Answers to reviews
Thank you to everyone who left a review! I apologize again for the long wait. I'm doing the best I can but I really struggle with the time schedule of grad school.
Chapter 24 contains references to the "Shatterpoint" novel (it's a great read!) and Season 5 of TCW. I hope I managed to provide enough context for readers who didn't read respectively watch those.
Will Anakin believe Kenshin when he reveals what he has found out? One of Anakin's greatest qualities – and weaknesses – is his loyalty to the ones close to him. And who can blame him? Who would want to believe it when being told that a father figure, having stood out as one of the few positive aspects of your entire life, might be a traitor and manipulator, acting against you?
Dear Guest, you gave me a few interesting ideas, thank you very much!
I can promise Nari will make an appearance again in later chapters, getting her own lightsaber, in a way I hope you will like, although it might surprise you.
Again, you bring up some interesting comparisons and points about lightsaber combat, especially discussing Obi-Wan and Kenshin. I can say that much that Kenshin has a lot of respect for Obi-Wan. A lot more than he has for most other Jedi. Obi-Wan developed his skills impressively over the course of the Clone Wars. Obi-Wan is not only able but also willing to learn from his mistakes, which is an admirable trait. However, Obi-Wan being the picture-perfect Jedi, and Kenshin being somewhat the equivalent of a rogue samurai, identifying himself as a warrior, we're dealing with two fundamentally different schools of thought. The composure and discipline of the light side can be extremely powerful, and Obi-Wan takes this to perfection when he duels Anakin/Vader in Canon. In terms of strength in the Force, I'm not sure if Obi-Wan or Kenshin are stronger. There's this particularity that gives Kenshin an edge over followers of the light side – he can fully commit to the dark side. He also has an edge over adepts of the Sith belief system – he lacks the greed that often blinds the Sith. I admit, it is a bit of a paradox. As a human, Kenshin is often seen impulsive, passionate and irritable while as a duelist, he is eerily cold-blooded and controlled. Sometimes however, we do see extreme opposites within the same person, both in literature and in real life. If we look at the battle mindset once more, I think it was Musashi Miyamoto who said "To win any battle, you must fight as if you're already dead". From my own experience, I can tell you this is true. I have always aspired to adopt this philosophy for exams and competitions, and for one event a few weeks ago, I succeeded for the first time. Letting go what you want the most - it is incredibly difficult. Something that means the world to me was at stake at this event, and yet, when I entered it, I had carefully prepared myself to accept every outcome, even defeat. It was the best fight of my life so far. And this is what Kenshin does in battle – he is ready to face everything, he truly fights as if he were already dead. There lies a great power in this philosophy.
We could go on and discuss the different lightsaber forms. Soresu as a defensive style, and Kenshin's Kage no ryu, a very controlled but utterly offensive style, both mastered to perfection on their respective end. Obi-Wan fights to preserve. Kenshin fights to kill and win. It's the difference in philosophy again. I think that Obi-Wan, by the end of the Clone Wars, is an extremely powerful duelist. I would still imagine he could not defeat Kenshin, who possesses a superior skillset and masters an extreme cold-bloodedness in battle, the fine line of using the dark side to fuel one's power, without being compromised by its greed.
~24~
Ignition
- The blade of betrayal is the sharpest of weapons -
Anakin's eyes went wide and glossy, his body froze still as he tried to comprehend the words spoken to him.
"What did you just say? How? None of what you say makes any sense!" Anakin's voice went low with disbelief and confusion.
"I found this amulet attached to your mother's clothes. It is a Sith artefact, enabling its creator to manipulate the Force over a great distance. I have been digging through the archives for weeks on end before I even found records of this kind of ritual. Only an uniquely powerful Force user, who at the same time is profoundly knowledgeable about Sith magic, could be capable of accomplishing the making of such an artefact and conducting the ritual itself. It's extremely rare and complex and millenia old. It dates back to before the days of Darth Bane and Darth Zannah. This amulet, on the other hand, is recent. I had a material analysis done, and from its age, it indicates that it had been made specifically for this purpose. To help murder your mother."
A freezing shiver ran down Anakin's spine, followed by the sensation of intense heat. Loss. Anger. Helplessness. Confusion. Why. How. Who.
His feet fidgeted and he balled his hands to tight fists to the point of his knuckles turning white. He glared first at the tips of his boots, then stared back at Kenshin.
"I've made every effort I possibly could to find out was behind this. The only leads I found point to Serenno," Kenshin said.
"Dooku? You believe the Separatists are behind this? But why my mother? She was just a slave, one amongst many. Who would have taken notice of her existence, or care enough to kill her?"
"Based on the complexity of the scheme deployed to get to her, and just how difficult of a feat this ritual is, it was someone very strong with the dark side, and who had access to all kinds of resources."
"That still doesn't explain why Dooku would go to such lengths to kill a simple farmer's wife."
"I can only speculate. At the first glance, she appears insignificant to any greater picture. Her death would affect no one but her married family – and her only born son! If my instincts are worth anything, their ultimate goal was to get to you. Someone murdered your mother with the purpose of hurting, weakening or manipulating you. Who would want to deal a blow to the Chosen One, prodigy of the Jedi?"
Everything in Anakin's head began to swirl.
"How did Dooku even learn of my mother's existence?"
"Espionage is an art as old as the galaxy, and one our enemy masters just as well as we do. Who did you tell about her?"
Anakin pondered.
"Obi-Wan knew. And Padmé. Other than her….I only ever talked to Chancellor Palpatine about her. He was the only one who would listen. It's not like the Jedi much cared about feelings, let alone my feelings."
Kenshin answered with grave silence, his dark eyes glowering.
"Well, that doesn't help." Anakin continued. "None of them would have wanted my mother dead. Whatever way Dooku found out about my mother, it must have been him, then. We've been trying to capture him since the beginning of the war. Maybe if the Council commissioned me with this... if only anyone trusted me!" Anakin began to work himself into a rage.
"I believe this threat goes much deeper. For all his power, Dooku is only an apprentice. When I tried to Force-heal your mother, I sensed a presence in the Force. The most evil, terrifying, and unfathomable thing I've ever felt. Not even on Drommund Kaas I encountered terrors of this magnitude. I couldn't comprehend it at the time, and I still can't to its full extend. I'm not a healer, so when I use Force-healing, I have to draw on my own life energy. That, however, I can control. I could have saved your mother. It would have killed me, but I had nearly brought her back when my connection to her was shattered."
"You never told me that before…"
"How, Anakin, how? How was I supposed to tell you something I couldn't understand myself? "
"And what are you trying to tell me now? Other than giving me something you know will only trouble me further, as if I didn't already have more to deal with than I can handle?" he blurted out.
"Let me lay it out for you. I believe that the presence I sensed was Sidious himself. Only the dark lord of the Sith himself is powerful and skilled enough to conduct this ritual to ensure your mother would die. I sensed that very same presence in the Force again when I confronted Dooku in battle on Geonosis. A Master always leaves an imprint on the apprentice and Sidious is Dooku's Sith Master. There was then a third time I sensed this presence in the Force. It was when I attended a Senate session, during a speech of Palpatine."
