After recording a message for the clones and sending it to Obi-Wan, Anakin wasted no more time and headed straight to his wife's apartment.
Anakin!" Padme cried, excited to see her husband.
"Padme," Anakin said lovingly as he caught the excited form of his wife, hugging her close. Anakin never wanted to break the embrace, knowing that it would one of the last times he would do so for the next six months.
The smile faded from Padme's face as she caught sight of the expression on Anakin's face as they pulled apart. "Something is wrong, what is it Ani?" she asked, the worry clear in her voice.
Anakin sighed and led his wife over to the couch so they could sit down to discuss what happened. Once seated, he grabbed her hands in his and gentle smoothed his thumbs over her knuckles. He needed the contact to stay calm as he began. "I learned things about Obi-Wan these past few days. How much he sacrificed for me and how ungrateful I've been to him." Anakin admitted, he was so ashamed he couldn't even meet Padme's eyes. Instead looking at her lap.
"Anakin, what are you talking about?"
The story of the argument and the cruel words he had spoken to Obi-Wan came tumbling out, the story of the Agoge falling from his lips. He briefly detailed some of the worst fights he had watched. He then told her about the confrontation with Obi-Wan about his new found knowledge and how he finally confessed his darkest sins for both Obi-Wan and Ahsoka to hear. How Obi-Wan knew about them being together and not telling a soul. And how Obi-Wan convinced him to take responsibility for his actions like a Knight should.
Padme stayed silent through the whole confession. Only speaking up after Anakin finished saying he had went before the Council to receive his punishment.
"They didn't kick you out Ani, they would be foolish to do so."
Anakin shook his head. "Obi-Wan fought for me again. They judged my actions through the eyes of a Padawan I was instead of the Knight I am now, and I remain in the Order. However that doesn't mean my actions have no consequences."
Padme was almost afraid to ask, but she had to know. "What are the consequences Anakin?"
Anakin sighed, "To put it plainly, I'm basically under house arrest. No contact with anyone outside the Temple, no sneaking out, and spending the night in Yoda, Windu, or Obi-Wan's company for the next six months."
"That's barbaric. What about the war, your men? What will the Republic think!" Padme asked in outrage.
"Padme, I don't care what the Republic thinks. This punishment is fair, more than fair for what I did, and for once I will be following the Council's decision." Anakin finally met Padme's eyes. "I could have been thrown into a cell and cut from the Force, they could have kicked me out of the Order. What I did was terrible and it left scars Padme, mental ones. these scars make me a risk out in the field to me and my men. Dark actions like I did leave mental scars and makes one more subseptical to fall if not treated by a mind healer. Mine however show signs of festering, someone has been messing with my mind Padme, poking these scar deliberately to make them worse. I can't even stop them because I can't even feel them, the scars run to deep and have been there too long."
Anakin's voice grew softer, "Someone wants me to fall or make me unstable and I can't let that happen. But this punishment is a chance for me to get help Padme, for once in my life I might be able to find inner peace."
Padme suddenly felt ashamed. She hadn't been thinking of the welfare of her husband when she spoke. She had been concerned about the welfare of the galaxy instead.
Anakin feeling these emotions coming from Padme, instantly drew her into a hug. "Your concern for the galaxy is one of the many reasons why I love you."
"I love you to Anakin."
"That's good, because this is our last night for six months and I plan to make the most of it," smirked Anakin predatorily.
"Ani, Annniiii!" giggled Padme as Anakin threw her over his shoulder and headed towards the bedroom. If this was the last time for six months, Padme was all for making the most of it.
Obi-Wan sighed in relief when Anakin's message arrived before he made it to the clone barracks. It would be so much easier explaining the situation to the clones with the back-up of Anakin's message.
Obi-Wan was glad that the 212th and the 501st were stationed in the same barrack, it would make it infinitely easier to tell them all at once.
The barracks were full of life as the clones relaxed in a rare moment of relaxation. Obi-Wan slipped in without any noticing and just let the happiness of the Living Force wash over him.
Of course, Cody seemed to have a sixth sense when his General was concerned and looked into Obi-Wan's eyes. Obi-Wan watched sadly as the joy quickly vanished as the troops came to attention at an unseen signal. He wished just for a moment that he was able to walk into the barracks and be accepted in the easy comradery the vod shared amongst themselves. He quickly pulled his General facade and stepped in front of the vod.
"Boys, I have some news" called Obi-Wan throughout the 212th and 501st barracks making sure it carried to all that was there. "For the next six months the 212th and the 501st will be under my Command. Anakin has been grounded to the Temple for this period, in extension Ahsoka is also grounded. "
A cry went up through-out the barracks. Obi-Wan let them yell over each other for a few moments before he raised his hands, pleased when they fell quiet.
