((OMG!!! I've posted!!! It's a miracle!!! If anyone is still reading this
your have more patience then any Jedi could possibly have..I'm sorry for
taking so long..damn school is a pain in the ass...-.-...well.I hope you
enjoy!))
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Chapter 5: A Cold Return
Obi-Wan and Anakin approached the council doors. The short distance to the doors had been received in a deep silence. Neither of the men talked, both were stuck in their own thoughts, they wondered what these next few moments would hold for them.
The pair stopped at the large doors. The doors were just the same as they always had been, even since Obi-Wan could remember. The large frame stood at least two feet about Obi-Wan and Anakin could just barely touch the top with his hand. They were wide enough for four Jedi, of substantial size, to walk through side by side. Anakin's eyes ran over the familiar carvings that were intricately carved into the metal. They were ancient carvings that very few, if any, of the Jedi could still read.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin, who on the outside appeared calm except for the beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead. However, Obi-Wan felt his padawan's turmoil and fear rolling through the force into him.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan said with concern. The young man broke his stare on the doors to focus on his master.
"I'm fine." Anakin said, answering his master's unasked question. "Just promise me you won't leave me alone in there." His crystal, blue stare rested in Obi-Wan grey, blue gaze. Obi-Wan had never known Anakin to be afraid in front of the Council. In fact he'd always been comfortable with them. But, now he felt a boyish terror in Anakin. Something Obi-Wan hadn't felt in years, and in a secret part of the aging man he smiled.
"They'll have to drag me out of there kicking." He said grinning. Anakin breathed a sigh of relief and washed away his fear, or tried to at least. Then, reluctantly, Obi-Wan pushed open the doors of the Council room and master and padawan entered just as they had so many times.
As always the Council room was lit up with vibrant color, as light filtered in through the huge windows. The Council saw looking as stoic as usual. However, the force revealed what the masters would not convey physically. Surprise was the most common emotion. But there was also uncertainty and disapproval lingering in every corner of the room.
Master and Padawan walked to the center of the room, coming to a stop on the ornately painted symbol in the middle of the room, over looked by the entirety of the Council. Anakin immediately took notice of three new people on the seats of the Council. Anakin knew, with no doubt, that their lives must've been lost to the pointless war that the republic was now forced into. The first he recognized was master Eoth Koth was missing, replaced with master Daemon Regreli. Then, there was Master Yareal Poof, replaced with Master Linari Tanis. The last he saw missing was Master Adi Gallia. Anakin froze as he noticed who know held her seat, Ferus Olin, his rival from his padawan days. Ferus was a few years older then him and had excelled in every area of Jedi training. He and Anakin and never gotten along for as long as they knew each other. Ferus had never trusted Anakin and was always watching him, waiting to prove to everyone what a failure he was. Anakin couldn't believe that he'd been right, and now he could rub it in his face. Ferus looked at Anakin with a hidden smirk, his sapphire eyes gleaming with satisfaction, and Anakin knew that Ferus was going to enjoy this completely.
"Welcome back Master Kenobi." Yoda greeted, looking them over. Obi-Wan bowed and looked at all of the Council.
"Good to be back." Obi-Wan admitted his voice full of reprieve.
"Let's get down to business." Mace said staring coldly at Anakin. "Why have you brought this sith back here?" Mace questioned.
"Anakin has come back to atone for his crimes. He is not a sith and he has come to prove it." A new emotion began to swirl within the room, doubt.
"You must be joking." Ferus said in a dull and disbelieving voice. "He has been trouble since the day he arrived in the temple. He never has and never will change." The dark haired man said wryly. Obi-Wan glared at Ferus. He knew Ferus had always been the model padawan. Nonetheless, the mutual hatred between Anakin and him was well known. Obi-Wan would not allow Ferus to ruin Anakin's chanced here.
"Surly, Ferus, you believe one can change." Obi-Wan said, staring hard at Ferus. Ferus might be a senior knight, worthy of being a replacement for a Council member, but Obi-Wan out experience this 'boy' any day.
