Author's Note: I don't own Star Wars: The Clone Wars or its characters, but I only own Nadia Aomori and my other OCs.
Enjoy!
Threads of Destiny
Chapter 57: The Wrong Jedi
In the Jedi Temple, Master Yoda gives a eulogy for the Jedi who died during the explosion while the funeral was attended by senior Jedi and Republic figures.
Nadia stood with Ahsoka and Barriss as they listened to Master Yoda's speech.
"One with the Force, they are and our job it is to remember that we will. In time, also pass on."Master Yoda declared."Luminous beings are we. But temporary vessels, our bodies are and we shall all find ourselves here in time. A moment of silence, I ask, to remember and to move on."
Ahsoka noticed Barriss had a sad look on her face while staring at one of the cloaked victims.
"You were close to one of them?"Ahsoka asked.
"Tutso Mara."Barriss answered with a hint of grief."We trained together. He taught me how to hold my lightsaber correctly."
"Live for the living Jedi, we must."Master Yoda stated."Live through us, forever they will."
Then the bodies of the dead Jedi were brought down and burned by the burning beams.
After the funeral, Ahsoka, Barriss, Nadia and Anakin returned to their duties along with Admiral Tarkin.
"So what happens to Letta now?"Nadia asked.
"The bomber has been moved."Admiral Tarkin replied.
"Moved?"Ahsoka said in surprise."Where? Why should she be moved?"
"The Republic military has taken her into custody."Admiral Tarkin stated.
"But why?"Ahsoka questioned."This is a Jedi matter, isn't it?"
"Clones were killed which makes this terrorist attack a military matter."Admiral Tarkin declared."An attack on the Jedi is an attack on the Senate."
"Admiral Tarkin is right."Anakin admitted."Letta isn't a Jedi. It's not for us to be judge and jury over a citizen of the Republic."
"If Letta's guilty, she's guilty and should be dealt with."Nadia retorted coldly."She's nothing but a criminal."
"Calm down, Nadia."Anakin instructed."Remember, revenge is not the Jedi way."
"Right, sorry."Nadia responded quietly.
"The evidence seems clear, Ahsoka and Nadia."Barriss stated."Nothing will ever change."
"The Chancellor feels very strongly that the Jedi be removed from as many military matters as possible."Admiral Tarkin explained as he headed to an elevator."You, yourselves said that your peacekeepers. Not soldiers."
Nadia frowned at Admiral Tarkin a little bit.
"I hope Chancellor Palpatine knows what he's doing."Ahsoka said sharply.
"I assure you that he rarely does anything without a strategy."Admiral Tarkin answered.
The Admiral Tarkin then went inside the elevator.
"I have many things to attend to, Masters."Barriss commented and looked at her friends."Good day, Ahsoka and Nadia."
Barriss then walked away, leaving Anakin, Ahsoka and Nadia by themselves.
"Go."Anakin instructed, looking at the two girls."Be with your friend, Ahsoka and Nadia."
Both Ahsoka and Nadia nodded before following after Barriss and Anakin headed to the elevator where Admiral Tarkin was.
"In ways, they are still very young."Anakin admitted.
"Indeed."Admiral Tarkin agreed.
Both Admiral Tarkin and Anakin then disappeared in the elevator while Ahsoka and Nadia went up to Barriss.
"Company?"Nadia asked.
"Sure."Barriss responded.
"Every time I think about this, I feel conflicted."Ahsoka commented."It's hard not to let feelings turn into attachment and pain."
"Well, I was never fond of being an emotionless machine as you guys are aware."Nadia stated with a slight chuckle.
"Ahsoka and Nadia have you two ever wondered if it was right to ignore your emotions?"Barriss asked.
"My master would say, our struggle as Jedi is to move past them."Ahsoka replied.
"But my master says I'm not allowed to show my emotions in the worst times."Nadia admitted.
"You make it sound so easy."Barriss stated.
Ahsoka let out a weak chuckle.
"No, it isn't easy, but it's possible."Ahsoka agreed.
"Yeah. Like when we were stuck inside the battle tank on Geonosis, it was hard not to be afraid."Nadia admitted with a small smirk."Still, the three of us got past it and I guess we'll get past this."
"You both have always been capable of seeing things clearly."Barriss remarked.
"I guess we've fooled you like we have with everyone else."Ahsoka joked.
Nadia shook her head.
"We're not perfect, Barriss."Nadia responded with a small smile."Both me and Ahsoka do mistakes like other Padawans. So we're not perfect."
"But you two are so close and get along so well."Barriss commented."I don't recall ever seeing any other Padawan learners like that."
Nadia raised an eyebrow at Barriss, finding her sudden respond strange and sense there was something a little off about her friend.
Ahsoka then responded to her comlink that was beeping.
"Yes, Master?"Ahsoka asked.
"Ahsoka, Nadia, we're needed in the war room."Anakin stated."It appears the Separatists have mounted another attack."
"Coming, Master."Ahsoka replied and glanced at Barriss."Look, we have to believe that one way or another, this woman's going to pay for what she did."
"But since Chancellor Palpatine made this a military matter, we're going to have to trust him on this one."Nadia suggested.
"You two shouldn't keep Master Skywalker waiting."Barriss reminded.
Both Ahsoka and Nadia nodded before rushing away from Barriss to meet up with Anakin.
In the War Room...
Anakin, Ahsoka, Nadia and a few of the Jedi Council members were listening to Obi-Wan via hologram.
"We've uncovered a Separatist plan of attack."Obi-Wan explained."We shall travel to the Anoat system here, then move across to Saleucami."
"So far out of our way?"Mace Windu asked.
"Unfortunately, we must avoid these neutral systems."Obi-Wan stated.
Then a hologram of Admiral Tarkin appeared next to him.
"Excuse me, Master Jedi."Admiral Tarkin said.
