The Machinations of the Son - 8
A.N: Timeline setting: Both during the events of Mortis, and after 'To Take Down an Emperor'
Despite the shift of tone of their conversation from serious to humorous, Anakin had managed to finally convince Ahsoka to get some sleep. The young Togruta hadn't said much else of concern, seemingly more at ease, if only a little, thanks to Anakin's words of advice, and dare he say, wisdom?
Shortly afterwards, his Padawan had fallen asleep, leaving Anakin to gently sneak back down the stairs and find his place for the night.
Somehow, despite everything that had happened to the previous day, despite the revelations and confrontations, Anakin found that he had somehow had a peaceful nights rest. No nightmares plagued his dreams as they usually did, and no one else woke up in need of comfort or advice, something which Anakin was grateful for. He didn't know what he would do it Obi-Wan woke up needing to talk.
When he had finally woken up from a rather pleasant dream about the vast bodies of water at the Lake Country on Naboo, he discovered that he was not the first one up. Obi-Wan was already wide awake, sat comfortably on the couch, with what looked like a book in his hands. At first glance Anakin didn't recognize the book, not until the blurriness in his eyes cleared.
Upon closer inspection, Anakin noticed the book held the title, 'The Book of Hondo', causing Anakin's eyes to widen dramatically. Surely it couldn't be written by that Weequay pirate they kept having the misfortune of running into? And why would Fulcrum have a book like that in her apartment?
"Before you ask, it is actually quite a compelling read. It's no wonder Hondo was able to capture Count Dooku so easily. His escapades in this book make it seem trivial at best." Obi-wan said, eyes briefly glimpsing up over the book and at Anakin, who could only stare in disbelief.
"To think, the Republic and Jedi are wiped out, but Hondo of all people survive and flourish." Anakin responded, stretching his limbs out and as he stood up, readying himself for the day.
"Yes it appears there is much he could teach us." Obi-Wan responded with a smile, closing the book and placing it down next to him. "Sleep well?"
"For once." Anakin replied, his attention being diverted before he could ask in return to the sound of footsteps, indicating that someone was coming down the stairs.
Moments later Kaeden walked into the central room of the apartment, a flowing robe wrapped around her as she moved over towards the kitchen worktop, hands reaching out to open a cupboard door, an almost dreamy smile on her face.
"Good morning. Would either of you two like a cup of caf?" Kaeden asked, still sounding sleepy. It was clear she was up rather reluctantly.
"Good morning Miss Larte, that would be splendid." Obi-Wan replied first, a warm smile on his face as he nodded to the woman, before returning to his book about Hondo of all people.
"I will make you one then. Anakin?" Kaeden spoke again, directing her attention to Anakin, who nodded in reply also.
"Yes please. Can't function without the stuff sometimes."
"Ha… I know how you feel."
Glad that the woman no longer seemed to completely and utterly fear him as she had before, Anakin moved over to the kitchen, hoping there was something he could do to help. He didn't want to take advantage of Kaeden's generosity after all.
However, the only response he got in reply was a gentle hand wave, indicating there was nothing for him to do.
"Oh… ok then. Did you sleep well?" Anakin asked instead, resting his back against the worktop as he watched Kaeden power up the caf dispenser, fetching four mugs from the cupboard in the process.
"I did thank you. Like a log. Yourself?"
"No nightmares for once which was good. Obi-Wan didn't snore either which was nice."
Anakin barely registered the indignant scoff that come from the other side of the room, instead focusing on how Kaeden continued to prepare the drinks. For the first three mugs she filled them up to the near top with caf, before opening a refrigerator door that Anakin hadn't even seen, extracting a carton of milk in the process, pouring milk into two of the cups, before returning the carton to the fridge.
Four the fourth mug Kaeden retrieved another carton from the fridge, this one with packaging that had very different scripture upon it that if Anakin remembered rightly was Togruta. Clearly it was some sort of drink for Fulcrum rather than caf. Ahsoka had never really liked such drinks in her youth. Clearly that hadn't changed with age… though he did have one question regarding Kaeden's drink making abilities.
"How did you know I liked my caf black?" Anakin asked as Kaeden pouring the fruity smelling Togruta juice from the carton and into the mug.
"Ahsoka told me a few minutes ago. She'll be down in a sec." Kaeden replied, finishing up preparing the drink for Fulcrum, returning the carton to the fridge in the process.
"Ah, ok. Did she sleep well too?" Anakin said, grateful for the behind the scenes gesture by Fulcrum, hoping that asking about her well-being would repay the gesture.
"I think so… she seemed to at least, when she finally went to sleep that was." Kaeden replied, shrugging her shoulders, her voice slightly sheepish as she spoke.
"What do you mean when she finally went to sleep? What kept her up?" Anakin inquired, reaching across the worktop to pick up a second caf filled mug, one that looked like how Obi-Wan liked his.
This time Kaeden practically froze as she considered Anakin's words, her face turning slightly red in the process as she blushed. In that instance Anakin already knew the answer… and decided he didn't want to push his luck any further.
