Chapter 1 - Space and Power
Plot: Instead of finding Mortis, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka find something else, something far more powerful: the Space Stone. The Council thinks the Infinity Stones may be the best way to rebalance the Force, no matter how dangerous such a path could be. But with Ahsoka's obsession with and Obi-Wan's fear of their power, it won't be easy. And Anakin still has a destiny to fulfill.
Author's Note: This fic is loads of fun. :D It's... also a rather unusual type of fic, not the kind we normally write. ;)
There are 4 chapters, and we'll be posting them weekly on Friday.
Also, this is a gift for Superstary56 on ao3. ^-^
~ Amina Gila
The Force is in turmoil. Anakin has never sensed anything like this. It's as though their ship is being drawn in towards something... invisible. The currents are always constant, like an ocean, but here they flow inwards, like a black hole. Something here is... important.
Rex should have been here already, but there is no sign of him on the scanner or through the viewport.
"That must be where the signal was detected," Ahsoka says from where she leans one arm against the back of Anakin's chair, pointing out the viewport. He follows her gaze to a small planet nearby. How they never saw it when they first arrived, he has no idea.
"This entire situation is unusual," Obi-Wan replies, "I have a bad feeling about this."
"Don't make predictions too quickly, Master," Anakin warns, "We've only just arrived."
The ship jolts suddenly, as if being drawn in by a massive gravitational pull. That shouldn't be possible – the planet is too small for that but it's drawing the ship in towards it faster than should be possible.
"Are you sure we should be going towards it this quickly?" Ahsoka inquires hesitantly, a frown on her lips.
"No, we should not." he answers, glancing back at her briefly before returning his attention to the viewport. Truthfully, he doesn't know what's happening. None of this makes sense.
The ship is being pulled downwards, into the planet's atmosphere now. Anakin notices immediately how strong the Force is here. He thought it was strong when they were in space, but it's even stronger down here, drawing inwards. It's like a black hole, except it's brilliant instead of dark.
From this high up, he can see much of the landscape. A towering structure rises out of the ground not far from where the ship is being pulled, but beyond that, the planet appears uninhabited.
The ship continues its descent, until it's pulled onto the ground a distance away from the towering structure. Bright green grass and trees surround them, and far beyond that, they're encircled by mountains. Rocky structures, sometimes covered with moss, are floating mid-air, but other than that, everything is still.
He doesn't see any signs of anything else living. The Force here feels... different. Concentrated in a way Anakin has never felt before, nor did he think possible.
"What is this place?" Ahsoka asks rhetorically, leaning forward to peer out the viewport.
"I have never seen anything like it," Obi-Wan replies, frowning.
"If there is anyone here, they may be in that... structure," Anakin observes. It's the only indication here that the place may be inhabited.
"Fly there," Obi-Wan decides, grumpily, "If they were sending out a signal for us, we must determine why." They're near the very edge of the galaxy right now, and Anakin has no idea who could be sending this signal or why, but something about this place is important somehow. He can feel it, especially with how hyper aware he is of the Force right now.
The ship – thankfully – responds when he tries to control it this time, flying to the structure and landing outside. A gust of cool air hits him as they step off the ship, approaching the stone steps. They don't look dusty from disuse, so... Maybe someone is here.
"Someone may be here," Anakin warns.
"We must be cautious," Obi-Wan agrees as they head into the building.
Its design reminds Anakin much of a Temple of some kind, though to what, he doesn't know. The deeper they go, the more intensely he can feel the Force. It's strange and almost unsettling.
Their footsteps echo much too loudly as they walk through the halls, finally reaching a large room that looks like the center of the building. Up ahead, Anakin senses a presence, strangely brilliant in the Force. In the center of the platform on the far side of the room, a man is standing. He looks old, but something tells Anakin he's far older than he looks, and also something far beyond that of a normal human.
"Welcome," the man says, standing. He's at least nine feet, towering well over everyone.
"What is this place?" Anakin inquires. Everything about this feels... strange.
"Why have you come here?" the person asks.
"We received a distress signal from this area," Obi-Wan tells him. "We were sent to find its source."
"Indeed?" the man queries cryptically.
"Who are you?" Anakin inquires.
"Centuries ago, I was known as the Father," the man replies, "A Guardian of the Force, of the Stone of Space."
"The what?" Ahsoka asks, stepping forwards, confusion radiating off her in waves.