"Yes, Admiral?"Mace Windu replied.
Admiral Tarkin glanced at Ahsoka.
"Commander Tano, your presence is requested by prisoner Letta Turmond."Admiral Tarkin admitted.
Surprised looks appeared on Ahsoka, Anakin and Nadia's faces.
"The prisoner from the hangar bombing?"Ahsoka said.
"Why is she asking for Ahsoka?"Anakin asked.
"Not exactly sure."Admiral Tarkin answered.
"If she wants to talk to Ahsoka, then I guess I have to go there well."Nadia suggested.
"I'm sorry, Commander Aomori."Admiral Tarkin apologised bluntly."But Commander Tano is the only person the prisoner will speak to."
Then the hologram of Admiral Tarkin disappeared while Nadia rolled her eyes.
"So misanthropic."Nadia scoffed.
"I'll report back with whatever I find out."Ahsoka commented.
"Okay, but be careful, Ahsoka."Anakin warned.
Ahsoka nodded at her master and best friend before walking out of the War Room.
After the meeting ended, Nadia went back to her room and saw RG-G1 beep at her.
"Hey, G-G. I'm going to check on Satine."Nadia exclaimed."But I'll be back soon."
RG-G1 started beeping at Nadia more causing the raven haired girl to frown at him.
"Look, G-G. Whatever you have to tell me, it's going to have to wait."Nadia insisted."Satine needs all the support she can get since she is no longer the Duchess of Mandalore. See you later."
Nadia left her room as RG-G1 let out a disapproving beep.
Nadia couldn't help but sigh in relief as she arrived at the Vos Gesal Hotel; a hotel found in the Uscru Entertainment District of Coruscant.
The raven haired girl headed inside the hotel and found Satine there waiting for her.
The former Duchess of Mandalore wore a green shirt that was in the shape of a sever heart line with a pink outer dress that had puffy sleeves that were folded under to hide the seams and dark grey leotards with brown boots. On her hands were a pair of brown gloves. Her short pale blonde hair was styled loose. Around her head was a headband with a green gem on it.
Nadia and Satine share a hug with each other.
"Hey, Satine."Nadia greeted.
"Hello, Nadia."Satine responded."So lovely to see you again."
Later, Nadia and Satine sat down in the lunch area of the hotel.
The two women were sitting down in a small table for two people, eating slices of Uj'alayi, also known as uj cake, was a traditional Mandalorian dessert consumable by Artiodacs.
The sticky-sweet brown cake was filled with a variety of cream-coloured nuts and dried fruit, and it was infused with a sweet spiced syrup that kept the dense cake moist.
Satine and Nadia share a smile as they ate their slices of cake.
"It's really good."Nadia remarked.
"It is."Satine agreed with a nod.
Nadia ate a bit more of her Uj'alayi cake slice before she began speaking to Satine.
"How are you finding your hotel room, Satine?"Nadia asked.
"It's grand as well as cosy, Nadia."Satine answered with a gentle smile."Though it has been a week since I began living here in Coruscant, I feel a little homesick."
Nadia gives Satine an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry about that, Satine."Nadia apologised."My Grandmother Valerie is a rich lady, but this is all she could've offered for you."
Satine shook her head.
"It's alright, Nadia."Satine assured."I'm grateful that you and your relatives are trying hard to help me."
Nadia used her spoon to cut a bit of her Uj'alayi cake slice.
"You know it's awful that Letta Turmond bombed the Jedi Temple by using her own husband even if it got him killed."Nadia retorted with a hint of disgust."I mean her own husband. How sick and twisted can people get?"
Satine let out a sigh.
"Well, the Clone Wars has caused so much problems for many people in the Galaxy, Nadia."Satine exclaimed."A lot of protests are happening throughout every planet that are demanding the war to stop and blaming the Jedi for it. Even it includes to use violence acts."
"I don't like that, Satine."Nadia retorted with a frown."You know most of the Jedi here in the Coruscant are so hypocritical and closed-minded. Especially, the Jedi Council. They are following a corrupted Jedi Code that makes them act like emotionless machines and see forming attachments will lead to the Dark Side. The way they live is sad besides pathetic. And believe it or not, the Jedi Order in Corellia actually permit marriages among their ranks as well as form long legacies and bloodlines."
Satine lightly chuckled at Nadia's declaration.
"And something tells me you follow the Jedi Code in your home planet than the one here, Nadia."Satine teased gently.
Nadia smiled while her cheeks turned a bit pink.
As the raven haired girl continued enjoying eating slices of Uj'alayi with the former Duchess of Mandalore, she suddenly hears her comlink beeping.
"Should I answer it?"Nadia questioned.
"You might as well."Satine suggested."It could be your special someone."
Nadia gives Satine a smug look before taking out her comlink from her belt to answer her caller.
"Yes?"Nadia asked.
"Nadia, it's me."Ferus declared in a sudden grim tone."You need to come back to the Jedi Temple. There's been an incident."
Concerned looks appeared on Satine and Nadia's faces.
"What has happened?"Nadia questioned."Did Letta Turmond escaped prison and attempted another attack on the Temple?"
"No. It's worse than that. Letta Turmond is dead."Ferus admitted."And Admiral Tarkin had Ahsoka arrested for it."
Both Satine and Nadia become shocked at Ferus' declaration.
"I'm on my way."Nadia assured sternly and glanced at Satine."See you later, Satine."
Satine nodded at Nadia.
"Be careful, Nadia."Satine warned.
Nadia smiled at Satine before she left the Vos Gesal Hotel to go back to the Jedi Temple to learn more of the sudden incident that occurred.
It was now night time the moment Nadia returned back to the Jedi Temple.
She became relieved when she saw Hal and Maybelline in the hallway.
"Hal!"Nadia called out."Mai!"
Nadia rushed over to Hal and Maybelline.
