Anakin and Obi-Wan stood side by side, observing as Korkie confidently engaged in combat. Obi-Wan's son displayed a remarkable prowess in his movements, his vibro-knife whirling with grace and precision. Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged knowing glances, their eyes reflecting a mixture of pride and amusement. It was clear that Korkie's skills were more refined than they had anticipated. Anakin couldn't help but grin at Obi-Wan.
As Korkie parried a series of simulated attacks, Obi-Wan leaned towards Anakin with a wry smile. "Seems he's been keeping busy with his own training."
Anakin chuckled softly, his blue eyes twinkling. "Indeed. And he's quite good."
Korkie's movements were fluid and assured, a show of unspoken years of preparation. Anakin watched as he deftly countered each strike, his face a mask of concentration. It was evident that the young man had honed his skills in secret, as his pacifist mother would have never agreed for her son to be trained- even if she had never claimed Korkie as hers.
"He's got a bit of both of us in him, doesn't he?" Anakin mused, his voice tinged with affection. "I… I did not expect that."
Obi-Wan let out a rueful sigh, his gaze fondly fixed on his son. "Yes, the audacity of a Skywalker combined with the wisdom of a Kenobi. A potent mixture, to say the least."
As Korkie's practice session came to an end, he put his vibro-knife away and turned to face his mentors with a triumphant grin.
Anakin stepped forward, clapping a hand on Korkie's shoulder. "You've been busy, haven't you? Training in secret? How did you get that passed your mother?"
Korkie's grin grew wider, and he shrugged with a hint of sheepishness. "Well, you know, can't just rely on political discussions to save the galaxy." Balantly ignoring the mention of his mother, he has been doing that since he got to Curoscant.
Obi-Wan chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Indeed, a well-rounded approach is essential."
Anakin's admiration was evident in his voice as he spoke. "You've got the spirit of rebellion, Korkie. Just like your father and, well, me."
Korkie's eyes sparkled with pride. "Thank you, Master Skywalker. It's an honor."
"Please call me Anakin," the blond requested for the hundreth time. By now, Anakin was sure that Korkie was doing it on porpuse. The boy did have the same dry sense of humor as his buir.
Obi-Wan's gaze softened as he addressed his son. "We're proud of you, Korkie."
Anakin playfully nudged Korkie's shoulder. "Just remember, though, it's not all battles and heroics. Your father can attest to that."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, his exasperation tinged with fondness. "Indeed, and I assure you, Korkie, the two of you—Anakin and you—will be the death of me."
Laughter echoed in the training area.
While Obi-Wan continued to oversee Korkie's training, Anakin felt a familiar presence approaching. Rex approached with a determined stride. Anakin turned his attention to Rex, his brows raised in curiosity.
"General," Rex's voice carried a note of urgency, "I've got news."
Anakin's gaze sharpened, and he gestured for Rex to continue. "What is it, Rex?"
"We've successfully managed to dechip every trooper we've got from The General's forces. They're free, vode." Rex's expression was a mix of relief and satisfaction.
A genuine smile spread across Anakin's face, a blend of pride and satisfaction. "That's fantastic news, Rex. I'm glad to hear it."
Rex nodded, a sense of accomplishment radiating from him. "It was a team effort, but we did it. They're finally free from the inhibitor chips."
Anakin's gaze drifted towards Obi-Wan and Korkie, his thoughts momentarily turning to the broader implications of this development. "It's perfect timing," he remarked, his voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and determination.
Rex raised an eyebrow, curiosity evident in his expression. "Timing for what?"
"Our next mission, Rex. We're about to head out again." Anakin's smile widened as he shared the news.
Rex's eyes gleamed with understanding and resolve. "Understood. I'll get the men ready."
As Rex moved to carry out his orders, Anakin turned his attention back to Obi-Wan and Korkie. Obi-Wan approached Anakin, his expression curious. "What was that about?"
Anakin's gaze remained fixed on the training area as he explained, "The troopers of The General are all dechipped. It came just intime for our next mission."
"That's excellent news, Anakin. Their freedom is a victory in itself." Obi-Wan's eyes lit up with understanding and approval.
Anakin nodded, his expression resolute. "Exactly. And we're going to make sure they have a chance to fight for it."
In the Jedi Council Chamber, Anakin found himself surrounded by the members of the Jedi Council.
"A new mission you shall undertake, Skywalker," Grandmaster Yoda informed him, though Anakin already knew it was coming. "Rescue Master Even Piell and Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin, you must. Captured by the enemy, they have been."
Plo Koon's serene voice added to the discussion. "Their knowledge could be detrimental if it falls into the hands of the Separatists. Your mission is to extract them and the vital intelligence they possess."
"I understand, Masters. I will do everything in my power to rescue them and retrieve the Intel," Anakin promised. "This is a trap," Anakin still muttered.
