Chapter 21 – To Destroy a Jedi

DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD

Author's Note: In which Ahsoka betrays one friend for another...

~ Amina Gila

Night has already fallen by the time that Barriss and Ahsoka leave the Republic base and head through the mostly silent streets. It's just as clear now as it was during the day that the city has been ruined by the war, and not for the first time, Ahsoka hates it. She focuses solely on the path ahead of them, letting Barriss lead the way, her speeder slightly ahead of Ahsoka's. This is it. It's the end. Either Barriss will die or she'll Fall, and Ahsoka isn't certain which of the two options she wants more. She should be able to sacrifice her friend if it's for the greater good, but… then Anakin will suffer, and more than anything, she doesn't want that.

"We just passed another battle droid patrol," Barriss calls, voice rising with anxiety. "I think we're heading into a trap. Somehow, the Separatists know we're coming."

Ahsoka exhales harshly. She'd really hoped that the other girl wouldn't notice. "What do you say?" she wonders.

Barriss shrugs slightly, increasing her speed. "We still need to uncover the truth, and if we don't do it, then who will?"

"The reinforcements?" Ahsoka suggests, pausing. "Who's coming anyways?"

"Master Tachi is leading the 212th, while Knight Olin is leading the 501st," Barriss informs her.

Ahsoka nearly forgets how to breath at the news. The 501st? The legion that Anakin specifically handpicked men for when he still had a chance to fight for the Republic in name only? This is definitely something that the others will want to know. "Siri Tachi?" she questions, hoping Barriss thinks her momentary surprise was due to the identity of the pair. "She's Master Obi-Wan's friend."

"Yes, I know," Barriss responds. "Now come on. We need to find out what's happening."

Obviously, she doesn't want to engage in idle chatter when they're running right into a trap. Normally, Ahsoka would concur with those sentiments, but she desperately needs a distraction from the guilt twisting her insides. It's for the best, she reassures herself, hoping that maybe Barriss will still be her friend, even if she Falls.

I believe that the choice was more because Anakin killed her master on Geonosis. She can almost hear Dooku's voice in her head. Anakin is supposed to break Barriss, and he'll definitely use that against her. He'll probably use Ahsoka's betrayal too. She blanches at the realization. She hadn't meant to make it easier to destroy her friend, but… it wasn't a choice she was given.

They pull up in front of the Separatist headquarters a few minutes later, and Ahsoka lets all her worries slip away. The building almost looks eerie in the darkness, lit up only in part. Something about this is wrong, and Ahsoka can easily see it. There isn't a single battle droid out here to guard the building. "No guards. No barricades," she notes quietly as they begin walking up the stairs leading to the front door. "You'd think the Separatist headquarters would be better protected." She doesn't add that Anakin is all the protection it needs.

"They don't want to keep us out," Barriss points out, flicking a hand to open the doors. "We have to go in and find out what they're up to."

Ahsoka's heart is pounding, fear mingling with dread. She didn't want any of this, and part of her is tempted to warn Barriss and run away. She won't do it. She won't leave Anakin like that. Something he said to her weeks ago surfaces in her memory. If you hadn't, they would have suffered. Trust me. I've seen it happen before many times. This time, it wouldn't just be her – she'd probably be killed by the explosive strapped on her ankle – but it would destroy Anakin.

Trust me when I say that sometimes, actions can irreparably damage. Even in the beginning Anakin hadn't wanted to kill them. He suffered to protect Ahsoka when he hardly even knew her. He was willing to rebel against his master to save Obi-Wan. He offered both of them guidance and support when Sidious tried to break them. And he was right. She knows that he would never recover from her death if that's what she chose. All it would do is push him to be more ruthless, more vengeful, and she doesn't want that.

She remains silent as they move deeper into the building. Barriss opens another door, and this time, the room before them is completely dark. Ahsoka can feel him long before she can see him. The door behind them slams shut with a resounding clang and locks. Suddenly, they're hit by the full intensity of the Force presence that is not Anakin Skywalker, but Darth Vader. She's rarely felt this much darkness and malice in him, maybe because he's been tamping it down. He's not hiding anymore. He's reveling in the fear he's igniting, and that realization is like a knife to her gut, because it's not right. This is Anakin, her brother, one of her closest friends.

"I have been waiting for you," Anakin intones, his red lightsaber hissing to life, and illuminating his features. Yellow eyes stare at them, holding not an ounce of the compassion Ahsoka knows he can possess. The room is suddenly bathed in light, giving them a clearer view of the area. Anakin's standing at the top of the staircase across the room, lightsaber clenched in his right hand. Outwardly he looks relaxed, but it's clear he's wound up for a fight.

Ahsoka's breath catches at the sight of him standing there, the Dark Side clinging to him like a shroud, one which makes him look as fearsome as it does enticing. Barriss steps forward and ignites her blue lightsaber, pausing to throw a questioning look at Ahsoka who is rooted to the spot. She's torn, unsure what to do.

