A MESSED UP DESTINY

A STAR WARS STORY

Chapter 41

Disclaimer: Disney owns everything and I make no profit from this.

Hello there everyone and welcome to chapter 41 of the story! First off, I apologize for the delay, things have been a bit hectic on my side of the screen. Anyhow, today we'll continue from where we left off, with Anakin and Obi Wan being sent out on two separate missions for the Jedi Council. I'm going to alternate between these two storylines in the next few chapters, since they are somewhat connected, because Bo Katan was working on Sidious' orders when she tried to kill Padme, even if she didn't know that.

Also, as for Anakin hunting down Phantom, you can imagine that he won't actually be doing that, since putting the assassin that works for you behind bars is quite the dumb move, and Anakin isn't about to make it.

Lastly, this story is named "The Lord of Vengeance" for a reason, and we're getting close to the reveal of this individual. Long have I waited to write that scene…but all shall be revealed in good time. For now, enjoy the chapter and don't forget to review!

Anyways…without further ado…let's dive right into it!

Phantom Pains! As Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi is dispatched to investigate the mysterious Mandalorian woman who attacked Senator Padme Amidala not too long ago with the aid of Jango Fett, the Jedi Council dispatches their best warrior to find and capture the elusive assassin known only as 'Phantom', with the help of the mysterious Angel. Will the two duos succeed on their missions, or will the Jedi return home with empty hands and failed objectives?

Jedi Temple, High Council Chambers, Anakin's point of view:

Being called in to see the Council for anything other than a standard report was a waste of time, especially since they all –except for Obi Wan, Yoda, Shaak Ti and Plo Koon- were visibly beginning to value Republic politics over doing the right thing, the exact phenomena that had led to Ahsoka's unjust trial and almost to her execution. The only thing saving them from receiving my fury fist hand was that exposing Sidious was more important, and also that Yoda was trying to be helpful by defending the Order's founding principles, which is what he should have done the first time around…but I guess late is better than never in this case.

In all honestly, I didn't hate the Council anymore. I most certainly had hated them with what I had thought was righteous anger, but in truth the thing that infuriated me was their actions, and not the people sitting in the chairs. Admittedly, the Jedi Order as a whole was trying to make a bad situation better, but simply went about it the wrong way, their philosophy entirely twisted by arrogance, overconfidence and hypocrisy from the last millennium or so. The Jedi were trying, but they should have known there is no such thing. Or at least out of all of them, Yoda should have.

"-walker? Skywalker, are you listening?", asked the emotionless voice of Master Windu, who actually wasn't glaring at me in any demeaning way, and –from what I could sense- wasn't focusing on me at all, his attention on the mission.

Recognizing that I should apologize for being rude by ignoring him and the other Council Members, I quickly gave a small bow of respect. He had earned that much. "My apologies master Windu. I was distracted with…other matters.", I said, hoping he'd accept it. I honestly doubted that we'd ever act warmly towards each other, but co-existing peacefully was perfectly fine with me.

This was the moment where Yoda decided to chime in, bringing the Council's attention on Sidious, who was meant to be today's topic of discussion anyways. So far we'd already wasted an hour bickering about one meaningless thing after the next. It wasn't like the Jedi would ever act on, or even bother with everything going on in the military, so why waste time talking about how they didn't like what was happening to it if they weren't going to do anything?

"Yes…your mind on this 'Darth Sidious' is. Sense it, I do.", he said, adding the last part for the sake of pretending I hadn't already talked to him about our next course of action. He'd promised to do what he could about the Jedi playing politics, and I had thanked him, since I knew he would do his best to become the Council's moral compass, seeing as Obi Wan wasn't enough to do it alone.

"Where else would it be?", I asked rhetorically. Seeing as no one thought it wise to answer, I continued, about to push the Council for an official investigation into him outside of Republic jurisdiction. After all, the law stated that Sith Lords were Jedi business, so we were the ones responsible for dealing with him in the first place, and it would be useful for directing Sidious' attention away from me specifically before making my next move.

