Within the chambers of the High Council, Obi-Wan calmly took his seat. He analyzed each of the members as they watched him. He was barely late, so he was already anxious about what the others thought.
But perhaps that was weakness instead of strength.
Obi-Wan took note of each member of the Jedi Council. Depa Billaba, the former apprentice of Mace Windu, sat calmly with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She was close friends with Eeth Koth and had served with him on the Council for years. Losing him deeply wounded the Jedi Master.
Across the open seat next to Master Billaba sat Kit Fisto, his hands pressed together. Judging by his expression, he was deeply troubled by something. Kit was quite fond of Ahsoka and many of the members of the Coalition, but this seemed to be caused by something different. Obi-Wan resolved to ask him about this later.
Next to Kit Fisto sat a flickering hologram of Saesee Tiin. He sternly looked upon each of the members of the Council before nodding with respect toward Obi-Wan.
Next to Master Tiin was Shaak Ti, who elegantly observed the Council with a posture of serenity. Nonetheless, concern for each member of the Council was etched into her face. Obi-Wan could not help but chuckle wholesomely. Shaak always cared deeply about every member of the Jedi Order, watching after them as if they were her own.
Next to Shaak was Coleman Kcaj. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Between him and Shaak Ti was an open seat that once belonged to Stass Allie.
Oppo Rancisis was on the right side of Coleman Kcaj. He peacefully stroked his elongated white beard as his yellow tail wrapped around his seat. He evidently had much to say on this matter.
On the left side of Obi-Wan sat a hologram of Ki-Adi Mundi. He was clearly frustrated by the recent turn of events and made no effort to mask his frustration.
Master Yoda sat next to Ki-Adi Mundi. Judging by the wrinkled expression of the Grand Master, he was sorrowful. He had spent the past several days consoling and consulting several Jedi Knights and Younglings as to why the Fifty would leave the Order. In his mind, it likely went back to what happened with Ahsoka.
Master Mace Windu sat next to Yoda, coldly balling his fists in anticipation of the Council's discussion. He was looking forward to the debate, but he was also eager to finish it as soon as possible and move on. There were far more pressing matters at hand than this little debacle.
Finally, Plo Koon sat, leaning into the cushion of his seat. He seemed somewhat distracted. He had been this way ever since Ahsoka had left the Order. Nonetheless, he was doing his best to maintain concentration and wait for the Grandmaster to address the issue at hand. He was seeking to live in the moment without sacrificing the past or the future.
Finally raising his voice, Master Yoda announced, "A great tragedy, this past month has brought upon us. The loss of two Council Members, we deal with. Deal with the existence of the Coalition and address it immediately, we must."
Windu spoke up, stating, "If they are not willing to abide by the Jedi Code that was set in place a thousand years prior, they should not be considered true Jedi."
"We cannot simply label them as heretics, Master," Depa opposed respectfully, leaning forward as she spoke. "Several of these men and women have dedicated so much to our Order and the people of this Republic."
"It is unwise to let our emotions determine our judgment, Master Billaba," Mace calmly retorted, raising an eyebrow. "I understand that the Council has lost Master Koth and Master Allie, but we cannot let this dissuade us from the war effort."
"Master Koth and Master Allie vacating this Temple does not concern me," Master Rancisis announced with a raspy voice. "I am concerned with the leader of the herd, Master Taron Malicos."
"Hmm..." Yoda murmured before lowering his head. "For a long time, obsessed with the dark magicks, he was. A collector of relics and cultures, he is. One does not simply collect knowledge without a mark to bear, I am afraid."
Kit Fisto remembered his vision painfully at the mention of dark magic, but he resolved to address that later, finally speaking up, "How should we go about the absence of our colleagues? It would be wise if we found Masters to supply this Council with the necessary wisdom in their place."
"I agree," Master Rancisis nodded. "I believe we should nominate potential members to represent the will of the Force and the power of the Jedi in their place before we can continue with any diplomatic or war-related issue."
"Yes..." Yoda stated, raising his head once more. "Nominate, who shall we?"
"Since Master Koth is gone," Master Windu addressed firmly, "the most logical option would be his Zabrak successor, Master Agen Kolar."
"What about Master Tapal?" Master Mundi stated, distorted slightly by the hologram he was speaking through. "He has assisted me in many battles in my campaign against Mygeeto. We could use more practical wisdom like his."
"Agreed, it is, then," Yoda acknowledged, nodding his head. "Meditate in the Force, we shall. These two candidates, we must consider."