Anakin's face lost all colour.
"If Darth Sidious is influencing the senate, then we must address the Council!"
"Don't you believe I didn't already try? Yoda said, if Sidious had such a direct influence on the senate, they would be aware. Not even Obi-Wan believed me! And Windu, this bastard with a shit-coloured ball for a head called me a paranoia-ridden, overwrought bag of nerves, a spy gotten caught in the nebulae of the underworld's schemes. Too much time in the shadows, he said. This arrogant, self-righteous idiot. It's him who is blinded by the light!"
A mug on the table moved, sent crashing against the wall and shattered into pieces, the untouched tea now trickling down the wall. Clenching both hands to fists, Kenshin inhaled deeply, before regaining a semblance of control.
"What we do know is that only the Jedi Council, Padmé and Palpatine had knowledge of your mother's existence. And somehow, this information found its way to Darth Sidious. Padmé can be ruled out, I sense no betrayal in her. She will safeguard anything you tell her. The Council is an institution I have much less trust in, but none of them would benefit from sharing the information about your mother with anyone. Which leaves us with one person."
"What are you insinuating, Kenshin?"
"I insinuate nothing. I told you all I know. You should be careful who you trust, Anakin."
"What is your deal with the Chancellor? Why do you hate him? He's been my mentor, he's been, in a way, the only father I ever had. Without him, the Republic would long have crumbled. He's.."
"He's a politician with an agenda, and if you would open your eyes just a little bit, you would see that his actions do not match his words. If you won't listen to me, just ask your senator girlfriend. She'll tell you all about it!"
A sting made itself felt in Anakin's heart. Wife, not girlfriend he corrected Kenshin in his mind. He had never told his former Master about this wonderful, marvellous secret that was his marriage.
He opened his mouth. He had had a dream a while ago. Although it had occurred only once so far, it had been enough to scare him. The dreams about his mother had begun the same way, and what had they led to. He had not acted upon them. He hadn't told anyone.
Kenshin is my friend. I can trust him.
A painful sting stopped the train of thought.
Can I, really? He's wrong about the Chancellor, and he's wrong to talk this way.
"What has Palpatine done to end the war? What has he done to reign in the ever-growing corruption in the Senate? Has he the republic's best interests at heart? Or rather his own power? You are intelligent, Anakin. You're a Jedi general. It's about time you use that brain of yours. Do some thinking for yourself instead of blindly trusting the lies or half-truths someone else feeds you. You must question everything, even the ones you think you trust. Be careful with Palpatine. "
"Why are you trying to turn me against him? He's my friend. The only confidant I have, it seems."
"You question me. That is good. Ask yourself, what is my agenda? You'll find that I have no reason to turn you against Palpatine. My only agenda is to find out the truth, to hunt Sidious down. I am only trying to make you think, and I share with you what I have found and what I sense since you deserve to know the truth. As much of it as we have, at least."
Once Anakin had left, he glowered at the door for the better part of an hour and contemplated how stubborn his former apprentice was. Once the night had fallen and the buzz of the daytime temple business ebbed down, he wandered back to the archives.
With a quiet click, the vault portal closed behind him. He pulled his cloak more tightly around himself. With all the damage he had taken in the past few years, his beaten body didn't easily tolerate the cold temperatures of the dark chambers.
Fingertipps darted over the panels, until he had accessed data so highly classified, only High Council members had access. Council members and those who knew how to hijack the algorithm.
He had once chosen the path of a Jedi shadow and devoted his life to destroying the Sith. There was little he didn't know about the Sith and even their most ancient rituals, and yet it had cost him hours of research to unearth how the artefact worked that had been used to help Shmi Skywalker's demise.
His digging didn't reveal anything new. Nobody in the entire order deemed it necessary to further question the origins of the Clone army or the suspicions raised at the beginning of the war that Sidious was influencing the Senate. There was no new intel, no investigation, not even on the most confidential level. The Jedi were, in fact, keeping a readily blind eye on the Republic's leadership.
He finished his search for now and put the Sith amulet back to its previous place in the archives.
Another artefact, or rather, two pieces of it, were stored in another of the compartments. The strange artefact he had unearthed on his homeworld a few years before, the prophecy accompanying his own Master's notes speaking of great danger. He had not yet found the time to continue his research on its case. He wondered, if he had missed anything, if he, too, was becoming blind to something obvious. Was there a connection between the war, the Sith taking a sinister hold over the galaxy, and this artefact?
Back in his quarters, he had slept for maybe two hours before waking up to the dim lights of his alarm clock, but his spirit was still in darkness. Physically, he felt exhausted and cold. Still in the dark, nebulous embrace of a phantom menace with no form and no name, that always ate away at his heart and soul and blackened every half-conscious thought until he was fully awake. Sometimes its dark tendrils even gripped at him in his waking hours and then he fought to get back in control of his mind.
He felt like that more and more often. He could tell when it came and took over part of his being. He could still identify it as twisted malfunctions of his brain and tell it apart from reality. He could still function and chase after fulfilling his purpose. But it hurt, more than the accumulating effects of the numerous injuries did that he had suffered in the last few years. It scared him, this detachment but it wasn't the kind of detachment the Jedi preached and held up as their ideal. It felt like a filter between himself and his own body, as if a different entity had taken over and he had to wrestle the control back from its clutch.
***** Cato Neimoidia, a few months later
Anakin rubbed his head and watched the blue-white blurry shape before his eyes transform into a clearer form of a young Togruta's montrals who stared back at him with a very concerned expression.
"Hold, wait a minute. Wasn't I flying? Where's my fighter? How did I get here?"
"Fighter crashed. I saved the day. You're welcome!" Her concern turned into a cocky grin.
In the aftermath of Nute Gunray's assassination, Palpatine had eventually succeeded in smoothing the diplomatic backlash which meant that Cato Neimoidia was now under particular Republic protection. That was how he and is 501st had found themselves in a battle, fending off a Separatist invasion. The last thing he remembered had been a bantha's buttload of buzz droids on his fighter, before waking up to Ahsoka's best 'what would you have done without me'-smile and a pounding headache.
Their call to Rex for extraction was promptly followed by a call from Yoda, ordering them back to the temple with disturbing news.
There had been a bombing at the temple.
"Your assistance to find the terrorist, we need." Came Yoda's crackling voice through the holo call.
"What about Master Kano? Isn't he better suited for that task?"
"On a covert mission, he is. Join you, he cannot."
Little had Ahsoka known that from there, her world would crumble.