"Nothing really."
That was the only response he got from Kaeden before she cleared her throat and moved towards the cooker, fiddling with the various handles and switches on it.
Taking that as his cue to leave, lest he make Kaeden any more awkward, Anakin moved back across the room to Obi-Wan, handing him the second cup of caf in the process, before taking a seat next to him.
Obi-Wan said nothing in reply, clearly far to engrossed with 'The Book of Hondo' to really pay much attention to the outside world and those around him. At times Anakin to wished he had the ability to escape from reality like that. It would certainly be handy during Council meetings.
Settling into the seat Anakin took a small sip of his caf, savoring the flavor, as well as the heat that warmed his throat. He always enjoyed his morning drink, especially when it was done to perfection. As it stood the only people who had ever made it exactly the way he liked it were Padmé and oddly enough Ahsoka, despite the fact that she rarely drank the stuff herself. Obi-Wan never made it strong enough for him, and more often than not Anakin merely drank it to be polite.
Taking another sip of the caf that Kaeden had prepared, Anakin realized he would have to add another person to his 'perfect caf creators' list. Clearly Fulcrum had either taught Kaeden well, or the woman had a natural talent in the art of caf making.
Sighing happily as he drank, Anakin found his attention drawn to a new figure arriving in the room. Fulcrum was no longer dressed in the armour she wore most of yesterday, but instead now very little on her body. The clothes she wore were obviously meant for nighttime, judging by how they mainly covered the more private parts of Fulcrum's body, but left enough skin exposed for air in the night.
Anakin watched as Fulcrum moved directly over to where Kaeden stood, her back facing Fulcrum, wrapping her arms around the human in the process, who seemed both surprised yet overjoyed to feel the embrace.
From where he sat Anakin was able to hear their conversation with ease, which Fulcrum started as she rested her head over one of Kaeden's shoulders.
"Hey, what are you doing?"
"Making some breakfast for everyone. Fancy a nerf rash roll?"
"You cooked last night. It's my turn."
"I think you've got more important things to focus on than who makes breakfast. Besides, you can make up for it later."
"Nothing is more important than you."
"Heh, thanks. That's sweet of you to say, even if it's not true right now."
"It is true. I never say anything I don't mean."
"Flatterer."
"I try."
"Oh you do more than try Ahsoka."
Fulcrum didn't say anything else, instead opting to place a quick kiss on Kaeden's cheek, before picking up the cup of juice that Kaeden had prepared for her. Smiling at her partner, Fulcrum moved over the join Anakin and Obi-Wan, taking a seat on the spare chair.
"Good morning. Sleep well?" Fulcrum inquired, the question aimed at both of them, something that surprised Anakin. He was under the impression that she still didn't like him much.
Obi-Wan took his eyes off his book for a moment to nod at Fulcrum, saying he had slept well, before returning to his literature. Anakin then chose to speak as well.
"I did for once. What about you?"
Hopefully she didn't mind him asking as well. Despite everything he still cared for her.
"I had a peaceful nights rest for once. Nightmares are still common, even now."
"I don't doubt it. At least you've got someone to comfort you in the night… and more I'd guess?" Anakin replied, eyebrows raising in a teasing gesture at the end of his response.
Fulcrum rolled her eyes in response, taking a sizable gulp of his drink in the process before replying.
"You'd guess correctly, not that it's any of your business… or anyone's for that matter."
"Just your's and Kaeden's?"
"Shut it!"
There was no outright hostility in the way Fulcrum responded. In fact, a small smirk appeared on her lips in the process, a clear sign to Anakin that he was right to assume what he had, even as Fulcrum lifted her cup of drink to her lips to hide said smirk. Through the Force he could feel Fulcrum's presence radiate with warmth and joy, memories of something coming into her mind. Luckily she was still blocking him from entering her mind and sharing thoughts. If she wasn't…
He didn't even want to begin to imagine what she was currently thinking about.
"So… what's the plan for the day? How are we getting both us and evil me back home?" Anakin chose to alter the topic, his tone taking a serious one. Despite the lighthearted nature of the situation, Anakin was fully aware that there was a time bomb currently sitting in Fulcrum's basement.
"Vader being here complicates matters, but I think the plan should still work. We are going to summon another portal. Last time round we didn't have the strength to fend off the power of the Son. I'm hoping that with more numbers we might be able to keep him at bay long enough to return you home." Fulcrum responded, her tone grim but determined.
"Well, if you think it'll work then I'm game. I take it these numbers you speak of are your friends?" Anakin replied, earning a nod from Fulcrum in the process.
It would be risky to try to same plan twice. No doubt the Son would be expecting it. Or perhaps he wouldn't be? Maybe, just maybe he didn't think they'd try the same thing twice?
Regardless of the risk, and despite barely knowing her for a day however, Anakin was willing to trust Fulcrum. After all, she was simply the woman Ahsoka would become… and he trusted his Padawan with his life any day of the week.