"Hey, Nadia."Hal responded with a frown."I assume you heard what happened."
"That Admiral Tarkin had Ahsoka arrested? Yes, I did."Nadia scowled."Where's Anakin?"
"He tried to go and see Ahsoka, but Admiral Tarkin has ordered the Clone Troopers to block his attempt from seeing her."Maybelline retorted."He even showed a hologram of Ahsoka strangling Letta to criminalise her."
Nadia's anger began to grow at hearing that.
"Ahsoka would never betray the Jedi Order."Nadia replied sternly."She's my best friend. The two of us fought alongside Anakin and Obi-Wan in many battles in the Clone Wars since the battle of Christophsis."
"Then why would Letta even ask to see only Ahsoka?"Hal questioned.
This caused Nadia to narrow her eyes in suspicion.
"We're going to have to face the hard fact that there is a fallen Jedi here in the Temple that must've framed Ahsoka for their crimes."Nadia admitted.
Maybelline became a little pale at her older half-sister's declaration.
"Another Jedi fallen to the Dark Side?"Maybelline murmured.
"Yeah. You're right, Nadia."Hal replied with his arms folded."That's the only possibility that's clear and true. Now Ahsoka is being framed for that traitor's crime."
"They won't get away with it."Nadia snarled.
"Guys!"
Nadia, Hal and Maybelline turned around to see Ferus rushing over to them.
"Ferus, where's Anakin?"Hal asked.
"He already left with a group of Clone Troopers to find Ahsoka."Ferus admitted."She escaped prison to head to the lower districts of Coruscant to prove her innocence."
A scowl escaped from Nadia's mouth and rubbed her head with her hands to try to ease her frustration.
"Okay. Alright."Nadia scoffed, trying to think on what to do."Things are going quickly and is likely now that Ahsoka is being accused of being the real culprit since now she is on the run. We need to embark a quick investigation to find every possible Jedi that has been around the area where the bomb exploded. We spilt in two groups. Me and Ferus. Hal, you and May go together. Ahsoka's life is at stake, so let's not let her down."
"Yes, Nadia."Ferus and Hal answered in unison.
"Let's do this!"Maybelline agreed confidently.
Outside…
Ahsoka was on the run from the Galactic Republic after being framed for causing the bombing in the Jedi Temple and walked by herself in Level 1312; a level in Coruscant's underworld.
Ahsoka continued walking in the darkness until she got pinned by a masked bounty hunter, who activated her red lightsabers.
"Well, well, I didn't believe it when I first heard it. But I guess it's true. The Senate has put a bounty on your horned little head."Asajj sneered before her mask opened to reveal her face."And I'm going to be the one who collects."
The former Sith assassin then took Ahsoka's lightsabers.
"Ventress, it was you, wasn't it?"Ahsoka questioned angrily."You were behind all of this and you framed me!"
"I don't know what you're talking about."Asajj answered simply.
"Yes, you do!"Ahsoka snapped."So what are you now, a bounty hunter?"
"Yes and someone who knows how to make easy money."Asajj stated.
Asajj then made Ahsoka stand up and shoved her forward as they walked in the streets.
As the two walked to the darkest street part of Coruscant's underworld, Ahsoka glared at the former Sith assassin.
"You think you're just gonna hand me over?"Ahsoka questioned."And then what? Get a pat on the shoulder? Your Separatist war criminal and a Sith. They'll have us both in prison before you said your name."
"I don't have to hand you over to the Jedi."Asajj replied."I can hand you over to the bondsman and still get paid. I'm gonna get my money whether you're dead or alive."
"Heh, good luck."Ahsoka retorted."Despite what you hear, I'm still a Jedi."
"I'm afraid the other Jedi no longer see it that way."Asajj stated.
"I hate to admit it, but you're right."Ahsoka admitted."That's why I'm going to need your help."
The helmet on Asajj's face opened, revealing her unfazed expression.
"In what star system do you think I would ever help you?"Asajj questioned.
"A traitorous Jedi tried to blow up the Jedi Temple and has framed me for that and other killings."Ahsoka commented.
"Mmm, so the Jedi aren't that holy after all."Asajj said with a smile.
"I know Dooku tried to have you killed."Ahsoka commented."I know he betrayed you, what if this is his new apprentice? I've fallen from my path just as you've fallen from yours. We have a lot more in common than you think."
"What can you offer me that's better than money?"Asajj questioned.
"If you help me, I'll speak to the Council and the Senate on your behalf."Ahsoka admitted."I'll get you a full pardon for your crimes."
Asajj was silent for a moment before responding to Ahsoka.
"You have my attention."Asajj stated."But I'm going to go where the tide flows. If the tide is flowing against you. Don't think I'll forget about the bounty on your head."
"Fair enough."Ahsoka answered.
Asajj then notice gunships heading down with Anakin, Plo Koon and the Clone Troopers on them.
"I suggest we find somewhere else to discuss this."Asajj suggested.
"Shine the light over there."Anakin instructed.
One of the gunship's shun on Ahsoka and Ventress.
"Stay where you are!"A voice demanded.
Ahsoka and Asajj made a run for it just as Anakin leaped down from the gunship they were in.
Asajj pressed a control panel to activate a ray shield that prevented Anakin from following them.
Ahsoka took a moment to look at her master before following after Asajj.
"Ventress."Anakin snarled.
Anakin then looked at the Clone Troopers.
"Send out the probes!"Anakin ordered."I want them found now!"
In the Jedi Temple…
Nadia, Ferus, Hal and Maybelline have split in two groups in order to find evidence of Ahsoka's innocence.
They questioned every Jedi that they could and asked if they seen anything suspicious.
But they all gave the respond.
They haven't seen anyone do anything suspicious.
Hal and Maybelline headed out of the Analysis Rooms after speaking with the analysis droids, SP-4 and JN-66.