Coruscant greeted Master and Padawan with chaos. Protests against the war and the military role of the Jedi brought even more noise and unrest into an already frantic setting, with the Jedi temple now at its epicentre. The images of dark grey smoke rising from one of the hangars, where immaculate, light-coloured walls should be, were haunting. As haunting and unclear as their investigations that turned out to be an arduous process. First, no bomb residue was traceable, yet a violent explosion had undeniably caused utter destruction. An investigation droid finally found nanodroid explosives in the blood of a dead hangar worker; respectively what was left of him. A hand with nothing but a short stub of his forearm was all that remained of his body. Eventually, Anakin and Ahsoka found and arrested the worker's wife, going by the name of Letta Turmond.
Once imprisoned, Turmond seemed terribly afraid and refused to talk to anyone but Ahsoka. Ahsoka, as upset as she was that the Jedi temple, her home, had been attacked, tried her best to console her and assure Letta that she was safe. Finally, Turmond stated that she had been set up, by a Jedi who wanted to make a statement against the Order as warmongers. Treading carefully, Ahsoka could finally prompt Letta far enough to reveal that Jedi's name, but the word never got out of the poor woman's throat. Letta was lifted into the air and grasped at her throat, she was choking and couldn't breathe. Ahsoka made all efforts she could to save her, but there was nothing she could do. Alarmed by the security cameras, Clone troopers rushed to Letta's cell, where Ahsoka had interrogated her, and the door opened. Admiral Tarkin's cruelly cold eyes and the Clone troopers saw - or chose to see - a compromising picture.
Tarkin accused Ahsoka of killing the prisoner. He had her arrested and kept her right in that very cell, forcing Ahsoka to sit with Turmond's corpse for several hours until the body was removed. Anakin, her own Master, wasn't allowed to come see her, the order coming from the Chancellor's office himself, but Ahsoka didn't know that. She felt abandoned.
Eventually, a key card miraculously appeared, for Ahsoka to grab using the Force. Thinking it was Anakin trying to help her get free and go on the hunt for the real culprit, she fled the chamber and stumbled into a nightmare. Dead clones all over, traces of lightsaber cuts all over their bodies. A massacre. On the floor, her very own lightsabers!
It ran cold down Ahsoka's spine. Whatever had happened here, was not supposed to help her. Someone was setting her up, and made it look like she had not only bombed the temple but killed a prisoner and clone troopers as well. She had to get out of here!
No one safe for Anakin would believe her, she had to get out of here.
Following a wild batha chase across and through half of Coruscant, Anakin watched with both despair and understanding how Ahsoka hurled herself out of the sewer opening into the depths of the lower levels. No one would stand by her, no one but him. And no one would help him either. Ahsoka was now on the run. He had to find her. He also had to find the true mastermind behind the temple bombing and this ensuing scheme. He had to find a solution to this, and fast. He needed help. Palpatine? Palpatine had to stand in for the interests of the Republic, and he'd have to convince him of Ahsoka's innocence first. No, Palpatine wouldn't be able to help him now. He sent a message to the only person he hoped he could trust.
****Republic intelligence base quarters, Saleucami,
The directing Republic intelligence officer in the Saleucami sector, and he was very proud of having held that position without succumbing to the pressure since the war began, was fuming with rage. He filed a formal complaint, knowing that it would probably be fruitless, but a point had to be made. As the handler of over 15 GAR agents at that point, he was used to getting his fair share of awkward personalities. The Bothan spies, especially. Jedi however…. they were ethereal mystics at best. He hated having to deal with Jedi agents. As for this one, there was nothing ethereal about him. The only appropriate description would be 'deranged maniac'. A male human known to him only by his code name "Demon". Choosing a code name like that for himself spoke volumes about the spy. He had hated him from the start. He was the superior, supposed to direct operations and give out orders, not the other way round! The Demon was the most uncooperative pain in the ass he had ever met. And now the man had the audacity to walk out on him mid-briefing. A faintly audible beep, the Demon had checked a hidden comm device on his wrist, and then turned on his heels without so much as an apology or explanation. The duration of a flight later, shortened by illegally enhanced hyperdrive engines, a young Jedi General was relieved and positively surprised when he saw the familiar, grumpy face of his former mentor in the group of Jedi that had assembled to discuss and solve a terrible, twisted situation.
**** Coruscant, Jedi temple, High Council chamber
"You got my message." He greeted him.
"Looks like it." Came the dry, short reply.
The briefing was to begin in a few minutes, leaving Anakin a moment to update Kenshin on what had happened.
"This doesn't make sense!" Kenshin shook his head. "It's as clear as the waters of Naboo, that Ahsoka had no way of committing this act. She was with you on Cato Neimoidia all this time, when and how would she have fed nanodroids to that mechanic here on Coruscant? Theoretically, she could have arranged for a middle person to do that for her, but seriously? That is very far fetched."
"I agree, but the Council doesn't see it that way, and now Ahsoka's on the run and everything looks like she's killed several Clone troopers to get out of prison. This is one, holy mess, Master."
Sedition. Tarkin was firm in his speech, accusing Ahsoka of being the only possible culprit. Mace Windu immediately pledged to leave Anakin out of the investigation due to his attachment, he argued how Anakin would be emotionally compromised. Kenshin remained silent, knowing that any involvement from his side in the already tense discussion would only add fuel to the flames. Only Obi-Wan defended Skywalker's position. It was cruelly clear that nobody trusted Anakin. They were so ready to dismiss one of their own, who had always ever been devoted to their cause, it made Kenshin physically gag of revulsion.
While he pensively walked off, one of the Jedi who had attended the briefing, separated herself from the group and followed Kenshin, until they were out of earshot of a few Council members that still remained outside the briefing room to discuss.
„My former Master has always had an overly strong sense for law and order."
Kenshin stopped to listen. Her presence in the Force exuded confidence and pragmatism. Her appearance was distinguished by two golden implants on her face. Chalactan marks of illumination. He had never spoken to her before, but recognized her as Depa Billaba, a former Padawan of Mace Windu.
"That's one way to say he's a complete idiot."
"I must say, I find your honesty refreshing, Master Kano."
"Good for you. What do you want?"
Billaba smiled.
"I was always good at reading the feelings and thoughts of others. Yet I could never read yours."
"Get to the point! I have a job to do and not much time."
"Mace is so obsessed with law and order, that despite his infamous shatterpoint ability, there's many things he doesn't see."
"He's a Jedi, I'm a warrior and that's only where the differences – and his blindness – begin."
"Oh I know. You must be careful, Kano. Thanks to your abilities, you've always been too valuable an asset to the Council, but their stance begins to shift. Many, including Mace, think that you have drifted down too dark a path; one a Jedi mustn't walk. There are voices deeming you unfit for service, or even a threat, and they're thinking of ways to remove you."