"Of course, it is," Windu sighed. "I do not need your gift or mine to know that. Anyone with eyes can see that."
"What makes it worse is that lately I've been seeing less clearly," Anakin frowned.
"Clouding you, someone is," Yoda said suspiciously.
"Someone close," Anakin paused, letting his words sink in. "As in Coruscant close."
Yep, he is finally strating to let clues about Palpatine slip. He already got what he wanted from the war, no need to let it prolongue any longer. Anakin did want to raise his kids in a war-free Galaxy.
"We would know if there was a Sith in Coruscant!" Depa shook her head in disbelief, not wanting to believe Anakin's words even when they've all felt how dark and opressing the Force has been feeling lately.
"Not if hidden the remain," Yoda grimaced. "Meditate on this, we all must. Skywalker to his mission, he goes."
"Yes, Grandmaster," everyone in the chamber echoed.
Here we go, Anakin internally smirked. Seeds of doubt planted, the green troll will do the rest for me.
In the midst of darkness and danger, Anakin Skywalker's mission to rescue Master Even Piell and Admiral Wilhuff Tarkin unfolded with the gravity of the task ahead. As Anakin approached the heart of the enemy stronghold, his senses alert and his instincts on high alert, he confronted the unexpected. With a heart filled with urgency, he managed to save Master Even Piell just moments before the explosion. His swift response shielded fellow soldiers and Jedi, sparing them from the blast's devastating impact.
Yet, in the midst of his heroics, tragedy struck. The bomb's explosion took Admiral Tarkin's life. The force of the blast flung Anakin back with brutal force, his body bearing the brunt of the explosion's power. Anakin's consciousness blurred as pain surged through his body, his senses overwhelmed by the chaos around him.
Drawing upon his formidable connection with the Force, Anakin channeled his inner strength to manifest a newly conceived technique—a Force armor that cocooned him in a protective shield. The armor absorbed the brunt of the explosion's impact, shielding him from the worst of the blast. Anakin's innovation and quick thinking had saved his life, allowing him to survive a blast that would have otherwise been fatal.
However, the toll exacted was severe. As the dust settled and the echoes of chaos subsided, Anakin's battered form lay amidst the debris. The glow of his lightsaber had been replaced by smoldering fragments, and a scar etched across his forehead stood as a souvenir to his ordeal, as internal injuries gnawed at him.
Anakin's soldiers rushed to his side, their concern and gratitude evident in their eyes. As they tended to his wounds, the aftermath of the explosion unfolded—a saber hilt reduced to fragments, a concussion that clouded his thoughts, internal bleeding that whispered of danger, and the ache of broken ribs that punctuated every breath. Amidst the wreckage, Anakin's consciousness flickered as he fought to remain lucid. The pain was a constant companion.
As Anakin was carried from the scene, his fellow soldiers and Jedi stood in silent awe of his resilience and sacrifice. Even in the face of adversity, Anakin's courage and innovation stood as a beacon of inspiration and hope.
As news of the explosion and Anakin's injuries spread throughout the ranks of the Republic forces, a heavy cloud of concern settled over the Jedi Temple and its inhabitants. Aayla Secura and Rex, who had fought alongside Anakin countless times, were particularly shaken by the turn of events. Guilt gnawed at them, the weight of questioning whether there was something more they could have done pressing heavily upon their shoulders.
Aayla paced her quarters, her usually confident demeanor replaced by restless anxiety. The image of Anakin's injured form lingered in her mind, a reminder of the fragility that even the strongest warriors could face. She found herself replaying the events over and over, dissecting every detail in search of answers. She questioned whether she had missed any signs, whether there had been any indication that the situation was more dire than they had anticipated.
Rex, too, grappled with his own sense of guilt. He had stood by Anakin's side through countless battles. The realization that his leader and friend had been injured under his watch weighed heavily on him, he felt unworthy of the twin suns on his shoulder. He sought solace in the company of his fellow vode.
In the midst of the turmoil, Ahsoka struggled to reconcile her feelings. Seeing her once seemingly invincible master laid low by injuries was jarring... horrifying. The young padawan wrestled with a mix of emotions—concern for Anakin's well-being, anger at the circumstances that led to his injuries, and a profound sense of vulnerability that had previously been obscured by her admiration for his strength.
The Jedi Temple itself hummed with a shared sense of unease. News of Anakin's condition spread quickly, and a hushed tension settled over the halls that had once echoed with purpose and determination. Jedi and Padawans alike exchanged worried glances, a reminder that even the most formidable warriors could be brought low by the unrelenting demands of war. After all, this is the first real injury Anakin had received in service.
Plo Koon and Obi-Wan Kenobi were visibly shaken by the news. Shmi found herself overcome with worry, her heart heavy with the thought of her son's well-being. Not to mention, Padme's reaction!