"What Anakin means to say is that we must look into this matter on our own. My personal investigation through the conventional means yielded no results, so we'd like to suggest that Jedi Shadows be brought in to watch over Coruscant, since it is presumably where a Sith Lord would like to be. Close to both the Senate and Jedi Temple, with ample places to skulk in if things get too heated for Sidious to handle.", Obi Wan said, initiating this new argument.

Windu seemed to recognize the value in what Obi Wan –and I, but more so he, because he was a Member of the Council- was suggesting, because he immediately raised a hand to cut Mundi off when he tried to respond. "I personally believe this to be a good idea, especially since we have a mission for each of you. We'll take over this investigation, and you will deal with more immediate matters.", he announced, almost dismissively, but I knew it was only because Council Sessions were going on record. This move by itself indicated that Windu was determined to find Sidious, although I hoped he wouldn't do anything rash like last time. Wouldn't want him to do be thrown out of a window again…

I nodded in acceptance of his words before inquiring about the nature of the assignments Obi Wan and I would be dealing with. Yoda had assured me that they weren't trivial and that I would have a chance to further my more…private investigation soon enough, so they had to be Sith-related in some way.

"Master Kenobi, to Mandalor will go. A Bounty Hunter who attacked Senator Amidala, member of an organization called 'Death Watch' is, and operate from Mandalor it does. Find this Bounty Hunter you must, Obi Wan, and to the Temple for questioning bring her.", Yoda said, waving a clawed hand for Obi Wan to leave.

My brother seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, but he hid his true thoughts with practiced ease as Yoda turned to me, about to tell me what was so important that I had to be informed in person. "Knight Skywalker after this mysterious 'Phantom' will go. If this killer information on the Senate has, a connection or clue to Sidious he may also possess. Target those who profit from suffering they do, so Sidious on that list would be.", the Grandmaster said, and I realized what he was doing.

I'd spoken with him recently about dealing with the Inhibitor Chips to prevent Order 66, and since I had taken the risk of introducing him to Revan right before leaving for Naboo, he had presumably been filled in on the situation regarding Phantom and Coruscant in general. Yoda obviously disapproved of our methods, but he couldn't deny how effective they were not only in rooting out corruption, but also bringing attention to it in the public eye, making everyone that much more critical of those advocating for the continuation of the War, since most of the Senators and Staff caught happened to be on that political spectrum. A mere coincidence surely, nothing to do with any Sith Lord controlling the government.

Therefore, the little green troll was essentially giving me free reign over the entire case, allowing Phantom to do whatever he was ordered to entirely undisturbed, and allowing for Angel, the newest member of this group that Phantom, Fulcrum, Revan and I were part of, to continue her work of bringing down the Chancellor and his lackeys through more legitimate –and less bloody- means with no Jedi interference. How nice of Yoda to be so helpful today…

Alas, I didn't move to thank him for this since the rest of the Council –minus Obi Wan- was still present, and very much in doubt over me being assigned this mission. Had I still been the Anakin Skywalker from before the Purges, I'd probably be doubtful too, but now things were different. My experiences under the Emperor had taught me many things, most of the virtue of patience, ironically enough. Knowing when to strike was critical if you wanted to dispose of someone, especially if you wanted it done quietly.

After giving Yoda a small bow of respect since he earned it long ago -right after Jabiim to be precise-, I quickly left, heading for the lower levels of the Temple, and after almost half a year of avoiding the place, strode right into the –formerly Sith- shrine which Revan had made his unofficial headquarters on Coruscant, catching the attention of all the Phantoms inside.

Well, those who used to be Phantoms anyways, since when defeating Sith Phantoms, Revan could often find souls who were being controlled against their will amongst the fanatic followers of the Dark Side. Upon freeing them, he offered the choice of joining us and helping take down the Sith Master –meaning Sidious-, or returning to the Netherworld of the Force and resting for eternity. Since most of those unwilling souls once served the Republic during wars with the Sith, there were very few who decided on the latter option, but they weren't judged for it, ever. All of us understood how tired fighting could make you, and so fond farewells were exchanged between comrades, brothers in arms fighting for a common cause, even when the souls in question belonged to Revan's forces from when he was a Sith. Having fought against –and been killed by- the very same Empire Revan had been trying to prevent at the time, they held no ill will for any of those soldiers.

