Star Wars: Arda Unleashed

by Lord Exar Kun

After the Arda Campaign ended in victory for the Republic and their local allies, the galaxy's eyes returned to the wider Clone Wars. However, the Dark Lord Sauron has yet to be vanquished. Now he has come to the wider galaxy free from the binds of Arda, and is ready to be unleashed upon the stars. As the Chosen One's fate, the Republic's and the Jedi Order's remains to be seen.

25. Twilight's Tribulation

Chapter 25

Twilight's Tribulation

His lips placed upon his black horn, and sounding their coming, the Marshal of the West West-Mark, Erkenbrand led his company once more through the broken and torn walls of Isengard. At his side upon his own steed was his Captain, Durnbrand, and behind them was led forty men. Most having come with the Marshal upon their initial search and survey of the unknown storm, and as hoped for, the rest sent by King Éomer upon return of their messenger.

The horn was blown and the sound of Rohan's approach was heard. The surrounding huorns gave lows muffled calls and their branches creaked. The shaking of leafs in the nearing night winds sounded, but not from winds alone. The Marshal and his Captain gave weary eyes left and right. Fearing to upset the huorns, and hoping the presence of the nearby ents kept them at ease. Especially as their mounts began trudging through the continuously receding murky waters that had flooded the fortress crescent weeks prior.

Beyond the mighty pillar that was the tower of Orthanc, Erkenbrand saw many ents swaying peacefully upon their bark made legs. Their own leafs shook or rattled peaceably. They gave low murmurs in a tongue unknown to all but themselves. Might oak, proud birch, on and on they were. Whilst at the head of their path, stood nearest the doorway into the tower, loomed the vision of Treebeard. His long flowed beard made of leafs and moss swaying as he turned towards them. Appraising them, before taking tentative steps ahead through the water to meet them. The water wafting at his mighty trunks as he did so.

"Company, hold!" Erkenbrand commanded, raising his right fist at his side. Durnbrand copied him and the rest of their mounted men paused. All of them whispering of rumors and fears of their own. Having been borne of the long nights camped beyond Isengard's walls. The shadow and specter of Saruman upon their minds.

"Hmmmm, I welcome you once again, friends from Rohan." Treebeard greeted as he grew closer. Stopping just ahead of the Marshal, the banner-men of the company holding the flowing green flags in their hands upright, the white symbol of the horse blowing about the cool winds. "I certainly, hmmmm-hope this meeting goes better than last, my little friends." Treebeard noted. Erkenbrand nodding. Recalling the rather...sudden and unwanted end of the previous encounter.

"As do I, mighty Treebeard." Erkenbrand answered. "My men and I wish to speak of the matter with you concerning your guest."

"If you wish to speak of them without their presence being had, then a disservice you do, little master." Treebeard offered with no malice in his voice. Just the conviction of his own thoughts on the matter. Erkenbrand respected that, but bowed his head as he replied.

"I do not wish to speak of them as a gaggle of elder maids would play rumor of the comings and goings of the youth in the night, Treebeard. It is of chief concern to those of Rohan and our allies what has occurred here. Much fear has been felt in the hearts and minds of man, woman and child. By no ill will maybe intended, this I understand, but done all the same. We do not wish to come as warriors or to instill fear of our own." The Marshal assured. "Yet, we do not understand. Where that is had; confusion that is, ill will can be seen where none was meant."

"Aye, in this we agree, little master." Treebeard nodded. The bark of his limbs creaking as he did so, the boom of his voice as soft as could be and understanding. "Though there is little else I can say that you would not already know."

"Perhaps." Erkenbrand supposed with a slight shrug. "Though I beg you allow me the chance to ask, nonetheless." Treebeard turned over his shoulder towards Orthanc humming to himself thoughtfully, before turning back and nodding once.

"I shall do as I can to calm your fears, little master."

"My thanks, mighty ent." Erkenbrand bowed his head. "This being...you said they came to you as a mist?"

"Hmmmm, the young master came to the tower as they are. The mist preceded them, and remained for a time. As you say, the Lord showed themselves as a storm. To their intent as appearing as one, I do not know? Perhaps they knew no other way to show themselves? Their raiment incomplete."

"Raiment?" Erkenbrand repeated.

"The Lords and Ladies of the western shore do not idly show themselves as they truly are. Such would make interaction with the World difficult. Though they embody with time, and choose raiment matching their temper. As Saruman bore the visage of an old man, so too do the others choose their wares." Erkenbrand listened. Nodding to himself as he began piecing the information together. Himself not quite so unlearned and unaware as to not know what it was, or whom it was Treebeard spoke of. Though he admitted to himself he did not grasp a whole a picture as he would or should have liked. Especially as his men began getting jittery. Their whispers turning to conversation more easily heard by all.

"What is their purpose in coming, Treebeard? Do you know that?" Erkenbrand pressed, and Treebeard again hummed thoughtfully.

"As the young master has said, they have come to learn. To see for themselves. To what end I do not rightly know. Though it is of no concern to me the path they go upon. I am no jailer, nor am I to waylay another upon their way in peace. I suggest you and yours do hmmmm-much the same." Treebeard cautioned

"What if this creature is Saruman himself?! Reformed in a new body such as the one we saw?" One of the men asked rather loudly behind Erkenbrand.

"Calm yourself." Durnbrand commanded turning to pierce the man with his gaze.

"Forgive me, Captain. Yet, we know not what it was we had looked upon. It was a being like a storm. It brought terrible rains in its wake. They boom with a voice like that of the White Wizard. Or, so it was said." The younger man, clearly having not long since been a horsemen in the Mark, offered fearfully. The men nearest to him also sharing concerned glances and hushed whispers. The mere implication of Saruman striking all with terrible dread.

"We cannot know for certain." Erkenbrand offered over his shoulder. He turned back to Treebeard. "The being; this Tercáunya as they called themselves, could they be Saruman, Treebeard? Could the old wizard have been returned in a new and dreadful form?"

"Burárum!" Treebeard groaned in disgust. The name alone filling the ent with disdain. "The young Lord cannot be Saruman! Never would a wizard dare return here after a defeat such as his! Fell he did from the pinnacle of Orthanc. Trouble us, and trouble others he shall not so easily do."

"Yes," Erkenbrand replied. "But, can you be absolutely sure of that?" To which Treebeard hummed thoughtfully. Clearly critical of the question as his large eyes glanced back and forth long and quizzically.

"No." Treebeard relented. "But, the little Lord has done no ill to me. Nor have they spoken as the Wizard had. I do not feel any evil to come from them." The ent was adamant of that at least. For his own part, Erkenbrand could not say he disagreed. But, as were his men, he was unsure. Less so than they, but he did wish he had all pieces to this puzzle.

"Then it could be the White Wizard returned!" Another man offered in horror. His breath catching as the rest of the company exuded fear.

"Company, silence!" Durnbrand commanded again. Though Erkenbrand knew that most of the young ones; which made up a great deal of the horsemen these days, only knew Saruman by rumor and story. The war's end having been a blessing, but having taken a great many of Rohan's most able and elder soldiers.

"The fear of what has come before lingers among you and your people, Marshal of Rohan." Treebeard hummed. "I hope it does not lead you to act out of fear. Little good can come of that. This I know from experience." The ent wisely intoned.

"We do not come to make war, or level accusations." Erkenbrand assured loudly for all his men to hear. "We should have no reason to do so if answers are to be freely given. It is not for ourselves alone we are concerned. Many farmers, and those who live in our smallest villages or homesteads far from towns and villages alike have witnessed the raw power of Tercáunya's winds. The sting of cold water droplets, and the wrath of thunderous bolts from the air." He explained. "It would be so much simpler were they to-"

"Were they to what?" A voice came. The men all shook and the horses jerked, but did not show as much fear. The winds surrounding them thrummed with new life. A kind of damp heat rising about it, before cold winds whirled across face and exposed arm.

"What?" Erkenbrand intoned to himself. "Who-"

"I am here, Marshal of Rohan." The voice continued. It was...feminine but powerful. Low and rumbling. The winds twirled about themselves and the clouds that had hung in the skies twisted into themselves. The stray leafs and wicker or wood that floated in the waters began twisting. Until a funnel of merged winds with the crack of thunder exited out from the tower of Orthanc. Emerging from the balcony nearest the ground and twisting into the skies, before falling back as a mighty tempest. Like the storms found on far plains in other parts of the world unknown to the men of Rohan. The winds howled and the men gave many cries of fear and lament. Some even cursing the scene.

"You show yourself as a fell wind!" Erkenbrand dared call as his steed reared back, himself planting his hand onto the horses neck to calm her. "This does little to dispel fear! It only leads one to hearken closer to it!" Erkenbrand offered, but as he did the funnel had began twisting into a thin rope. The waters underneath twirling in kind. They turned and twisted in turning smaller and smaller until the winds collapsed down into the heart of what had been hidden by the tumult.

"What sorcery is this?" Erkenbrand heard his Captain mutter under his breath. His hair frazzled underneath his helm. Erkenbrand though, could not find himself able to speak in response to Durnbrand. For, before the men stood a woman. Not as it had been before. There was no vague figure of a being stood upon two feet, their body of waters and winds twisting inwards with sparks of great thunderbolts. Instead he was met by glinting silver eyes. Like the misty clouds of the mountains they stood in the shadow of. Hair fell down her back and collar of glittering silver jewels. Silver as the coming of age upon an elder woman, but vibrant with power unknown to the Marshal or men of Rohan. Within the hair glinted, or at least seemed to, the sparkling of stars in twilight before the fall of night. Her skin fair, and untarnished by blemish or mark. She was in every sense of the imagination of Men, beautiful. Though in her beauty was borne a regal manner.

For she stood as tall as their tallest man. She was clothed in a dress of bountiful blue that accentuated her form. While around her neck hung a great white stone that shone bright. Like the stones worn by the great kings of old. Her expression was cool, but Erkenbrand could discern some level of confusion mixed within, as her dress flew in the winds that never seemed to fully cease about her. Though they turned from great and bounding to soft and cooling.

"You…" Erkenbrand found himself beginning. However, he was forced to swallow as he felt for the first time in quite a while a twinge of fear. Before him stood a being that was supremely both powerful by their actions and beautiful in their imposition. The rest of the men muttered, whispered, and recoiled at her sudden presence. Her being planted into the ground below, her dress entering the muddied waters without care or concern.

"You are...Tercáunya?"

"I am, Marshal of Rohan." She began watching him intently. Her steely eyes searching him. "Many an hour I have spent. Spent them well I think. Learned well to speak your language. Though some things are still...uneasy." Tercáunya noted with a faint shrug. Erkenbrand could tell that she grasped most of Westron, but was still a bit off. Not only by her use of the words, but her cadence. But, he couldn't be sure if it was cadence alone or her power that gave her voice such...well power.

"You have...frightened many in your travels here to Orthanc...my Lady." Erkenbrand offered her cordially. To which Tercáunya tilted her head. The silver glittering hair dancing as starlight in the dimming streams of what little daylight settled into the west.

"It was no intent of mine to plant fear in any, Marshal of Rohan. Come I have to learn. Seeking that which I had watched afar. Many things have I seen, and since searching the corners and walls of this tower, much more have I learned. A great many evils lay about."

"Careful, Lord!" One of the men called to Erkenbrand. "This must surely be Saruman! Bearing new form! You will not deceive any of us again, Wizard!" A chorus of affirmations followed from the others, and Erkenbrand paid them little mind. Turning back to the woman as Durnbrand hushed them with a harsh rasp of his voice.

"My men are concerned." The Marshal reiterated. "They think you to be Saruman the White. He too resided for a time longer than any of us can remember within those blackened stone walls. Tell me, are you Saruman the White?"

"Do I appear as he did?" She wondered simply. "Am I so old in appearance? Or, am I as terrifying in presence? Does my voice rattle you and fill your head with honeyed thoughts?" Erkenbrand would have usually thought these questions to be sarcastic. Insincere even. However, he could see in this being's eyes a truthful confusion. Like a child asking if they had committed an evil or wrong. It both astonished, and somehow terrified Erkenbrand to see someone this powerful be so baffled.

"It is not the manner in which one appears that can lead one to guess their true nature." Erkenbrand replied. "It is how they act. Their intentions and reactions or actions." He continued. "You came as a great storm from the western seas. You brought terror into many hearts whom have spread rumor of ill omens. You have hidden yourself in the keep of Saruman. Where none have yet to enter since his defeat and sundering. So, it has been said."

"By rumor alone you and yours make your moves?" She wondered with that familiar childlike confusion.

"It is not so simple a thing, my Lady." Erkenbrand retorted. "We can only act or react by what we have seen or experienced. The last thing any want is for another being such as Saruman to make his base here. In the shadows of the great and terrible Misty Mountains. Where they may again impose their will onto Rohan. To seek its destruction, enslave its King and murder its people." He offered and Tercáunya remained silent. A contemplative look entering her ethereal eyes.

"If she...it is Saruman what can we do against such power?" A whispering voice asked another soldier behind the Marshal.

"We will drive spear forward and trample underfoot! We will do what we must to defend Rohan. Our people." Another replied. And, for his part Erkenbrand felt his expression sour. More times today than any other prior had his men spoken when not asked to do so. Especially whilst in the presence of the unknown.

However, before he mustered the strength in himself to chastise the men he watched Tercáunya look beyond him. Her gaze shifting from his men. All of whom he could feel recoil or seize in the piercing sights of her eyes. Another long moment of silence followed, before she turned her eyes away and down into the waters. In time they moved back onto Erkenbrand and her expression twisted in sadness.

"An ill omen...ill turn to another. I shall beware the coming fire's light." She intoned and without another word turned to Treebeard. The ent having silently watched and listened. Unlike Erkenbrand's men. Though the Marshal did not understand the meaning of the words she had just spoken aloud.

"I have taken long enough within the hold of Curunír, Treebeard. I can only thank you for your indulgence, and generosity."

"Hmmmm, little I did for you, Master from afar." Treebeard waved Tercáunya down. The being smiled, and Erkenbrand could not turn away. Neither could his men. For few of them had ever beheld something so vibrant and fair. As though a light of unknown beauty thrummed off of her just beneath the surface of flesh. Yet, it also filled them all with fear. Fear of not knowing, of not understanding.

"You have my thanks, all the same, mighty Ent." Tercáunya placed hand to her chest and waved it outwards. A greeting Erkenbrand had heard of the elves. Having only seen it the few times Lord Aragorn and his elf friend Legolas had been among the Rohirrim.

"I shall save thee anymore trouble on my part." Tercáunya continued. "For I have exhausted the exploration of Orthanc. I have seen much of what Curunír had seen. It is an...unhappy thing. Yet, alone he was not. There was another. Fouler, older, and his domain lay into the east." Tercáunya spoke to Treebeard, ignoring either by purpose or not, the men of Rohan. "I shall discover what truths I can. Seek the root of why they fell. It still cannot be for so simple a thing as power."

"Hmmmm," Treebeard groaned. "Do not dig so deep for waters that may not satisfy your thirst." The ent seemingly warned. "With such things, there can be little else said about the traps of evil, and the calls to power."

"I shall heed such wisdom, Treebeard." Tercáunya again smiled, but turned back upon Erkenbrand and his men. All of them stunned into silence. "I trouble you and your people no more, Marshal of Rohan. Perhaps in time greater skills of courtesy could befall the houses of Men? Cruel are your thoughts, and cold are your assumptions." Tercáunya accused. "Needn't you be concerned any longer. Follow me hence, and misgivings more shall I have. Do not think yourselves my master's nor my jailers." She gave and Erkenbrand was unsure what she meant in truth. However, before he could dare his mouth to ask, as before, the winds began to twist and turn in tumult.

The skies electrified in life as thunderous booms echoed across the valley and crescent, before the woman that had stood before them disappeared behind the storm of winds. Where it scoured the water and heated the air, and rose into the skies. A misty dark cloud turning a stormy blue that elicited cracks of thunder more and began moving into the east, as Erkenbrand had summarized of Tercáunya's desire from before.

"Saruman or not, she is a great and terrible sorceress!" One of the men called.

"What can we do against such terrible power?" Another dared ask.

"Burárum!" Treebeard huffed. "Confused you and your lot may be. But, there is little call or need to be so hasty. Long thought should be given to what you mean when you speak. Quick are the tongues of Men, Elf and Dwarf when they do not understand." The ent seemed exasperated and turned away from them. Trudging the waters as he did so. Seemingly having little else to say and giving unspoken leave of the men from Rohan.

"Marshal, sire?" Erkenbrand turned as Durnbrand neared. Dropping his voice as he did. "I follow your lead, sire. But, I must say that I too fear what I have just been witness to."

"Aye." Erkenbrand nodded. "That was no...nothing like I have seen before. She is...something. I do not know. Though my mind is filled with fear."

