Welcome to A Jedi Warrior Of Peace Chapter 48 and we officially have two more chapters after this. I am dreading writing the end of this story as it has been a lot of fun for me and I am happy to see people have actually been enjoying it. So without further ado let's get on with Chapter 48.
Note: I don't own Star Wars as it is owned by Disney
Chapter 48 - The Wrong Jedi...
Artis sat in his quarters on the Republic Cruiser The Resilience his hands folded together leaning against his chin. He had been lost in thought a lot more lately since he's seen so many clones, Jedi and innocent people suffer at the hands of the war. He wasn't blind to what was becoming more and more clear everyday and that public opinion has swayed against the Jedi. He wasn't a fan of the war either and wanted it to come to an end just as much as anyone else. All Artis wanted was to see what peace looks like and not the kinda peace he had inside the temple, but peace where the galaxy is free of conflict. One thing he knew was something he wanted to do and that was to stay with Ahsoka and possibly start a family of his own.
"No matter what I truly want, my duty comes first..no matter how much it may hurt." Artis let out a sigh before he stood up and once he did he was being hailed. "Hmm?" Artis pulled out a personal communicator one his father gave him and answered seeing Ahsoka's image appear and she seemed panicked. "Ahsoka? Ahsoka what's wrong?"
Ahsoka looked at Artis. "Artis I need your help. The Jedi Temple was attacked and someone has set me up."
Artis was immediately taken back by the news. "What happened Ahsoka? And where are you?"
"Someone made a worker in the temple hangar consume nano droids and ended up causing an explosion killing clones, civilians and even Jedi. Anakin and I were investigating but there was evidence pointing to me. Right now I'm locked up in the Republic Prison on Coruscant. I was able to hide this communicator you gave me and you're the only person I can trust. Please Artis I need your help." Ahsoka looked around.
Artis was trying to process all this information. "Sit tight. I'm just now arriving on Coruscant and I'll see what I can do. I promise."
"Artis please hurry."
The transmission soon ended so Artis made his way to the hangar bay quickly running to his fighter as R9 whistled and jumped. "R9 listen, Ahsoka is in serious trouble. Do not allow any transmissions between me and Ahsoka to be traceable." R9 whistled. "Thanks buddy." Artis jumped into his fighter as did R9 and he took off heading for the Prison to get some answers.
It didn't take Artis long to reach the prison landing bay as the only thing running through his mind is why would Ahsoka be framed? Or why the Council would even believe this?
Artis climbed out of his fighter. "R9 stay away from the temple. Head to Dantooine. I'll contact you as soon as I can." R9 whistled his concern. "I know buddy. I don't like it either but we can't take any chances. Be careful." R9 whistled and took off as Artis sighed and headed for the entrance.
Standing behind the checkpoint was Clone Commander Fox. "General how can I be of assistance?"
Artis crossed his arms. "I'm here to speak with Ahsoka Tano."
"I'm sorry sir but Admiral Tarkin's orders state that nobody see the prisoner."
Artis didn't like that at all. "Well I don't care what the Admiral says. Now let me in."
"I'm sorry sir but she is accused of attacking the Jedi Temple and is not allowed to see the prisoner now you can see yourself out."
Artis had enough. "I don't care what you say or what she's accused of. Let. Me. In." Artis's threat did not go unnoticed.
Commander Fox motined to the two clone guards standing by to keep this from going any further as they activated their electro staffs standing behind Artis. "Sir I'm going to respectfully ask you to leave."
Artis gave a death glare at Commander Fox before pushing past the clone guards as he walked out of sight.
"Okay..I tried being nice. Now to do it the old fashion way."
Artis walked around the prison until he found a way inside which was a...sewer system...great...but it was to help Ahsoka so he'd have to suck it up.
Artis jumped down onto the pipe sticking out of the wall before swinging inside, landing safely inside as he covered his mouth and nose. "What an intriguing smell I've discovered.."
Artis ran through the pipes until he found his way into the prison so he took out his lightsaber and cut a hole into the ceiling of the pipe. Artis jumped up finding himself in one of the lower levels of the prison so Artis hid against the wall as clones passed by.