The two half-siblings left the Analysis Room.
"Not even the analysis droids saw anything."Maybelline sighed.
"We are not giving up, Meibe."Hal declared with a frown."There are still parts of the Temple, we haven't checked. Let's check the Temple's armoury."
As Maybelline followed Hal, she caught sight of Barriss not far from where they stood and seemed to be rushing off somewhere.
"Where is she going?"Maybelline asked in confusion.
"Meibe!"Hal called out.
Maybelline then rushed after Hal to go check the Temple's armoury with him.
Nadia and Ferus were in the Jedi Archives, questioning Master Jocasta Nu.
"Are you sure you haven't seen anything, Master Nu?"Nadia asked."Not a single Jedi asked for books or files that may linked to bombs or dangerous weapons?"
Master Jocasta shook her head.
"I'm truly sorry, Nadia."Master Jocasta apologised."No Jedi or Padawan learner every asked for such things."
Despite her disappointment, Nadia gives Master Jocasta a simple nod.
"Thanks anyway, Master Nu."Nadia answered slightly.
Ferus glanced at Master Jocasta.
"Master Jocasta, for all the times that you have seen Ahsoka and Nadia studying together in your library, will you ever believe one of them to turn rogue and betray the Jedi Order?"Ferus questioned.
A gentle smile appeared on Master Jocasta's face.
"I don't think neither of them would, General Olin."Master Jocasta answered."Seeing how close those two girls are and all the missions that they accomplished for the Jedi Order, I don't ever believe either of these extraordinary girls could ever become traitors."
Both Ferus and Nadia smiled at Master Jocasta, feeling touched by her declaration.
It seemed not every member of the Jedi Council were arrogant or blind by the lies told before them.
As the couple left the Jedi Archives, Nadia let out a sad sigh.
"This is all my fault."Nadia stated."If I disobeyed Tarkin's instructions and went with Ahsoka to see Letta, none of this would've happened."
Ferus placed his hand on Nadia's shoulder.
"Even if you came with Ahsoka, Nadia, Admiral Tarkin would've likely found a way to have you framed for Letta's death as well."Ferus admitted."He is not your number one fan either."
Nadia's frowned deepened.
"That's true. But I should've been there for Ahsoka."Nadia scoffed and let out a snarl."I hate Tarkin. Ahsoka saved his life at the Citadel and he prosecutes her for a murder she didn't commit. What a jerk."
"You're not only one who feels the same, Nadia."Ferus assured.
Ferus and Nadia then notice Obi-Wan walking up to them.
"Obi-Wan."Ferus said.
"I hear you two are aware of what has happened?"Obi-Wan asked.
Nadia frowned and folded her arms.
"Of course, master. Me and Ferus have been questioning other Jedi for the last few hours and trying to find evidence of the real culprit behind the bombing on the Jedi Hangar. So has Hal and Maybelline."Nadia scowled."What have you been doing?"
Obi-Wan could hear bitterness and anger within his Padawan's question, making him shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Nadia."Obi-Wan apologised."The evidence pointing towards Ahsoka is strong."
Outraged looks appeared on Ferus and Nadia.
"I can't believe this."Ferus muttered in disgust.
"And you actually believe Ahsoka would betray the Jedi Order like the rest of the Jedi Council do?"Nadia retorted."Just who the hell's side are on, Master?!"
"Calm down, Nadia. I never said I was with the Council on this one."Obi-Wan admitted."I'm saying I'm giving you and Ferus time to clear Ahsoka's name. But go join up with Anakin. Like you two, he hasn't abandoned Ahsoka."
Nadia's anger cooled down a bit at Obi-Wan's reply.
"Alright, master. I understand."Nadia answered with a nod and glanced at her boyfriend."Let's go, Ferus."
Inside the Imperial Inspectorate Command Center, Ahsoka sat inside with Padme next to her.
The Senator of Naboo wore a tight dark grey dress with a puff sleeve around the elbows and a long, silver-coloured band of cloth over her shoulders with four dark stripes at chest height. She also wore a metallic headband that covered her ears while also sporting her dark chocolate brown hair in a simple bun.
Padme was the only member of the Senate that agreed to prove Ahsoka's innocence.
Ahsoka was sad and lost as she thought about the events that occurred.
She was on the run a while ago and joined allies with Ventress, who agreed to help her prove her innocence.
Unfortunately, after going to the warehouse that Barriss told her to go, a masked female figure with red blades attacked her before disappearing and now she was expelled from the Jedi Order after being brought back to the Jedi Temple.
What's worse, now she was going to put on trial for a crime she didn't commit.
The Jedi Council just threw her out of the Order without thinking twice.
How could they after everything she has done for them?
Then Anakin, Ferus and Nadia arrived in Ahsoka's prison cell.
Nadia rushed over to Ahsoka and quickly hugged her.
"Hey, Soka."Nadia greeted and gives her best friend an apologetic smile."I'm so sorry about what happened."
"Don't worry, Dia."Ahsoka assured with a smile."You are my best friend and one of the people that haven't given up on me. For that I am grateful."
Nadia gives Ahsoka a weak smile.
"Padme has agreed to represent you before the Senate."Anakin explained.
"I will do everything I can to prove your innocence, Ahsoka."Padme commented.
"And you're still a friend in my book."Ferus admitted.
"I am almost certain that the person behind this is Ventress and you guys know I wasn't working with her."Ahsoka stated."She was at the warehouse in the room. We fought, but she got away."
"Didn't any of the clones see anything before you?"Ahsoka asked.
"No. None of the clones reported seeing Ventress at the scene."Anakin replied."I thought you said Ventress left before you went into the warehouse."
"That's what I thought, too, but then she attacked me and Nadia when we got inside."Ahsoka answered."I'd know her red lightsabers anywhere."
"Well, if that's our only lead, then we know what we have to do."Nadia admitted.
