Chapter 33 – Deception

Author's Note: In which Theseus returns home to a nightmare. :')

To the Guest who reviewed: Oh, he did. He was wearing it when he left. :)

~ Amina Gila

Theseus feels strangely numb as he lands in the hanger. The enormity of the past couple days will take a while to catch up to him. He's still dressed in his armor when the ramp lowers and he and BD disembark; he didn't have his Jedi robes with him anymore. It's fine; he has plenty here. He'd tried to contact Obi-Wan but couldn't get through, likely because his master is on a mission or something, so he'd left his message with his mother.

Theseus's blood runs cold when he sees one lone figure waiting for him. Where are Anakin and Obi-Wan? They should be here, unless they're on a mission, but the lost and confused look Ahsoka bears, not to mention the tear-streaked face that she isn't even making an effort to hide, is proof something is very, very wrong.

His worry overtakes all his other thoughts. "Ahsoka, it's good to see you again," Theseus greets her in a rush. "What happened? Are you okay?"

"Theseus," she chokes out, flinging her arms around his neck and clinging to him.

This blatant display of affection catches him off-guard, but he returns it just as fiercely. It's been far too long. "Where's Anakin?" he asks.

"He – he's –" she trails off, drawing in a shaky breath through her tears. "Master Obi-Wan..." She chokes back a sob and breaks down into tears again.

"What happened?" he asks, dread pooling inside of him. What could have happened that would make Ahsoka be acting like this?

"I'm sorry," she manages to say finally, "I wasn't fast enough. We weren't fast enough."

He knows. He knows, but he can't understand, accept... because he expected to come back, and everyone would be fine, and everything would go back to normal, but – but... But how could something like this have happened? How could Obi-Wan – It feels too unreal. Like he's going to wake up out of a nightmare, or someone will tell him that this is all some sort of mistake. Or maybe that he's misunderstanding what Ahsoka's saying altogether, but he knows he's not, even if he doesn't want to believe it.

"The funeral is within the hour," adds Ahsoka.

"I should get ready," Theseus murmurs shakily, hardly able to believe this is happening. Maybe it'll sink in tomorrow, after a sleepless night, or maybe – maybe it never well. All this feels unreal.

**w**

He's still in too much shock to actually feel much of anything. How could Obi-Wan be gone like that? He was half-expecting him to walk up the entire time he was briefly at their apartment before heading to where the funeral is being held. He's missed his presence so, so much, and he can't accept or understand that he'll never feel it again.

He feels totally numb as he stares at the coffin.

Anakin is there too, finally, face mostly concealed by his hood. Theseus moves to stand next to him. He's glad to finally see him again, but it's all overshadowed by what's going on. He needs to talk to Anakin, once this is over, but right now, Theseus struggles to let himself think about... whatever it is you're supposed to when commemorating someone. Something must be wrong with him, because even his thoughts feel like they're swimming through something incredibly thick and not working properly. He must have gone into shock.

The only thoughts that really stick out to him is how he shouldn't have to be seeing this. Theseus has seen many people die before. He's even seen Ahsoka die, but never has he been to the actual funeral of someone so close to him. He never thought Obi-Wan would die, never considered what would happen if he did.

He... in many ways, he was like Theseus's father, the one he never really had. At the very least, he should've been able to complete Theseus's training. He shouldn't have... He shouldn't be gone. He was supposed to be here. The worst part is that Obi-Wan didn't just... die. He would have lived for a good several more decades, but he's gone. He was... killed.

It doesn't really make sense. None of it does, but an icy rage swirls deep inside him as Theseus vows to bring his master's killer to justice, whatever the cost. He knows Anakin shares the sentiment, even without asking.

He has his own hood pulled over his head, but he throws a brief glance around the rest of those gathered for the funeral. Ahsoka is standing next to Plo. He sees Padme on her other side, and a crying Satine next to her. He doesn't know why he wasn't expecting to see her there. Its jarring being as he spent the last month camping out with her arch enemies. And her sister. Maybe he should talk to her, but he can't right now. He's not in the right mindset, and he'd probably end up saying something incredibly stupid.

So instead, he stays in his place next to Anakin, watching almost numbly as the body is lowered below the floor and a cover closes over the top, a bright beam of light shooting out of it up to the ceiling.

And just like that, it's over.

The funeral is over, and his master is gone forever.

