Epilogue
DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD
Author's Note: I want to thank each and every one of you who has favorited, followed, and reviewed this fanfic. I hope that you enjoyed this story enough to read the sequel when it comes out. :P
~ Amina Gila
Anakin scrolls down on the datapad in his hand, one arm draped around Padme's shoulder as they sit side-by-side on the couch. It's getting late, but no one is ready to retire yet. Unsurprising. Obi-Wan still hasn't adjusted to not having reports to submit to the Council – nor has Anakin, to be fair. Both of them are freely enjoying their extra time by studying the ancient mystics of both the Jedi and Sith.
"Rex sent a message signed by everyone in the 501st," Ahsoka suddenly declares, looking up from where she's lounging in an armchair. "They're thanking us for saving them from the fate Sidious had in store for them. Here. Read this." She pushes her datapad across the coffee table towards Anakin. He picks it up, scanning the words.
"General Skywalker, on behalf of the entire 501st, I would like to thank you for treating us as fellow humans and not letting us be enslaved for the rest of our lives. After getting the go ahead earlier from Senator Amidala, we immediately began the procedures to remove all the chips. I've heard that the other battalions are doing likewise. We are in your debt, sir. You, General Kenobi, Commander Tano, and Count Dooku have saved our lives. We are eternally grateful, and each and every one of us wishes to continue serving you as you build your new Order." It's signed Commander Rex.
Padme leans over to read it, a smile pulling at her lips when she finishes. "Those men deserve it," she murmurs. "They've been through so much."
Anakin passes the datapad to Count Dooku who takes it and puts down the Sith holocron in his hands. "If not for the 501st, we never would have succeeded," Anakin agrees. "It's hard to believe that they're really free now."
"It looks like we have a good start in building our Order," Dooku says finally, passing the datapad over to Obi-Wan. "We have a willing army to help us in eradicating slavery."
"Tatooine is the best place to start," Obi-Wan informs them. "I'm doing research on the planet now. We can discuss strategies when we're ready in a few weeks, but at least we have a head start." He pauses, stroking his beard contemplatively. "Capturing Jabba would probably be a good place to start."
"Much as I agree, let's save the discussion for later, Obi-Wan, yes?" Padme interjects. "All of you are finally getting to relax and recover from destroying Sidious. I don't think you need to talk about your next moves right now."
"My apologies," murmurs Obi-Wan, dipping his head slightly. Anakin smirks at him wordlessly before leaning his head against the couch. He feels so incredibly peaceful and happy. Everyone in his small family is safe, and they're all here.
"This feels like a dream," he whispers softly, leaning over to kiss Padme's temple. "And no more hiding. You were right, you know, Angel. It was destructive."
She smiles up at him. "Then it's a good thing we'll never have to know what might have happened if we hadn't gotten the chance to stop hiding." She leans over to steal a quick kiss.
"I, for one, am most satisfied with how everything turned out." Anakin starts at the voice, turning to see a familiar figure standing there glowing an ethereal blue.
Obi-Wan finds his tongue first. "Qui-Gon?" he asks incredulously.
"Yes, it is me," the figure – Qui-Gon? – confirms.
"How is this possible?" Dooku wonders incredulously. Anakin senses a tremor of emotion from the older man which is quickly buried.
"I learned the technique to preserve consciousness after death," Qui-Gon tells them. "I am willing and eager to teach all of you in due time." He pauses, looking around the room. "It makes me happy to see you here my old Master," he finally admits. "I wasn't terribly happy with the direction everything was heading before you enlisted Anakin's help."
"Master Obi-Wan talks about you quite a bit," Ahsoka offers when Dooku seems unable to reply, looking away from the image of his former Padawan. "Anakin does too sometimes, and I felt like I was the only one who never got the privilege of meeting you."
Qui-Gon chuckles quietly. "And now you have."
"Can you see the future in the Force as a ghost?" Anakin questions curiously, absently twirling Padme's hair around his fingers.
"Yes and no," the dead Jedi Master replies after a moment, "But whatever I see, I cannot say."
"Of course not," Obi-Wan mumbles dryly. "So, you've been hanging around for years." It's more of a statement than a question, but Qui-Gon nods anyways.
"It wasn't until recently that I figured out how to project myself," he confesses. "I knew how to communicate without making myself visible, but I only ever did it once."
"You did? When?" Ahsoka sounds as curious as Anakin feels.
In reply, the blue eyes drift towards Anakin. "I tried – and failed – to help Anakin after – after – on Tatooine," Qui-Gon explains haltingly.