"And what of Stass's seat?" Master Billaba inquired curiously. "I believe we should nominate someone who has experience in the realm of lightsaber combat and the Jedi Code in light of the recent departure of the Fifty. We must retrace our steps if we are to learn from our... mistakes."
"I nominate Cin Drallig," Kit Fisto spoke confidently with a small grin. "He often helped me in my training when I was a Knight. He represents the purest tenets of the Code. He would make a fine addition to the Council. In my eyes, it's long past time we did so."
Obi-Wan remained silent throughout the discussion, prompting Yoda to ask him, "Master Obi-Wan, anything to say, have you?"
Obi-Wan sighed before answering, "What about Master Luminara? She has strictly followed the Code since she was a Youngling."
The Council stared at Obi-Wan in deathly silence. Ever since her Padawan, Barriss, was declared to be the one who bombed the hangars of the Jedi Temple, they had been slightly wary of Luminara and her teaching methodology.
"I would highly disagree," Mace sternly rebutted. "Her failure to detect the growing darkness in her own Padawan must be addressed."
"Luminara's status as a Jedi is not defined by her failure or the failure of Barriss, Master Windu," Shaak Ti stated, calmly defending the Jedi Master with a subtle passion behind her voice. "She is able to see and acknowledge her mistakes, unlike many Jedi here."
Windu frowned and breathed heavily. Based on Shaak's disgruntled expression, he could only assume that she was specifically contemplating his opinion on the trial of Ahsoka Tano.
Resisting the urge to retort Shaak and bring up her decision to excommunicate Ahsoka as well, Mace continued, "Very well. These two candidates shall also be taken into consideration. Now, what to do concerning the Coalition?"
Yoda nodded and sighed, "Grave, this situation is. Another schism, I fear. Uncertain of what caused this, I am..."
"With all due respect, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan interrupted, slightly indignant at Master Yoda's ignorance or refusal to accept the truth. "I believe we all know what caused this."
Ki-Adi Mundi subtlety glared at Obi-Wan, replying, "It was her decision to leave, Obi-Wan."
Obi-Wan silently scoffed, "She CHOSE to walk away after WE drove her out, Master Mundi. Now, look at the state of the Jedi. Anakin doesn't trust us anymore, and rightfully so, Count Dooku is still gaining more and more systems for his cause, Maul is still out there, and the Sith Lord is pulling strings we can't even see as of now. Master Malicos might want power, but I do not believe he seeks it for power's sake or that it was the sole motivation for him to leave."
"Are you suggesting that we created this so-called 'Coalition,' Master Kenobi?" Master Kcaj spat.
"No, Master," Obi-Wan stated, correcting the understanding of the Council. "From my point of view, the trial of Ahsoka was the final nail for all of them. After Dooku, Ventress, Krell, Barriss..."
"What do you suggest we do about it, then, Obi-Wan?" Plo Koon interjected calmly yet formally. His inflection indicated that he was genuinely looking for solutions to the problem at hand that addressed the state of the Jedi Order as a whole. "With the war continuing and so many innocent lives in the balance, we can only wonder what our next course of action is."
"We have all read the Declaration," Obi-Wan addressed. "We need to reconsider our stance on the fundamental value of the Order as of now."
"The Code?" Master Billaba wondered with intrigue.
"No..." Obi-Wan answered. "In our attempts to end the war and find the Sith, we have only forgotten the most important person in such a time as this."
Instantly understanding what he was inferring, Yoda responded grimly, "The Chosen One, Skywalker may be, but stood long before his prophecy or time, the Jedi Order has."
"We were the ones who assigned Ahsoka to him, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan replied, refusing to budge. He was saying this not only for the Jedi but for the man he considered a brother as well. "The loss of Ahsoka is on our hands. If we lose Anakin, it will be our doing as well. He has not been eating, sleeping, or drinking properly. He is completely shattered, Masters."
Yoda opened his mouth to interject before sighing and reclining into his chair, declaring, "Aggression, I once sensed in Young Skywalker. Only growing, that aggression is. Calm his temper and quell his fear, Padawan Tano was meant to. Exacerbated him, our efforts have."
"Loss is a natural part of life, Master Yoda," Master Kcaj interjected respectfully. "If Skywalker fails to accept that, it is of his own choice."
