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Chapter Text

Ahsoka's heart is pounding as the speeder she, Lux, and Artoo are trying to escape in zooms across the snow-covered landscape of Carlac. She can sense danger flaring through the Force just as an explosion rips through the ground in front of them, partly striking the speeder. Artoo squeals in alarm as the whole thing shakes, knocking Ahsoka over.

She looks up to see three members of Death Watch flying towards them, and they immediately open fire on her. Without wasting a second, she ignites her lightsabers and deflects the blaster bolts, sending one back at one of the three warriors. The person falls out of sight, and moments later, there's an explosion in the distance. But she doesn't have time to think about it.

One of the other two flies towards her so fast that she doesn't have time to react as she's tackled, lightsabers falling from her hands. A firm grip on her neck cuts off her air, effectively strangling her, and Artoo whistles angrily, doing something she can't see to distract the warrior. The second the helmet turns, Ahsoka Force shoves the Mandalorian away, and he — she? — flies through the air, crashing somewhere in one of the snowbanks behind them with a mighty explosion.

"That's two I owe you," Ahsoka groans to Artoo, rubbing her neck with a wince.

The last one lands on the back of the speeder in front of her, firing twice. Ahsoka scrambles to her feet and dodges out of the way, using the Force to shove the warrior's arm aside. The warrior lunges forwards, slamming a fist into the Togruta's head. They exchange blows in a deadly fast-paced duel before a sudden punch throws Ahsoka off balance, nearly knocking her right off the back of the moving speeder. She catches onto the edge of it, struggling to pull herself back up.

The warrior prepares to fire at her, but Lux jerks the speeder back and forth. She struggles to keep her balance, and Ahsoka uses the distraction to flip herself back onto the speeder. They throw several punches back and forth, before Ahsoka kicks the final Mandalorian backwards. He stumbles a few steps, and the Togruta raises her hands, Force-throwing the warrior backwards off the speeder.

Right before the warrior crashes into the snow below, he fires a blaster shot after them which misses spectacularly. Ahsoka balances precariously on the back of the speeder, watching for any more pursuers. None come.

Minutes later, they arrive at the location where they left their ship. Without wasting any time, they rush onto it, and Ahsoka fires up the engines, blasting away from the planet as quickly as she can. She doesn't miss how tense Lux looks as he sits in the seat next to her, and part of her mind drifts back to what happened in the tent. She knows that Lux only kissed her to prevent her from accidentally revealing herself to the Death Watch warriors who were entering the tent, but still...

She doesn't think it was until that moment that she truly realized what this strange... feeling she has towards Lux is. It's not quite like how she's cared for anyone before, even though she hasn't known him long.

She doesn't want to lose him, and though she may wish to deny it, she cares for him deeply. Too deeply even. Why does this have to be so incredibly hard? Why can't they just be together like they want to be? Lux didn't say it, but she could tell from the look in his eyes.

"Ahsoka, I can't go with you," he says quietly as she guides the shuttle further away. "You know that."

She closes her eyes against the onslaught of emotions. She knew this was coming, but that doesn't make it any less hard to hear. "But we can try... Try to change things together," she protests weakly, giving him a desperate look.

Lux's gaze flickers to the control panel of the shuttle, and he smiles faintly. "We do make a pretty good team, don't we?" Their eyes meet, and Ahsoka can see a deep fondness in his gaze. "Don't worry," he assures her. "We'll meet again. I promise."

"I don't want you to leave," she mumbles, struggling to keep her voice steady. "I - I care for you, Lux." It was harder than she'd expected to say the words aloud.

There's something infinitely sad in his expression. "And I care for you too, Ahsoka," he whispers, "But my planet is with the Separatists right now, and you're a Jedi. We can't... not right now. After things settle down though..."

"You mean after the war," Ahsoka replies flatly, sighing. "That could be years."

"I know," he agrees quietly, "But it would be considered treason for us to remain in contact when we are on opposite sides. I can't – I don't want to just leave my planet, my home. I'm sure you can understand that."

And she can. Ahsoka knows that, much as she cares for Lux, she wouldn't want to leave the Order, leave Anakin, leave the Republic to join him. Maybe one day she might, but not right now. She knows she's still young, and anyways, she doesn't need to decide immediately. If she changes her mind later - or if he does - it will be easy enough to find the other.

"Yes," Ahsoka murmurs, smiling sadly, "Yes, I understand that. I wouldn't want to leave the Jedi so suddenly. The Order is my home, my family."

Lux huffs a laugh. "We make quite a pair then."

Ahsoka can't help but grin, even as sadness pools inside of her. They're only putting off the inevitable. Another moment passes, and Ahsoka lets the shuttle drift in space. They still have time, and she doesn't want to rush this.

He leans over kissing her lightly for a second. "This isn't a goodbye," he declares fiercely. "I'll be waiting for you."

She chokes back a sob that threatens to escape and throws her arms around him. She doesn't want to leave, but they don't have a choice. Ahsoka has never hated the war more than she does at this moment, even though, were it not for the war, she may never have met Lux. Actually, she probably would have, just differently. It's no use stressing over the what ifs.

Lux holds her for a long moment before pulling back. "I need to go," he says, standing up. Their eyes meet again, and Ahsoka can see how much he hates doing this.

"Be careful, Lux," she warns as he slowly steps back towards the door from the cockpit leading to the rest of the shuttle.

He smiles. "May the Force be with you, Ahsoka." And then, he's gone, disappearing through the door. It slides shut behind him, and Ahsoka soon feels his presence drifting further as he leaves in an escape pod.

"Come on, Artoo," Ahsoka states, trying to sound more cheerful than she feels. "Let's go home." She enters the coordinates for Coruscant into the navicomputer and makes the jump to hyperspace as soon as the shuttle is ready. She tries hard not to think about leaving Lux, forcing herself to remember that it is not goodbye. She will see him again, even if it's not for a while.

***

Lux has always tried to never do anything which he might regret, but it's so hard right now. He can't just leave his family and friends on Onderon to be with Ahsoka, even if he wants to. He fears that if he does, he'll regret it later and take it out on her, though she's not at fault. They have to wait, and waiting is hard.

He pilots the escape pod away from the shuttle, programming the hyperdrive to return to Onderon. The pod jumps to hyperspace seconds after he watches Ahsoka's shuttle disappear. For now, they have to part ways, but he'll never forget the young Togruta Jedi who stole his heart.

Even if he didn't recognize it at the time, he was making a mistake, one which he knows he would have regretted. The Death Watch would have killed Ahsoka simply because she's a Jedi and wanted to defend innocents. Lux doesn't think he ever could have forgiven himself if she was killed or if he actually joined that group of criminals. It's something his mother would never have condoned.

And maybe they're doing this all wrong. Onderon, like many other systems, left the Republic because it could no longer abide by all the corruption and remain in a place where its interests would be looked over in favor of the corporations. Ideals such as that is what resulted in the formation of the Separatist Alliance. But they had never wanted war. Sure, they knew it was a possibility, but they had hoped they could have peace.

Why would Dooku have had Lux's mother killed for something that everyone wanted? Why would he want the war to continue unless he has an ulterior motive? Honestly, Lux can't say anything for sure, but he senses that something is amiss. All he can do is find evidence to prove it, though even that will be a monumental task.

He sighs heavily, watching the blue and white streaks of hyperspace with unseeing eyes. Perhaps the solution is to focus on Onderon and what would be best for his planet. Only then can he actually work towards bringing this war to an end.

***

Anakin knows that something is amiss the moment Ahsoka returns to the Temple. After declaring that she's fine, she locks herself in her room and hasn't come out, even though it's long past time for their morning meal. Something happened, and he has to find out what. She's his Padawan, and if she's upset, he needs to know.

He waits another hour before giving up and going to knock on her door. "Ahsoka?"

She mutters something inaudible, and he can hear some moving around. "Yes, Master?" she calls back, sounding about as unhappy as she feels in the Force.

"Come on," he urges, "It's long past time for you to eat, so how about we go to the cafeteria, and you tell me what has you hiding in your room." She has classes to be attending too, also.

The door instantly slides open, and Ahsoka glares up at him. "I am not hiding," she huffs.

"You have been in here all morning, despite the hour," he points out, "We must go."

She shrugs, silently following him without complaint. "So?" he presses after they sit down at a table in the cafeteria and begin eating, the silence dragging on for much too long. "How did everything go? I know you went to ensure Lux Bonteri didn't get himself into trouble or killed."

"Everything was fine," she assures him. "We ran into Death Watch, but we got away without any problems." Yes, Anakin knew all that, courtesy of her official report to the Council about the incident, but he still had to ask her.

"What's Lux like?" he queries, sensing somehow that he might have something to do with Ahsoka's current emotional state. "Padme knew his mother quite well from what I've heard."

"He... Well, we didn't spend that much time together," she deflects, shrugging, keeping her gaze fixed on the plate in front of her. "He was focused mainly on trying to avenge his mother's death, so I suppose he's extremely loyal to people. He nearly got himself killed from recklessness, but he's a good person." Her lips quirk into a slightly sly smile. "He reminds me of someone else I know."

Anakin gives her a look. "I have no idea who you might be speaking of," he states dryly.

She grins. "I'm sure you don't," she answers sweetly. Anakin snorts, focusing on his food as he thinks about their conversation. He picked up a lingering, almost buried, feeling of affection from Ahsoka when she was talking about Lux. He was beginning to suspect something from the start, but that confirms it.

Chapter Text

Ahsoka is seated on the couch in her and Anakin's apartment, waiting for him to return from speaking with Master Yoda. The two of them had just returned from chasing Rako Hardeen – who has gotten the dubious honor of killing Obi-Wan, and thinking about it still hurts – as well as two other prison escapees: Cad Bane and Moralo Eval. Upon their return, after Hardeen had beaten Anakin, finally choking him into unconsciousness before escaping, Yoda had asked to talk to Anakin.

She feels his return long before the door actually opens; the maelstrom of fury and pain is hard to miss, especially with his obviously weakening shields. Finally, the door to the apartment opens, and Anakin stalks in, glowering. "Master?" Ahsoka queries, all too aware of the fact that he's practically vibrating with anger.

"Obi-Wan is still alive," he declares bluntly, fists clenched.

For a moment, Ahsoka can't even breathe, because... what?! "How's that possible?" she asks faintly.

"The Council had him fake his death. They said it was the only way." Now, he just sounds bitter. "They didn't trust that we could keep him safe."

Ahsoka flinches, because that hurts. How could the Council do this to them? All the pain, all the grief, it was all for nothing. The knowledge that they weren't even given the courtesy of learning the truth after the funeral is... Ahsoka doesn't even know how she should feel about it.