"Windu says I have no honour. I say he is a slave to it. You're not telling me anything new. "
"I imagined you're aware of the situation. I came to say that you're right in questioning the Council and our ways that lead us down the wrong path. I, too, have been thrown into darkness, into the ugly, cruel reality of war. I was sent onto a disastrous mission to Harun Kaal, Mace's homeworld. And I, too, learned things I was not meant to see. I, too, began to question our ways and our view of the Force, and I was shunned for it. It was a very painful awakening. As you have realized, the Council is blind to many truths, some of which you tried to make them see and they would not look. I have not much confidence myself anymore in their rigid ways of seeing the Force. The world is evolving, and the Jedi are not evolving with it. They fear you because nothing is more dangerous than a Jedi who's finally sane. Keep believing in yourself, Master Kano. Keep fighting for the truth. I sense you have a good heart, underneath that mask of a heartless brute you make everyone believe you are. Stay true to yourself."
With astonishment, she saw tears well in his eyes, his face had gone pale.
"What is it?" she asked. Had she gone too far, misjudged Kano and revealed too much?
"Nothing…you…you remind me of someone. Someone I lost and could not save."
She reached out with her hand to offer consolation, but like a ghost, Kano was suddenly gone.
**** Coruscant underworld, level 1312, a few hours later.
The young Togruta retreated into a dark, lonely corner. Just to catch her breath. How long had she been running?
The next instant, she found a hand pressing onto her mouth and a strong arm restraining her and pulling her deeper into the shadows. She kicked and struggled, to no avail. Her assailant spun her around and she faced a pair of dark eyes, the rest of the face was covered by a hood and mask. She recognized him anyways.
He motioned her to stay silent and said "Quiet! I'm not here to turn you in!" and handed her a voluminous cloak and a mask, before signalling her to follow him.
In lack of better options, she decided to trust him. They descended several levels deeper into Coruscant's underground, took dozens of turns and dives until they arrived at the obscure entrance of an even more obscure establishment. A half-lit panel, the time-worn lamps emitting sparks at irregular intervals, spelled "The Last Drop". It was the shadiest cantina she'd ever seen. Inside, Kenshin made his way to the bar where a tall, burly man - presumedly the owner of this questionable saloon - opened his arms wide, beaming with joy upon seeing his newly arrived guests. The man was human, but had wild hair and a beard so puffy and hairy, he could have passed for a wookie in the right clothing.
"Kashi! Long time, no see!" He jumped over the counter and enveloped Kenshin – or Kashi, as he had called him – in a tight embrace.
"Good to see you, old friend! By the looks of you two, you need a hand?"
"Yes. This is Ashla. She might need a place to stay for a while." Kenshin put a handful of credits onto the table "something to start with. You can put the rest onto my bill?"
"Sure thing. Come!" He led them into a small room, murmured something about going to prepare them a meal and then left them alone.
Ahsoka waited for the tavern keeper to be gone, then bursted with questions. "Who is that? What is this place? How did you even find me?"
"First things first: NOT a word to anyone who we really are. The word 'Jedi' does not exist here, is that understood?"
Bewildered, Ahsoka nodded.
"Good. Ahsoka – you were as good at hiding your presence as a holonet broadcaster! I would have thought Anakin taught you better. Balu, who welcomed us, is an old contact of mine. A friend, even, although he doesn't know my real identity. To him, I'm a smuggler and artefact dealer. Whatever his suppliers – me, among them – find, he proceeds it to art dealers in the upper levels, where the rich and pretty pay 100 times more for the shit than it's worth. A few years back, when he was still …let's call it 'prospecting' himself, he ended up in a tricky situation. I happened to be the right place at the right time and saved his life. I never revealed who or what I really was since I was working under cover. We became friends, and he helps me out now and then. I kept using 'Kashi the smuggler' as a cover identity. Gets me places to dig around without anyone in the underworld batting an eye and also provides me with a few un-traced credits."
An expression of disapproval appeared on Ahsoka's face.
"What's the harm? Those people here scam the credits off those who have too much of it anyways and put it to much better use. I help them, they help me. That's how it works, be it the underworld, or the upper echelons of corrupt politics. The difference is, most of these gangsters are more honest than some revered members of the Senate. To your last question – this place is Balu's tavern; and a safe place, a hideout. He won't ask any questions, you're safe here for now. In this room, you'll find a change of clothes. They're my size, but you'll manage. You'll also find make-up to cover or alter your markings. There's some rations, and some credits, too. If you give me a few days, I can get you a new identichip. Until then, I suggest you lay low."
"But…is any of this…"
"Legal? Of course not! The Jedi Council has no knowledge of this place, or my activities related to it."
"But…we can't just.."
"Yes, Ahsoka, we can. There is no use in sticking to the rules of an organization that has forsaken you."
"But…" Memories of Anakin, her training, all her teachers and friends raced through her mind. She had sworn her loyalty to the Jedi, and their Code.
"Listen! I know the Jedi Order has been your life, but as of now, they're hunting you as a terrorist. Alone, you won't stand a chance to prove your innocence, and Anakin doesn't look in the right places. Stay in hiding and let me do my job. I will find out who was really behind this."
At last she gave in to the pressure, and tears rolled down her face. Through a wet veil over her eyes, she asked "Why are you helping me?"
Kenshin sighed.
"I know you didn't do this. You're another victim of the Council's stupidity and blind idealism, and I'm not gonna let you take the fall."
Far from that shady cantina in the lower levels, in the Jedi temple, a young Jedi knight paced the floor of his own quarters. His feet were sometimes avoiding, sometimes kicking droid parts and tools that had been neglected on the floor. His wayward Padawan had still not been found. The criminal behind the attack on the temple had still not been found, and that in spite of the best investigator known to him now working on the case. As grateful as he was that Kenshin had dropped on the spot whatever mission he had been tasked with, to come and help him, he was frustrated with the lack of progress. It had been days! It was nerve-wracking.
Just like her Master, sitting idly by had never sat well with her. She stayed put for a day, as Kenshin had advised, but then the restlessness grew too strong. ventured out and after nearly getting caught on a public transport, she was captured by Ventress, former apprentice to Count Dooku, now bounty hunter. Ventress was hoping to collect whatever bounty was on her head, until Ahsoka suggested a different deal. A possible pardon for her crimes, should the Dathomirian help her. Ventress agreed and with her help, she could contact a friend, at the temple. Barriss Offee.
Barriss claimed to have found a lead and sent them to an abandoned warehouse. Ventress took her there, then the unlikely partners parted ways.
The night on Coruscants lower levels were sparsely lit by the odd firepan here and there, illuminating mostly filth and trash scattered around. Unfortunately, the shadows were concealing more than just rats and stray tookas.
Shortly after having said their goodbye to her Togruta partner, Ventress found herself ambushed and rid of her lightsabers and mask. Another short while after that, Ahsoka herself was attacked by a slender, small figure and double red lightsabers who left her overwhelmed. When the Clone troopers spotted and stunned her, she was right next to a box of nanodroid explosives.
In the briefing following Ahsoka's capture, Tarkin voiced the Senate's distrust in the Jedi judgment and thus their request to expel the Padawan from the Order to put her to a Republic military tribunal. The internal session in the chamber of judgment was not even a trial. It was an obliteration.