"Of his own choice? What choice have we given him in the first place?" Shaak asked. "If it were up to him, he would have never taken a Padawan to begin with. Young Ahsoka has had a positive influence on Master Skywalker's life. Because of our suspicions and refusal to do our duty, that influence is only fading, and his connection to the Force darkening. If we had truly intervened and trusted him, we could have guided him in his journey and alleviated the pains of leaving his home."
As Shaak was speaking on the matter of Anakin, Obi-Wan noticed Kit Fisto in the corner of his eye. He appeared to be deeply troubled by something. The Nautolan Master was hardly troubled by anything.
"Master Fisto," Obi-Wan announced with concern and care. "I sense that you are deeply disturbed in the Force. Is there something you wish to tell us?"
Snapping out of his daze, Master Fisto sighed and answered with hesitation, "Yes, Master Kenobi. I do. It happened as I was meditating earlier today in the sacred pools of the Temple. As I was reflecting on what happened with the trial and the Coalition, I experienced a deeply troublesome vision regarding Padawan Tano."
Seriously stunned and concerned about her friend, Shaak, being the most spiritual of the Council, asked, "What were the details of the vision, Kit?"
Before Fisto could answer, the doors to the Council Chamber immediately slid open, and a muscular man with long dark hair and black leather robes hastily sprinted to the center of the meeting. He gasped and stopped, appearing as though he had traveled long and far to reach the Council.
It was Anakin. Beads of sweat were trickling down his face as his glossy eyes stared into the eyes of Obi-Wan. He was heaving with much exasperation, his shoulders slumped with weariness.
With anxiety and concern building in his chest, Obi-Wan shifted uncomfortably in his seat before asking, "Anakin... Are you...?"
The eyes of the entire Council were fixated on the exasperated Jedi Knight. Masters Windu, Mundi, Kcaj, and Rancisis were definitely irate as they bore into his very soul with their glaring faces. Masters Billaba, Fisto, and Ti straightened their postures, clearly worried at the current state of their greatest warrior and tactician.
"Padme... Bonteri..." Anakin wheezed, his words slurring together. "Saw... Saw Gerrera... Ahsoka... Ahsoka! Ahsoka..."
His eyes rolled into the back of his head, Anakin rocked slightly before collapsing to his knees. Obi-Wan was mortified by the disheveled sight of his apprentice, noticing blood dripping from his left hand, lacerated and bruised.
As Anakin began to lean forward, completely unconscious, Obi-Wan shouted in distress, "Anakin!"
"Skywalker!"
Without hesitation, Obi-Wan shot up from his seat and hastily hurried over to Anakin. Much to Obi-Wan's initial shock, Shaak Ti and Plo Koon did the same. Kit, Billaba, Rancisis, and Windu erupted from their seats in shock, but their reactions were not as swift as the other Masters.
Anakin slammed into the ground, blacking out as Obi-Wan and Shaak fell to their knees as well and gently prevented him from colliding with the ground. Obi-Wan grabbed Anakin's chest while Shaak wrapped her hands around Anakin's shoulders, both of them holding the tired and burdened Jedi close to themselves to support his weight. Plo slowly knelt as he stepped over to Anakin. He refrained from initiating contact with Skywalker, noting that the last thing he needed was to feel overwhelmed physically or emotionally. Nonetheless, he waited patiently for anything he could do to alleviate the situation.
As the two Jedi Masters lowered Anakin's unconscious body to the ground, Obi-Wan felt his pulse, disturbingly weak, upon realizing that the young man was still breathing. Shaak sensed the Jedi Knight's pulse through tremors in the Force. Judging by their solemn facial expressions, Plo realized that these were serious conditions.
Without hesitation, Master Plo demanded toward the doorway with a sense of urgency, "Guards!"
Two Temple Guards raced into the scene, formally adjusting their postures as they took note of the tragic scene. Three of the Council members were surrounding the greatest warrior of the Jedi while the rest watched in shock and horror, including the Grandmaster.
"Prepare the medical bay! Master Skywalker needs our immediate attention! NOW!"
The Temple Guards nodded respectfully and raced out the door with a twirl of their glimmering beige robes.
Glancing at Shaak Ti with desperate eyes, Obi-Wan asked, "Anakin... Is he...?"
Placing a hand graciously on Anakin's forehead, Shaak Ti closed her kaleidoscopic eyes, meditating deeply into the Force before replying, "He is stable. His condition is severe, and his connection to the Force and his emotional state is largely impaired. However, I am not so certain if this is caused by physical or spiritual ailments. If we do not treat this soon, it will cause drastic consequences for Skywalker."