It's borderline cruel, and for the first time in her life, she wonders if the Council made the right decision. They didn't. She knows it. Nothing they say can justify what they've done to her and Anakin. How could Obi-Wan have gone along with it? How could he have thought it was alright to deceive them in such a manner? None of this makes sense.

The Jedi were supposed to be good. They were supposed to be honest. She can't understand. How could they do something like this? It's wrong on so many levels, and they hurt her and Anakin. She saw Obi-Wan die. She held him. They cried for him together, but... and all of it was for nothing.

Ahsoka sinks onto the couch as the truth overwhelms her. She doesn't want to think badly about the Council. She wants to believe that what they did was right, that it was necessary, but she just can't. Not this time. It was wrong on every level. The Council could have told them! At least after the funeral, but no. They waited anyway, completely uncaring of the constant pain Anakin and Ahsoka were living through. They only came clean because Anakin nearly killed Hardeen, who is apparently innocent, Ahsoka realizes with a sudden rush of sheer fury. Would the Council have told them, if Anakin hadn't gone after him? She wants to say yes, but she knows the true answer. She can't deny it. They wouldn't have.

"Where – where is he?" she somehow manages to get out. Because if Obi-Wan is still alive... he has to be somewhere.

"He's gone undercover. As Hardeen."

The world doesn't screech to a dead standstill, but it certainly should have. Obi-Wan... that means... it was him who she was about to run through with her lightsaber when they arrested Hardeen. Why did the Council send them to arrest him, knowing full well what could happen? And that means it was Obi-Wan who they fought and beat Anakin unconscious and left him lying there alone on the rocks. He could have been killed if Ahsoka hadn't shown up when she did. Would he have cared? she wonders bitterly. Would it have mattered to Obi-Wan or the Council if Anakin died, or would they have shrugged it off as another thing that 'needed to be done'?!

She certain she knows the answer without even having to consider it any longer. If they can do this and be so oblivious to her and Anakin's pain, why would they care so much if Anakin was killed?

But she doesn't understand how Obi-Wan could have gone along with this. It doesn't make any sense. Even if he's always extremely controlled about showing any emotions, it was clear how much he cared about Anakin. Or was it? She doesn't understand any of this.

She's always trusted the Jedi Council, even in cases when things they were doing didn't seem entirely right. But this... no, it's wrong on every moral level, even if they did it for a good cause. After all, aren't the Jedi the ones who say 'the end does not justify the means' all the time?! Talk about being hypocrites. She'll never be able to look at them the same way again.

"How can they do this?" Ahsoka exclaims, finally finding her voice.

"I don't know, Snips," Anakin says quietly, sitting down next to her on the couch. She can see his pain, feel it echoing through their bond and into the Force, and it hurts as much as her own. This is a betrayal which cuts them both deeply. Even if Anakin won't admit how much he's hurt, she can only imagine. One would have to be both blind and stupid to not realize how close Anakin and Obi-Wan were. To learn that he did something like this... Ahsoka has no idea how he's even keeping himself together. Probably by sheer willpower if she had to guess.

A heavy silence hangs over the room for a long time before Anakin retreats to his room, and Ahsoka departs for the Senate. Of everyone she knows who can help her, Padme is the best option right now.

***

Padme is in her office at the Senate when Ahsoka arrives, thankfully not in the middle of a meeting. Hopefully, she's not too busy right now, because Ahsoka wants to talk to someone about this, and throwing a temper tantrum with Anakin isn't going to make either of them feel better. If anything, it might make them feel worse. They were both betrayed, Anakin more than her, and he needs support more than she does, even if Obi-Wan "died" in her arms. He lost his master or thought he did.

"Do you have a minute, Senator?" she asks, reminding herself to remain polite until she can guarantee a moment with just the two of them.

"Of course, Ahsoka," confirms Padme, looking up from her work. "You seem upset. What's wrong?"

"I – I can't understand what's wrong with the Council!" she blurts out finally, and then, something inside her snaps, and everything tumbles out in a jumbled mess. She hates the way her voice breaks on the words, her pain bleeding out. "Obi-Wan is still alive. The whole assassination was fake. They made us think he was dead all this time. They don't even seem to care how much it hurt Anakin. They still had us completely involved, knowing full well we could have killed him, and not even known until it was too late!"

Padme is visibly stunned by the time Ahsoka quiets. "He's alive?" she asks quietly. "And they never told you, until now?"

"Yes, exactly," she confirms darkly.

There's a flare of surprise and hurt in the Force before Padme tamps it down.

"I don't understand why they would do this," Padme declares, shaking her head. She moves over to Ahsoka, wrapping her arm around her shoulder. "After the funeral they should have at least told you. It was wrong for them to keep this from you, even if his mission is important."

"They don't trust Anakin," she says bitterly. It's honestly the only reason she can think of to explain it. She clenches her hands into fists, wanting nothing more than to scream and hit something until everything is fixed again, but unfortunately, that's not how it works. This isn't something she can fix. This is something else, something deeper, something that none of her training has taught her how to handle. Certainly, she knows how she's supposed to deal with emotions, but being near Anakin and feeling his pain as a constant echo of her own, she's begun to suppress everything.

And it hurts so much to see how low of an opinion the Council has of them. Anakin used to be a slave, a slave – and it's still hard for her to wrap her mind around – and the Council still wanted him to go to Zygerria to help the colonists from Kiros. Oh Force, they made Anakin rescue Rotta, Jabba's son! How – how can they treat him like that? If they do that to him, to the greatest Jedi the Order has ever seen – she's not biased, not at all; she's simply able to see the truth for what it is even if no one else can – what could they do to her? To any other Jedi who isn't as powerful and famous as Anakin?

"I've thought about leaving the Order once before," Ahsoka admits after a long pause, and much blinking to prevent herself from crying, "But I didn't because of Anakin. Now I'm wondering if we both should." Anakin had mentioned something about that right after they thought Obi-Wan was dead, but it wasn't something they've discussed since. She almost thinks that maybe she should bring it up again. She doesn't want to be a part of a people who could do something like this, who could treat them so callously.

He died. In her arms. She had to watch as Anakin shattered, unable to do anything to help him, because she wasn't the person he needed. Not then.

"You can if you want, but maybe you should wait a little while before making the decision. Leaving the Order is a very life altering decision," Padme points out, giving her a small smile, "And I know neither of you are really in your right minds right now."

Ahsoka sighs. She knows that the truth. She might want to leave the Order sometimes, in the depth of her anger, hurt, and frustration, but what would she even do? Where would she go? She's known no other life. She doesn't know how to live on her own – although that is something Anakin may be able to help with. But Padme is right. She's not thinking clearly right now. "Yes, that's true," the Togruta agrees reluctantly.

"How is Anakin holding up?"

"He's... much worse than me. He's known Obi-Wan far longer. And now it's like... even though he knows Obi-Wan is still alive, he can't stop mourning. Not after this. And we can't forget and move on as if nothing happened at all," Ahsoka answers miserably. "We sawhim die, Padme. Scars like that don't fade overnight."

"I know, and I'm sorry," Padme tells her, hugging her. "You shouldn't have had to go through that." Ahsoka sniffs, wrapping her arms around the Senator and hiding her face in the older woman's shoulder. If she cries, she knows Padme will never tell.

It takes a few long minutes for her to finally start calming down. "Sometimes I wish I could leave everything in this war behind," Ahsoka continues. "I won't be able to see Lux again until it's over." It's not something she allows herself to think about much. She misses him so much sometimes; she misses the easy way they spoke with one another, and how much he cares about her. Everyone she knows has been a fighter – that's all she's ever known – and something about his peacefulness is attractive, even if she can't say why she's drawn to it so much.

"I know, Ahsoka, and that is the price we are all paying as we let the war continue," Padme responds softly, a hint of sadness in her brown eyes. Ahsoka can't help but wonder if Padme has some similar problem that she can't quite identify – that's waiting to do something until the war is over, though Ahsoka doesn't know what.

"Then we need to find a way to end it," Ahsoka states with determination, trying to give Padme a smile, though it falls short. She's glad she came here. Even though her struggle hasn't miraculously vanished – of course, it hasn't – she does feel better.

***

The mission to protect the Chancellor during the Festival of Light may be over, but the repercussions certainly are not. Obi-Wan is back at the Temple now and looking like himself, thank the Force. It's been about a week since then, but Ahsoka still can't bring herself to forgive him for what happened. She's trying not to be openly hostile – that would be disrespectful no matter how upset she is – but she's also going out of her way to avoid him. It's easier like that.

But it doesn't help that, right now, she and Anakin are about to be sent on another mission with him. After attending the briefing, Ahsoka, Rex, and Cody exit the room, leaving Anakin and Obi-Wan inside. She decides to wait for Anakin since he'd wanted to do something with her, either training or repairing his fighter.

Her proximity gives her the ability to listen; she's not trying to eavesdrop, but she can still overhear them. "Master, I want to talk to you." Anakin's voice is quiet, apologetic.

"What is it, Anakin?" Obi-Wan questions calmly. Ahsoka can almost see his posture in her mind, one hand resting on his beard as he watches Anakin with a look of fondness that he only ever seems to give to him. If only he cared more. If only he cared enough that he hadn't hurt them like this. Does he know, she wonders, that she and Anakin have nightmares almost every night, because of his "death?" And if he knew, would he even care?

"I wanted to apologize for my actions. They were completely unreasonable. You did what you had to do, and I can understand that," Anakin says, subdued.

Ahsoka's mouth falls open in shock. He did just...? Yes, he did. He apologized for being upset, for being hurt. How could he? Why would he? It doesn't make sense. Obi-Wan is the one who left, the one who broke their faith and trust and heart. Why should they apologize for his actions? Ahsoka loves Anakin dearly, but she doesn't always understand him. She's tempted to stalk into the room, to scream at him and demand answers. That applies to both of them, actually.

She hears movement, and after a moment of hesitation, peaks inside. Obi-Wan is resting a hand on Anakin's shoulder, an unreadable look on his face. "It's alright. I know why you were upset, and I accept your apology." Obi-Wan offers him a smile, and Anakin returns it, though it doesn't meet his eyes.

Ahsoka steps back, pretending to have been patiently waiting as Anakin exits the room. He has to know that she overheard, but he says nothing, only motioning for her to follow. Confusion swirling within her and hoping for answers, Ahsoka falls in step next to him.

She's unsurprised when Anakin steers them in the direction of the hanger bay. There's not any real reason why they have to work on modifying the Twilight, but if it will help Anakin keep his mind off whatever is so obviously troubling him, then Ahsoka doesn't mind. Also, she wants to talk to him without any chance of being overheard. She loves Anakin, she really does, but he doesn't always make sense. The conversation she overheard is definitely proof of that.

"Skyguy, can I ask you a question?" she asks finally, when the silence becomes too much for her to bear.

"Ask away, Snips," Anakin replies, glancing at her momentarily. The look on his face makes her wonder if he suspects – or knows – where her line of thought currently is.