Kenshin wasn't allowed in, but he could sense the currents in the Force.
Except for Obi-Wan and Anakin, they were all afraid. Afraid of their decision to be seen as an act of opposition to the Senate.
The Senate bankrolls the Jedi.
You're no Jedi, Mace. You're a gutless piece of filth.
The blade of betrayal is the sharpest of weapons. And even those who wield it get cut. Don't you know that, Mace?
Nobody ever questioned someone in a work suit, walking with purpose and carrying cleaning supplies or tools. His face worried him. As a Jedi, he had never been in the spotlight, especially not anywhere near the political circuit, but someone might still recognize him. He had decided to cover everything except for his eyes with something that looked like a medical mask, as if he suffered from an injury making it necessary to wear it. That went with a hat matching the work suit to cover his hair, and some makeup to cover whatever was still visible from his scars.
He still didn't know the real mastermind behind the attack on the temple. He was certain it was not Ahsoka, and he didn't think it was Ventress either. He needed more time and was about to buy it. Since he hadn't found the actual culprit yet, maybe he could make one. Put the blame onto someone who was already sought as a high level criminal, what was one more capital crime on the record.
After capturing Ahsoka, nobody had paid any attention to the remaining nanodroid containers in the warehouse. How convenient. Kenshin prepped a few mouse droids with the explosives he had stolen from that very site, programmed a location within the Senate building, and at last, added a timed trigger. His cute little bombs would go off exactly when and where he had planned. They wouldn't do much damage, and he had taken great care to choose a location and time when no living being would get hurt. He simply wanted to send a message.
One droid, programmed with the same location but a slightly later time, carried a small disk that would display a holographic image. It was the same image, two intertwined triangles, that had been found with Nute Gunrays corpse and at the sites of a few more, smaller assaults, and the ever same message, demanding an end to the war.
Once his work at the senate building completed, the Coruscant skies already showed hues of deep pink and purple. Such a beautiful young night sky, oblivious to the screaming injustice happening on this planet. And everywhere else in the galaxy, too.
He left, followed a complex, erratic itinerary, to one of his secret storage points, and changed into a stealth suit and a jet pack.
His next stop was the military base. He knew exactly which window on which building gave Admiral Tarkin a spectacular view from his bedroom.
Darkness had now fallen. His target was sound asleep and didn't notice how said window was being pried open with silenced specialty equipment. Tarkin didn't wake as a small holo projector was thrown into the room. The admiral only woke as a blaster shot grazed his shoulder, and a second shot harmlessly stopped in the wall behind his bed. His groggy eyes perceived only a shadow, fleeing away.
The wind blew sharply past his mask, underneath he spew an entire litany of curses. The very moment he had pulled the trigger, a sure shot to end Tarkin's life, his hold had slipped and the shot missed its target. He had underestimated the night's humidity. In his arrogance that he would remain hidden in plain sight, he had not accounted for the Clone patrols, that had shot at him the moment he had activated the jet pack to avoid a sure fall to his death.
The Republic trained these men well, the first shot hit its mark and the pain in his hip was excruciating. He took a reckless dive to shake any airborne persecutors, and deep in the lower levels, finally zigzagged back to his original hideout to get changed and check on the wound.
The blaster bolt thankfully hadn't gone deep enough to shatter his hip bone, but had caused a deep flesh wound. A simple bacta patch wouldn't fix it, it needed medical attention. He'd have to come up with a plausible story to explain when he'd consult the temple's healers about it.
The time it took him to stow away the Ghost's gear – that he would have to repair now – and change back into his habitual clothes and make it back to the meager comfort of his quartes in the Jedi temple was so long and tedious.
The day had not yet fully begun, when a briefing was called in. Kenshin arrived so late, the meeting was already over and only Anakin and Obi-Wan were still waiting to inform him about what had been decided and what the spy should be tasked with.
Protocol being absolutely disrespected, Master Kenobi was very upset behind a mask of composure.
As Kenshin limped into the room, wrapped in a thick cloak, and let himself drop onto a chair like a cargo crate with its anti-grav motors giving out, Anakin eyed him up and down. "What in the blazes happened to you?"
"Got shot at." Kenshin grunted.
"And you didn't sense and avoid that shot?"
"I was TIRED, and I'm tired because I didn't have a single full night's sleep since I landed on this Force-forsaken shit ball of a planet, trying to find the true culprit behind the attack on the Jedi temple while our stupid-ass Council makes every effort possible to go after the wrong person." The last words had been spat at Obi-Wan, while Kenshin's eyes shot daggers at him.
"Had you arrived on time, you'd already be aware of the latest developments and wouldn't have to make unnecessary accusations. That reminds me," Obi-Wan replied with icy coolness "not only have you abandoned your previous assignment without authorization, the Council has received a formal complaint about the matter and.."
"And what? What are those high and mighty nerfherders gonna do about it? Throw me back in a retention cell and let me rot there? I'm in dire need of a break and some sleep, I'll take it."
"Kenshin!" Kenobi's voice had become sharp now. The Council had indeed limited resources when it came to reigning in disobedient Jedi, especially ones who had apparently lost any sense or respect for their role and simply didn't care about a reprimand. "May I remind you that repeated and aggravated insubordination can lead to you being expelled from the Jedi Order!"
"Go ahead. See if you can forgo yet another agent or warrior in an army that is already understaffed."
They could not and to Obi-Wan's great discontent, Kano was well aware of the fact.
"Further consequences can also include facing charges from a Republic court!" Obi-Wan continued.
"Whoa, calm down, both of you." Anakin chimed in. "Kenshin, you know I agree with you and I'm grateful you're here and trying to help prove Ahsoka's innocence. Obi-Wan, it was me who requested him to come back. All he did was follow my plea for help."
Obi-Wan's shoulders dropped and he shook his head. "Has the thought ever crossed your mind that you should coordinate things like this with me or the Council, before taking rash measures like this?"
Anakin shook his head and Kenshin exhaled sharply.
"This night, I was down at the site where they found the nanodroids, trying to find more indices, and as I told you, someone shot at me. I chased after them, without success. But it shows me I have hit a sour spot and the trail has not gone cold yet. Now would someone tell me why we are here now?"
"Someone attacked Grand-Admiral Tarkin in his quarters, around midnight. And then tried to blow up the Senate building, although from the position where the explosion went off, it looks very carefully calculated, as if they meant it as a warning, not yet trying to actually destroy the building. And guess what kind of explosive was used - nanodroids! At this point, we think it was the Ghost, the assassin who murdered Nute Gunray a while ago. The case was never resolved, the assassin never caught."
"What makes you think it was that Ghost person?" Kenshin asked.
"A claim of responsibility was left on the site, with the same request to end the war that had been found with Nute Gunray's corpse. Another one was found in Admiral Tarkin's quarters, although thank the Force Tarkin has survived the assault. He was injured, however. The assailant only landed a non-fatal shot, then Clone troopers intervened and the Ghost fled, assumedly using a jet pack. The Clone commander who led the squad claims to have landed a shot at the assassin, however it wasn't lethal, and they got away."