Captain Killshot, one of the first two spirits Revan and I had liberated –the other being Captain Bloodhound, who was Revan's second in Command here and used to be a Commander on one of his Sith Cruisers- walked over to me, and gave a salute. I couldn't help but chuckle as I mimicked him, if only because of how familiar this all was. War had become my element over the last near-decade, and it would probably stay that way for a long time, but I wasn't going to complain about that. Better to be prepared for battle than to die during one.

"Captain, is our new friend here?", I asked politely, awaiting a response.

Killshot nodded before pointing at the door, reinforced with a Force Shield which made it nearly invincible when attacked by conventional means, and I turned to it, spotting Revan, along with…her. My Angel was here, finally.

Meanwhile, Hyperspace, Obi Wan's point of view:

The Council had made a mistake today. It would be far from the first time, but while sending me to Mandalor made sense from their point of view since I was familiar with both the planet and its ruler, involving Death Watch in this game of Galactic-scale Sabacc was a bad idea. From what I could recall, Pre Visla was a vicious adversary with a penchant for trying to kill Satine, and I was in no mood to deal with him now, or ever again. It wasn't a case of him being an annoyance –which he was, but alas-, but the fact that going to Mandalor meant seeing her.

I honestly didn't think my mind could take being around Satine after having her die in my arms, and I certainly wouldn't be able to face her now, not so soon after Siri's… It didn't matter. I was a Jedi, and I couldn't let my personal feelings get in the way of the mission! Hadn't I told Anakin this very thing just a short while ago? Probably, but Force knows he never actually listens to me on those things…

The only good thing about this whole ordeal is that at least Jango was tagging along with me. We'd taken his ship, Slave I, and I could honestly see why he liked it so much. I never had been one to care much about ships or mechanics in general, but I could tell it was well made. Anakin would surely describe it as a work of art. Then again, considering he'd probably say the same about a headless Sidious, a sentiment that I had caught myself agreeing to several times over the past week, I wasn't sure if either of us were in the right mental state to be judging ships right now.

Anakin…had faded away, ever so slightly after Siri's death. It seemed as if the only times where I could see my brother by looking in his eyes would be either when he was taking care of me or when we was talking to Qui Gon, Revan or Padme. His smiles didn't stay on the rare occasions where he wore anything but a comforting one, and the fact that he wasn't okay was quite obvious to me. It seemed as if the part of him that is Darth Vader had awoken from a deep slumber, and taken solid form inside his mind, having returned to fight Sidious with a vengeance.

My brother cared for little else nowadays…it's what Siri's death had done to him. And if there was one trait I could damn the Force for giving him, it would be this infuriating tendency to blame himself for every bad thing that happened to us. Well, I suppose that judging him for it would be hypocritical, but I've heard that Jedi tend to be like that sometimes. I just hope he snaps out of it soon, because seeing his eyes turn gold whenever Sidious was mentioned isn't an experience that I'd ever like to repeat, especially since they'd lost that aura of control they used to have. It was as if they'd become more feral since Naboo, as if this tame darkness was finally let loose, and it showed. Perhaps only to me, but it did show, one way or the other.

Taking a deep breath more akin to a long sigh, I decided that ruminating on our problems wouldn't do any good. Some meditation on the other hand, now that would be just what I needed to keep a cool head. Inhaling again, I did my best to feel the Force around me, to open myself up to the Light as I always had…but nothing happened. I could still feel the Force like normal, but it was something…distant, like a starship floating in atmosphere while I was on the surface, gazing up into the sky.

