Avengers: Infinite Wars

by free man writer

The Clone Wars are in full swing with the galaxy divided. The Jedi lead the clone army against the infinite droid army of the Separatists. Yet a wild card enters the fray. The Avengers. From there, newer, more sinister and deadlier threats emerge and The Galaxy, no, the universe, shall never be the same again. Co-written by Jebest4781 and BulletStormX. Now in Season 4.

93. Padawan Lost

And now, we are at another chapter that has long been anticipated by my comrades and I.

One that Jebest literally thought of suddenly during the reboot of this story and one that made us all giddy at when we would get to it.

It has been a journey, let me tell ya but right now, back-to-back with what we've done here, this season 3 finale saga has been an absolute breeze to get through.

Legit, if we keep this momentum going, if we are lucky and that is a very, VERY big IF, Season 3 may reach its conclusion by summer. Which is the craziest fucking thing to consider.

So enough delay.

TIME FOR THIS LONG AWAITED ARC.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.

Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 93: Padawan Lost

On the planet of Onderon, madness reigned over its capital city.

The Chitauri and Sakaarans blindly attack anyone and anything, upon orders of Lord Maul.

The reason was simple, a distraction big enough to smuggle out both the former and present kings of this world. And it worked with everyone fighting for their lives, too focused on the attackers than Maul and his little team on the smuggling operation.

They were successful, but their actions hadn't gone unnoticed.

Elsewhere, a band of resistance fighters were searching for King Dendup. They weren't alone as the two Jedi padawans, ARC troopers and a young Avenger were with them. Much was needed, due to how dense the jungle was.

They were desperate to get to the King as the battle of Onderon may hinge on this moment.

Ahsoka Tano ran through the jungle with several other rebels, one of which was a Trandoshan, the one who reportedly saw Dendup being taken out here.

In the midst of it all, several Chitauri Chariots had spotted her group and pursued after them, firing rapidly into the jungle to disorient or take out the group.

During that instance, Ahsoka was separated from the others, having had to dodge a number of explosions. She sought to find her way back to them, especially when hearing commotion some distance away.

It was then did Ahsoka feel it. The wave of the Dark Side.

It was overwhelming, but nothing in comparison to what she felt while being in the Son's presence.

Regardless, the Dark Side made her shudder and whatever it was, it was vile and plain evil, making every cell in her body recoil at such a sensation.

Distracted as she was from feeling such darkness, she didn't notice the danger approaching her.

She heard an electrical humming fill the air. By the time she whirled around, Ahsoka saw a Trandoshan shoot at her. She would've blocked the shot with her lightsabers if it was typical blaster fire, but it was a power net encompassing her. The electric currents surrounded her very body, causing her to spasm and collapse onto the ground.

The Trandoshan stood above her, cackling and hissing. "I can't believe my luck. The attack on the capital worked out perfectly in our favor."

He briefly looked back, seeing the other Rebels that had accompanied them being taken by other Trandoshans that had followed after them. They all hissed aloud at their victory, making small roars before taking their newly captured prey.

The last thing Ahsoka could register before succumbing to her state of unconsciousness was her being dragged away.

…

…

…

…

…

"-Soka, stop playing around, this isn't funny."

The padawan groaned, slowly waking up once hearing Peter's voice.

"Ahsoka."

Soon came Barriss, trying to call out to her.

She expected to wake up in their embrace. A feeling she found pleasure and happiness, being within their warmth.

Instead, all she could feel was a clammy, coldness.

"Snips?"/"Love?"

Eyes fluttering, she saw she was in a dark place. Clasping her head slightly, she began registering her surroundings. She was no longer in Onderon's jungles or at the Resistance base.

Ahsoka Tano was in a cage.

Whirling around, she saw there was the same Trandoshan she saw earlier, holding up her transceiver between his claws.

"Ahsok-"

It was interrupted as the Trandoshan destroyed the device.

"You won't be needing this anymore." He snidely said, a sadistic sneer directed at her.

Hands immediately went to her sides. For the briefest of moments, she thought her lightsabers would be there. But in truth, they were no longer there because they were taken by her captor.

A bit of rage filled her being. She whipped out her hand, attempting to use the Force to not only harm her kidnapper but to also break free.

To her surprise, nothing happened.

"What-?"

"No Force powers for you, youngling." Hissed the Trandoshan.

Ahsoka stared at the lizard-like humanoid when she paused, taking a moment to realize this wasn't an average Trandoshan.

His arm was replaced entirely with metal and his eyes… his eyes were that of…

"Ultron." She whispered in horror.

The Trandoshan didn't seem to hear what she said, cackling to himself as he walked away.

The Padawan looked down in frustration when she felt something move around her neck. Her hand shot up and she realized she had a metallic collar around her neck.

Tugging on it, she found it wouldn't budge at all. It was rather unpleasant, with how tight it is.

'At least it's not choking me.' She thought. 'Gonna be annoying to deal with an itch.'

Off in the distance, straining her ears, she could hear the Trandoshans who captured her talking with one another. And what she heard made her blood run cold.

"-Have the acquired amount. Four Padawans for Ultron and one to keep for ourselves for our hunt."

"Yes, the Togruta will make a valuable prize once she dies at our claws."

"Still a shame we can't keep those lightsabers. Such valuable prizes."

Ahsoka sat back, breathing heavily now in abject terror. There was a part of her that prayed that she was the Togruta that they were referring to but at the same time… these Trandoshans were working for Ultron.

A sickening feeling welled up in her gut, recalling Jedi and Clones having been taken and kidnapped by Ultron Drones. And with what Barriss had told her, they were being experimented on and transformed into new variations of Ultron drones.

And now… four Padawans like herself were about to be sent off to that genocidal AI and be changed into his puppets. And there could be Clones and Force knows who else they've captured with her to be delivered to Ultron.

She needed to get out of here and find them and free them.

She tried to focus and sense through the Force, hoping she could feel who else was on this ship or facility. Unfortunately, she couldn't sense anything beyond herself.

Blinking, she tried again only to be met with the same outcome. What was going on right now?

Her mind was erratic from the worries. She couldn't think properly as a result. And she needed her mind clear in order to figure out a possible way out.

Needing to calm herself down, Ahsoka went into a meditative position.

It felt like hours for her while in the meditative trance. The storm of emotions within her settled down.

A means of doing so was through the discipline taught to her over the years. But soon it was replaced by thinking about what made her happy.

In her mind's eye, she imagined Peter and Barriss.

Her heart ached for them. As much as their visages made her happy, she was also saddened by not being near their presence. And Force knows the worry they must be going through at this very moment.

Shaking her head, she refocused on her meditation when she felt something… unusual.

Though her connection to the Force was suppressed, Ahsoka sensed something within her. She tilted her head at this and wondered just what this was.

It was a contradictory feeling. This odd sensation felt both foreign and yet… familiar.

From what she could inspect, it was an ember, flickering in the darkness. It felt strong but was having a hard time getting bigger.

As she sought to investigate further, creaking and clanking sounds filled the air.

Next thing she registered was falling.

Adjusting herself for a landing strategy, she was able to land on a sandy beach and performed a recovery roll. It would've been easier for her if she used the Force.

There were others with her. By the looks of them, they were civilians and workers of some kind. Hard to tell, given the nighttime environment they were presently in.

After some moments of collecting herself and observing her surroundings, the craft hovering above them all opened fire.

This caused everyone on the beach to scatter and run for their lives.

Some didn't make a few steps when they were hit by the ship's artillery. Others made it farther than the dead before joining them on the beach.

It was only the Jedi padawan who made it out alive, running for cover and rushing into the nearby jungle as the others perished.

Such a factor made her sick to her stomach. A great desire to go back and save them, but how can she if she perished alongside them?

All Ahsoka could do was run for her life.

In the distance, the mad, sadistic laughter and roars of the Trandoshans who captured her rang out through the night.

Clenching her teeth upon hearing this, she shook her head, knowing that now wasn't the time to take these sleemos on.

She needed to run, recuperate and figure out a plan of action.

Once getting a good distance from the beach, Ahsoka looked around rapidly before finding a hollowed-out tree to take shelter in.

Getting inside, the Togruta plopped herself down within the tree, curled up her knees to her chest and exhaled with some form of relief.

"Ahsoka, what did you get yourself into?" She asks herself. "And how will you get out of-?"

She faintly heard something from nearby, apparently dropping down from a higher area. Instinctively, she whirled around and was about to attack when she halted her movements.

A trio of people was before her: a female Human, a male Twi'lek and a male Cerean. And like her, they all had collars around their necks.

"You need to come with us." Said the human female.

"Who are you?" Asks Ahsoka.

"We're Jedi Padawans, like you." The Twi'lek answered. "Now come on, it isn't safe here."

Seeing as she had no choice in the matter, Tano followed after them.

-Scene Cut-

Onderon found itself in an unusual state.

King Rash was found dead at the entrance to what was the now-identified lost tomb of Freedon Nadd. His Chitauri and Sakaaran forces have gotten up and left Onderon and its system entirely.

One could consider this a success. But it's a bittersweet one, given the factor that King Dendup is missing.

Some believed the one report Ahsoka Tano received was misleading, due to an incorrect eyewitness report during the chaos. They tried to find the Trandoshan who gave it but could not find him in the capital.