"Security cameras?" Kenshin asked.
"Here's what little material we have." Obi-Wan said and started to play the footage on the holo-projector in the middle of the table.
A window on the military base central building was in the camera's frame, presumably the window to Tarkin's personal sleeping quarters. Then, a figure appeared next to it, clad in a concealing textile. The contours were blurry, it seemed that the assassin was wearing stealth gear. The window shattered, with quick yet smooth movements figure's hand moved to the hip area, as if pulling and using a small blaster. The screen briefly lit up from blaster shots aimed at the figure, one of the plasma bolts shots grazing it. Then the figure was gone. It was hopelessly unrevealing. The only conclusion that could be drawn from the images was that the assailant was a humanoid of short to medium height.
"We're not dealing with a Wookie here. Although I guess you don't need me to see that." Kenshin commented drily, his face marble.
"No, indeed not." Obi-Wan muttered, pensively stroking his beard and giving Kenshin a scrutinizing look. Something felt off about the spy, although he could not place what it was. A certain amount of hostility emanated from him. Kano met his glance, and held it, defiantly so.
"I'll try and find that Ghost person. Anything else? There's not much time until Ahsoka's trial, and whatever we have and find until then, might very well help us to clear her."
"The trial has been postponed. Admiral Tarkin's injuries are slight, thankfully, yet the medical staff ordered for a two-day recovery."
"I see." Kenshin's face was still distinctly stoic. "How do we know that this Ghost character didn't get killed by the Clone troopers coming to Tarkin's rescue? For fuck's sake, Obi-Wan, I'll get my information, one way or another, but you can make things quicker and easier for all of us if you just tell me what you know. Spill the beans, Kenobi. I know the Council has a habit of telling even their best secret agents only half the truth, but that's not a helpful tactic. In fact, stupid and useless."
Kenshin had said that in a tone that left no room for misunderstanding just how much he despised the Council's current line of actions. But still, was that petty remark necessary? There is no emotion, there is peace, Obi-Wan tried to center himself. Kenshin was deliberately pushing all of his buttons and the composed Council member struggled to not let it show.
"They didn't find a body."
"No trace can be a trace too, ok. At least you've understood that much. Let's sum it up: we have an assault on Tarkin, another bombing, using the same type of explosives used in the temple bombing, and a suspect with an actual motive. Which strongly hints at what I said from the beginning: Ahsoka is not guilty!"
"Hints aren't proof, as you should be aware, Master Kano."
"Back to official titles now, Kenobi? What about you pull out that lightsaber that's stuck up your ass!"
"Kenshin…"
"We have our delinquent. It's not Ahsoka, it's this Ghost, whatever name you choose, and now we go hunt them down."
"We cannot clear Ahsoka from being convicted just like that!"
"The Council can't or doesn't want to? From what I see, they're looking for the easy route and a scapegoat."
"We need more proof. If the Ghost is also the offender in the temple bombing, why didn't they leave a claim of responsibility like it has been the case in any of the other incidents?"
Kenobi had a point and internally, Kenshin grimaced. He should have thought of that.
"It might have gotten destroyed in the explosion. There's a million possible reasons. As of now, we have much work to do. I better get to it." Rising from his chair, Kenshin grimaced. A few limping steps later, he had reached the door, stopped, and turned to Obi-Wan, flipping a middle finger. There is no emotion, there is peace Obi-Wan strained the thought. In that moment, he was grateful for years of Jedi training. It wasn't that he couldn't relate to Kenshin at all. His own Master, Qui-Gon Jinn had been a notorious rebel. Quinlan Vos, whom he once had called a friend, also was constantly distrustful of the Jedi leadership, and not exactly well-mannered on top of that. Kenshin however took defiance to a whole new level; neither Qui-Gon nor Vos could hold a candle to this man. With a disparaging smile, the intelligence agent left the room.
"Anakin, do you know why your former Master chooses to act like a misbehaved savage?"
"I would say he made that more than clear."
"True. Although I strongly disapprove of his lack of manners. Either way, I was wondering - you talked to the Clone troopers intervening at the assault on Admiral Tarkin. Could they specify how or where exactly they shot the assailant?"
"No, why?"
"Ah, just a random thought. If we knew the nature of the Ghost's injury better, it could help us identify the criminal."
Before heading off for his new assignment, Kenshin joined Anakin and Padmé to go and see Ahsoka. A grateful smile appeared on the young woman's lips, but it couldn't hide that she had given up all hope.
She had only as suspicion, and no proof that the true criminal was Ventress, and if the Jedi Council had dropped her so quickly, how would the Senate court treat her any better?
While Padmé stayed with her to prepare her defense, the two men split up to enhance their chances to find Asaij Ventress, their only hope to shed light on this cruel, dark mystery. It was Anakin who found her.
Dooku's former apprentice claimed to have been assaulted and her two lightsabers stolen, by someone she hadn't been able to identify, only that the person had to be another Jedi. Not just anyone could sneak up on her. "Whoever you're looking for has my lightsabers. That's how you'll know you have found the criminal."
There was something else she revealed to Skywalker. While on the run, Ahsoka had contacted the temple. Someone named Barris, who had told them to find that odd warehouse.
Anakin made short work of getting ahold of and overwhelming Barriss Offee and bursted into the proceedings of Ahsoka's trial. Offee was quick to accept her defeat and confess what she had done. She was led away to receive punishment. Noone paid further attention to her words how the Jedi had lost their way and the Republic would fall. Which was a grave mistake, Kenshin thought, as he watched the recording of the proceedings.
Once more, the Council assembled, along with Anakin, Kenshin and Ahsoka. After all the Council members had presented their apologies, Mace Windu held his speech.
"…This was actually your great trial, we can see that now." he concluded.
You're making this very easy for yourself. You, and the entire Council failed in every conceivable way, choosing the easy way instead of the path of truth Jedi should walk, and now disguise YOUR errors as a mere test for Ahsoka. What a pathetic excuse! Kenshin thought. He remained silent.
A last, heartbreaking glance at Anakin, Ahsoka declined. She walked out. Anakin ran after her, a moment after she had left the room, but everyone knew, she would not come back.
Kenshin knew to give Anakin space. He knew, in time, he would collect a deeply hurt man. And indeed, Anakin appeared soon, seeking Kenshin's company. They found themselves a quiet spot in the temple garden, where Kenshin had developed a habit to meditate almost daily when he spent time at the temple instead of on missions. It was probably the only healthy habit he practiced. While Anakin's head hung low, Kenshin's expression was equally somber.
"What's it with you?" the younger Jedi asked.
"Ahsoka meant something to me, too. And I am shocked how the Council acted. They abandoned her. They didn't even try."
"Yeah, that's true. I wish she had not left us, but, in the end, what choice did we give her."
