Chapter Forty-Seven: Gone For a Moment

Obi-wan and I were probably about halfway up the pit wall when Ahsoka spiraled down to us on a speeder She hummed, glancing down below. "Nice job," she teased lightly.

"What took you so long?" Kenobi offered back immediately jumping onto the speeder behind the padawan. I too, turned and leapt to the back. It certainly wasn't a good fit with three people. I was more so perched on the back than sitting. But hey, I preferred anything that wasn't climbing up the rest of the wall.

"Here," Ahsoka said, handing back an ignition gauge to Obi-wan. "I did as you said. The shuttle's going nowhere without that." I smirked a bit. Great minds think alike.

"Good. That gives us some time to rescue Anakin."

"We should head to the monastery," I commented from behind them as Ahsoka guided us out of the pit. The air was fresh and cool, soothing the sting of my burned hand and tired lungs. "The Father will be there."

As Ahsoka steered us towards the monastery, she glanced back at me. "What happened? Why did Anakin join the Son?"

"He showed Anakin the future," I yelled back over the wind. "That place was enough to tempt you just by being there."

"I felt it," she commented. "And I wasn't even all the way in it. What was that place?"

"The Father had called it the Well of the Dark Side," Obi-wan answered. "We need to hurry."

The monastery loomed before us, Ahsoka moving to take us up to the landing platform. "Wait," I cried, pointing down towards the arena Anakin had been tested in. "Look over there!" In the center of the arena, laid beside the kneeling Father, was Anakin.

Ahsoka turned immediately, guiding us down. "Master!" she cried, stopped the speeder and climbing off. Anakin looked...normal. The shadows that had been on his face in the Well were gone, replaced by confusion.

"Are you alright?" Obi-wan asked gently.

"I think so," Skywalker responded, finding his feet. "But we must stop the Son once and for all." I raised my brow, a bit confused. Was Anakin just suddenly better? What about the jedi being the reason for war?

"We have little time and you'll only get one chance." The Father rose elegantly. "You know what you must do."

"How quaint." The Son floated down from above, his voice booming with power. "My own personal send-off." He landed gently between Anakin and the Father, unbothered by our ready stances.

The Father regarded his son sadly. "I ask you one last time. Do not leave, my son."

"You have no power to keep me, old man," the Son smirked. "You must understand by now this planet is not my destiny!"

"What you will do will destroy all that is good," the Father protested adamantly. "I beg you, restrain yourself and stay!"

"I cannot."

"And then, it shall be," the Father spoke, backing up slowly. "I love you, my son."

"Do you?" he asked teasingly as Anakin ignited his lightsaber. Anakin attacked, but was easily blocked by the Son. The Dark Sider grabbed Skywalker by the neck and throwing him backwards. He pulled the lightsabers from Ahsoka and Obi-wan's grasps before sending all three of us flying backwards.

"What?" I heard the Son chuckle lowly as I sat up tiredly. "You're going to kill me now?"

"I held hope that you could resist the Dark Side." Looking towards them, I saw the Father was now holding the blade that had killed the Daughter. "But I see now, there is no going back."

I watched in horror as the Father turned the blade on himself, plunging it into his own chest.

"Father," the Son breathed. "No!" He raced up to his father as he collapsed. "What have you done? It did not have to be this way!"

"Yes, my child," the Father panted as he was helped to the ground. "It did. You and I are tied together, and your strength runs through me. This way, I take your power."

A small gasp of breath came from the Son, making my brow arch in surprise. "Please," he whispered. "Don't die." As we all found our feet again, I watched as Anakin approached the Son from behind.

"I always knew there was good in you." The Father wrapped his son in a hug, glancing up at Anakin.

Skywalker struck from behind, stabbing the Son through the chest with his lightsaber. "And so you have betrayed me, Father," the Son gasped in the old man's embrace before falling lifelessly to the floor.

"It is done," Anakin said softly as he kneeled before the Father.

"And now I die," the Father responded hoarsely. "My heart broken, but knowing the role you will play."

"And what is that?"

"You are the Chosen One," the man panted. "You have brought balance to this world. Stay on this path, and you will do it again for the galaxy. But beware…" his voice began to peter out as he fell backwards in death. "Your heart."

