The first thing she felt as consciousness began to return to her was a pulsating itchy ache in her left thigh, as well as her shoulder. Everything around her was still dark, and yet, at the same time, it all seemed lighter than before. Her last memory had been of such darkness, such anger, such hatred and pain. She was certain she was never going to escape it! That it was going to consume and destroy her!
So why did it feel so light now? What had changed?
More memories slowly came back. A structure underground… bathed in darkness. A monster emerging from the shadows… taking her… using her…
And then trying to kill her.
Another memory… a red light, intercepted by a golden one… clashing against each other in harsh fast swings… before the red had broken through and hit her… hurt her!
A lightsaber! That's what the light had been! The red one had belonged to the shadow that had kidnapped her… Maul! That was his name! Darth Maul!
She remembered… the saber had broken through her defences, and very nearly removed her leg!
She had laid there… on the floor, badly wounded… awaiting death. Accepting it even.
But death hadn't come. Someone else, another shadow had stepped in and saved her.
And now she was here, wherever here was, and everything felt much lighter. Had she perhaps died and entered the cosmic force?
The pulsating ache in her thigh came again, sharper this time, as if trying to tell her something.
If she really was dead… then why was she still feeling pain? Surely, all pain would have vanished in death?
Unless… she really was still alive. In that case, who had saved her? The shadow, or someone else?
Groaning to herself, Ahsoka slowly began to open her eyes, her senses adjusting to wherever she was. Her vision was blurred to begin with, but slowly and surely shapes began to come into view. She was laid on her back, facing a ceiling, one that she hadn't seen in many many months.
It was then that movement caught her senses, alerting her to the fact that she was not alone in the room. At first she wanted to prepare for an ambush, fully expecting that whoever was with her meant her harm.
That was until the person spoke in a very familiar voice, one that put Ahsoka at ease instantly.
"Commander? Are you ok? Don't move too much."
Groaning again, Ahsoka slowly used her hands to push herself up from the position she had been in, gritting her teeth at the pain that ran through her shoulder in the process.
"Take it easy kid. You've been through a lot." The voice, Rex… said again, one of his hands coming towards her to help balance her body in a sitting up position.
"I'm… not a kid anymore Rex." Ahsoka said in reply, her trademark snippiness coming through without hesitation.
"Maybe not, but you'll always be a kid to me… kid."
"I'm older than you Rex!"
"Not if we account for accelerated ageing."
Ahsoka couldn't help but chuckle at Rex's dry wit, a smile coming to her face in the process, even as another lance of pain ran through her shoulder.
At that, Rex's demeanor changed instantly. He was now in 'Captain of the 501st' mode, as Ahsoka called it.
"You need to rest, Commander. You took two nasty lightsaber wounds that should have killed you down in the Shrine. Quick thinking applying those bacta patches." Rex said, his tone suddenly professional, yet still contained the same warmth as before, just more disguised.
Rex's words confused Ahsoka however? Bacta patches? Ahsoka didn't remember applying any bacta patches to her wounds. She had been in no position to do so, not with Maul standing above her.
And then she had passed out, so she couldn't have applied them then. But from what Rex was saying, it sounded like she already had them on by the time she had been found.
So who had applied them?
"Wait…" Ahsoka began, eyes clearing more and they darted around the room they were in, slowly recognizing more and more of it. "This isn't the Shrine. Where are we?"
Rex didn't hesitate to reply.
"We are back in the Jedi Temple Commander. You've been out of it for three days, one of which was spent in a bacta tank!"
"The Temple?" Ahsoka replied, more and more memories coming back to her. This was her room from her time as Anakin's Padawan. What was she doing here?
"Yeah. Generals Skywalker and Windu managed to disable the weapon, some massive lightsaber crystal or something. We had to backtrack quite a bit to find the way out, but we did it in the end."
"The weapon is offline?" Ahsoka asked, trying to push herself up off her old mattress, only to be gently forced back down by Rex.
"Yes Sir, and everything in the Temple seems back to normal. All the unconscious Jedi woke up and are none the worse. General Kenobi is making his usual bad puns and sarcastic comments if that makes you feel any better."
Once again, Ahsoka chuckled. It did make her feel better honestly. Obi-Wan without the sarcasm and humour wasn't Obi-Wan.
"What about the others? Anakin? Windu?" Ahsoka asked, eager to know. Had they all made it out?