Kenshin stared into the distance.
"Anakin" he finally said, "Has it ever crossed your mind that Chancellor Palpatine might be… not fully truthful?"
The words took half a second to sink in, then a fiery dragon in Anakin's heart roared. What in the Force was Kenshin saying? Ahsoka,his own apprentice, his little vodika, his sister, had just left the Order, and Kenshin had the nerve to criticize Palpatine, the equivalent of his father? He couldn't believe these words came out of his mouth. How could he even dare to think, let alone say that?
"You cannot deny that Palpatine has been on a steady march towards more and more control over the Senate. All the amendments to the Republic's constitution. All the power he is amassing, claiming only by word that he accepts it with reluctance. Tell me, what has he truly done to stop the war?"
Anakin sprung from his seating spot and drew himself to his full, impressive height. Within an instant, the air was filled with dark, electric tension.
"Be careful what you are insinuating, Kenshin. The Chancellor is the Jedi's greatest friend and our first ally and.."
"This Chancellor, my young, former apprentice, is the very man who has coerced the Jedi into a military role they were never meant to have!" he stated firmly and rose, to step closer to Anakin, unimpressed by the younger Jedi's bold demeanor. "I would've thought I taught you to think for yourself! It seems you've failed that lesson. Think again, remember – what has he done during Ahsoka's trial? If he's so invested in your well-being and knows you so well, he knew how much Ahsoka meant to you. What did he do to help?"
"Palpatine was not the one to make the decision, he just did his job, it wasn't his decision to convict her. He hadn't even levelled a sentence before I brought in Barriss Offee, he has only done what was right by the Republic…"
"For the love of all that is holy, think! Doesn't it seem strange how the Chancellor of the entire Galactic Republic himself goes out of his way to lead a trial for a simple Jedi Padawan? People have committed crimes of greater magnitude and are still awaiting trial, marinating in a forgotten Republic prison cell. Even for highest level military criminal cases, the Republic authorities have designated court judges for that in place. Why did Palpatine make an effort to take that position himself in Ahsoka's trial? I investigated the respective laws and regulations, and there is none that would have required for the Chancellor himself to be anywhere near that case. You know the answer, Anakin! Chosen One my ass, the only thing you're chosen for is to be a lap dog, a powerful tool to use to someone elses ends. Is Palpatine really the man of absolute moral integrity you take him for, or is he on a quest of his own? Even now that you're trying to construct excuses for your high-placed friend's obscure behaviour, deep down..." he leaned in and his last words were but a threatening whisper into Anakin's ear "you know! "
Kenshin flipped his hood over his head, turned and walked away, leaving a lingering sense of doom and the pain of truth in his wake.
That night, Anakin Skywalker fled into the arms of his loving, caring wife, but didn't sleep. He didn't know whom to trust anymore. Padmé's gentle, caressing embrace was the only thing that kept him from wildly flailing, he didn't want to wake her. The tormenting racing thoughts, running in cirlces and tearing him apart, stayed inside. His Jedi family had forsaken Ahsoka, from the start. The very moment she had needed their support, the first slight inconvenience, she had been cast away. Another voice in his head nagged him to consider Kenshin's words. Maybe the secret agent was right? Maybe Palpatine did have sinister interests he had never considered? No, that was impossible! He knew the Chancellor, had known him since he was nine years old. Palpatine had always been good to him, the only one to always support him. But wasn't that exactly what was suspicious?
Kenshin always supported me, too. He would have died for me and in a way, he did.
As he grew from Padawan to Jedi Knight, Kenshin's support had often come in the form of a challenge. Challenge was uncomfortable, sometimes painful even, but meant a chance for growth, he knew that now. His mother? Who had murdered her? Kenshin was convinced that not Dooku, but Sidious himself was behind it. And that Sidious was, somehow, corrupting Palpatine. This could not be the case. Palpatine would never betray me. There is no pressure high enough in this galaxy that Palpatine's sincerity would give in to. To the Jedi, I'm but a slave, not ever good enough, but Palpatine was always there for me. I'm like a son to him, he said that himself. Padmé, and Palpatine, are now the two only people I still have left.
Anakin wasn't sure if Kenshin was still on that list. His former Master had changed into something he didn't understand. He didn't know how to approach him anymore. There was such an icy distance. This wild, feral Jedi had never been fond of the Council, and neither had Anakin been, but the way he talked now was different. There was such a bitter harshness and sharp edge to Kenshin's words since he had returned to the Jedi, that even though he was back, to Anakin it felt like he had lost him either way. Whenever Anakin was in his presence, he sensed an aura of bleakness and threat hanging about him.
An annoying beep violently ripped Anakin out of the haze of slumber he must have sunken into, in the early hours of morning. Padmé was still asleep while a few first, timid golden rays of sunshine danced over her brown, shiny curls. He wanted to stay here, not ever return to the harsh reality that demanded his attention.
He was being called into another Council briefing. The Galaxy and the war moved on, its wheels turning at a speed way too uncomfortable for his liking. Yet another crisis had erupted somewhere.
On his way to the Council chamber, a figure wrapped in a cloak appeared by his side. Wordlessly, Kenshin fell into step and walked with him. By the looks of him, he hadn't had a great night's rest either.
"Any idea what this is about?" Anakin attempted to start a conversation. To his surprise, Kenshin answered.
"Our new deployment. Separatist invasion on on Felucia. From what the documentation says, all hell broke loose in the sector. Annihilation of all our forces, violent takeover, genocide by the Separatists on several worlds in the system, the whole package. Now they'll send us in to fix it."
"Hey, I'm good at fixing things, remember?" he tried a light-hearted remark.
"Yeah. It'll be like good old times." Kenshin said in a strangely friendly tone. Was his old Master being sarcastic? Or trying to wave a white flag, to signal they were still friends? He couldn't tell.
"Only that times never were that good."
"I know. Anakin….listen. I know you didn't like what I said yesterday. And I understand. Palpatine was the first acting like a friend to you, and has been the only constant for most of your life. But I sense that terrible things will happen, and for all his power, even Palpatine might be a victim. Or a villain who deceived everyone, including you. We don't know! You cannot trust anything or anyone, except for yourself."
They had nearly reached the doors to the chamber. Kenshin stopped and put his hand on Anakin's arm, gently pressing it. He inhaled and squeezed his eyes shut, then met Anakin's glance and firmly holding it.
"Anakin. I'm sorry. It's just…I'm trying to warn you of things I haven't fully unravelled myself. Nobody has, hell, the Council won't listen to most of my warnings. You are the best Jedi I ever met, you're the only one worth a damn in this whole bunch of blind sheep. If there was only one person in the galaxy I would trust, it would be you. I'm not your enemy. I want you to know that."
He exhaled; it had visibly cost him to get that off his chest. Anakin had not expected this. He was feeling all sorts of things. Palpatine is a good man, we can trust him he wanted to say. He also wanted to tell Kenshin You're still my brother.