Others believed Dendup wasn't taken out of the palace and was kept somewhere within its walls. Such a search was met with failure.

People guessed through the attack, Dendup was indeed taken out of the palace but in a way one wouldn't assume.

Whatever the case may be, Onderon was liberated from a tyrannical rule. But without King Dendup there to lead its people and government, something had to be done until his return… or the confirmation of his death.

So now, they had to pick up the pieces and try to figure out their next step.

At this time, Mina Bonteri had to work overtime in playing "damage control". Without Dendup's presence on Onderon, she had to step up and be the faux leader of the planet she represents. It wasn't going to be an easy task, but what choice did she have until she could properly form an Onderonian council to fill such roles?

Thankfully, her son Lux was doing his part along with Saw and Steela being thrust into such a position of leadership. On top of that, the supreme general of Onderon, Tandin, was quick to assist them all after having been freed from prison. He was placed there by Rash due to his vehement opposition to the occupation of a foreign army on the people of Onderon. With him previously imprisoned, the royal militia was less than compliant to move and act outside of the palace.

It was a small godsend that at least one general was alive after Sanjay's coup and now he could help in forming some form of new leadership for Onderon.

First and foremost, due to the assistance the Republic had sent them with the Jedi, Clones and Avengers, they would be joining in the ceasefire within the coming days. And to respect Dendup's wishes, until his return or reported demise, the planet will remain neutral.

Second, news of ARC troopers assisting Separatist-aligned planets in training and becoming efficient soldiers began to spread across both sides of the war. It not only bolstered support for the oncoming Defense Bill by Syndulla but on top of that, an underlying, unspoken sentiment and belief that maybe, just maybe, peace can come from this ceasefire after what had occurred on Onderon.

But all that wasn't at the forefront of a particular group of people.

Currently, the Avengers were all gathered in their home base on Coruscant and all had eyes on Peter Parker who sat alone on the balcony rail, curled up into a small ball with his head buried in his arms.

"How long has he been out there?" Rhodey quietly asked.

"Several hours." Matt Murdock answered, clutching his walking stick tightly. "He's been blaming himself for Ahsoka's disappearance."

"What can we do?" Sam asked, looking at the rest of the team.

Just past them were Scott and Hope seated on one of the couches in an equally miserable mood.

Though not to the extent that Peter was enduring, they too blamed themselves just as much for Ahsoka vanishing on Onderon. They believed that had they gone with the group to the tomb, they could have seen or better yet prevented her disappearance.

"What do you think happened?" Wanda quietly asked, her telepathic abilities subconsciously picking up on the pain the young teen was going through. It tore at her heart to see someone as outgoing, plucky and optimistic as Peter in such a state.

"There wasn't a body to be found so the most likely guess is that she may have been taken." T'Challa surmised, eyes on the back of Spider-man.

"And with what's been going on…" Nat left her statement unfinished, the team knowing all too well the most horrid of outcomes that may have befallen the Padawan whom they have grown to view as more than just an ally from the Jedi but now as a close confidant and friend.

But none had grown as close to her as Peter did and to them, the writing was on the wall with either Peter ending up with Ahsoka or Barriss. When they found out about him getting with the former, there was no small amount of teasing followed by congrats and good luck to the two of them as they were well aware of the Jedi Orders' views on such intimate relationships. Regardless, it was welcomed by the team, something they saw Ahsoka greatly appreciates when this happened.

Some jokingly complained about him not getting with Barriss, all of them missing the looks the teens shared. All but Matt who didn't see them but felt an odd moment with their heartrates at the mention of the Mirialan Jedi.

And now, this happens.

The teen New Yorker is currently in a miserable state of affairs.

"What do you think, Cap?" Pietro softly murmured. "You were taken by Ultron once before."

"Yeah, before all that we know he's doing now." Rogers stressed out, feeling sick to his stomach that something like what they saw in the Citadel could be happening to Ahsoka at this very moment. The whole notion was just too much for the good Captain to bear.

"I do believe that Barriss Offee told us that Ahsoka is alive." Vision spoke up.

"How could she know that?" Hope softly asked.

Vision placed a hand over his chest. "Faith."

"Faith?" Sam scoffed. "Do you really think that's enough?"

"She can't exactly give up on it. Her having faith that she's alive out there. Hope of reuniting someday soon." Viz held a contemplative look. "Perhaps, even through the Force, Barriss can still feel Ahsoka being alive. They are also dear friends."

"Maybe a Force Bond." Wanda suggested, having learned of such a concept through Kreia and XoXaan."

"One different from what a Master and Padawan share." Said the synthetic Avenger. "Anakin told me he senses her too, but can't exactly detect her for some reason."

"She could be anywhere out there."

"Think we can get Thor to look for her?"

"Look for who?"

Everyone turned to see Thor entering the room and he wasn't alone.

Anakin Skywalker was right behind him.

"Thor." Steve greeted. "When did you get back?"

"Just a short while ago." The God of Thunder appeared triumphant. "I can say that yet another of Ultron's vile factories has been destroyed and many lives were saved and liberated."

He expected to see his comrades give praises, in their own respective ways. All he got was relative silence.

Thor frowned at this, picking up on the somber mood.

"What has happened, my friends?"

"Ahsoka's been kidnapped." Anakin answered for the team, looking past them, his eyes landing on the young teen on the balcony. "If you'll excuse me-"

"Hey," Steve placed a hand on Skywalker's chest, the two locking eyes. "I understand what you're going through right now, Anakin. But just know he is as well. He was there, remember?"

"He should've kept a better eye on her." Skywalker snapped back.

The look Cap gave the Jedi would have made most men falter but Anakin's emotions were overriding his judgment.

"Oi." Now it was Sam who walked forward, pushing the two apart. "The last thing we need right now is to be at each other's throats. Do you really think this is the time for some petty bullshit like this?"

"Peter's already beating himself up on this." Pietro tacked on.

"Don't think that what you're suffering under is exclusive to you." Nat said with an expectant look directed at the Jedi knight. "He's in the same state you would be if Padme was the one who was taken."

That was like a cold shower being dunked on the Jedi as he turned back to the teen who had yet to move from where he was.

"Alright, alright," Anakin held his hands up in a placating manner. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come here like this. That wasn't right."

"Got that right." Rhodey said with a huff. "You better hurry up before we change our minds."

The Jedi Knight said nothing, instead walking past them all, with half the team keeping an eye on him whilst the other half turned to inform Thor of what had transpired.

Walking out onto the balcony, Skywalker silently made his way over to stand right next to the brooding Avenger. The young man didn't even move to acknowledge the Jedi, keeping his face out of sight.

Anakin grasped the balcony rail tightly, trying to keep himself under control.

"Parker… what in the hell happened on Onderon?"

Such a question wasn't what he was meant to say. It merely slipped out with his present, fluctuating mood.

He was met with silence, Spider-man not even budging from his position.

"I'm sorry, Anakin." Peter said finally.

He raised his head and Skywalker finally saw the absolutely distraught expression the New Yorker held. Any anger he may have felt at the moment melted away at the pure misery Peter was radiating.

"I couldn't keep her safe." His voice was rather hoarse. "And now…"

Peter's head was lowered back into his arms and Anakin could only feel empathy and sympathy for the young hero.

Who was he to judge someone like Spider-man for what happened?

They could play the whole blame game all they want and it would accomplish absolutely nothing. Ahsoka would still be missing or worse and they would simply be pointing fingers at each other in the end.

Reaching forward, Anakin placed a hand on Peters' back and shook his head.

"And I'm also sorry, Peter." He quietly said. "I came here all angry and ready to let you have it. I was selfish, extremely so to think that I was the only one who cared about what happened to her. I never should have felt that. I know how much you care for her."

"I love her." Peter bluntly said. "God, I realized it a while back but I love her so much. And for her to be gone cause I lost sight of her for five minutes? I haven't felt this way since Uncle Ben-"

"She's alive, Pete." Anakin emphatically stated. "You know it and I know it. Even if she was taken, no way in hell would someone like Ahsoka be taken out so easily. She'd leave with a spectacle."

Despite himself, Parker snorted at this, knowing how much of a firecracker Ahsoka could be.

"But if we're to find her, you gotta think back to what happened on Onderon." Skywalker stressed out. "I read the reports but it's better if I hear it from you. So what happened?"

Spider-man took a moment to ponder on this, thinking back to several days ago.

"We were near this tomb when this dark feeling washed over everyone. We were so focused on what that was and what was inside that place, my guess is that was when Ahsoka was nabbed."

Skywalker nodded, knowing what the location was exactly.

When this bit of the report reached the Jedi Council, they sent a plethora of Jedi to Onderon to investigate the now-opened tomb of Freedon Nadd with utmost precaution. With it open to the galaxy, Force knows how things are like. After all, everyone felt the same feeling of dread as it originated from that location.

They were still investigating the tomb, finding many things have gone missing, including the literal remains of Freedon Nadd himself. Not even his sarcophagus was there.

Whoever was on Onderon was there for the sole purpose of the tomb.

But who was the question?

Some believed it to be Count Dooku or one of his Acolytes.

Yet Grandmaster Yoda shot that idea down. Sith he may be, the Ceasefire was right around the corner and this was outside Dooku's MO. Plus, with the addition of the Chitauri and Sakaarans being the occupying force, it couldn't have been Dooku.

Hope and Scott assume it's Sanjay Rash's backer, which is the most likely idea.