The morning passed by relatively quickly, even with the ticking time bomb down in the basement. Fulcrum had decided that it would be best to speak to him once her friends have arrived, just in case something went wrong. Anakin agreed. The more people there were around to oppose Vader, the better chance they had over defeating him if necessary.
Kaeden hadn't been too pleased by Fulcrum's decision, citing the risks it posed to them all, but she had relented in the end. That said, he had recognized the look of displeasure on Kaeden's face. Padmé had a similar one for him when he did things she considered reckless.
Shuffling in his seat, Anakin glanced to his side to spot Ahsoka. The younger variation of the Togruta was with crossed legs next to him, eyes closed, immersed deep in the Force. How she could meditate at a time like this was unknown to him. Perhaps he should take a leaf out of her book for once? Clearly whatever she was doing was working. Her mind was clear and content for the first time since they had arrived in this place, this future where it had all gone so horribly wrong. Even after the endless revelations about the fate of the Jedi, what Anakin had done, and even Ahsoka's future relationship with Kaeden, she seemed stable and in control, a far cry from what he was feeling. Anakin's mind would hardly let him rest.
"Ahsoka. Two ships are approaching. It's the Phantom and the Nightbrother."
Kaeden's voice brought everyone out of their internal thoughts, the younger Ahsoka included, who seemed to be sensing something through the Force. Quietening his mind, Anakin listened too.
There was a signature in the Force, oddly familiar, yet aged and tired. Whoever it belonged to was clearly patient and kind, yet sad at the same time, as if a great world of stress was on their shoulders.
Anakin knew that feeling well. One wasn't a prophesied 'Chosen One' without endless expectations placed upon them.
"Excellent. Come, let me introduce you to my friends." Fulcrum responded, moving past Kaeden and towards the front door of the apartment, gesturing for the others to follow. Anakin glanced briefly at Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, who both shrugged their shoulders, before rising to their feet to follow.
Upon exiting the apartment, Anakin spotted both Fulcrum and Kaeden standing side by side as a heavily modified Sheathipede class shuttle landed before them. Anakin's first instinct was to go for his non-present lightsaber. That shuttle was of the Separatist variant, and in his experience often heralded the arrival of either more battle droids, or some dangerous Separatist General.
Hopefully someone like General Grievous or Count Dooku was not about to exit the ship. Anakin could never imagine Fulcrum being friends with someone like that!
Moving up behind Fulcrum, Anakin waited with bated breath as the shuttle settled down and powered off, its rear doors opening in the process.
At first two figures came down the ramp side by side, one taller than the other. Both were human, and judging by the lightsabers they had attached to their belts, were Jedi. The taller of the two had an odd mask with a familiar Jaig Eyes marking upon his face, obscuring his eyes, yet he seemed to move with grace and confidence, as if he could see more than anyone else present.
The shorter of the two had a buzz cut hair and a rather cocky smirk on his face, one that reminded him of Ahsoka when she had first become his Padawan. Anakin could already tell the two would get on like a house on fire.
"Kanan! Ezra! Thanks for coming so quickly… and sorry to drag you into this mess." Fulcrum spoke, her tone warm and friendly as she moved towards the two humans, embracing them both quickly. It wasn't the same way she had embraced Kaeden earlier, but it was clear to Anakin that these two were important to her.
"Hey, it's no worry Ahsoka. Sounds like you've got yourself into quite a pickle again." The shorter of the two humans said, the smirk never leaving his face.
"Yeah and she needs us to bail her out of it again. You owe us several million favors at this point." The taller masked man spoke next, his tone sarcastic, but not meant to hurt.
"How about I don't tell Hera about that game of Sabacc you played with me, Kallus and Cassian and we'll call it even?" Fulcrum responded in kind, hands on her hips, clearly teasing him over something that had happened in the past.
"Hey! You said we'd never speak of that again! How was I supposed to know that it was a game of strip Sabacc!"
"You weren't. That's what made it so funny!"
"I still can't believe that Kallus won that… against two Jedi no less."
Fulcrum's laugh in response warmed Anakin to the heart. He was pleased to see that she could still laugh around friends. She used to do it all the time with the Clones in the mess hall. In light of what she had told him about the Clones however, he didn't find the image so happy anymore.
"Wait a minute… you played a game of strip Sabacc? That's just wrong Kanan." The shorter of the two, who Anakin could now deduce was Ezra, spoke, his expression a mixture of morbid curiosity, and disgust at the mental image.
"I didn't know at the time Ezra!"
Fulcrum who had clearly been enjoying the teasing, shook her head before turning around the address those behind her.
"Kanan and Ezra, this is Anakin Skywalker, as well as younger versions of both myself and Master Kenobi. Everyone, this is Jedi Master Kanan Jarrus, and his former Padawan, Jedi Knight Ezra Bridger. They helped me defeat Vader, and were also present on my suicide mission to eliminate the Sith Master."