"She said she is moving into the east." Durnbrand noted. "Even if she is not Saruman…" He paused. Erkenbrand sensing his Captain did not know for himself whether he believed so or not. "Even if she is not the White Wizard taking a new form, then should we be so quick to allow her free passage?"

"There is little we can do to stop the winds and clouds, Captain." Erkenbrand noted.

"Aye, in that you are right, sire. Though, what I mean to say is that; should we not send word into the east? Not only the East Mark, but to Gondor? They know not what moves their way."

Erkenbrand tilted his eyes into the east. The storm above moving quickly from sight and into the distance. Unsure what it was he could do, or even what he should do in such a case as this. What was it that this being desired? She had spoken what it was she was looking for but not really to the Marshal or his men. In fact, she seemed wholly disinterested with them. Yet, she had caused great fear to travel through the hearts and minds of men far and wide. Could it be that this was some manifestation of Saruman? Was he toying with them? Had he somehow survived where none thought he could and now bore himself in a new visage as the sorcerer he was?! If so, why did Treebeard seem so convinced to act cordially with this Tercáunya? Too many questions, and no one to answer.

"We will make for Edoras as soon as possible." Erkenbrand offered. "We will...send riders into the east. They will speak of what has transpired here. Someone of great power and magic is moving across Middle-Earth into the east. Level no accusations nor threats."

"Aye, Marshal!" Durnbrand nodded in agreement. Turning and calling up some men to act as the riders needed. Erkenbrand watching the eastern skies twist and thunder. Turning dark but distant. His heart unsure if what he had done had been right or not. But, what was done was done.

---

Anakin turned into Palpatine's office. For the third time today he had been sent back to watch his dealings, act as his representative and now give him the report on Obi-Wan and Grievous. For some unknown reason Anakin found himself a little nervous. The day had been long. Eventful too, though not necessarily for himself personally. Anakin was worried about his Master. He knew Obi-Wan could handle himself. Still, he just hoped he didn't do anything too rash. Rash! He was becoming more like Obi-Wan by the day!

He shook his head, smiling to himself as he turned from the main lobby down into a corridor. This leading to one of the side offices of the large room. Ahead of him, he could see the much more steely and sterile room beyond. A few dim lamps illuminated it as he approached. The main dark chair at the center of the room turned to him, where Anakin caught a faint red glow from some kind of holoprojection Palpatine was looking at. As he neared Anakin saw it shimmer away and deactivate. Entering the room, Palpatine turned to greet him. Still sat in his chair, wearing his dark Senatorial under-frock, over which his burgundy outer layer hung down from his shoulders.

"Chancellor." Anakin began in greeting, stepping onto the lowered platform where Palpatine sat. "We've just received a report from Master Kenobi. He has engaged General Grievous."

"I can only hope Master Kenobi is up to the challenge." Palpatine began seeming earnest. His brow creased cautiously and warily.

"I should be there with him." Anakin offered freely. Turning his gaze momentarily from the Chancellor as he did so. "In truth," He kept going. "It wasn't Obi-Wan who gave the report. It was Commander Cody. I'm worried about what's going on over there. Obi-Wan can handle himself. At least, that's what I know. What I keep telling myself. But, Grievous is crafty. He's a killer. Enough Jedi have fallen to him to prove that."

"Indeed." Palpatine nodded. "I was there when the General cut down two among your order, and incapacitated Master Shaak Ti. A terrible sight." Palpatine sighed. "But, at least we know where he is. Master Kenobi was chosen by the Council over far more...appropriate options, but we can wish him luck all the same." Palpatine noted. Anakin immediately felt uncomfortable at the underlying accusation the Chancellor was making against the Council. Even now Anakin was frustrated he hadn't even been considered, but...he had differed to them. Anakin had been the good Jedi. It had felt right, but boy did it also make him feel agitated.

"They did." Anakin agreed simply. "Obi-Wan has his hands full. He's chasing after Grievous as we speak. Were I there I'd be better fit for...ah well," Anakin stopped himself.

"Better fit for what, dear boy?" Palpatine wondered, still sat and watching him.

"The clones can handle the droids well enough I suppose. I just don't like feeling like Obi-Wan is getting pulled in several directions. If not now then in a bit. Grievous has called in reinforcements from out of the system. Their fleet is looming overhead but I don't think they mean to land any reinforcements."

"What?!" Palpatine almost jumped out of his seat. Anakin stopped and turned to face his friend. His face a deeply set bout of creases forming trenches along brow and face. "The...the intelligence reports made no mention of fleet activity?!" Palpatine gasped, reclining back and seeming to calm himself. Anakin figured he must be as shocked as everyone else.

"Intelligence isn't always right, Chancellor. A sad fact of war I suppose." Anakin shrugged. "Don't worry though!" Anakin gave a small smirk. "I have ordered Cody to have the fleet screen any non-Republic ships attempting to leave Utapau. If Grievous manages to get away from Obi-Wan we'll blast him out of the sky. Nothing for the Separatists to find but shrapnel spinning over a planet." Anakin offered hoping it'd calm Palpatine's nerves. The elder man did seem to relax some. His face turning back to a sincere thing of gratitude as he smiled up at Anakin.

"My boy. This is why they should have sent you! You are more than well prepared enough to manage situations such as these. I mean no disrespect, but should Master Kenobi not be aware of such circumstances I wonder if he should be so prepared to deal with them?"

"I think so. But, if he's distracted then it stands to reason he may not even know."

"Precisely my point." Palpatine boasted. "You are quick to action, Anakin. Strong in body and mind, wise beyond your years. Your tactical ability greater than any Jedi, and dare I say any in my armies!" Palpatine rained praises, and again Anakin found himself flustered. Encouraged by the praises. Though he did find himself...unusually put off by them as well. Feeling them just a bit undeserved. Certainty not enjoying them as much as he was used to. Another sad reminder of how wrong things were these days.

Nonetheless, Palpatine kept going. His voice dropping a bit as he studied Anakin. "It's just so upsetting to me to see that the Council doesn't seem to full appreciate your talents." He drew in a long breath. "Don't you wonder, why they won't make you a Jedi Master?" Palpatine pressed. As Anakin found himself pacing. His mind fluttering from the battle taking place at Utapau, the recent day's chaos and backhanded or even treasonous activities. His eyes turned to Palpatine as he was then assaulted by old feelings of inadequacies. That other side of him as he told Padmé. Yearning to see it, and hear it. 'Jedi Master, Anakin Skywalker.'

"I wish I knew." Anakin scoffed lowly. "More and more I get the feeling I'm being...excluded from the Council. Yet…" Anakin paused and felt himself battling internally. His right hand flexing into a fist over and over as he did. "Yet...I have to remember that they don't need to share anything with me. They are masters on the Council. I am simply a Jedi on the Council. Too young, too inexperienced. Too...whatever it may be today. They have their prerogatives and I don't think my placement matters much. Especially with a war going on." Anakin offered aloud. Though truthfully it sounded more as though he were explaining this to himself than Palpatine. Something the Chancellor seemed to catch on to. As he bore a sad look and shook his head.

"They don't trust you, Anakin." Palpatine offered simply. And, damnably simple enough that it cut through Anakin's defenses. He swallowed hard and felt his chest constrict. Inside he knew it wasn't true. Well, partly untrue. Obi-Wan trusted him. That much he was sure of. Absolutely! A part of him even felt that others such as Master Koon or Ti were more than willing to trust him. Even Yoda to an extent. The others though? Master Windu, Mundi, Tiin, or Kolar even? Anakin couldn't speak to them and their feelings.

"Maybe some of them." Anakin relented with a shrug. "I know that Obi-Wan trusts me. He trusts me with his life and mine with him." Anakin once more began pacing, having paused momentarily. "There are things about how they go about conducting business that they don't want to share, maybe? They don't want someone like me telling them how to run the war. They don't even want someone like you telling them."

"Hah, in that way we are alike once again, Anakin." Palpatine smiled as the two shared a momentary respite.

"Yeah. Maybe that's it? Maybe they just don't like me because I'm too young? Maybe they don't like it that I've won more battles than most of them. More than a few of them combined!" Anakin allowed a moment of pride shake him before he forced it down.

"There are things they don't want to share with me because...maybe they just like being secretive? Maybe they think I'm not ready? They're looking out for me, in a sense. But, that doesn't mean I don't know." Anakin paused again. Tilting his head up to Palpatine. "I know there are things about the Force that they're not telling me. Things that are 'beyond' me. I'm sure they'd say anyways. I'm sure they feel they're right too. About cutting me off from the big decisions. The big matters and the mysteries of the Force. I'm sure they feel they're always right." Anakin intoned the last part mostly to himself. Still inwardly fighting himself against the arrogance and anger he felt welling and ebbing.

"They see your future." Palpatine remarked, a hint of pride in his tone of voice as he stood and clasped a hand onto Anakin. "They know your power will be too strong to control." The two of them turned and walked up onto the second level. Falling in line beside one another as they entered the corridor.

"You must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you." To that Anakin felt himself tense. The Force simmering beneath the surface. He was put on edge and he didn't know why. As Palpatine began again. "Let me help you to know the subtleties of the Force."

What? Anakin felt his brow crease. His left palm suddenly became sweaty and he felt his right flex into a hardened fist as he dared glance at the man he considered for so long to be a friend.

"How...how do you know the ways of the Force?" To the question Palpatine smirked.

"My mentor taught me everything about the Force." No...Anakin didn't know what was happening. His heart was racing. The Force was subtle but it was growling lowly. The two of them came before a large mural of the Great Hyperspace War, and Anakin felt himself pick up pace.

"Even the nature of the dark side." Palpatine dared...dared to say it! Anakin swung ahead of him. Stomping and stopping the Chancellor from moving any further.

"You know the dark side?!" Anakin demanded even if he fought to keep his voice level. Palpatine studied him as he seemed to take a moment to find his words.

"Anakin," He began apprehensively, so he seemed. "If one is to understand the Great Mystery one must study all its aspects. Not just the dogmatic narrow view of the Jedi." As he kept going Anakin felt his mind flashing to every warning, every fear, every seditious contemplation from days before. Obi-Wan, Padmé, the Council, Gandalf! How...how did he get here?! What was happening?! What was actually happening right this very second?!

"If you wish to become a complete and wise leader you must embrace...a larger view of the Force." Palpatine smirked. Seeming so sure of himself as he stepped to his right, Anakin felt a compulsion to match him, beginning to move to his left. He didn't want to be next to him. Not when he felt sick. He felt dirty...he didn't know what was happening but so much was going through his mind.

"You…" Anakin dared cut Palpatine off as they began a sort of circular dance. Their eyes never falling from one another. "You've never mentioned this before, Chancellor. You've never said anything, ever in all our years as friends, about knowing the ways of the Force. Let alone...the dark side."

"How can one allow themselves to be so open with you, Anakin? When you are tied like an ack dog to the leash of the Jedi?" Palpatine countered. Sounding at once disgusted and in pity of Anakin. "Were the Jedi masters and their Council not constantly pulling on your leash, then perhaps long before now I would have dared give you my knowledge! Gifted it to you my boy. You deserve more freedom to do with your powers, and wisdom than to be at the mercy of the Jedi Council! They use you, Anakin. Turn and twist you into their personal piece on the dejarik board. A 'win all' monster they play when their backs are against the wall. They need you. They rely on you, and in doing so they only know how to use you." Anakin listened as he felt his whole body shaking. Adrenaline pumping through his veins as his heart rate never calmed, never came back down.

"If you had told me I wouldn't have told them." Anakin offered. "But...but there aren't many in the galaxy who know how to use the Force that the Jedi cannot tell."

"Even you could not tell, Anakin." Palpatine smiled. "I have long had to hide myself from the Jedi. They are, after all, prone to mistrusting anyone they cannot control." He threw it back into Anakin's face. Whether Anakin wanted to admit it or not he had already said he agreed in principle on such a matter before.

"How long have you known the Force then?"

"A while." Palpatine replied smilingly. "Longer than you have been alive, son. Long have I seen your potential. Watched it be squandered by the dogma of the Jedi. The callousness of their lack of appreciation of your skills. You are wasted as their pawn. Wasted as a puppet for them to commit treason." Palpatine added with another knowing smirk. "I know they sent you to spy on me, Anakin. I know the conflict in you. I can feel it. Have felt it. You know the Jedi are corrupt. You know they are hungry for power." Palpatine kept going as Anakin listened. Horror entering his mind. The fears of his friends, his wife, all seeming...to be suddenly and horrifically realized. "You must consider why they would ask you to do such a thing. Why they want to watch me?"

"Because they're afraid of you." Anakin shot back.

"Do Jedi fear? Are they meant to fear that which they cannot control?"
"I…" Anakin felt stumped. His face contorting in anguished confusion at the sudden realization. "They...they want to protect the Republic."

"So they claim." Palpatine smoothly retorted. "They love the Republic so much they are willing to induce fear? To play politics? To spy on a Supreme Chancellor so that they can act as judge, jury and executioner? Think what you will of me, Anakin, but I have not taken power not freely given. I have not overstepped my bounds. The Senate has elected me. They have given me powers. They have demanded I lead the war. The people stand behind me."

"You...you're twisting things." Anakin gasped. All previous affection for this man seeming so suddenly stupid! All the years of confiding in him. All the years going to him instead of Obi-Wan with his troubles and worries. All the years he defended Palpatine! Anakin felt hatred. That same old feeling welling up inside. Directed and used to cut down the tuskens that had murdered his mother. To unleash fury upon Vica back on Arda, to time and again defeat Separatists and their allies! To strip Dooku of his hands! Now, as before, he felt it. Now, as before, it was directed at himself. He hated what an idiot and fool he was.

"Listen, Anakin," Palpatine begged as they kept pacing. A predator...and perhaps prey? Though Anakin was not sure whom was which. "Be careful of the Jedi, son. Only through me can you achieve a power greater than any Jedi!"

"I have been promised power before." Anakin rebuked. "I have had power in the palm of my hand." He raised his right hand. "I saw many things, and I almost did it. I almost took that power."

"Such things are not meant to be taken without direction, Anakin." Palpatine countered. Anakin unsure if Palpatine knew what he was actually referencing. The Force flowing about the room in chaos as the dark side seemed to rise from beneath a blanket of calm.

"You hunger for the power you know you deserve, Anakin! You feel it within. I have seen it. A familiar passion in your eyes. A manner in your walk. I see the desire of your heart in how you speak. You know this galaxy is broken."

"The war broke it."

"It did not begin with the war, Anakin! It began before. Long before." Palpatine charged. "The war merely brought all that chaos to the surface. Dooku showed the galaxy how corrupt the Republic was! How ineffective and decayed the Jedi Order allowed itself to become! You were there. From nearly the beginning. Upon Naboo. Upon Geonosis, and you have seen it up close and personal. The galaxy cannot function with a rabble of sycophants. It requires leadership! True leadership. The kind that will not allow the masses to fester in the reek of the Senate!"

"So, you want to dictate it all yourself?" Anakin replied. His memory flowing back to a conversation long ago had with Padmé within a field of flowers on Naboo.

"Tell me," Palpatine proposed. "What is worse, son? A system ruled by one dictator? One who knows the needs, and carries the strength of will, and conviction of his belief to lead the people to glory? Or,"

Palpatine shrugged, a sly smirk upon his face once again. "A system such as the Republic? Where instead of one driven dictator you are left with a million squabbling petty dictators? All vying for control, working in cabals to achieve their ends. Unable to agree on what color the skies of Coruscant are if such became politically convenient to argue. Anakin," Palpatine softly spoke his name again. Sounding pleading. "This galaxy is broken, and I have been trying to fix it. My powers have been helping me to do so, and I have seen what has become of you toiling under the Jedi. Through me you can learn greater power. Through me you can use that power to defend and save this galaxy. Especially, most especially, from itself. Learn to know the dark side of the Force, and you will be able to save your wife, and children, from certain death." Palpatine came to a stop. A knowing spark in his eyes as they dimmed, a smile on his face.

"What did you say?!" Anakin demanded. Also stopping. Feeling all gravity seemingly fall through his stomach into the floor. A shock of terror wrestling all sense as he felt a near unstoppable urge to reach across the corridor and strangle Palpatine for daring speak of them! How?! How did he know?! Anakin had never told him!

"Use my knowledge, I beg you!" Palpatine wished. Though, Anakin had heard enough. All pieces...all words and thoughts coming together into one horrific conclusion. Oh how right Obi-Wan and the Council had been! How damn foolish he had been! His saber sprung to life and the blue blade pointed towards the Supreme Chancellor. But, Anakin now knew the truth of what it was he was peaking to. Who it was.

"You're the Sith Lord! You're the one Dooku learned from! The one he listened to, and trained under. You...you're behind it all!" Anakin accused as Palpatine began pacing again, keeping himself faced squarely upon Anakin as he did.