They just need to figure out who it was.

More stress added to the table.

"How are the boys?" Asks Peter, getting Skywalker to focus back from his thoughts.

"Furious, pissed off, ready to fuck shit up," Anakin grunted with an upward twitch of his lip. "Hardcases words, not mine. Rex, Domino, Jesse, all of 'em are reaching out or just going out on patrols themselves to see if there's any way of finding her. Cutup is really driving himself up the wall. All of Domino is, really."

Peter was silent, processing all of this. He still felt bad, seeing how the others of the 501st were reacting.

Before Anakin could resume speaking, Peter interrupted him.

"You think I'm bad, you should see Barriss."

This got Skywalker's attention.

"What do you mean?"

At the Jedi Temple, Barriss was in her quarters. Huddled against the corner of her room, her eyes were red from crying for so long. Her tears are long since dried and she couldn't shed anymore.

Exhaustion waned over her, making her want to sleep it off. Yet she just couldn't rest easily.

With Ahsoka's disappearance, her mind was a whirlwind. Her assuming the worst happening to her love. Death was one. Another was a fate worse than that. She imagines Ahsoka no longer herself, being a synthetic monstrosity, courtesy of Ultron's machinations.

Such a thought made her grab her pillow and cover her head with it.

She prayed to whoever would listen to her that her love would be safe. The Force, gods, anything that Ahsoka would come back to her and Peter alive and well.

Barriss knew her girlfriend was alive. Their bond through the Force had strengthened a great deal since opening themselves up to the feelings they held for each other and for Peter.

It is with that bond that she felt the tether in her heart to Ahsoka's that confirmed to her that she lives.

Despite her best wielding much hope and faith in Ahsoka's safety, such feelings were being submerged by her grief and anxiety.

She wanted to be with Peter right now, them holding onto each other to feel better to some degree. But given present circumstances and placement, they had to be away from each other in order to not rouse suspicions.

Such a thing made things worse for her and she can believe Peter is in a similar boat.

"Barriss?"

The Mirialan padawan didn't need to look up to see Master Luminara was now in her room. She had sensed her coming into her room not long ago but didn't bother to acknowledge her at all due to her still focused on her grieving.

Kneeling down, Luminara looked at her padawan, who wouldn't meet her gaze. "Barriss, please talk to me."

"Master, I don't-"

The young Padawan was silenced with a warm embrace that Luminara pulled her into, placing a hand behind her Padawan's head and gently pushing it to rest beneath her chin.

"Shh~ my young Padawan." Unduli quietly murmured. "I can't say I fully understand what it is you're enduring but know this. You are not alone. I know how worried you are for your friend. But you must trust in her abilities and in the Force. You told me that she still lives, yes?"

Barriss silently nodded against her master.

"Then you must believe she'll be alright. She was trained for this. You know who her master is and how much of an indomitable will he has. Something I'm sure he has passed down to his own padawan."

On that, Barriss wholeheartedly agreed. She had seen how fierce and passionate Anakin Skywalker is and it was easy to see where her lover gained such traits from. It honestly made her more attractive than she already was.

With her worries overwhelming her, she had forgotten such details.

"She will return, Barriss." Luminara assured, pulling away and resting her hands on her shoulder. "If not, she will be found. If you hold strong to that belief, hold strong to your faith in her and in the Force, Ahsoka Tano will come back."

Silent once more, Barriss digested the words. After some time, the padawan broke away from her master's embrace and stood up.

"Master, I'll be back."

"Hmmm? Where are you going, my dear?"

"I just… I need to speak with Peter. Please."

Luminara said nothing, only nodding as her padawan left.

-Scene Cut-

Back at the unknown jungle planet, Ahsoka followed after the three padawans in the cover of darkness.

They hadn't said anything to her since they found her, only the occasional order to crouch down and get to cover from anything that sounded remotely Trandoshan or other.

The "other" being Ultron drones that flew by them from above.

That was certainly a terrifying sight to be sure and not one Ahsoka had expected to see on this planet.

"We're almost there," The human female quietly said. "Come on."

The group of Padawans resumed their trek through the dense jungle before scaling up a thick vine that went upwards to a tall vine tree with a hollow interior. Within the interior, Ahsoka could see a flickering light with smoke wafting out with the smell of something cooking.

"Looks like our friends are back with dinner." The Cerean commented as they drew closer to the entrance.

Ahsoka didn't want to say it out loud but she had developed an appetite since her kidnapping.

Entering the large interior of the vine tree, Ahsoka first saw a small fire with sticks of animals being roasted.

And next to the fire was a female Zabrak that made the Togruta stop dead in her tracks.

Though it had been some time since that battle, for Ahsoka, it was easy to recognize just who it was that she was looking at.

"Kass?" She whispered in disbelief.

Hearing her name from a voice that didn't belong to the other Padawans, the Zabrak lifted her head in confusion. Looking over to the source, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Ahsoka?" She quietly said, unsure of whether or not this was a dream.

Not a moment or two later, the two padawans soon acknowledged the other.

"KASS/AHSOKA!"

The two Padawans rushed over to one another and jumped into a tight hug.

"By the Force, I can't believe it's you." Kass Tod tearfully said, leaning her head against Ahsoka's.

"You're telling me." Ahsoka pulled away from her, a beaming smile in place. "At least I ran into a familiar face despite what happened. I can't believe it."

"You can say that again." Kass shakily said, her arms still linked with Ahsoka's. "Force above, it's so good to see you, my friend, even with where we are."

The Togruta Padawan could only laugh in agreement, hugging Kass once more.

"So you two know each other." The young Twi'lek stated.

"We met one another on Jabiim and fought together there." Tod answered, making the other Padawans shift about.

"Jabiim." The Cerean murmured. "We heard that was a disaster for the Republic and the Separatists."

"It wasn't pretty, that's for sure. The first planet Ultron conquered." Ahsoka recounted.

"I must have forgotten my manners in all this." The female human spoke up. "I'm Kalifa. This is Jinx and he is O-Mer."

"Ahsoka Tano." The Togruta properly introduced herself. "How did you guys wind up here?"

"We were each taken in the middle of a battle or when we were training." The Twi'lek -Jinx- revealed with a downtrodden expression. "Either our Masters were killed or separated from us prior to us being dumped here."

"And you?" O-Mer the Cerean inquired.

"Liberating Onderon from its tyrannical ruler." Ahsoka answered. "Or… I don't even know anymore. Was taken at the dead end of it after its capital was being sacked."

Ahsoka then heard a small grunt and turned to see someone else was in the hideout and he stood out amongst the Padawans.

It was a full-grown man that was seated next to the fire and he was intently observing her.

The man was tall and fit. His face was angular. His hair was long, unkempt and jet-black and his face was covered in mud and dirt. But that wasn't what caught her eye.

It was his eyes. They were strikingly red within red. She considered it rather unsettling.

Strange… why did they look familiar?

"Who's he?" Ahsoka couldn't help but ask.

The man spoke in a language she didn't understand and from the looks she saw the other Padawans have, it appeared to be the same.

"We don't exactly know. Hard to pronounce his name." Kass answered. "We just call him Red Eyes."

"Hard not to see why. But does he not speak Basic?"

"No, but he understands us well enough so at least that counts." Kalifa stated, wiping her face from some dirt that she had on.

Ahsoka scrunched up her face, now realizing something she had missed earlier. "And uh… what's with all of you guys having dirt and mud all over you?"

"A better way to hide from the Trandoshans. Not just to blend more with the environment, but remain undetected." Jinx answered, pointing up.

"What do you mean?"

"Other than those drones you saw, did you notice some of the Trandoshans have upgrades?"

Ahsoka frowned, thinking back to what she managed to pick up on with her kidnappers. She soon nodded in acknowledgment.

"Some of them have eye filters, apparently. Detecting heat signatures. The mud helps us cover it." O-Mer answered, patting his cheek. "Though we have to reapply a fresh batch daily."

The Togruta found herself tilting her head at that. Strange, why did that sound familiar to her? She thought of the Avengers and… wasn't there like a movie or something similar to what they were doing?

Whatever the case was, an unsettled feeling came upon her.

"I still can't believe it." Ahsoka whispered in disgusted disbelief. "They were surgically altered."

O-Mer nodded grimly. "Ultron, yes. They willingly allowed themselves to be transformed by him."

"I'm still trying to understand how this is possible." Kalifa voiced her concern. "Why would any sentient being align themselves with Ultron? I was there on Coruscant when he attacked. I was taken on Mimban shortly after. The slaughter he left behind… why would anyone think to work with him?"

"They must have a partnership or an arrangement of some kind." Ahsoka stated. "I heard some talking about trading some Jedi and their lightsabers to Ultron in exchange for keeping one in turn."

"I heard that too." Kass said with a shudder. "To think they're helping that evil monster with this."

"Well if Ultron is gonna have partnerships with the most unsavory of people in the galaxy, I hope he's ready for what's coming after him." Tano fiercely said. "With everything that's happened since Ultron began his war on the galaxy, a ceasefire is going to come about soon." Ahsoka revealed, making the Padawans all look at her in bewilderment save for Kass. "It's supposed to be in another few days if I remember."

"A ceasefire? What ceasefire?" Kalifa questioned.

