red female coming closer. She leaned for kissing the Jedi Knight taking out his helmet, but Ferus lifted her in his arms to kiss her. "Quite bold today."
"I can let you go, if you want to," teased Ferus.
"No no. I like when you know what you want," shot back Dia.
"Ouch," Ferus knew the Twi'lek was referring to the constant conflicted love he was feeling for both Aayla and Dia. "If you were alive, things would be easier."
"I was joking, Ferus. Being with you is enough, I won't ask you to do more."
"I know, Dia," he kissed her again. Then he remembered what he saw before entering the village. "If Tazling was able to bring back the dead, do you think there is a pos-"
"Do not fill your heart with foolish hopes, my Jedi. I am very much dead, you can't change that."
"But if there is a way !"
"Then what Ferus ?" The woman took Ferus' head in her hands, making him look straight in her yellow eyes, "Things would be even more difficult for you. You would have to chose between me and her."
"The choice has been made since months now," informed Ferus.
"You are definitely not going to end your life with a Sith Lord. I thought we already talked about that. You are going to heal Aayla, and then, you will stay with her, because you love her and she is alive, because she actually is able to love you back." The words were painful, but Ferus had to be reasoned. She won't let him dream of a live with a dead Twi'lek.
"When we met, you told me that you could be alive, if I wanted to. Look at you right now, can't I touch you," Ferus caressed her left cheek, "Can't I kiss you ?" He slowly kissed her neck, "You are alive, in my arms and I won't let be alone."
The Twi'lek moaned, passing a red hand in his dark and breathlessly added, "You can't go after a power that could make you resurrect you, Ferus. It doesn't exist."
"And yet, dead witches had been brought back to this world," recalled the Jedi.
"You are too stubborn," commented Dia.
"But you love me for that," he hugged her even more, "Believe when I say that if there is a way, I will do everything to bring you back in my life. But I promised to heal Aayla first."
"Let's keep our attention on that quest then," ordered Darth Vectious. She didn't want to tell the Jedi that his words had reached her dark heart and made her wish that there was such power, and also because she would never told him that when Aayla would be healed, she would disappeared. She was there to support him freely, she wanted him to be happy with Aayla : that was something it would always make her laugh, a Sith wanting the happiness of a Jedi...
"Well I guess, we will have to go to Voss now. The two horned warriors are not here, even if they obviously had been."
Frustration … How could Savage Oppress be still standing and fighting her ? Hadn't Kenobi sliced the weapon in two ? So how could that beast remain that powerful ? She wasn't a weak Jedi, nor a simple bounty hunter, she had been trained in the dark arts by Count Dooku, she was Assajj Ventress ! Yet here she was, having trouble to overcome the yellow Zabraack in front of her, and Savage had only a simple lightsaber now. If the monster was lacking technique, he had still brute strength, and he was indeed using it very well.
Enraged, Ventress jumped aboved Savage to cut him in two, but the single red blade intercepted the twin red ones at the perfect moment, creating a large opening in her defense. She braced herself for the incoming yellow fist charging at her pale head. The pain was very intense, but not unbearable so she quickly rose up, dashing at the Zabraack who was waiting dangerously.
Twirling in the air, Ventress appeared in front of Savage and unleashed all of her anger in her arms to kill her enemy. But somehow, the monster was blocking every move, but at least he was no more attacking her. Suddenly, after a loud sound of a wall crashed in piece, Savage dared to look at his brother fighting Kenobi behind Ventress : it was the opening she had been waiting for ! Oppress would be at last punished. Ventress didn't think twice and jumped above her foe to kick his head as hard as she could to knock him out but when her feet reached the yellow face, Savage merely moved an inch. When she landed on the ground, he looked at her with despise and sent his right foot in her torso, taking her breath away, and making her lose her weapons. She held her side painfully and waited for the next move and then, she saw the Zabraack extended his two arms, using the Force to send her flying into darkness. The last time she remembered was Kenobi calling her name and trying to reach her with the Force, without any success.