**w**

Theseus isn't even sure what to do. He's been gone a long time, and it would be awkward regardless, but now... His mother pulls him right after the funeral. It's good to see her too – it's been far too long – but he's too lost to feel anything right now. It doesn't help that he's still not happy that she was practically lying to him all these years.

"The Council spoke with me," she informs, her own usually light expression when he's around especially serious, "They want me to be your new master."

Wait – they what – It takes him a moment to realize what she said, and not only because his thoughts seem to be moving through molasses right now. Obi-Wan's funeral was just finished, and they're already expecting him to move on a with a new master? And secondly, he wonders what the sudden change of heart is about, because before, they didn't even want his mother around him as much as she was. But now they're going to let her train him? "They're giving me a new master? Already?"

"Yes. I offered immediately after it happened."

"They expect me to move on?" He sounds cold. It's... not intentional, but he can't help it. "Sure, I get that."

"Theseus..." She squeezes his shoulder. "I know I can't really imagine what you must be feeling right now, but we'll get through this together."

He nods, grateful for a moment that at least she's here. She's the only one who really will be able to help him through this, because Anakin and Ahsoka are as out of it as he is, if not more so.

They stand in silence for a moment before his mother speaks up again. "What happened, while you were gone?"

Right. Back to that. He really doesn't have the energy to get into it right now. "I camped out with the family I never knew I had," he says flatly, "Can we talk about this later?"

"Of course, whenever you're ready," she replies, giving him an almost sad smile.

He nods before finally excusing himself and heading for Anakin's apartment. He needs to move into his mother's apartment at some point, but he doesn't want to go anywhere near Obi-Wan's right now. Another day, but not... right now.

Anakin and Ahsoka are sitting listlessly in the living room of their apartment when he slips in to join them. They have endless things to talk about, but no one says a word. He knows neither of them really want to talk any more than he does right now. Being with each other, offering their silent support, is enough.

Theseus doesn't know how long it takes before Ahsoka finally breaks the silence and turns to him. "I'm glad you're back," she says.

"It's good to be back," he replies tonelessly because it is. He's glad he knew about this right after it happened, instead of coming back long after his master was gone. At least they can pull through together, somehow, but part of him wonders what would've happened if he'd left a day earlier. Would Obi-Wan still be alive, if he was there?

"What did Death Watch want with you?" Ahsoka asks.

"Their leader is... kind of my father."

"What?!" Ahsoka shrieks.

Anakin seems to suddenly blink himself out of whatever haze he was lost in, and his head snaps towards Theseus. "What?" he echoes.

"He wanted me to join him," Theseus continues, "Oh yeah, and apparently I have a twin sister too."

"Uh, okay," Ahsoka stammers out, "So that's how you got the armor?"

"Armor?" Anakin repeats. "What armor?"

"I escaped back here with my new Mandalorian armor," Theseus informs him lightly, "I guess they thought giving it to me would help me fit in better. I'll show you all about it tomorrow, if you want."

"Sure," Ahsoka agrees. She doesn't sound terribly enthusiastic, but at least she's talking.

Honestly, he doesn't care to at the moment either, but at least it might give all of them something to do. Maybe. But he kind of left his armor in Obi-Wan's apartment, and he really doesn't want to go there right now, so...

"I'm surprised they could stand a Jedi there at all," Ahsoka comments.

"Me too, honestly," he admits. He was expecting a lot more hostility than he got. He shakes off any thoughts of how he could almost have fit in better there than he ever will at the Temple. Maybe he'll tell the other two more about his time on Carlac later... when they're all a little more up to it. Whenever that will be.

**w**

He still feels as numb and broken and gone as ever. Anakin doesn't know how long it's been since it happened, but it feels like – like the world should stop turning, stop moving, something. How can everyone and everything keep acting as though nothing is wrong when Obi-Wan died?

His master, his best friend – his father – is gone. It doesn't make any sense.

All he can do is throw himself into whatever he has to do, which at present, is protecting the Chancellor. With everything going on, especially now, Anakin can't lose him, too. He feels strangely disconnected, as he has since it happened. It's so hard to remember to act present when he's feeling like this.

Anakin's comm beeps for what he suspects isn't the first time, but he answers it immediately. With how out-of-it he's feeling, it can take a ridiculous amount of time to realize that people are talking around him.