"The Infinity Stones," the Father repeats, "They have mostly been lost through time. They are the most powerful and dangerous objects in the universe."
Why have they never heard anything about this before?
"Not even the Council is aware of them," Obi-Wan asserts, "At least not to my knowledge."
"What are these... Infinity Stones?" Ahsoka asks, arms crossing, one hand on her elbow, the other on her chin.
"They are the building blocks of the universe. They must not fall into the wrong hands."
"Like the Sith," Anakin guesses. That would definitely be dangerous, though he doesn't really understand the situation. He's never heard about this before. "Is that why this place is so strong with the Force?"
"I took the Space Stone to an unknown world, one where no one would be able to find it," the Father replies.
"Then how did we find it?" Obi-Wan wants to know, "If it's so dangerous, and we were able to locate it without trying, surely the Sith could as well if they know of its existence."
This makes so much more sense now, Anakin thinks. He can feel the concentrated energy source, and it's calling him, as if itching to be found. He needs it.
"The Stones destroy the wielders," the Father adds, "But once they have been found, they cannot be forgotten. To use them is of great danger, both to the user, and those around them."
"Do they corrupt?" Obi-Wan asks.
"That depends on the mind and intentions of those using it."
"It's calling me," Anakin says finally. And it's distracting to feel that constant nagging energy, drawing him in towards it. He could swear the Force is telling him to go there. This thing is... important to him, and he can't ignore it. He has to answer. Maybe it's to protect him, or to protect the galaxy or to fulfill his destiny, he doesn't know, but he has to act on it.
"The Council would like to... see this," Obi-Wan agrees, "There is nowhere but the Temple that it would be better protected."
"Only if you defeat me will you have earned the power to possess the stone," the Father replies, firmly, "Until then, know that the Force has not willed its guardian to change."
Why is Anakin not even surprised that's what it comes to? This mission is getting more and more bizarre by the moment. He turns, glancing at Obi-Wan, and his former master only nods.
If they're going to get the Stone, they'll have to fight their way to it.
Typical mission.
**w**
Ahsoka waits until everything erupts into chaos before she makes a dash past them. She can't feel the Force the same way Anakin does, of course, but she can still feel the energy, and she feels where the energy is concentrated. And yes, it's almost calling to her, too. Ahsoka sprints onwards, letting the Stone call to her like a beacon. She couldn't miss it.
There's a crash behind her, as the Father blasts Anakin and Obi-Wan aside with the Force, but Anakin is up instantly, lashing out at him. They should be able to keep him busy enough.
She sprints for the exit, pushing the heavy door open, stepping into the otherwise darkness beyond, and the next thing she knows she's standing... somewhere else?
It looks like a cave of some sort, except there's a faint, bluish glow permeating everything, and the sheer strength of the Force in here is practically intoxicating. She follows the pull, weaving her way deeper into the darkness, jumping between the rock ledges until she reaches the edge, looking down into the abyss below where a brilliantly shining blue Stone is located.
So, that's what they're here for. The power is exhilarating, and she continues forwards down the dangerous slope, unable to tear her eyes from it. Up close, she can see that it's encased in a transparent cube that glows blue from the Stone.
Ahsoka reaches forwards, hands closing over the cube. Power rushes through her veins, so strongly it nearly throws her off balance. She's never felt anything like it before, and she never wants the feeling to stop.
There's so much good they could do with the power of this Stone, so many people they could help. They definitely need to take it with them, but right now, Ahsoka just wants it. She can't imagine letting it go. It's too...
She has no idea how long she's been standing there, but she can't bring herself to look away, or to do anything except focus on feeling it.
"Ahsoka!" a voice calls, and no, she doesn't want to be disturbed right now. But looking up, she can see Obi-Wan moving towards her, through the shadows of the cave above. "What are you doing? It's time to leave."
"It's so... powerful," she replies, eyes transfixed.
She feels him moving closer, jumping down right next to her. She doesn't pay him any mind, though, at least not until he promptly pulls the Stone away from her.
The sudden loss of connection with it nearly makes her stumble, and she wants it back. "What?" she protests, anger instinctively flaring.
Obi-Wan looks momentarily distracted, staring into the blue glow of the object. He looks... she doesn't really know, because all she can think about is that she needs that back.
"I'll take this," he replies firmly, finally looking away from it, leaping onto the rocky ledge above them before she can protest.