"Skywalker will be taken to the medical bay immediately," Windu finally spoke up with much authority and judgment in his voice. "Go immediately."
Obi-Wan sighed, frustration building up in his chest as he felt the urge to lash out at Windu for how insensitive he was to the scene that had just unfolded in front of them all, but Shaak shot him a sad yet pleading glance that instructed him not to say anything. Obi-Wan obliged, placing one arm of Anakin's over his shoulders while Shaak did the same for the other. Plo Koon followed closely as they took him to the entrance to the hallway.
Kit sighed as he watched the three Jedi Masters exit the scene. He truly felt sorrow and shame throb in his heart as he watched the master of Ahsoka Tano, the Hero without Fear, be carried away like this. He understood that Anakin had been acting distant toward the Order as a whole since the trial, but this was completely different. In a way, Yoda was right.
They were now losing Anakin because they lost Ahsoka. If the vision he had came true, they might lose both forever. Ahsoka could fall, whether to the darkness or to the embrace of death, he did not know, and Anakin would never forgive any of them.
Stepping toward the center of the Council Chamber, Master Fisto stated, "I will go with Masters Kenobi, Ti, and Koon to oversee Anakin's sudden descent. I wish to confide in him about the vision I have experienced. I believe it might be connected to his mentioning of Saw Gerrera."
"I believe that would be rather unwise," Master Mundi objected soberly. "He has already been burdened enough by the disappearance of his apprentice. The last thing we need is to get his hopes up with more dreams and fill his head with ludicrous fantasies."
A pang of indignation spiking in the Nautolan, Kit replied, "With all due respect, I believe it was our inability to consider the ludicrous that ended us in this situation, to begin with, Master Mundi. I believe that investigating this vision and all potential clues in this reality might be the key to saving Ahsoka and redeeming the Order."
A wave of shame and sorrow washed over Yoda's eyes before he accumulated enough strength to say, "Decided, it is. Go with Master Kenobi, Ti, and Koon, you shall. Accompany you, Master Billaba will as well."
Still standing, Master Depa Billaba bowed graciously before escorting herself along with Master Fisto toward the exit. Finally, only Yoda, Master Windu, Master Tiin, Master Mundi, Master Kcaj, and Master Rancisis remained.
"If these events are truly connected to one another, Masters," Saesee claimed objectively, "then the Dark Side of the Force is closer and closer to overpowering the Jedi every day."
"Never..." Yoda calmly repudiated, shaking his head in refusal. "Represent the Light, the Jedi must. Fail again, we must not. Never overcome the Light, the Dark Side shall."
Three Days Ago...
Ahsoka Tano shuffled through the vibrant and clamorous streets of the lower levels of Coruscant. People from bars were shouting out for customers to try their latest addition to their menu, sample the latest version of the Death Stick, or come into their houses so that they could provide you "comfort."
Ahsoka cringed internally, not wishing to think about the kinds of things people did to one another in the comfort of their own homes at these levels. She did not hold anything against these people, as diverse and unique as they were, but many of their practices have rubbed off on Ahsoka in the wrong way. She sought to avoid them however she could.
Ahsoka was seeking to meet with someone for a housekeeping job she offered to undertake. She had agreed with Lux, despite her initial reluctance, to gain as many of her own credits as possible before moving off-world. She felt bad enough asking this monumental favor from Lux. Despite their differences and inability to reconcile said differences, she was still glad to contact a friend.
Friend...
Ahsoka shivered as the face of Barriss, her former best friend, conjured itself into her mind. Her cold icy blue eyes pierced Ahsoka's every soul. It was the same face of cold apathy and broken dispassion that stared into Ahsoka's eyes when she was brought before her very tribunal. For a brief moment, Ahsoka thought she could see the smallest bit of regret in Barriss's eyes as she glanced quickly at Ahsoka.
But it passed like a shadow. And she was left with consequence...
And shame.
Ahsoka shrugged off the numb icy feeling of sorrow and grief, internally rebuking herself. What was done had been done. She could not change anything. It was time to move on to a new portion of her life. She felt terrible already doing this to Lux and Saw, but she would not DARE to do anything to Padme or Riyo.
Those two had already done enough for her over the course of this war.
This horrible, dreadful, awful war...
Ahsoka bumped into someone, twisting swiftly. It was a woman with purple-dyed hair and a fair face. She was wearing a green tunic and a grey poncho.
Holding up her hands apologetically, Ahsoka cried out, "Sorry! I was just–!"