"Hey you aren't supposed to be here." A clone trooper walked up to Artis. "How did you get here?"
Artis waved his hand. "I am allowed to be here.."
"You are allowed to be here.."
Artis waved his hand. "You will tell me where Ahsoka Tano is being held.."
"I will tell where Ahsoka Tano is being held..she is on level 23 cell block 6.."
Artis waved his hand again. "You are needed somewhere else.."
"I am needed somewhere else.."
"You better get going."
"I better get going.." The clone trooper walked off leaving Artis alone.
Artis ran to an elevator and headed up to Ahsoka's cell block in hopes of not being caught again because he's sure they'd shoot first and ask questions later as long as Fox is in charge. He didn't dwell on it long as his elevator came to a stop so he ran out and down the cell block.
"Cell Block..6." Artis saw two clones guarding the cell block so he sighed and walked out waving his hand. "You should be guarding the prisoner.."
"We should be guarding the prisoner.."
"You are on the wrong floor. She is two levels above."
"We are on the wrong floor, she's two levels aboveā¦"
"You should get going."
"We should get going.." the two clones ran off leaving the cell unguarded.
Artis sighed as he opened up the cell block. "Ahsoka?"
Ahsoka looked up and smiled happy to see him. "Artis."
Ahsoka and Artis hugged each other. "Come on we're getting you outta here."
Ahsoka and Artis separated. "I wanted you to try and find evidence to prove my innocence and yet you chose to break me out?"
Artis crossed his arms. "Well I wasn't about to let you rot in jail. Besides I can't trust the council..I don't think we can trust anyone but each other."
Ahsoka sighed. "I know. I'll explain everything after we get out of here. Come on." Ahsoka and Artis ran out of the cell block.
The two started to head towards the elevator only to be caught by clones. "Hold it!"
Artis looked at the clones. "Sorry about this." Artis used the force to throw them back. "Mind tricks aren't gonna help here. Run!"
Artis and Ahsoka ran for it as the clones got up. "We have a situation Commander Tano has escaped with the help of General Lendix."
Artis and Ahsoka made it to the elevator and headed for the main level knowing they needed Ahsoka's lightsabers first. Once the doors opened they ran out into the corridors and when they turned the corner they found dead clones with Ahsoka's lightsabers by their bodies.
Ahsoka and Artis ran to the clones as Ahsoka picked up her lightsabers looking at Artis. "Did you kill them?"
Artis shook his head. "No, I never drew my lightsaber. Someone else did this." Artis and Ahsoka ducked blaster fire before they ran.
Commander Fox had arrived finding the clones dead. "Commander Tano and General Lendix have killed four of my troops. Code Red if you see the targets shoot to kill."
"Belay that order Commander Fox!" Fox turned around to see Anakin and Rex running up to him.
"They killed my men!"
Rex shook his head. "No. I know Commander Tano and General Lendix, they wouldn't do this."
"Then who did." Fox crossed his arms.
"Quiet!" Anakin looked around. "Ahsoka! Artis! It's me Anakin! I want to help you both!"
Artis and Ahsoka slid to a a chance to catch their breath. "We're being set up Anakin! Ahsoka wouldn't attack the temple and we didn't kill those clones!"
"I believe you! Let me help you both! You need to turn yourselves in!"
Artis looked at Ahsoka who shook her head. "We know you believe us! But nobody else will! We're going to find who truly did this! Alone!" Artis and Ahsoka ran.
Anakin looked at Rex. "I want all troopers to find them and search the entire base."
Rex contacted all troops in the base. "General Skywalker has placed and all points bulletin on Commander Tano and General Lendix, they've killed Clone Troopers and should be considered Armed and Dangerous."
With that the clones all over the base were on high alert and searching for Artis and Ahsoka making escape difficult. But thankfully Artis and Ahsoka followed a platoon out of the prison base having to climb a statue in order not to be caught. Suddenly they were found by Fox and his troops who gave chase after them. Artis and Ahsoka were hoping to take a shuttle but the defense turrets destroyed it so Artis and Ahsoka kept running.
Anakin and Rex caught up with Fox. "Where are they?"