Rather than speak, Anakin instead chose to watch for the reactions of the two Jedi before him. No doubt they knew who Vader had once been, and thus knew exactly who he was. Would they try to kill him like Fulcrum had to begin with? If they did, he didn't know if he'd stop them or not.
A few moments of silence passed before Ezra made the first move, raising one of his hands and waving at the younger Ahsoka, who waved back somewhat confused. Anakin could already tell they would be the best of friends.
Kanan meanwhile simply stood and stared at him, even with the mask obscuring his eyes. Anakin didn't know why he had a mask, assuming it was likely due to some sort of injury, but even still it felt that Kanan Jarrus was able to see right through you, to sense everything about you.
Anakin could only begin to imagine just how dangerous that made Kanan to his enemies.
After a period of tense staring, Kanan nodded his head at Anakin, and the feeling of foreboding that Anakin had felt descend upon him faded. Hopefully that meant he approved.
A subtle gasp came from beside Anakin in that moment, causing his head to turn and focus on Obi-Wan, who had a shocked expression on his face.
"Obi-Wan? What's wrong?" Anakin asked, hand coming to rest on his shoulder, shaking him lightly.
Obi-Wan however didn't respond, instead he took several steps forward, coming face to face with another new arrival, one that Anakin hadn't seen show up.
It was an older man of middling height, shorter than Kanan, but slightly taller than Ezra. His face was weathered and old, white hair covering his head, facial hair the same colour.
Why Obi-Wan was so surprised about this Anakin didn't know… not until he saw the older man's eyes.
There were a very familiar shade of blue, one's full of pride and joy, yet hindered by loss and caution.
One's that Anakin saw practically everyday one his former Master's face.
"Is that…?" Ahsoka whispered beside Anakin, equally as shocked as he was. Anakin said nothing in return, instead opting to nod his head. After everything he had seen to day it shouldn't have come as a great surprise, but still…
It wasn't everyday one saw their Master as an old man, especially not when the younger variation was in the same place.
No doubt Obi-Wan was equally as surprised.
Neither of the two spoke at first, as seemed to be the way of things recently. The sheer surprise at having such an unlikely encounter contributed to that Anakin assumed.
And then the elder Kenobi spoke, and frankly, Anakin couldn't have been more relieved at the words that left his mouth.
"Hello there."
Anakin very nearly burst out laughing. It appeared that even with age, Obi-Wan Kenobi had not changed.
"Hello there."
At the younger Obi-Wan's response, Anakin did laugh, as did both Ahsoka and Fulcrum, all clearly understanding the ridiculousness of the situation. Of course that was what Obi-Wan would say if he ever met his future self. He wouldn't be Obi-wan if he didn't.
Before anyone else could say anything, a fourth figure appeared, moving towards Fulcrum, head bowed down, hands fiddling awkwardly together.
The figure was female, and while not nearly as tall as Fulcrum, was still clearly an adult. She was dressed in a simple outfit, one that screamed spiritual, despite the simplicity of it. Looking closer, Anakin began to piece together who this person was. Her green skin, and face that was covered with small black tattoos were familiar to him, as was the presence in the Force he could feel, even if it was heavily subdued.
Anakin knew who this was, he was certain of it… he just couldn't put a name to a face!
However, his Padawan did.
"Barriss? Is that you?"
Anakin couldn't help the way his eyes widened in surprise as he finally fully recognized the figure before them as Barriss Offee, the Padawan of Master Unduli. She had grown tall and elegant, yet subdued and cautious. The Miralian girl had always been that way of course, but around Ahsoka things had seemed to change. It was as if she had developed a personality suddenly, happy and joyous, just to have a friend that she could connect too.
He was proud of Ahsoka. Bringing someone out of their shell was no easy task, and Ahsoka had handled it flawlessly.
However, much like many things in the future, it seemed that something had changed between them. Fulcrum's eyes narrowed, her presence in the Force spiking in anger briefly, before returning to the serene pulsating that represented her. Barriss too was withdrawn, struggling to make eye contact with Fulcrum, even as Fulcrum moved to welcome her.
"You have an opportunity to redeem yourself here Barriss. Don't waste it."
"I won't Fulcrum. I promise."
"I don't want promises. You can never trust them. I only want proof. He's in the basement. Be cautious."
Barriss visibly gulped, before nodding her head. Her eyes glanced over towards Anakin briefly, before locking onto the younger Ahsoka's eyes, who seemed shocked at how her future self was treating one of her best friends.
It hadn't escaped Anakin's notice that she'd addressed the grown Togruta as Fulcrum, rather than her true name. From what Fulcrum had said at the beginning of all this, it was clear that only friends were allowed to call her by her true name. The fact that Barriss was not only raised his suspicions. What had happened between the two that made Fulcrum stop considering Barriss a friend?
Looking back towards Barriss, Anakin saw a look of deep regret and sorrow, before she began to move, departing the assembled group and heading towards the house. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Fulcrum's head lower, a gentle shake of her head indicating she was not happy with her own actions, even if they were for some reason needed. Whatever it was, it couldn't have been any worse that what he would do to them all in the future.