"Daydreaming?" the woman furiously interrupted with a daunting voice. "Just watch where you're going, kiddo!"
Without saying another word, Ahsoka swallowed and turned around, continuing her course. She was now wearing a grey suit with multiple pockets. She had recently replaced her spiked tiara with a leather headpiece since she left the Temple. Thus, it became harder for ordinary citizens to recognize her as a former Jedi, especially the Padawan who was convicted of treason mere days ago. It was an unusual feeling to wear completely new clothes, but she welcomed the sensation, nonetheless.
Ahsoka glanced off to the side. People of numerous species and backgrounds standing underneath flickering fluorescent lights watched a flashing news report on their handheld holoprojectors. Ahsoka slowed down but maintained her course. She noticed the Jedi insignia and the title 'Coalition Fifty.'
Ahsoka frowned. She had been down here for a day, so the news did not reach her ears or the people of the lower levels immediately as it did on the upper levels. It would take some time to get used to being in the dark about certain things going on in the Republic.
She might as well pull off one last job for old times' sake.
Ahsoka's fingers fiddled at her belt, grasping a similar holoprojector and bringing it to her view. She activated the projector with a click of a button, showing the address of the apartment she was directed to in Aurebesh. Immediately glancing up from the projector she scoffed in relief and wonder. It had taken her a much shorter period of time than she expected.
She had finally arrived at the location. Nonetheless, it was not what she expected as her excitement faded into shock and slight disgust. It was a completely shabby apartment with shattered windows, debris hanging out of the rusty metallic walls, and shattered light signs.
Judging by the look of this place, it would take quite a while to repair this place. Nonetheless, Ahsoka had managed to restore objects in far worse conditions than this under Anakin's tutelage as a mechanic.
Still, she hoped to be paid a pretty penny for this when she was done. At least enough money to cover a half-portion of poly-starch bread would be enough for her. It had been days since she had a decent meal.
It was by the miracle of the Force she was even standing–no, a miracle from the Chosen One.
A miracle of her Master.
She signed and attached the holoprojector to her belt again once she deactivated it. She walked up a stairway to the front door, the steps creaking unusually as she did so. Apprehension began to boil in her chest, prompting her to wonder if anyone was even home.
Finally arriving at the door, Ahsoka knocked patiently and asked for the owners of the household, the ones who supposedly contacted her, "Hello? Anyone home? Mrs. Kaye? Mr. Oh-Jae?"
No one answered, causing Ahsoka to impatiently knock even louder, calling out, "Hello? This is Ashla. I'm here for a job? Hello? Hello!?"
"Will you be quiet?" a voice snapped from a neighboring window above the ground, drawing Ahsoka's attention to the masculine voice. "People are trying to sleep!"
Ahsoka swallowed. She did not want to cause any trouble. Still, she was growing desperate and needed to gain as many credits as possible before she... she...
Well, became a burden...
Ahsoka politely called out after clearing her throat, "Excuse me, sir, do you know of anyone named Kaye and Oh-Jae? They are supposed to contact me to repair this building. Something about their xentheyl lights...?"
"No one named 'Kaye' that I know of! Now shut up and go away!"
Ahsoka repressed the urge to scoff and dare him to come down and make her. Nonetheless, the revelation delivered to her by the masculine voice rocked Ahsoka to her core. Apparently, someone was interested in her coming here, someone using a name that wasn't theirs.
A name that probably didn't even exist.
Ahsoka swallowed with a dry throat as she felt a foreign emotion course through her veins, an emotion she had trained her entire life to repress and neglect. An emotion that all too clearly led to anger, hate, and suffering.
Fear.
Ahsoka glanced around. She sensed the urge to run for her life, but something else was telling her to check inside to see who was attempting to contact her. Ahsoka internally groaned as she resolved to check. If someone was seeking to kidnap or attack her, she needed to ensure this did not happen to anyone else.
No one on the street was paying attention, their backs turned or their eyes glued to their holoprojectors. It was a perfect time to put her old abilities to the test once again. She had originally resolved to use the Force as little as possible, not wanting to draw attention in a part of the Republic where the Jedi weren't so well-received. Furthermore, it was best for everyone.
Best not to be reminded.
Ahsoka briefly squatted before drawing upon the power of the Force, propelling herself into the air and clinging onto the metallic rim of one of the windows. She shuffled to the right of the window to ensure that she would not be seen before shoving herself into the air, unleashing a Force blast to propel herself even further and landing with a crash onto the roof. It was a relatively short building, sandwiched between a much larger wall that ascended directly to the upper levels, much to Ahsoka's shock.