Anakin's gaze lands on her, and for a moment, Ahsoka can swear that the yellow dims. "Snips." He says nothing else, but motions to the door on the other side of the room. It opens soundlessly, inviting her to pass through.

"I'm sorry, Barriss," Ahsoka whispers, "I'm so sorry, but he's like my brother." Without looking back, she flees through the escape that Anakin has provided, closing the door behind her. She closes herself off from the Force, unwilling to feel her friend's betrayal or her brother's dark joy.

Her feet carry her down the dimly lit hall before she randomly opens a door on the other side. The Force must have been guiding her, because through her blurry gaze, she sees Asajj in the room. "Ahsoka." Ventress is moving across the room before the door even closes. She doesn't state the obvious that Ahsoka is back or ask if she's alright. Instead, she wraps a comforting arm around Ahsoka's shoulders. "Would you like to help me in here?"

"What are you doing?" Ahsoka manages to ask, forcing herself not to think about what's happening just down the hall.

"Writing a report to Dooku about the current status here," Asajj grimaces, "And I'm trying to tally all our losses. We're supposed to be trying to root out the Republic forces, and I need to estimate the likelihood of success."

Ahsoka appreciates the offer, and she knows that having something to do will take her mind of the current situation. She won't be actively helping kill the clones either; she'll only be figuring out where the Separatists stand in the imminent attack. That's something she can do. "Sure," she replies, giving Asajj a wan smile. "Show me what to do."

**w**

Anakin can feel the Jedi's mounting betrayal and anger as the door closes behind Ahsoka. He doesn't need her help, and even though it would make this easier, he would never ask her to do something like that. Asajj is more than capable of providing whatever assistance might be required. He almost regrets asking Ahsoka to help, but it was for her own good. It would have happened at some point, and he wouldn't be doing her any favors by coddling her.

Anakin chuckles mirthlessly. "Speechless, are we?" he mocks. "You must recognize me."

"What have to done to her?" Offee snarls, trying to cover her fear with anger.

He pretends to consider the question for a moment before grinning. "Nothing," he replies caustically, soaking in her dark emotions, and letting them fuel him. "You should fear more for your own fate than for what has befallen Ahsoka. She is safe in my care, but the same cannot be said for you, Jedi."

"She's a child," the Mirialan spits, moving closer with determination.

"And a brave one," Anakin agrees, lazily watching the Jedi's approach. "Would that all the Jedi had her strength. You wouldn't be so arrogant if you did."

"You mean we'd all be evil," Offee snaps.

Anakin's golden eyes narrow, and he springs towards her, his blade crashing downward into hers as she desperately blocks him. "How does it feel to be betrayed by someone you trusted?" he growls, letting his own fury at the Jedi swell up, blanketing the room in a suffocating cloud of raw darkness which fuels him to even greater heights.

He strikes fast and furious, sending her stumbling backwards as she tries to defend herself. "Like you would know of betrayal," she retorts, swinging towards him, but he's already gone, moving like a whirlwind around her, lightsaber a deadly curtain of red.

"More than you ever will," Anakin hisses. He's toying with her; his skills far surpass hers. He doesn't want to listen to her anymore, because if he does, he might kill her in his anger. He needs to tone it down somewhat, so he doesn't slip up. Inhaling, he consciously pulls back his rage, burying it behind the durasteel walls in his mind where it can be of use later.

He leaps over her head, nearly knocking her over by the unexpected forcefulness of his attack. She stumbles, and he seizes on the weakness, hurling her backwards and pinning her to the wall, left hand coming up to Force choke her. He hesitates for but a moment before letting lightning arc from his fingers, electrifying her nerves, and knocking her unconscious. Her body drops unceremoniously to the floor, and Anakin moves to kneel next to her, snapping Force restraints onto her wrists. He'll secure her better in the shuttle.

They're running out of time. If they can escape the system before the Republic reinforcements arrive, it'll be nigh to impossible for them to track the starship or even know what it looks like. Sighing, Anakin clips his and her lightsabers to his belt before lifting her body with the Force and hurrying to the landing platform where the ship is waiting. After securing Barriss firmly inside the cabin – he chained her to the bed and cuffed her ankles with Force restraints as well – he goes to get Ahsoka.

It's obvious that she's upset by her role in the plan, and Anakin would take the time to comfort her if he wasn't trying to get them off Christophsis, for one, and if he wasn't still so deeply immersed in the Dark Side, for two. Ahsoka is unnaturally still as Anakin flies the ship into the atmosphere, programs the hyperdrive, and makes the jump to hyperspace. Destination Rattatak, where Asajj has a castle of her own, courtesy of her leadership over the planet. After making her his apprentice, Dooku had outfitted the basement with state-of-the-art technology to contain Jedi in addition to installing Sith torture equipment.

This is Anakin's first chance to prove himself, and he's more than eager to do it. "Ahsoka, once we reach Rattatak, I want you to take the shuttle back to Serenno, to Dooku, okay?" They hadn't discussed this previously, but he finds that much as he'll dislike being alone having become used to her and Obi-Wan with him at all times over the past month, he wants her far away even more so. She doesn't need to feel what he does to Barriss. That's something between the two of them only – well, Asajj or Dooku could be there too, but not Ahsoka or Obi-Wan. He knows they wouldn't be able to tolerate that brutal aspect of his life.