"I know what's been troubling you." He ignored Anakin's accusation. "Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council! They will only use you until you are spent, son! They care nothing for you! Nothing for your future or your wife and children!"

"Don't you dare talk about them!" Anakin seethed! Raising his blade closer to the man's face. Watching as it illuminated him, and brought a shadow upon his glinting eyes.

"Anakin, I don't mean you nor they any harm! Were I to, would I have not done so already? I have known about your marriage. And your children. Even before you did!"

"How many times has Padmé's life been at risk because of the war?! Because of you!" Anakin shook as he felt his right hand clasp hard upon his saber hilt. Their circular dance continuing.

"Dooku and Grievous, Anakin. Both of them are killers, and care nothing for my vision. I used them to wage this war to wake the Republic up! Not because I care for their fight. Not because I wanted to see millions murdered needlessly. Death comes to all, and in some circumstances...death is necessary. To save the entire galaxy, should I destroy one world teeming with lifeforms capable of ending all life? Of course, I should, and I would! For the greater ends of things, people must die in war, Anakin. Yet, your wife and children still live. Though for the visions you must have seen."

"Shut up…" Anakin quaked in a mixture of rage and raw emotion. Unsure who it was he was looking at anymore. Years of friendship snuffed out in an instant. Yet...Palpatine's words still crawled within his skull. Sense made itself into his mind, forced itself upon him.

"I cannot hope to save this galaxy without you, son. Imagine it! A galaxy free of this war. Of any future wars! Where your wisdom is not wasted on the Jedi. Wasted on their inaction. Wasted doing the bidding of senators and representatives who only want for themselves! My eyes, my ears and my voice, Anakin. One where your wife and children can live in peace."

"You don't want my wisdom." Anakin shook. "You want an apprentice."

"One in the same, my boy." Palpatine assured. "Tyranus still needs to be tended with, but he deserves justice does he not? As you said the other night, true justice! You know what needs be done. Together we can make this galaxy a better place. A fairer place. Where what happens to your mother never has to happen again."

"Stop it!" Anakin continued shaking. His lightsaber thrumming from the vibrations traveling down his shoulder into the mechanical joints leading to his hand. "You keep talking about the Jedi, but you?! You're him, you're Darth Sidious! You trained that wild animal Maul, you were behind the Trade Federation attack on Naboo, and the war! You turned Dooku and trained him! Just for him to train a bunch of wannabe Sith to follow in his and your wake! Do you know how many millions, billions, you've killed?!" Anakin charged as they came to another stop where each stood. His blue saber pointed down at the elder man's head. Palpatine took a forlorn expression and sighed.

"As I said, Anakin, everything I did, I did to show the galaxy how broken it was. If you mean to say I meant any harm come to Padmé during those times then you do not understand my intent. At least, not fully, son. There were moves within moves taking place. As for Dooku," To the name Palpatine almost snorted. "That man had long fallen to the dark side before I ever spoke with him. As many Jedi do, they allow their arrogance and pride to convince them they act on behalf of the greater good. They do not see that they breed decay. They birth from within their ranks countless murderers and worse still, apathetic political game pieces. Used by the Republic Senate to do as they will. To strengthen their pocket books and little else. To make the galaxy a wasteful and decrepit thing. Riddle and maligned by bureaucracy."

"And you're gonna waltz in and fix it all?" Anakin wondered. "You want to do what every Sith for the last several thousand years has wanted. Build a dictatorship for yourself! You...you wrap yourself in the cloak of helping everyone. Of being the magnanimous one. You want me to help you build your dictatorship. Because you cannot do it yourself." Anakin again charged, seething through grit teeth.

"You want to use me."

"Anakin," Palpatine again pleaded, his eyes never leaving Anakin's. "As I said, I have never used you. I have only ever given you my free council and wisdom. I have never told you to do something against your conscience. Whenever you have done the opposite of my council I have never berated you. Questioned you? Yes, but it comes from a point of wanting to know your wisdom! A man such as myself does not grow by simply believing he knows best all the time, son. A wise leader must be willing to learn, and absorb the knowledge or ideas of those he surrounds himself with. That is why you are wasted with the Jedi and their Council. That is why I need you, Anakin. Please…" Palpatine almost begged. All the while Anakin felt hot in the face. He felt himself never ceasing to shake with adrenaline and trepidation. All as he listened to so many honeyed words that made sense. At least to a part of him. That side of him that wanted to listen.

"Ever since I've known you," Palpatine continued unprompted. "You've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Jedi. A life of significance...of conscience." Palpatine declared, as Anakin remained seething and silent. The Chancellor turning from him towards the corridor exit. Taking a few steps ahead whilst Anakin kept his saber trained upon the Chancellor's exposed back. A rush of thoughts springing to his mind of how he could just end it!

End it here and now. Thrust his saber inwards or down and end this war! End it before Obi-Wan even needed face or fight Grievous. End the fears and suffering of the Council, Obi-Wan and Padmé. All of them! Save the galaxy from a tyrant to be. All he had to do was kill him. Take the power and kill him. Anakin's right hand gripped his lightsaber hilt so tight he almost feared it would crack and break. Old imaginations of what power he could have springing to mind as his chest constricted in a poisonous mixture of wrath and sorrow. Just make it simple. So simple. Kill him. Kill a man he had once counted as his friend!

"Are you going to kill me?" Palpatine seemed to intuit. Be it by the Force or not, Anakin could not say as he shook in barely contained rage.

"I would certainly like to!" Anakin growled.

"I know you would." Palpatine sounded pleased, slightly shaking Anakin from his rage. "I can feel your anger. It gives you focus, makes you stronger!" He croaked in a voice that Anakin dully felt he knew. His eyes widening as a laugh entered his mind. A phantom from a nightmare. The voice was wicked, and vile. He knew it. One of the figures...it was him. Palpatine!

Anakin turned his head away as Palpatine looked back at him. The Jedi could not bare to look his one time friend in the eyes. He could not shake the terrible feelings inside of him. Knowing all at once how this man was part of his nightmares. How he spoke words that made too much damnable sense to him. How Anakin had just seconds ago been so ready to kill him. Shaking as he held his lightsaber. Remembering a time he held ultimate power in his hand. But for the warning in his heart...he may well have done it. But, he listened to his heart. He listened to that quiet part of him that told him to turn off his lightsaber. And, he did so.

"I'm going to turn you over to the Jedi Council." Anakin breathed through his adrenaline as Palpatine nodded sadly.

"Of course, you should. But, you're not sure of their intentions are you?"

"I will quickly discover the truth of all this. Trust me on that." Anakin ground his teeth together, his jaw aching from the stress he was under. As Palpatine smiled once more.

"You have great wisdom, Anakin. Know the power of the dark side, the power to save your children. The power to save Padmé." He finished.

The two stared at one another for a hard long moment. Before Anakin opened his mouth to say something...anything. But, nothing came out. Until finally he swept passed Palpatine and almost broke into a run from the office. The Sith Lord watching him do so, his eyes boring into Anakin's retreat, so much so the Jedi could feel them.

In no time at all, and stopped by no one, Anakin reached the same turbolift he had used earlier that day. His mind did not recall the events prior to this moment. He still shook as he slammed his hand onto the button calling the lift to him.

"Come on!" He seethed. Waiting a long and heavy moment before it chimed and opened. He flew inside at great speed and as he did he whirled about. Closing the door and smashing the button to reach the level his airspeeder was parked in. Only in the silence of his loneliness there in the turbolift Anakin leaned himself against the wall. Both arms sprawled ahead, hands clasping the wall. Shaking as he felt burning hot tears prickle at his eyes. Only having just been able to control his raw and ragged emotions. Hating he even felt this way.

Everyone had been right. He had been wrong. Anakin hated that those fears, that had just hours ago been silenced sprung up once again. Luke, Leia...Padmé. All three coming to mind. Did Palpatine...did Sidious...no! Anakin shook himself. He wouldn't...he couldn't. Anakin hated feeling this way. Hated feeling torn.

He hated himself.

---

Around them the battle raged. Pau City was turned into a chaotic mess of exchanged blaster fire, the clanking of droid machinery, and explosions. Screams sounded from clone troopers as well as native pau'ans and utai alike. Obi-Wan took notice at his right as a droideka sped by as a ball. Exploding as a stray grenade caught it and blew a hole in the walkway along with the droid itself. He couldn't pay that all too much mind as he rode atop his varactyl, Boga.

Ahead of him Grievous whirled through the streets on his wheel-bike. The General bobbing and weaving. Clearly aware Obi-Wan was hot on his tail. Boga gave a cry as she moved as fast as she possibly could. Prompted by Obi-Wan, the Jedi sending waves through the Force for her to go as fast as she could. Pushing her as hard as he could without doing her any harm. Grievous was right here, so close! Obi-Wan was so close to ending this war once and for all! At least without Grievous the Separatists would be utterly toothless. That's what Obi-Wan felt, and he held to it as he came up alongside Grievous. A group of clones firing at Obi-Wan's right up into the upper levels where a wall of droids fired down on them. Still, he tried to force all other distractions aside. Focusing squarely on Grievous.

The General looked at Obi-Wan and gave a harsh snarl. Grasping an electrostaff that hung on the wheel-bike and activating it. Thrusting it out at Obi-Wan after he did so. Obi-Wan dodged it. Pulling himself away from it, Boga crying beneath him. Grievous pulled back and thrust it out at Obi-Wan again. Obi-Wan took the initiative and grabbed the staff. Managing to grasp it just beneath the purple shimmering of the end pointed to his chest. Wrestling with Grievous as the General growled hatefully. Until, both Obi-Wan and Boga, as well as Grievous pulled away from one another. The General sacrificing the staff as they did.

Both Grievous and Obi-Wan were moving deeper into the cavernous part of Pau City. The shooting turning into a distant set of percussion's. Sporadic and insensibly hitting at least Obi-Wan's ears. Nonetheless, Obi-Wan pulled Boga back in towards Grievous. As he did, he slammed the electrostaff down, once, twice, again onto the wheel of the wheel-bike. The movement forced the staff off, but Obi-Wan swore he heard the crunch of metal. Grievous accelerated, and as he did Obi-Wan slammed the staff inwards and down. The electrified tip smacking Grievous. The General in kind grabbed the staff, much as Obi-Wan had done before, and yanked it back in to himself. Rather than fighting it, Obi-Wan readied himself as he was pulled off of Boga with the electrostaff. The varactyl coming to a sudden stop and giving a cry as both generals of the Clone Wars faded down into a looping walkway of the cavern. Wrestling over the staff.

Obi-Wan sat behind Grievous. Pulling the staff from over Grievous' head. The General, cursing in a low seethe, fought with him. One hand holding onto the staff. Refusing to let it go. As Obi-Wan pushed on Grievous. Forcing his steering off. The wheel-bike whirring left to right. Only stopping from falling over by the self correcting axles of the vehicle. Grievous, however, grabbed a blaster that had also been complimented to the wheel-bike. Lifting it over his head and aiming it wildly at Obi-Wan. The Jedi tilted right out of the way as a single red bolt fired off into the air. Obi-Wan looked ahead and saw a drop off. Without second thought he then threw his full weight left. And Grievous was thrown with him. Both falling into a roll along the ground of a nicely tucked away single landing pad. A Separatist Belbullab-22 starfighter sat atop it with no one around but Obi-Wan and Grievous.

"So," Obi-Wan coughed and rose onto a knee. "This is where you were running off to, General? Leaving so soon?" Obi-Wan mocked as Grievous crawled up onto both hands and knees. Staring at Obi-Wan as a hateful predator would its prey.

"You don't know when to quit, Kenobi! This is where you'll meet your end! No clones, no Republic help. Just you and me! And," Grievous pushed into a stand as Obi-Wan followed suit. The General coughing as he did. "This time you don't have one of these!" Grievous gripped and activated two lightsabers. Sparing Obi-Wan all four of his arms, as a single blue and green came to life.

"I don't General." Obi-Wan agreed lowering his body defensively. "But, you do!" Using the Force, he called one of the two extra sabers at Grievous' hips to himself. Activating a green blade and falling into his defensive soresu posture. Grievous roared a throaty and mechanically warbled scream and charged Obi-Wan.

Grievous swung both sabers down left over his right shoulder. Each one Obi-Wan blocked, turning his foot left to right and walking backwards. Letting the blades fall onto him. Grievous took both and slammed at Obi-Wan's right. Obi-Wan let himself be carried by the momentum. Stepping with the force of the impact on his lightsaber to his left and twirling. Slashing out at Grievous' exposed left hip as he completed a full rotation. The saber nixed him, and Grievous growled and jumped back. Running back in and slashing down overhead. Obi-Wan met, and spun under the meeting three blades. Making to strike at Grievous chest, but Grievous pulled back in time. Falling on Obi-Wan again. Not giving him a moments break.

Left to right and right to left, as before Grievous slashed at Obi-Wan. Down left, right, left, right, right, left, and left, right. Each slash Obi-Wan parried. Sensing grievous to be testing his defenses. Each stroke softer than before. Each one looking for an opening. Grievous spun his hands. Once more creating a swirling color of light. His right and blue saber turning into a shield as he held it out at Obi-Wan's face. Obi-Wan pulled away, as Grievous spun up his green left hand and slashed the lightsaber out at Obi-Wan from the Jedi's right. Obi-Wan met and held the blade. Pushing it off of him, and using the Force to send a wave into Grievous. He gave a howling growl as his body was flung back to the far wall. A dent forming in the metal lining of the walls as his sabers fell at his sides still active in his hands.

"Give it up, General! You have nowhere left to run." Obi-Wan offered him. Grievous pulled himself back up and his whole body, especially his shoulders, trembled in barely contained rage.

"I won't give up that easily, Kenobi! There is much left to do, and you have no idea. None at all." Grievous coolly and ominously intoned. Obi-Wan narrowed his eyes, but he couldn't stop to ask Grievous what he meant. The General was upon him again. Grievous broke into a full run. Both sabers at his sides, gliding and burning the ground. Obi-Wan spun his saber from left to right in anticipation. Grievous slashed both up. Obi-Wan formed a line across his body diagonally. Meeting and parrying the slash. The two blades glided up his own. Grievous swung both back down from Obi-Wan's left down right. He met and held them both. Grievous pulling one away and stabbing up into Obi-Wan's stomach. Obi-Wan slashed down, bouncing it away from him and used the opening to slash right to left. The very edge of his saber grazing Grievous' pelvis. The General, again, seethed and slammed a hard, and very sudden kick into Obi-Wan's waist. He huffed a heavy breath and was tossed across the landing pad. Stopping just beneath the starfighter, and within its shadow.

Grievous stomped towards him. Looming once again as a terrible figure. Obi-Wan threw his legs towards his chest and using a little help from the Force, jumped back into a full stand. Grievous paused and fell into a defensive stance. Right hand and blue saber up over his head turned left, left hand and green saber at his chest, pointed right. Obi-Wan sensed he was being dared to strike. Instead he began pacing to his right. Holding his saber in both hands down at his left defensively. In kind daring Grievous. They circled, and danced for a long and heavy moment. Until finally, Grievous snarled.

Lunging forward and slashing green out at Obi-Wan's right. He deflected by slashing up right then down. The sabers forced to the ground. Grievous had what he thought was an opening. He brought his right blue saber down left. Obi-Wan threw his saber up in a flash of motion and bounced Grievous' right arm back. The General's whole front was exposed. Obi-Wan slashed down right and cleaved a diagonal black mark down across the plating. Searing and melting it as he went. Grievous howled in some kind of...pain? Obi-Wan wasn't sure if he felt the sensation. Nonetheless, Grievous staggered back. Allowing Obi-Wan to dare a few ataru based successive circular slashes. Circling his blade from right to left he moved in on Grievous. The General now doing as Obi-Wan had before and parrying each. His wrists flowed easily as Obi-Wan spun the green saber he had from right into Grievous center. The General blocked and parried, but Obi-Wan danced with the blade. Continuing the display from circular slashes he turned and spun at his back, much as Anakin had come to perfect, and as he came around, Obi-Wan brought both hands to the saber and slashed at Grievous' head from the General's left. He only just manged to bounce Obi-Wan off with a harsh awkward crooked slash up, with the General's elbow pointed skyward as he did so.

Grievous hunched himself into a lower position. Pushing back and ready to strike as a rearing predator. Obi-Wan spun from the harsh deflective slash from before. Facing Grievous as the General dashed at him. Jumping to his right and slashing both sabers down at Obi-Wan's left. Obi-Wan met and slid away from the parry around to Grievous' back. The General swung himself full right and both sabers crashed and bounced off Obi-Wan's saber. It threw him off center only slightly. However, Grievous then brought both back around at Obi-Wan's right from a diagonal twin slash. Obi-Wan raised his saber defensively overhead and both sabers again crashed but slid off his own, and Obi-Wan used his feet to twist himself inside of Grievous' zone of control. Spinning under Grievous blades, until Obi-Wan pressed his left hand into the General's chest and loosed a tremendous bout of Force energy into Grievous. Again the General gave a harsh cry and was thrown away from Obi-Wan slamming into a nearby bone like pillar.