"I just – Master, I don't understand why you apologized to Master Obi-Wan," she confesses. "I mean, what he did wasn't right, so why – why would you?" She tries, she really does, to keep her voice level, but she doesn't think that she did a good enough job in hiding her resentment.

"Whether we like it or not, Obi-Wan was doing his mission," Anakin explains. "He only did what he had to do." His tone is oddly detached and emotionless as he says that, and Ahsoka realizes that he doesn't believe it. He's only saying that, because... because why? Because he sees it as his duty as a Jedi, and he's trying to be an example to her, she knows. And maybe he's right that they shouldn't hold it against Obi-Wan like this because it's not the Jedi way, but just this once she wants to be angry.

"But he faked his death!" Ahsoka exclaims in disbelief. "He hurt us!"

Anakin turns his head away, not looking at her. "Maybe we are too attached," he says quietly.

Ahsoka huffs out a breath of disbelief before jogging ahead and planting herself right in front of Anakin, hands on her hips. "You don't mean that," she states flatly, knowing that she's right. "I was there, remember?" she adds, snippily. "I know how you felt, and I also know that you're not alright with this."

"Force! Of course, I'm not alright with this!" Anakin exclaims, running an agitated hand through his hair. She should cut it for him again, she notes distantly. "Why would you even think that?"

"You... apologized to Obi-Wan?" Ahsoka answers uncertainly.

He laughs bitterly, folding his arms across his chest, eyes fixed on a spot across the hanger. "Yes, I did, because it's – it's what I'm expected to do." His expression twists, and it's only now that Ahsoka realizes how unhappy he is in the Order. Why had she never noticed before? Why had she always assumed that, because he's so famous and popular, he enjoyed the attention and was treated fairly by others, if not better than them?

But he's not. She's beginning to see now, how the Council holds him to such impossibly high standards and she doesn't understand it. Yes, he's the Chosen One, but still.

It's not right. It's not fair to him. "Master, do you want to leave the Order? We could both go together and find another way to help the Republic." Right now, seeing how much Anakin is simply bowing to the unfair treatment, Ahsoka can admit that, even though she's only ever known the Order, she would like to leave, to find another path for both of them, one where they don't have to hide their closeness.

Anakin meets her eyes, expression conflicted and pained. "Ahsoka... I – I can't. I can't do that to Obi-Wan." They stare at one another for a long moment, before Ahsoka steps aside silently, letting her master past. She follows him, wondering how he can possibly be so loyal to the man who broke his heart. He's far more forgiving than her, and he's a much better person than she thinks she will ever be. She hopes he knows how proud she is of him and to be his Padawan. There's nowhere else in the galaxy that she'd rather be than at his side.

Chapter Text

Ahsoka can hardly believe it. Yes, she had hoped that she was going to see Lux again before the end of the war, but she didn't expect it to be this soon. It's only been months since the incident with Death Watch, and now, here she stands in the Council chambers, with a call from Onderon.

"The only way to reclaim Onderon will be through armed struggle," Lux is saying, "But we lack sufficient hardware and supplies." She has to admit that she's glad he's finally planning to take a stand against the Separatist occupation. It couldn't have been an easy decision, she imagines.

"Onderon is in your king's rule," Obi-Wan asserts, "And at the outbreak of the Clone Wars, he chose to align it with the Separatists." Because of that, the Council is obviously reluctant to get involved, but Ahsoka really thinks they should help him.

"Our true king has been silenced," objects Saw Gerrera, the other person in the transmission who's standing beside Lux. "The one you recognize is a traitor and a Separatist minion. We need your help to survive this."

"Find a way, we shall," Yoda assures.

"We await your answer," Lux replies, gaze flickering around the Council room, landing briefly on Ahsoka. He smiles faintly, a reminder of their promise to one another, before the hologram disappears.

"There are pockets of rebels on many of these planets that simply need guidance," Anakin speaks up, "With training and resources, they could attack soft targets while the Republic continues to engage them on the battlefield."

"That sounds like terrorism, Anakin," objects Obi-Wan. Who are they terrorizing exactly? Battle droids? Sounds more like strategy, in Ahsoka's opinion.

"We are simply helping them with their insurgency," he objects, "We can divide the Separatist forces and press them on two fronts."

"A means to an end, fear cannot be. Stop those who spread terror, the Jedi must," insists Yoda.

"Indeed," agrees Obi-Wan, "What you're suggesting would open up dangerous possibilities, and we must not train terrorists."

Ahsoka barely refrains from glaring at Obi-Wan. Lux is not a terrorist, even if he got dragged into something like that unknowingly. All he wants is the best for his people and to free his planet.

"How we conduct war is what distinguishes us from others," Obi-Wan continues, "Funding rebels to overthrow a legitimate government puts innocent lives at risk."

"They just said the government isn't legitimate," Ahsoka interjects frustratedly. She can't sit back idly when Lux needs her help. She doesn't understand why the Council is so reluctant to do anything about it. At times, it seems they're far more concerned with their own image rather than the people they should be protecting.

"We can minimize collateral damage by using arms that mainly affect droids," Anakin suggests.

"The least we can do is help them defend themselves, test the tactics while we're at it." Ahsoka is frankly shocked when Windu of all people stands up for Anakin.

"This could be a great new weapon for us," one of the other council members muses.

"Train and observe. Send advisors we will," Yoda murmurs finally, and Ahsoka instantly feels a surge of gratitude. Maybe Anakin's idea will go somewhere after all. And there's no way she wants to leave Lux without help when he needs it.

"I'll assemble a team," Anakin decides immediately.

Obi-Wan rises, crossing the room towards them. "I'm going with you." Things may have gotten somewhat better since the Hardeen incident, but there's still a lot of tension between them at times. It certainly doesn't help that Obi-Wan has just spent the past fifteen minutes studiously contradicting everything Anakin has to say, and annoying Ahsoka to her wits end.

"What, you don't trust me?" Anakin asks, a flare of hurt rushing through their bond.

"Too much," the Jedi Master insists, "That's what worries me." Personally, Ahsoka doesn't believe a word he just said, but she won't object. They don't need to start an argument, not when they're about to head back into battle.

Ahsoka tries to let her frustration at the way the Council is always acting fade away as the three of them head out of the Council chambers. She's going to be seeing Lux again, after so long. She doesn't want her irritation to ruin this. If the Jedi are going to start doing things like this, it will help speed the war to an end faster. If it works on Onderon, it could in other places as well.

"Ahsoka?"

But Lux. She's going to see him again. It's been some time, and things have changed, life has kept moving, but they'll be together again. Not only that but working together. She doesn't know how long, though it could easily end up dragging on for a while.

And all that time, she'll get to spend with him. She knows there's no way either of them can act on their feelings for one another and seeing each other again may only make it harder, but still. Despite the months which have passed, she still loves Lux as much as she did when they parted. Hopefully, he feels the same, but based on the look of affection he'd cast in her direction at the end of the call, Ahsoka's quite certain that he does. That makes her heart pound a little faster, and she carefully keeps her feelings shielded, hoping that no one can pick up on them.

She still doesn't know what to do about it, though, because she can't imagine any life outside the Order, even if the war were over and she was Knighted. But she doesn't really want to keep ignoring how she feels towards Lux indefinitely either.

"Snips?"

She jumps slightly. Oops. Was she really that distracted? "Yes, Master?" she replies, montrals flushing with embarrassment.

"Did you hear a word I said?" He seems more amused than annoyed, thankfully.

"Um..."

***

Lux is both anxious and excited when he hears that the Jedi have arrived. They're about to get the help they so badly need to free their planet. Finally. It's not going to be easy, but at least they'll be able to start learning what they need to know. And he's about to be reunited with Ahsoka. Hopefully.

He spots her almost immediately among the group of Jedi and their clone captain but doesn't get a chance to talk to her immediately, since they get right down to business. Admittedly, focusing on the Jedi's instructions on how to 'more efficiently' conduct their fight is more important right now, so he'll be patient.

"I'll show you how the 501st destroy clankers," Captain Rex declares, stepping forwards, "First, I need volunteers to carry supplies from our entry point a half-klick west."

"Shouldn't be a problem," Saw agrees.

"Excellent," Rex replies as the others start scattering.

Lux turns to follow them, soon finding himself walking next to Ahsoka while the other Jedi remain behind talking. Although from the animated nature of the conversation, maybe they're actually arguing, he's not really sure. "Lux, it's so good to see you again," she says with a smile.

"It's good to see you too, Ahsoka," he tells her, wishing that he could hug her, though he's not entirely sure it would be a good idea, much less appropriate, at the moment. There will be plenty of time later. He'll make certain of it. In the months when he'd thought about their reunion, never had he imagined it being like this, on the same side of the war.

"I didn't realize you had such strong ties to Onderon," Ahsoka remarks.

"Onderon is my home. My mother represented it in the Senate."

Steela Gerrera, Saw's sister, walks over to them, falling in step beside them. Lux and Steela have become friends since he joined up with the Rebels, but he's tried to keep his distance, especially knowing how she feels about him. His heart belongs to Ahsoka, not Steela. She might want a relationship with him, and that's not something he'll be able to give her. "Your voice is strong, like hers was," Steela comments, obviously overhearing the conversation.

"Have you reconsidered joining the Republic?" queries Ahsoka.

"Even if we do take back Onderon, it won't change how I feel," he asserts, "I'm not fighting for the Republic." That's one thing that isn't going to change. He doesn't agree with them anymore than his mother did, even if he also can't stay with the Separatists. They can be neutral, the way Mandalore is.

"Well, either way, this may help bring a faster end to the war," Ahsoka points out hopefully.

"I hope so," Lux states firmly, remembering his promise to Ahsoka again. They need to try to end the war, for the galaxy and to a lesser extent for... personal reasons. They can't even consider becoming anything more than friends until after it's over.

"We need to help each other now, just like we did back on Carlac," the Togruta adds with a grin.

Steela stops at that, frowning. And for a moment, Lux really wishes he could have this reunion with Ahsoka without Steela's presence. "Carlac? What happened on Carlac?"

They walk a few paces ahead before turning to face Steela. "Ahsoka is the reason I'm here and not with Death Watch," he replies. She saved him from a decision he would have forever regretted. If she hadn't been there, once he realized what was really going on, it would have been too late to leave. The more he objected, the sooner they would have killed him. He sees it now. Looking back, it was a stupid choice, one that nearly got them both killed; he didn't realize what kind of people the Death Watch consisted of at the time.

"Really?" Steela looks almost skeptical.

"What he means is -" begins Ahsoka.

"She saved me from a huge mistake," he responds. Glancing over his shoulder, he can see that the others are returning with the weapons. "We can talk more later," he offers, "But now, we have some practicing to do."