The Father disappeared, evaporating like he had never been there. The feeling of the entire planet shifted and the monastery began to crumble. We all turned to see the glowing crystal crashing downwards on the top of the spire. It shattered into thousands of pieces before erupting in a bright purple spark. It billowed for a moment before letting off an explosion.

The light was blinding, making me squint against it. Would the entire place be destroyed before we could get back to the Jedi's shuttle? It was our only way off this rock, considering my ship had been destroyed...by my own doing.

I closed my eyes as the wind rippled past us, turning away from the light.

And then I felt a familiar seat under my legs. Snapping my eyes open, I was shocked to find myself alone in the cockpit of my ship. I looked down, seeing that my weapons were all returned to me, as if I'd never lost any of them. Whirling, I made my way from the cockpit and into my quarters, seeing the holo-image of my family flickering in the corner.

A sigh of relief slipped past my lips. It was all a dream. I reached out, touching the edge of the holo-projector fondly, only to flinch when my fingers made contact. My hand...it was still burned and bleeding.

Whatever had just happened...had been real.

"Miss? Miss?" I jumped at Apex's voice, walking into the hallway. "We were disconnected for a moment."

"A moment?" I questioned, glancing down at my hand again. "I was gone for…"

"Miss? Are you alright?"

I cleared my throat. "Fine."

"There is an incoming transmission from the Republic vessel."

"The Republic-" I froze, recalling who else had been with me in that strange world. Hurrying back to the cockpit, I accepted the transmission, seeing an admiral I recognized. They couldn't see me yet.

"This is Admiral Yularen of the Republic Starship, Venator. You are an undocumented vessel. Please transmit identification codes."

I smirked at the formal man's image, looking over the familiar attire of the Republic's military. "I'm in Wild Space," I muttered, knowing he couldn't hear me until I opened a channel. "I don't report to you here."

I sat in my seat, resetting the system to fire up the engines. As much as my experience with the jedi had been good, especially since I found out I wasn't a wanted woman anymore, I still didn't really feel ready for another run-in with the military.

Especially because I knew Yularen was assigned with Anakin.

And that meant Rex was aboard, too. And the rest of the 501st that I knew.

I wasn't ready for that at all. I knew I had to go on a journey of healing to learn to...see. But I had already taken steps that day. Large steps. Any more felt like a bit too much.

"Undocumented vessel," came Yularen's call again. "Disengage your engines and lower your shields. We are going to engage our tractor beam."

"Not likely," I muttered, already typing in a set of coordinates to jump to quickly. I glanced up through the viewport for a moment, seeing another small vessel below the Star Destroyer. The Jedi Shuttle.

My hand had been on the hyperdrive lever. I should have just pushed it and ended the whole thing. But I hesitated at the sight of the ship, relief flooding over me. Whatever weird thing had let me leave Mortis had let them survive too.

My mind shifted to what Anakin had said. "I will do such terrible things." He had sounded so broken. Yet, so sure. It sent a shiver down my back, knowing that I was the only one alive who heard him say that. That questioned what he had meant. Who worried that it may still come to pass.

"Ah, Miss Fett," I heard Yularen's accented voice greet through the comms again. I turned my head abruptly at him knowing my name. "General Skywalker informed me of your presence," he answered my unvoiced question. "He requests you come aboard for a briefing and to refuel."

Every nerve was on fire as I panicked. I wanted to run. A past me would have run. But something held me back. I knew I was supposed to agree. This was the way to rekindle my connections with the Republic...and maybe start healing. Then maybe my crystal would heal, too.

My hand moved from the lightspeed lever to the comms, opening the channel both ways. I quirked a smile to the man as he finally saw my hologram. "Admiral," I greeted. "Nice to see you. Is-" I stopped myself as I found that I was about to try and duck the situation again.

Bendu would have clicked his tongue at me.

"Whatever I can do to help. Please inform Skywalker that I've accepted his request." The comms cut out as the Admiral gave me a curt nod. He didn't really smile, but I'd come to learn that he usually didn't.

It wasn't surprising. He was so rigid and by the book. And he got paired with the wildest Jedi the Order had to give.