"Skywalker." It's Master Shan, and to her credit, even if she sounds slightly irked, she doesn't chastise him. "We located Master Kenobi's killer." Anakin's blood runs cold. "The Council is sending you and your padawan to arrest him. Come to my quarters immediately when you're done."

"Yes, Master," he replies automatically. At the very least, he can be grateful that he's being allowed to bring his master's killer to justice. If it were up to Anakin, he'd kill him, but – but he knows that's not what Obi-Wan would have wanted.

Anakin hardly feels better even after he and Ahsoka arrest Hardeen. It's a small measure of comfort that the man is imprisoned and can't hurt anyone else, at least, but he craves vengeance, even as he knows it'll be fruitless. It won't bring Obi-Wan back.

Athea seems perfectly composed when the duo arrives at her quarters shortly after dark, but Anakin knows better. Something's wrong.

Theseus, who's already there and waiting, gives them a slight nod without actually looking. He's taking this as bad as they are.

"What is it?" Ahsoka asks.

Athea looks between the three of them seriously. "What I'm going to tell you is directly against orders from the Council, so you can't speak of this to anyone."

Well, that definitely does get his attention, even if the words still take a few moments to register. What could she tell them that's this serious? "So, you've heard the rumors about the plot against the Chancellor during the Festival of Light?"

"I didn't," Theseus replies, "But... what about that?"

"The Council decided to send a Jedi undercover to protect the Chancellor if it becomes necessary. They chose Obi-Wan. His death was fake, for the mission." Athea's expression darkens a little. "I told them they should tell you, but they said it was too dangerous."

Confusion sets in first. It doesn't make any sense, because they'd never do something like that, would they? Is this a dream, a figment of his own imagination? Something his mind is making up to convince himself Obi-Wan is still alive? "I don't..." He trails off, unsure what he's even trying to say. If Anakin knew him at all, Obi-Wan would never do what Athea is saying he did. He... wouldn't. He may be a Jedi above all, but he would never hurt Anakin that way.

"I know it's hard to accept," Athea says quietly, as if she somewhat understands the turmoil all of them must be going through, "But he's still alive, disguised as Hardeen."

That... it doesn't make any sense. Why would Obi-Wan do something like that? But he knows what Athea is saying is true. And that also means that he and Ahsoka had literally been sent to arrest Obi-Wan... His mind is spinning in circles, and he doesn't know what to make of anything anymore. If – if they did this, then what else are they doing? What else could they do? What else have they done that he never knew? And how – how could Obi-Wan do that to him, to them?

"How could they do this?!" Theseus demands.

"They believed it was necessary, and that Anakin's reaction would make his death seem more believable." She sounds almost bitter herself.

"What?" Ahsoka hisses, "They – did all this for that?"

"A Jedi Master dying by a sniper wasn't very believable, so they decided it needed to be more convincing," she says flatly.

"So, they think that excuses this?" Theseus demands again.

Athea sighs, looking almost worn out. "Yes, they do, but there's no question that they're wrong this time."

Anakin still can't believe what she's saying. How could Obi-Wan willingly agree to deceive them like this? It just...

This betrayal hurts far worse than anything he's ever experienced. They used him, like he's nothing more than a tool to them. Again, the dreaded question Anakin's managed to lay to rest for so long is pulled to the surface. Does Obi-Wan even care for him? He does his best to force the question away, because it hurts too much to contemplate.

He feels numb, empty. Broken, a dark part of his mind supplies.

Somehow, he doesn't think that description is entirely inaccurate.

It's nighttime – and definitely near bedtime – as the three of them sit in the living room of his apartment again. Anakin knows he'll never be able to sleep now even if he tries. Every time he closes his eyes, all he can see is his master's death. And then to think that all of that is nothing but a lie... No, he definitely won't be sleeping any time soon.

Ahsoka and Theseus seem to feel similarly, since neither of them seem very inclined to go to bed either. It's quite some time before Ahsoka finally decides to head to her room, leaving the two of them alone.

Despite everything, he still needs to take care of Ahsoka and Theseus. He can't stay lost in his own head and emotions, even now. Especially now, actually, because he knows the other two are also struggling.

"What do you say to a sparring match?" Anakin suggests finally. At least that should get him focused. It... should be enough to pull him out of his own head, at least for now.