Obi-Wan spun his saber in his right hand. Breathing a sigh and loosening his weariness into the Force as he saw the wounds he'd imparted on Grievous. The slash that had nicked his hip, the grazing of the General's pelvis and the deep gash that had just missed the very interior of Grievous' chest cavity. The General heaved a mighty bout of coughs from where he rested, picking himself back up and shaking his head from left to right thereafter.

"It's over Grievous!" Obi-Wan again extended an offer to surrender. Again Grievous threw his head back to look at Obi-Wan.

"It'll never be over, Jedi! Not as long as I still live!" Grievous dashed to his right in a circle around the outer edges of the landing pad. Jumping up onto the starfighter and slashing down as he jumped off again, at Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan parried into a roll, slashing his saber along both of Grievous' lightsabers until he rolled onto his knees turning back into a stand. Just as Grievous cleaved at his head with an X. Slashing both out and nearly decapitating Obi-Wan. Who ducked and twirled his saber up to stab. Grievous Pushed his left leg out. The clawed foot beat into Obi-Wan and pinned him against the ship. He gave a sharp cry as the talons each bore into his flesh by an inch or so. He could feel the trickling of blood beginning. Even so, Grievous laughed and turned both sabers down to stab into Obi-Wan. Whom in kind, swung his green saber up and through Grievous' leg. The General's eyes widened as though he had either forgotten about Obi-Wan's saber, or perhaps he had thought himself fast enough to kill Obi-Wan? Either way, Obi-Wan kicked his left foot in. Slamming his ankle into Grievous' right leg. Giving a harsh cry his own as his ankle reverberated from the stupidly thought out impact. One Obi-Wan knew would be a bruise for sure.

Nonetheless, Grievous fell onto his back. Obi-Wan yanked the now dismembered left leg from his body and felt the heat where blood began falling underneath his tunic, but ignored it. Releasing that pain into the Force as he spun his saber once in hand and aimed the tip of it down at Grievous.

"Enough! You're beaten, General!" Grievous growled staring up at Obi-Wan. Saying nothing else as the humming of their combined three lightsabers assaulted Obi-Wan's ears. Neither one of them making another move. Both waiting for the other to say or do something. Grievous glanced left and right. Obi-Wan could tell he was looking for an out. He knew Grievous could unlatch his two free arms. Even if one was missing a hand he could crawl on them. He could try a lot of things, but as Obi-Wan stood above him, he held the advantage. The higher position and ground.

"It's over." Obi-Wan repeated, still not faltering or lowering his green borrowed saber. Grievous shook, and slammed his right fist, still clenching an activated saber into the ground. The very distant explosions of war echoing. A light warble getting louder...warble?

Obi-Wan felt a sudden warning through the Force and he turned just as a Separatist HMP gunship circled and lowered from over the landing pad. The massive floating droid remaining unmoved as it came to a hovering stop just ahead of the landing pad above the deep caverns below. Its cannons immediately trained on Obi-Wan. Grievous in kind laughed, coughing raggedly through the bout as he did.

"Is it over, Kenobi?! Is it?!" Grievous chortled, before he roared.

"FIRE! KILL HIM!" The massive droid unleashed a volley of repeating cannon fire from its many forward turrets. Obi-Wan deflected as many as he could, stepping back as he did. Each bolt thrusting his lightsaber back towards his face. Each one crashing with incredible power, even as Obi-Wan deflected and threw them away as best he could. The few that scattered and hit the gunship only scorching the metal and did little to bring it down. His focus was too trained on the incoming fire.

"Blast!" Obi-Wan cursed and dove around, using the Force to run with speed unnatural a human. He broke out and ran from the landing pad. As he did so, the gunship loosed three missiles. Each one flying out and crashing into the entrance leading onto the landing pad. Obi-Wan had all breath forced from him as he was launched spinning through the air. Out through the door back onto the other side. Crashing thereafter with a heavy exertion and series of fumbles. Until he rolled over and over before coming to a sudden stop beside a large boulder that had been ejected from the cavern wall with him. Pebbles and stones of various sizes rained around him, and Obi-Wan rolled onto his back. Raising both hands and creating a sphere around himself through the Force. Deflecting the bigger and more deadly projectiles from crashing right on top of him. A cascade of which continued to do so for some time. Until the last pebbles fell around him, and Obi-Wan let his arms fall at his sides.

"Blast!" He coughed as dust forced its way into his lungs. His body aching, and bruised all over. As he picked himself up to sit along the ground. Seeing the entrance to the landing pad blocked off by a mountain of packed debris. The low warble of the HMP beyond turning distant as Obi-Wan could guess what was happening. Snatching up his comlink after.

"All air units, this is General Kenobi! General Grievous is attempting to escape aboard enemy aircraft! Any available fighter wings break away and engage if at all possible!"

"This is Dagger Squadron, we're on it General!" Came a clone's voice. Leaving Obi-Wan to cup his chest in his right hand. Feeling the moistness there where one of Grievous' prongs had pushed into his body. It was only then he realized he must've dropped the lightsaber he had taken from Grievous.

"He even gets to keep the lightsaber?" Obi-Wan cursed to the quiet of his surroundings.

---

He crawled along the floor as rubble collapsed around him and the landing pad became unstable. Tilting more and more as the weight of his personal starfighter began dragging it away. Grievous had seen it fall onto the ground with a clang. He would be damned if he allowed Kenobi to take a lightsaber from him! One that he had earned as his trophy.

Grasping it, and holding it to his face, Grievous growled lowly. Eyes staring piercing hateful daggers towards the collapsed doorway. Wanting so desperately to chase after and kill Kenobi. Knowing that he could not. Even wanting to so badly. His left leg was gone. One of his four hands destroyed and a gash in his chest that had sprung a small but momentarily manageable leak in his organ sack that was as he thought about it being coated automatically in sealant from the inside.

"ARGH!" He slammed a fist to the ground and deactivated his sabers. Placing the third Kenobi stole onto his hip as well. Detaching his two other arms he crawled along the floor, raising his one leg into the air as he did. Until he came to the side of the landing pad. Which was tilting and falling further, dragging his starfighter down over the side into the cavern below where an explosion rung out.

"Lower yourself!" Grievous howled. The HMP did as ordered and lined its flat circular top with the side of the landing pad. Allowing Grievous to crawl atop it. Where, he then slammed his three hands that yet had fingers into the gunships metal. Anchoring himself onto it.

"Get us to the fleet! Find a suitable hangar, now! Relay an order for all fighters to cover us!"

"As you command, General." The massive droid's low baritone replied. The hulking machine then pulled away from the collapsing landing pad. Hovering in the center of the cavern for a moment before launching itself up directly towards the upper atmosphere as fast as it could go. The gagging coughs of Grievous sounding as he readied himself for the vacuum of space, once again.

---

"We're right behind you Dagger One." The lead pilot heard as he maneuvered his ARC-170 from around the side of the Vigilance. Coming over the massive Venator-class warship and towards the empty space between the Republic and Separatist fleets. The droid warships fired stray and weakening turbolaser or flak fire. None meant to actually cause too much damage, but enough to cause confusion and dissuade a mass attack from fighters or bombers. The main bulk of the Republic's fighter wings had joined the gunships upon entry into Utapau's atmosphere. Shooting down and fighting what they had assumed would be sporadic planet-side enemy fighters or bombers. They had been correct, but the arrival of the Separatist fleet...complicated things.

"Dagger One, this is Captain Sorris." The Captain of the Serenity called over the comm.

"Dagger One, go ahead Captain Sorris."

"Com-scan indicates a single bogey rising out of the planet's atmosphere. Coordinates heading your way now. Be advised your only support wings available are Hammer and Sickle squadrons. Both inbound as we speak."

"Copy on all. We're on it, Captain! Dagger One, out." The trooper breathed and locked his S-foils into attack position. "All Dagger wings on me, tight formation! Dagger Five and Six I want our flanks covered. Two and Three on me at all times, bring down whatever these damn droids throw our way!"

"Aye, Dagger One!"

"Copy!" They all replied in their own ways as all ships followed Dagger One's example. As all six of the wing locked their S-foils into attack position. All six of the ARC-170s speeding through the vacuum between fleets. They kept at the same heading for a long while. Their cabins shaking as stray flak cannon fire peppered the void around them or turbolaser fire exploded and spent their gas around them in kind. None taking serious damage even as their ships rocked. Their copilots at their rears manning the single defensive turrets aimed at the rear of their ships.

"Dagger One, large convergence of enemy fighters heading your way! Multiple wings!"

"Copy, Dagger Four, I see them!" Tilting his head right, the wing commander watched as a literal swarm of vulture droids peppered themselves into view. Seeming to spring from the blackness of the void itself. Dozens upon dozens of vulture droids releasing from the main holds of the enemy Providence-class warships.

"Captain Sorris, this is Dagger One, requesting e.t.a on Hammer and Sickle squadrons!"

"They're already on the way, Dagger One, Captain Sorris out!"

"Dagger One, this is Sickle Two, Sickle One is down. We're coming up along starboard. We'll screen your attack run. Let us and Hammer pull away as many of these droid bastards as we can." Dagger One nodded to himself before replying.

"Copy, Sickle Two." Dagger One replied as all seventeen ARC-170s dove towards the onslaught of vultures. The vast majority of which unleashed a sudden and thunderous mass barrage of blistering red cannon fire.

"Hammer One, to all Hammer wings, break right on me!" As the Hammer lead gave the order all six of his fighters broke around front of Dagger One. Zooming off across dagger One's viewport along right as ordered. The whole squadron firing green bolts in response. Immediately ripping apart three vulture droids. Whom spun as they burned, exploding thereafter in quick succession. Crashing their metal shrapnel husks into more vultures. Causing an array and show of fire that filled the void. Until the flames were snuffed quickly out. The dance of greens and red prickling around them joined by the giant turbolaser blasts loosed from either side towards the enemy vessels.

"All Sickle wings burn engines! Pull them off Dagger Squad!" Sickle Two commanded as his wing erupted forward beyond Dagger Squad. Diving head first into the oncoming droid fighters. Taking the brunt of fire. One of the Sickles exploding near immediately as they formed a spearhead and caused the droids to twist either left or right out of the way. Some exploding as they were mauled by reaping green bolts. An exploding vulture losing its right wing and careening head first into another turning vulture droid. Both erupting as Dagger squad tore through the opening made and tilted down towards the planet.

"Dagger Five to Dagger One; we've got three on our tail, breaking off Dagger One!"

"Copy that! Join up with Sickle or Hammer and keep them off us as long as possible!"

"Copy that." Dagger Five and Six both broke off doing as instructed turning into hard 180 degree turns and unleashing free volleys into the chasing droid fighters. Many of whom had to twist and break off or at least return fire and exploded for their efforts. Their accuracy poorly matched compared to the clone pilots of the Republic. The rest of the wing, four fighters dove downwards, their ships shaking as the atmosphere of the planet began applying pressure and heat upon them. Almost uncontrolled in the ferocity of their forward fall. Until…

"There he is!" Dagger Three called. "Single bogey on screen! Advancing from at .15!"

"Bring him down at all costs!" Dagger One ordered, and setting the example, he pulled the breaks back ever so slightly and loosed a barrage of green repeating fire. Ripping the vacuum and upper atmosphere alight in exploding gas. Meanwhile, the lone HMP gunship rocked with the scattered explosions. Itself loosening a barrage of missiles. They flew out towards them with seeming wild abandon. Two of which exploded around Dagger Two.

"Dagger Two, are you alright?!"

"Grazed, but Good Dagger One!" He called back and broke right twisting and spinning as he loosed another barrage of fire and strafed the side of the HMP. One stray bolt exploded along the top of the gunship ripping paneling away and leaving a smoke trail in the ship's wake. However, as Dagger Two ceased spinning the HMP zoomed passed him. Moving through the gap the ARC had spun through. Forcing the four wings to turn at an 180 degree angle and continue their chase.

"Dagger Three and Dagger two force him down center give me a clear shot!"

"Copy!" They called back. Both fighters firing freely along either side of the gunship and forcing it to bob and weave both left and right. Each time grazing a stray bolt and blast. Each one either exploding along the ship and scorching the main hull, or bouncing off the armor these hulking droids had. Either way, Dagger One came up behind it. His targeting computer whirring and beeping as it zeroed in and took what felt like an eternity to lock on. And then...came the whir of a lock!

"Proton torpedo away!" He pressed his thumb on the trigger and the ARC loosed a single torpedo that roared through the vacuum. Hurdling closer and closer, so close! Then…

"Break off, break off!" Dagger Two cried and both he, Dagger Three and One dove away as a swarm of vulture droids came over top and around the gunship. One of them slamming head first into the torpedo and causing itself along with four other vultures to vaporize in an instant.

"Kriff!" Dagger One seethed. "Sickle, Hammer! I need these guys off me!"

"There's too many of them!"

"Dagger One, we are overwhelmed here!" Both leads replied, causing Dagger One to check right. The dogfight taking place seeming a maelstrom of dizzying shooting, twisting ships and explosions. The Republic fighters desperately trying to hold off the main vulture swarm.

"Dagger One to Captain Sorris, we need reinforcements! We are heavily outgunned here!"

"Negative, Dagger One, Negative!" Came the near immediate reply over comms. "Orders are to retain wings around the fleet! Only yourselves, Hammer and Sickle are free to engage!"

"Damn it!" Dagger One cursed as he ducked his ARC out of the way of a vulture shooting wildly at him. Zipping overhead and passed him as he did.

"Dagger Two, Three, and Four all of you break off! Give me breathing room to get Grievous!"

"Aye, sir!" Dagger Two replied, as he Dagger Three and Four began breaking formation. Flying into the new vulture fray and firing, chasing and destroying every droid they could manage. Metal carnage exploding all around him, as Dagger One rolled his ARC left and fired into an oncoming tri-droid. It exploded and cleared the way for the gunship. Itself still smoking but careening towards the Separatist fleet. Dagger One grit his teeth and slammed down on his main turrets. The green blinding bolts snaked through the vacuum and exploded around the gunship, just above it, below it and across it. Some crashing into it and either bouncing or scoring. Still not enough. Dagger One could see it, could see him too. An unusual pale jutting of metal atop the gunship. Turned back at him, Dagger One could practically see the General's feral eyes glaring at him.

"Take this!" He seethed and loosed another rapid barrage. The bolts scattering and perforating metal plating. A few stray pieces flinging off and flying into space.

"Bogeys on our tail!" His rear facing copilot called, and he felt him lean into their shared seat. As the rear cannon loosed, Dagger One's systems indicating at least four vultures giving chase.

"Try and-" The ARC shook violently as a red bolt pierced and exploded one of the right S-foils. "Try and keep em' off me!"

"Doing it!" His copilot cried and loosed another bout as the red dots danced around Dagger One's vision. "Lock on...lock on!" Dagger One commanded the system as it homed in on the gunship. Readying for another proton torpedo. He peppered the HMP from left to right in attempt to keep it as center as possible. At last the computer rung out with a lock!

"Firing proton torpedo!" The torpedo released from the ARC and began flying ahead.

Just as a vulture droid sprayed the ARC-170 wildly. One stray red bolt pierced the torpedo. An explosion rocketed the vacuum! The fires of the torpedo's percussion rippling through the cockpit of Dagger One. Causing a cascade that ripped the fighter apart.

The HMP flying easily from then on, and the vultures turning to kill more Republic pilots.

---

His breaths came heavier than normal as Anakin stomped through one of the temple's hangars. A few LAATs were moving to either leave or be worked on for repairs. Among the ships stood and walked some of the clone compliment that remained solely in the temple's hangar bays. Ready to move their Jedi leaders whenever and wherever needed. However, Anakin didn't pay any of that much mind. Instead, fixing his gaze onto Master Windu who stood just ahead. Along with him waited Masters Fisto, Kolar and Tiin just beyond by one such LAAT.

"Master Windu!" Anakin called with a heavy breath. "I must talk to you"

"Skywalker." Mace greeted. His face a mixture of emotions that Anakin couldn't quite decipher. Too full of adrenaline and confusion to do so anyways. "We've just received word from Utapau. Grievous may or may not have escaped."

"Escaped?" Anakin wondered breathlessly. Mace nodded as he kept moving towards the gunship, Anakin at his side.

"May have escaped. We're unsure. There is a battle taking place in the system. Obi-Wan engaged Grievous but seems to have been forced to disengage by an enemy gunship. At least that's what has been shared thus far." Mace nudged his chin towards the other masters.