Both Anakin and Nadia turn to leave the prison cell.
"Wait, where are you two going?"Padme asked."You both can't leave now."
"Yes, we can."Anakin stated."We have to find Ventress and get to the bottom of this."
"Good idea, Anakin."Ferus agreed with a nod."Me and Padme can stay to defend Ahsoka to buy you guys enough time."
Nadia smiled. "We won't let you down, Soka."
Both Anakin and Nadia then left the prison cell as Padme looked at Ahsoka.
"Until we hear from Anakin, let's work on your defense."Padme suggested.
"Forgive me if I'm not optimistic."Ahsoka responded."I thought I was part of that Order. But everyone, except our friends, has abandoned me. I'm not holding out much hope the Senate will treat me any better."
Both Padme and Ferus looked at Ahsoka with sad expressions.
Hal followed Maybelline to Nadia's room to tell their sister of their failure to find prove of Ahsoka's innocence.
"I can't believe we didn't find anything."Hal scoffed.
"Let's hope that Ferus and Nadia found something."Maybelline suggested.
Hal opened the door, only for RG-G1 to slam into him.
"Ow!"Hal retorted and glared at RG-G1."G-G, what gives?!"
RG-G1 beeped a respond causing both Hal and Maybelline to become surprised.
"What?"Maybelline said in awe."You were there moments before the bomb in the Jedi Hangar exploded?"
"So you know who might be the real culprit instead of Ahsoka?"Hal assumed.
RG-G1 gestures Hal and Maybelline to follow him inside Nadia's room before the door closed behind them.
The droid then shows a hologram video of the Jedi Hangar as well as the future victims and survivors of the incident.
However, the half-siblings saw a hooded figure arriving causing them to become stunned.
"Oh my gosh."Maybelline murmured.
Hal's eyes narrowed in respond.
In the criminal underworld of Coruscant, Anakin and Nadia were walking together in one of the crime infested levels to look for Asajj.
"Ventress is now longer Count Dooku's apprentice and now is a bounty hunter."Nadia complemented."I doubt she would try anything against the Jedi after her master's betrayal."
Anakin gives Nadia a questioning look.
"Do you trust Ventress, Nadia?"Anakin questioned.
"I just feel sorry for her."Nadia answered."But all this doesn't make any sense."
"Well, if we talk to Ventress, things will be clear for all of us."Anakin retorted.
Nadia bit her lip as she followed Anakin to on an overhead walkway.
Down below, Asajj was making her way along the filthy underworld street with her head bowed low.
Before Nadia could Anakin then landed down near Asajj, exposing himself.
"Anakin Skywalker."Asajj commented before Nadia landed at the other side."Nadia Aomori."
"I know you're behind all of this."Anakin snarled.
"Anakin-"Nadia started.
"Prove it."Asajj challenged.
Anakin ignited his lightsaber which caused Nadia to scowl.
Asajj then used the Force to jump to the top causing Anakin and Nadia to follow her up.
Anakin was on one end while Nadia on the other.
However, Asajj immediately descended on Anakin since he was the one with the lightsaber activated.
Asajj gave two kicks and a punch while Anakin was off guard, though had to back away in the next moment when Nadia engaged her from behind hand-to-hand.
Nadia, however to use the Force to move Asajj out of the way since she didn't want her to get hit by Anakin's blade.
"Leave me alone!"Asajj snapped.
But Anakin was more eager to kill the former Sith assassin than talk to her.
"Anakin, stop!"Nadia demanded.
Anakin ignored Nadia and easily used the Force to strangle Asajj and grabbed her by the neck.
"Anakin!"Nadia shouted.
"Tell us what happened!"Anakin growled.
"When I heard your little brat was on the run, I thought she might bring a large bounty."Asajj answered.
"Bounty?"Anakin retorted.
Anakin pointed his lightsaber towards Asajj's neck.
"I was going to catch your pet and turn her over to the authorities, collect whatever bounty was due."Asajj responded, struggling to breath.
Anakin released Asajj and deactivated his lightsaber causing the bounty hunter to cough while rubbing her neck.
"What stopped you?"Nadia asked.
"At first-I admit-I was just interested in the money and a little bit of revenge."Asajj admitted."But then I realised your fallen Padawan and I had a lot in common."
Nadia paled at Asajj's respond while Anakin became more angry at the former Sith assassin's respond.
"How dare you compare yourself to Ahsoka."Anakin said coldly.
"It's true!"Asajj answered angrily, turning around to glare at Anakin."My master abandoned me and that's exactly what you did to her. You and your precious Jedi Order."
Meanwhile...
Ahsoka had her hands cuffed and was brought to the Republic Center for Military Operations where her trail of the crime she didn't commit would begin.
Obi-Wan stood with members of the Jedi Council and gives Ferus a questionable look, confused why wasn't he with Anakin and Nadia.
But the Jedi Knight gave the Jedi Master a look that told him that Anakin and Nadia were looking for the real culprit of the Temple.
"Ahsoka Tano, you have been charged with sedition against the Jedi Order and the Republic itself."Chancellor Palpatine stated."This court will decide your fate, prosecution, you may begin your arguments."
"Former Padawan Tano, I shall prove that you were the mastermind behind the attack on the Jedi Temple and that once your accomplices carried out your orders. You eliminated them one by one."Admiral Tarkin declared."When you are found guilty, I ask the court that the full extent of the law be brought down upon you. Including penalty of death."
Back in Coruscant's Underworld...
Anakin and Nadia continued listening to Asajj's story of what happened to her and Ahsoka upon arriving to the warehouse where the nanodroid explosives were found.
"After I left the warehouse, after I left your little Padawan alone, I was walking away and I thought she came up behind me to talk more."Asajj commented."But I was wrong, someone came out of nowhere and hit me from behind not just anyone can sneak up behind me, it had to be another Jedi."