"Well, no pad--, I mean Knight Kenobi." Ferus said with a glint of spite in his eyes. "My master taught me that evil should be destroyed at the source." Ferus looked at Anakin. "And you Anakin Skywalker are that source." Yoda gave a warning glance to Ferus, and the knight was silenced. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, was raging inside. He couldn't believe that Ferus dared to almost call him a padawan in front of the Council! Not only was that one of the more un-jedi things he's ever seen, but is also showed his immaturity to everyone.
~~Not to mention I'm liable to do some very un-Jedi things to him when I get out of here.~~ Obi-Wan thought mentally, though outwardly he merely gave a disapproving glare.
"You know as will as I do, Ferus, that your master believed in second chances for anyone. Besides, Siri is no longer your master. You're a knight and it's time you act like one." Anakin had remained silent all this time, but he was overjoyed when his master stepped in for his defense. "Besides, we have come here with more then a request for forgiveness. We have come to alert the Council to who has been behind all of the attacks and is responsible for the war." Every master in the room moved with a new alertness at these words.
"What news have you?" Yoda asked, with raised suspicion. Obi-Wan looked at Anakin.
"I believe my padawan would be better to inform the council, for he is the one who told me." Obi-Wan stepped back and let Anakin come forward. Anakin looked around nervously, his eyes resting briefly on Ferus.
"Well? Speak!" Mace said in an unusually harsh tone. Anakin was startled, but didn't jump. He'd been through to much fear already in his life to be afraid of a mere command. "What have you allegedly found out?" Anakin swallowed hard and then began.
"The one who has betrayed you all is Palpatine." Everyone stopped. They all attempted to fathom the words they'd all heard.
"What!?" Several of the masters repeated in disbelief among themselves.
"Proof of this, have you?" Master Yoda said accusingly. Anakin hung his head in shame.
"None that you can see. But-" Anakin hesitated. "He was my master." Obi-Wan looked over at his padawan in slight shock.
"And why should we believe you?" Ki-Adi Mundi spoke now. His tone didn't contain the same harshness as Mace's, but it was still cold. Anakin peered over at him. He didn't now how to respond.
"You have no reason to believe me. But, at least trust your feelings. They must be telling you something isn't right about everything that's going on. I don't want to see the Jedi outlawed and hunted down like animals. And if Palpatine gets what he wants that's exactly what will happen. The galaxy still needs you. I realize that now, I just hope it's not too late." Yoda nodded deep in thought was held in his eyes. Yoda looked at Mace, who nodded also.
"Tell us what you know Anakin." Mace said. "Anakin felt a little better, at least Mace had used his name.
"I know that Palpatine, known to me as Darth Sidious, plans to gain control over the entire galaxy. He's already well on his way and his next step his ridding the galaxy of the Jedi." Anakin stated. Mace raised an eyebrow at him
"Even if this was true Palpatine could never convince the senate to be rid of us. They know that we help them more then anyone. They count on us to maintain peace in the galaxy." Anakin gave him a grave look.
"Palpatine plans to blame the Jedi for the death of hundreds of senators." Anakin watched as the faces of the Council Members fell.
"Plan to do this how, does he?" Yoda asked concerned.
"In half a day's time he plans to blow up the senate building after he's called for a special meeting to discuss a peace treaty that will end the war. But, it's just a lure to get them there." Anakin answered without hesitating, as if already anticipating the question.
"Well, the chancellor has not called for any meeting Anakin. He would've had to alert the senators at least a week ahead of time to get them all here." Mace retorted. But, Yoda glanced at him.
"Wrong you are Mace. Call for a meeting in private the chancellor did. Said not sure of it he was, said he did not want to bring up the hopes of the entire galaxy. So asked us to tell no one, he did." The entire Council looked at their leader. Yoda met each of their eyes, reading their thoughts on the matter. Finally, he turned back to the pair in the center. "Reached a decision we have you Skywalker. Perform a mind search the Council will. If any traces of the darkness if found in you, then arrest you we will." Anakin felt every muscle in his body tighten. He had never witnessed this procedure before, only heard of it and the pain it causes." Anakin nodded reluctantly
"As you wish." Anakin said, although the fear of it threatened to swallow him. Moments later Anakin dropped all of his mental shields, revealing everything he'd ever thought, knew or felt. The twelve Master Jedi focused all their energy and entered Anakin's mind. Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin with both hands to try and stabilize Anakin's involuntary trembling. A cold sweat ran down Anakin's forehead as the masters ripped apart his mind searching every idea and memory he had ever had. Anakin felt pain sever every muscle, every nerve, and every bone right into his very soul
At last, after almost an hour, Yoda and the others finally withdrew from the young Jedi's mind. They all seemed very drained when their bodies appeared to regain consciousness, but most of all they were astonished. Anakin could barely stand. He wobbled a bit before Obi-Wan had to catch him from falling. Obi-Wan placed his padawan in his knees carefully. Then, the knight looked back up at the council, his hand toying closely to his saber. No one was going to harm Anakin., no matter what they found.