"We were just on our way to inform the Chancellor of such. With Grievous, nonetheless, in our sights it stands to reason that he should hand over his emergency powers back to the Senate."

"He won't do that. He won't give up his power." Anakin offered with a sullen shake of his head. "I've just learned a terrible truth. I think Chancellor Palpatine's a Sith Lord." Anakin stated it aloud, and even now it didn't sound real. Judging by the stop Master Windu made dead in his tracks, the widened eyes and step he took towards Anakin, he doubted the Master could believe it either.

"A Sith Lord?!"

"Yes, the one we've been looking for."

"How do you know this?" Mace pressed with his eyes searching him. Anakin looked away before answering. The thoughts and experience of what just happened still rattling him even now.

"He knows the ways of the Force. He's been trained to use the dark side. He…" Anakin paused and swallowed harshly. Trying to restrain himself from telling Master Windu too much. Especially where he, Padmé and the twins were concerned. "He told me himself he knew the dark side. In his office. He all but admitted to being Darth Sidious." Anakin admitted. Again leaving Mace momentarily stunned as his dark eyes narrowed, but they weren't looking at Anakin. Not really. They were lost in a tumult of thought and planning taking place right there and then.

"He is the one behind the war. Both the Separatists and the Republic. The mastermind of it all." Mace scoffed angrily. Anakin surmising the Master of the Order to be utterly horrified that Sidious had been beneath their very noses for this long.

"Are you sure?" Mace asked. Anakin feeling Master Windu already believed in his heart of hearts. Just needing Anakin to say it again.

"Absolutely. There's not a doubt in my mind, Master." Anakin nodded. Still shaking beneath his robes. Hiding the anxiety he felt cascading up and down his whole body. His right hand bound into a tremendously clenched fist at his side. Mace finally nodded to himself. His thoughts seeming to take him somewhere Anakin didn't know.

"Then our worst fears have been realized." He intoned, and Anakin couldn't help but agree. His own having been realized. At least partially. "We must move quickly if the Jedi Order is to survive." Mace began, walking towards the gunship, Anakin following alongside again.

"Master, the Chancellor is very powerful. If he is the one who trained both Maul and Dooku then I think you'll need my help if you're going to arrest him." Mace listened before he spoke. That was different, and welcome for Anakin. Especially now.

"For your own good stay out of this affair." Mace shut him down. "I sense a great deal of confusion in you, young Skywalker. There is much fear that clouds your judgment." Anakin hated that he wasn't wrong.

"I must go, Master!"

"No." Mace coolly retorted stopping them in the shade just before the dimming star of Coruscant's light hit the hangar floor.

"Master," Anakin began again before Master Windu could stop him. "Chancellor Palpatine has been attempting to use me. Has used me! I feel I must do this. I must help you arrest him!" Anakin pleaded. And, for a long quiet moment Mace studied him in silence. His eyes searching Anakin's.

"I don't doubt you feel that way, Skywalker. However, I think you're still clouded on why you would need to go. If it is true the Chancellor has been using you then chances are he will attempt to do so if you should come with us. For a matter as delicate as this we can leave no room for doubt." Mace evenly, and for once in Anakin's life, sympathetically noted. "If what you told me is true, you will have gained my trust, but for now remain here, Anakin. If we should fail...you must tell the rest of the Council. But, we must act swiftly and with as little said as possible."

"He will know you're coming, Master." Anakin warned and Mace nodded.

"I have no doubt. That is why we must strike hard, and cripple him before he has any time to truly prepare or react. And I must tell the others." Mace nudged to the three waiting and watching in a mix of confusion nearby. Anakin for his part sighed and lowered his head. Bringing his left hand up and cupping his eyes. Searching inside...thinking hard. Knowing or at least wanting to feel as though Master Windu was right. But, the two sides of him fought, and he didn't know.

"You have done a great service to the Order, Skywalker." Mace offered freely. Causing Anakin to look back up at him. His eyes, though as always, harsh, seemed earnest as they looked into Anakin's. "You did what I had not thought you capable of, and for that you have my respect. Now, let me play my part. You have played yours." Mace, for the first time ever, raised a hand and pat Anakin's left shoulder. Though he let it drop quickly thereafter. Anakin felt so raw. Somehow so tired. But that...that was unexpected.

"Very well, Master." Anakin relented and bowed his head.

"Good. Wait in the council chambers until we return." Mace ordered and took a few steps back, turning to get onto the ship only as his heels neared it.

"Yes, Master." Anakin spoke mostly to himself. As the LAAT whirred to life and it began lifting off. Flying into the distance toward the Executive Annex.

---

"Is he sure of this?!" Master Tiin wondered with a harshness to his voice. Mace nodding in response.

"He is, and I don't think it's something Skywalker would dare lie about. Not with how close he and Palpatine have always been." Mace spoke up for, and felt a little strange in doing so, for Skywalker. Though, he was himself still reeling from the revelation. Even if a part of him found the knowledge very easy to accept.

"I can and can't believe it all at once." Master Fisto intoned. His face an unusually dower and forlorn thing. Especially for one most considered to be one of the more easy going on the Council.

"It makes perfect sense to me!" Tiin growled. His iktotchi mannerisms coming through once again. "Palpatine has been playing everyone since the beginning! Using the Jedi against the Separatists, using us and killing us! He's even used that fool Dooku and that murderous machine!"

"Dooku!" Master Kolar snapped. A realization coming to him. "That is why he wants him so badly!"

"Precisely." Mace agreed, having sensed his fellow master's thoughts. "He wants Dooku under the custody of the Republic to kill him." Mace gravely stated. "We're not dealing with a dictator to be, we're dealing with a Sith Lord. The very same we've been after since the beginning. Since Naboo." He continued.

"If we arrest him…" Master Fisto spoke again. "Then...then we may have a chance to stabilize the Republic."

"If we cannot arrest him?" Master Tiin wondered darkly. To the silence of everyone.

"Come what may." Mace intoned. "What matters is stopping a Sith from imposing his will onto the Republic any longer. That, or we all meet our end. Jedi and citizen alike."

To that, they said no more. Awaiting their landing as the day's light turned to a deep orange, and midday became twilight.

---

As Anakin stepped out from the turbolift he was struck by just how quiet it was up here. The Council chambers were painted an orange gold as the dimming daylight once more fell upon Coruscant. He slowly walked, feeling and seeming, were any to see him now, lost. He scanned from right to left. As though imagining he'd catch one of the other Council members standing up here by themselves. At least then he'd have someone, anyone, to talk to. Anakin looked out the right viewport that wrapped around the Council chambers. Looking towards the setting sun. He felt alone, and he didn't much like the feeling at all right now.

Slowly and steadily he walked toward the chair he had been assigned. Staring at it as he neared, and finally turning and resting himself upon it. The only audible sound having been the fall of his boots, the shifting of his robes and the breaths he took in and released. Having only now calmed from earlier with Palpatine.

"How did I get here?" He asked in the silence of it all. Imagining in his mind a deep and ominous thrum like the music of doom. All as the Force rippled and writhed. The shroud of it all, and the sense the Jedi had long had of their diminished ability to use the Force now seemed more present than ever. Yet, it was falling away. The veneer fading as the one who set up the shroud stepped into the light. Maybe it was only Anakin who could sense it and feel it? He didn't know, but he knew why he felt what he felt. Because Palpatine had told him. Shown himself, his true self, to him.

"Force…" Anakin muffled a low exhausted breath. Laying his head into his hands. Feeling his breathing struggle to remain steady. He had to fight and force himself to intake new oxygen into his lungs. As with his nightmares, he felt as though he were on the verge of a panic attack! What Jedi ever had panic attacks?! Again, he berated himself. Glared at his boots and the ever clean pristine Council chamber floor.

What was he doing here? How had today gone from the mundane, perhaps even the slightly less than mundane to the insane?! How had, over the course of a few hours, his entire life been shattered? Obi-Wan off on Utapau facing Grievous, and that monster maybe even getting away! That same monster Palpatine owned and ran. Had he planned for this? That anger he had shown when Anakin said the Separatists called in a fleet, had that been out of his control? Had he not expected or wanted that? Did Palpatine actually think Anakin would fall to his knees, thank him for the opportunity and join with him?! Forsaking everything and everyone...for her? For the twins?

Anakin ran both hands through his sprawled blonde locks. Feeling his scalp itch at the sensation. Pulling at his hair and breathing in low and deep. Loosening it as the warmth of falling day danced upon him. So many old fears were coming to the surface. So many thoughts. It was the culmination of everything since coming back to Coruscant. Out there, in the galaxy where you waged and fought war things were simple. The enemy was there, you were here. You needed to get over there, so defeat and kill those who don't surrender and take it. Good and bad were so simply beaten into your head. The same, Anakin guessed, was true for the clones and the others who fought for the Republic. Maybe even for both sides?

Here on Coruscant his life had seen the greatest of moments occur, and the lowest of points hit. Padmé and the twins made him feel at home. Truly at peace, and he could not, would not, ever, trade them for anything! Yet...he still felt fear grip him. The idea he could lose them shook his very being. Palpatine had seen it. Known of it. How? Anakin couldn't say, and a part of him wondered if he even really wanted to know? Did Palpatine...Sidious have the power to save someone from death? Could he? Could Anakin learn such?

Even as he thought it he admonished himself. Padmé had said it before, on this very day. She would never accept him making a deal or losing himself to the dark side to save her. Maybe in not so many words but it was the truth all the same. Anakin remembered the tusken camp. Seeing red. Always having previously through the expression to be hyperbole. Until he had seen a sort of screen come over him. More like watching himself do the act than act himself. A blind, pure and truly primal rage. Killing the guards of the hut his mother had been whipped, beaten and needlessly tortured within. Killing the other tuskens as they ran at him. Screaming like animals. Their women and children doing much the same.

But...they weren't animals. They were people. Anakin recalled A'Sharad Hett. He was a human sure, but he had lived as a tusken. A'Sharad had time and again proven himself to be a good person. Human or not. What was the point if one was good? Did it change his goodness if he was raised a tusken? In a time past Anakin may have thought so to his detriment. It rattled him to see it that way now.

Anakin then also remembered when he told Gandalf what he had done, the Wizard had passed no judgment on him. Yet, Gandalf held a high opinion of him. At least a very good one. He believed in Anakin, and he was beyond grateful for it. Grateful for his wisdom. He valued it right there alongside both Padmé's advice, and Obi-Wan's own teachings.

"Force, Force, Force, Force!" Anakin cursed beneath his breath. His mind snapping back to the question. Did Palpatine know how to save people from death? Did it matter?! Anakin imagined Palpatine's voice in his mind even now. Telling him that if the Jedi destroyed him all his knowledge on how to save her and the twins would be lost. Did he know she was going to die? Did he know the twins would?

Again, Anakin remembered that croaking voice of Palpatine's. He may not have heard it speak, but he knew that cadence. He had heard it in his nightmares. Heard it even before. His brow creasing as he fought to remember all the intricate moments of that infinitely long moment he nearly killed that woman on Arda while holding the One Ring. There had been other voices there too. Had Palpatine been among them?

Anakin supposed it also didn't matter. Because what mattered was the here and now. That voice, the one who laughed, he croaked like he was diseased. That was Palpatine...that was one. Who were the other two?

"Does that even matter right now?" He wondered aloud. "Why can't the Force just say what it wants to say?! Why do you have to be so damn cryptic?!" Anakin growled. Angrily looking about the room. As though addressing the Force itself. Nevertheless, he received no reply. So, he was forced to think on it more. Think of how Padmé would never forgive him for stooping so low to save her. But, if she lived...would that be enough? If she were to damn him for eternity and hate him, but she lived and the twins lived? Would he...could he accept being hated by those he loved unconditionally?

Anakin opened and flexed his right gloved hand. Hearing the low whir of servos as he did. He stared at it long and hard. His mind flashing back to that moment upon the face of that volcano. Just as he had been at that moment here he was again being offered power beyond his wildest dreams. The power to end wars, save lives, defeat death itself, and make the galaxy the way he wanted it to be! Just as then, he felt himself shaking at the prospect. Both in fear and in anticipation of such.

"Why?" Anakin whispered to himself. His heart racing, skipping for an instant. Listening to it, as Gandalf said to do. Why did such promise of power make him feel this way? No...no it wasn't a question in need of asking. Anakin knew why. He had known for a long time. Perhaps he had always known? It's why he hated himself so much. Especially at times where he failed, totally and utterly. Be it said or stated by those he knew he failed or not. He hated himself because he felt in his heart of hearts that he needed that power. More than this, he wanted the power.

...Ever since he was a little boy, Anakin knew he was owned. He was used by somebody. Controlled by someone. Told where to go how to look and what to feel. Gardulla, Watto and the slaving scum of the galaxy. He dared say he revered Qui-Gon, and he loved Obi-Wan. As his brother and mentor. Almost like a father figure, and the closest to it he'd ever have. Yet, when had he not had to use the term, master? When has he ever not had to address another as being above him? Greater than him, beyond him?! The slavers and owners, the Jedi masters and his own in Obi-Wan.

Only Padmé had never made him feel so debased. So...weak and powerless. As Anakin stared at his opened right palm, and imagined once again that little Ring in the palm of it, and the honeyed words of Palpatine ringing in his mind, he knew. Anakin Skywalker knew he wanted the power. That side of him, that side he had told Padmé just today that didn't believe she would be okay? That side wasn't worried about Padmé. It wanted power. It had heard the tale of Darth Plagueis, ironically from another Sith now it seemed, and that side of him, HE, Anakin Skywalker wanted it. The thought of ruling, controlling, dictating. It was intoxicating. Because he had never been able to do so. Sure, leading clones, and telling people where to deploy and move that was one thing. To control another so entirely? To have such control over the Force as to be a force of nature itself?! So that none dared to oppose you? That! That was true, awesome power.

And he hated himself for it. Hated that he knew deep inside, and now in a moment of clarity; said so within his mind, that he craved it. Yearned and lusted for it. That Ring, the One Ring, the Ring of Power had offered him much the same. By a fraction of a fraction of some kind of willpower he had cut his own arm off to spare himself of giving in. But, Anakin knew he could not have destroyed it were it left up to him. He would have taken it and he would have done anything and everything. Just as Palpatine had promised he could now.

Anakin pushed himself into a stand. Rounding his seat and coming to stand looking out the viewport. Feeling as though compelled to do so. Staring off, far into the distance where Padmé's apartment was. He reached out through the Force, and closed his eyes. Feeling an instant warmth flow over him. And through him. She was there. Was she thinking of him? He liked to imagine she was. Anakin imagined for a second he could reach his hand out and caress a pillar of white hot fire. Not scary, not evil, not even harmful. It was her light. A blinding thing in the darkness of what had become of the galaxy. She centered him like none other could. Though, as he felt her through the Force he felt the prickling caress, wild and raw, of two others. A smile pulled itself across his face. Forcing it onto him.

"Luke, Leia…" He intoned, and he felt a small laugh escape his lips. There was nothing there of evil. Nothing dark and tainted. Did they know him yet? Did babies such as them comprehend on a primal level who he was to them? Because in this moment, he felt nothing but love. A familiarity with him, and call to him. They wrapped around the fire that was their mother's light and they swirled into him.

In that moment he recalled it all.

Saying goodbye to his mother. Only to come back and find her a moment from death. Hearing her say she loved him before she collapsed in his very own arms.

Cutting down the tuskens where they ran. Where they hid and huddled. Their pets gasping and crying. Alongside the children.

Padmé telling him before they both felt the end draw near that she loved him. Truly and deeply. The feeling of her lips to his.

The countless lost and dead through the war. Innocent and otherwise. Jedi slain doing what they thought best. Helping others, or even helping no one at all. All the Masters killed on Geonosis, those lost at the Jabiim, countless clones born for this war. Just to die at Palpatine's alter, and the many Jedi who for right or wrong fought for the Republic.

Crashing on Arda with Obi-Wan over the long years of fighting this terrible war. Going on a long adventure with people and beings he still didn't quite understand. Yet, he loved them for it. Fighting against a simple but true evil. Fighting Vica over and over again. Time and again nearing taking her life. Always just losing her, or letting her go. Until he did finally deal a deadly blow. Only for her to come back again.

Then facing a true dark being incarnate and breaking down. Feeling all hope leave him. Anakin remembered groveling before Sauron. Encased and broken by all his past evil, and the hopelessness he felt in that moment. Only for Gandalf and Obi-Wan to come. To pick him back up and lead him to become One. Truly One with the Force, as he had once before, but so much more clearly and powerfully.

To hold the Ring of Power and see himself made a Lord over all the galaxy. Fixing all wrongs, healing all wounds, crushing all evil. Only to be shown that he would lose himself. Hearing Qui-Gon, and his mother's voice. Watching a little hobbit spare the life of a sad and broken, perhaps not even good, creature. Because it was the right thing to do. His heart had told Bilbo to do so.