"Skywalker and Windu are fine. Knight Tide and I took a beating, but no real damage, same with Master Dibs. Knight Valen suffered a broken arm though, but aside from that he'll live."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Ahsoka began to shuffle on her old mattress so that her back was pressed up against the wall in a comfortable position.
"I'm glad. So, everything is back to normal then? Talk about a convenient ending." Ahsoka quipped, skepticism coming to her mind. This almost seemed too easy.
"So it seems Commander, but for what it's worth I share your concern. Something about this whole thing doesn't seem right to me."
"Glad I'm not the only one Rex." Ahsoka replied, shooting a tired smile Rex's way. She may have only just woken up from a three day nap, but she still felt tired. Bacta tanks had that effect.
The sound of the door to her old room opening drew both her and the Clone Captain's attention as Anakin walked in, a look of relief on his face as he moved towards Ahsoka, sitting down beside her without hesitation and bumping her shoulder, earning a wince of pain in the process. It only occurred to Ahsoka now that she was out of her armor, which sat in a corner in her room.
"Hey Snips, you had me worried there for a second."
"Glad to know you care Skyguy."
"You know I do, though you are in very deep trouble young lady."
"What?! Why?"
"For running off with Maul of all people. There are better people to elope with Ahsoka. Perhaps someone your age would be better suited?"
"Ewww… Skyguy that's just wrong. Besides, he kidnapped me. I didn't really have much of a choice in the matter."
"Maybe, maybe not. Next time though warn me before you run off with someone. And remember that I've got to meet him or her first… and that they can't be a mass murdering monster. I officially ban you from dating them."
"You're not my dad Anakin! I could date whoever I wanted!"
"No Sith… clear?"
"Sigh… yes 'dad'."
"Ahem." Rex cleared his throat, interrupting the banter for what Ahsoka knew could very well be close to the millionth time. Rex had been subject to the 'discussions' between her and Anakin many times. Frankly it surprised her that he still put up with them both, all things considered.
"Sorry Rex. Anyways, how are you feeling Ahsoka?" Anakin's tone shifted from humoured to one of great concern, his eyes moving across the bandaged thigh and shoulder. "We nearly lost you down there! What happened?"
Ahsoka honestly didn't know how to answer. What had happened down there? Had she really been stupid enough to fall for Maul's lies! If so, she had endangered everyone on Coruscant. Her actions could have very well resulted in the Republic losing it's biggest advantage in the Clone War, and thus in turn the war as well.
She had very nearly given the Separatists a victory! Anakin would have been so disappointed in her if that was the case, assuming he had survived.
"I… I don't know Master. One minute I was standing in front of that huge corrupted kyber crystal, the next I'm on the floor from a lightsaber wound. I passed out shortly afterwards." Ahsoka explained, leaving out certain details. She didn't want Anakin to be disappointed in her, not after what she had seen in the Shrine itself, not after that vision.
Anakin's expression shifted between worry and concern, and for a moment Ahsoka was certain that he was going to call her out on not revealing the full story.
But instead, he simply nodded. She didn't know if he knew she was leaving things out on purpose, or if he genuinely believed her story, but either way it didn't matter.
"Ok Snips, that's fine. What's important is that you are ok."
"Yeah. I guess the Council will want to debrief me or something?" Ahsoka questioned, knowing the Council's protocol by now.
That was of course assuming they were in any fit state to speak to anyone.
Anakin turned his head to Rex suddenly, his expression one of concern once more, but concern for something else. Oddly enough, Rex held the exact same expression on his face. What was that about?
"Actually Commander, the Council has been overridden in this case." Rex spoke first, trepidation in his voice, as if he was revealing some big secret that only a select few knew about.
"What do you mean?" Ahsoka replied. "Overridden by who?"
"The Supreme Chancellor. He came by to see how you were once the situation was resolved and pretty much flexed his political muscles when it came to you Ahsoka. He wants your full debrief, which he will then pass onto the Council personally. I think he is trying to save you the hassle of dealing with the Council yourself." Anakin continued for Rex, detailing the situation to Ahsoka.
Ahsoka was one part surprised by the Chancellor's request. She was glad he was willing to deal with the Council himself, but at the same time why was he willing to do that? Was it because she was his personal agent? Did he feel like he owed her something in exchange?
Or was he just doing it out of the kindness of his heart? Ahsoka would like to think that was the case. If it was, she'd have to find some way to repay him in the future.