"Miss," Apex cut in as I shifted the shuttle forward gently, heading for the landing bay. "If I may ask, why are you agreeing to go aboard? Your hyperspace engine was ready."

"I know," I breathed back. "But I am no longer afraid of what the Republic thinks of me. Or the clones. Or the Jedi," I declared, both the the AI and myself. "It's time I faced the things I've been running from."

My automated friend was silent for a moment as he processed my words. "You have been changing an awfully lot of late, Miss, if I may say."

I hummed lowly. "I know." Trying to lighten the mood, I smiled, "Why? Getting bored with me?"

There was a moment of quiet in which my heart nearly dropped. Sure, his programing had a loyalty implant towards myself, but he was an AI, after all. Could he have developed past that and actually determined me boring?

"Never." Was the only response to the conversation I got before I guided the ship into the landing bay. He picked right back up as if he'd never mentioned my change. "The ship is prepped for landing."

I set the shuttle down easily, already seeing the astromechs and clones approaching to start refueling. With a hard swallow, I stood to exit the ship. "Keep an eye on those mechs," I warned the AI as the gangway descended. "I don't want them messing with my ship."

"Of course, Miss," I heard him respond as I walked onto the Republic Star Destroyer.

"Kida Fett," one of the clones greeted, standing tall. A shiny. "The Generals are waiting for you on the bridge. I will escort you-"

"I know the way," I said with as much surety as I could muster. In reality, I was nearly trembling with nerves. I saw some clones with 501st blue painted on their armor. They were relaxing in the hangar, playing a game of get'shuk. They were all laughing. Brothers. My heart longed to go play with them like I had before...when my hair was a short as theirs.

I kept my head down, glancing sideways at the shiny again. "I prefer to avoid the attraction of an escort," I explained gently before walking on with confidence. I tried to appear confident, at least.

I remembered the ship well. Considering they were all laid out the same, I'd been on more than enough to navigate this one. Despite not having an escort, I still drew stares. And this time, I was more in-tune with the Force.

I felt their feelings towards me. Some scoffed at my 'desertion.' Some were curious. Some recalled the stories they'd heard about me. Some were surprised I was the legend they'd heard about. The ones that were the hardest to sense where from those that recognized me. They were more confused on how they felt than I was.

Then I heard a voice, that even though it came from genetically identical throats, still managed to be recognizable. "Kida?" I turned slowly, seeing the tattooed face of Jesse, followed closely by Hardcase.

I offered them a small smile, both genuine and apologetic. "Hi guys," I said gently, trying to ease any tension. Nevertheless, I could feel it building in the hallway around us as more eyes turned to see what would happen.

Yet, none of that tension seemed to be coming from the three approaching clones. I was nearly bowled over as Jesse practically tackled me in a hug, followed closely by Hardcase's burly arms.

"Woah!" I cried out in shock, doing my best not to stand rigid from fright. "What's all this about?"

"It's great to see ya, kid," Kix smiled at me from behind his brothers. "You had us worried there for a bit."

I quirked my eyebrow as the brothers finally detached themselves from me and gave me some breathing room. "Had you worried?" I wondered for a moment if the destruction of Mortis had caused changes in the galaxy. Had I never left in their minds? "What do you mean?"

"The Republic hadn't gotten any word on you for over a month," Hardcase explained adamantly. "We thought you'd gotten yourself killed."

I glanced between them all in silent shock as it dawned on me. They had been asking after me. They got the intel from spies the Republic used when they would spot me. They weren't angry at me for leaving at all. They were just glad to see me. Tears sprung to my eyes at the realization, making me glance away and blink awkwardly.

"Aw, Kida," Jesse teased gently. "We wouldn't have told ya if we knew you'd get all emotional on us."

I let out a wet sounding laugh as he came forward and gave me another hug. I returned this one happily, wrapping my arms around his armor. With a sniffle and a small wipe at my nose, I glanced between the three men.

"I'm sorry I had to leave. I wish I didn't have to." I wasn't sure how to apologize. Was there a right way to?

"Aw, we know, kid," Kix assured me, clapping me gently on the shoulder. "We're just glad you're alright." The tension in the room dissipated as the other clones saw how we were acting. They moved on, walking as if they'd never seen anything. "Kida, what the hell is this?"