The sounds of footsteps on the ground caused Anakin to turn again, this time being greeted not by a figure standing before them, but by a fist flying directly towards his face.
Staggering back, Anakin's hands came up to his face, as nasty stinging sensation reverberating across his face from the impact of an armoured gauntlet upon his cheek. Rage and anger built up inside of him, before he began to try to calm down. No doubt the person who had hit him had their reasons.
When the pain began to ease, Anakin looked back up and found himself face to face with an older human male with very familiar hazel eyes, ones that had been weathered by age. His face too had a spread of many wrinkles, as well as a thick bushy white beard that reminded him of the elder Kenobi that was present. The man also wore various pieces of armour, a set that looked old and weathered, yet familiar and white, adorned with a very familiar blue stripe.
In that moment he connected the dots. Hazel eyes? Blue markings? Jaig Eyes on Jarrus' mask?
"Rex? Is that you?" Anakin inquired, tone quite and unsure, pain still throbbing in his face.
"That's Captain Rex to you." Rex replied, voice harsh and outright hostile, for obvious reasons. "And I should have done a lot worse to you long ago."
Almost certain that Rex was going to give him another well deserved beating, Anakin couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief when Fulcrum approached the old Clone Captain, pulling him to one side, gently speaking to him.
"If you stoop to his level Rex you are no better than the man he becomes. Strive to become better, to never be him."
"In your position I would have run him through with a lightsaber the second he showed up!"
"Believe me, the thought did cross my mind, but we will not solve this problem with pointless murder. Look at the trouble I got us into when I killed him before after all."
"Yeah, fair point Ahsoka. I'll let him be… for now."
"I appreciate it Rex."
Anakin didn't know which of the two he should be more scared of in that moment. From that simple exchange alone, it felt like both Fulcrum and Rex were only just stopping themselves from murdering him and calling it a day, He couldn't blame them of course, but even still!
Rex then moved over the where Obi-Wan and the younger Ahsoka stood, snapping into a sharp salute at both of them, one that Ahsoka returned with a wide smile on her face at seeing the Clone still in one piece.
The future certainly was weird… and then it got even weirder.
"Well, I for one would have done much much worse if he'd have shown up on my front door. I'm sure Davits Draven would have liked the company after all."
The voice of the person who approached was sultry in a way, and quite obviously male at the same time. It was as if he was trying to manipulate and twist things, like a voice hissing in one's ear over and over until you listened to it.
And then Anakin turned around, and his heart sparked in terror as he saw the face of a devil that had once haunted his dreams.
A devil that was thought to be dead.
Behind him, Anakin heard the way his Master began to whisper to himself, claiming the impossible had just happened.
"But… you're dead! I killed you!"
The face of the devil broke out into a wide smirk, teeth shining grimly, light reflecting off the horns that adorned his head, the contrasting black and red skin only making his physical appearance all the more threatening.
"You certainly tried Kenobi. Such a shame you failed. They really don't make Jedi like they used to. At least Lady Tano here was around to save your hide time and again."
Today had certainly been a day of surprises, but this one beat them all. Standing before him was a Sith Lord, one he had only briefly seen when he was a child, but had tried to kill him nonetheless. The monster before them had murdered Qui-Gon, and he would have murdered Obi-Wan too, has his former Master not stopped him!
But he hadn't stopped him, as evidenced by the being before them! There was no hiding the fact that the Zabrak before them had cybernetic legs, much like Anakin's own arm. He had been beaten it seemed, but it hadn't stopped him.
But why was he here… of all people! Surely he would have sided with the Sith and attempted to enslave the galaxy, not helped free it.
Was he friends with Fulcrum? That couldn't be right! His Padawan would never be friends with a Sith Lord.
"You told me you had nothing to do with that Maul." Fulcrum spoke, rolling her eyes with a smirk on her face, clearly referencing whatever the prior comment had been about.
"That would have been a lie. Besides, it's not like anyone has sent out a search party for him." The Sith, Darth Maul spoke. Part of Anakin wanted to use his cybernetic arm to rip the monster to shreds, to ensure that the galaxy would never again be threatened by the likes of him.
But somehow he knew he wouldn't get very far. If this Sith was a friend of Fulcrum's, despite the obscenity of it, then she would defend him with lethal force.
"Is… is that Darth Maul? I thought he died on Naboo?" The younger Ahsoka spoke, hands hovering over her lightsaber hilts with trepidation. Through the Force hs could feel her fear, and that only made Anakin want to rid the galaxy of the Sith even more.
No one scared his Padawan!
"Evidently not." Came the reply from Obi-Wan, whose hand was also resting against his lightsaber hilt, as if he was waiting for Maul to strike. Glancing over at the Sith Lord in question, Anakin could see he was clutching what looked like a walking stick in his hands, one that had a familiar shape of a lightsaber hilt protruding from the top.
Once again, Anakin really wished he had his lightsaber hilt on him. Damn 'The Son' for confiscating it from him.