"I see. I guess I better go see the Chancellor then." Ahsoka said, beginning to push herself up from her position on her old mattress before finding herself once again gently pushed down.
"Not so fast Snips. You still need some time to recuperate from your wounds. The Chancellor said it could wait. No need to rush." Anakin said, tone playfully forceful.
Rolling her eyes and groaning dramatically, Ahsoka allowed Anakin to push her back down onto the mattress.
"Fine. Guess I'll sit here then… bored!"
"I'll fetch you some stuff to do kid." Rex joked, standing from his position and stretching in the process, before throwing a friendly smile at his General and former Commander. "Besides, Kix said he wanted to take another look at you, so I'll go fetch him. That should give you something to do."
"Dammit Rex! I mean something fun… not being prodded by Kix!"
Kix's 'medical checkup' proceeded much as Ahsoka anticipated it would go. Endless prodding and poking, as well as the changing of the bacta patches she had on her still healing wounds.
It was awkward and annoying as always, but Ahsoka knew it was necessary, and Kix was a damn good medic. Better than some of the Temple healers even. She wouldn't be surprised if he volunteered to join the Temple Medical Wing after the Clone War was over. He'd need something to do after all… all the Clones would.
What would they do once it was over? Retire? Ahsoka laughed at that. She couldn't imagine Rex retired, or Cody, let alone Wolffe!
The same could be said of her though. What would she do once the war was over? What would she do when Palpatine inevitably left office?
What place would there be for an exiled Jedi in the galaxy?
'Perhaps none. Maybe you'll be left on the street again, or forced into some sort of retirement. Maybe you should kidnap a bunch of the Clones and start your own company or something?' The voice in her head whispered, humour coming through at the mention of her and the Clone starting a business, eliciting a small chuckle from her as she moved forward.
It had been two days since she had awoken before Anakin, and Kix, finally discharged her from her old room in the Jedi Temple. She had passed by many Jedi on the way out, including both Master Plo and Kenobi, who seemed in high spirits despite being unconscious due to the effects of the corrupted kyber crystal beneath them. Anakin had told her how he and Windu had disconnected the crystal and saved everyone above in great detail, a smug smile on his face in the process.
Naturally, Ahsoka had rolled her eyes at that.
Ahsoka had made small talk with both Plo and Obi-Wan before she had moved on, being stopped briefly one last time before leaving the Temple, this time by Knight Tide. The towering Dowutin had offered a broad smile and handshake, as well as an offer of friendship, much to Ahsoka's surprise.
Still, she had accepted the commlink code. Perhaps it would be beneficial to have allies within the Jedi Temple that weren't Anakin and Obi-wan, just in case.
And even then, it would be nice to have another friend somewhere in the galaxy.
Continuing to pace back and forth, Ahsoka's mind was brought out of her internal thoughts and back to where she had been currently heading, the Chancellor's Office.
She had commed ahead to make sure he was ok to see her, and much to her surprise the Chancellor had immediately rearranged a meeting he had planned to see her one on one for a debrief.
"The Chancellor is ready for you." A voice, the one belonging to Palpatine's personal aide said as they gestured to the entrance to the office of the Supreme Chancellor.
Ahsoka nodded her thanks as she halted her pacing and redirected her movement towards the door, pacing through the threshold as it opened by proximity and stepping into the welcoming embrace of the Chancellor's office.
Palpatine was, much to her surprise, waiting for her by the door, a look of relief on his face.
"I am not a religious man, Agent Tano, but thank whatever gods exist that you are ok. I was deeply concerned when Anakin told me of your wounds. Have they healed?"
"Not fully Your Excellency, but they are doing so. Thank you for asking."
"My pleasure my dear, my pleasure. I am pleased to see you back on your feet. Come, sit. We have much to discuss" Palpatine spoke as he gently rested a hand on her shoulder, directing her towards the chair that sat before his desk, before he moved to take the one opposite as always.
When both parties were comfortable, Palpatine reached down to the floor behind his desk and brought up a bottle of water, passing it across the desk to Ahsoka, who took it with a nod of gratitude.
"Now, Anakin has told me his side of the story, including what he found in the central chamber, but I have not yet heard yours. Is it true that you encountered the renegade Sith Lord Maul in the Shrine, and that he kidnapped you?"