"We do!" Ahsoka agrees cheerfully, eyes sparkling with the promise of fun to come as they hurry to rejoin the others.

Lux is uncertain he sees a hint of... unhappiness in Steela's eyes as she watches them, but what can he do? It's Ahsoka he wants, not... Steela, even if they've become friends. Maybe if Lux and Ahsoka hadn't talked on Carlac that day he would have let it go, knowing it was nothing but a fantasy since she's a Jedi, but she expressed the desire to continue things with them, and it's not something he can let go of anymore.

***

"Everyone, divide up into teams of two, and we'll practice an assault on both hatches," Anakin instructs the gathered rebels. Right now, they're learning how to destroy tanks. Ahsoka stands off to the side, watching. It's not the first time they've gotten involved in training civilians to help – there was a time on Felucia they had to, although that was just against pirates. At least she knows how to do it, though.

She can't quite help how her gaze keeps wandering to Lux, though.

"I'll take the top," Lux says, standing near one of the tanks.

Saw nudges his arm. "Let's see what you're made of, Bonteri."

Rex tosses each of them a bomb, and they run for the tank. Saw opens the lower hatch, tossing the bomb inside while Lux scrambles up the side, trying to reach the top. When he's only halfway there, he promptly loses his balance and topples straight off the side, knocking over Saw on the way down. They land in a heap on the ground.

Ahsoka stifles a laugh, walking over to see if they're both alright.

"Sorry about that," Lux mumbles embarrassedly as he stands up.

"You're a terrible soldier, Bonteri," Saw scowls at him.

"Well he did train to be a politician," Ahsoka declares snippily.

"Hey, I can be more than one, you know," Lux protests. "We fought off the Death Watch pursuers on Carlac together, remember?"

"I love you and all, but you're an idiot. As I recall, I did all the fighting." Ahsoka smiles sweetly at him before going back to stand where she was before.

As the training continues, they move on to teaching the rebels how to throw bombs through the shields on destroyers. Rex tosses a bomb to Saw first. "Watch and learn," Saw announces, tossing the bomb at the destroyer. It bounces harmlessly off the shield, rolling away instead.

"Quite brilliant," Lux smirks. Saw glares at him.

Hiding a grin, Ahsoka hands one over to Lux, who tries; it rolls right through the shield. "Nice touch," the Togruta complements, "Maybe you'll make a soldier after all."

"Thanks," the Senator replies, with an I-told-you-so grin. Ahsoka sees Steela frowning at them, before going over to stand next to Saw to practice. Once she's sure that Lux has gotten the hang of it, she approaches Steela and Saw, both of whom are having a hard time.

"Just take it easy," she advises, "Don't get frustrated." Saw tries again and this time, succeeds, while his sister continues failing.

"Just forget it. I'll never learn this," Steela mutters, turning and stalking a distance away, sitting down on a bench. "You made it look easy," the girl grumbles as Ahsoka walks over to her again.

"It wasn't always that way," Ahsoka tells her. It wasn't the easiest for her when she was first learning. She often didn't get the right angle at first and then got impatient, which made it even more difficult.

"Right. The Force. That your secret?" Steela asks, irritation clear in her voice.

"No. Perseverance. Look, you'll get the hang of it. I wouldn't let it get you down." From the way she keeps acting around Ahsoka and Lux, the Togruta gets the feeling she doesn't like her very much, and she's pretty sure she knows why. It's clear that Steela must have feelings for Lux, feelings which he does not reciprocate. At least she's willing to put aside her emotions to work for the good of her people. It means that she'll be a great leader.

"I'm not feeling down," Steela retorts, "I just know what I'm good it." She picks up her sniper-rifle, carefully aiming it off at something in the distance before following Ahsoka when she moves to rejoin the others.

Ahsoka suggests that they practice with that weapon next, especially since Steela is good at it. She hits the first droid head dead center, so Ahsoka uses the Force to levitate the other, moving it around to make it more difficult as well as similar to a real battle. Steela hits it after a couple tries. "Nice work," Ahsoka congratulates.

Rex explains the importance of shooting battle droid heads, and Steela raises her sniper rifle at another target when she suddenly freezes. Ahsoka feels her spike of alarm. "Wait a minute, what is that?" she exclaims.

Ahsoka spins, following her gaze. Just then, a group of battle and super battle droids burst through the trees, open firing. A shot explodes on the ground nearby, and everyone dives out of the way. "Take cover!" Rex calls.

Ahsoka whips out her lightsabers, deflecting the blaster bolts as she scans the area for Lux. Where is he? Is he alright? Anakin and Obi-Wan are deflecting blaster bolts, while Rex and the rebels are shooting back at the droids.

Seeing Lux taking cover nearby, she flips over to him, deflecting a shot which might otherwise have taken off his head. "Thanks," he says breathlessly, cheeks slightly flushed from the adrenaline of the battle. He has a blaster, and he's shooting at the droids, though he seems to miss as often as he hits. He needs a bit of practice, so at least he's getting some, she supposes as she continues covering him and the other nearby rebels.

"We do fight well together," Lux comments dryly, ducking a bolt and letting Ahsoka's lightsaber harmlessly pass by him.

Ahsoka grins back at him, realizing that they've fallen into a rhythm that might take others many battles to achieve. "Yes, we do," she agrees. "I thought we decided that after Carlac."

She uses the Force to shove some droids back, but more keep coming.

"There are too many!" Steela cries finally.

"Anakin, Ahsoka, and I can hold them off while you get your people out of here," Obi-Wan calls back.

"You didn't teach us to run," she shoots back, before calling into her comm, "Saw, use your disruptors to take out the droids." Ahsoka doesn't catch his reply above the commotion. She continues blocking the blaster bolts while Lux stands behind her, shooting down as the droids advancing towards them.

Several bombs suddenly fly through the air, landing in the midst of the droids and blowing up only a moment late. "Not bad," Anakin remarks, surveying the destruction.

"That is only the first wave," Obi-Wan warns. Right on cue, Ahsoka spots a tank heading towards them. It opens fire, and all Ahsoka can do is cover Lux, using the Force to shield them as the debris rains down all around them. This would be going better if she - or Anakin, Obi-Wan, or Rex - would help take out the tank, but on the bright side, they haven't lost anyone yet. There are only injuries as far as she can tell.

"We'll handle this." Obi-Wan declares.

Ahsoka is ready to lunge forwards when Steela interrupts. "No, I will." She turns, firing at a nearby fence surrounding a group of animals, and the gates immediately snap open. The animals stampede out in a panic.

"Hey, Bonteri, you ready to try again?"

Lux nods, and Saw jumps up, stepping out from behind their hiding place and running forwards between two of the animals. Lux is right behind him.

"Don't fall!" Ahsoka yells after him, smirking, even though she's secretly scared. He's far too young to die, and it's different somehow for him as opposed to Anakin or Rex. They fight in battles all the time, and she knows they can handle themselves. Lux isn't used to warfare, and he doesn't have the same quick reflexes that are honed through constant battles.

Ahsoka leaps forwards, using the Force to close the top hatch of the tank as Lux and Saw dive for cover. The explosion makes her montrals ring, but she's used to it by now. She stands up, helping Lux to his feet, and they exchange a sincere smile, while Steela pulls her brother to his feet.

"Now you look more like a soldier than a politician," Saw teases, as they walk back to regroup and plan their next move.

***

With the rebels' hidden location exposed, they can't stay hiding in the forest anymore. Which is fine, regardless, since it's time for them to take actual action. Anakin keeps his hood pulled up in the mere chance that someone might end up recognizing him. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka are doing likewise. Hopefully this attempt to masquerade as hunters will fool the droids.

He eyes Ahsoka and Lux for a moment, where they're seated side by side up in the front. They work well together, he has to admit, and there's a closeness to them that reminds him very much of how he and Padme interact. More than that, he can see how much Lux respects Ahsoka, and that's all he wants. If anyone wants to get involved with his little sister, there's a select number of qualities which they must possess, and Lux has all of them. They're perfect together.

Except Ahsoka is a Jedi, and Anakin knows that as her master he should speak to her about it. If she really wants to pursue things with Lux, she needs to... make sure she understand all the implications. For a moment, Anakin wonders if she'd be willing to. She'd been the first to suggest leaving the Order, after all.

And Anakin knows that in time, he probably will as well. He wants to just be with Padme but he can't imagine leaving either. On a similar level, he thinks that's true for Ahsoka also.

"What were you doing outside of the city gates?" demands one of the battle droids guarding the entrance. One of the others heads forwards to start scanning the transport.

"Hunting," answers Lux simply, "We've been trekking for days."

"Did you register before your excursion?"

"No, but most of our time is spent in the brush, collecting our traps. We come to the city to sell. You can't get thrip larvae like this in Iziz. Only the biggest trees on the other side of Onderon," Lux answers.

"Hey, listen!" Steela calls in feigned annoyance, "We need to deliver all of this in time for supper."

The droids continue discussing the scan amongst themselves. Finally, another one of the rebels from farther back stands up. "Come on! Our merchants are waiting inside. Can you hurry it up?"

"Let them through," decides one of the droids finally.

As soon as they're safely inside the city, they decide they need to split up and regroup after nightfall, while working on getting new recruits and necessary supplies. "How do you think they'll do?" Anakin queries, looking at Obi-Wan and Ahsoka once the others have started to disperse.

"I have a feeling we'll be pleasantly surprised."

"So you admit our new strategy will work?" Obi-Wan had certainly seemed pretty convinced it was a bad idea, and considering how everything has gone, Anakin can't see why. He knew it would work; he felt it. That's why he insisted so strongly. For his plan to have been so adamantly rejected by Obi-Wan, hurt more than he cares to admit. And now...

"I am hopeful, Anakin. Hopeful."

The validation after the fact doesn't make him feel better, at least not much. Sometimes, he wonders if he should have taken Ahsoka up on her offer to leave the Order. It might have been worth it.

Chapter Text

"I think they're ready to give the 501st some competition," Anakin remarks with a smirk as he, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Rex walk down the street together. They spent the day constantly on the move, observing as the rebels attacked the droids throughout the city. They gathered briefly to discuss the situation, determining that they need to hit something bigger before heading out again. And now it's time for Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Rex to return to Coruscant.

"Let's not get carried away, General, though these rebels have impressed me," Rex replies dryly.

"We will share the developments with the Jedi Council," Obi-Wan decides, "Ahsoka will remain here as an advisor. Monitor them and report back with their progress."

"Are you up for it, Snips?" Anakin asks, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Or would you like to return to Coruscant?"

He's pretty sure she'd rather be here, but he has to be certain. He has to make sure she'll be alright. Yes, she's perfectly competent on the battlefield, but this is a completely different situation, and she's not fighting side by side with clones either. And he's not sure what's going to happen between Ahsoka and Lux. He knows they have feelings for each other, but he's not sure if Ahsoka wants their relationship to go that far right now. It would at least help if someone else was with her to guide her.