However, rather than attack as Anakin expected, Darth Maul simply stood and watched, his golden eyes boring deep into his, the smirk never leaving his face. Anakin could tell that Maul was challenging him, daring him or his friends to make the first move.
And despite the fact that it would be three on one, Anakin felt as if they would still easily lose.
Choosing to break eye contact, and thus hopefully avoid any conflict, Anakin moved his head to face Obi-Wan, who glanced over in his direction, concern present in his blue eyes.
"Hmmm, and for the record little Tano, I am a former Darth, now just Maul." Maul spoke, his voice careful and oddly gentle as he addressed Ahsoka, before her directed his attention to Fulcrum. "Now, come Lady Tano. Let us see how we can resolve this problem that has been unleashed upon us."
To Anakin's surprise, the new arrivals all seemed to make themselves at home within Fulcrum's apartment, even the apparent former Sith Lord. Never in a million years did he ever think he'd see a Sith happily conversing with a Jedi Master about the nature of the Force, or how one could use it to see. Clearly there was some sort of rapport between Maul and this Kanan Jarrus person… if one could call it that.
Ahsoka, the younger variation of her that was did exactly as Anakin had predicted, and had instantly gravitated towards the young Jedi Knight known as Ezra Bridger. The two had gotten along instantly, inquiring about each other and their respective trainings, before both disappearing outside, along with Rex, for a sparring match. The faint sounds of lightsabers clashing against one another could be heard outside, along with the trading of harmless taunts and jabs. Whether or not Rex was participating was unknown to Anakin, but he got the distinct impression the Clone Captain wanted to be as far away from him as possible.
Both Obi-Wan's appeared to be deep in meditation, both of their Force signatures intertwined with each other, as if they were showing each other images and memories. If Anakin were to speculate, the older Kenobi was showing his younger self exactly what had happened. On occasion both of their faces twisted with pain and loss, further cementing Anakin's theory. No doubt the truth about what had happened would hit Obi-Wan hard, even if the Jedi Master would never reveal it.
Glancing around the room, Anakin spotted Fulcrum leaning against the kitchin worktop, Kaeden by her side. The two were quietly discussing something, what Anakin was unsure, and he wasn;t sure if he really wanted to know. Despite his earlier teasing he'd respect their privacy. Ahsoka deserved that much after all.
The sound of a door opening caught Anakin's attention, as did the emergence of the Miralian female who sheepishly moved through the room towards Fulcrum. The towering Togruta broke off her discussion with Kaeden to listen to whatever Barriss had to say, before nodding her head and glancing over at Anakin. Her blue eyes caught his, a steely determined, yet barely concealed rage boiling in her iris', before she sharply included her head towards the door that led to the basement.
The door that led to where his future self was imprisoned. It was time to interrogate him.
Nodding back at Fulcrum, Anakin took a deep breath before her began to move towards the door. If he was being completely truthful, the idea of facing the monster he would become was something that terrified Anakin, not something that happened to him often. His only saving grace was that perhaps, just perhaps Darth Vader felt the same at seeing his past.
As he approached the doorway, Anakin glanced back over his shoulder to see if Fulcrum was following. The Togruta in question was watching him, as if she was judging him for something. Her blue eyes watched him for a moment longer, before she turned to Kaeden, placing a brief kiss on her cheek, and then moved to join Anakin.
"Prepare yourself. This will not be easy." Those were the only words of advice Fulcrum offered as she took point, descending the stairs and into the spacious basement.
It took a few moments for Anakin's eyes to adjust to the dark before he spotted Vader, his hands bound in front of him, the rest of his armoured shell tied by several ropes that restricted his movement. He sat on the floor, back resting against a wall, legs out before him, immobile. No sound emanated from him, which Anakin thought was odd. From what little he had experienced of Vader so far, the constant sound of his breathing apparatus seemed to always be present. Was it shut off? Was he technically suffocating to death? If so , that was a pretty brutal way to treat a prisoner. Perhaps he'd have to speak to Fulcrum about her ethics later on. As proud as he was of the woman she'd become, he didn't want her to sacrifice any of the good morals she had developed.
'Hoot hoot.'
The soft gentle sounds of the Convor named Morai brought Anakin out of his inner thoughts. The avian was sat beside the prone form of Vader, beady eyes looking towards Fulcrum for guidance.
The Togruta in question halted a few steps away from Vader, her eyes looking over him, a sense of disgust and remorse echoing off of her Force signature. It was clear that she really didn't like the person he'd become, not that he could blame her.
"Alright Morai. Wake him up… but be ready just in case. There's no guarantee he will cooperate. He certainly didn't on Malachor."
Following Fulcrum's words, the Convor chirped, before turning her beak towards Vader. In a single second Anakin felt a rush of the lightside of the Force so powerful that he couldn't help but cringe. Despite being a Jedi, even the lightside of the Force could be overwhelming sometimes.
Fulcrum however didn't seem fazed.