It wasn't just her asking this, but the others in the tree hideout thought the same question. Even Red Eyes, given his visual response, was cocking an eyebrow of his in curiosity.

All save for Kass who only nodded, clearly aware of what was occurring between the Republic and the Separatists.

"Kalifa… much has happened for a number of weeks now."

Kalifa huffed to herself. "I figured, given these three came after I showed up here. And that was months ago."

"Kass was the latest one before you, Ahsoka." Jinx revealed. "Her and red-eyes here. Other padawans who came here afterward didn't have long to make it."

"Speaking of… Kass, a lot has happened since we last saw you. I didn't think you survived. You just vanished on us."

"Mak and I were on a different transport." She revealed. "Did the others-"

"Only Aubrie." Ahsoka looked down, her heart clenching at the fate of her fellow Padawans from Jabiim. "We too thought she perished. She was the lucky one as Ultron did… things to the others. But even she didn't return to Coruscant unscathed."

"I've been hearing rumors for a while before my capture here. It's true, isn't it?"

"Barriss saw it with her own eyes."

"By the Force."

"It wasn't just padawans the Trandoshans captured." Jinx shut his eyes, fists tightly clenched. "Our masters were killed by them and after what you told us, their bodies were likely given over to Ultron. And to make it worse, any random people they come across."

"Makes sense with who I was dumped here with. They didn't make a few steps after being unloaded."

"Red Eyes fits in such a category, but he survived."

"If it wasn't for him, we'd probably be dead a whole lot sooner. So we owe a lot to him."

"He's really made strides in keeping us alive." O-Mer said with deep gratitude directed toward Red Eyes.

Said individual was merely tending to the fire, checking on the food to see if they were ready to partake.

As this occurred, Ahsoka cocked her head slightly when seeing some blasters and rifles piled in the corner.

"Can't help but notice you have a bunch of these weapons here."

"Wish we could use them, but the Trandoshans configured them to only work for them." Jinx grumbled frustratedly.

"Great, this again." Muttered the Togruta.

"Again?" O-Mer parroted.

"At Onderon, my friends and I were dealing with these aliens apparently not native to this galaxy." She said, not noticing Red Eyes halt his actions and focus his attention more on the Togruta. "These things called Chitauri and Sakaarans, they have technology that's hard to work with. But we were able to work around them once we dismantled and reconfigured them through our digital buddies."

"Could you perhaps be able to-"

"I could try, but don't expect any success." Ahsoka admitted, picking up one of the rifles and inspecting it on all sides.

With her bits of training under Peter, Hope and Scott during their time on Onderon, she had some grasp in properly making headways. Even then, it's a whole different field to work with. Not to mention not having the proper tools to make it happen.

"If that's possible, then you could do a thing about these collars." Said Kass.

"Speaking of these collars," Ahsoka asked, pointing to the one around her neck. "What about them? What are they?"

"Careful," Jinx warned, gently taking her hand and pushing it away from the collar. "Last Padawan that tried fiddling with it too much had their head blown off."

'Well, that's horrible.' Were Ahsoka's thoughts upon hearing this while Kalifa explained what these collars are supposed to be.

"We have no idea how it's possible, but they've limited our use in the Force. We can't use it at all." She said, a somber expression on her face.

Tano frowned at this, looking down at the collar around her neck and wondering just how it was these things worked.

"Ysalamiri." Red Eyes abruptly said.

"What?" Ahsoka perked her head, thrown off by his words.

"One of the few things Red Eyes can say in Basic." Kass elaborated. "It's this lizard I've heard about. They are considered a myth in the Order. They have a unique trait about naturally repelling the Force, somehow."

Ahsoka placed a hand over her collar, frowning in thought. "Wait… are these collars based on the Ysalamiri?"

"Or they could have been used to make the collars." O-Mer surmised. "Who's to say really? All we can say is we can't use the Force until we get these collars off."

"And the keys and codes are with the Trandoshans." Kalifa said grimly.

"Lovely." Ahsoka drawled out. "Why didn't I expect any different?"

Kass was unable to help herself, laughing wryly at her comments.

"It is the situation we have found ourselves in."

"More like forced in." Tano muttered, blinking at the cooked animal that Red Eyes offered to her. "Oh, thank you."

He quietly nodded, going over to give out the rest to the Padawans before taking the last one for himself.

"Best get yourself fed, Ahsoka Tano." Jinx advised, taking a bite of his meal. "You'll need your strength for tomorrow."

She simply nodded in agreement, seating herself by the fire next to Kass.

"Since you mentioned it, what can you tell us of this ceasefire?" Kalifa spoke up.

Once situated, Ahsoka told the others everything she knows about what was about to happen and the circumstances behind it all.

-Scene Cut-

On Coruscant, a lot is underway.

Security in every section had been heightened.

Many reporters and journalists readied themselves for the gathering of politicians in the upcoming meeting.

And the Avengers had the surprise of being requested to be a part of this ceasefire.

While they were about to outright refuse such a thing, Grandmaster Yoda simply said this.

"Of all in the galaxy, the enemy you know, Ultron is. From your world, he comes and from your own duty, be there you must. Knowledge to defeat this foe begins with you."

On hearing that, they couldn't really refuse such a thing.

Currently, a number of the Avengers were gathered in the office of the Chancellor with many other senators and Jedi present.

Palpatine had called them all together to determine which of them shall represent their faction in the upcoming ceasefire. While there are thousands of Senators that all have a stake in this, the Naboo Chancellor understood that only the best, most diplomatic and personable from all sides must be represented for the meeting to come for the best outcome.

From the Republic Senate, Senators Padme Amidala, Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, Riyo Chuchi, Mas Amedda, Onaconda Farr and a dozen others of the best and brightest of the Senate.

As for the Jedi, Grandmaster Yoda and at least half the Council had already been selected but for Palpatine, that wasn't enough.

"For another Jedi, I would like to elect Jedi Knight Anakin-"

"I recommend someone else." Kenobi cut him off.

Palpatine was startled by the abruptness of his nomination.

"His Padawan has been recently kidnapped, Chancellor." Obi-Wan revealed making the elder politician's expression fall. "He is not in the right mindset to focus on such matters."

"Oh dear." The secret Sith Lord muttered, shaking his head. "The poor lad. And Force help his young student. She is a fierce and willful Jedi. One that the galaxy needs now more than ever. Please offer my condolences and faith that he will find her."

This bit of news was unfortunate to hear. Not that the secret Sith Lord really cares. The factor actually annoyed him, causing lesser time for him to be with his desired Apprentice.

"We will be enough for now, Chancellor." Mace Windu assured stoically, Sidious only relenting and nodding.

"We shall put all our trust in your wisdom, Master Windu." The Chancellor said before turning to the other party present. "And Captain Rogers, I assume that those present here shall represent your team, no?"

With Captain America were Widow, Panther, Daredevil and Wanda.

"Not everyone, I'm afraid. Most are splitting time in assisting Anakin in searching for his padawan and looking for more of Ultrons bases."

"Understandable." Palpatine nodded. "But from your group, who shall be your representatives?"

"Myself." Steve gestured to himself. "Nat, T'Challa, Matt, Sam and Vision will be our Reps for the meeting."

"What of Thor?" Sidious inquired. "Is a God's opinion on this matter invalid?"

"He's going to be looking out for Ultron." Widow spoke up. "Other than Viz and Wanda, he's our strongest member. With Vision with us, Wanda, Pietro, Scott, Hope, Rhodey and Thor are gonna be the ones on standby if that metal bastard tries anything during this ceasefire discussion."

"What about young Mr. Parker?"

"Helping Anakin with Ahsoka." Sam answered.

Palpatine nodded again and was about to speak on the meeting when Murdock beat him to the punch.

"Excuse me, Chancellor." He said respectfully.

"Something you need, Mr. Murdock?"

"Yes. Am I to understand that the rumors of the Mandalorians being invited into this ceasefire is true?"

"They are." The Chancellor confirmed. "At the behest of several other Senators and in fact a direct plea from Duchess Satine, they are to come and have their piece in this discussion be heard. They, like all of us, were attacked by Ultron. They have just as much a stake in this as all of us here."

Daredevil silently nodded at this, stepping back.

"Now, are there any further matters that must be addressed?" Palpatine asked all in attendance.

"I think we've covered it for now, until the day before proceedings." Bail Organa answered on behalf of everyone in the office.

"Good. Until then…"

With the meeting concluded, everyone left Palpatine's office to return to their own devices.

Once entering the elevator, a small conversation took place with the Avengers.

"What do you make of him?" Steve quietly asked and Wanda shook her head.

"I couldn't read his mind, Steve." She said straightaway, throwing off the other Avengers.

"You… couldn't?" T'Challa said slowly to make sure they didn't mishear what she just said.

"Well, I didn't want to. Been holding off on it since some moments back on Dathomir." Wanda clarified. "But… that man… there's something really off about him."

"And?" Widow encouraged her to further elaborate.

"While I couldn't read his mind, I could feel he heavily layered it. Either through years of natural discipline or he's more than he appears to be."

"Looks like we're all in agreement," Murdock remarked, inclining his head back towards the direction of the Chancellor's office. "His room is even soundproofed."

"I take it you've all been suspicious about him for a while now." Wanda surmised, seeing the rest of her teammates all nod.

"We know there's more to him than he lets on." Steve answered. "After HYDRA and SHIELD…"

"Yeah, I can imagine." Was all Wanda said, knowing the story all too well. "So what are we to do with him?"