"No, Master, I want to stay," Ahsoka decides almost immediately.

"Good," he says. As long as she's sure she'll be alright here, he won't concern himself too much. He'll worry for her, of course, as it's his duty, but he'll let her stay without argument. "You will be... alright?"

Ahsoka looks up, meeting his eyes for a moment, and he knows she can tell that he knows what's going on with them. "I'll be fine, Master," she promises.

"Alright." He squeezes her shoulder lightly in comfort, before stepping away. For a moment, this almost reminds him of when he was sent off with Padme while Obi-Wan went to Kamino. And he can't help but wonder if this is going to have similar results. Ahsoka is young to be making decisions like that, though. She has her whole life ahead of her, and he knows she... may not be thinking all that clearly, the same way he wasn't when he pursued things with Padme.

He's not against Ahsoka pursuing... a family, but it means she'll never be a Jedi. Anakin has never been a good one and he knows it – the guilt of having broken the Code so deeply and irreparably bothers him frequently, even if he knows if not for his marriage and having something like that to look forward to, he wouldn't be able to keep going so long like he has – but this is a decision she will have to make herself.

He trusts her ability to make decisions, though. They can talk about it when the mission is over. He'd address it now, but Obi-Wan is right here, and...

"We should continue to provide supplies and credits, but they must learn to operate on their own. Their survival depends on it," Obi-Wan asserts.

"Yes, Master," Ahsoka acknowledges.

"Remember your purpose," reminds Anakin. He knows she will; he has faith in her, but she needs to remember not to let her feelings distract her. Ahsoka nods before he turns to head off with Obi-Wan and Rex, hoping this is the right decision.

***

The next day went surprisingly well. They took out the power generator to make a point to both the people of Onderon and the Separatist puppets in control that the planet belongs to the people. Ahsoka hopes they'll be able to handle any potential backlash, while continuing to build momentum. While the group was discussing the situation, everyone voted in Steela as their new official leader.

"Hey Ahsoka, can I talk to you?" Lux inquires finally, breaking the awkward silence hanging in the room after Saw stormed only minutes ago upon hearing that everyone wanted Steela as a leader instead of him. Steela has already gone out to find him after telling Ahsoka that he is her brother. Their interactions vaguely reminds her of herself and Anakin in a way.

"Sure," the Togruta agrees immediately, and the two of them slip out of the main room to find a private space to talk in peace.

"How have you been?" Lux queries.

"Oh, same," she shrugs. "Fighting a war."

"That's quite a thing for a sixteen-year-old to be doing all the time."

Ahsoka scoffs. "Look who's talking. You're literally leading a rebel movement."

"Well, maybe we're just getting more similar," he replies, smiling softly.

"Maybe," she agrees, smiling back. When they first met back on Raxus about a year ago, she would never have expected they'd end up becoming as close as they are now. "How have you been?" she asks finally.

"Busy with working on trying to free Onderon. I haven't really had much time for anything else, and I won't until this is over," Lux replies, then brightens, "But hey, with each planet that gets out of this war, the closer we'll be to peace in the galaxy. And then maybe we can see each other more often."

"I hope so," she agrees. She really, really does. He offers her a sense of calm that no one else has ever been able to give, at least not since Hardeen shattered her entire view of... everything she believed in. She aches to stay here with him, except nothing is that simple. She's not going to leave Anakin like that. Or the Order, even if there are frequently moments where she wishes she didn't have to stay.

"Is something wrong?" Lux asks suddenly, studying her quietly. She didn't think it would be so easy for him to tell.

"Well... yes," she admits.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Sometimes... I've thought about leaving the Order."

"Really? Why?" He seems slightly startled by the admission, for which she isn't surprised. She'd told him before that she never would.

This... it's never something easy for her to think about, to question everything she was raised believing. But it's certainly easier to talk about this to someone who isn't a Jedi. She knows he won't judge her for it. "They aren't what they're supposed to be," Ahsoka confesses at last, "I mean we've been fighting for over two years, and it doesn't seem like we're any closer to winning the war than when we started. Why can't we work out a more peaceful solution?"

"That's what I've been wondering this whole time," he agrees.

"And now it often seems they're listening far more to the Senate than doing what's right." Like with the case of Hardeen. Yes, protecting Palpatine is important, but why did it have to be like that? There were many other methods they could have used aside from that one. For that matter, why did they have to pick Obi-Wan for the mission at all?

"Well, if you want, you can always stay on Onderon," Lux offers, "We'd all be happy to have a Jedi here permanently." He's speaking for himself, too, she knows.

"I'd love that, but that's not really an option at the moment," she sighs frustratedly. As much as she'd like to stay and not go back to the Order, she'll never leave Anakin like that. If it's a choice between him and Lux, there's not even a question on who she'd choose. Besides, she's doesn't even know anything about life outside the Order anyway.

"If you ever change your mind, we'll always be happy to have you."

She smiles, emotion surging in her, the urge to just be with him. She leans closer instinctively, wrapping her arms around him. Anakin's hugged her before on occasion, but it's not really a thing Jedi do. Not when they get older. Anakin's always been a little different in that way.

Lux returns the gesture without a problem, though.

No words are needed between them, not now. She can sense his contentment, which she feels herself. It's an odd thing to feel being as she's always been a warrior. She's never felt so peaceful before, and it's something she's grateful to experience. The only sound is that of their almost inaudible breathing and Lux's heartbeat, something she can only hear because of her enhanced senses. She never wants this moment to end.

***

Lux can hardly believe the progress of their little rebellion. Not only were they able to free the old king from the Separatists, but also, they stopped his execution in front of crowds of people. And the majority of the people seemed to be in support of them. With the former king Dendup on their side, along with the General of the Army, things are definitely taking a turn in their favor.

"With your rule, our numbers will grow," Lux says.

The king rests a hand on his shoulder. "Thanks child. Your mother would be proud."

He gives him a small smile. "Thank you, my lord." It means a lot, coming from the king. It was all he wanted, really. This has been his sole thought back when he allied himself with the Death Watch, even if he regretted it after the fact. But it led him to Ahsoka, so what does he have to complain about?

"We must first win the will of the people. That is the only way," Dendup asserts, standing up and pacing back and forth, "The Separatists will assemble their forces. Count Dooku will want me dead more than ever."

"Then we'll have to teach them another lesson. Together," Saw smirks. Cheers go through the assembled crowd.

With the meeting over, Lux makes his way around everyone to where Ahsoka is watching. "I knew you couldn't resist a good fight," he comments. She finally intervened in the rescue of the king. They would never have succeeded without her, not without others dying.

"Am I becoming that predictable?"

"Only to me."

They slip through the door, out into the cool night air. Ahsoka reaches over, holding his hand while they walk, lacing their fingers together. They haven't really spoken much about what their relationship will be, or even what they are to one another right now, but Lux knows that he still loves her, and that she still loves him in turn. Talking about it will mean accepting that the chances for anything between them is still low, so he doesn't want to do that. Instead, he'll enjoy these quiet, peaceful moments while they last, cherishing them in the future when she's gone.

"Now that the Separatists know Jedi are involved, this is really going to escalate," Ahsoka comments.

"That's what you prepared us for, isn't it?" Lux replies, a bit teasingly.

"Yes, but I hope that we can handle it," she answers quietly, squeezing his hand. "We're still few in number, and a sizable force of droids could still overrun us."

"I'm sure we'll manage," Lux assures her. "We have no choice. The people are counting on us." He hesitates a moment before continuing. "Do you think the Republic will be able to send any more reinforcements?"

"I don't know." She shakes her head slowly, blue eyes betraying her worry when she looks at him. "I can ask my master when I talk to him later tonight."

"That would be great," he murmurs, relieved.

"Don't worry if they can't," she says at last, her inner confidence shining forth once more. "We'll manage with what we have, and we'll win. You're right. We have no choice."

He only smiles, knowing that there's nothing more for him to say.

***

The battle has taken the turn for the worse. They led the droids to the outskirts of the city and were doing fine, until the Separatists brought in new gunships with ray shields that nothing can penetrate. And the Republic is refusing to send help. Ahsoka just doesn't understand Obi-Wan's reasoning. She's not going to abandon Lux and his people. It can't possibly be right. How can anyone expect her to do something like that? At least Anakin understands.

"The highlands may slow down the droids, but they won't stop the gunships," Saw points out.

"We have to move," Steela asserts.

"Any word from Master Skywalker?" Lux asks, turning to Ahsoka.

She sighs, shaking her head. "Not yet." She knows Anakin will do whatever he can to help, but they're almost out of time, and once the droids reach them, everything will be pretty much over. Even if she gets involved in actually fighting, there's nothing they can do against those flying ships at this point. Sometimes, laws seriously irk her.

"We're not giving up yet!" Steela declares determinedly, stepping forwards to giveout orders on what to do with their remaining defenses. Everyone else gathered immediately hurries off to do as instructed. Saw heads out after a few moments later.

Lux turns to Ahsoka. "You have to help us," he tells her.

Really, that's all she wants to do. But she can't, because the Jedi forbid it. "I'll do all I can to protect you," she promises, "But I can't fight this war for you."

"We wouldn't have made it this far without you," Steela replies.

"I wish I could do more," she says quietly. She really, really does. Standing back and giving advice when she could be helping fight is driving her insane.

Something catches her attention suddenly, and she turns to see a ship approaching. This doesn't look good. "Wait, looks like we have company. We better go see what they want." They hurry outside as the ship lands and of all people in the world, Hondo Ohnaka and a group of other pirates begin getting off the ship. The rebels all point their weapons at them.

"Hondo, what are you doing here?" Ahsoka demands, stepping forwards.

"You should thank me, child," he retorts, "I have brought you a gift from Skywalker and Kenobi." It takes her only a moment to realize what he's bringing. Rocket launchers. Anakin figured something out, after all.

Blaster shots suddenly ring out, and she whirls around to see three assassin droids jumping over the edge of the hill, lunging towards them. Hondo immediately decides he needs to be elsewhere the moment the fight breaks out and takes off. Of course, he does. Steela takes out the first droid before one of the creatures they're using for transport flies overhead, carrying away the other two droids in its claws.

"They must have seen Hondo's ship," Steela points out.

"It was only a patrol," Ahsoka replies, glancing around. She doesn't see or sense anything else. "We have to get these down to the others."

They quickly load up the rocket launchers, before getting on the waiting animals. Ahsoka slides onto one behind Lux and they fly away together, back to where the battle has already begun again. They've only just finished disturbing the rocket launchers – which fortunately can shoot down those rey-shielded ships – when Steela promptly gets a call that the Separatists are attacking their home base, after the king.

"She sure leads by example," Ahsoka observes as the girl promptly takes off again.