Anakin winces. He doesn't remember hearing anything, but the realization that Qui-Gon saw the massacre makes him feel even worse about his actions there. Had he known that the Jedi Master was there, he probably would never have felt as furious and helpless as he did. He pushes the thoughts aside when Padme reaches over to lace her fingers with his, probably sensing the downwards turn of his emotions.
"I'm glad to see you again, Master Jinn," Padme finally says to him.
"I as well," the Force ghost returns. "I shall stop by every now and then to see you."
"It's getting late, Ani." Padme gives him a pointed look, eyes drifting towards Dooku who seems incapable of speaking. Anakin's been trying to refrain from looking at him, especially as he can feel his inner turmoil in the Force. Yes, Padme's right. Leaving now would be good. It will give Obi-Wan and Dooku some private time with Qui-Gon, time which they definitely need.
"Yes, that sounds good," Anakin agrees readily. "Goodnight, Obi-Wan, Count, Qui-Gon, Snips." He stands up, still holding Padme's hand.
Ahsoka seems to catch on quickly because she rises as well. "I'll go along as well."
"See you in the morning, Anakin, Padme, Ahsoka," Obi-Wan calls after them. Anakin catches Dooku's grateful smile as he leaves the room with his wife and sister, feeling infinitely more at peace. If Obi-Wan and Dooku can find peace with Qui-Gon, they will both be free of whatever emotions are tying them to his death. Even as Sith, they know how important it is to find peace.
**b**
"Idiots. How can they think they know everything? Cowards. They're not heroes. They're not even close!" The cloaked figure snarls, slamming down a datapad displaying a news report. In big bold letters the headline reads, "Galaxy Saved: Skywalker and Kenobi to the Rescue." The article itself is filled with lauding words directed to the pair along with the infamous Count Dooku. It could almost be hero worship, and she loathes it.
This isn't what she had expected. And the Jedi, like the morons they are, had gone along with it. What are they even thinking, accepting Sith into their fold, especially backstabbing ones like Dooku of all people? They've blinded the galaxy, faking to be the heroes just to get the attention. No. This cannot go on. It shouldn't have happened in the first place, and she's going to put an end to it. She'll show everyone that they have been playing the galaxy.
She's not a hero; she doesn't want to be, but she refuses to sit back and watch this. The adoration being paid to Dooku is simply nauseating. Just weeks ago, he was being declared a criminal, and now? The media is worshipping the ground he walks on. It will serve them right when he stabs them in the back, because she knows that's what will happen. After all, is that not what he's been preaching for so many years?
Maybe he won't do it tomorrow. Or the day after. It doesn't matter. She is patient. She will wait and watch until he shows his hand. She nearly laughs aloud at the thought. Who is she trying to fool? She doesn't want to play the hero. The galaxy could burn, and she'd rejoice. It doesn't care about people like her. It never has.
Even if Dooku is trying to be the nobleman – ah, the irony of that – she will make him fall. She will force his hand, push him to do something which will make everyone remember who he truly is. And then, she'll disappear into the shadows, vengeance complete while the galaxy burns around him. He deserves nothing less. He's a traitor, just like Skywalker and Kenobi. They abandoned every ideal they claimed to hold by turning to the Dark Side – not that she has any room to judge; the power is addictive; she'll admit that much – but the hypocrisy gets to her. Or maybe it's simply because of who they are.
It doesn't matter. She won't try to analyze, rationalize, or justify her motives. They are what they are, and she'll act upon them. This is what she wants, and this is what she's going to get. She has everything she needs: knowledge, experience, and accomplices. Yes, Dooku can burn with his new protégés, and she'll enjoy every second of it.
To be continued...
Dark Legacy will be released on May 4, 2021. :)
If you enjoyed Trial of the Times (sorry, not sorry for the final cliffhanger), I'm sure you'll love the sequel! It picks up a few days after this leaves off. And there will be more Anidala moments for those of you who love them! :D
*w*
Recent Updates:
Coming of Dawn Chapter 7 - ""Get to the ship!" shouts Qui-Gon.
Just as I'm about to make the final dash to the ship, I realize Aniya seems frozen to the spot, eyes wide with horror as she watches the mysterious figure. I give her a puzzled look. What's wrong? I'm scared too, but we need to hurry! We can't just wait. The newcomer is clearly powerful, Qui-Gon won't be able to hold him off forever.
"Tell them to take off!" he calls.
"This is impossible," breaths Aniya, not moving, her obvious fear freezing her to the spot."
