Anakin and Obi-Wan stood side by side, watching as Korkie took on his opponents with confidence. Obi-Wan's son moved with impressive skill, his vibro-knife spinning through the air with a mix of grace and precision. Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged glances, both of them unable to hide their pride and amusement. It was clear that Korkie's skills were better than they had expected, and Anakin couldn't help but give Obi-Wan a grin.
As Korkie blocked a series of simulated attacks, Obi-Wan leaned over to Anakin with a smirk. "Looks like he's been busy with his own training, huh?"
Anakin chuckled, his blue eyes sparkling. "Yeah, he's really good."
Korkie's movements were smooth and confident, showing off the years of practice he must have put in. Anakin watched as Korkie expertly dodged and countered each strike, his focus evident. It was clear he'd been training in secret—his pacifist "aunt" would never have approved of him learning to fight, even though she'd never claimed him as her own.
"He's got a bit of both of us in him, doesn't he?" Anakin said, his voice filled with warmth. "I didn't expect that."
Obi-Wan sighed, his eyes filled with affection as he watched Korkie. "Yeah, it's like he's got the boldness of a Skywalker mixed with the wisdom of a Kenobi. Quite the combination."
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." Blatantly 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 hundredth time. By now, Anakin was sure that Korkie was doing it on purpose. 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 in time 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 stood before the Council members, waiting for the news he already knew was coming.
"Time for a new mission, Skywalker," Grandmaster Yoda said, though Anakin could've predicted it. "Rescue Master Even Piell and Admiral Tarkin, you must. Captured by the enemy, they have been."
Plo Koon spoke up, his voice calm and steady. "If their knowledge falls into Separatist hands, it could cause serious problems. Your job is to get them out and recover any important information they have."
Anakin nodded. "Got it, Masters. I'll do everything I can to rescue them and get the intel," he said. "But this is a trap."
"Of course, it is," Mace Windu sighed. "One does not need your gift or mine to see that. It's obvious."
Anakin frowned. "What makes it worse is that I've been seeing things less clearly lately."
"Clouded, your vision is," Yoda said, looking at him closely.
"Someone close to me is doing it," Anakin said slowly, letting it sink in. "Someone on Coruscant."
He was finally letting hints about Palpatine slip, though he knew Palpatine had what he wanted from the war and had no interest in letting it drag on any longer. Anakin's hope was to have a peaceful galaxy for his kids someday.
"We would know if there was a Sith on Coruscant!" Depa said, shaking her head as if she couldn't believe it, even though they all sensed the dark, oppressive presence in the Force.
"Hidden, they can stay," Yoda said, his face grim. "Meditate on this, we all must. For now, Skywalker to his mission, he goes."
"Yes, Grandmaster," everyone in the chamber echoed in agreement.
Here we go, Anakin internally smirked. Seeds of doubt planted, the green troll will do the rest for me.
In the middle of all the chaos, Anakin Skywalker's mission to rescue Master Even Piell and Admiral Tarkin was turning out to be tougher than he'd expected. As he got closer to the heart of the enemy stronghold, his senses were on high alert, ready for anything. Just in time, he managed to save Master Even Piell from an explosion, getting him out of the way and saving a lot of lives in the process.
But even as Anakin pulled off this heroic feat, tragedy struck. The bomb went off, killing Admiral Tarkin in the blast. The explosion sent Anakin flying, and he hit the ground hard, his body taking the full force of the blast. Pain shot through him as everything around him turned into a blur of confusion and noise.
Using all his strength and the Force, Anakin pulled off a desperate move—he created a protective shield around himself using a new technique he'd been working on. The Force armor absorbed most of the explosion's impact and saved his life from what would have been a fatal blast.
When the dust finally settled, Anakin was lying among the wreckage, his lightsaber shattered, a new scar across his forehead, and internal injuries that made every breath a struggle.
His soldiers rushed over, their faces showing a mix of worry and thanks as they started to take care of him. Anakin was hurt bad—a concussion, bleeding inside, broken ribs—and he fought to stay awake through the pain.
As they carried him away from the wreckage, the soldiers and Jedi around him looked on in awe at his bravery and quick thinking. Despite everything, Anakin's courage and quick actions had saved their lives.