"They're heading towards the industrial pipelines."
"Set weapons to stun! I want them alive!" Anakin and Rex ran after them.
Artis and Ahsoka ran across the catwalks on the pipelines as clones fired stun blasts at the two but Artis used his lightsabers to block some while dodging others.
Artis looked to see gunships coming. "That's not good."
The gunship flew beside them firing stun shots at them but Artis and Ahsoka blocked them while running.
Artis used the force to throw the ship off course a bit as a clone trooper loaded a launcher. "This'll slow them down."
The trooper fired a rocket knocking them off their feet as Ahsoka lost her shoto saber and hung on the catwalk. Artis pulled her up deflecting stun blasts as he and Ahsoka jumped down hoping to run up another catwalk only to be cut off. When they ran back they were cut off again now they were surrounded by clones.
The two of them had their backs against each other as they circled around. "Ahsoka I'm sorry this wasn't how I planned this."
"Well I'm glad you're here anyway. I knew I could trust you and I still do." Ahsoka grabbed his hand as they looked around.
"I have an idea..on three.." Ahsoka nodded. "One..Two..Three!"
The two jumped onto a nearby pipe once they did Artis cut a hole into it as they both dropped down into the water. They ran down the pipe as clones rappelled down chasing them again as Anakin and Rex followed. While running Ahsoka tripped but Artis picked her up and they kept running, turning down another pipeline. The clones kept running but Anakin sensed where they went and turned down the pipeline following after them.
Artis and Ahsoka ran down the pipe but when they slid to a stop Artis almost fell but Ahsoka pulled him back. "Gotcha."
Artis and Ahsoka looked to see they were at a dead end. "Well..now what?"
"Artis! Ahsoka!" Anakin walked towards them. "What are you doing?"
Ahsoka looked at Anakin. "You didn't even try to come and help me, Artis did."
"They wouldn't let me in to talk to you. Now that Artis has broken you out, it's making you both look like criminals. Please forcing my way in would've made you look guilty Ahsoka."
"I am not guilty!" Ahsoka looked down.
"Please you both need to come with me and present your cases to the council."
"No!" Artis stepped in front of Ahsoka. "She is not taking the fall for something she didn't do! Anakin you're my friend. You know I'm doing this because I want to help Ahsoka. Even if I talked to the council it wouldn't make a difference!"
Anakin looked at them both. "I am ordering you two to put down your lightsabers and come with me. Now. Trust me.." The three heard clones coming.
"I do trust you. But you know that nobody else will believe me or Artis." Ahsoka looked seeing a transport lowering itself. "Anakin you need to trust us now."
"Ahsoka I do trust you two."
"We know." Artis and Ahsoka stood at the edge. "Wish us luck.."
Artis and Ahsoka jumped as Anakin, Rex and Fox watched them land on a transport that lowered itself.
Once they were out of sight Artis hit a wall. "Great..now i've made us both look like criminals. I'm sorry Ahsoka. I-."
Ahsoka pushed Artis against the wall kissing him in order to shut him up and when she pulled back. "Artis I know you want to help me and I'm happy to have you here with me. Now let's find out who set me up and killed the clones."
"Right. I have a contact her on Coruscant that could help us." Artis pulled up his hood. "Come on we need to get moving.."
The two started walking the lower depths of Coruscant as patrols were set to find them no matter what.
Artis and Ahsoka kept their eyes open as Ahsoka contacted a friend of theirs. "Barriss it's Ahsoka."
"Ahsoka I'm so glad you're safe."
"Safe but on the run." Ahsoka walked alongside Artis who watched for patrols.
"Where are you?"
"Can't say. But I'm with Artis and he believes I'm being set up."
"It's too dangerous to use the jedi communicator. Contact me a different way. In the meantime I'll do some digging and find anything that can help you on my end."
Ahsoka sighed. "Thank you Bariss."
"Good luck."
Ahsoka dropped her communicator and crushed it and when she looked up Artis tossed her a cloak. "Where'd you get this?"
"A trade. Gotta hide your face somehow." Artis watched Ahsoka put the cloak on and when she did they kept walking.