"Until we find something more clear against him, for now, we can't do anything." Matt stated. "And much as I loathe to say this out loud, he is still necessary to remain in power while we're still dealing with Ultron. We'll deal with him in due time."

"Do you think he's a threat?" Maximoff asked and she heard Natasha scoff.

"We don't think he's a threat, we know he is." Widow firmly said. "Guys like him are ones I've seen all too often back on Earth. We take him out now, we'll look like a couple of crazy power-hungry outsiders. That guy needs to be brought down on his own mistakes."

The Avengers in the elevator all nodded silently in agreement.

All the while, at the Jedi Temple, Anakin was observing the galactic map alongside Peter, Captain Rex and Domino Squad. They were working tirelessly on finding possible locations as to where Ahsoka was taken to. Barriss was there earlier, but she was pulled away by Luminara in order to do training; a means of taking her mind off of the search.

"Still nothing?"

"We've tried for these sectors here and here." Fives said, pointing to several areas in the mid-rim. "With Karen and Tap's help, we've been able to amplify radio frequencies but that only works best when we're within the system."

"And we can't do it for so long." Echo said. "Even though they are built to resist Ultron's influence, that doesn't stop him from detecting our radio frequencies. Can be bringing him straight to us."

"I called in some favors from Cody and Bly." Rex spoke up. "They're doing small sweeps of their own whenever they can. They've each done it twice but no luck thus far."

Both Peter and Anakin hung their heads upon hearing this.

"Hard at work, I see." Said the baritone, warbled voice of Jedi Master Plo Koon, walking down the steps into the chamber.

"Master." Anakin said, not turning away from the galactic map he, Peter, Rex and Domino squad were looking over.

The Kel-Dor Jedi nodded at the Clones, walking back over to stand in between Peter and Anakin, his eyes on the holo-map.

"You all seem to be tired." Plo noted.

"We're fine, General." Rex respectfully asserted, Domino Squad all murmuring in agreement.

"So you say but one cannot look for someone one an addled mind."

"We'll rest when we find her." Peter declared, the others sharing in his sentiment.

The Jedi Master regarded them all silently until speaking up once more.

"What is Ahsoka's strength?"

The Clones and Avenger looked at Plo in confusion but it appears that Anakin knew what he was asking specifically.

"She is fearless. Strong-willed. Loyal. And indomitable."

The Kel-Dor Jedi nodded.

"All worthy traits. But they can also be weaknesses." Plo Koon walked forward. "But a more important question for you, Skywalker. Is she a worthy apprentice?"

Anakin looked at the Council member with a fierce gaze. "No one has her kind of determination."

"Except you." Plo pointed out. "Something she inherited from you."

"We'll find her." Anakin adamantly stated.

"This may not be within your power." The Kel-Dor countered, making the Clones all look at him in slight annoyance and causing their general to round on him.

"Whatever you're trying to say, Master Plo, just say it." Anakin barked out.

Plo simply shook his head, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Anakin. Remember that it was I who found little Soka and brought her into the order. I saw it then and I see it now. The will she has as a Jedi is second to none. And since becoming your apprentice, the potential I saw in her began to blossom in full. If you have trained her well, she shall take care of herself and find a way back… to you."

While they didn't voice it, Anakin, Peter and the clones knew Plo Koon was right.

"Go and get some rest, gentlemen." The Jedi Master advised. "I know little Soka would want you all at the very least be getting the rest you need instead of worrying about her. Trying as that may be."

Though they wanted to deny this, Anakin hung his head again, shaking it before nodding.

"Yeah, come on boys. Let's take five and then try again later."

"Are you sure, General?" Cutup anxiously asked.

"Plo is right." Skywalker affirmed. "Her training has yet to be completed but with what I've already taught her and everything she's been through, I know she can handle herself until we find her."

Though they wanted to continue in their search, they knew he was right. The holo-table switched off and they all left the war room.

Going separately from the others, Peter was trying to figure out whether he should go to the temple's library or hangar bay. With the library, some studying could help. Or the hangar bay to help fix up some machinery. Either option came to mind to distract him in some manner. A way to help him not burn himself out by tirelessly searching for Ahsoka.

He was so absorbed in his thoughts, he was caught off guard slightly when a delicate hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him into another hallway with no one there.

Peter was about to pull his hand back when he saw that it was his other girlfriend that had pulled him here.

"Barriss, what-"

He was silenced by Barriss pulling him into a deep, loving kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. Once overcoming the startled moment, he reciprocated the action by holding his girlfriend close. One arm wrapped around her waist while one hand cups her cheek.

Nearly a minute passes when they are separated with their faces slightly flushed.

"Sorry I just… I really needed that." She breathed out. "Needed you."

"Never have to apologize for that." He told her softly.

His hand still cupped at her cheek, caressing it gently. She leaned into it while still looking at her male lover.

"I miss her." She whispered, eyes glossing over.

"Me too." Peter traced his thumb over her cheek, whipping away a stray tear that came down her eye. "Simby misses her too."

She tilted her head. "Simby?"

Prying his hand away from her face, Peter's symbiote formed around it and saw the black shape with its white eyes drooping downward, expressing sadness.

"Oh~ don't worry, little one." Offee cooed at it, patting its head. "We'll find her."

It let out a sad warble, leaning its head against her hand before melting back into Peters' clothes.

Barriss giggled a moment later. "Simby?"

"Yeah, Simby the symbiote." Peter said with a puff of his chest.

She snorted with a small smile. "Such a bad name."

"Like you could come up with something better." He felt Simby release a thrumming against him. "See? He even agrees with me."

The little atmosphere around them was somber. Neither person could voice their conversation all that much, but could perhaps say it through their eyes. They looked deep into each other and could perhaps read on what they were thinking.

Yet not everything could be spoken of in such a manner.

Hugging him, Barriss muttered under her breath. "Despite her being so far away, I could still feel her."

"Phantom feelings can get like that at times." Said Peter, nuzzling his chin into the crook of her neck. "Just felt odd not waking up with her nearby."

"Not that, Peter. I don't know how to explain it, but I can feel her."

Before her boyfriend could question her, they heard someone come near. In response, they quickly broke away from each other so they wouldn't get spotted.

Looking over, they saw a face they haven't seen since a battle that has since been labeled the greatest loss ever experienced in the war thus far.

"Mak? Is that you?" Offee said in surprise.

"Barriss Offee." The Jedi Padawan Mak Lotor greeted with a sad smile. "It is good to see you again."

"I haven't seen you since-"

"Jabiim, yes." The human padawan soon turned to the young Avenger. "Hello, Peter. You look well."

"Hey man."

The last time they saw each other was back at Shelter Base, where Barriss stumbled upon Mak and Kass embracing each other, kinda like how she embraced Peter earlier.

Clearly, it was awkward between the pair. Not just because of Mak being in a secret relationship with Kass, but because he doesn't know Barriss is now in a hypocritical situation of her own with not one but two people.

"Where are you off to?" Parker asked, detecting that he came down this hallway for a reason.

"Medical wing, checking up on Aubrie." He revealed making Offee blink.

"I was there before I left for Onderon." She said, making him nod, appearing to know about this. "I didn't know you'd been visiting her."

"I heard about what happened on the Citadel, what you saw and what she endured." Mak said, a disturbed look in his eyes. "Barriss, I can't imagine what that must have been like to see."

The Mirialan Padawan bit her lip, looking down with a slight tremble as the memory flashed before her eyes.

Even with additional sessions that she's had with Sam and Dani, the events of the Citadel still plagued her mind. Both told her that such experiences can't truly be forgotten. Only that one must learn to overcome despite how often they may trouble her.

And speaking of being troubled…

"Hey Mak?" Peter spoke up, noting the human Padawan to be in a downtrodden mood. "Everything alright with you man? You look… out of it."

Mak Lotor seemed to ponder on this question for a few moments before he locked eyes with Barriss.

She was a bit thrown off by his intense gaze and saw him silently look at Peter before back at her.

Though he didn't say anything, the Mirialan Padawan was able to pick up on his silent inquiry.

"You can trust him, Mak." Barriss assured. "Is it… is it about Kass?"

Parker looked at Offee quizzically, racking his brain to see if there was a face to that name.

"Kass… you mean," Peter was looking up, squinting his eyes and face scrunched up in thought. "Wait… yeah, Kass Tod, right? She was that Zabrak girl back on Jabiim with you and… oh… Oh God, is she-"

"She's been taken." Mak depressingly revealed. "Disappeared similar to what happened to Ahsoka Tano."

"Oh God." Peter saw the way the Padawan was behaving and slowly, it clicked into place. "Are… you and her-"

Lotor simply nodded and that was all Peter needed to see.

"I'm so sorry man." Was his earnest response, placing a hand on Mak's shoulder. "Looks like we're all in a predicament here."

"That seems to be a recurring theme in the Jedi Order these days. No, the entire galaxy really." Mak dejectedly said.

Barriss stepped forward, placing a hand on Lotors chest, giving him an understanding look.

"Are you still-"

"Our bond has only strengthened since Jabiim." Lotor quietly whispered. "That's why I can still feel her presence. She's alive. I just… don't know where she is."

"It's the same with us with Ahsoka." Barriss revealed making Mak blink.