Not allowing any frustration to get to me, I tried again, but my thoughts were plagued by Siri, and everything that followed my failure on Naboo. I wasn't able to clear my head, not on my own at least, which is why I immediately tapped into the Force Bond Qui Gon and I shared, requesting his presence. He appeared after a few moments, if only as a faint glow on the wall rather than an actual ghost.

My father's presence hadn't lost its comforting touch, and I felt I lot better just knowing he was there. Slowly and with hesitation I didn't normally allow myself any time for, I reached into the Force again, and after several grueling minutes, my environment finally shifted into the crystal-clear lake I was familiar with during meditation.

The small area around it was filled with colorful foliage, the kind that grew thick the further away from the lake, the center, you got, providing the illusion that there was something beyond instead of emptiness. The lake's waters were still and pristinely clean, not a single ripple on its surface to spoil the image of serenity it gave me. A satisfied smile found its way onto my face, and I let myself truly relax for the first time in weeks. I'd been too busy to come here, but this small space was tranquility at its finest for me, the perfect spot for meditation.

The back of my mind still knew that I was on Jango's ship, but that tidbit of knowledge mattered not at the moment. Sitting down on the grass, I let myself enjoy the sensation of peace before closing my eyes and letting go of my worries and fears, dispensing them into the Force as Qui Gon had taught me. Such was the Jedi Way, and also my personal preference. Holding onto such intense negative emotions never did me any good, I'd learned as much when the Clone Wars had first started, right after the Battle of Jabiim in fact. Back then, both Anakin and I were relatively inexperienced and so the campaign had ended in disaster, causing my self-doubt to run wild for hours before I'd finally decided to release it. My mind had been much calmer after that.

"And what about now Padawan? Are your worries gone from your thoughts?", asked the familiar voice of my father. I opened my eyes and looked to my right, where Qui Gon was also sitting down cross-legged, smiling at me.

I allowed myself to be lazy and didn't move to go get up, content with staying here for the time being. After all, even if the War never waited for anyone, we still had a few hours before arriving at our destination. Qui Gon saw this and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, making me feel like I was still a teenage apprentice. Things were so much simpler back then…

Qui Gon then moved to get back up on his feet, smile never wavering. "Come.", he instructed as he moved away from the lake, and I followed suit, averting my eyes from the beautiful scenery to look at the closest thing I've ever had to a father. In truth, Qui Gon had always been my father, I just hadn't ever permitted myself to take note of that when he was still alive.

As we reached the point where the foliage thickened, Qui Gon waved his hand in front of the bushes, and they moved out of the way, revealing a familiar door. I recognized it instantly, since it was the door to our old quarters in the Temple, the same living space that Anakin had taken to filling up with spare droid parts and other machinery in his teenage years, before the War. Things had gotten too hectic for hobbies after it began…

The door slid open the moment we approached, revealing a room I was intimately familiar with. It still was our quarters, but it looked exactly as it had before the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo, before Qui Gon had died fighting Maul. I hadn't seen it like this in two decades, and to see it now…it was beautiful.

Qui Gon smiled softly at me, making two cups of warm tea float to the small nearby table as each of us took a seat, quietly sipping on some tea for a few minutes, content to enjoy the silence and calm that came along with it. Unfortunately, all good things must someday end, and so Qui Gon cleared his throat once we had emptied our cups.

"Padawan, do you know why I've brought you here?", he asked in a calm tone, as if inquiring something from a youngling who would have to guess the answer. It was as endearing now as it had been twenty years ago, a sign that my master hadn't lost his touch.

"No, but I suppose it wasn't just to share a cup of tea?", I asked with the usual amount of sass, as I'd do while we were on missions together.

Qui Gon laughed loudly at that. "Oh, I've missed your humor. Lately, all we talk about is this War!", he remarked excitedly, with an energy I've rarely seen in him.

I chuckled at his antics, more than happy to be spending time with my father, even if this was the only way to do so. After a moment, Qui Gon composed himself, ready to speak once more. "Apart from that, I do believe that there's someone here to see you.", he said warmly, and the door suddenly slid open, revealing Siri, dressed in her traditional Jedi Robes.