Ahsoka panted. She had forgotten how easy it was to lose one's touch with the Force.
Ahsoka squinted and saw a glimmer of light in the crevice between the top of the wall and the roof of the building. She wiggled her way between the crevice, crawling gently as she saw a narrow opening to the building. She reached out her hands and pulled away as much of the metal shed pieces as she could to widen the gap. When she had successfully done so, she slipped into the gap, landing gracefully without a sound.
She was stunned to see a single floating light that was directly beneath the gap in the roof. She winced. It was no coincidence that it was conveniently here.
She perched her ears immediately. A sound was emanating down the twisted and dilapidated hallway. She could clearly detect it despite all the eerie clatter and dripping sounds. Thus, she decided to approach with caution.
She instinctively reached for her hip before realizing that she no longer possessed her lightsaber. It was now in the care of the Jedi. She swallowed a lump in her throat before internally reprimanding herself. It was okay. She had the Force. The Force was all she needed.
I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me.
Ahsoka peaked through open doorways on her left and right, searching for any signs of life. As she took more steps, the sound got significantly louder. Her heart began to pound against her sternum. She was seriously growing anxious, running down a list of the things that could potentially happen.
She finally felt her heart drop when she came across a closed door. The sounds of chatter were evidently coming from here.
Pinning her back to the wall, Ahsoka decided to see who these people were, kicking the door with her right ankle and shouting out in a forced high-pitched voice, "Ashla is here! Mrs. Kaye...?"
The chatter instantly ceased. Ahsoka quietly awaited the moment for these people to come out. She had no idea who these people were, and she did not wish to take any real chances.
Not now, not ever.
Never again.
The creaking door slid open painfully, allowing a hooded dark figure of her height and stature to exit the previously locked room. Ahsoka held her breath in anticipation, quickly calculating all the moves she could perform. She could make a run for it. She was probably in over her head anyway. She could quickly disable the individual without the slightest noise. She could also run into the room to find out who exactly this person was talking to.
All these options might have been valid if Ahsoka wasn't feeling exactly what she was experiencing as of now.
Fear of the situation and frustration with her stupidity.
Without giving much thought to the Jedi way, Ahsoka grabbed the shoulder of the hooded figure and twirled him around, pinning him to the wall. Ahsoka silently cringed as the impact of the body produced a loud echo throughout the halls. If the person in the other room had a blaster, Ahsoka would surely be dead, so she decided to act quickly before they could investigate the source of the sound.
"Ahsoka!" the hooded figure cried out. "Ahsoka, stop! It's me!"
Ahsoka squinted her eyes, attempting to recall where she had heard the voice of the individual. With the person facing her, she was able to identify some of the features of the individual as she pulled back his hood, revealing a young Cerean with golden eyes. Though the memories with the person were not memories she wished to recollect, she was somewhat pleased to see a familiar face, nonetheless.
"O-Mer?" Ahsoka asked, releasing her grip on the former Youngling. "What are you...?"
"Is this what the galaxy has come to?"
Ahsoka glanced toward the door, still open, as the Twi'lek Youngling Jinx leaned against the metal frame comfortably with a smile grin. Ahsoka beamed more lustrously. However, her heart began to feel significantly heavier as she took in the situation that she was in.
"Being so bad that we can't even say hello to an old friend?"
Ahsoka stepped back. It was instinctual, not voluntary. Her mind was racing, trying to comprehend so many things at once. Jinx and O-Mer, the Younglings she saved on the Trandoshan moon, were here! Maybe Kal–
Ahsoka kicked herself internally, remembering sorrowfully Kalifa's death. She sighed as she pushed back the ringing memories of pain to the back of her mind.
"Ahsoka..." O-Mer asked cautiously, "Are you...?"
Without hesitation, Ahsoka wrapped her arms around O-Mer, holding back tears as she did so. She had felt so alone over the past several weeks, beaten, broken, battered, betrayed, abandoned. She was thankful to be in the company of friends she met apart from the Order. She did not think she would be able to see any of her old friends again after what happened with Barriss.
Still, it felt good that this was happening. The first true happiness she had felt in months filled her heart to the brim.
O-Mer hesitantly returned the embrace. Ahsoka shuddered as the Cerean's hands touched her, but she did not make any attempt to hide the sorrow and relief she was experiencing. Understanding the pain the once-so-proud and mighty Ahsoka was undergoing, Jinx strolled over to his friend and joined the hug. He slightly squeezed Ahsoka, letting her know that they were not going anywhere.