As the news reached General Skywalker's unit, a decision was made. The 501st Legion, the renowned battalion that had fought valiantly under Anakin's command, was called back for rest and healing. The troopers had forged a unique bond with their Jedi General, their vode, and the news of Anakin's injuries struck them deeply. The battle-hardened soldiers understood the gravity of the situation, recognizing that even their fearless leader was not impervious to harm.
The Jedi Council had acted swiftly, ensuring that Anakin received the necessary medical attention. Anakin's journey back to consciousness was slow and fraught with uncertainty. When he finally awoke in the temple's medical bay, he found himself surrounded by concerned faces and the sterile scent of bacta.
His memory, a patchwork of fragments and gaps, eluded him. Anakin blinked, struggling to piece together the events that had led him to this moment. The Jedi healers and his fellow Jedi attempted to fill in the blanks, but the fog of his memory remained. The absence of recollection weighed heavily on him, a disorienting sensation that left him feeling unanchored.
On his journey back to the temple, Anakin had been immersed in a bacta tank, the healing liquid soothing his battered body. Despite the treatment, the scar on his forehead, the pain of broken ribs, and the lingering contusion served as a constant reminder of what he had endured. It was during this time that Anakin began to mull over his experiment—the force shield that had protected him during the explosion.
Anakin's musings led him to an innovative idea—one that drew upon the Force's malleability and his deep understanding of its potential. He theorized that just as they could manipulate the Force to enhance their physical abilities, they should also be able to utilize it as a shield. The concept fascinated him—a force shield that could provide protection by manipulating the Force itself.
In his introspective moments, Anakin pondered why his memory remained fragmented. He theorized that his strong bond with the Force and his lightsaber crystal, coupled with the explosion's intensity, had resulted in a unique form of damage to his psyche. The destruction of his kyber crystal, an extension of his connection to the Force which he had had for a decade, had left a mark on him that went beyond physical wounds. So, any questions about the mission that the Senate had at the loss of Tarkin, had been backed by Healer Che agreeing with Anakin's "assessment" about his memory loss.
Amidst the flurry of concern and activity that enveloped the Jedi Temple, Anakin Skywalker's apparent recovery was a cause for cautious celebration. Those around him rejoiced in his return to consciousness, and the Jedi Council took solace in the fact that one of their own had triumphed over adversity. Yet, as Anakin navigated the delicate path of recuperation, there was an enigmatic undercurrent that went unnoticed by most.
As the Jedi Temple and its inhabitants continued to fret over Anakin's well-being, the smirking Jedi held his own counsel. He masked his inner satisfaction with a façade of recovery, all the while harboring the truth of his strategic success. By eliminating Tarkin, a staunch supporter of Palpatine, he had dealt a great blow to the dark side. The calculated plan had been executed with precision, leaving Tarkin's end in his hands. He felt bad about the whole theatrics, especially when seeing his family's reactions to his injuries. But at the end it was needed, Tarkin needed to be gone- he sure outlived his lifespan in the previous timeline.
As Anakin's recovery progressed and his strength returned, a new development emerged. Anakin found himself in the presence of Grandmaster Yoda. With Healer Che's assessment of Anakin's complete recovery, Yoda arrived to deliver good news, Anakin was finally allowed to go and get his replacement kyber crystal.
Yoda's eyes twinkled with a knowing glint as he examined Anakin's scar, the mark left by his recent trial, complimenting him on his mark. Not that Anakin minded it much, as it was the same scar Ventress had given him at one momento during the previous timeline. It seems that some things were meant to stay the same. As long as the Force does not ask for his arm again, Anakin was ok with it. Honestly he kind of liked it, it gave him character.
With permission granted, Anakin took Ahsoka and went to the caves.
"Why am I here as well Master?" Ahsoka's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "My lightsaber's fine."
Anakin's smile broadened. "Yes, your lightsaber is fine. But I believe you've reached a level of mastery where you're ready for a new challenge."
Ahsoka's eyes widened, realization dawning. "You mean..."
Anakin nodded, his eyes reflecting his pride in his padawan. "I think you're ready to learn the art of wielding two lightsabers simultaneously, as I know you've wished for a while."
"Two lightsabers? You really think I can do it?" Ahsoka's jaw dropped slightly, her surprise quickly giving way to excitement.
"Absolutely," Anakin's confidence was unwavering. Even without knowing the other timeline, Ahsoka has shown the talent needed to be a double-wielder. "Your skills have grown, Ahsoka, and I believe you have the potential to master this technique."
Ahsoka's grin matched Anakin's as she absorbed the significance of his words. "I won't let you down, Master. I'm ready for this challenge."
Anakin's expression softened with pride. "I know you are, Snips. It won't be easy, but I have complete faith in your abilities."
Ahsoka's determination shone through her eyes. "Thank you, Skyguy. I can't wait to get started."