Morai chirped again, before flapping her wings and hovering into the air, before coming to rest on a nearby crate overlooking Vader from the side.
Nothing happened for the first few minutes, and every second that passed by only increased the tension exponentially. For a few moments Anakin thought the Sith Lord might actually be dead!
That was until the telltale sound of the respirator kicked in, and the Sith Lord began to move his helmeted head. From atop the crate Morai hissed.
Anakin watched with bated breath as Vader moved his head, analyzing his surroundings, before pulling sharply on his restraints. Anakin couldn't feel him through the Force thankfully, due to the inhibitor cuffs that were placed on his wrists. If those weren't present no doubt the Sith would be trying to escape with the Force instead, or outright attacking them with it.
Resigned to his position as a prisoner, Vader instead glanced towards Anakin, before instead moving his gaze towards Fulcrum, who had a neutral expression on her face as she stood above him.
"This is not my time is it?"
Vader's baritone voice was not as threatening as the day before, but still clearly carried weight that infused fear within people. Once again however, Fulcrum did not appear fazed.
"You figured that out then?"
"Yes. The presence of my traitorous former Master and weaker self acts as sufficient evidence. Though considering there are two of my apprentice I am unsure as to whether I have traveled to my past or future."
"You've gone forward, which means all of this hasn't happened yet, and we have not yet met in your timeline. What is the last thing you remember before you ending up here?"
"You were on Malachor. I was coming to find you."
Fulcrum did not respond for a moment, instead choosing to mull over Vader's words. If Anakin remembered what Fulcrum had told him, Malachor was where they had met again and fought.
And where she had…
"I see. So we have one from Mortis and one from pre-Malachor. This day just gets better and better." Fulcrum finally responded, her eyes rolling in the process, as if she knew something the others didn't.
"You speak of Malachor as if it is important. Of what significance is it to you?" Vader questioned, head tilting to one side in the process.
Fulcrum's expression soured in an instant, memories clearly coming to the forefront of her mind… painful memories. Anakin desperately wanted to go and comfort her, but felt that would only make matters worse.
"Malachor was where we fought many years ago. As you can see I am still standing. It should not be too hard to figure out what happened to you." Fulcrum responded, face stony, the barely concealed anger teetering on the edge of emergence.
Vader seemed to contemplate her words for a few moments, his helmet lowering as he considered the possible outcomes before he spoke, his tone low and almost full of sorrow.
"I was defeated? You destroyed me?"
"Yes."
"You lie!"
"Excuse me?!"
"You would never be able to destroy me, not while you knew who I once was to you. You would never hurt your precious Master in such a way. The weakness of a Jedi!"
Vader's tone had shifted towards the one from the previous night, threatening and taunting, as if daring someone to attack.
Anakin didn't know if it was a good thing that Fulcrum took the bait.
The concealed anger flooded out from her as she knelt down before him, face to helmet, her fangs bared for all to see. From where she was perched atop the crate Morai gave a hoot of concern.
"I am no Jedi, and don't ever presume that you know me Darth Vader! You seem to forget who raised and taught me!"
"That matters little! Your Master was flawed and useless. His Jedi training would never allow him to teach you such brutality."
"Oh, oh wouldn't it. Did I ever tell you about the time I decapitated four members of Death Watch in one fell swoop? Or how about the Separatist Commander back at the Citadel that I killed, to save Tarkin of all people? Face it Vader, you taught me how to fight and how the kill, regardless of your identity. So you can be damned sure I'd kill you too when the opportunity arose, just as you did to everyone in the Jedi Temple!"
"The Jedi filth in the Temple deserved what they got. No one there was innocent!"
Fulcrum snarled at that comment, her fists tightening into a ball. Anakin doubted that punching Vader would be a good idea, despite how temping it was.
"Answer me this one question then 'Master', as it is something I've wanted to know for a long time. You seem to hold me in high regard, ordering the Inquisitors to capture rather than kill me. It's no secret that you wanted me as your apprentice. But answer me this… I've seen the recordings from that day at the Temple, how you massacred the younglings in the Council Chambers. If I had been there on that day, if I had stood between you and the younglings you find so guilty, what would you have done? Cut me down like the rest of them?!"
The question was a brutal one, and every instinct in Anakin's mind wanted to deny for Vader, to tell Fulcrum that he'd never hurt her, just as he promised.
But Vader did not answer, he said nothing, and instead chose to break eye contact, his body slouching.
At that, Fulcrum shook her head in disgust, before returning to stand her full height, towering above Vader as if she was suddenly his Master.
"Your silence is all the answer I'll ever need." Fulcrum said, her tone level and controlled, despite the harrowing revelation that Anakin sorely wanted to not be true. He would never ever hurt Ahsoka!
"And all the justification I will ever need for killing you. Frankly you deserve far worse for what you did to everyone. Consider it a final mercy from me… one you do not deserve." Fulcrum continued, before pivoting on her heels to face Anakin, her eyes burning with the same hatred for Vader towards him.