"I have a message from Anakin, he wished to tell you why this came to be."
Out of his robe, Obi-Wan pulled his projector out and uploaded Anakin's message. From his projector a large blue form of Anakin popped out.
"Men I know there has been more than once I have complained of the unfairness of the Council," Anakin's voice said. It echoed slightly in the barracks as every vod paid close attention to what one of their Generals said. Noticing the sad, yet hopeful look that covered Anakin's face, clearly seen even though it was a recording.
"But in my case I can see how generous they have been. This punishment is less than what I deserve, truly. If I was in their shoes I would have kicked myself out of the Order," Anakin paused and took a deep breath. "I have committed a serious crime that has haunted me for years. A crime that has left scars in my mind and made the very Force cry out. For a moment I turned my back on everything the Jedi ever taught and stood for. I basically spat on Obi-Wan's teachings."
Obi-Wan hide the small flinch as Anakin said this. He hadn't expected for Anakin to say anything about himself. The recording paused to let the news sink in, for many of the Vod had a shocked, unbelieving look on their face.
"Thanks to my Master being the stubborn gundark he is, convinced me to account for my actions like a Jedi Knight is supposed to do. It is also thanks to his stubbornness the 501st will remain intact under his leadership until I can rejoin you. Which is a small miracle in itself."
All the clones nodded, it was a common practice when a Jedi General was killed or seriously injured to the point he couldn't return to the field, and their company's would be split apart and distributed to other units.
"This will be the last contact you will have from me until my punishment is complete. So I want to say that you all better do your best to stay alive out there! You are not droids, you are not expandable, remember that," Anakin said fiercely. "Rex, Cody, I leave it to you to keep an eye out on Obi-Wan since Snips and I will not be there. In fact I expect everyone to keep an eye on my Master, Force knows he finds his share of trouble," smirked Anakin.
With that the recording winked out, leaving Obi-Wan standing in front of over a hundred men. Suddenly taking Yoda up on his offer didn't seem that bad.
"Is that true General?" asked Rex breaking the silence, "Everything Anakin said?"
Obi-Wan sighed and slipped the projector into his pocket. "It's true. The incident happened right before the first battle of Genosian, and it was the main reason why we didn't pick up on it. A lot of Jedi were hurting during those first days of the war.
Cody walked forward, "Are you alright General?" asked Cody touching Obi-Wan's elbow.
"Me? I'm perfectly fine," Obi-Wan said smoothly falling back onto his Jedi stoic mask.
Rex and Cody traded looks, obviously not believing Obi-Wan's lie.
"It was a shock, but I've made peace with it. Anakin is the one who needs your worry. He has a long road to recovery," Obi-Wan said. "Excuse me."
With that Obi-Wan fled for the second time again.
"Why do I have the feeling Skywalker isn't the only one," muttered Rex watching the brown cloaked figure disappear into the Coruscant's traffic with ease.
Cody sighed, "He's just going to get worse. At least General Skywalker balanced him, no we won't know something is wrong until he collapses on assignment."
It had happened before. General Kenobi had a bad habit of hiding injuries and problems from the vod until he could no longer hid it. The first time Obi-Wan had collapsed in the middle of a debriefing Cody swore he lost a decade off his life. Helix had found an untreated blastor wound across his ribs. The lecture Helix had given him had made the shinies tremble in their boots at the medic's anger.
"Maybe, but vod how stubborn can one Jeti be?"
Cody suddenly reached out and put his hand against Rex's forehead.
"Are you feeling okay? Have you met our Jedi?!"
Rex shoved the hand off of his forehead. "Hey I was being optimistic!"
Cody rolled his eyes at his vod. "Well don't. If you thought Skywalker's plans were reckless, wait until you try to keep up with Obi-Wan. Some of Skywalkers plans are tame compared to Kenobi's. Obi-Wan is clever and wise, that's why he takes big risks, because he's stupid!"
Obi-Wan wandered the streets of the city planet that never slept. Nobody stopped him, nobody seemed to notice him. He was just one person in millions. He walked invisible and no one knew it was Obi-Wan Kenobi they passed and he was glad for it. He missed this, the ability to walk through crowds and have no expectations resting on his shoulders.
Eventually his feet guided him back to the Temple. However he couldn't bring himself to enter just yet. He wandered the courtyards, passing statues of Jedi Masters of Old. Feeling so small underneath their stone gazes.
"What am I going to do Master?" whispered Obi-Wan to the air, as he wound an arm around a column, leaning heavily against it.