After a few moments, when the masters had regained their composure, the Council seemed to reform their infallible semi-circle. They looked to Obi- Wan who they saw was on one knee holding a pale and almost lifeless Anakin. Yoda had a glint in his eyes as he rose from his chair and strode calmly to the center. Obi-Wan was not sure what Yoda's intentions were but he would not allow any harm to come to his padawan. He couldn't lose Anakin, not again. Yoda sensed the knight's apprehension and placed a small hand upon Anakin's cold head.
"Easy my friend." The wizened Jedi master gave a rare grin. "The boy has passed our test." Obi-Wan looked down on Anakin, his grey, blue eyes glowing with relief. Not many of the master's expressions had changed, but the atmosphere was changed somehow. It was almost as if they were glad that Anakin had come back to them. "But, if true to your word, your padawan is. Then stop Palpatine we must." Yoda said resuming a louder tone. These words brought all the Jedi in the room to a single thought, even Ferus who had been slightly seething. Anakin finally regained most of his awareness, and attempted to stand. Obi-Wan though, did most of the work. Anakin set a determined look onto his face.
"We will stop him master Yoda." Anakin said weakly. The green master fixed his gaze on the blonde padawan.
"Have your word on that, do I, young Skywalker?" Yoda raised an inquiring eyebrow. Anakin lifted his head and brought his eyes up to meet Yoda's.
"You have my word on anything honorable left in me that I will stop Sidious at all costs."
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Next Chapter: Obi-Wan and Anakin leave the council and Anakin has his first happy experience since he returned!!! Yay!!! Or course..something dark is also revealed..*sighs*.these two can't buy a break...^_~))
.............................
Chapter 5: A Cold Return
Obi-Wan and Anakin approached the council doors. The short distance to the doors had been received in a deep silence. Neither of the men talked, both were stuck in their own thoughts, they wondered what these next few moments would hold for them.
The pair stopped at the large doors. The doors were just the same as they always had been, even since Obi-Wan could remember. The large frame stood at least two feet about Obi-Wan and Anakin could just barely touch the top with his hand. They were wide enough for four Jedi, of substantial size, to walk through side by side. Anakin's eyes ran over the familiar carvings that were intricately carved into the metal. They were ancient carvings that very few, if any, of the Jedi could still read.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin, who on the outside appeared calm except for the beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead. However, Obi-Wan felt his padawan's turmoil and fear rolling through the force into him.
"Anakin?" Obi-Wan said with concern. The young man broke his stare on the doors to focus on his master.
"I'm fine." Anakin said, answering his master's unasked question. "Just promise me you won't leave me alone in there." His crystal, blue stare rested in Obi-Wan grey, blue gaze. Obi-Wan had never known Anakin to be afraid in front of the Council. In fact he'd always been comfortable with them. But, now he felt a boyish terror in Anakin. Something Obi-Wan hadn't felt in years, and in a secret part of the aging man he smiled.
"They'll have to drag me out of there kicking." He said grinning. Anakin breathed a sigh of relief and washed away his fear, or tried to at least. Then, reluctantly, Obi-Wan pushed open the doors of the Council room and master and padawan entered just as they had so many times.
As always the Council room was lit up with vibrant color, as light filtered in through the huge windows. The Council saw looking as stoic as usual. However, the force revealed what the masters would not convey physically. Surprise was the most common emotion. But there was also uncertainty and disapproval lingering in every corner of the room.