After what seemed like an eternity to the former Padawan learner, Ahsoka muttered, "I-I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I am happy to see you. Both of you."
O-Mer nodded before he and his companion released Ahsoka, stating, "Come on, Ahsoka. Join us for tea. We have much to discuss."
The door to the medical bay slid open, allowing Obi-Wan Kenobi and Shaak Ti to drag young Skywalker into the room. Anakin was slightly stirring, muttering incoherent words. Plo followed the two closely, carefully listening to everything that Anakin was saying, even if it was ostensibly random and insignificant.
Even the most foolish rubbish can be taken as wisdom. As long as one kept an open ear and an open mind, anything was possible.
"Ahsoka... Ahsoka..." Anakin groaned weakly with a slurred voice as he was quickly dragged to a cushioned medical cot. "Lux... Saw... Saw... Ahsoka!"
While Shaak shuffled over to grab Anakin's legs, she twisted her head and spoke to Plo with a gaze of urgency, "Plo, help me get him onto the bed!"
Without much hesitation, Plo escorted himself over to Anakin, grabbing his left leg. Plo was surprised by the immense weight of the apparently fit and muscular man. There was much power behind the athletic physique of Master Skywalker, especially for a human. As a Kel Dor, it surprised even him.
Laying the leg gently on the cushioned bed, Plo watched as Shaak did the same with her respective leg and Obi-Wan with the arms and head of Anakin, his apprentice. Anakin rolled his head as Obi-Wan gently released it onto the shimmering pillow. Anakin continued to mutter garbled words, and his forehead had turned a ghostly pale as it glimmered with sweat.
Obi-Wan glanced around and asked the Temple Guards in the room, "Where's Doctor Nema?"
One of the Guards responded sternly, "She is attending to the needs of an injured Youngling in the Room of a Thousand Fountains, one with a broken leg. She will be here in thirty minutes. For now, she is working on a means of transporting the girl with the shattered arm as painlessly as possible."
Plo Koon grimaced once he heard this, stating, "Master Jocasta has experience as a Consular. Master Billaba also studied as one for a brief period. We could use their experience and knowledge."
Turning to Shaak Ti, Plo asked calmly, "Can you determine the cause of the illness, Master Ti?"
Shaak sighed, apprehension and doubt glimmering in her eyes, "Although I do not possess training in such aspects of the Jedi Way, I might be able to do what I can if I go straight to the source of his problems."
"Where might that be?" Plo inquired curiously with circumspection.
"While I might be incorrect about such a diagnosis," Shaak stated, pursing her lips. "The best guess I can give is that this is a matter of the mind, a state of sickness brought by mental and emotional duress."
Alarmed by the revelation, Plo turned to Obi-Wan and could see the absolute shock and depression on the Jedi Master's face. Though the two Jedi had their disagreements and never got along as many of the other Masters did with their Padawans, the two clearly cared for one another and were willing to die to protect each other.
It pained Obi-Wan to no end to see his apprentice like this, and it honestly pained Plo that they had likely brought Anakin to this.
Hesitantly, Obi-Wan asked shakingly, "Can you... do anything about this, Master Ti?"
"The best option might be to let the illness run its course, Obi-Wan," Shaak answered with as much empathy as she could convey with her worried expression. "We cannot force the things of nature, but we won't give up on Skywalker either. We can help by waiting diligently for his recovery and providing him with the means for fighting off the infection and resolving the conflict himself."
Plo meditated on the options available to him. On one hand, they could leave the medical bay and discuss with Kit and the other Jedi what the sudden occurrence of the vision and Anakin's illness means. Nonetheless, Skywalker could wake up any minute, and he would likely panic or slip into depression when he realized that no one was there to care for him or ask what the situation was. He apparently traveled long and far to explain himself to the Council, so Plo decided he needed to hear him out.
Time was the gift, privilege, and right of every living being.
Plo paused, allowing himself to think deeply, before replying, "We can wait here until further notice, Obi-Wan. We must not abandon Anakin as we did with Little 'Soka."
Obi-Wan nodded, sighing heavily, and glanced back at Anakin as he breathed with much exertion, the sockets around his eyes darkening slightly. Plo Koon was almost entranced by the rhythmic breathing of Skywalker as the three Jedi stared down at him.