Cutting off his own hand to collapse and nearly die as Vica screeched and that tower came crashing down. Returning to the galaxy and feeling all old ills and angers resurface. Hateful and greedy somewhere in his own heart.

Defeating Dooku, and sparing his life. To the now obvious chagrin of Palpatine.

Reuniting with Padmé and the joy he had felt overcome him. Learning he was a father to twins. Seeing them. More beautiful than anything he had ever seen in all his life. The same day reuniting with friends he thought he may not have seen again for a long time.

Just to then be assaulted by nightmares like those before. Promising the death of his wife. The death of his children. Having the images of such scorched into his mind. His heart even now beating harshly at the thought. Wandering from wise teacher to another seeking the answer to the fear he had in him. A fear long instilled since he turned his back on his mother, leaving Tatooine.

Then to be given a seat on the Council and denied the rank of Master. Angry that he had not been given that power he so craved yet again. That authority to be called by all, and not just by some, as Master. To learn he was to be used to spy on Palpatine. A man he had thought one of his closest friends. Whom Anakin could only more and more distance himself from as he grew warier of him. Hearing the fears and concerns of his wife and his friends and finally himself.

To be pushed until you yourself saw him in a dimmer light than you had before. Feeling as though you were losing or betraying a friend. Only for that friend, for Palpatine to show that everyone had been right. That Anakin had dared be the fool, and the wrong one. Speaking out for Palpatine. Defending him. Wanting to cling to that ideal he held of the good man. When everyone else around him saw him for what he was.

Anakin remembered it all. Saw it all now for what it was. He knew that what Palpatine offered him wasn't about saving Padmé or the twins. At least, not to Anakin, not really. Palpatine may think that's what he's offering. Or, maybe he's as smart as Anakin gives him credit and he knows the truth? That deep in his core Anakin wants that power. Wants it for himself.

He opened his eyes and once more stared into the far distance. In silence imagining that low ominous rumble of the setting day singing beneath the surface. He saw her, and the twins in his mind. Anakin knew that by doing nothing, or at least in working against the Chancellor he may well damn them to death. He did fear for them. He loved them. Force, he loved them. Could he kill for them? Should he? They'd hate him. Come to hate him. The same question from before.

Gandalf's voice came to mind. A mixture of all past wisdom. Obi-Wan's kindness and their strengthened bond filled him up. Padmé's blazing eyes and fiery spirit, her love warmed him. Memories both good and bad of these people, the Jedi, an extended if dysfunctional family entered his head. All the faces, hopeful, old and weary, trying if failing to be good. Aragorn, Legolas, Merry, and Pippin, Gimli that stout maniac! He'd kill Anakin himself if Anakin dared debase himself. A smile trailing his lips. Frodo and Sam too, and fallen Boromir. And all others who knew to fight evil. Not because they'd gain anything from it. Because they knew it was right.

"What does my heart tell me?" Anakin whispered. And, for another long quiet contemplative moment he listened. Feeling a prickling sensation travel along his skin from chest out.

Silently he raised his clenched right fist. Imagining it to represent something else. Knowing that want, that hunger and that desire would never truly leave him. But, here and now he needed something. Something to represent what it was he felt in his mind. Be it a momentary victory or not, so be it.

Anakin opened his hand and let it go. And at once felt a great weight lift off his shoulders.

He was still a mess inside but he had done it. A stray, but happy tear trailed down his cheek and he had not known he had been keeping it at bay. But, he sucked in a shaky breath and turned.

"I won't let Master Windu and the others face him alone! They'll need my help." Anakin rolled his shoulders. Knowing he needed to do something, anything to help! But, he also needed to know more. Know the ins and outs of what Palpatine had done. Planned to do. He still needed to discover the truth in all of this. He doubted...no he knew he would never know it through Palpatine. Then he paused. A light seeming to flash in his mind. A realization snapping him fully awake. Filling him with a bout of adrenaline.

"Dooku!" Anakin spoke the one word. A name, and ran towards the turbolift. Heading towards the lowest medical deck, and most well protected of the Temple.

---

The doorway leading onto the bridge slid open. Several nearby droids looked but then immediately returned to work maintaining the many systems of the Providence-Class destroyer. A ragged and heavy cough sounded followed by a bout of four or so more. As the sound of wheezing then filled the bridge. A single stomp thudded out, followed by a set of other feet clanging the ground. The Captain, a simple neimoidian officer in the Confederate navy turned right as he saw him. General Grievous.

"What are the Republic scum doing?!" He demanded with little fanfare or introduction. The General was covered in marks and gashes of what the Captain could easily guess to be a lightsaber's doing. While an entire leg, his left, was missing. Cut at just above the knee joint. A magnaguard stood beside Grievous and the General gripped the guard. Not allowing himself to be carried. Only using the droid as a prop, or moving cane, to walk.

"Uh...uh yes." The Captain sputtered. "The Republic are in tight formation. Three Venator-class ships are hovering over the main continent near Pau City, General." He informed bringing up a hologram before his chair. Displaying a rough show of what he was talking about.

"Three ships?!" Grievous howled, but not to the Captain. Even if he did cower at the sight and sound. "That is all they sent with you Kenobi?!" He laughed, and sounded demented to those who could tell the difference. "I'll smelt you and your armies into glass!" Grievous whirled to the Captain. "Bring all Munificents forward! Engage the Republic fleet and blow them out of the sky! We will, along with the other destroyer commence an orbital bombardment, and turn Utapau into dust!"

"I uh...yes of course." The Captain nodded. Not wanting to even dare fight Grievous. They did have the superior numbers. Even if the Munificents weren't the best when up against Venators.

"Turn them to glass! Wipe this pathetic planet from the face of-"

"Incoming hyperspace reentry pings." A lone droid announced in its usual chirping robotic manner. Grievous hobbled, still gripping his guard, towards the direction of the droid. The Captain pausing himself from relaying the new orders.

"Ours?!"

"Unlikely, General." The droid replied to Grievous. Just as a series of at least a dozen Republic warships jumped out of hyperspace. Three of them being Acclamator-class variants. Smaller, weaker than the Venators yes...but now they were in an instant at a numerical disadvantage. The Republic also had three capitol classes. They had two.

Grievous stared for a long moment out the viewport to their right. Watching as the Republic reinforcements came into the system. Silently seething, so the Captain could easily surmise. The General remained unmoved. His back to the Captain as the droids continued doing as they were programmed and ordered to. The first of the newly arrived enemy ships loosing ineffective turbolaser fire that rocked the Providence.

For a long moment it remained that way. The Captain unsure what to do as Grievous seemed to just stop. Watching, and heaving his breaths as wheezes until a bout of three harsh, loud ragged coughs vomited past his vocabulator. Having doubled over from the coughing fit, he recoiled back to his full height. Turning for the door out of the bridge. The Captain watching him hobble on one leg as his guard kept pace and didn't say a single word. Only after reaching the door did Grievous stop and glance back over his shoulder.

"Move the fleet to the Mustafar System. Leave the armies to their fate."

"Ye...yes, General sir." The neimoidian nodded. Grievous turned and walked out the bridge.

"All ships retreat!" The Captain commanded with a press of a button. What few droid fighters and bombers could re-board did so before. The rest left behind to fight to the bitter and fiery end.

In the end the Confederate fleet blasted into hyperspace. Escaping the clutches of the Republic.

---

"I'm here to see the prisoner." Anakin greeted without much fanfare as he closed in on the massive slab of metal separating him from the Count. The two Jedi Peacekeepers, whose names he didn't recall knowing, looked to one another before the human woman spoke.

"Skywalker you're not authorized to enter. Only members of the Jedi Council are given access to the prisoner." She replied simply, and a little harshly. Anakin could sense she was ferocious. Probably had a grudge against Dooku, and could he blame her?

"I am on the Jedi Council though. Haven't you got the memo?" Anakin countered. Folding his hands into his tunic. Projecting an image of arrogant self assurance. Watching as the two Jedi once again shared a look. This time the bith speaking after.

"Forgive us, Skywalker. What we mean is that only Jedi Masters of the Council may enter." He explained in his native language. "Not even Masters outside of the Council may have access to Dooku, save for Master Che and any attendant she may require."

"Well, where is Master Che?" Anakin wondered. The stern twi'lek healer springing to mind.

"Attending those who need attending." The woman shrugged. Anakin guessed she really meant, 'not here.' He sighed in agitation, running his hand through his hair as he felt time wasting.

"Look, I need to get in there and speak to Dooku. I am the one who beat him! I'm the reason why he doesn't have his kriffing hands! If you think he'd get the drop on me then you're severely underestimating me I assure you."

"I don't doubt it." The woman snorted happily. Anakin could now clearly see the derision she held for Dooku in her body language. "Still, orders are orders. Why do you need to speak with him anyways?" She wondered. "He's got nothing to offer anyone. Maybe a swift death to leave us all in peace…" She intoned.

"Kholt!" The bith admonished her.

"My apologies." She raised her hands. Anakin could see a lot of himself...as he was and had been and even as he was now in her. Angry, arrogant, and spiteful. He wondered, and hoped, if by seeing it on this woman so clearly that meant he had somehow moved a little beyond it? Anakin could hope at least.

However, here and now he sighed. Turning his back on the two Peacekeepers. Raising his head to the roof before he spoke. "I hope you two can forgive me for this."

"For wha-" Kholt began as Anakin whirled around and raised both arms out straight. His hands clutched tightly and the two Jedi were lifted into the air. Both suddenly aware that they were caught in his grip. Even as Anakin did everything in his power not to cause pain or damage. Both beings kicked their feat, wriggled their arms and hands and shook their heads. Both fully contained by the power of the Force. Even Anakin was surprised he was able to unleash this much and control it so well.

"What are you...doing Skywalker?!" Kholt seethed.

"Put...us down! Please!" The bith, far too cordial for his own good, requested of Anakin. However, even as he cringed he bore a sad smile.

"Sorry guys, but I need to do this. I'll pay for it later. Don't you worry." Anakin slammed both hard and harsh against the door. So hard that he felt their defenses in the Force shake. Using that instant he entered passed their walls. Using the Force to call their minds to sleep. As they both fell in a clamor to the floor, their robes and peacekeeper armor clamoring before going still. Both were out and cold thereafter. Anakin sighed as he looked at them for a short moment. Then back to the massive slab, only capable of being opened by the Force. "Obi-Wan would kill me if he saw me now." He mumbled, but all the same raised both arms again, hands outstretched. Pulling them apart as parting your way through tall grass leafs on a distant world. The motion and use of the Force from it causing the slab to give a lurch and whine before opening down the center. Just enough for him to easily walk through. Anakin thought he was lucky that the defenses that lined the corridor had not been activated yet. Why would they have been? Nobody had raised the alarm...yet...hopefully.

Nonetheless, Anakin steeled himself both outward and inward. Throwing up all the defenses he would need in the Force and guarding himself whilst gripping his lightsaber upon his belt. Passing underneath the opened slab into the large medical dorm. Dimly lit, and sterile. Full of machinery and unused bacta tanks. Cots lining the far wall, though none were presently occupied. Anakin figured with only one prisoner, and one like this, the Council had basically given Dooku the whole room. He was proven correct as he spotted the old man. Sat atop his knees between two of the cots. Head down turned and eyes shut. The Force in the room was subtle. Not dark, but present. Anakin wondered if Dooku was perhaps trying to hide himself? Or, at least appear as little as possible in the Force? With what Anakin now knew, as much would make sense.

"I wondered if you would find your way to me, Skywalker." His voice spoke. Immediately bringing a sneer onto Anakin's face. He jerked back ever so slightly. Remembering all past encounters with this vile creature. Perhaps he was no Sidious, but he was still Tyranus.

"Is that so?" Anakin replied. Taking a careful step left, closer towards the two cots at the further end where Dooku sat. "You've been expecting me?"

"Expecting?" Dooku raised his head, opening his eyes as he did. "No, not expecting. Wondering, Skywalker." He chuckled in his oh so damnably regal manner. "I had wondered many things after awakening. It took me a few hours here in the waking world to truly remember." Dooku went on, Anakin eyeing the man as he did. Noting the mechanical left hand he now sported, courtesy of Anakin himself.

"While asleep I couldn't properly think. And, I think with your being here we both know how that came to be. We both know who would've preferred I stay asleep. Preferred even, that I were dead. Cut down by another within a lone control spire." Dooku reminisced. Anakin, however, chose to cross his arms over his chest.

"Don't get cute with me, Dooku. I could easily have killed you. What I did, I did because it was the right thing to do. The Jedi thing. Doesn't mean I didn't want to cut that vile head from your equally vile shoulders. So don't think what I did was a mercy."

"No, I wouldn't dream of it, Skywalker." Dooku chuckled. Though his face dropped from jovial to anger quickly. His eyes meeting Anakin's from where he sat on the floor. "He has finally told you, hasn't he?" Anakin could guess whom Dooku spoke of. "He's told you who he really is?"

"He has." Anakin nodded slowly. Averting his gaze for just a second, before meeting Dooku's again. The older man's face twisting in disgust and anger.

"That...man! He knows nothing of loyalty! Nothing of vision! He just consumes and uses until he thinks you're utterly worthless and he throws you away!"

"But you were supposed to be special, right?" Anakin mocked in a snort. "He threw away Maul, but somehow you'd be different." Anakin scoffed. "You are one arrogant idiot, Dooku. All that talk and swagger and pomp and you got played." Dooku listened. His eyes narrowing and hate boiling beneath the surface. One needn't be a Jedi to see or sense that.

"When you underestimate who and what it is you're dealing with, Skywalker; when you think you understand another because they understand you, then you make terrible miscalculations. I had thought him to share my vision."

"And what vision was that, exactly?" Anakin finally pressed. Hoping to sneak his true reason for being there, in. Dooku, however, raised a brow. Anakin cursing inwardly as he could tell the old man could sense the probe. His dark eyes studied Anakin for a moment before he started.

"He hasn't told you what his vision is yet?"

"Not precisely." Anakin admitted, thinking it the best strategy for the moment. "Something about making the galaxy a better place. Helping him rule it. Listening to my wisdom and reshaping it for the better. Not at the heels of a corrupt Republic and subservient Jedi Order. An Order that only seeks to keep me down. That doesn't allow me to reach my full potential."

"Hmm." Dooku laughed. "Alike and not alike." The Count gave a soft groan as he pushed off his knees into a stand. Anakin taking a defensive step backwards, hand to his lightsaber as he did. Though Dooku saw it and waved him off. "I am hardly in a state to fight you, Skywalker."

"Forgive me if I don't put all my faith in you, Tyranus." Anakin mocked him with his Sith title. Dooku in kind laughed and sat himself on the nearest cot, off to Anakin's right.

"You have some wisdom then." Dooku smirked. "Tell me," He kept going. "Have you come down here just to mock me? Probe me to see if Sidious had offered me the same sweetened deal? To see if you are being offered the best chance at power?"

"Only a cynical old has-been like you thinks I'm down here because I plan on taking him up on his offer." Anakin sneered. "I want nothing to do with it."

"No?" The Count sounded surprised. Genuine or not, Anakin couldn't say. "He was so sure of your fall. He spoke at length about it. How he'd been playing you. Using you for years. Since your arrival on Coruscant with...Qui-Gon." To that name Anakin sensed, for the first time, some genuine feeling. A pang of remorse flowed out through the Force, but was snuffed away quickly. He could assume Dooku was not yet fully back to full strength if he was allowing emotions like that out. Still, Anakin listened and felt validation in hearing Dooku say as much as Anakin had already guessed. Since being a boy he had been watched by Palpatine. Groomed for 'greatness.' At least he was sure that's how Palpatine saw it.

"I am wondering," Dooku began again, unprompted. "Why are you here, then? What have you really come down here for? To hear an old defeated 'has-been' rail against forces he once thought his allies? You say you're not taking him up on his offer, so perhaps you've come to...ah, I see!" Dooku smiled. "You want to know if I know of his weaknesses! To destroy him before he can destroy you."

"In not so colorful a fashion." Anakin frowned. "I want to know what you know about his plans, Dooku. And I want to know what you know about his powers. We don't have a lot of time, so I don't want anymore of your self pity or bantha poodoo!"

"Working with little time?" Dooku raised a brow. "Why, what has happened?" He wondered and Anakin momentarily didn't know if he should say anymore. But...he was already this deep.

"Master Windu along with Masters Kolar, Fisto and Tiin have gone to attempt and arrest the Chancellor."

"You told them?!" Dooku all but jumped, but managed to restrain himself.

"I did. They needed to know." Anakin shot back calmly and coolly. The Count remained silent for a long moment. His eyes darting left to right in thought. Anakin watching, as he seemed to come to some unknown conclusion.

"As much as I know Master Windu's abilities and...that of the others are well enough; they will not be able to defeat him alone."