**w**
All Obi-Wan can feel the moment he touches the Space Stone – that's what the Father said it was called – is an overwhelming sense of dread. For a moment, all he could see was the destruction wrought by its use.
He could see entire planets lying in total ruin, the smothering feel of death and darkness hanging in the air left behind. And he's perfectly used to those sensations from war, but something about this was different.
And now... Now that's all he can sense. If the Stone falls into the wrong hands, that's exactly what's going to happen to the galaxy. They were handling the Father when both of them had suddenly sensed... something from Ahsoka. He has no idea what she was doing with the Stone for so long, but if anything, it looked like the first step towards what always led the Stone's users to bring destruction.
They became obsessed with its power and couldn't let it go. Maybe taking it is a bad idea, but if it stays here, the Sith could find it, too. They can't let anyone get near the Stone.
Except taking it with him means he'll have to leave it with other people, and he doesn't find that a wise decision. Most of all, he doesn't want Anakin anywhere near it, because... He already felt the terrible things that could result from this Stone, and he doesn't want Anakin to be hurt by it.
He finally makes it back out the door, to see Anakin and the Father standing across from each other, as though about to keep fighting.
"We have it," Obi-Wan says firmly, "And we're taking it."
The Father stops, turning to them. "You may have earned the right to possess it, but taking it may cause severe repercussions for the galaxy. The Stones have been hidden in the far reaches of the universe so none will be corrupted by their power. It is not a force meant to be used."
"And yet, we found it. If we did, the Sith could, too," Obi-Wan retorts sharply, striding across the room for the exit of the Temple.
He can still feel the sheer destruction this Stone could cause, though. Letting anyone near this is too dangerous. Perhaps leaving it somewhere no one can find would be better, but...
"What now, Master?" Anakin asks, when they arrive back at their ship.
"The Council will know what to do with it," Obi-Wan replies, holding it pointedly out of Anakin and Ahsoka's reach.
At least, he can hope taking the Space Stone right to where thousands of people live isn't a serious mistake.
Now that they're in hyperspace, Obi-Wan still can't be certain this was the right decision, and he can't find any calm at all right now which is... rare. So, he finally settles for trying to meditate, after giving the others strict warnings to stay away from the Stone.
But with it in such close proximity, all he can sense again is the destruction it could cause, how it could easily corrupt anyone who's near it, and he does not want Anakin anywhere near it. He doesn't want to risk him getting hurt.
It's then that he senses a twinge of... something through their bond, and he slips out of meditation, immediately hurrying to the room they left the Stone, to see Anakin and Ahsoka hovering right next to it.
"Step away from that!" Obi-Wan orders sharply, and both of them jump, looking up.
Ahsoka has that strange, almost transfixed, look in her eyes again, and Anakin hastily sets it down. "I –"
"I told you to stay away from it. You heard what the Father said about its dangers," Obi-Wan snaps.
"It was calling to me," Anakin argues.
"It's power calls to everyone," he snaps, "It's dangerous for anyone to be near it." Most of all Anakin, because he doesn't want anything to happen to him.
"I know," Anakin replies. He looks stung, but Obi-Wan would much rather have that than losing his padawan entirely.
"Then stay away from it."
He leaves it at that, stalking back into the cockpit. Anakin looks down, shuffling after him a few moments later.
**w**
The Space Stone feels like a part of him, in a way Anakin's never felt anything before. But it's part of the Force, so it's not really a surprise. It felt like his destiny, somehow. A way to bring balance to the Force.
The prophecy of the Chosen One has always hung over him, as something he somehow needs to live up to, but it's never felt so reachable since that moment he touched the Space Stone. It has a power nothing else in the galaxy does, and if anything could right the disturbed balance of the Force, it's going to be with those.
Obi-Wan is snapping at everyone right now, though, so Anakin keeps his... observations to himself. Not as if he's comfortable with discussing these things with his master anyway.
"Are you alright?" he asks, eyeing Ahsoka as they finally land at the Temple hanger and prepare to disembark. She's still lingering at the top of the ramp for some reason. She's been acting distant ever since she first saw the Stone, and he's beginning to wonder if the sheer strength of it is a little too much for her to handle at such close proximity. It wouldn't be a shock. Even he can hardly tolerate being near something so powerful for so long.
Ahsoka shakes her hand, as though finally snapping out of her daze. "Yes, Master. I am."
"Good. Come. We must deliver our report to the Council."
The Council listens to the tale, exchanging almost incredulous glances.
