Anakin began to pull back on the hand that was leading him once he and Riven reached the opening that led into the data storage facility; the lowest level of the Jedi Temple. He could see the bottoms of several dark brown Jedi robes that most likely belonged to Council members, and a deep fear crept upon him. Not for the punishment of what he had done, but for the inevitable disappointment and judgment he would see on their faces.
However, once he had finished crawling through the narrow opening and Riven was out of his line of sight, council members were not what he saw.
Standing in the room were at least two dozen of his yearmates, all the padawans from his classes. And emerging from the crowd was one he immediately recognized.
Taldor Nalta stepped forward from the group and with one wary glance to his very stern-appearing Master, began to speak.
"Anakin Skywalker, I would like to apologize if I have offended you in any way. My actions toward you have been both malicious and hurtful, and I am sorry."
Another glance toward the Master nearby received a nod of approval, and a sheepish grin on the older boy's face.
"You see Anakin?" Riven motioned her hand out to encompass the crowd. "These are all your friends. They are concerned about you, care about you, and want to see you become a Jedi."
It seemed to good to be true. "I don't believe it." The boy muttered.
"Truth, Padawan Suln speaks." Are the soothing words of Master Yoda as he approaches the boy. Anakin looks at the Jedi warily, but finds no judgment in his gaze, no anger or contempt. Only patience and kindness.
"Come with me, young Skywalker. Force Rehabilitation you must begin."
Anakin nods in humble understanding, but stops after only a few steps.
"Wait." He requests as he turns to rush back to the little girl who bravely saved him from the darkness, pulling her into a fierce hug.
"Thanks." He says as he withdraws shyly. "You're the best friend I ever had."
Having put the young padawan into a deep sleep to begin recuperation as the first step of his rehab, Master Yoda nods toward the healer assigned to watch over Anakin for the next several hours. He then strolls out into the hallway where he is joined by Master Windu.
"What about Kenobi and the queen?" The taller Jedi Master inquires.
"Go to check on them now, we can."
The clacking of the elder Master's gimmerstick reverberates along the blue stone floor of the healer's wing as the two council members near the med unit the couple occupy, but Yoda's steps slow as they approach the door.
"What is it?" Mace asks as he senses no disturbance in the Force, but notices Yoda's hesitation.
The older Jedi does not answer but opens the door slowly and enters. Mace follows him only to find the room completely empty.
About to contact the healer to ask about the patients' whereabouts, Mace hears a moan issuing from behind a door to his right. The curious Jedi Master makes a move toward that door, but is stopped by Yoda's cane coming across his shins.
"Leave, we should." The gentle Jedi declares with a knowing twinkle in his large green orbs.
"But someone's in there and it sounds like they're in pain."
Shaking his head sadly over the naivety of his council members, Yoda guides the other Master out the way they came.
As the door begins to slide closed behind them, Yoda's words disappear down the corridor, along with the confused face of Mace Windu.
"Come. A story about the banthas and the bees I need to tell you…."