"Us?" He parroted.

"Don't want to get into that right now." Peter quickly said. "But we're trying to find Ahsoka and since we're in the same boat here, I think our best bet is to help each other out. See if we can find our lost girls together."

The male Padawan was quick to agree there, nodding his head at the Avenger, turning to Barriss a moment later.

"We can meet somewhere later on if you would like." Mak offered. "Perhaps discuss our own alternative means of trying to track down who we've lost."

"I'd like that, Mak."

Parting ways, the secret couple were by themselves again. Them speaking once Mak was out of earshot.

"So… him and that Zabrak girl, huh." Peter remarked.

"Yes, I," Barriss coughed awkwardly into her hand. "I walked upon them having an intimate moment together on Jabiim."

Peter chuckled. "So you're a peeper now, huh Barriss?"

This got a slug against his arm. "Hush you."

The webhead laughed, pulling her in for an embrace, a small yelp that turned into a giggle.

"You know," She murmured, leaning her head against his chest. "I don't know if I told you this but… it was actually seeing Mak and Kass that pushed me into pursuing what we have now. Into growing to want it."

"Really now?" Peter thoughtfully said, leaning his lips against her forehead. "Then I guess there's a bigger incentive to help out Mak with finding Kass. A debt to pay for pushing you into mine and Ahsoka's arms."

Offee silently nodded, nuzzling against his chest before tilting her head up for a quick chaste kiss.

"Peter…"

"Hmmm?"

"Later tonight… can you come to my room and just-"

"I will." Peter promised, taking her hands into his.

"Thank you," She whispered, moving to hold him tightly. "I love you."

"Love you too, Barriss."

-Scene Cut-

From the horizon of the jungle world, a sunrise was slowly breaking through the night sky.

Some people in their little group had taken turns keeping watch for the night. Ahsoka volunteered to go first, given she had a lot on her mind to process. She distracted herself by working on the confiscated weapons. Assistance was given to her by Red Eyes, mostly through observation. It was almost as if he was judging her actions.

When it was time for her to switch with Red Eyes, exhaustion truly took over her.

Huddling herself close, she should've felt cold as the fire died out some time ago as she slept. Instead, she felt a strange warmth as she lay there.

From both sides of her body, she felt physical contact. A pleasant embrace that made her feel safe from all troubles in the universe. A position she liked at this time, being the "middle spoon".

"Ahsoka."

She could hear them calling her name. Playfully kissing her while she muttered their names in turn.

"Ahsoka."

Her little dream came to an end when she felt someone gently shake her awake.

"Ahsoka, it's time to go."

Blue eyes opened, soon focusing to see Kalifa hunching over her.

Being awake now, Ahsoka felt something wet on her cheeks. Didn't take much to realize she was crying in her sleep.

"What's happened?" Tano mutters out.

"The sun's almost up, which means we clear out." Kalifa said, shaking her shoulder once again.

Still tired, Ahsoka complied and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

About to get up, she soon realized she was embracing something.

Looking into her arms, Ahsoka saw that she held a sleeping Convor, also known as a Trandoshan bird. But unlike Trandoshans, especially the ones that brought them here, these little birds were more pleasant to look at and weren't lizard-like for that matter.

How they got the name Trandoshan Bird is a mystery to most.

Taking a moment to look this Convor over, Ahsoka was quick to realize that this one was unlike any she had seen before.

It was a beautiful, regal and elegant owl with a green and white plumage. Through the stirring and movements, the bird soon woke up, revealing its strikingly green eyes.

*Hoot Hoot*

Something about this Convor felt familiar. Somehow she knew it, but couldn't quite place it. But that was impossible, for she never saw such beauty in her life.

"Aren't you a little cutie?" Muttered Ahsoka. She inspected the bird a bit more in a quizzical manner. "How'd you get-"

"Get a move on, Tano." Said Jinx from the tree's entrance.

Once on her feet, Ahsoka petted the bird slightly, who trilled at the action. She felt calm and happy when this happened, finding it adorable. As much as she'd love to continue, she had to go outside with the others.

Carefully putting down the bird, she began to walk away; not noticing the Convor watching her still. It cocked its head slightly before hopping a little after her.

Once outside of the tree base, Ahsoka eyed her comrades and voiced a question.

"Where do we go?"

"We move." Red Eyes said in a broken speech.

Ahsoka gave a perplexed look. "That's your plan?"

"It's better than loafing around and being easy pickings for those hunters." Kass added in.

The Togruta contemplated on the Trandoshans that brought them here when she recalled they weren't the only things on this planet.

"And what of the Ultron drones?" Asks Ahsoka, seeing the shift from the other Padawans.

"As far as we know, they just leave us alone… sometimes." Said O-Mer ominously.

"They're more of our prison guards, keeping us confined on this island so the Trandoshans can pick us off." Said Jinx.

"And when they're not?"

"I think you already know the answer to that, Ahsoka." Was Kass' dark response, causing a shiver to go down the Togruta's spine.

Unable to help herself, Ahsoka's knee-jerk reply came out.

"So what are we gonna do about this? There's gotta be a way to fight back, right?" She said, a spark of fierceness in her eyes.

Something that didn't go unnoticed by Red Eyes.

"If you're really a padawan, you would know there's wisdom in experience. We've been here longer. You will learn if you listen, and only… if you listen." Kalifa inferred sternly.

She didn't wait for a response as she, Jinx and O-Mer walked off.

Ahsoka soon noticed Red Eyes was staring at her intently and he silently nodded at her before moving to join the other Padawans.

Only Kass remained, might be out of courtesy.

The Togruta grumbled under her breath when she felt her fellow Padawan pat her back.

"Chin up, Ahsoka." Tod encouraged. "At the very least with the power packs of the weapons, you converted some of them into explosives."

"It's the best I could do with Red Eyes' help." Said Tano, walking alongside the Zabrak. "Just don't know when to actually use them."

"A moment might happen someday. At the very least, we could use them if those Trandoshans came to the hideout."

Ahsoka and Kass began scaling down the large root, the rest of the Padawans and Red Eyes not far off from them.

"So how long has it been for you?" The Former quietly asked, seeing Kass look back at her momentarily.

"Several rotations by this point." She answered, the pair dropping down into the thick jungle. "But what about you?"

Ahsoka gave her a strange look. "Uh… one day?"

The Zabrak quietly laughed. "Not that. The other thing. How long has that been going on right now?"

"Huh?"

Tod rolled her eyes now. "Being in a relationship."

Ahsoka's mouth clamped shut. "...What are you talking about, Kass?"

Kass shook her head, a knowing smile in place. "You were muttering someone in your sleep. Hard to make out who it was, but I got the context. You miss whoever it is, don't you?"

Tano sought to deny it in front of her fellow padawan, yet Tod continued.

"I'm like you, Ahsoka. After the first days of me being here, I couldn't help but cry being away from the one I love. My heart aches to see him again."

For Ahsoka, it was such a strange experience to be hearing this from another Jedi and having them be in the same boat as her. To be thumbing their nose at the Jedi Code in such a drastic way.

Her Master was one thing, being that he is her master and has Padme as his secret wife.

But another Jedi, especially a fellow Padawan was such an unusual thing to go through.

And being that it was Kass Tod of all people…

"Mak Lotor, right?" Ahsoka quietly said, making the Zabrak jolt slightly.

"How did you-"

"Barriss. She told me about you both when she saw the two of you on Jabiim."

"...Almost forgot about that." Kass sheepishly said.

"You know, I think you pushed her into it." Ahsoka clarified a moment later, seeing the confusion on her face.

"Pardon?"

"In wanting to know what love is. What an attachment, a real attachment felt like. She spoke to me about it and… I can safely say what she saw with you and Mak on Jabiim was one of the catalysts that led her down a different path as a Jedi."

Kass gave her a peculiar look. "I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed."

"Proud." Ahsoka immediately said with a bright smile. "I think after what Barriss had witnessed recently with what Ultron has been doing, her going down the same route as you and your love is helping her remain strong and stable."

Hearing this, Kass actually blushed bashfully at this praise, looking down with a shy smile.

It was rather nice to hear such a good thing despite the situation they found themselves in. Even amid darkness, the small glimmers of joy and light remain.

And since they were on the topic.

"So," She bumped her shoulder against Ahsokas. "What can you tell me about him?"

"Them." She corrected her.

That made Kass pause, eyes widening. "...Them?"

Ahsoka almost wanted to slap herself for that small slip-up. How could she have so casually revealed that when she knew how some people would look at her? And Kass certainly wasn't gonna let something like that drop so easily.

So with a heavy sigh at her foolishness, Ahsoka found herself revealing the true nature of her relationship to the last person she would have ever expected to talk with about it.

"Y-Yes, two… I-I'm with… two people."

Kass blinked in surprise.

"And who are… they?" She slowly asked.

"You met them back on Jabiim." Seeing Kass' confusion, Ahsoka spoke the names. "Peter and Barriss. It's all three of us."

"..."

"..."

"...Huh…"

"Yeah…"

Neither really said a thing for nearly a minute or two. Tod processing what Tano just said to her. Used some of this time to keep watch of the surroundings. Of course, the one conversation won over her focus, making her want answers to surfacing questions.