"What good will that do us if she gets herself killed?" Lux points out with a sigh.

"We have to help!" urges Ahsoka. The two run for the creatures. "And when we get there, I'm joining the battle."

The animal lands in the middle of the chaos, and Ahsoka leaps off, igniting her lightsabers. She's cutting down droid after droid, Lux beside her, shooting, when danger suddenly flares through the Force. Looking up, she spots one of the ship's which was shot down, spiraling straight towards them. She spins, throwing Lux out of the way and diving to the ground as the ship crashes right behind them. The debris is burning furiously, smoke pouring up from it as she pushes herself up.

"You okay?" she calls urgently.

"Yeah," he confirms, standing up too.

Both of them look past the burning ship to where Steela and the king had been moments before, instantly realizing that Steela is hanging from the edge of the cliff. She pushed Dendup to safety, but if Ahsoka doesn't move fast, it might cost her own.

"Steela!" Lux exclaims in alarm, running forwards.

"Lux wait!" Ahsoka yells, "I'll handle this."

He pauses, and she sprints over to the edge of the cliff. She reaches out with the Force, slowly lifting the girl up over the edge again. She's barely finished pulling her to safety when a blaster shot rings out; she senses the blaster bolt but doesn't have time to react. A burning pain rips through her arm and the Togruta stumbles to the ground, right hand instantly moving to press against the wound. She's been shot before on numerous occasions, but that never seems to make dealing with the pain any easier.

One of the canons on the crashed Separatist ship is still active. Lux lifts his blaster instantly, shooting several times at the gun, rendering it non-functional before he hurries to her side.

"I'm okay," Ahsoka mutters, pushing herself up with a groan. She can still move, though she's going to need her injury tended to, preferably soon.

"Right," Lux retorts in disbelief, glancing over at Steela who stands a distance away. "Well, we should have someone around who can treat your shoulder."

"We can worry about it once the battle is over," Ahsoka insists.

"Only if you can promise me not to get yourself killed in the meantime," he agrees, helping her to her feet and guiding her to a more concealed area to wait out the rest of the fight. Or fight from the side lines as much as possible, anyway.

***

Anakin and Obi-Wan have returned to Onderon to take Ahsoka back to Coruscant. Anakin hasn't talked to her yet, but she knows by the looks he keeps giving her that they are going to have a talk about this later. In the meanwhile, the entire planet is celebrating the victory.

"After watching the heroics and selflessness of the Jedi, I do believe the Republic is the right side to be on," Lux remarks. Is he really implying what she thinks he is?

"What do you mean?" Ahsoka inquires.

"Dendup has appointed me the new Senator of Onderon. I will follow in my mother's footsteps, and I will bring us back to the Republic."

For a moment, Ahsoka isn't sure if she heard him right. He's going to join the Republic? And all this time she thought she'd never be able to change his mind on that. That also means that he's going to be coming to Coruscant. They'll be able to see each other whenever she's on a break at the Temple. Even if those times are extremely rare, they still happen occasionally, and she'll be able to see him from time to time. She can hardly believe this is happening. This makes the holiday much more personal, something more between just the two of them.

"Seriously?" she breaths, an indescribable emotion surging through her. All this time she'd been afraid they would have to separate after this, but now they won't. They'll be able to see each other frequently – though she doesn't know if that will make easier or harder in the long run.

"Yeah," he agrees, returning her smile.

The conversation is interrupted as Dendup begins speaking. "Remember this day! The day Onderon became free again!"

Chapter Text

It's strange, being here in the center of the Republic like this and going to the Senate of the organization he so long opposed. It's late in the day by the time Lux finally finishes up with his Senate work for the day – honestly, it's earlier than usual – and heads out into the waiting room outside of his office.

"Got any time right now?"

The familiar voice yanks him out of his thoughts, and he spins to see Ahsoka standing there.

"Ahsoka!" Lux exclaims. He hasn't seen her since back on Onderon. It's been a while since then. "I'm glad you were able to come."

"I'm glad you finally came out of that office," she snips, grinning at him, "I was here to see Padme, so I figured I'd drop by to see if you were available."

"You can feel free to call me any time," Lux replies with a smile.

"So, what do you think of Coruscant?"

"It wasn't what I expected," he admits, "It's... a lot busier than Raxus."

"Raxus is newly a capital, and much smaller," she offers, "I can imagine being here takes some getting used to if you haven't lived here your whole life."

Right. Like Ahsoka did. "I can't imagine what that would be like," Lux grimaces. Onderon had many trees and wildlife, and that's what he's well accustomed to. Coruscant is the exact opposite in every way.

"It's not so bad," Ahsoka chirps. They move over to the window, standing side by side as Lux watches the passing traffic for a few moments. "How the Republic Senate compared to the Separatist one?"

"There's... way more people, so it does take a lot longer to get anything done," he admits. Now that he's joined the Republic, he can see all over again the corruption that his mother wanted to avoid. He can see why she wanted to start over. But with Dooku leading the Separatists, they're far more corrupt than the Republic, and staying neutral isn't going to work. "The Republic has a lot of problems, and I can see that a lot more clearly now," he admits, "But I think it can be fixed." At least he can hope so.

"Yeah," Ahsoka agrees, "I've never understood much about Senate stuff, though, so that's probably something you want to talk to Padme about."

Lux chuckles. "Yeah. It's good being able to see her again, too."

"How well did you two used to know each other?" she inquires curiously.

"My mother was like her mentor. I suppose she could've been a lot like an older sister if I'd actually known her for long enough."

"Oh," Ahsoka replies, "Master Anakin brings me here to see Padme all the time, so we're pretty good friends."

"So I figured, from your illegal trip sneaking onto Raxus," he deadpans.

"Yeah, don't mention it."

"How have things been... with the Jedi?"

"The same old," Ahsoka responds, "We're going to be leaving on another mission for Cato Neimoidia soon, and I doubt we'll be back for a while."

Lux reaches over, taking her hand, and she squeezes his in return. "We could still send messages, if you ever have time. Just take care of yourself."

"You too. And don't become like Padme."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Putting her Senate work above anything and everything, including any reasonable sense regarding her own health and safety."

He laughs. "I guess that will depend on if Onderon needs it."

"I've been thinking about... Well, us," Ahsoka says finally, voice dropping as she throws a glance over at the door.

Lux won't deny the eagerness that flares inside of him at her words. He has a sudden feeling about what she's about to say. "And?" he prompts.

"If you want, of course, I think maybe we can... We can never tell anyone, but..."

"If you're certain you want this," Lux replies, moving a little closer to her in spite of it, "Since I thought it wasn't allowed for Jedi?"

"It's not," Ahsoka replies, "But I don't... It doesn't matter. Not if no one will ever know." If that's how she feels, then he's certainly fine with it. It's what he wants, to be something more than just friends, even if the Jedi Code prevents her from having it. He doesn't want to stand in the way of Ahsoka's duties, but if it's what she wants... he won't deny her.

He doesn't hesitate more than a moment to close the distance between them again, kissing her.

***

It's been a long time since Anakin had time to spend alone with Padme, even here at the Senate. "Sometimes... I wish we could just leave together," Anakin murmurs, wrapping his arms around Padme. She rests her head against his chest, slipping her arms around him.

"Sometimes I do too," she murmurs. Hopefully, they aren't about to get interrupted again any time soon, like what almost always seems to happen. "I wish things could be like they were back on Naboo... when there was no war or politics. Just me and you."

"As I recall, the politics of that time were escalating to unimaginable levels at that point?" Anakin teases.

"True, but there were still those moments," Padme replies.

"Yes," Anakin agrees.

As much as Anakin might want to leave, it isn't really an option right now. He's thought a lot about leaving the Order, and it's something he's wanted to do for a long time – especially after the Hardeen incident – but there's too many other things to consider right now, the most major being the fact that he's not going to leave the war and the 501st. The galaxy needs him right now, and he won't leave it, no matter how much he craves to. Besides, he wants to keep helping people, and he won't be able to do that if he's not a Jedi. He knows he'll never find true peace in the Order either, though. "Maybe we can consider it," Anakin suggests, "After Ahsoka is a Knight. I can't leave until she has been Knighted."

He would never leave Ahsoka like that, not for any reason. She's his padawan, his responsibility, and even more than that, his little sister and something of a daughter. No matter how much he cares for Padme, he would never do that to Ahsoka. He would never leave her for someone else to finish training. Well, that is assuming that she wants to stay in the Order in the first place. She's mentioned it numerous times before, and he has to wonder. If he left, would she leave too? Still, it's not a position he wants to put her in. If she wants to leave, it should be by her own choice. He's not going to do something that would press her into making that decision.

And besides all of that, he's not ready to leave Obi-Wan. He can't. He doesn't even know how or where to start living. He knows it's something that he'll need to deal with eventually, but he isn't ready for that. Not yet.

"If you really wanted to, I'm sure Ahsoka would come with you," Padme points out.

"I'm not going to push her into leaving," Anakin replies. "The Order is her life, even if I'm not sure how satisfied she is with it, anymore."

"She's spoken to me about it before," Padme replies, "I know she's not happy with a lot of things anymore." Ever since the Hardeen incident. She doesn't mention that specifically, for which Anakin is silently grateful. It isn't a topic he ever wants to discuss. "Where is Ahsoka?" she asks after a moment.

"She wanted to go see Lux," Anakin replies. Of course she did. Every time she has time when at the Senate she goes there, and Anakin is beginning to think something has happened with them.

He remembers his talk with Ahsoka about it after Onderon. "I just can't help it," Ahsoka told him, "I know I shouldn't, but I can't make it stop. I don't want it to stop." She'd seemed afraid of his disapproval after that, but all he could offer her was that he thought she should wait longer to think about it.

"If you truly want to make this choice, Ahsoka, I won't dissuade you. But you must know what it will mean. Do not rush into this."

"I know, Master," she'd said, and they had left it that.

"She's been with him a lot lately," comments Padme with a knowing smile on her face.

"Yes, she has been," Anakin agrees, "I've been around Lux to see how much he cares about her." He's not really worried about their relationship in that regard. He doesn't think that Lux would ever do anything that might hurt Ahsoka, even if he's obviously going to be cautious.

"Lux is a good person," Padme replies. "He has what she needs, I think."

"He is," Anakin agrees. Speaking of which, he should probably go see what's going on with them. They don't need someone else to be stumbling in on them.

Padme nods. "Good idea. My next appointment will be starting shortly anyway."

As always. "See you later, Angel," Anakin sighs before he slips out of the office, heading for where Lux's office is. Through his bond with Ahsoka, he can sense how she feels almost hyper.

Anakin steps into the room to see Lux and Ahsoka standing next to each other. He has an arm around her, and she's hugging him back, head resting on his shoulder.