"How am I to protect the Vod? How am I supposed to show them a brave face?" Obi-Wan continued to whisper. "I am afraid Master, afraid what will happen in these six months. I could always count on Anakin to have my back," Obi-Wan continued, pressing his forehead against the cool marble. "I fear my shoulder are not broad enough to carry these burdens but I must," confessed Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan let out a sigh. "I miss you Master. Times like this I wish I had your great strength, or your wisdom, or just to ask you if I am doing the right thing. Sometimes I feel that I am drowning and there is no land in sight. Anakin was always my floatation device that saved me until land was in sight. He has been my crutch since I was entrusted with him, the only thing that has kept me sane for so long."
"You don't have to do this alone my son. There are people who will catch you, you just have to extend your hand," said Qui-Gon, begging the Force his son would hear, begging him to talk to Yoda, Mace, Plo, or even Depa about his fears.
However Qui-Gon knew his son, knew Obi-Wan would admit his fear. Because a Jedi wasn't supposed to acknowledge fear just release it into the Force. Especially fear caused by attachment. Anakin was on thin ice, Obi-Wan wouldn't make it worse by telling any of the Councilors he needed Anakin at his side because he was stronger for it.
Obi-Wan continued to gaze out into the City that never sleeps, falling silent. Drawling back in his fears and worries like a cloak, releasing most of it into the Force but unable to release it all.
Qui-Gon stood silent vigil next to his son, hoping that his presence would somehow bring comfort to his Padawan.
The silence of the moment was broken by the sound of Obi-Wan's comm going off. Obi-Wan sighed and ran a hand over his face before answering it.
"Kenobi."
"Obi-Wan," came Mace's voice. "I am sorry but we are having to cut your leave short. A large Seperatist fleet has been reported leading for the Hyperion System."
"When do you want me to leave?"
"Two hours, I have already called your men and they will be ready to leave in that time."
"I will be ready," Obi-Wan said before cutting the call. He slipped the comm back into his pocket, his shoulders dropping.
"No rest for the weary my son," Qui-Gon said softly reaching out to rest his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
"No rest for the weary," murmured Obi-Wan aloud. Qui-Gon jumped in shock and looked wide eyed at Obi-Wan. Had his son just heard him?
"Obi-Wan?"
The expression of Obi-Wan's face didn't react to his call. Obi-Wan drew his brown cloak closer around his shoulders and turned on his heels and marched into the Temple with a determined air.
Anakin was laying awake watching Padme sleep. He was rememorizing every detail of her face, not wanting to forget a single detail. It was also why he was laying awake while she slept. He didn't want to miss a moment in his wife's presence, not when he would be without her for the next six months.
Anakin was drawn out of his musings by the soft beeping of his comm. Using the Force he summoned it into his hands and turned it on, surprised to see the face of Snips looking back at him.
"Hey Snips," greeted Anakin.
"Hey Skyguy, sorry to call you so early. But since you're not here I figured he must not have called you."
"Who not have called me, Snips what's wrong?" asked Anakin, a bit of worry creeping into his voice. It was loud enough that Padme woke up and blinked with sleepy eyes up at Anakin.
"Master Obi-Wan. A call came in over an hour ago. The 212th and 501st have been recalled to meet a Seperatists fleet in the Hyperion System. They ship out in less than a half of hour."
"What!" demanded Anakin, this time sitting straight up, dislodging Padme from his chest.
"It's true Master."
"Kriffing son of a," growled Anakin turning off the comm. He turned to his now awake wife.
"Padme, I've, I've got to go," Anakin said apologetically.
Padme reached out and laid her hand on his elbow. "I understand Ani. Go say good-bye."
Anakin leaned over and kissed her. "I love you."
"I love you to and I will be here waiting for you in six months," she said with a smile.
Anakin couldn't resist leaning over and kissing her again. He wondered how he ever got so lucky to have Padme in his life.
"I'll see you soon," Anakin whispered before sliding out of bed and collecting his cloths. Padme wrapped a cloak around her nightgown and followed him to the door where they exchanged several long kisses before Anakin finally tore himself away.
Anakin raced in his speeder to the Temple, breaking how many traffic violations. But he didn't care, he wasn't going to miss saying good-bye to his Master.
Snips was waiting for him when he parked in the hanger.
"Tell me he's still here!" demanded Anakin as he got out.
"Yeah, but your cutting it pretty close Skyguy," Ahsoka said leading Anakin towards the opposite side of the hanger.
Obi-Wan was preparing the board the shuttle that would take him to his destroyer when the Force pulled him to a stop.
"Master!" called a voice, and Obi-Wan turned to see both Anakin and Ahsoka running towards him.
Obi-Wan waited until Anakin was standing in front of him.
"Master, you were going to leave without saying good-bye?" demanded Anakin.