"'Kay," she mumbles, staring vacantly at the stars streaking by. Anakin silently reaches out towards Offee's presence, checking the shielding he placed around her. She'll regain consciousness long before they arrive, and he doesn't want Ahsoka to be exposed to the anger and betrayal her friend will be radiating. It'll hurt her more than she's already hurting.

The silence drags on until it becomes awkward. Anakin finally breaks it, clearing his throat to draw Ahsoka's attention. "Talk to Obi-Wan when you get back, please," he tells her, blue eyes searching her face. "I think he could help you better than me right now."

"Will do," she murmurs, eyes briefly flicking to his face. "I – I think I'll go lay down, if you don't mind?"

"Of course," Anakin immediately agrees, touching her shoulder fleetingly before she rises and leaves the cockpit, heading to the second, unoccupied cabin. Well, that leaves him alone for the next few hours… Maybe he can figure out the best way of achieving his goal in the meantime.

Once he starts planning, he gets completely lost until the alarm on the ship pulls him out of his reverie. Part of him can hardly believe that he's been entrusted with something so vital, especially so soon after he resisted Sidious. Anakin shakes the thought aside as he reverts the ship to real space and guides it down towards the coordinates Asajj gave him.

Ahsoka comes out of the cabin and joins him during the landing procedure. He notices that she looks a little better than before, but that may be because she had time to process and sleep. He'd almost expected her to stay in the cockpit until he disembarks with Offee, but instead, she follows him to the main hold and lowers the ramp. She waits there while he goes to the other cabin where the Jedi is still bound.

"You are not to speak unless I speak to you, do you understand?" Anakin asks harshly as he undoes the chains and yanks her to her feet.

"I – yes," she responds, glaring at him defiantly. He meets her gaze coldly before shoving her ahead of him out of the cabin. Ahsoka doesn't look at her friend, but she doesn't flinch either, stepping aside to let them pass.

Two guards are waiting for them on the landing platform. "Lord Vader, welcome back," one of them says as they bow to him.

"Take the prisoner," Anakin orders, pushing the Jedi towards them. They immediately take up positions on either side of her, tense and ready for any possible resistance. He dismisses them from mind, turning around to look at Ahsoka where she stands at the bottom of the ramp.

"Ahsoka," he says softly, stepping in front over. They stare at one another wordlessly before he continues. "I should return to Serenno in about one week's time. My presence will not be continually required here," he adds when he sees the question in her gaze.

"I don't like this," she finally blurts out, lowering her head to stare at the ground. She doesn't need to explain, but Anakin already knows what she's talking about.

Sighing, he reaches out, gently lifting her chin to look at her face. "Nor do I," he admits, "But –" He hesitates, uncertain exactly how to express his thoughts. "I – You're stronger than I am, Snips." Her muted shock echoes in the Force, but Anakin doesn't give her a chance to argue. "You stood up to my master. You defied him when I never would. I never liked what he wanted, but… I got used to it. I didn't fight him."

It was true. He'd hated Sidious for what he'd forced him to do, but he hated himself for giving in even more. He needs her to know, to understand, exactly how different they are. She could become like him, but he doesn't see that as a possible future. Not now.

"You were a child," she retorts. "Of course, you weren't able to fight back."

He laughs mirthlessly. "Do you really believe that? Look at me now. I'm more powerful than my master, but I'm still bowing to him. I'm still following him."

"Why?" she challenges.

This time, it's him who looks away. "Because I want to keep my mother and Padme safe," he begins, knowing that he's not admitting the real reason. "Because he's not wrong. The Jedi are corrupt. The Republic is falling apart. You know as well as I do how much chaos the galaxy is in. It's not as though he created it alone; he simply hastened along the galactic war."

"But you don't agree with his end goals," Ahsoka points out. "How do you know that he won't outmaneuver you, making all our plans useless?"

"I have to trust that it's safer to stay than leave," Anakin answers firmly. If they don't stay close to Sidious's plans, it would be far too easy for them to be destroyed.

"There's more," she says, searching his face as she reaches out to him through the Force.

Anakin inhales, forces himself not to flinch. He knows what Ahsoka just caught a glimpse of and trying to deny it won't do any good. In her eyes, he can see the truth. Their bond is getting far stronger if she was able to tease out his feelings from behind his shielding. "Yes, I fear him," Anakin answers in a low voice, dropping his shields for a moment and permitting her to sense the overwhelming, all-encompassing fear he keeps buried deep within him.

Ahsoka seems momentarily startled and stands there gaping at him silently. "I am proud of you, Ahsoka," Anakin tells her. "You have more bravery than I ever did."

Instead of arguing, she steps forward and hugs him tightly. Anakin returns the embrace before stepping back, watching as she boards the ship and flies away, leaving Rattatak behind. He'll be rejoining her soon enough, but for now, he has a Jedi to break.