"To think… I looked up to you… wanted to be like you. And you'd have murdered me on a whim if your precious new Master had told you to. Qui-Gon Jinn should have left you on Tatooine to rot! We'd all have been better off for it."
Her words stung, a sense of self loathing coming over him in an instant. She was right about everything, despite the harshness of his words. If he hadn't left Tatooine, Padmé and the Jedi Order, the Republic and millions of innocents would be alive.
When she again received no response, Fulcrum huffed, before turning on her heel again and storming towards the stairs, the Force around her pulsating with controlled anger.
Anakin could only listen to the sound of her footsteps as she ascended the stairs, before the slam of the door left him alone in the dark basement with nothing but a dark mirror.
Author's thoughts
Welp... angry Fulcrum is angry... and could be considered slightly out of character. But then in her shoes I'd probably be the same. Still, she was a little harsh towards the end. She doesn't really mean it. It's just her emotions getting the better of her. We all say things we don't mean when we are angry... right?
Honestly this chapter is two sides of a coin for me. I like the first bit, hate the second, and love the third. Guess I've got to have some weak stuff at some point right?
I hope you all liked the subdued Vader in this chapter. When he's not going around killing things and actually talking he's pretty fun to write. As for his lack of response to Fulcrum's rather brutal question... I'll let you lot decide what it means as it could be taken any number of ways. Obviously Fulcrum takes it to mean one thing, but what about you? Let me know what you think. :)
As for the big reunion stuff. It felt rushed to me and a bit bland, despite many many rewrites of it. I got fed up with it in the end, hence the rubbish state it is in. Still, it does what is needed and unites the characters together, which was the whole point.
Before I get into the comments section I just want to say a big thanks to those that have followed me on Tumblr so far. I recognize a few of you but not everyone. If you have followed me but under a different name that I can't figure out let me know so I can be polite and return the favor. I'm not ignoring you on purpose.
If you can't/haven't followed me for some reason then that's ok as well. It's not mandatory. :)
Next time round Anakin and Vader deal with the aftermath of Fulcrum's anger, and the plan to get everyone homes begins.
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
Lola 93140: :( That's a shame. You should still be able to look though. I was always able to before I had an account, and I don't think I put any restrictions on unless I did by mistake. (shrugs shoulders)
I'm glad you enjoyed younger Ahsoka's reaction to the Kaesoka stuff, as well as Anakin's teasing. It's always fun to add a bit of humour here and there.
The idea of people not approving of Ahsoka and Kaeden together is something I've thought of doing. It's just a case of doing it without it being awkward. I'd probably include Kanan and Hera as well as they are different species. Could be an interesting idea to write.
As for young Ahsoka vs. Ezra... I touch on it in this chapter. They are both good fighters, but I think Ahsoka would likely take it due to it being a lightsaber duel, and we barely ever see Ezra engage in once of those, and when he does he gets curb-stomped quite easily as opposed to Ahsoka who held he own against Grievous.
jojobinks01: To be fair... Kaeden did use the stun setting as opposed to the kill setting. At least she has that common sense.
And word to the wise. I wouldn't hold Kaeden hostage. Fulcrum will come for you and she will end you in a way that makes Vader and Sidious look tame. Just a friendly warning. :)
Erukat: Sorry it took so long, and again with this one. Hard to write this much with little free time these days. :)
I'm glad you approved of the fight scene. I wanted it in because I knew people would want it in. Plus Vader fighting is always cool to see.
I'm also happy you liked the Kaesoka fluff, as well as the reactions to it. Young Ahsoka was really really confused by it, and that talk with Anakin was definitely needed.
Hope you liked this chapter. More is coming. I've already written about 1500 words of the next one.
Shyfan: Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the update. Hopefully this one was just as good. And I'm not really that awesome, but thanks anyways. :)
SWGoji2001: No worries. I still need to read your new one. (note to self... stop forgetting and be a good person)
I'm glad you liked Vader's surprise appearance. I wanted Anakin to actually see the monster he had become, as opposed to only hearing the stories from Fulcrum. There's something scarier about seeing it in person than hearing about it. As for the duel, it wouldn't have mattered if they had intervened more or not, Vader would have beaten them. Fulcrum only originally beat him due to certain circumstances. Without those circumstances she would have lost to Vader.
Kaeden showing that some people do have common sense when attacking a lightsaber users is worthy of a medal. I'm sure HK-47 would be proud of the fleshy meatbag.
The Kaesoka relationship has certainly advanced since it was last shown, something that I considered natural and all. That said I have no intention of writing how far it has advanced. Leave that to those that want to write that sort of stuff. In regards to the force inhibiting cuffs... your imagination could very well be leading you in the right direction. That's all I'll say on that part.
Glad you liked the deleted scene. IT was odd to actually write it out in full, rather than just keep it as an idea. I might have to do a few more of those in the future. (I already have another idea for the next chapter of this story that might not make it in. Opportunity much?)
Anyways, hope you liked this chapter as well, even if Fulcrum was a bit harsh towards the end.