Both of them jump sky high at the sudden intrusion, and Ahsoka practically teleports across the room, montrals blushing furiously. "Hey, Master," she splutters frantically, in a pathetically failed attempt at covering up what he just saw. And really, if she hadn't panicked, and if he didn't know her so well, he could just as well have assumed they were only close friends.

"Master Skywalker?" Lux blurts in greeting, practically squirming.

"Calm down," Anakin advises, trying his best not to laugh. "I have no intention of telling anyone."

"I, um – I know?" Ahsoka splutters, in a frantic attempt to recollect herself.

Doing this means that she's technically breaking the Code, but he can also completely understand it, and that makes things... complicated.

"If you intend to do this, you need to... try being a little less suspicious?" Anakin points out.

"We um... weren't expecting anyone to come in," Lux supplies, still looking decidedly embarrassed.

"That is my point. You need to be a lot more careful than this." He might okay with their relationship, but it's still forbidden for Jedi, and he'd rather not dwell on what could happen if Ahsoka was found out. "And you need to strictly act like nothing more than friends when you're around anyone else."

"I'll keep that in mind," Ahsoka replies, giving him a slight nod. Probably because she really wasn't expecting a speech from him as to how to keep a relationship totally against the Jedi way a secret.

"Now," Anakin says, "We still have some things to take care of here. You can go on ahead. I'll be there shortly." Ahsoka gives him another odd look but slips out of the room without argument.

Lux eyes him, looking decidedly uncomfortable. "You want to talk to me?"

He knows how much Lux cares about Ahsoka, and their relationship doesn't really bother him, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to be on the safe side. "Yes, I do," he agrees, "About Ahsoka."

Lux shifts. "I know it's not allowed for Jedi," he begins hastily, "But she wanted it, and..."

"I don't disapprove of your relationship," Anakin reassures him, because he doesn't. If anything, he's glad. Ahsoka seems much more content then she is in a while, especially since the Hardeen incident. "I've seen how much Ahsoka cares about you," he continues after a moment, "I don't want her to be hurt by it."

"She won't be," Lux promises earnestly, and Anakin can tell that he means it.

Anakin nods, smiling faintly at him. "Good luck with your new Senate position, by the way. If Onderon ever needs assistance again, I'll be happy to help."

"Thank you, Master Skywalker," Lux says.

***

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Ahsoka inquires, hurrying to catch up with Padme as the Senator as she walks through the living room into her bedroom on the other side of the apartment.

"No, thank you," Padme replies, "Everything is pretty much ready, but you could check the perimeter again to make sure there aren't any threats."

Padme invited Ahsoka over to her apartment for the afternoon since she was going to be hosting a meeting with a number of different delegates and Senators from multiple systems here at her apartment. Ahsoka remembers far too well one of the last times this happened, when one of the so-called handmaids was actually a bounty hunter in disguise. They don't need something like that happening all over again. So, since she had time anyway, she came over here the first chance she got.

Padme disappears through the doorway into her bedroom, and Ahsoka hovers in the entrance, watching her. Reaching out with the Force, she doesn't sense any disturbances, so she opts to just observe for now. She'll check the security again one last time before any of the delegates and other arrive.

From her position in the doorway, Ahsoka watches as Padme starts going through her clothes, looking for another set to change in to, apparently. Really, how can she even stand having so many different types of clothes to pick from? And why change them in the middle of the day anyway?

As a Jedi, clothes have never been of much importance to her at all. Just like... get dressed and get moving. Seriously. Not that she's going to insult Padme's clothing taste, but just saying.

The Senator continues shuffling through a pile of clothes on the edge of her bed, and then something very familiar catches the Tograuta's eye. A pair of clothes that is much too big to be Padme's... and definitely isn't hers anyway.

Is that seriously one of Anakin's Jedi robes?

What in the world would that be doing in Padme's apartment, not to mention her room?

Was she imagining things? Padme keeps on moving as though it were nothing at all, and it's already covered up in a second so she doesn't even get the chance to have a second look at it.

But if she really saw right, then the only thing that could mean is – But like what? Ahsoka has seen Anakin and Padme interact plenty all of the time, but she's never had any reason to think that they were anything other than very close friends. They are, right? Right?

She frantically thinks through all the times she's seen them interact before. The thought of Anakin feeling like that towards someone, not to mention actually acting on it is just – way too weird to think about for one second longer.

Has she really been that blind towards how Anakin and Padme feel towards each other? To be fair, it's not like Ahsoka ever really thinks about those things. As Jedi, it's simply not important. She never thought about it until recently, especially after meeting Lux. And it's just... She's so confused right now.

Anakin wouldn't break the Code like that, would he?

Or was she imagining that robe in the first place? Is she just imagining all of this? She has no idea, and – and – She can't imagine Anakin doing that. She just can't. But...

"I'll go check out the perimeter again," Ahsoka tells Padme finally before slipping away. Staying there for one more second thinking about this is going to make her head explode. Maybe literally. So instead, she'll just get back to her much more simple Jedi duties that won't require her to rethink over the possible relationship between her master, her brother... and her sort of mother, if that's really the word she should use on Padme.

***

It's going to be the last evening they still have on Coruscant, before they head away again, this time to reinforce the Republic forces already on Cato Neimoidia.

Anakin can just be grateful that he was able to find the time to come over to Padme's apartment for the last time tonight. Who knows when he'll be back. She invited both him and Ahsoka over here for dinner. And he might be able to stay here after that, once Ahsoka leaves for the Temple.

Even as the conversation continues, Ahsoka seems rather distracted, occasionally glancing between him and Padme with a contemplative and almost confused look on her face. Seriously, what is up with that anyway?

Anakin shoots her an odd look, and she returns her focus back to eating for a moments, only to start glancing between him and Padme again a few seconds later. Did she notice something? He and Padme have always done their best to act like nothing more than friends, but... The thought of her knowing doesn't bother him as much as it would have before Lux.

As soon as the meal is over, Anakin pulls Ahsoka aside. They really need to get whatever this is cleared up. "Is something the matter?" he inquires, "You seem... distracted."

"Oh," Ahsoka blurts, and her montrals promptly start flushing, "I was just... uh – like – are you and Padme – um – I mean – !"

He fights the instinctive urge to tense when someone mentions anything about that. He knows Ahsoka wouldn't turn him into the Council if she found out, but that doesn't mean the thought of anyone else knowing makes him comfortable. One wrong slip up and he'd be thrown out of the Order. Everything he ever worked for his entire life would be ripped away and destroyed. Maybe he's considering leaving the Order someday, but that doesn't mean he wants it to happen like that. Especially not in the middle of the war.

"You want to know about me and Padme?" Anakin deduces.

Somehow, that only seems to make Ahsoka's montrals start flushing even more furiously. "I thought I saw your robe – I mean ugh, nevermind," she stutters. Oh. Oh. Well, that explains a few things.

Time to have the most awkward conversation ever with his little sister. This is honestly a conversation he never thought he'd have with anyone ever, at least not until maybe after he left the Order. "Padme and I... we... married at the beginning of the war," he explains sheepishly.

"Married?!" Ahsoka yelps, eyes wide.

"Yes," he agrees, pointedly lowering his voice in reminder. They don't need someone overhearing this conversation. Not even one of the handmaids, though Anakin's pretty sure at least some of them already suspect anyway.

"Oh... I – uh..." He's not surprised she's completely speechless.

"We should go back to the others before they wonder what's taking us so long," Anakin decides finally. He doesn't need to add that she has to make sure not to tell anyone. Especially after things with her and Lux, she already knows as much, and Anakin knows she'll guard his secret as carefully as he is, if not better.

Chapter Text

It's late in the evening now, Lux notices idly. He should be going to bed, but there's too much Senate work to take care of. It's exhausting, he must admit. His thoughts are broken by a sudden call from Padme. "Hello?" he greets her.

A tiny hologram of Padme appears on his desk. She looks worried, more so than he ever remembers seeing her since coming to Coruscant. They've started talking a lot, and she's spent time helping him adjust to working in the Senate. What could be wrong now?

"Lux," she asserts in response, "Did you hear what's going on?"

"With what?" he queries with a frown, raising an eyebrow.

"With Ahsoka," she explains.

His blood instantly runs cold at the words. What could Padme be so worried about, unless – No, he's jumping to the most catastrophic conclusion first thing. There's no proof. There's no way – "What?" he demands anxiously.

"You heard of the Temple bombing, right?" she inquires, then continues without waiting for him to reply. "Ahsoka was called to speak with the suspect, and while she was talking to her, the suspect was mysteriously strangled to death with the Force."

"And they think Ahsoka did it," Lux realizes, dread pooling inside of him. It's not as bad as the first catastrophic thought he had, but that doesn't make this any better. Ahsoka is being accused of murder.

"There's more," Padme continues, "She just escaped the prison, from what I've heard, and no one's been able to find her yet."

What?! "Why would she do something like that?" he exclaims, "That's only going to make her look even more guilty!"

"I don't know," Padme sighs, "We're probably missing most of the details. I can... maybe talk to Anakin once this is over, but for now, we'll have to wait. Or watch the news, because it's already all over the place."

The news which he'd been ignoring while trying to get his Senate work done. Well then. "Do you think there's anything I can do?" he asks desperately. He wishes he could go out there and find Ahsoka himself, to see if he can figure out what's going on, but it's not like he even has any idea where she could be or anything. Besidies, if he did get involved, it would make her look more suspicious. He doesn't know what to do. But he's going to keep a close on eye on what's happening as much as he can. "Thank you for calling, Padme. Just... keep me updated," he requests finally.

"I will," she promises, expression still grim as the connection breaks.

***

Lux can't shake the sinking feeling of foreboding he's had ever since the last Senate meeting he attended, where they discussed the situation with Ahsoka. It's beyond aggravating to hear everyone there talking about her like she's a dangerous criminal, and despite everything he argued to the contrary, he's not even surprised when the Senate finally reaches the decision that they want her thrown out of the Order and turned over to Republic courts for trial.

Thrown out of the Order. The very place that was always her home, the only one she ever knew. He can only hope that the Jedi Council will look over the evidence and realize that something else is obviously going on here.

Still, that doesn't mean he isn't dreading it when he gets another call from Padme. By the look on her face, he's certain he already knows what happened. "They did throw her out, didn't they?" he asks.

"Yes," Padme replies grimly, "They did."

"I don't understand this," he declares, anger leaking into his voice, "I know the Senate demanded it, but the Order wouldn't have to give in to that necessarily unless they believed she was guilty! How did the fact that she could have killed the suspect get blown into how she must be behind the bombing?!"

Padme sighs. "I don't know, but Ahsoka is going to need someone to represent her in the Senate. Anakin already asked me, and I agreed."