Unscrewing the bottle of water and taking a brief sip, savouring the cool liquid that passed through her lips and into her throat, Ahsoka began to mentally compile her reply.
She couldn't lie to the Chancellor, not like she had Anakin. Her old Master would have been disappointed by her failure. The Chancellor however would understand. She had less to lose by telling him the truth.
Gulping down the water in her mouth, Ahsoka replaced the lip of the bottle and began to reply.
"Yes Your Excellency, Maul was there. He captured me in an attempt to access the secrets of the Shrine, but also under the false pretense that he knew how to deactivate the weapon in exchange for an artifact."
"Artifact? Neither Anakin nor Master Windu made any mention of an artifact. What was it?" Palpatine inquired, his long fingers intertwining on his desk, a look of deep contemplation on his face.
"A Sith Holocron. They are repositories of information, at least the Jedi variant are. He used me to access and steal the holocron, though I don't actually know if he got it in the end." Ahsoka detailed, memories of the shadowy figure appearing above her and disposing of Maul flashing into mind. Had they taken the holocron with them?
"Then where is this holocron? The Jedi made no mention of it."
Ahsoka considered Palpatine's question. If the holocron was no longer in her or Maul's possession, and the Jedi had been unaware of its existence, then that could only mean…
"There's something else Chancellor, something I didn't tell Anakin." Ahsoka said softly, taking a risky gambit. She could trust Palpatine, just as much as she trusted Anakin, that much was clear to her.
But in a lot of ways it was a different sort of trust. With Anakin she could be open about her thoughts and feelings. She could tell him anything and he wouldn't judge her for it. If anything he'd smile and tell her she was a better person for sharing her own thoughts, no matter what others thought of them.
However, at the same time, she was cautious of sharing too much with Anakin, not because she didn't trust him, but because she didn't want to disappoint him.
With Palpatine things were different. He was her boss, and he needed to know everything about her missions, even her failures. She had to tell him everything so that he could properly judge what the next move was.
And that meant she had to tell him about the mystery shadow.
"Ahsoka? Are you alright? You blanked out!" Palpatine's voice suddenly broke through her thoughts, drawing her eyes back to his face, a concerned look growing across his ageing features.
"Yeah, I… yeah, sorry Chancellor. As I was saying, there's more to the story."
Palpatine made a gesture with one of his hands, a sign for her to continue.
"I fought Maul for possession of the holocron and lost. That's how I got the wounds. I was on the floor, with him above me, ready to strike me down when some shadowy figure came from nowhere and saved me. I passed out shortly afterwards, but I remember seeing this figure draped in a black cloak above him. I think they took the holocron."
Palpatine leaned back in his chair slowly, understanding coming to his face.
"A cloaked figure? Have you ever encountered them before Agent Tano?" The Chancellor asked, prying for more information to analyse. Ahsoka knew she had to give as much as she could to help the man piece things together.
"I don't think so Your Excellency, but there was something else. Maul, he seemed afraid of this figure, as if he knew them from somewhere and that they had…"
Suddenly, it clicked. She HAD seen that figure before, mere hours earlier, in her vision of what she had feared most.
Ahsoka had seen Anakin… and Maul?
Maul had seen his own Master… which meant…
"Oh kriff! I think I know who it was Chancellor!"
"Who my dear?"
"I think it was the Sith Master, Darth Sidious!"
Palpatine's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of the Sith Lord. Had he perhaps heard of him before?
"Sidious? This is the first I have heard of that name. Is the Jedi Council aware?" Palpatine answered Ahsoka's question seconds later, filling Ahsoka with deep concern. She knew the Council was aware of the possibility of Sidious actually existing, and not being a mere rumour. But if so, why hadn't they informed the Chancellor?! Surely he needed to know!
Repressing a groan of annoyance at the Council's lack of common sense, Ahsoka decided that it was her duty, her right to give the Chancellor what he needed to know.
"From what I understand Chancellor, Darth Sidious is a Sith Lord, and is the Master of Count Dooku, and before that Darth Maul. If the rumours around the Jedi Temple are true, Sidious is the mastermind behind the Clone Wars, and he poses a massive threat to the safety of the Republic. If he really does exist…"
"He could destroy everything with ease, I understand. Why the Council thought to keep this from me is perplexing to say the least." Palpatine finished for her, unable to keep his own groan of annoyance escaping his throat. "Alas, it is something I shall discuss with them in person. So, you believe this Sidious is now in possession of the Sith holocron?"