He didn't get to say the words. The doors to the Council chamber opened and they were demanded in.
It quickly became clear that the situation in the Felucia system was bad, very bad. The tension in the room rose higher and higher and the discussion touched not only the Felucia crisis, but went as far as even discussing the Jedi's role in the war and inclinations in the Senate and even from the Chancellor himself to remove the Jedi from their military functions. Saesee Tiin and Ki-Adi Mundi voiced concerns about traitors even among the Jedi, like Barriss Offee had been.
Anakin sensed not only the bitter atmosphere in the room rise. There was anger, in Kenshin, unconcealed rage. It was unusual for his former mentor to flaunt his feelings so openly, for everyone to pick up.
Kenshin stared holes into the air.
"In the light of recent events, we must rely even more on the loyalty of those who are still..." Master Tiin tried to say.
Loyalty.
The word acted as a spark, triggering the ignition. Kenshin felt something short-circuit in his brain, and the ensuing meltdown rose to the intensity of an exploding sun. There was nothing he could do to stop it. He didn't even want to.
"Loyalty? LOYALTY?"
The supernova erupted.
"Those who are loyal are treated like scum, and you still dare to speak that word? Ahsoka has risked her life for us, the Jedi Order and the Republic a thousand times over, and the one time she would have needed you to believe in her and trust her, when she needed your loyalty, what did you do? You cast her away like a worthless tool that has become obsolete. You took away her Jedi status precisely so she could be judged by the republic military court, and for what? To serve a public image that was already shattered. You cowered before the Senate, tail between the legs. YOU ARE THE TRAITORS! You and your precious Council, you're nothing but pathetic cowards!"
Mace Windu leaned forward, his eyebrows rose into a grave expression.
"Watch your words, Kano. I demand .."
Kenshins wild eyes sparked with fury, and the blood vessels on his neck became more and more distinguishable.
"You have no right to demand anything. You are not worthy of my respect any longer. Barriss Offee was right. We have lost our way. The Jedi, the beacon of peace and justice in the galaxy? What a big, fat lie. You've become obedient lap dogs, blind pawns, and tools, to a corrupt, power-hungry dictator who calls himself Chancellor, and who uses the word Republic but as a name for what is effectively an empire. The Jedi Order and the Republic have fallen!"
Lap dogs. Tools. Anakin recognized those words Kenshin had termed him with just a few hours ago. For a long, tedious moment, nobody said anything. This blatant outburst had shocked even the most composed Council members into silence.
Mace Windu rose from his chair to his full, impressive height. He took a step, and another, and planted himself infront of the despicable insurgent that was Kenshin Kano. Enough was enough. There would be order, and he, Mace Windu, Master of the Jedi Order and member of the Jedi High Council, would make sure of that.
"This is the last time you have disrespected the Jedi Order and the High Council." He said threateningly.
"Master Kano, please calm yourself. These dark emotions are not the Jedi way!" Mundi admonished.
What happened next was something Mace hadn't seen coming. The Force had sent no warning. Looking at Kano, he had seen no shatterpoint. Only a black wall. The attack concealed too well, his world took a sudden jump, followed by a loud, collective black wall had not been a wall, but a gigantic wrecking ball, already too close to see its desastruous speed.
First, nothingness. Then stars appeared and began to swirl around his head, picking up more and more momentum and speed. The tall Korun Jedi Master incredulously shook his head as if to grasp what had just happened. He took a moment to collect himself from the floor between Oppo Rancisis' and Ki Adi Mundi's Council chairs. Surging pain and blood on his face told him that at least his nose was broken, and his jawbone might be damaged, too. Kano had landed his fist in his face with full force.
Both feet firmly planted into the ground in a wide stance, he stood like the embodiment of a demon's wrath. Never had Mace stared into such an inhuman abyss like Kano's eyes. They had changed. The eyeballs had turned completely black and demonic purple light shone from his irises. He didn't draw his fixed blade that he carried at his side, neither his lightsaber. He simply directed his eerie gaze at Master Mundi. The words coming out of his throat were humming with threat.
"The Jedi way? This weakness now lies behind me. I'm no Jedi anymore!"
Ki Adi-Mundi whispered into his wrist comm. He trembled. The entire Council, anyone who was physically present, ignited their weapons and kept their blades at the ready until the temple guards, alerted by Master Mundi, arrived. It was an entire squad, selected from the most capable fighters the guard listed among their ranks.
Wordlessly, Kano let them guide him away. Never had the silence in this room hung so heavy. None of the present Masters made a sound, everyone of them struggled in silence to emotionally grasp that they had just witnessed the fall of one of their own.
Anakin tried to make sense of what he felt. His senses screamed at him, all alarms were ringing. Kenshin going at Mace Windu's throat? A bold move, certainly, but that didn't surprise him in the slightest. His old Master had never been afraid of consequences, and a part of Anakin had secretly applauded how Kenshin had made Windu literally feel what he thought. The oh-so-righteous Jedi Master had more than deserved it, both the physical harm and the humiliation. It was something else that bothered Anakin. Within an instant, when the temple guard had arrived, Kenshin had gone from raging mad to stoic, dangerous calm. Something was about to happen, Anakin knew it. He still had the picture of Ahsoka walking out of that very chamber clear as day before his inner eye. Finally, he bolted out of the chamber. Not a second too early. Noises of a lightsaber fight already echoed from the corridor walls further ahead, then a window shattered. He skitted around the corner, into the next hallway, and an image of chaos presented itself to him. A statue had been destroyed in the fight, its pieces now scattered all over the ground. All fourteen temple guards were down, flatlined on the ground, shards of glass and rock between them. None of them were seriously hurt, but all incapacitated for the moment.
Kenshin, you idiot!
Without a second thought, Anakin leapt through the broken window. Mid jump, he saw the rapidly fleeing figure and chased after him. To no avail. Within moments, Kenshin had disappeared from his view, and from his perception in the Force. He was gone. Gone!
Skywalker came to a halt, his entire body trembled and he was heaving, trying to catch a breath where all life seemed to be sucked out of him as realization dawned upon him.
He left. And he won't come back this time.
His vision became blurry, his arms and legs stabbed by thousands of blazing hot needles, and an explosion erupted in his heart, numbing out everything else. An animalic roar left his throat.
"KENSHIN! NOOOOOOOOOO!"
How can you do this to me? I cannot lose you, too!
A few people passing by turned their heads, then quickly went about their way. Most had enough trouble of their own, they didn't need anyone else's added to theirs. The noise of air speeders in the traffic lanes and millions of beings just living their life, the world kept on turning and didn't care that for one of them, it had just been forced to a cruel halt. Ahsoka, and now Kenshin. Bitter, blazing flames devoured Anakin's soul. The great General Skywalker wasn't anywhere close-by in this moment. There was only a small boy who saw how his sister had left him, and now his brother, too. The cracks in this pure, loving heart of gold, that was still within, just grew a little deeper.