My attention was drawn back to the clone who was holding my wrist, examining my injured hand. I flinched, not because it hurt-even though it did-but because I knew that tone. I was about to get the scolding of a lifetime for not treating it already. "In my defense-" I started, but was cut off.

"No, no," Kix commanded, turning to grab out his on-the-go medical supplies. "You don't get an excuse. You were just sitting in your ship! How did you manage to go this between then and now?"

I chuckled lowly, not wanting to try to explain, since I wasn't even sure if I understood myself. "I have to get to the bridge, Kix. I can't be late."

"Then we do on the go," Hardcase suggested, punching my shoulder pauldron lightly, right over the painted kyr'bes. I rolled my eyes, but allowed the clones to escort me to the bridge while Kix bandaged my hand. I wasn't really worried about drawing attention now. I had friends with me.

"So, what took you off the map for the first time, Kida?" Jesse asked beside me with a smirk. "Found yourself some young rogue?"

I laughed shortly. "Kriff, no. I was...looking into something."

"Looking into something?" Hardcase repeated. "For months? Nah, it must have been a boy. Or a girl. Whichever you prefer," he waved his hand dismissively, making me chuckle.

"Or she got lost," Kix added in shortly from where he was concentrating on my hand. I winced, pulling away slightly, earning a click of his tongue. "If you'd treated it when it happened, I wouldn't be picking rocks out of it. And is this-is this shrapnel?"

I winced again, but didn't answer, following the other conversation instead. "I wasn't lost. I was just staying off the grid for a bit while the Republic had a price out for me."

"I knew that wouldn't last," Jesse assured, rolling his eyes. "I'm surprised, really," he commented, glancing back at me. "I never pegged you for someone who could stay in one place for so long."

I hummed. "Well you're right. But it was out of necessity. I was there because I needed to figure some things out."

The brothers all glanced at each other in quiet curiosity, but didn't ask. "Well did you figure them out?" Kix finally asked gently.

"I'm here, aren't I?" I quipped back, making them all smirk at me again. We reached the bridge, the doors opening before us to reveal a room crowded with familiar faces. "Ouch," I squeaked as Kix gave me a shot in the arm between my pauldron and arm brace.

"Feel better?" I nodded at him. He waved the canister in front of my face. "Stim canisters. You have a belt. Please start carrying them."

I couldn't help but let out a small laugh, giving a mock salute. "Yes, sir."

"Glad you could join us," Kenobi greeted as I slowly entered the room filled with gazes. The jedi and Admiral Yularen stood in the room, with even more jedi watching on as holograms. In the corner, rather removed from the crowd, stood Captain Rex. His helmet was on, but I could feel his gaze on me. "Thank you, gentlemen," Obi-wan said to my companions, dismissing them from the room.

They left an I immediately felt outnumbered again. While the three present jedi had been friendly on Mortis, I still didn't get any sort of warm greeting like I had from the clones. I cleared my throat quietly, folding my hands behind my back.

"Thank you for letting me refuel here."

"Of course," Windu responded from the holoprojector, as if it was his decision to let me do it. "We owe it to someone who has helped members of our Order." He gestured to Ahsoka, Anakin, and Obi-wan. I assumed they had told him at least a little about Mortis.

Or maybe he was trying to make up for helping place a bounty on my head.

I hummed slightly, doing my best to still feel relaxed. "I was told you wanted a briefing? I'd like to clarify that it's about what just happened...not everything else."

"While we are certainly curious about your adventures," Kenobi voiced, touching his chin. "We only require your recounting of these recent events."

I nodded my head slowly, aware of the hair that was still slipping from my ponytail. "Alright."

"If you would be so kind, this is a Jedi matter," Obi-wan voiced to the room. Yularen pivoted immediately, gesturing for the communications officers to follow him from the war room. I stood awkwardly as Rex passed me, glancing at his chest plate rather than his visor.

It was cowardly, but I was barely holding it together as it was.

"Your story, tell us," Master Yoda said to the room as the doors sealed off. I settled myself in for a long recounting of a terribly confusing adventure.