The two made their way to a transit station boarding the next transport unaware authorities boarded as well. They saw them walking the tram requesting passes so they needed to get off the tram but when they tried they were caught.
"It's them the two jedi!" Artis used the force pushing them off the tram before he and Ahsoka ran.
They ran down the tram before jumping out. Thankfully they didn't get hurt but the officials started shooting at them as they entered an elevator and the controls were hit.
Artis sighed. "There's no way our luck is this bad."
Without warning the elevator started dropping and Ahsoka saw ayoung child was with them. "Don't worry we'll get outta her somehow."
The kid pointed to the controls so Artis hit the button stopping the elevator dead in its tracks. "Nice work kid."
Ahsoka cut a hole in the glass before jumping out with Artis behind her handing the kid to his mother. "Thanks for the help."
The two fixed their hoods and kept walking unaware that someone was watching them. Meanwhile Anakin and Plo-Koon were heading to the lower levels to search for them.
Artis and Ahsoka walked down the abandoned streets before being jumped by someone familiar who kicked Artis down while holding her lightsaber to Ahsoka's throat. "Well I didn't believe it when I heard it. The Senators did put a bounty on your heads." The Bounty Hunter revealed herself to be Ventress.
"Ventress! It was you wasn't it! You set us up!" Ahsoka shouted as Artis stood up while Ventress took Ahsoka's lightsaber.
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Ventress looked up at Artis. "Drop it."
Artis sighed, dropping his saber as Ventress pulled Ahsoka up while using the force to take Artis's lightsaber. "You think you can turn us into the Jedi Order? You're a separatists and sith. You'll be arrested too."
Ventress made them walk. "You think I'm taking you to the Jedi? I'm taking you to the bondsman and get paid."
Artis looked at Ventress. "I hate to say this..but we need your help."
Ventress stopped looking at him. "In what star system would make me help either of you?"
Ahsoka looked at Ventress. "A traitorous Jedi framed me for the attack on the temple and framed Artis for other killings."
Ventress seemed to smile. "So the Jedi aren't so holy after all."
Artis crossed his arms. "I know Dooku betrayed you and tried to have you killed. It could be his new apprentice. Either way we've all fallen off our paths."
Ventress looked at them. "What can you two offer me that's better than money?"
Ahsoka looked at Artis who nodded before looking at Ventress. "We can speak to the Council and The Senate on your behalf and get you a full pardon of all your crimes."
"You've got my attention. I'm going where the tide flows and if it flows against you two don't think I haven't forgotten about the bounties." Ventress looked up. "We might want to find somewhere else to talk."
They looked up to see two ships coming, one carrying Anakin. "Shine the light over there!" The ship shined a spotlight on the three who ran so Anakin jumped out to follow.
Artis, Ventress and Ahsoka ran while Ventress activated a ray shield cutting Anakin off. "Ventress.." Anakin looked at the ships. "Send out the probes! I want them found now!"
Meanwhile Ventress to Artis and Ahsoka to a holo booth in the slums as Artis looked around. "Nice place you got here?"
"Not everyone lives in a luxurious temple on the surface." Ventress leaned against a beam. "Now make your call." Artis started to tamper with the booth. "Adding another criminal act to your record?"
Artis looked at Ventress. "Can't having them trace it."
Ahsoka called Bariss. "Barriss you there?" When Bariss's holo image appeared Artis looked around.
A probe found them as Bariss told Ahsoka about an abandoned warehouse on level 1315 and the clones found the three. However Bariss told Artis about someone who could help on level 1313 and that he could met him there.
Ahsoka looked at Artis. "What's wrong?"
"We're not alone.." Soon the clones surrounded them. "I hate when I'm right."
"General we're requesting you and Commander Tano come quietly." Commander Wolf slowly walked towards Artis.
"Not gonna happen. We aren't going to hurt any of you." Artis looked at Ventress. "Right?"
Ventress pulled out her lightsabers activating the red blades. "Let's play!"
Ventress started swinging them at the clones as Ahsoka looked at Ventress. "Ventress no!" A clone tried to grab Ahsoka but she kicked him off.