Traversing the halls of the Jedi Temple, Masters Kit Fisto and Depa Billaba remained mostly silent as they journeyed toward the Medical Bay. Kit was slightly worried, feeling that so many Jedi Masters, especially members of the Jedi Council, would upset Anakin. Nonetheless, they needed to ensure that Anakin knew of his vision and understood what was happening.
Ahsoka deserved that much.
Glancing at her old friend in concern, Depa asked, "You seem unsettled, Master Fisto. That is particularly concerning, especially for you."
Kit could not help but smile and chuckle as Depa delivered the sassy remark. Despite being one of the more serious members of the Council and the apprentice of Mace Windu, feats not easily accomplished when taking into account the strict character of the Master of the Order.
"A lot of thoughts have been crowding my mind," Kit replied patiently. "A great deal, especially for me."
Still concerned for her friend, Depa asked, "Is there anything you wish to relay to me?"
"I wish to explain everything in detail once Anakin is awake," Kit stated, stopping himself from communicating the details of the vision upon realizing the severity of the moment. "If I tell everyone now, Anakin will feel as though we are keeping him in the dark. We do not need a situation like that again."
Depa winced. She remembered reading the report on the situation with Rako Hardeen. Master Skywalker was beyond furious with the Council for not telling him about the staged assassination attempt, but he was absolutely livid with Obi-Wan for breaching their trust and forcing him and Ahsoka to go through such a horrific experience.
She had no idea what she would do if it were her master who had been killed in front of her. She already thought of him as a father, but she could not comprehend how even he could approve of a plan like this.
Depa sighed, directing her apprehension and compassion to Kit himself as she placed a hand gently on his shoulder, before asking calmly, "Are YOU okay?"
Kit stopped, clearing his throat, and quickly responded, "Me? I'm alright. I've seen better, but I'm just great."
Depa smiled softly and raised an eyebrow in a fashion all too similar to Master Windu, stating, "Great? That's quite glib, even for you. Not the best quality for a Jedi Master."
Kit smirked playfully as he played the ultimate trump card, "I'm the glib one? Well, you're certainly one to talk, Master Depa."
Depa paused, stunned that Kit would say such a thing. After taking a moment to register, she burst out laughing. She gradually clenched her stomach with her other hand, using the arm grasping Kit to support her from falling. Kit began chuckling loudly as well.
After taking a moment to enjoy the company of his old friend, Kit simmered down and proclaimed, "Oh, Depa. I missed you."
Depa sighed, regaining control with an unusually wide smile on her face, and returned the sentiment, "I missed you as well, Kit. I really did miss so much when I was away, didn't I?"
"Yeah..." Kit answered swiftly, gently grabbing her hand on his shoulder as he displayed his signature grin. "You'll get used to it."
Chortling softly, Depa naturally allowed her hand to fall to her side before the two continued their journey. Depa beamed brightly. Perhaps the future of the Jedi did look better, for her and for Caleb.
After spending what appeared to be several hours traversing the halls, the two Jedi finally came across the silver doorway to the medical bay. They stopped before the door, Kit Fisto gesturing for Depa to enter first.
Depa asked formally, "May I?"
"By all means," Kit answered playfully. "Be my guest, Master Billaba."
Waving her hand in front of the door, Depa observed as the entrance to the medical bay slid open, revealing the shining equipment of the sanitized room. Depa felt a sense of meekness yet child-like wonder. She had been here numerous times whenever she was injured. However, she never quite had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the room, an area of the temple that intricately weaved together the study of the Force and the study of biology.
It felt good to be back.
Depa glanced off to the side, noticing Masters Kenobi, Koon, and Ti all observing Skywalker patiently. Depa's stomach dropped at the sight of her fellow Jedi. Tired and concerned, Obi-Wan sat with a hunched back, storing his beard in anxiety as he rested on the neighboring cot. Plo quietly sat cross-legged on the end of the bed, meditating on the floor as he awaited the awakening of the Chosen One. Shaak was strenuously mixing a canteen of a substance in her hands, a liquid that appeared to be a makeshift mixture of herbs, water, and medicines, evidently putting her knowledge as a healer to the test. Skwaylker was murmuring nonsense, breathing hypnotically as he did.
Walking into the room, Kit noticed the situation and gravely uttered, "Oh, dear. I have a bad feeling about this."
Who is your favorite Jedi? Let me know so that I can focus more on him or her in the future!
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Stay tuned and please leave a review! I hope I am writing the characters consistently!