"I don't believe you."Anakin responded.
"Believe it."Asajj commented."Whoever you're looking for has my lightsabers. That's how you'll know you've found the criminal."
"Since you didn't have your lightsabers when we found you, I believe you."Nadia admitted with her arms folded.
Well, this leads us to a dead end."Anakin muttered."You're the only one Ahsoka had talked to."
"That's not true."Asajj responded.
Both Anakin and Nadia glanced at Asajj at her declaration.
"Huh?"Nadia said in confusion.
"What do you mean?"Anakin questioned.
"Your Padawan contacted the Temple."Asajj admitted."She spoke to someone named Barriss. That's why we knew to go to the warehouse in the first place. It was this Barriss that told us to go there."
Nadia paled at the former Sith assassin's statement.
There was only one Barriss, she and Ahsoka both knew only and was the one who helped them fight during the incident in Geonosis.
But it couldn't be her.
Could it?
Though upon learning Barriss' involvement in leading Ahsoka to the warehouse, Anakin gives Asajj a deadly glare since he still didn't trust her.
"If you're lying, you're dead."Anakin warned coldly.
"Such promises."Asajj scoffed sarcastically.
Anakin then leapt down from the bridge to rush back to the Temple as Nadia brought her attention on Asajj.
"Ventress, I don't trust the Council because of their hypocrisy and they don't trust me because the blood of Darth Nihilus is running through my veins. So I never betrayed Ahsoka and don't believe her to be responsible of the bombing in the Jedi Temple."Nadia assured strongly."Me and a few comrades have been trying to find ways to prove her innocence, but weren't able to. Though only now thanks to you, it looks like we did."
Asajj scoffed at Nadia's declaration.
"A bold respond you got there, Aomori."Asajj commented with a bored and sarcastic tone."Maybe the Jedi Council should hire you as their advisor to guide them from their utter idiocy."
Nadia let out a slight chuckle before heading down to go after Anakin.
In the Republic Center for Military Operations...
Padme stepped forward to speak and defend Ahsoka while Ferus stood behind her.
"Look at the facts."Padme stated."Letta Turmond called Ahsoka to her cell to reveal the name of the true mastermind behind the bombing of the Jedi Temple, Letta told Ahsoka she was afraid, she told her the mastermind was a Jedi, and before she could reveal the Jedi's name, Letta Turmond was strangled to death by way of the Force. Why would Ahsoka kill Letta with a method that would so obviously tie the murder to her? A Jedi may be responsible for the murder. But that Jedi is not Ahsoka Tano. Members of the court, you are prosecuting the wrong Jedi."
This caused Admiral Tarkin to clap causing Ferus to give him a deadly glare.
"Well said, Senator Amidala."Admiral Tarkin commented."However, if she is innocent, then why was she seen conspiring with known Separatist terrorist Asajj Ventress?"
"Ventress set me up!"Ahsoka protested."My master and Padawan Aomori will prove that!"
"And where is your master and your close friend?"Admiral Tarkin questioned.
"They are trying to find the real murderer."Ahsoka responded.
"Then maybe they should be looking at you."Admiral Tarkin replied.
This caused Ferus to step forward to stand up for Ahsoka as well.
"Really, Admiral Tarkin?"Ferus scoffed, earning everyone's attention."It sounds you need to have your ego checked."
Admiral Tarkin glared at Ferus.
"Excuse me, General Olin?"Admiral Tarkin questioned.
"Have you forgotten that Ahsoka was the very person who saved your own life during the mission in the Citadel?"Ferus reminded."Do you really intend to get rid of someone you own your life to?"
"I don't see how talking about past events has to do with anything."Admiral Tarkin retorted rudely.
Ferus ignored Admiral Tarkin's declaration before glancing at the members of the court.
"Ahsoka Tano was one of the many Padawan learners that was brought to the Jedi Temple as a small child and fought for many battles for the Republic since the Battle of Christophsis."Ferus informed, giving a small glare to the Jedi Council before looking at the members of the Court."In case, some of you have forgotten."
Master Yoda and Plo Koon glanced at each other while Mace Windu looked utterly unfazed by Ferus' respond.
"Like Padawan Nadia Aomori, Ahsoka is a loyal, generous and kind-hearted person."Ferus informed firmly with a stern look."She also happens to be quite selfless as she willingly to risk her life many times to protect the innocent as well as her friends. So ask yourselves this! Can anyone like her truly betray the Jedi Order that happened to be the only home she ever had and betray the people she care about?"
This caused several members of the court to murmur at each other.
Meanwhile...
In the Jedi Temple, Anakin and Nadia were walking to the hallway to where Barriss' room was.
"Hal and Maybelline also learned of the true culprit thanks to RG-G1."Nadia complemented."I can't believe my droid had the evidence all along and I didn't realise it at first."
"It's fine, Nadia."Anakin answered slightly."We have now the truth and all is left for is to arrest the true traitor."
Nadia nodded as she and Anakin arrived in front of Barriss' room.
"Are you ready for this?"Nadia asked softly.
"Yes."Anakin replied sternly and looked at Nadia."What about you?"
Nadia smirked. "Anything for Ahsoka."
Anakin then ring the bell of the room.
"Enter."
Anakin and Nadia came into the room, where they saw Barriss sitting down by herself and appeared to be meditating.
"Barriss, we need to talk to you."Nadia commented.
"Master Skywalker, Nadia, how can I help you two?"Barriss asked as she stood up.
"We were told that you spoke with Ahsoka before she was arrested."Anakin stated as he used the force to grab her lightsaber. "What did you say to her?"
"We've been friends for a long time."Barriss answered. "I was only trying to help her, I hope I'm not in any trouble."
"It's no trouble."Nadia commented as she leaned against the wall. "We just need to know what you told her and if you told anyone else."