Master and Padawan walked to the center of the room, coming to a stop on the ornately painted symbol in the middle of the room, over looked by the entirety of the Council. Anakin immediately took notice of three new people on the seats of the Council. Anakin knew, with no doubt, that their lives must've been lost to the pointless war that the republic was now forced into. The first he recognized was master Eoth Koth was missing, replaced with master Daemon Regreli. Then, there was Master Yareal Poof, replaced with Master Linari Tanis. The last he saw missing was Master Adi Gallia. Anakin froze as he noticed who know held her seat, Ferus Olin, his rival from his padawan days. Ferus was a few years older then him and had excelled in every area of Jedi training. He and Anakin and never gotten along for as long as they knew each other. Ferus had never trusted Anakin and was always watching him, waiting to prove to everyone what a failure he was. Anakin couldn't believe that he'd been right, and now he could rub it in his face. Ferus looked at Anakin with a hidden smirk, his sapphire eyes gleaming with satisfaction, and Anakin knew that Ferus was going to enjoy this completely.
"Welcome back Master Kenobi." Yoda greeted, looking them over. Obi-Wan bowed and looked at all of the Council.
"Good to be back." Obi-Wan admitted his voice full of reprieve.
"Let's get down to business." Mace said staring coldly at Anakin. "Why have you brought this sith back here?" Mace questioned.
"Anakin has come back to atone for his crimes. He is not a sith and he has come to prove it." A new emotion began to swirl within the room, doubt.
"You must be joking." Ferus said in a dull and disbelieving voice. "He has been trouble since the day he arrived in the temple. He never has and never will change." The dark haired man said wryly. Obi-Wan glared at Ferus. He knew Ferus had always been the model padawan. Nonetheless, the mutual hatred between Anakin and him was well known. Obi-Wan would not allow Ferus to ruin Anakin's chanced here.
"Surly, Ferus, you believe one can change." Obi-Wan said, staring hard at Ferus. Ferus might be a senior knight, worthy of being a replacement for a Council member, but Obi-Wan out experience this 'boy' any day.
"Well, no pad--, I mean Knight Kenobi." Ferus said with a glint of spite in his eyes. "My master taught me that evil should be destroyed at the source." Ferus looked at Anakin. "And you Anakin Skywalker are that source." Yoda gave a warning glance to Ferus, and the knight was silenced. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, was raging inside. He couldn't believe that Ferus dared to almost call him a padawan in front of the Council! Not only was that one of the more un-jedi things he's ever seen, but is also showed his immaturity to everyone.
~~Not to mention I'm liable to do some very un-Jedi things to him when I get out of here.~~ Obi-Wan thought mentally, though outwardly he merely gave a disapproving glare.
"You know as will as I do, Ferus, that your master believed in second chances for anyone. Besides, Siri is no longer your master. You're a knight and it's time you act like one." Anakin had remained silent all this time, but he was overjoyed when his master stepped in for his defense. "Besides, we have come here with more then a request for forgiveness. We have come to alert the Council to who has been behind all of the attacks and is responsible for the war." Every master in the room moved with a new alertness at these words.
"What news have you?" Yoda asked, with raised suspicion. Obi-Wan looked at Anakin.
"I believe my padawan would be better to inform the council, for he is the one who told me." Obi-Wan stepped back and let Anakin come forward. Anakin looked around nervously, his eyes resting briefly on Ferus.
"Well? Speak!" Mace said in an unusually harsh tone. Anakin was startled, but didn't jump. He'd been through to much fear already in his life to be afraid of a mere command. "What have you allegedly found out?" Anakin swallowed hard and then began.
"The one who has betrayed you all is Palpatine." Everyone stopped. They all attempted to fathom the words they'd all heard.
"What!?" Several of the masters repeated in disbelief among themselves.
"Proof of this, have you?" Master Yoda said accusingly. Anakin hung his head in shame.
"None that you can see. But-" Anakin hesitated. "He was my master." Obi-Wan looked over at his padawan in slight shock.
"And why should we believe you?" Ki-Adi Mundi spoke now. His tone didn't contain the same harshness as Mace's, but it was still cold. Anakin peered over at him. He didn't now how to respond.
"You have no reason to believe me. But, at least trust your feelings. They must be telling you something isn't right about everything that's going on. I don't want to see the Jedi outlawed and hunted down like animals. And if Palpatine gets what he wants that's exactly what will happen. The galaxy still needs you. I realize that now, I just hope it's not too late." Yoda nodded deep in thought was held in his eyes. Yoda looked at Mace, who nodded also.