Upon seeing her, I jumped out of the chair and ran to embrace her, not caring for the tears that were fleeing from my eyes. I was just happy to have her back. Siri shared the sentiment, pulling away from the hug momentarily before kissing me deeply, with a love that rivaled the one my brother held for his Angel. Of course, that was when my mind registered what was happening, and decided that shock was the appropriate response, leading to me taking a step back, and sending a thousand questions in my love's way.

"Siri how-"

"Obi, I-"

We both started talking over each other, and upon stopping, Siri giggled as my legs threatened to give out. Her laughter was music to my ears, the loveliest sound in the whole Galaxy, and even beyond it!

"So…how are you even here?", I worked up the courage to ask after a few seconds of silence.

Siri laughed at the question, but it was good natured, as if I'd mentioned an inside joke. "Same as your dad. Died and decided to be a ghost!", she responded jokingly, but her smile faltered moments later.

I felt my own eyes darken, since I understood what she was about to say. And I had no choice but to accept it, no matter how much it pained me. "You can't stay, can you?", I asked, praying with all my strength for her answer to be a 'no', for Siri to tell me that she'd be with me all the way…even though I knew she wasn't going to lie to me, ever.

"…I'm sorry…", she muttered, and I wrapped her into a soft hug. She shouldn't be apologizing. I was the one at fault here, not her.

Siri pulled away slowly, savoring every moment she spent in my arms, as I did while in hers. But we knew it had to happen, that neither of us could prevent it. "Obi…I love you, and I always will. Don't ever forget that, okay?", she asked softly, waiting for an answer.

"And promise me that if you find someone who makes you happy, you won't deny yourself that joy.", she added right before I could open my mouth…and I hesitated. How was I supposed to promise her that when she loved me, when I loved her? How could I ever even begin to think of saying that kind of thing?

"Obi.", she said, looking into my eyes. "We both knew that this could happen. It pains me that it did, but I mean it when I say that all I want is for you to be happy. I…I hadn't even thought you'd consider us back when the War started, and it's all I've cared for from the start. Well…amongst other things…", Siri admitted to be, and I intentionally rolled my eyes at the last sentence, ignoring the wink the sent me and how my insides seemed to be on fire.

Inhaling deeply, I nodded an affirmative to her. Siri was right after all, it…it was time to let go. And so I opened my mouth, and uttered the three words she was waiting for. "I promise you.", I told her, and Siri's eyes softened before she hugged me tightly.

After pulling away, she cupped my cheek and locked gazes with me, looking into my very soul and filling it with warmth, for what I knew to be the last time. "We've made some nice memories together Obi. I won't forget them, ever, and I can't wait for you to tell me everything I'm going to miss when I see you again.", she replied, and I felt myself let go, a heavy burden being lifted from my shoulders, and more importantly, my soul.

Siri turned to leave, but spun around after the second step, as if she'd forgotten something. "Oh, and before I go…when you beat that Sith-Spawn Sidious, kick him in the shins for me would you?", she joked, but I took her seriously, since it really was a good idea.

"I promise.", I told her, this time only happiness in my tone. It had been good to see her again, even if it was to say goodbye. Not that it was forever, of course. I knew I'd see her again one day, and Qui Gon did say that good things come to those who wait.

Siri and I exchanged one final fond smile before I sat back down on my chair, Qui Gon pouring us each another cup of tea. When I finally opened my real eyes to see Jango looking at me oddly, we'd arrived on Mandalor, and it was time to get going. I had work to do after all, since the War never waits for anyone.

And…scene! There you have it everyone, chapter 41 of A Messed Up Destiny! Okay, this one…kinda knocked the wind out of me! I'm relatively sure it turned out pretty good, and I'm satisfied with it, personally speaking, even if it took a lot of re-writes to get it to where it is. Anyhow, the important thing is that this chapter marks the half-way point in Book 2 (and I do mean plot wise since I don't know if this book is going to be precisely forty two chapters long), which means that things are certainly progressing from here on out!