"No, I thought I had a clue for her, but I really couldn't tell her anything."Barriss responded."Who told you two I spoke to her?"
"Ventress."Anakin said quietly."She told us."
"Ventress?"Barriss asked."Isn't she the one Ahsoka says is really behind all this?"
"Ventress thinks someone else is involved."Nadia commented."Which I have a funny feeling that it's possibly true."
"And you both believe her?"Barriss asked with a smile."Who else could it be if not her? Surely, not Ahsoka."
"No, I don't think it was Ahsoka either."Anakin admitted.
Nadia notice the look of fear on Barriss face.
"I think both Ahsoka and Ventress are telling the truth, but there's only one way to find out."Anakin stated coldly.
Anakin then activated his blue blade.
This caused Nadia to activate her own two lightsabers while Barriss took out two familiar lightsabers that was from the pot she was next to.
"Funny."Anakin said coldly."Those belong to Ventress."
"Shame it had to be you."Nadia admitted bitterly.
"I think they suit me."Barriss said with a evil smile.
Then the two Jedi began to duel their fallen friend causing them to send her out of the room and chase in the hallways of the Temple.
In the Republic Center for Military Operations...
"I'm sure many of you look at this former Jedi and think surely she cannot be this murderer or saboteur that they speak of. "Chancellor Palpatine said."And yet think of all the times we have been fooled by the Separatists and how they have infiltrated the Republic and ask yourself. Is this yet another Separatist scheme? Another way to rip the Jedi and subsequently all of us apart."
Chancellor Palpatine glanced at Ferus.
"I understand your feelings, General Olin."Chancellor Palpatine assured."But you can't let your emotions cloud your judgement. That's not the Jedi way, is it?"
Ferus glared at Chancellor Palpatine with an annoyed look, but didn't say anything.
In the Hallway of the Jedi Temple...
Anakin and Nadia continued dueling Barriss.
"Ahsoka trusted you and you betrayed her!"Anakin snapped.
"I've learned that trust is overrated."Barriss responded."The only thing the Jedi Council believes in is violence."
"So you decided to use violence as well and frame my best friend for your corrupted beliefs!"Nadia snarled.
Anakin and Nadia both leapt forward at the same time causing Barriss to block their lightsabers with her own.
Barriss tried to slash Nadia's legs, but the raven haired girl simply dodged the attack and kicked her on the stomach.
The fallen Jedi tried to make a run for it, but then two of the Temple Guards from each side blocked her escape.
Then Barriss rushed to the window and crushed through it causing Anakin and Nadia to go after.
Anakin and Nadia continued their fierce duel with Barriss that was now outside in the opening.
In the garden of the temple, Katooni, Petro, Zatt, Ganodi, Gungi, and Byph were training with their lightsabers under Jedi Master Tera Sinube's supervision.
They then turned their attention on the two Jedi, who were fighting their fallen friend in the ceiling.
Barriss then send Anakin and Nadia to the ground.
"Look out!"Petro shouted.
The two Jedi quickly spun around and Anakin blocked his lightsaber with Barriss.
After putting away her cyan coloured lightsaber, Nadia zapped Barriss with her Force Judgement causing the traitor to drop one of the red lightsabers.
Barriss then notice the Temple Guards with Anakin and Nadia causing her to back away as she dulled the two Jedi.
Then Anakin grabbed Barriss with the Force and pushed her against a tree.
Nadia went next to Anakin while glaring at Barriss.
"Come, friend."Nadia scowled in a cold and venomous tone."You have much to answer for."
In the Republic Center for Military Operations...
"The members of the court have reached a decision."Jury Foreman stated.
Ferus clenched his fist in silent anger as Chancellor Palpatine stood up from his seat as Mas Amedda handed the notepad to him.
"Ahsoka Tano, by an overwhelming count of-"Chancellor Palpatine started.
Then Anakin, Nadia and the Temple Guards came into the room, earning everyone's attention.
"Chancellor!"Nadia yelled out.
Chancellor Palpatine looked at Anakin and Nadia.
"I hope you both have a reason for bursting into our proceedings, Master Skywalker and young Aomori."Chancellor Palpatine said firmly.
"Yes, Chancellor Palpatine."Nadia answered with a bow."As a matter of fact, we do."
"We're here with evidence and a confession from the person responsible for all the crimes Ahsoka has been accused of."Anakin informed.
Anakin and Nadia moved away to showing Barriss, who had the Temple Guards behind her.
"Barriss Offee, member of the Jedi Order and traitor!"Anakin announced.
This caused Ferus, Ahsoka and the Jedi Council to become shocked while Admiral Tarkin had a deep frown on his face.
Ahsoka glanced at Barriss with a hurtful look.
"Barriss, is that true?"Ahsoka asked quietly.
Nadia gives Barriss a hateful look.
"Go ahead and tell them the truth, traitor."Nadia demanded coldly.
Barriss glared at Nadia and Anakin before looking at everyone else to give her speech.
The screens in the room turned their attention on Barriss.
"I did it because I've come to realise what many of people in the Republic have come to realise, that the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war! That we've so lost our way that we have become villains in this conflict! That we are the ones that should be put on trial, all of us!"Barriss shouted angrily."And my attack on the Temple was an attack on what the Jedi have become! An army fighting for the Dark Side! Fallen from the light that we once held so dear! This Republic is failing! It's only a matter of time!"
The trail room was silent at Barriss' declaration as Anakin pulled Master Luminara's fallen Padawan back.
"Take her away."Chancellor Palpatine ordered.
The Temple Guards took Barriss away as Anakin and Nadia turned their attention on Ahsoka and smiled at her.
Ferus smirked at Admiral Tarkin, who simply huffed and left the trial room.
Ahsoka smiled at her friends before she looked down with a sad look due to the betrayal from Barriss for setting her up.