"I believe we need to find these Stones," Windu decides, "There is nowhere safer they can be kept except here."
"Having them near anyone is a risk," Obi-Wan interrupts, "They could easily corrupt anyone. I sensed the destruction possible with those." He did? Maybe that's why he's been acting like this.
"No one would have access to them except Council members," Shaak Ti points out.
"Everyone on the planet can sense them. We have had intruders in the Temple before," Obi-Wan argues.
Anakin can only blink in surprise. He never remembers Obi-Wan this vehemently arguing with the Council about anything before. At least not in front of anyone. What did he see of those Stones?
"Mm, clouded the Force is," Yoda murmurs, "Unclear on what path to take."
"If we could find any of them, the safety of the others is questionable," points out Mundi.
The Council is divided on whether to find them, but most everyone seems to think they should. For a moment, Anakin can't help but wonder just how much the Stones are affecting them too. They all seem almost entranced with its power, not as if that's a surprise.
But the Stones might be the only way Anakin will be able to bring balance to the Force and destroy the Sith, so he thinks they need to find them.
"We have nowhere to look for them," Obi-Wan insists finally.
"Is that true? Did the Father mention nothing that may indicate where the others are hidden?" Plo asks.
An idea suddenly hits him, and it's... well, in favor of what the Council wants, even if it feels like contradicting Obi-Wan's fairly legitimate concerns. "There is one thing, Masters," Anakin says, "If this Stone has a connection with... Space, someone may be able to use it to locate the others. If these Stones are the foundation of the universe, they may be key to balancing the Force."
There's a momentary pause of silence, as Windu and Yoda exchange glances.
"No," Obi-Wan speaks up sharply, "I feel the risks of anyone using those Stones may be too great."
What? Obi-Wan doesn't even trust him for that when this is Anakin's destiny? He doesn't understand. Why is his master always like this? It cuts into him sharper than anything else ever has, and Anakin has to force himself to keep his expression neutral, to not outwardly react, because if he lets his emotions show, it'll only be more obvious that Obi-Wan is right to question him.
"No Jedi here would have any reason to use the Stones for anything but the greater good," Shaak Ti points out.
"I believe it is a greater risk to wait for the chance the Sith will find these," Windu responds firmly.
"Mm, use it, Skywalker can," Yoda decides, "Best suited to search for the Stones, he is. Perhaps balance to the Force, he can finally bring."
Anakin nods, feeling oddly relieved. If he has this chance, he can't just not do it, can he? And it's not usual that the Council agrees with him like this. "Thank you, Masters." He tries to ignore Obi-Wan's icy gaze on him. His master is clearly very unhappy about this.
But it's not as if there's much for either of them to say now – it's the order of the Council.
**w**
"This is dangerous," Obi-Wan says, still scowling, as he, Anakin, and Ahsoka head to the vault where the Space Stone is contained.
"I know," Anakin replies. He tries to ignore the sting of his master's attitude.
"The Council already decided we have to find them," Ahsoka offers.
"You do not even know what you're doing, using it," Obi-Wan retorts, as they finally step into the blue-tinted room. Maybe not, but Anakin can't imagine it would be that difficult to figure out. Hopefully. He knows it's dangerous, but they have to do it.
Anakin approaches the Space Stone, picking it up. He knows they have to be careful with it, and they are. He reaches into the Force, for the power of the Stone. He doesn't know where it'll take them, but they have to start somewhere. They don't know where to look, and all records of these things have been lost.
It responds to his call immediately as he reaches into it more deeply, searching for answers. Where are the rest of the Stones? He's never felt the Force so strongly before, and he can acutely feel Ahsoka's... obsession with it, and Obi-Wan's irritation, but more than that... fear.
Searching beyond that, Anakin reaches for whatever Stone is nearest, letting the Force guide him. He wraps the Force around the three of them, letting the Space Stone do whatever it's about to. For an abrupt moment he feels weightless, like he's flying, and the Force surges as though they're being ripped through time and space.
And when he opens his eyes again, they're somewhere completely different. There's a shimmering portal around them, but on the side, they're facing a vast, rocky expanse. Anakin doesn't sense much – if any – life ahead. It's like a barren moon somewhere. The sky is dark, too. Everything is dark here, but Anakin still senses the blinding rays of power. It's not like the Space Stone.