"There is a good chance he has it, yes. I don't know what was on the holocron, but he could…"
"You don't need to worry about that Agent Tano. I will inform the Jedi Council and let them deal with it, since they like to keep secrets from me. What about your wounds? You said you passed out as this 'Sidious' arrived. Did you have time to apply bacta?"
A cold shiver ran down Ahsoka's spine as another revelation came to her mind. She hadn't applied the bacta, but Anakin had said she had some on when he found her.
That could only mean that Sidious had applied the bacta himself! But… why would he do that! Why would a Sith Lord, a monster so foul, save her life in such a way!
"I… I did Chancellor. Just in time. Saved my life according to Anakin." Ahsoka lied, unable to currently comprehend why Sidious had apparently saved her life. This was something that would require some very serious thinking, and she didn't want to worry the Chancellor about this mysterious twist, nor anyone else.
Much less Anakin. He would freak if he found out.
Judging by the sudden look of skepticism on Palpatine's face, he hadn't believed a word she said, or at the very least knew she was hiding something.
Thankfully, he didn't pursue it, instead choosing to lean back in his chair, a sigh escaping him.
"It seems I have far more to discuss with the Council than I originally thought. At the very least the situation has been resolved, and the threat to the Jedi has passed. For that the Republic is once more in your debt Agent Tano, as am I."
Ahsoka's eyes widened in surprise. If she was being honest, she had hardly helped in the mission whatsoever. Being captured by Maul, and subsequently tricked into activating a doomsday weapon was not the best series of events for a mission. If anything she should be reprimanded for her mistakes.
But the Chancellor was thanking her? Did he not realize how close Coruscant had come to destruction!
"I, thank you Chancellor, even if I'm not sure I deserve it." Ahsoka replied, trying to be modest.
"Nonsense my dear. You played a key role as always. Now, I suggest you return home and take some time off. Your injuries are not fully healed after all, and you are due some rest. Attend a party or something, or even throw one yourself. Anything to help you relax."
Ahsoka couldn't help but chuckle at Palpatine's suggestion. She had rarely ever been to a party before, and had never hosted one herself.
Perhaps it was time to try something new for once. It could be fun. And frankly, she needed the rest after her recent failure.
Author's thoughts
Not much to say regarding this chapter. I'm honestly not a fan of it myself as it feels a bit rushed, but my beta reader seemed confident that it was a good chapter, and I trust his judgement, so here it is.
Still, hopefully you all enjoyed it. Some very minor seeds were laid here for the future, and I wonder just how truthful Palpatine is being at the end there? I mean... what are the chances he's heard of this 'Sidious' fellow? And what was all that about him overruling the Jedi Council's desire to debrief Ahsoka? Nothing evil planned there surely? XD
So yeah, that's about it really. Everything is back to normal on Coruscant. Well, as normal as things can be with the Clone War raging.
Once again, thanks to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders' for all his help.
Next time around... well... no major spoilers... but here is the title of the next chapter: "Party at the House of Snips!"
As usual, comment and speculate at will, speaking of which:
Dressyone22: Things are never good when everything is going according to Sidious' plan. I guess the biggest question though is what exactly is Sidious' endgame plan here?
Ahsoka and Anakin are more alike than I think either of them would admit to being. Probably why they work so well together. Hopefully that doesn't prove to be the Republic's undoing. XD
Cat-Gods-Of-The-Cat-People: Thanks! I'm pleased you enjoyed all of it, especially the fight and interactions. They were a challenge to write, but fun at the same time. :)
1saaa: It's in my nature to apologise, so sorry again! XD
Yes... this Sidious dude is an odd one. I wonder what he is up to, or if he knows any Senators or Chancellors? XD
You aren't wrong to as that question either. Only time will tell. One day there will be answers, I promise. They are a while off yet however. :)
tf330129: Keeping it up! XD
RyanSquad: I mean... I could tell you if you are really worried about Anakin dying. You wouldn't be the first worried person to ask me about a character's fate. :)
But then again, I might surprise you in the end. I might not be Anakin's biggest fan, but that isn't enough for me to kill him in every story ever. :)
I had always planned on a Sidious appearance in this chapter, so I'm glad you were expecting it too. A nice little twist. XD
As for 2003 Clone Wars elements, you'll have to wait and see. XD