"How-"

"We're… we're figuring it out but…" Ahsoka felt her cheeks heating up, a hand over her chest. "I love them both. I really do love the two so much that I can't even think properly whenever I'm with them. The feeling… it's like-"

"You're floating." Kass abruptly said, a far-off look of her own. "That everything falls away and it's just you and who you love."

The Togruta nodded, her mind drifting off slightly to think of the pleasantries with her and her loves.

"And how was it with you and Mak?"

"We were confused for a while, coming to terms with our affection for each other. Thought it was perhaps a crush, at first. Pup love, in general. Perhaps we could grow out of it, in time and focus on being proper Jedi. But as the years went by, us being deployed together during this war, we soon realized such affections were true."

Ahsoka opened her mouth to comment-

"Oi!" They heard Jinx and saw him looking back at them with a glare. "What are you two doing? Come on, do you want to get caught?"

Realizing they had fallen behind considerably, both girls ran to catch up with the rest of their group.

"What were you two doing?" Kalifa asked, a hint of annoyance at the pair.

"Apologies." Ahsoka earnestly said. "We were just catching up and-"

"You can do that later." O-Mer cut her off. "We need more focus on survival now."

"And just how do we do that?" Tano asked with a small huff.

Before they were about to answer, the sound of hissing cackles and whirring machines was heard in the distance.

"Poodoo, we need to run." Kalifa said and they all broke into a sprint.

Beyond the trees, they heard blaster fire and more laughter, the sounds of others in the forest having their lives stolen away from them.

Hearing this made Ahsoka inhale sharply, realizing they weren't the only ones here.

Having moved up a branch into a higher elevation in the forest, Ahsoka saw a pair of prisoners wandering through the jungle below them.

"Those two, they came here with me." Said Ahsoka. "We need to-"

"It's too late."

The first one was gunned down rather quickly. The second person took off in a sprint. Following her was blaster fire, missing their target. Yet Ahsoka had a sinking suspicion they were deliberately made to get the person into a trap or have a false sense of survival. This went on for nearly a minute before she met her end.

A Trandoshan with half his head being metallic jumped in front of the person who was trying to flee, grabbing her neck with a robotic arm and snapping her neck in an instant.

Hisses and cries of sickening glee were heard by them with Ahsoka clenching her fists tightly at the disgusting sight.

"We could've stopped them."

"To what end? Here, we're not Jedi, Ahsoka. We're survivors."

"We'll never get out of here if we just keep hiding. We have to act."

"There have been other padawans here who were like you. But they're long gone, thinking they could make a difference."

"Just because they failed doesn't mean we will."

"You don't understand. It's not that we don't want to fight. We're padawans and Red Eyes is merely a civilian. They have every advantage."

"Who says they do?" The Togruta Padawan challenged, standing up from their cover and moving forward.

"Ahsoka, where are you going?" Jinx said in a low hiss.

"Get back here." Kalifa commanded.

Ahsoka perched herself atop a curved root, her posture akin to that of Spider-man's, having seen Peter do it so many times.

"Ahsoka, you can't use the Force." Kass argued. "How can you even fight them?"

"My master would never forgive me for running and hiding in a situation like this. And the Avengers taught me you don't need to have power to do what's necessary for people who need help."

"Do not overestimate your abilities." Kalifa warned her.

Ahsoka glanced back for a response. "I'm not."

She jumped, sliding down the root she stood on until hitting the jungle floor below.

At first, she was crouched down, one knee bent with her other leg extended horizontally out and one hand on the ground.

Blinking, she tilted her head at her landing, thinking about how many times she's seen Peter do this before standing up.

"That was weird." She muttered, shaking off the weird moment.

Looking ahead now, Ahsoka scrunched her face up, steeling her nerves before walking forward.

"Here, lizard, lizard. Come and find me." She felt a bit stupid in saying this out loud but who knows, maybe this will work.

When she was about to move a bit further, she felt an odd sensation in her head. There was a bizarre feeling of vertigo coupled with something in the back of her head screaming at her to move.

Leaping to the side, she avoided a blaster shot aimed at her blindside. She was surprised at this, but couldn't question it now.

Whirling around at the Trandoshan who spotted her, she lept again to avoid another shot at her.

"Hold still, youngling." The hunter snarled with its changed eyes glaring at the Jedi.

"Padawan." Ahsoka rebuked in midair.

He fired again and again. Each shot missed. He hissed in utter annoyance, wondering how he kept missing with mechanical his enhancements.

Upon landing in close, Ahsoka repositioned herself, whirled and delivered a swift upward kick right at the Trandoshans neck. The blow had his head snap back. He roared in pain.

Though she may not be connected to the Force at this time, one thing she still had was her natural athleticism and flexibility.

On top of that, she had been developing her own martial skills in training with the Avengers.

Seeing the many fighting styles that came from Earth, Ahsoka was quick to adopt those that would best compliment her blended style of Forms IV and V of Jedi lightsaber combat. Fighting styles such as Karate, taekwondo, kenpo and kung fu were incorporated into her own style.

And by "incorporated", it was the experienced Avengers thrashing her in the start and still to this day. But regardless, she learned a great deal and it was paying off at this very moment.

The Trandoshan tried to blast Ahsoka in the face only for her to chop the arm away and deliver a spinning kick to his chest.

Rearing back, the scaly humanoid tossed his blaster to the side and pulled his arms back, having his claws extend several inches. Coming in close for several swipes, the Trandoshan sought to carve her in.

"Sorry, I'm trying to not get skewered by the likes of you, lizard lips." She said jokingly, coming in close and delivering a series of punches and kicks to send him skidding back. "I'd rather stay in one piece, unlike you, patchwork."

Why was she saying this? She usually doesn't talk much in fights, right? And what was up with the odd quips?

Once more, she felt a pulse of that power she had experienced moments ago, only this time, there was a familiarity to it. It reminded her of… the Force but… something more.

Using this sensation, Ahsoka slapped her hand against the chest of the Trandoshan and in a stunning display, a small shockwave expunged itself from her hand. Small white wisps fell from her hands as the rest of the shockwave washed over the chest of the altered hunter.

He flew back, slamming into a tree trunk hard.

"What the-"

Before the one hunter could finish, Ahsoka came in quickly and brought her fist into an uppercut onto the Trandoshans head. Instead of taking on the blow, properly, his head fully snapped back with a sickening crunch. It slumped over, head hanging loosely and breathing all but gone.

"...Karabast." She muttered to herself, realizing what she had just done.

"What the hell?"

Whirling back, Ahsoka saw the one Trandoshan wasn't alone as his hunting partner was nearby. No doubt observing while letting his pal take the kill.

"How is that possible?" The other Trandoshan said bewildered. "Your powers…"

"Powers?" Ahsoka muttered, still feeling her connection to the Force being subdued.

Swiftly overcoming his surprise, the cybernetic hunter hissed and charged at the padawan. Before coming in close, something happened.

From above, Red Eyes dropped down onto the charging Trandoshan, pinning the lizard-like humanoid down. Quickly wrapping his arms around the reptilian's head, with a quick jolt, there was a sickening snap heard and the Trandoshan slumped down on the ground, dead.

Ahsoka would've been disturbed when seeing this. A part of her would have. Another had grown used to it, due to how she and others had to resolve in killing some of Ultrons forces.

Seeing the dead Trandoshans lying on the ground, Ahsoka felt disgusted upon the inspections.

"I can't believe they allowed themselves to be changed like this." Ahsoka whispered in underlying horror at the sight of the modified Trandoshan. "Don't they know what Ultron's doing to those he captures?"

"Don't care." Said Red Eyes. "Only themselves care. Only p-plea-self happy."

"Thought as much." Ahsoka shook her head. "I didn't want to believe it at first but it really is true. People are siding with Ultron all for the sake of self-preservation and survival. They can live another day, yet they'll die last or be converted early into his abominations."

"Lose," Red Eyes appeared to be trying to figure out the proper words to utilize. "Soul? Free Will?"

"I wouldn't put it past Ultron enslaving them. It may appear they have their own self-consciousness, but they're merely his literal puppets."

"Slave?" That got a sharp look from Red Eyes and Ahsoka nodded.

"Have you heard about what Ultron has been doing?"

Red Eyes gestured to his ear. "Hear, no see. Trandoshan change."

"It's more than just that, Red Eyes. Ultron is using all these people he converts as part of his hive mind. If you destroy one of his bodies, he just possesses another. Practically impossible to take down through normal means."

"Ultron… dangerous."

"More than dangerous." Ahsoka said with a grim look. "He threatens all of life in the galaxy. His goal of evolution starts with the extinction of life like us. These Trandoshans are just test subjects for him. They don't even know it yet but they now belong to him since letting themselves get changed like this."

Red Eyes held a deep frown now, one where his forehead had actually creased up.

"Have solution?"

Ahsoka shook her head. "Only one comes to mind. My friends, the Avengers, they've faced him before and succeeded. But much has changed since Ultron's first defeat. But they're on their way to finding a new one with their friends back on their home planet. I just hope it's soon."

"Avengers?" Red Eyes repeated. "They who? They strong?"

"More than you know, big guy."

The pair soon heard trees rustling. Whirling slightly, they expected to find other Trandoshans. To their bit of relief, it was the other padawans.

When they got closer, the four were surprised to see the dead cybernetic Trandoshans.

"You took them down." Said Kalifa in slight astonishment.