"Tell us what you know Anakin." Mace said. "Anakin felt a little better, at least Mace had used his name.
"I know that Palpatine, known to me as Darth Sidious, plans to gain control over the entire galaxy. He's already well on his way and his next step his ridding the galaxy of the Jedi." Anakin stated. Mace raised an eyebrow at him
"Even if this was true Palpatine could never convince the senate to be rid of us. They know that we help them more then anyone. They count on us to maintain peace in the galaxy." Anakin gave him a grave look.
"Palpatine plans to blame the Jedi for the death of hundreds of senators." Anakin watched as the faces of the Council Members fell.
"Plan to do this how, does he?" Yoda asked concerned.
"In half a day's time he plans to blow up the senate building after he's called for a special meeting to discuss a peace treaty that will end the war. But, it's just a lure to get them there." Anakin answered without hesitating, as if already anticipating the question.
"Well, the chancellor has not called for any meeting Anakin. He would've had to alert the senators at least a week ahead of time to get them all here." Mace retorted. But, Yoda glanced at him.
"Wrong you are Mace. Call for a meeting in private the chancellor did. Said not sure of it he was, said he did not want to bring up the hopes of the entire galaxy. So asked us to tell no one, he did." The entire Council looked at their leader. Yoda met each of their eyes, reading their thoughts on the matter. Finally, he turned back to the pair in the center. "Reached a decision we have you Skywalker. Perform a mind search the Council will. If any traces of the darkness if found in you, then arrest you we will." Anakin felt every muscle in his body tighten. He had never witnessed this procedure before, only heard of it and the pain it causes." Anakin nodded reluctantly
"As you wish." Anakin said, although the fear of it threatened to swallow him. Moments later Anakin dropped all of his mental shields, revealing everything he'd ever thought, knew or felt. The twelve Master Jedi focused all their energy and entered Anakin's mind. Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin with both hands to try and stabilize Anakin's involuntary trembling. A cold sweat ran down Anakin's forehead as the masters ripped apart his mind searching every idea and memory he had ever had. Anakin felt pain sever every muscle, every nerve, and every bone right into his very soul
At last, after almost an hour, Yoda and the others finally withdrew from the young Jedi's mind. They all seemed very drained when their bodies appeared to regain consciousness, but most of all they were astonished. Anakin could barely stand. He wobbled a bit before Obi-Wan had to catch him from falling. Obi-Wan placed his padawan in his knees carefully. Then, the knight looked back up at the council, his hand toying closely to his saber. No one was going to harm Anakin., no matter what they found.
After a few moments, when the masters had regained their composure, the Council seemed to reform their infallible semi-circle. They looked to Obi- Wan who they saw was on one knee holding a pale and almost lifeless Anakin. Yoda had a glint in his eyes as he rose from his chair and strode calmly to the center. Obi-Wan was not sure what Yoda's intentions were but he would not allow any harm to come to his padawan. He couldn't lose Anakin, not again. Yoda sensed the knight's apprehension and placed a small hand upon Anakin's cold head.
"Easy my friend." The wizened Jedi master gave a rare grin. "The boy has passed our test." Obi-Wan looked down on Anakin, his grey, blue eyes glowing with relief. Not many of the master's expressions had changed, but the atmosphere was changed somehow. It was almost as if they were glad that Anakin had come back to them. "But, if true to your word, your padawan is. Then stop Palpatine we must." Yoda said resuming a louder tone. These words brought all the Jedi in the room to a single thought, even Ferus who had been slightly seething. Anakin finally regained most of his awareness, and attempted to stand. Obi-Wan though, did most of the work. Anakin set a determined look onto his face.
"We will stop him master Yoda." Anakin said weakly. The green master fixed his gaze on the blonde padawan.
"Have your word on that, do I, young Skywalker?" Yoda raised an inquiring eyebrow. Anakin lifted his head and brought his eyes up to meet Yoda's.
"You have my word on anything honorable left in me that I will stop Sidious at all costs."
...................................
Next Chapter: Obi-Wan and Anakin leave the council and Anakin has his first happy experience since he returned!!! Yay!!! Or course..something dark is also revealed..*sighs*.these two can't buy a break...^_~))