There was a warm light shining on Nadia's face as she leaned against the entrance to the Jedi Temple, quietly thinking of Barriss' treachery.
The raven haired girl was utterly angry at Master Luminara Unduli's fallen Padawan over her betraying and framing Ahsoka for the crimes she committed.
Though Nadia knew Barriss wasn't wrong about the Jedi Order in Coruscant being corrupted and starting the Clone Wars.
The Jedi were the ones who attacked Geonosis.
To be fair, they went to rescue Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padme after they were captured by Count Dooku and his lackies. Though they were still the ones, who launched the first strike, not the Separatists.
Calling the Jedi villains was an exaggeration from Nadia's point of view and at the same time, it wasn't entirely wrong.
The Jedi Council betrayed Ahsoka and turned their backs on her. Even though they knew her since she was little and she fought for the Jedi Order various times.
Obi-Wan was the only Council member, who actually tried to help Ahsoka.
Plo Koon said he didn't believe she could fall, but after that he just let her suffer, showed her no support in the Chamber of Judgement and didn't even side with Obi-Wan when he tried to talk sense into the other Council members.
Aside from the horrible way the Council treated Ahsoka, the Jedi also attacked systems because they disagreed with the current government, so from the Separatist's point of view, they were the bad guys.
It seemed that there weren't many true Jedi left in the Order at this point except herself and her friends in Coruscant.
Though Ahsoka was cleared from the charges, would her best friend stay in the Jedi Order?
Despite the hope that Nadia had that she would, something inside her told her that Ahsoka wouldn't.
Of course, who could blame her?
The Jedi Council betrayed her and treated her as a criminal after all the times she had fought for them.
Nadia came out of her thoughts when she caught side of Ahsoka leaving the building without wearing her Padawan braid and had a sad look, making butterflies grow in her stomach.
"Soka?"Nadia spoke up.
Ahsoka glanced at Nadia.
"Hey, Dia."Ahsoka replied softly.
"So you decided not to stay."Nadia assumed.
Ahsoka shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Nadia. I can't stay here anymore."Ahsoka admitted, her voice mixed with sadness and betrayal."Not after what they did."
Nadia gives Ahsoka a bittersweet smile due to understanding her best friend's decision and a little hurt that she won't be around anymore as she used to be.
"I get it. The Council had seen you only as tool. Not as a friend with a mind and heart."Nadia declared with a firm tone."They have crossed the line for what they did you. But if you're ever far, will you promise to stay in touch with me?"
"I will, I promise."Ahsoka answered with a small nod."We are best friends after all."
Nadia approached Ahsoka and pulled her into a tight hug while a few more tears started leaking from her eyes.
"This whole time, I believed your place was here in the Jedi Temple with me and become Jedi Knights together."Nadia stated, trying to be strong."But as much as I hate to let you go, I know you have to go out there and find a new destiny."
Ahsoka hugged Nadia back, but struggled to not become emotional as well.
The two best friends then stopped hugging each other.
"Take care of yourself, Ahsoka."Nadia insisted with a small chuckle."Don't forget what me and Anakin taught you."
Ahsoka smiled. "You know I won't."
"Ahsoka!"Anakin called out.
Ahsoka and Nadia notice Anakin rushing over to them.
"Ahsoka, I need to talk to you."Anakin stated."Why are you doing this?"
"The Council didn't trust me, so how can I trust myself?"Ahsoka asked sadly.
"What about me and Nadia? Our friends?"Anakin demanded."We believed in you. We stood by you."
"I know you, Dia and our friends believe in me, Anakin, and I'm grateful for that."Ahsoka assured strongly."But this isn't about you. I can't stay here any longer, not now."
"The Jedi Order is your life."Anakin reminded."You can't just throw it away like this. Ahsoka, you are making a mistake."
"Maybe, but I have to sort this out on my own, without the Council and without you."Ahsoka declared.
Anakin turned away as well, showing the suffering evident on his face to Nadia.
"I understand."Anakin replied, remembering his own problems with the Jedi Council from the first time he arrived."More than you realise, I understand wanting to walk away from the Order."
"I know."Ahsoka answered.
Both Anakin and Nadia looked at Ahsoka in silence as their friend moved away from them and continued down the stair steps of the Jedi Temple and eventually disappeared from their sight.
Nadia glanced at Anakin.
"She'll come back, Anakin."Nadia assured in a soft yet firm tone."I'm sure of it."
"What makes you think that, Nadia?"Anakin questioned.
A fragile smile appeared on Nadia's face.
"Ahsoka is not the one to forget her friends because she cares about them deeply unlike the other Jedi here."Nadia informed."And it's not really goodbye. It's just…goodbye until next time."
Anakin gives Nadia a smile back.
Though deep down, he was hurt and disappointed that Ahsoka left the Jedi Order because of the Council's actions.
An amused look was on Chancellor Palpatine's respond as he watched the setting sun from the window of his office within the Senate Office Building.
Ahsoka has left the Jedi Order because of the Council's idiocy and now the Jedi Order will likely weaken more after the events that had occurred.
He silently thanked Barriss Offee for causing this to happen.
With Ahsoka gone, he can get more closer to Anakin and Nadia.
Having lost someone close to them will likely cause both of them to lost more trust to the Jedi Council.
The Jedi were unintentionally helping Darth Sidious, who was basically the Dark Side of the Force in a physical body, create his Empire by fighting for him and defending a Republic which was full of corruption.
The longer they defend the Republic, the more powerful Sidious becomes, both politically and in the Dark side.
He was playing a game of chess, but no one knew he was controlling both sides of the board.
Either way, he was going to win.
Once the Jedi were done playing in his chess game, he'll wiped them out and the Republic will be no more.
And by the time they found his true identity, it was going to be too late.
One more chapter left and marks the end of Season 5.
See you all in the next chapter and have a good day!