Artis jumped up kicking two clones while Ahsoka punched one then a second meanwhile Ventress was cutting the clones blasters in half. Ventress started to punch and kick the clones while one tried to grab her only to be thrown off. Artis punched and kicked a pair of clones tossing one over his shoulder while Ahsoka tripped one over then threw a second back with the force as the clones were all down but alive.
Ventress lifted her mask. "See didn't kill one? It's the new me."
Artis shook his head as the three ran off heading for the warehouse while Commander Wolf contacted Plo-Koon. "General Plo we found General Lendix and Commander Tano but they escaped with the help of Asajj Ventress."
Artis, Ahsoka and Ventress found the warehouse and Ventress looked at them. "Well this is where we part ways. Remember you said you'd speak on my behalf." Ventress handed Artis and Ahsoka their lightsabers.
Artis handed Ventress some credits. "Thanks for the help."
"Don't let it get to you." Ventress walked off counting her credits.
Artis shook his head. "Well..that was interesting. You gonna need my help?"
Ahsoka shook her head. "No. You should go up to 1313 and speak with Bariss's contact who knows you."
Artis nodded. "Be careful..contact me if anything happens."
Artis and Ahsoka kissed before Artis ran off to get to level 1313 and when Artis turned the corner he decided to contact someone here on Coruscant. "Nate? Nate you there?"
"Yeah I hear you. Artis what in the world is going on? The whole planet's gone crazy."
"Well I'm sure you've heard since it's all over. Ahsoka and I are being framed and we're trying to find out who did it." Artis pulled up his hood. "Listen, a friend of mine Barriss Offee said she contacted someone I knew. Was it you?"
"No, I was never contacted by a Barriss. Why?"
"She said she talked to someone who knew me and said they were on level 1313. I thought it was you." Artis was growing suspicious of what Barriss said.
"No I'm on level 1310 and I never talked to any Jedi. I think she lied to you."
"But why would she..oh no Ahsoka. Nate get to your ship and meet me on level 1312." Artis came to realize something he didn't want to.
"Artis what's wrong?"
"Just meet me on 1312. I'll explain when I get there." Artis ended the transmission running back towards the warehouse only to stop and hide as he saw Ahsoka had been arrested. "No.."
Artis looked down and ran as he needed to find Nate and quickly before he ended up getting captured too but there's someone he needs to see first.
Artis landed on a catwalk. "Ventress."
Ventress turned around. "Well I thought we were going to part ways."
Artis glared at her activating his lightsaber. "I knew we shouldn't have trusted you. Thanks to you Ahsoka's been captured."
"You really think I attacked her?" Ventress watched as Artis deactivated his lightsaber.
"No. I just needed to see if you'd attack me. But it's clear you don't have your lightsabers. So..my suspicion is true.." Artis looked down.
"Looks like you have found out who's responsible for the bombings and the murders hmm?" Ventress crossed her arms. "Whoever it was took my lightsabers."
Artis turned around. "If you're lying. You're dead." Artis jumped off the catwalk leaving Ventress behind.
Artis walked along the streets of level 1312 finding his way into a local cantina before walking to the bar tossing some credits on the bar.
The bartender gave Artis a drink as someone sat next to him getting a drink. "Your reckless Artis..being out in the open is dangerous."
"Well..these are dangerous times Nate. So what have you found.." Artis took a drink.
Nate slid him a holo pad. "Those nano droids were already in the warehouse that Ahsoka was set to investigate. I was able to scan some of the debris in the warehouse without being caught. I hate to say it but this Barriss set you both up."
Artis looked at Nate. "Can you get me into the temple?"
"I can try. But you're gonna owe me for this." Nate finished his drink.
"Well..let's get moving." Artis got up as Nate followed him back to the ship.
Artis climbed aboard Nate's ship who climbed into the pilot seat and took off heading for the Jedi Temple. "You know Artis this is crazy right? The Jedi will clearly be ready to take you in too."
"Not until I find Barriss. Just be ready just in case." Artis stood up heading the ship's hatch. "Thanks again."
Nate saluted Artis who fell back free falling towards the temple landing safely as he pulled up his hood and walked into the temple. Artis had been using the force to cloak himself in order to hide himself from others in order to reach Barriss's quarters.