"I didn't want to disturb you Anakin," Obi-Wan said quietly.
Anakin frowned, "You are just as important Obi-Wan."
"Maybe then I just don't like good-byes," Obi-Wan said with a soft smile.
"Well to bad Master," Ahsoka said going over and giving the older man a hug. "Good-bye Master, take care of Rex and the rest of the men."
"I will Ahsoka," smiled Obi-Wan hugging their Padawan. Though Ahsoka was officially Anakin's Padawan, he and Anakin had jointly trained her most of the time. "Take care of Anakin for me, and make sure he makes it to his first appointment with Healer Che today."
"I'm right here!" spoke up Anakin, "And I'm an adult."
The other two ignored him, "I will do my best Master," Ahsoka promised.
"Good," Obi-Wan said and after a moment of hesitation he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Ahsoka smiled widely at the man before pulling away to the side to allow her Masters to say good-bye.
Obi-Wan felt unsure as he looked at Anakin, not knowing how to say good-bye. It was mainly the reason why he had not contacted the man before leaving. He folded his arms in his robes. "Good-bye Anakin," Obi-Wan said with a soft look on his face.
Anakin tossed Jedi decorum away and threw his arms around his Master and held him tight. "Take care of yourself Master, don't do anything reckless," he whispered into Obi-Wan's ear.
"I'll save that until you have rejoined me, I'll need someone to bail me out of the trouble I find myself in," Obi-Wan joked as his arms tightened around Anakin.
"You better," Anakin warned returning the fierceness of the hug.
The two Jedi stayed locked in their embrace until the pilot of the shuttle called for Obi-Wan to board and it was with great reluctance that the two parted.
Obi-Wan did not look back as he boarded the shuttle. Anakin waited until the shuttle was out of the hanger before using the Force to run into the temple Ahsoka right behind him. He climbed stairs, following the shuttle with his eyes to where it was heading towards the barracks never letting it leave his sight.
Obi-Wan was now looking back at the Temple, trying to ignore the cold feeling he felt leaving Anakin and Ahsoka behind.
He tried to focus on the new mission, stopping the Seperatists fleet in the Hyperion system. Word had reached the Council that Grievous was among the fleet. Obi-Wan would need all of his concentration on the present if he had any chance in taking Grievous on.
When the shuttle landed at the clone barracks and opened the ramp, Obi-Wan was surprised to see Palpatine waiting at the bottom with two of his Clone escorts.
"Chancellor, I am surprised to see you here," greeted Obi-Wan with a slight bow to the man.
Palpatine barely acknowledged Obi-Wan as his eyes settled behind the man, as if waiting for someone else to exit the ship. Finally he turned his whole attention to Obi-Wan.
"Where is Master Skywalker, I had hoped to say my good-byes before this new assignment," Palpatine said smoothly. "I understand the 501st has been called as well as you 212th Master Kenobi. Yet I do not see him."
It was urgent he spoke to Skywalker. The shifts in the Force the last day had greatly concerned the Sith Master, especially since it surrounded his would be Apprentice. Sideous had hoped to further prod at Anakin's mind, renew the seeds of doubt he had been carefully cultivating within the young Jedi since childhood.
"I am in command of the 501st. Anakin is taking a leave of absence from the field. Ahsoka is falling behind in her studies." All of which was true, but not the whole truth. "Now if you will excuse me."
"Of course Master Jedi."
Obi-Wan missed the brief second Palpatine's eyes turned a sickly yellow as he turned his back to the Chancellor. Nor did he feel the fury behind the Chancellor's well-crafted shields, mostly directed at him.
As Obi-Wan headed to the shuttle were both of his companies were loading, Rex and Cody fell right into step behind him.
"Commander, Captain, is everyone prepared?"
"Yes General, we are freshly supplied with everything needed, including extra medical supplies which Kix and Helix are happy about, and enough ammunition to blow up a small moon," Rex said with a smile.
"Good," Obi-Wan said. "All the men accounted for?" he asked stepping onto the ramp of the shuttle.
"Both companies are accounted for Sir," answered Cody.
"Give the order to move out then Cody," said Obi-Wan reaching up to grip a hanging strap to keep his balance as the ship underneath him started to rise up.
"Into the breach General, into the breach," smiled Rex.
Anakin watched from a balcony at the Temple as the ships carrying his Master and their men/friends took off.
"Master, it is time for your first appointment," Ahsoka said softly. She hated to say it, however Anakin needed to follow his new schedule. She had promised Obi-Wan after all.
Anakin turned away from the sight and headed into the bowels of the Temple. Trying to ignore the bad feeling he felt about Obi-Wan being by himself.
So happy late May the 4th! I hope that you enjoy this chapter!