That power was more muted. This is like screaming, drawing attention from all around. Where this planet must be in the galaxy to separate it from known and inhabited areas, Anakin doesn't know. That is, assuming it is in the same galaxy. He has no way of knowing that.
"Whoa," Ahsoka breathes, "This one is very strong."
"And very dangerous," Obi-Wan snaps.
Anakin ignores them both. "It should have a guardian as well. Somewhere," he comments, looking around. He doesn't see anyone yet, so maybe they can get in and out with it quickly.
"They may be, wisely, less keen on us taking it than the Father was," Obi-Wan points out.
"Perhaps," Anakin replies.
Anakin looks away from him at the sound of rocks and dirt crunching a distance away, to see Ahsoka already heading straight for the structure in front of them, where the power feels strongest.
That's when he feels a prickle of danger in the Force. "Ahsoka, wait!" he calls, alarmed.
"We just need to take it," she objects, and keeps walking.
He sprints to her side, quickly circling past her into the building, where a strange purple orb sits in the center of the room. It's obviously encasing this stone, whatever it is.
The Force flares sharply in warning. A cream-colored creature suddenly rises out of the floor in front of them, with long tentacles in the place of limbs and hair. It lashes out at them, and Anakin hardly has time to ignite his lightsaber in defense.
The blast sends him and Ahsoka skidding back. It swings another tentacle at them, and he lashes at it with his lightsaber. It cuts deeply into the tentacle, but the creature doesn't seem bothered. Ahsoka instantly whips out her own blades, swinging for it again. It feels like whatever Stone is in front of them, Anakin realizes suddenly. As though the source of its power comes from that.
If they could take it, then –
He shoots a quick glance to Ahsoka and Obi-Wan, silently letting them know to distract it, before he delves into the Force again, hurling the creature back.
Except it only skids a few feet, and then lunges forwards again literally walking on the tentacles. He leaps forwards, trying to jump over its head, except a stray limb catches him, throwing him aside. He hits the ground a distance off.
"What are you?" he asks, hoping to distract her as he tries to pull himself free.
Its blob-like head instantly turns to him. "I am the bringer of chaos, the Abeloth," it hisses, and it sounds female, though its voice echoes strangely, much like the Father's did.
"What Stone are you guarding?" Obi-Wan asks, though the attempt at distraction is probably relatively ineffective when he's pointing a lightsaber at her head.
"This is the well of power," she hisses, "You will not take it."
"We must know it's safe here," Obi-Wan counters.
Anakin doesn't wait, reaching for the orb with the Force, except it's the power of it that answers him instantly.
Abeloth's expression turns furious, and she hurls him back against the wall, trying to break his hold on the Stone. It powers her, but it's of the Force, and Anakin is half that. He reaches out again, and the power surges in response to his touch, even though he's not physically holding it.
That's... possible?
Apparently.
He throws a nearly visible, purple-tinted Force wave at her, throwing her back. Her form starts to twist and shrink, slowly morphing back into that of a person, now that the Power Stone is in the possession of another.
"Come," Anakin calls, and sprints for the entrance, letting Ahsoka and Obi-Wan out first.
"You're making a mistake," Abeloth calls after them, "You cannot control that power. Its place is here."
Obi-Wan pauses, looking back. "Anakin..."
"We're under orders from the Council," Ahsoka thankfully speaks for him.
"They have not seen this. They did not witness the destruction these stones can cause," Obi-Wan retaliates harshly.
His master rarely gets outright angry, but he is now, and it's nearly enough to make Anakin back away from him. He doesn't even understand why he's so upset. Of course, the Stones are dangerous, and maybe they're taking a serious risk, but it was the Council's orders, and they can't disobey. Besides, the Force is nudging him onwards, as though this is the path he's supposed to be taking.
"If this truly works to balance the Force, we can return the Stones once this is over," he points out.
"By then, it may be too late," Obi-Wan snaps.
Anakin glances over his shoulder again, to see the woman – it's definitely a woman – standing in the doorway of the structure, looking none too happy. She's not pursuing, but there's no reason to wait around. There's no point arguing with his master either, so he heads for the still open portal, and within moments, they're back in the vault in the Temple.
"Can I see it?" Ahsoka asks hopefully, reaching for the orb.
Anakin nods, cautiously opening the orb. It snaps open, to reveal a blindingly bright purple object. The Power Stone.
"We should report to the Council," Obi-Wan says stiffly, turning away. For some reason, he pointedly waits until they're both out before he follows.
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