It wasn't long before he did as he requested entry. "Enter."
Artis walked in as Barriss ceased her meditation and stood up to speak to Artis. "Barriss I need to talk to you."
"Artis thank goodness you're alright. What can I do for you?" Barriss watched as Artis used the force to take her lightsaber.
"The contact you told me about when did you talk to him?" Artis inspected Barriss's lightsaber.
"I talked to him just after you broke Ahsoka out of prison. Why is something wrong?" Barriss seemed uneasy.
"My contact never spoke to you. But I learned something interesting. From Ventress." Artis paid close attention to Barriss mannerism and her speech.
"Ventress..isn't she the one Ahsoka said was behind all this? What could she have told you?"
"She told me someone snuck up on her and the only way to do that is to be a jedi."
"Surely you don't believe her. Who else could have done this if not her. Surely not Ahsoka."
"No. I know it wasn't Ahsoka." Artis's peripheral saw Barriss backing away towards a vase. "I think both Ahsoka and Ventress are telling the truth. But. There's only one way to find out." Artis activated the lightsaber and when he swung the blue blade Barriss used the force to take Ventress's blades from the vase blocking his strike. "Funny those belonged to Ventress." Barriss swung to sweep out Artis's legs only for him to jump before blocking her strike. "There's only one way you have them!"
"Because they suit me." Barriss tried to slash at Artis's sides but he blocked both strikes before he kicked Barriss in the stomach knocking her through the doorway so Barriss ran but Artis was hot on her trail.
Artis caught up to Barriss in the halls of the Jedi Temple as he leapt up into the air forcing Barriss to turn and block his strikes.
Barriss blocked and dodged flipping around Artis. "Ahsoka and I trusted you and you've betrayed us both."
"I've learned your trust is overrated. The only thing the Jedi Council believes in is violence and you've become just as blind!"
Artis took his lightsaber into his right hand activating its blade now wielding his cyan blade in his right and Barriss's blue blade in his left. Artis started to swing each saber down on Barriss who blocked each of his strikes. Barriss jumped spinning through the air landing on one of the pillars in the temple's halls before using the force to try and push Artis. Artis pushed past it only for Barriss to kick him in the chest knocking him over onto the opposite pillar. When she spun around Artis kicked her in the chest knocking her over standing up activating his lightsabers.
Barriss stode up and went to run only for temple guards to cut her off. "Cease hostility." The two activated their saber staffs.
Anakin had arrived when he heard what was going on. "Artis what's going on here?"
"Barriss was behind it all Anakin! The bombing of the temple, the murders, all of it! She framed me and Ahsoka!" Artis twirled his sabers.
When Barriss tried running the other way only to be cut off again by temple guards so she ran towards the temple halls window as the temple guards and Anakin ran to stop her. "Barriss!"
Barriss cut through it but Artis went after her as they landed just over where a group of younglings were training. Artis blocked a few of her strikes as he jumped over her kicking her in the back as she tried to stab Artis, he caught her arm. Artis headbutted her kicking her in the stomach knocking her down and when he brought both sabers down she blocked his attack.
Artis forced her sabers down until she kicked him down onto the training ground below as one of the younglings looked up. "Look out!"
Artis looked up seeing Barriss coming down with both sabers raised Artis raised both of his but Barriss destroyed her saber leaving Artis with just his. Artis kicked her over him and when she tried cutting him down Artis rolled along the ground. Artis blocked another strike before punching Barriss as she tried to strike him again only for it to be blocked. When she tried to use her second saber Artis caught her arm squeezing it forcing her to release the lightsaber. Soon Artis blocked another strike forcing her back as the anger on his face was clear as day to her.
Barriss looked to see temple guards and Anakin closing in on her and in a desperate attempt Barriss shoved Artis back. But when she tried to stab him, Artis blocked it swinging his saber with a great deal of rage as he knocked her blade aside. Artis lifted his saber up bringing it down but Barriss blocked each with difficulty. Barriss shoved Artis back and when she tried to strike him Anakin caught her with the force and slammed him against the force tree in the training grounds.