Now, we have a lot to cover today, so…without further ado…let's move onto the exposition!

Firstly, Anakin. I feel that Obi Wan did a pretty good job describing what Anakin is going through right now, but here's some more detail to make things a bit simpler for you. It's a well-established fact that Anakin cares a lot about Obi Wan, and that he is at his worst when his loved ones are suffering in some way, hence his change in demeanor this chapter. His speech patterns, thought process and general everything has adapted itself to Vader's character, since Anakin is seeing Obi Wan suffer through the same thing he did after Mustafar, meaning the loss of his true love. Anakin –and even Darth Vader to an extent- understand painfully well what that feels like, and so he's pulling all the stops to take revenge on Sidious for what he's done, while also never neglecting to take care of Obi Wan.

The situation is hard for him, but having to feel his brother's pain through their Force Bond has filled Anakin with an unsheathing hatred for Palpatine, hence Obi Wan's reference of his golden eyes having lost that aura of 'tame' darkness. Anakin's emotions towards Palpatine are beginning to overtake him, and he's throwing himself in his work to retaliate before the Sith Lord can strike again.

Secondly, Angel. While I have introduced her as a mysterious character working alongside Fulcrum, I have also given you guys many clues as to her identity over the past four chapters, five if we include this one (which actually has the most clues), so I'm hoping that you'll figure her and Fulcrum out before I make their identities public knowledge, since they will be revealed in the near future.

Thirdly, Obi Wan and Siri's farewell. I…I'm going to admit it. I made myself cry a little while writing this. I ship these two very hard and it was tough enough to kill Siri off the way I did, especially after having Obi Wan go through all the trouble of thinking that she was dead only for him to lose her for real…Thankfully, I am not a heartless monster like a certain Sith Emperor (Sidious) we all know and hate, so I gave them this little reunion in the Force's Realm as a means of closure both in regards to their relationship and the storyline in general. I hope this has satisfied those who were heartbroken by Siri's death.

Fourthly, Obi Wan's meditation area. This…might seem weird at first, but the scenery of the lake and foliage was actually pulled directly from Legends, because it's stated clearly that Legends! Obi Wan sees the Force as a lake and the events taking place in the Galaxy as ripples in the water. I took that idea and modified it before running with it, and I think it turned out pretty well since it gives Obi Wan his own personal Force Space.

This also doesn't only apply to him either, but to all Force Sensitives. The difference between this and the Force Spaces belonging to Qui Gon and Revan however, is that Obi Wan is merely visiting there spiritually, while the Force Ghosts reside in their little pockets of the Netherworld. Also, in case anyone is wondering, the Living Quarters are Qui Gon's personal space, and we've seen Revan's (it's the Endar Spire by the way) in the last chapter of 'Horrors of Jabiim' quite a while ago.

Lastly, the near future. I feel like it's obvious by now, but as I mentioned in the prologue, the next few chapters will alternate between storylines, with Anakin 'hunting' Phantom, and Obi Wan chasing after Bo Katan to see if there are any leads on Sidious. In reality, Anakin is of course going to be investigating both of Palpatine's personas, while Obi Wan goes after Bo Katan to make sure that the multiple attacks on Mandalor that Death Watch was behind don't happen, so that things don't evolve into the situation with Maul as its ruler later on.

Next time: As Anakin Skywalker works with his secret allies to find evidence of Darth Sidious' wrongdoings and connect him to his public persona of Chancellor Palpatine, Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi reunites with an old friend…and also former flame of his youth as dark forces close in on the two Jedi, with only their deaths in mind. Will Anakin be able to survive the terrible darkness wielded by those who devote themselves to the Dark Side of the Force, and will Obi Wan succeed on his mission, or are they meant to meet their fates at evil hands?

That's all for now everyone! Reviews are always welcome, whether it be to ask question or to chat, and I'll see you all next chapter, but until then, May the Force be with you!