"Sure!" Theseus agrees immediately, "And maybe I'll... go pick up my armor quickly. At this time, we should have the area to ourselves so..."

"Go ahead," he agrees. It's nice, actually, because Anakin won't have to worry as much about accidentally hurting him.

Before long, they find themselves in the training area which is thankfully empty given how out of place Theseus looks dressed up like that. "Alright, let's see what you've learned."

**w**

The worst of Theseus' anger is temporarily gone after his sparring match with Anakin, but his bitterness is still simmering. How could the Council do this, make them think that Obi-Wan is dead for some stupid mission?! They could at least have had the decency to tell them once it was over. If not for the fact that his mother was on the Council, they'd all still believe he was dead. And to think that they literally made Anakin and Ahsoka witness it...

He draws in a breath, trying to stop his anger from surging all over again. He needs to... do something before he explodes or something. Theseus knows how it may have been the easiest option for the Council to take, but that doesn't mean it was right. Yes, it may have been 'for the greater good', but how far will the Jedi go? Theseus has seen firsthand where such beliefs can lead people. He's not naïve enough to blindly follow the Council any longer, even if he's not arrogant enough to think he knows better. More and more, he's beginning to wonder if the Jedi are really the right place for him.

Theseus knows he should be catching up in his class work, but he doesn't have the remotest ability to concentrate on it right now. But there is something else he can do. He hasn't seen the clones in a long time.

Admittedly it will be difficult going to see them knowing that Obi-Wan is still alive while Cody and the others will think he's dead. He almost wishes he could tell them – out of spite, if nothing else – but he promised his mother he wouldn't tell anyone. A part of him can see why the Council didn't want to tell anyone considering it's a very hard thing to keep a secret, but why did they even have to choose to make the mission like this in the first place?! There are other ways they could've done it, and other people who could have done it in the first place.

The next chance he gets, he slips out of the Temple and heads up for the main 212th cruiser. He doesn't know many of the clones that well, so he heads for where Cody is. "Hey, Cody," he greets the commander when he finally does find him. He only realizes now how much he's missed him, how much he's so used to him always being around.

"It's good to see that you're safe, sir," says Cody. He looks grimmer than usual, and of course Theseus knows why without even having to ask. Not telling him that Obi-Wan is still alive almost feels like he's complicit in the lie but he can't... go around telling everyone. He'll get his mother in trouble if the Council finds out that she told them. She's already walking a thin enough line with them. He won't risk getting her in trouble because he can't keep his mouth shut.

"Yeah, camping out with Death Watch wasn't the funest thing I've ever done," Theseus agrees.

"I imagine not." Cody sounds faintly amused.

"So... how have things been around here while I've been gone?"

"About the same as usual. The war only seems to be getting worse," he answers, "General Kenobi wanted to spend some time looking for you, or at least have General Skywalker and Commander Tano do it, but with the Clone Wars, there wasn't time."

Well. Good to know. Theseus might find Obi-Wan's concern a little more touching if not for what else he literally just did. "Well, good thing I managed to make it back on my own," he replies with feigned lightness.

"Yes, it is," Cody agrees, "The General thought you would." He's silent for a moment, almost as though debating if he should speak up, before he finally keeps talking. "With what happened to General Kenobi, will you be staying with us?"

Oh. Oh. He hadn't even thought about that until now. He'd been so preoccupied before, and now knowing that Obi-Wan is alive he knows that he'll stay with them, but otherwise no, most likely he wouldn't have been. And he can only imagine what that would mean for the clones too. After what happened on Umbara to the 212th and the 501st, none of them have been very trusting of any of the Jedi beyond their generals and commanders. The thought of being passed off to an unknown Jedi can't be sitting well with them.

"I don't know," Theseus answers finally, guilt suddenly twisting inside of him. If only he could tell them... "But whatever happens, I'll make sure you won't end up with someone like Krell in charge."

"Thank you, sir," Cody says quietly, almost awkwardly.

"No problem." But he really wants to change the topic right about now. "But while I'm here, what would you say to a sparring match?" A physical one, without the Force, of course. That would be cheating.

"If you're up to it, sir," the commander replies, his mood thankfully shifting to something a little more positive. But Theseus can tell that Obi-Wan's death is affecting him too, even if not nearly as badly as Anakin and Ahsoka.

"Of course, I am." He almost wishes he brought his armor now.

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