"Which is why I want to know what you know." Anakin pressed. Daring to take a step forward. "He betrayed you. I know it's really hard for you to accept. But, we can't get hung up on your pride! I need to know what you know. Anything and everything to bring him down."

"You're going to go face him." Dooku stated, not asked. Anakin nodded.

"It will take Master Windu a little while to reach the office. They may have already. I can be there in no time at all. I know these speeder lanes like the back of my hand. Regardless, I will get to the Executive Annex and defeat Sidious." Even as Anakin said it he felt a flurry of emotions assail him. Mixed feelings and fears. Dulled though they were, they were still there.

"You don't know how powerful he is, Skywalker." The Count warned. "He has been building up his strength politically, militarily and through the Force for longer than you have been alive! It will take more than just yourself and Master Windu to defeat him."

"Then what do you suggest?" Anakin felt his eyes narrow. Already believing he knew what Dooku would offer. As the old man turned on the cot more squarely to face him.

"You should know...your army is destined to turn on you. Well not you." Dooku scoffed. "But every single Jedi. Obi-Wan, Yoda, Mace, everyone."

"What are you talking about?" Anakin pressed. The Force shifting in warning.

"The Grand Army. Has Obi-Wan ever told you who ordered the creation of the clone army?"

"Master...Sifo-Dyas." Anakin retorted only for Dooku to smirk cruelly.

"Jango Fett was contracted by a Tyranus. To act as the genetic base for the clone army." Dooku declared and Anakin felt his whole body go cold.

"Wha...but they...why wouldn't they…"

"Because the Jedi Council need their army." Dooku answered all questions so simply. "Because my Master, wanted his army. The droid armies, Grievous and the Separatists, Confederates, whatever you want to call them were only ever a means to an end. Evidently so was I." Dooku scoffed.

"You're lying!" Anakin seethed. Clinging to his disbelief even as the Force spoke of no deception. Dooku smiling, almost sadly.

"What need have I to lie to you here and now, Skywalker? We both have been used by Sidious. And, you now know that he means to take control of the Republic. It is anything but unbelievable. The clones are at the backs of their Jedi leaders. The armies are vast and strong. At the call and whim of their leader in the Senate. Trained with protocols to safeguard the Republic. Including the ousting and liquidation of all Jedi."

"You helped plan all of this!" Anakin sneered. "You helped him plan to destroy the Jedi, the Republic, all of it!"

"And I have paid for my naivety, Skywalker." Dooku countered. Raising his arms out. Showing himself as an old man in sterile clinical trousers and tunic. One hand missing and replaced while the other bore a scar at the wrist. Humbled, and defeated.

"If you truly mean to defeat Sidious then you need to know this. He plans on using you to destroy the Jedi Order. He had told me, you know, that he and I would lead an Empire based on the principles of the Sith. You would act sort of in the vain of General Grievous. The Fist of the Empire. Commander of the clone armies, turned Imperial armies. While he and I set to work reshaping the galaxy. Rebuilding the Sith ideology. Using what Jedi had managed to survive to build this new order. A new order for the whole galaxy." Dooku explained. Seeming even a bit nostalgic as his eyes showed his mind to wander. As Anakin felt his throat dry. Himself seeing how all the pieces fit into place. Even how Dooku's removal fit into such a scheme.

"He will need to order the activation of any such protocol." Anakin surmised.

"Yes, only the Executive of the Supreme Chancellor can authorize activation of Contingency Order 66."

"66?" Anakin repeated. Just for Dooku to cruelly smile again.

"66. Among the many dozens of protocols beaten into the clones, 66 is perhaps the most important. At least if you were planning on launching a successful coup of the Galactic Republic. Removing all potential Jedi opposition with lethal prejudice as you do." Anakin listened. Himself reeling at the idea. How perfect it all was. How easily one could eliminate the Jedi. How the Order had all but willingly walked itself into a trap years, even decades in the making.

"Master Windu...he'll be used as evidence…" Anakin realized aloud.

"Yes." Dooku nodded. "If our dear Master Windu is incapable of actually defeating or killing the Chancellor, then his attack will be used as a convenient excuse. Not that it matters much. The Senate is already vastly in the pocket of Sidious. Those who resist, and those who are vocal especially, will with time be weeded out."

"Killed?" Anakin asked. His body trembling in no small amount of rage and fear for Padmé. Even as he fought to release it into the Force.

"Killed. Perhaps bought off? Those who can be at least. Or, removed silently from office as best suited." Dooku elaborated. "Once my Master has control over all instruments of government his will and whim will be the rule of day. If in a year or two, with war's end; as he will have the Separatist leadership wiped out, with the galaxy at peace who will mourn him having a Senator arrested for corruption? Who will think twice of the great savior doing what needs be done to keep the galaxy at peace? Certainly the Core won't care, and as we both know, Skywalker, the Core is where the true power of the galaxy lay." Dooku shrugged. Anakin knowing in his heart, even if what Dooku said was simplifying things a bit, there was truth. Political power, lay in the Core. The Separatists built what they had out of the Outer and Mid-Rims. But, true control on a galactic scale came when one held the Core.

"Then I need to go. I need to stop him!" Anakin snapped. His mind whirling in thought as his adrenaline raced and body shook with anticipation.

"Alone, Skywalker?" Dooku wondered. Anakin snapping back to him.

"I know what you want, Dooku. And, it isn't happening." Anakin declared even as Dooku hummed thoughtfully.

"I do not mean for you to simply release me, Skywalker. I want to help you defeat my old Master. Don't think me asking you for altruistic purposes. He has betrayed me. Wanted me killed by your very hands. He has used me just as much as he has used you. In that way you and I are far more alike than you would perhaps think."

"Maybe so." Anakin relented. "That doesn't mean I trust you anymore than I trust Palpatine."

"No, I understand that much." Dooku assured. "But, you must think of it from a tactical point of view, Skywalker."

"How's that?" Anakin wondered. His lack of belief clear in his tone of voice.

"Sidious will not be expecting you to turn on him. He has wanted you for so long...it's hard to imagine a time he hasn't. You are to be his cherry atop the proverbial pie. Victory over the Republic and the Jedi. Their greatest asset, their weapon of war, and beloved Jedi of the people. Turned to him. Made a Sith after him. The Chosen One himself twisted into a Sith subject. Until maybe he would dare imagine a time you could overthrow him. Fulfilling the Sith rites of old."

"Get to the point." Anakin demanded. Dooku raising his hand to calm him in reply.

"He would not expect you. Neither would he expect myself. I have seen him in action. Once or twice. I know his style, his forms with a lightsaber. Trust me when I say he is a master of the craft. Though he does not quite love it. He prefers the ways of the Force, and in this capacity two, or maybe three duelists if Master Windu yet lives, can overcome him!" Dooku offered. As Anakin felt time pressing him. Checking the doorway as he felt the need to act slipping! He needed to move, and move fast.

"How can I trust you wouldn't betray me?"

"You can't, of course." Dooku stated matter-of-factly, and honestly. "I will be nothing but at your service, Skywalker. I want him to lose. To be struck low! I want to see him and all his works come crashing down! Together, you and I can bring down the Sith!"

"Don't try and talk to me like you're my Master."

"Of course not." Dooku smiled. "I would not dare to think I could teach you. You have gone beyond his machinations, and thus my own. I don't think he ever imagined in even the darkest corners of his mind that you'd ever be beyond his power or ability to control. Though," Dooku took on a thoughtful tone. "Were you to face him, and he were to convince you that he is not the monster I paint him to be, or you think him to be, would you falter? Would he promise you all that he has promised me, Gunray, Grievous, the leaders of the Separatists and Maul before us? Would you take his propositions and feel obliged to wonder if it could be you? I would caution you, Skywalker," Dooku pointed his way. "The one commonality all these things, myself included, carry is-"

"He betrayed you all." Anakin nodded. "I can see that." He sighed and rubbed the back of his head. Wondering if there wasn't some...use in what Dooku said? Sidious would...heck he could be fighting Windu by now. And the others! He needed to act! Act now before Palpatine began unleashing his master plan on everyone! Before he hatched his plan and scheme.

"Kriff…" Anakin cursed. Turning watchful and glaring eyes back to Dooku. "You so much as make one wrong move and I'll kill you. Trust me. I'll not lose any sleep if you force me to."

"Understood." Dooku bowed his head.

"Alright. Come on." Anakin pointed to the door. As he did, he called one of the fallen peacekeeper's lightsaber to him. "Not your style, but it'll have to do." Anakin turned and handed it to the now standing Dooku. The older man grasping it and circling his right still healing wrist.

"I shall manage. Though, I do wonder what has become of my lightsaber?"

"Priorities, Count." Anakin sneered. "Besides it's nice and well looked after here in the Temple."

"I'm sure." Dooku smiled. "Now, lead on." Dooku bowed again. Anakin turned and moved for the door.

"Use one of those robes there along the wall. Hide yourself. Last thing I need is to be caught with yo-"

SLAM!

Anakin dropped to the floor. Behind him Dooku lowered the butt of the newly acquired lightsaber. The young Jedi Knight fell unconscious. Dooku long knowing just how much force and pressure, and no small amount of pain, to induce one's cranium to knock them out.

"You would do well to learn to watch your back in such circumstances as these, boy." Dooku sneered. Disgusted that he had, had to grovel to join Skywalker. Activating the new lightsaber he wielded Dooku was cast in a green light from the beam. The light creating a shadow around his eyes that showed them to be burning hot with rage and disdain. As Dooku pointed the tip of the lightsaber down at the fallen form of Anakin Skywalker. The green blade humming just beside the boy's neck.

The Count's sneer was damning. His hate simmering. Long had he known in his heart that he, not Skywalker, was the Chosen One. The one who would bring down the Sith and bring balance. At least from a certain point of view. To be humbled by Skywalker, to be defeated, and to have his hands removed. To have to grovel and convince him?! To teach the boy that which he had only begun to guess of his Master's plans?! Revolting!

Dooku twisted the lightsaber in his hand. Pointing it down to stab. Grasping the hilt in both hands, seething as he glanced at his new mechanical extremity. Another insult caused by this boy from a forgotten sand world. Dooku lifted the lightsaber up, and made to end this boy's miserable life! His eyes burning yellow in the dark side as Tyranus showed himself clear as the sterile white of this room! All he need do was stab! Impale Anakin Skywalker here and now!

Yet, Dooku stopped himself. Remembering how he had been on his knees. At the mercy of Skywalker. His Master sat on a throne, feigning his own powerlessness. How Sidious had smiled and ordered Skywalker to kill him. Strike his head from his shoulders with a cleaving of both his blue saber, and his own crimson weapon! Skywalker...hadn't done it. Knocked him out, and left a still withering bruise along his brow, yes. Maimed him yes, but he had shown...mercy. It too revolted him...but.

Dooku deactivated the lightsaber. His breathing steady if heavy with dark impulse barely kept at bay. Calling to himself one of the nearby robes that Skywalker had pointed out before his loss of consciousness. Staring with regal disdain, and haughty pride down at the boy a final time. Speaking to none but himself.

"You spared my life, Skywalker." Dooku intoned. "Consider us even." The Count seethed and whirled the cloak around himself. Raising the hood atop his head. Ensuring none of the defenses of this security wing had been activated before he broke into a run. He still had business with the 'Supreme Chancellor.'

Sparing Skywalker had been the gentlemanly thing to do, after all.

---

The doorway slid open. Four Jedi walked with determined and knowing stride. Mace at the head of them as each one wrapped themselves in the Force. Twilight outside having finally dipped, and night falling upon Coruscant.

The Jedi Masters moved down the adjoined corridor and found themselves in a main office chamber. Two dark urns on either side of them, a lowered level before them, and the Supreme Chancellor swiveling in his large dark seat to greet them.

"Master Windu!" Palpatine smiled. "I take it General Grievous has been destroyed then?" He paused for only a second as the four Jedi lined themselves up and blocked the entrance and one exit with their bodies. "I must say you're here sooner than expected."

"In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you're under arrest, Chancellor." Mace declared. His purple beam springing to life as the others followed in suit. Master Fisto and Tiin's green and Master Kolar's blue.

"Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?" Palpatine rasped with rage. His eyes blankly watching them in a mixture of wrath and scorn.

"The Senate will decide your fate."

"I am the Senate!"

"Not yet." Mace coolly rebuked as he heard Palpatine's croaking voice seethe. Knowing without a shadow of a doubt Anakin had told the truth. The Chancellor standing then. Slowly and methodically. Snapping his right hand, as a lightsaber hilt sprung from beneath the folds of his robe.

"It's treason then."

Before they could react, the red beam sprung to life, and the Chancellor loosed a screech that was nothing less than beastly! He spun about the air. Unleashing raw power as the dark side exploded through the room. Mace fell into a defensive posture immediately. While Palpatine landed before Master Kolar.

Palpatine stabbed inwards. The Master slashed up and blocked it away. Palpatine twirled and slashed in at Master Tiin, and the Iktotchi Master barely blocked. Allowing Palpatine to slide off, spinning as a dance along the ground into both Mace and Master Fisto. His wrist whipping the blade over his head as he spun about. Makashi in his form as Mace stabbed forwards. Palpatine caught it and swiveled right, throwing his saber away, slashing wildly to his left back as Kolar made to stab him through. His blue saber was bounced away and Palpatine spun again sending a wave through the Force that threw Kit to the far wall, crashing over and spilling one of the large black urns to the floor.

Mace began a V formation attack. Slashing down right and back up left over and under shoulder. Pressing Palpatine. Forcing him to step back. Parrying each of the purple blade's strikes. Palpatine slashed right, as Mace slashed up. Catching it. The Chancellor smirked and slid his saber up at Mace. The Jedi swirled his saber in the air, and pushed back. Back stepping from Palpatine who easily flowed over to Tiin. The Sith flew into a frenzied set of endless movements. Based clearly on the juyo technique Mace was familiar with. Palpatine chopped down left, Tiin made to block, just for Palpatine to redirect slashing up right. The tip of his saber tearing into Master Tiin's left hip. The Master howled and stepped back. Allowing Master Kolar and Mace to press. Both slashed at him. Kolar down right, Mace up left.

Palpatine, however, cackled and spun the hilt in his hand. Stabbing it down and blocking both blades. Unleashing another wave through the Force. Throwing Kolar back as Mace only allowed himself to step back. Palpatine whirled around in a full 360 degree swing. Lowering his body at his waist. Spinning his blade around his back and over, twirling it as it hummed, and slashing harshly right as he came about. Master Tiin was his target who caught it and let the two blades be carried, but Palpatine whirled his arm back at his right, swinging it back up and taking Master Tiin's left hand. The same that had gripped his saber. He howled in pain and stumbled back onto the floor.

"Saesee!" Kolar called. And jumped through the Force slashing down atop Palpatine. He had to turn and catch it. Throwing Kolar back and falling into an ataru series of sides ways swings and slashes. Each one meant for Kolar's flank. The Jedi grit his teeth and immediately was on the defensive. The speed and ferocity of Palpatine wholly unimaginable!

"Hold him!" Mace slashed down at his right. Lowering himself to stab Palpatine's left hip. The Sith twirled his blade at his right, grazing Kolar's flank, and slashed left. Parrying Mace before Palpatine slashed harshly right back at Kolar's neck. The Jedi yanked himself back and as he did, Palpatine saw Kolar's saber hand jerk back with him. Laughing Palpatine jumped forward with a dash from the Force and ran Kolar through at the heart. The Jedi heaving a final wide eyed breath as he stumbled to the floor. Lifeless.

"Come here!" Mace growled, using that anger he felt and channeling all darkness into his hands. He fell upon Palpatine. Slashing down right and entering into a swinging combo of left over right, right slash up and down back left. Over and over pressing into Palpatine again and again. The two of them falling into a never ending dance in a circle about the other. Mace used his wrist slashing up right from a lower stab. The blade arched over Palpatine, throwing his own saber down at Mace's left. The Jedi slashed right across the Sith's stomach. Palpatine jerked back, but did not lose his footing as Agen had. Instead, Palpatine formed a circle eight. Forcing Mace to step back. Just as Master Tiin rose to a stand behind Palpatine and activated his green saber. Throwing it as the back of Palpatine's head. Mace immediately ducked at his right. Palpatine spun and sent another wave through the Force. The saber flew back and stabbed the wall beside Saesee who grabbed it with his right hand and dashed at Palpatine.

Saesee fell into the djem so. He slashed down hard! Palpatine blocked and parried, using his saber to bounce the Jedi back. But, Saesee pressed him. Down and down and down he struck! Left, right, left, right. Over and over. Until he slashed down right, Palpatine caught, and then Saesee slid his green off left, slashing right. Palpatine parried and swept around Saesee, slashing at his exposed back as the Sith whirled around it. Saesee stabbed down over his shoulder and blocked it, pulling Palpatine around. To whom he then kicked out. Managing to push Palpatine by the gut down onto the lower level of the room.