Artis deactivated his lightsaber hooking it to his belt. "Looks like we have the proof we need."
Anakin pulled Barriss in as the temple guards apprehended her. "Come on we need to bring her to the courts."
When they reached the courts the Senate had rendered their judgment and Chancellor Palpatine was about to determine the verdict. "We have reached a verdict."
Artis walked into the courthouse. "Wait!"
Palpatine looked at Artis with a curious expression. "Ah young Lendix have you come to turn yourself in?"
"No Chancellor I have discovered evidence and have a confession from the person responsible for all the crimes Ahsoka and I have been charged with." Artis walked front and center before revealing Barriss. "Barriss Offee. Member of the Jedi Order and traitor."
There were audible gaps and whispers from the Senate court as Ahsoka looked at Barriss. "Barriss..is this true?"
Artis glared at Barriss. "Tell them the truth."
Barriss walked forward looking at the Chancellor and court. "It's true I did it. Because, I've learned the Jedi are responsible for this war! They have fallen to the dark side and have lost sight of what they stood for!"
The Chancellor heard enough of. "Take her away!" He looked at Artis. "Well in light of the evidence provided by Artis Lendix all charges against him and Ahsoka Tano have been dropped."
Artis and Ahsoka shared a look that did show joy but betrayal and pain this was something they needed to discuss before anything happens.
Artis and Ahsoka stood in front of the Jedi Council members. "Ahsoka..Artis I am sorry about everything.."
Plo-Koon looked at the two. "You have our deepest apologies little Ahsoka.."
"You showed great strength and resilience in your fight to prove your innocence."
"This was actually your great trial and we see that now as the force works in mysterious ways."
"Back into the order you are welcomed."
Anakin held out Ahsoka's braid. "They're asking you back Ahsoka..I'm asking you back."
Artis crossed his arms as Ahsoka and he shared a look and he nodded so Ahsoka closed Anakin's hand. "I'm sorry Master..but I'm not coming back..and Artis is leaving with me.."
The council and Anakin looked at Artis who shook his head. "My journey does not remain with the order..so I am stepping away and following my own path..I'm sorry."
With that Artis and Ahsoka both walked away from the council leaving the jedi behind as Anakin walked out going after them.
Artis and Ahsoka walked out of the entrance of the temple as Anakin caught up to them. "Ahsoka! Artis wait!" The two stopped and turned to face him. "Why are you doing this?"
"The council didn't trust me. So how could I trust myself." Ahsoka looked down, turning away from Anakin.
Artis put a hand on her shoulder. "The council was wrong from the start. When Ahsoka was accused they took that as an absolute and didn't even think twice. When I was framed for killing those clones they didn't even try to think that I was innocent either. How can either of us trust them now?"
Anakin looked at them. "What about me? I believed you both and stood by you."
Ahsoka looked at Anakin. "I know you believed us, Anakin and we're grateful. But this isn't about you. We can't stay here..not anymore.."
"The Jedi Order is your life, you can't just throw that away. Ahsoka you and Artis are making a mistake." Anakin turned away looking down.
Artis looked at Anakin. "Maybe. But this is our mistake to make. We're going to sort it out without the council..and without you Anakin I'm sorry."
"I know..more than you realize.." Anakin turned away. "I understand wanting to walk away from the order.
Ahsoka looked back at him. "We know.."
Anakin looked at them as Artis and Ahsoka walked away from the temple walking down the 1,000 steps of the Jedi Temple.
Once they reached the bottom Nate stood there leaning against his ship. "Are you two sure about this?"
Artis looked at Ahsoka who took his hand into hers and nodded as Artis sighed looking at Nate. "Yeah..it is."
Nate nodded. "Well climb aboard. Last chance transport to Dantooine if you want it."
Artis looked at Ahsoka. "Ready?"
Ahsoka nodded. "Yes."
The two boarded Nate's ship as he followed them in while it lifted off the ground, taking off leaving the order, the temple, and the Jedi behind..never to return again.
End Of Chapter 48
I know this chapter has taken far too long but I have plenty of time to write the next two chapters, the most pivotal one coming next. So I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy and remember..Peace..Love..And May The Force Be With You..Always..