"Wasn't an easy task." Ahsoka admitted. "If it wasn't for what the Avengers taught me and Red Eyes watching my back, I'd probably be getting skinned and mounted on a wall." She then shivered at that. "Ok, didn't need to give myself that image."

Kass patted her back sympathetically. "None of us do. Keeps our bit of sanity in check."

"We should keep moving." O-Mer said, quickly surveying their surroundings.

"Don't know how long reinforcements may come, now that two of their own are dead." Added in Jinx.

Before they left, Ahsoka inspected the bodies of the dead Trandoshans, checking their belts and pulling out several tools.

"Perfect." She said with a wide grin.

This will make things so much easier for them.

-Scene Cut-

They've wandered around their prison for hours, keeping their sights around for any hostiles.

For the most part, they didn't run into any more Trandoshans.

But the Ultron drones were a constant presence, be it seeing them overhead or hearing them from afar.

As this all occurred, Ahsoka asked where the Trandoshan's compound was. All she's seen so far was them riding on their hovercrafts with the occasional Ultron drone flying through the air.

The answer to that was simple, it wasn't on the island but was located in the sky. They led her to an elevated root that had a decent amount of cover for them and Kass pointed at the clouds above.

At first, Ahsoka saw nothing until the clouds parted slightly and she was able to spot the base of the Trandoshans floating overhead.

"That's probably our best bet to get out of here." Ahsoka murmured. "Question is, how do we get there?"

"The Trandoshans platforms can only be operated by them." Jinx informed. "And without our Force abilities, we can't persuade them with mental manipulation if we caught one with a weak enough mind."

"Then we're just gonna have to get a bit creative." Was all the Togruta Jedi declared.

"Easier said than done." O-Mer glumly said. "Let's get out of here."

Walking back to their tree hideout, they hunted down some food for the evening before their rest for the evening. It wasn't much, but it would do for now.

Besides, they got a bigger prize after what they acquired from the dead Trandoshans.

"Huh, you're back." Ahsoka noted the Convor perched at the entrance.

"Uh… what is that?" Kass couldn't help but ask.

"New friend I made." Tano said, the brightly colored Convor jumping from its perch and gliding down to the Togruta.

"You already made a friend here?" Kalifa couldn't help but say in amused disbelief.

"I can't help it, I'm a people person." Ahsoka joked with a toothy grin, holding her arms out as the Convor landed on them.

"Shame. Would've liked to eat one of those-"

The Convor abruptly flew out from Ahsoka's arms and cuffed its wings in the face of Jinx, getting one of its feathers in his face.

He let out a few spitting sounds, flailing his hands about to get it away from him and it returned back to Ahsoka.

"Guess it didn't like hearing that."

Jinx only made a face of annoyed aggravation at the Convor, the bird puffing its feathers out in a huff.

The other Padawans were unable to hold back their laughter at the expense of their fellow Jedi who only grumpily moved past them into his spot in their tree.

If you looked closely at Red Eyes, you'd see a hint of a smirk tugging his lips.

Ahsoka shook her head with a smile, looking down at the bird she held. "So where'd you disappear to all day? Wouldn't mind seeing you often."

The Convor hooted, nestling itself comfortably into her arms.

It was strange how she herself felt a comforting presence from it. This was only the second time she had seen this Convor yet there was a familiarity that it possessed. She wasn't quite sure what it was but frankly, she'll take anything good that she can have right now.

"Y'know, since I might be here for… a while… I should probably give you a name." She kept stroking the bird's feathers, a name suddenly popped into her mind. "How's… Morai sound?"

The Convor tilted its head up at this suggestion and then hooted happily, nuzzling its face against her own.

"Whoa, down girl."

"Looks like she likes Morai." Kass commented with a small smile, going up to the pair, rubbing the newly named owl-like creature and having it affectionately nibble her finger in return.

Ahsoka only hummed, scratching the top of Morai's head.

She saw the others having taken up their spots within the tree, Red Eyes getting to prepare some food when her eyes landed on the weapon they had taken from the Trandoshans today.

Remembering what she had personally gained herself from those vile hunters, she turned to the Zabrak next to her and held out Morai.

"Hold her for me?" She said, Kass nodding and taking the Convor out from her hands.

She walked over to the rifle and picked it up.

Red Eyes looked up from the fire, watching her inspect the rifle and test it several times. Seeing that it didn't fire, Ahsoka pulled out the tools she acquired earlier and began to work on the confiscated weapons.

"Now then… let's see if this works." Ahsoka said aloud, not realizing that everyone was now looking at her work intently.

She pried the barrel open followed by the stock, almost dismantling the rifle in its entirety.

"Far easier than before." She mutters. "Spares the parts better than just making simple explosives."

Delving into the inner portion of the main body of the rifle, Ahsoka fiddled around on the inside of it until she froze up. A moment later, a wide grin appeared and she withdrew her hand to reveal a small disk with a red glowing center and four anchors.

"And I give you our means of turning their weapons against them." Ahsoka revealed with a fist pump.

"Wait," O-Mer sat up in disbelief. "Is that the control switch? What allowed them to switch off their weapons whenever we got one."

"It is indeed." Tano triumphantly said, flicking the small disk into the fire. "Thank you Scott, thank you Master and especially thank you Peter. Looks like all those tricks and lessons paid off."

"So can we use their weapons now?" Kass eagerly questioned subconsciously hugging Morai closer to her but it didn't bother the Convor in the slightest.

"More or less. Have to go through them to see if there are other limiters or any kind of bugs they installed. Can't assume it's as simple as that."

"But we have a chance now, right?" Kalifa questioned in a low whisper.

"Better than before. A true fighting chance now."

The padawans all blinked when hearing this voice. They looked between each other, searching for whoever it was that said this when they remembered there was one other person in there with them. Turning over, they realized it came from Red Eyes.

That was his voice they heard but… something seemed different when hearing him talk just now.

Pouring water out of a makeshift container into a bowl, Red Eyes wasn't going to drink from it. Instead, he began washing off the dirt, grime and mud to reveal more of his features.

There was a more significant reason why he covered himself with mud, it was due to his blue skin. It was like a Pantoran but in a striking, bold tone. Ahsoka soon figured that if he didn't cover his natural skin pigmentation, he'd stand out like a sore thumb in this jungle environment.

"You're a Chiss." Said Ahsoka, barely recognizing the man's species. Now she remembers why the eyes were so familiar.

Though they were brief instances, Ahsoka recalls one of Dooku's Acolytes had the exact same set of eyes as this man does. Her hair was indeed long, but it was maintained. And the skin tone was slightly darker but of the same hue range.

"Chiss?" Kalifa parroted. "What are Chiss?"

"Wait, I heard of them," O-Mer spoke up in astonishment. "I thought they were a myth from the Unknown Regions."

"I am indeed Chiss and as you can see, not a myth." The blue-skinned man smirked at Ahsoka. "At least someone recognizes my "mythological" people."

Everyone froze up, their minds taking a moment to process what they just heard.

"...What?" Was their collective response.

For the first time, the man no longer spoke in a broken manner, but rather fluently. And his tone of voice felt otherworldly, smooth, strong and firm. Might be due to his age or something else entirely.

"I do believe I have seen what is needed here." The Padawans all had their eyes on him, all widening upon hearing him speak. "My name is Mitth'raw'nuruodo. Though I do believe Thrawn shall be a more sufficient name for you all to address me as. A pleasure to meet you all properly if you will."

The Padawans were still trying to recoup from what they had just seen until the Togruta of the group managed to regain some semblance of herself.

"...You could speak Basic?" Ahsoka said in an accusatory fashion. "Fluently?"

Thrawn gave Tano a sardonic smile. "Quite and it appears that perhaps the means of our escape is at last within our grasp. We have much work to do if we are to liberate ourselves from this predicament."

AN

THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS!

THAT'S RIGHT!

WE'VE BEEN TEASING IT AND HINTING AT HIS COMING BUT HE IS HERE!

THRAWN HAS ARRIVED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.

AND THIS MOVE WAS DONE BY JEB SO SHOW YOUR RESPECT, PEOPLE!

Jebest4781: When thinking over the Padawan Lost mini-arc, it honestly would've been boring if it didn't have something to spice things up. The enhanced Trandoshans were one thing but needed something else to really make things impactful. Not just at this time, but effective for later events.

FMW: We knew that we were gonna introduce Thrawn at the latter end of Season 3, towards its end but we racked our brains as to when was the best time to do so.

Jeb: If doing his introduction far later than originally intended, it would've made things harder to work with to have Thrawn be an ally. But doing it here gives us an opportunity to make it better.

FMW: That's right people, you all thought he was gonna be a big bad but nope, Thrawn's first outing in this story is helping the Padawan of the man he first teamed up with back in the canon sources. So when the time came for us to introduce Thrawn, Jeb pointed at this arc here and said this was the best opportunity to do so.

I promised you all that this was gonna be an insane chapter and I hope that we delivered here with the long-awaited arrival of Thrawn.

He's a character we have been just crawling to get to for all this time and at long last, we can begin to showcase my favorite antagonist and just one of my favorite fictional characters of all time.

Grand Admiral Thrawn.

FUCK YEAH!

So before I leave you all, please, for the love of God in all that is holy, go to my DeviantArt account and witness the latest Deviation of Ultron as we draw near the end of Season 3.

It is one of the most glorious sights you will ever witness.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.