Kit shook himself where he lay. Watching as Saesee kicked Palpatine onto the lower deck. Before he swept down and crashed onto Palpatine. His left hand gone, but the iktotchi was relentless. Stabbing and swiping down. Spinning into hard cracking slashes at left and right hip. Mace stood and spun his saber. Giving Saesee the room he needed. Watching for an opening to intervene. As Kit looked along the ground and saw Agen. Laying lifeless along it. Crumpled up in his robes.

Kit lowered his head sadly. Shaking it and his lekku. Before rising up and calling Agen's saber into his hand. Activating both his own green and Agen's blue.

"Saesee!" He called and Master Tiin, wordlessly committed a backwards jump just as Palpatine slashed at his ankles. Kit jumped in. Both sabers at his sides as he flew into the shii-cho. Kit slashed both sabers down left as he jumped through the air at Palpatine. Both slashed and Palpatine jumped back. Unwilling to defend. Kit landed on his feet. Slashing both up right. Palpatine stabbed in between them. Kit formed an X and slashed both down at his sides. Forcing Palpatine backwards. The Chancellor sneered and fell into another low angled spin attack. Around his back he slashed at Kit's knees. The nautolan stabbed down. Caught and held the blade with both sabers.

"Now!" Kit called, and Saesee's green saber spun again through the air. Palpatine's eyes narrowed. He pulled his saber free and blocked the incoming blade. Bouncing it back. As Kit slashed both sabers up in an underhanded V. Palpatine just managed to use another push through the Force that sent Kit flying back into the corridor leading to the main lobby. A heavy breath escaping the old human as he did so.

Again, Mace entered the fray. He dashed forward stabbing left. Palpatine caught it, and as he did Mace jerked his handle around. Smacking the butt of his hilt into Palpatine's left cheek. The Sith gasped and sneered as Mace stepped back and fell back in, in quick succession. A hard stab in at Palpatine's left. The Sith parried and circled Mace. Mace slashed in and out, over at left to right, and down right over left. Each time the Sith met and pushed the purple beam away. Mace then firmed his feet where they were and swung overhead down, and hard! The crippling blow unleashed all that pent up darkness and channeled it through Mace's lightsaber. The power of vaapad. Palpatine formed a diagonal defense and held back against Mace's overwhelming physical and Force channeled strength. The old man's face wincing. Mace's bearing no hint of mercy.

"Now!" Mace demanded. As Saesee dashed at Palpatine's exposed back. The Chancellor's eyes darted at his right. He slashed up right and slid around Mace to the Jedi's left. Just as Saesee fell upon him. Slamming down hard from right to left. Whirling in circles and arches over his head and under at his waist. Palpatine stepped back up onto the elevated portion of the room. Near the viewport. Master Tiin growled and his eyes were set on Palpatine. Each whirl of his wrist from under and over, into hard overhead slashes and stabs. Causing Palpatine to step back and away. Each one a veering diagonal of defense as the Chancellor defended himself. Mace from the center of the room unleashed a burst through the Force from his left hand. It impacted the viewport shattering the glass. Having flown where Palpatine had been back stepping forcing him to stop and face Saesee head on. The iktotchi slammed down right and barred onto Palpatine. In kind the Sith buckled at his knees. His face contorting in pain and arms shaking. Saesee smiled as he threw everything into this. Hoping to pin Palpatine.

Yet, suddenly Palpatine grinned. His eyes flashing yellow as he fell onto his back. Saesee stumbled over him, and Palpatine stabbed up. The saber piercing the iktotchi's lower chest and carving in a zigzag through his abdomen. Before Palpatine rolled aside and jumped to a stand. Master Saesee Tiin fell flat onto his face. His lightsaber extinguishing, and he was no more.

Mace watched in horror and anger as Saesee fell. Palpatine jumping into a hunched position like an animal. Spinning the hilt of his saber in his right hand as he eyed Mace. The Master of the Order, however, channeled that anger into his body and allowed his stance to flow. Bringing his saber over his head in both hands he stepped backwards towards the corridor Kit had been thrown down.

Palpatine made another ghoulish sound and burst into a jump from the far side of the room right before Mace. The Chancellor stabbed right, Mace blocked arching it left. Palpatine slashed back right, Mace parried with a hard swing up, forcing Palpatine's blade back. The opening was short and not good enough as Palpatine swirled around and flew into another spinning thrust and slash from left to right across Mace's front. They moved down the corridor, Mace on the defense as Palpatine pressed him. Dancing and flowing from every saber technique to the next. His wrist control superb as the greatest makashi masters. His thrusts fast and hard like the djem so and juyo married as one. Elegant and controlled controlled as the shii-cho taught, defensive and protective as the soresu when needed and relentless as ataru. Mace only had niman left to see, but that in and of itself was moot. For Palpatine hardly had need of a form that taught the principles of all the others when he was already steeped in all the forms at once. But, he did not have vaapad.

Kit dove in from the right of Mace. Having gone unseen before. A swirl of blue and green spun in circular arches from his sides at Palpatine. Mace stepped back as Palpatine slashed at his left catching the two dancing blades. He swung back right in time to push back as Mace stabbed in at his exposed hip. Mace whirled his saber over his head and went from a hard slash right. Palpatine pushed off of it, and Mace flowed then into a series of rapid and random figure eights ahead of himself. Palpatine barely parried each of the seemingly wild swings. Before Kit swirled both sabers over his head and swung down at his right. Palpatine jumped back into the wall and used the Force to push himself along it across the mural of the Great Hyperspace War. He ducked low again, his predatory and low stance holding his crimson saber close to the ground. His eyes wild and dancing from Mace to Kit. His back to the lobby where the Chancellor usually conducted official business with guests of all kinds.

"Right." Mace intoned.

"Left." Kit nodded. As he did Kit broke right, and Mace dashed in left. Both stabbing in. Palpatine swept back and slashed wildly at them both. Kit parried and slashed the wall as the three blades met. Mace came back in, stabbing left in at Palpatine, and he blocked from with an overhead horizontal turn of the saber. Throwing Mace back, jumping at Kit at his left who met and danced with him. Their flurries and parries nearly indiscernible from one another. As green and blue dashed and bounced and swirled along with the crimson red. Barely holding their ground against the assault.

Kit whirled back and slashed both down into a powerful X. Palpatine met and held them seeming to buckle at his knees. But, Kit wasn't falling for it. The nautolan smirked and unleashed a hard and heavy side kick into Palpatine's right ankle. The Chancellor growled and eyes showed rage. But, he did buckle. Palpatine fell, but pushed a foot into Kit's stomach. With strength none would have guessed him to have he threw Kit over him in an arch. Jumping back up as Mace bore down on him. A series of hard V shaped overhead strikes that Palpatine met and parried. Mace stabbed down and spun his saber over his head as he twirled about. Carrying and forcing Palpatine to his right and away from him. Allowing Kit to again run in. His sabers grazing the ground before he did. Much as Palpatine had done at the beginning, Kit jumped through the air as his body circled it like a drill. The two blades carving at Palpatine, and the Sith dashed left out of the way. Genuine surprise in his face as he did so.

Mace again unleashed a push through the Force. Slamming into Palpatine who threw his saber across himself diagonally. He slid along the carpet. Barely able to stand as his back hit a holoprojector in the ground. Kit dove in from Palpatine's left. Both blades swirling over in hard and elegant but controlled movements. Chopping up and slashing back down. He swung both up at his right and slashed down left as he spun himself ahead of Palpatine. The Chancellor blocked each and every. Until finally he spun under Kit and away. Diving low he stabbed inwards. Kit caught it in an X. Palpatine swung up throwing Kit off balance and back. Allowing the Sith to carry his momentum from the upwards strike. Spinning and coming back around slashing down left. Cleaving a line along Kit's body from left should to lower right hip. He fell giving a pained cry. Then Palpatine gripped his crumpling form and threw him to the far wall unceremoniously. Leaving him and Mace.

Mace didn't wait another moment. He needed to let his aggression go through vaapad. It was building to near uncontrollable levels. He came in and swung over left down right, spinning into a hard horizontal slam into Palpatine's left flank. Palpatine met and pushed him back. Just for Mace to flow into a similar strike at the Chancellor's right flank. He again parried it and swiveled his wrist into a flurry of circular movements under shoulder across his chest. Mace stabbed in, and both spun at the momentum, The blades never disconnecting as they moved them overhead in their clash. Coming close once more. Mace baring a look that would drop a weaker opponent where they stood. Palpatine groaned and fought against the assault. Mace wondering if he was finally beginning to feel tired? Where he, on the other hand, was still full of energy.

They mutually threw the other away from themselves. Mace brought his saber overhead in both hands again. The purple beam thrumming in his ears. As Palpatine mirrored him. Both standing ready to strike. Until Palpatine dashed in stabbing down. It was a faint. Mace met it and both traded places. Moving ahead and around to face their opponent. As they did they clashed at Mace's right and he parried a blow at his flank. He whirled to face Palpatine in full and the Sith Lord swung right. Mace pushed it off and pressed him. Palpatine diagonally protected himself as Mace jabbed at his own right in. Palpatine slashed up and down, Mace caught and blocked. Just for Palpatine to jump away. Using the Force through his body much as Yoda would to back step onto the holoprojector from before. Slashing wildly at Mace who parried each of the two strikes. A testament of his ability to catch such wild ataru strikes.

Palpatine landed and they crossed their two sabers into an X. Palpatine pushing in, out and in. Slash right, slash left. Mace pushed each away. He was narrowly focused. Face and expression unchanged. His body flowing with the Force. Bounding with incredible power and strength.

Mace dodged a strike down with a horizontal catch. Swinging his arms still holding the saber in both hands around right slashing hard out. He flew into an arch at his own head, carrying another slash and pushing it away. Mace pressing him relentlessly.

They both neared the upper platform of the meeting room. The viewport beside them. Mace blocked a strike over shoulder right. Palpatine lurched back spinning red blade right, and Mace swung around with a slash left. Both blades connecting with and causing the glass to explode out. The Sith Lord's breaths were heaving. Mace could sense he was growing tired. At the expense of his three comrades, Mace had whittled him down, and through no small act of his own. Were Palpatine younger, Mace believed this fight could have gone on forever. True, he had vaapad, but with the Chancellor's wild form and skills...it could have been never ending.

Mace whirled his blade in close and the hunched figured of Palpatine stabbed in. The high winds of Coruscant whipping their brows and cloaks. Palpatine took a wild stab in, and Mace danced his blade along the red. Sliding forward. Forcing Palpatine to his knees in a sloppy overhead parry. Mace turned and Palpatine pulled himself back up and around. Pointing his saber at Mace with a two handed jabbing stance. One Mace thought itself sloppy as well. He eyed this monster before him. Gently moving to his left back into the room. The tip of his purple blade pointed squarely at Palpatine. Readying for any strike to come. When it did, it was a soft strike up. Mace caught and blocked it. Palpatine swung up and back down. Mace formed another sideways block. Just for the Sith to pull back and try to force a stab through his defenses. Mace pushed on that strike. Moving it into a vertical position and he circled around Palpatine to his right. Forcing both of them to trade places again. Palpatine jumped and slashed at Mace's left, and he parried easily. He could feel it! Sense the desperation to end this fight!

Mace swung over right down and caught a faint. Palpatine tried it again and Mace caught it again. Then Mace stabbed at Palpatine's right. The old man formed a vertical block catching it. His arms above his center. Mace forced the two beams out and then unleashed a hard kick up. Slamming his right boot into the exposed chin of the Chancellor.

Palpatine lurched back! His saber flinging out the window into the abyss. Mace ran upon him as the old man circled the floor. Dashing and crawling like a scared animal along the very edge of the viewport's now glass-less foundation. Palpatine slammed his back to the wall and stared up at Mace with a snarl passing his heaving lips. The Master of the Order never dropping his saber from pointedly staring this creature down.

"You are under arrest, my Lord!" Mace sneered. His own breathing even, and eyes set on the fallen man. Palpatine's eyes darted to the entryway to the lobby, and then back to Mace. A confused expression dancing along his features as he did.

"A...arrest?!" Palpatine heaved, his hands raised in a seemingly submissive manner. Though Mace knew not to drop his guard. "You're going to arrest the Sup...Supreme Chancellor?! You?!" Palpatine gasped through his worn and tired body.

"I will." Mace sneered. "The oppression of the Sith will never return. You have lost!" Mace allowed himself but a small moment of pride. Palpatine then bearing what Mace could only describe as a befuddled, or disbelieving O along his face.

"No!" He began. His face still contorting hatefully. "No, no! You will die!" A burst of lightning exploded from his fingertips, and Mace whirled his saber across himself at a horizontal angle. The bolts flowed into the purple beam and some danced or crashed around them both. Mace fueled his strength through his aggression. Touching the dark side, only to let it flow out of him into the lightsaber. Every ounce of disdain, disgust, hate and wrath was used to send the bolts back, and Palpatine's flesh began to sear and smoke.

"You traitor!"

"You, are the traitor!" Mace groaned and forced himself forward. The bolts of lightning crashing into and mauling the old man's face. Itself twisting it...no. Mace sensed something else. Even as he fought against the lightning he could tell. He wasn't scarring, even if he was hurting Palpatine. He was forcing his veneer to fall. The Sith was unable to cloak himself anymore. His true face, his hideous visage, cursed and deformed by the dark side showed itself. Mace noted even as Palpatine's head snapped back. Causing himself the pain he was now feeling. Unwilling to stop his assault through the Force.

"P...please!" He began through stuttered breaths. "Mast...Master Windu! Don't kill me! I...I I can't...I can't hold on any longer...I...I, I, I've become...too weak! Please, Master Windu!" Mace thrust his blade back and the lightning finally ceased flowing from Palpatine's ragged fingers. He fell back heaving. Skin smoking and loosening a stench of seared flesh to the air. Nonetheless, Mace drew his blade down and held the tip at Palpatine's face once more.

"Please...Master Windu, please!" Palpatine began to beg. Mace glared at him feeling every impulse in his body tell him to end this wretched creature. The Republic Mace defended and love so at this monster's mercy and control. A Sith who had just murdered three long time companions and friends of his.

"A fantastic job, Master Windu! Truly marvelous work!" Mace heard. His eyes narrowed and he watched as Palpatine's breathing sharply calmed and his looked to his left. Mace glanced right and saw...someone he never would've expected.

"What...how…?"

"You've defeated him, my old friend." Count Dooku began. Himself wearing the same simple medical leggings and shirt from the temple's medical wing. A simple brown cloak draped over top of that, but whirling in the exposed winds of Coruscant's heights.

"Now, do the galaxy a favor and end his wretched life!" Dooku commanded him. Forcing Mace to reel mentally. His expression hardening as he noted the presence of a lightsaber at Dooku's belt.

"Ah yes," Dooku smirked victoriously towards Palpatine. "You had thought you had me under control, hmm? Thought I'd never get free of that little shell you put my consciousness into?!" Dooku seethed. "What?! You're not happy to see me, my Master?!"

"Dooku…" Palpatine began but the Count raised his hand.

"Please, Master. It's Tyranus. That is the name you gave me after all, is it not?! Hmm?" Dooku seethed once more. Gripping the hilt at his waist and producing it. Activating it and bringing a green beam to life with a hiss.

"Expecting your pet, Master?!" The Count wondered, mocking the fallen Sith at Mace's mercy. "Well, he won't be able to make your destined appointment! I've come instead. Now," He looked to Mace. "Either end his life yourself, Master Windu, or I will end it for you!" Mace guardedly glanced between them. Unsure of what to do, but knowing he was now trapped between two Sith Lords. One...or perhaps both holding a grudge. Though he could guess from Dooku's words alone whom it was that Palpatine had expected.

"Skywalker." Mace intoned lowly, heard only by himself.

---

L's Note: HOLY HELL! You guys wanted action (some of you haha) so you got it! This one, with all the descriptions of fighting and saber play was quite difficult for me to edit. So, I have no doubt that one day I will return to this one and probably re-edit it again. However, for now it'll do. As always, if you find an egregious show of bad grammar let me know and I will fix it ASAP. I am quite proud of myself for getting my...fourth?! chapter edited from Lord Kun? That's gotta be a record. What can I say? The mood and this story have really hit me recently. :D

GoofBall14 you have a point! I should appreciate you, Huan of Valinor, GoldenNova65, Thomas Dorvin and ALL others who leave meaningful or just kind reviews! I just happen to be more aggressive when dealing with detractors because they nearly stopped this sequel from happening in the first place. But, yes I and Lord Kun appreciate you all very much! Do us the kidness of leaving your awesome to read reviews, and we'll be more than satisfied trust us! :D

Till the next.

-L

Edit Note: Edited/Updated 01/19/2022