Ventress wake up brutally as if she had a nightmare, but she knew she simply lived her fight against Savage Oppress again. She was in sweat, and honestly, she was scared, not knowing where she was. But after a moment, she realised that there was no reason to be afraid considering how comfortable was her bed and the room, filled with medical instrument. Then she saw him, sleeping totally slumped on the end of her bed. She somehow recognized the warm atmosphere of the room and understood that she was in the Jedi Temple : it had been such a long time, but nothing had really change. The next question was a bit more alarming, if she was indeed healed by Jedi, it meant she had been captured so escaping would not be an easy task. Especially in this white clothes ! And where was her weapons ?
"Oh you are awake !" exclaimed a woman in the back of the room. Assajj couldn't see the woman, but she knew she meant no harm.
"I'm in the Jedi Temple, am I not ?" asked Ventress to confirm her thoughts.
"Indeed you are. Obi-wan brought you here," said the woman slowly rising and laying a gentle hand on Kenobi's head. "He had been watching you since a week, we should let him rest."
"I didn't know that the Cold Queen might actually care for her Jedi friends."
"I never thought you would be the one helping Obi-wan," shot back Siri.
"A day full of surprises, then," commented Assajj.
"Hum," started the blonde Jedi, "I know that he should be the one telling you this but, I think we both don't want to wake him up. You have two choices : you can stay here with us or you can get out of here quickly. I brought you your weapons, and some dark clothes with a black robe. I think it might suit you."
"In what galaxy did Kenobi think I would want to stay here ?" asked Ventress.
"Because he is the only one who still have faith in you. He believes that you have abandoned darkness and that we should give you a hand. After all, weren't you a Jedi before those dark times ?"
"Kenobi is a fool."
"Is he ?" demanded Siri.
Now that she thought about it, she was indeed alone, and darkness seemed to have nothing more to offer. So staying with the Jedi could be an option, well staying with Kenobi much more than with the whole Jedi Order. But that would mean to support that damn Skywalker and other cocky Jedi … No she couldn't live such life, forget what happened to her Master, how much alone she always had been. "Did he ask you to bring the clothes ?"
"Of course not. But during our little fights, I came to understand you. I know you will return to your life of a bounty hunter, well at least until the end of the war," said Siri still caressing Obi-wan's hair. "I want you to know that when everything is over, coming with the Jedi would still be an option."
"Why are you doing this for me ? I killed Jedi, I wanted to kill you every time we fought each other."
"And yet, you still haven't taken your lightsabers to strike me down," Siri paused, "I'm not doing it for you, even if I believe you deserve a second chance, I'm doing it for Obi-wan. He always struggles to see how much the darkness has reached the others because of the war, I want to support him, to show him that redemption is possible, that he is right to believe in the others, like you."
"You love him, don't you ?"
"With all my heart," confessed Siri.
Ventress slowly rose from her bed and started to put the tight black clothes Siri had brought. After a minute, Assajj was ready to go. "You have good tastes, for a Jedi," stated the Ratataki woman.
"Thank you, Assajj."
The former dark acolyte put her hood on her head, and before exiting her room, she looked at Obi-wan and Siri one last time, "You will keep an eye on him."
"Both eyes. Now go, I'll pretend I was asleep, but you must hurry. You will find your way out ?"
"I've been raised in those walls," Assajj grinned to the blonde Jedi Master, "Of course I'll find an exit. Well then, farewell Masters Kenobi."
Ventress had now disappeared letting Siri alone to stare at her sleeping husband who had just missed the departure of his new friend. Obi-wan's wife smiled widely thinking how much her husband was changing the whole galaxy : darkness would be erased for sure, as he had promised to the Force. She gently leaned to kiss his expose cheek and caressed his beard as moons were slowly disappearing, casting a soothing light of Obi-wan's face.
"I am proud of you, Obi-wan. I love you."
Author Note : And here is the end of this little relaxing chapter. As you understood, the events of the season 5 of CW are starting, I will add some un-canons fight to make the story bigger, before going to the total un-cannon part of the story ;). So I'm warning you, the Revenge of the Sith is coming soon ( not too soon don't worry ).
Anyway, Ventress is back, and of course, she didn't stay with the Jedi, it would have been totally out of the character. Ferus is going a bit far in his relationship with Dia, but desire is part of the darkside right ? And I hope you will like the "wise moment" of Siri Kenobi :D.
So Next time : Ferus will be on Voss, Ahsoka will do the Gathering and Kenobi will go after Grievous. BRACE YOURSELF hahaha, next chapter would normally be upload next week. Until then, read and review as always !