As news of the explosion and Anakin's injuries spread through the Republic forces, a heavy sense of worry fell over the Jedi Temple. Everyone was on edge, but for Aayla Secura and Rex, the news hit especially hard. They couldn't shake the guilt gnawing at them, wondering if there was something they could have done to prevent it all.
Aayla paced back and forth in her quarters, her usual confidence replaced by a restless, worried energy. She couldn't get the image of Anakin's hurt body out of her head. She kept replaying everything that happened, trying to find clues or mistakes she might have missed. Her mind was racing with questions—Could she have seen the danger coming? Was there something she could have done differently?
Rex was in a similar place, struggling with his own feelings of guilt. He had fought side by side with Anakin so many times, and now that his friend and leader was hurt, it felt like a weight he couldn't shake off. He tried to find comfort in being with his fellow soldiers, but the guilt of not being there for Anakin was heavy on his shoulders.
Meanwhile, Ahsoka was trying to make sense of everything. Seeing her once-invincible master injured was a tough blow. She was caught in a storm of feelings—worried about Anakin, angry at the situation, and facing a vulnerability she hadn't really seen before. Her admiration for Anakin's strength was being tested in ways she hadn't expected.
The Jedi Temple was filled with a tense, uneasy feeling. The news about Anakin's condition had spread fast, and there was a heavy silence in the halls that used to be full of purpose and determination. Jedi and Padawans exchanged worried looks, a stark reminder that even the strongest warriors could be knocked down by the harsh realities of war. After all, this was the first real injury Anakin had faced in his service.
Plo Koon and Obi-Wan Kenobi were visibly shaken by the news. Shmi was a mess with worry, her heart aching as she thought about her son. And Padmé's reaction was just as intense.
When the news reached General Skywalker's unit, the 501st Legion, it hit hard. This was the famous battalion that had fought bravely under Anakin's command, and they were deeply affected by the news of his injuries. They'd formed a close bond with their Jedi General, their vode, and seeing him hurt made them realize that even their fearless leader wasn't invincible.
So, the decision was made: the 501st was called back for some much-needed rest and healing. The troopers knew this wasn't just a break—it was a chance to regroup after the blow of seeing Anakin in such a state.
The Jedi Council had moved quickly, making sure Anakin got the medical care he needed. Waking up in the temple's medical bay was a strange experience for Anakin. The first thing he noticed was the cold, clean smell of bacta and the worried faces of his friends and healers around him.
His memories were a jumble of blurry images and confusing gaps, and he had to work hard to piece together what had happened. The Jedi healers and his fellow Jedi tried to help him remember, but everything felt fuzzy and elusive. It was disorienting, like trying to grab hold of something that kept slipping away.
On the way back to the temple, Anakin had spent time in a bacta tank, letting the healing liquid do its work on his battered body. Even so, the scar on his forehead, the ache of broken ribs, and the bruises reminded him of what he'd been through. As he lay there, he couldn't help but think about the Force shield he'd used during the explosion.
His thoughts wandered to the idea of using the Force in new ways. He began to imagine that, just as they could use the Force to enhance their physical abilities, maybe they could also use it to create protective barriers. It was an exciting concept—one that could open up new possibilities for the future.
During his quiet moments, Anakin found himself thinking about why his memory was so messed up. He figured that his strong connection to the Force, his old lightsaber crystal, and the sheer force of the explosion had somehow messed with his mind. Losing the kyber crystal, which had been a part of him for so long, had probably done more than just leave physical scars. So when the Senate started asking questions about the mission and Tarkin's death, Healer Che backed up Anakin's explanation about why his memory was all over the place.
While the Jedi Temple was buzzing with worry and relief over Anakin's recovery, there was an air of cautious optimism. Everyone was happy that Anakin was conscious again, and the Jedi Council felt a bit of relief seeing one of their own come through such a tough situation. But under all that, Anakin was hiding a secret.
As the people around him fretted over his injuries, Anakin couldn't help but feel a bit smug inside. He was playing the part of the recovering Jedi, while secretly he knew he'd pulled off a major win for the light side. By taking out Tarkin, who was a big supporter of Palpatine, he'd made a huge move against the dark side's plans. He felt a bit guilty about all the drama, especially seeing how worried his family was about him, but he knew it was necessary. Tarkin had outlived his usefulness from the last timeline, and it was time for him to go.
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."