Right. He'd hardly thought that far ahead even, his mind too busy reeling from the shock of what's going on. He was starting to respect the Jedi, after disliking them his entire life, and now they go and do something like this?! He... wants to go talk to Ahsoka, but that's going to have to wait until this is all over. "I can help represent her too," Lux offers.

"I thought you would want to," Padme replies, "I'm going to see Ahsoka now so we can work on her defense. I can call you about it after I get back."

"Good luck," Lux tells her finally before the call ends again. He can't believe how much things have changed overnight. Only yesterday, everything was normal, and now, Ahsoka has been thrown out of the Order and is literally on trial for treason against the Republic which could end in – No, he won't think about that. Ahsoka is innocent, and he'll do everything in his power to prove it.

***

"Ahsoka Tano," Palpatine's voice rings out, and despite herself, Ahsoka looks up, eyeing the Chancellor where he stands at the front of the room. The betrayal by the Council, throwing her out as if she was never even anything to them, as if everything she did her life was nothing, is still crushing her. She didn't think another betrayal could hurt nearly as much as what happened in the Hardeen incident, but apparently, she was wrong.

"You have been charged with sedition against the Jedi Order and the Republic itself. This court will decide your fate. Prosecution, you may begin your arguments."

Tarkin strides to the edge of the railing, staring arrogantly at her. "Former Padawan Tano, I shall prove that you were the mastermind behind the attack on the Jedi Temple, and that once your accomplices carried out your orders, you eliminated them one by one. When you are found guilty, I ask the court that the full extent of the law be brought down upon you, including penalty of death."

What?!

Dread pulses through Ahsoka, the full meaning behind the words, behind the situation she's in right now, crashing down on her. Yes, she already knows that the penalty for treason is execution, but to hear it stated so simply –

Especially when this is the very Republic she's spent her entire life serving, the very Republic that she's watched countless clones die on the battlefield for, and now they're doing this to her. And the Order didn't even have a problem turning her over for this. They didn't even listen to her or give her a chance to defend herself first.

"Look at the facts," Padme speaks up, stepping forwards. Next to her, Ahsoka spots Lux standing, expression grim and filled with determination. She wasn't expecting him to be there as well to speak for her, but she's beyond grateful. Everyone – the very people she thought were her family – have abandoned her, except Anakin, so actually seeing Lux here at least makes her feel slightly better. At least it's a firm reminder that someone is continuing to stand by her.

It still hurts that Anakin was willing to chase her down for the Jedi in the first place, even if she knows there wasn't much else he could do then. But the pain of that is lost in the face of... what she might be facing now.

"Letta Turmond called Ahsoka to her cell to reveal the name of the true mastermind behind the bombing of the Jedi Temple. Letta told her that she was afraid. She told her the mastermind was a Jedi, and before she could reveal the Jedi's name, Letta Turmond was strangled to death by way of the Force. Why would Ahsoka kill Letta with a method that would so obviously tie the murder to her? A Jedi may be responsible for the murder, but that Jedi is not Ahsoka Tano. Members of the court, you are prosecuting the wrong Jedi," Padme continues.

"Well said, Senator Amidala," Tarkin retorts, "However if she is innocent, then why was she seen conspiring with known Separatist terrorist, Asajj Ventress?"

"Ventress set me up!" Ahsoka exclaims, temper flaring, "My master will prove that."

"And where is your master?" he asks snidely.

"He's trying to find the real murderer."

"Then maybe he should be looking at you."

Ahsoka glares back at Tarkin, but doesn't reply. There's no point arguing. They need to focus on facts right now. He's already convinced of her guilt, and he's not looking at facts.

"When Ahsoka was in the Underworld," Padme continues, "Ventress attacked her, planning to turn her in, but they reached a mutual understanding so they could continue working towards finding who is really behind the terrorist attack on the Temple."

"Yet when she was apprehended, she were found at the very sight where the nanodroids used in the bombing must have been being stored."

"They were investigating and found a lead! Of course, they would be there," Lux retorts.

"But coincidentally enough, when she was found, the entire warehouse was burning. Most of it was destroyed before the blazes could be contained. It is clear that the fire there was set deliberately in an effort to cover up any evidence that could still be used to trace the crime back to you," Tarkin insists.

"When she was at the warehouse, she was attacked by a figure in Ventress' bounty hunter disguise," Padme declares, "Whoever this was, intentionally set the place ablaze."

"I find this hard to believe, when none of the clones saw anybody else there when they showed up," Tarkin replies.

"She took off right before the clones showed up!" Ahsoka snaps, unable to help herself.

"So you claim. There are too many coincidences here to be believable," he argues.

"Did you ever stop to consider why Ahsoka was injured when she was apprehended?" Lux asks.

"They were clearly signs of an extended fight," Padme continues, "As evidenced from her visit to the Healers at the Temple after her arrest."

"She was in the Underworld for an extended period of time as well as fighting and killing clones back in the facility. These injuries could easily have come from that," Tarkin suggests.

"You still have produced no evidence that Ahsoka was the one who killed those clones back at the facility," Lux retorts, eyes narrowed.

"She was spotted right next to their bodies on multiple occasions, right after fresh wounds had been inflicted. That is evidence enough."

"Isn't there visual footage of this?" Padme argues, "It's something the court should see."

"The footage was mysteriously damaged in the hallways where she had passed through," Tarkin replies. "This also seems far too coincidental for her not be implicated."

"And you think that somehow while Ahsoka was running for her life she had time to damage cameras all over your facility?" Lux states flatly.

"Only two of the cameras had been damaged," he retaliates. "She is the only one who could have done it. We have a secure facility, with not just anyone running about."

"So you say, and yet the sound wasn't working on the cameras to the cell which Letta died in," Lux counters.

"Yes, and if there was a breach so major in your security present already," Padme argues, "How can you know there wasn't a security breach elsewhere?"

The argument is still continuing back and forth, with Tarkin still refusing to back down – even though his excuses are starting to get even more lame – when the doors to the Senate abruptly slide open.

Ahsoka spins around at the interruption, eyes going wide as she sees Anakin standing there, numerous Temple guards behind him, surrounding someone. He did it. He found the real traitor.

***

Ahsoka doesn't think any decision could possibly hurt more than the one she's being forced to make right now. She already knows what she has to do, but that doesn't mean it isn't crushing her to do it. After what the Order did to her, she can't come back to them anymore. She can't just go back to pretending that nothing happened, that things can go back to be the way they were before.

She needs space to figure this out on her own, and she can't do that here. Her entire life was dedicated to the Order, and it didn't even matter to them. They're falling from what they once were, and as much as she's loath to admit it, she can see what Barriss was saying. Even if that doesn't justify what she did.

"The Council didn't trust me, so how can I trust myself?" she asks desperately, unable to meet Anakin's gaze. She doesn't want to do this, to hurt him like this, but she doesn't know what else she can do.

"What about me? I believed in you, I stood by you!"

His pleas cut deeper into her already shattered heart. How can she ignore that, and walk away? But what choice does she have? "I know you believe in me Anakin, and I'm grateful for that. But this isn't about you. I can't stay here any longer, not now."

"The Jedi Order is your life! You can't just throw it away like that. Ahsoka, you are making a mistake."

"Maybe, but I have to sort this out on my own," Ahsoka insists quietly, even as it crushers her to do so, "Without the Council." She trails off at that. She wants Anakin to come with her so badly, but she can't ask him. She won't pressure him into a decision like that. It simply wouldn't be fair. If she wants to do this, she needs to do it alone. The Council's betrayal showed her well enough what could happen when she relies on others, and while Anakin saved her on time, she can't help but wonder, what if he hadn't succeeded? That's why she needs to go, because she could have died, and – and it could happen again. "And without you."

Anakin lets out a defeated sigh, turning sideways to look at the Temple behind them. "I understand. More than you realize, I understand wanting to walk away from the Order."

Her mind drifts back to the days after Hardeen, the restlessness she's always felt in him for so long, the underlying feeling that he doesn't belong. She saw it herself, how he is hardly seen as one of the Jedi. She noticed how he never seems relaxed or at home among the Jedi, the way he did in the clones. "I know," Ahsoka replies, quietly.

She feels a crushing pained resignation, and – and she can't do that. "This doesn't have to be the end for us, Anakin," she offers, mind scrambling to reach a decision. "I'll stay with Lux or something. We can still... talk." Eventually. She doesn't have anywhere else to go, other than to Lux, and... she needs to thank him for coming to stand up for her.

"I – okay," he breathes.

"See you later then, Master," Ahsoka whispers, before finally turning and walking away towards the Temple steps.

She wants to look back, but she doesn't. If she does, she knows this is something she'll never be able to go through with. Even if she can still see Anakin, it's never going to be the same.

***

Now that she's actually gone, left the Temple behind to never look back, Ahsoka suddenly feels lost and alone. Even if she knows where she needs to go now. All confidence she might have been feeling before (she really wasn't) is gone. She's never truly been on her own like this. Even during incidents like with the Trandoshans, she always knew Anakin would be trying to find her. But now, she willingly walked away from him.

It still hurts, more than she could ever say. But... if she's going to be staying with Lux, she will see Anakin again. Even if it won't be the same.

The sky is steadily darkening as she makes her way to the 500 Republica. It's hard being here now, since she can so clearly see the Senate building in the distance. The last time she was in the area was because she was about to be executed. But she doesn't have anywhere else to go at this point.

Gaining entrance to the building is easy enough, and she makes a beeline for Lux's apartment as soon as she's inside, knocking on the door.

He opens it almost immediately. "Ahsoka!" he exclaims, "What's going on? Why are you here?"

"I... I can't go back," she explains, looking away as he lets her into the apartment.

"You left the Order?" he realizes, and she nods.

"I understand," he says, reaching out to rest a comforting hand on her shoulder, "After what they did to you, I'm sure no one would want to."

"They didn't trust me when I needed them the most," she says bitterly, "Now I wonder if I shouldn't have just left all those months ago when Anakin and I first talked about it." At least if they had he'd still be at her side, but she couldn't ask him to leave with her. She couldn't put him in a situation like that.

"Well, you're here now," Lux murmurs, "And like I told you, you're always going to be welcome on Onderon, or here, if that's where you want to stay."

"Thanks," she says, giving him a small smile, "I don't have anywhere else to go at this point. And... I don't even know anything else, outside the Order."

She doesn't even know what she's going to do with herself now that she's left. All she's ever done is fight, or spend her life preparing to do so, and now that that's gone, she has no idea what's next. "I can help you figure that out," Lux offers, "But you probably don't need to dwell on that tonight. Wait until tomorrow, or a few days, and we can go from there."

What would she do if she didn't have him here? Yes, she might be able to get by on her own, but still.

"There is an extra bedroom here that you can stay in. And you could just... keep your things in there, I guess," Lux continues.

"I don't really have anything beyond this," she says dryly, gesturing to the clothes she's wearing right now. It's not like she had time or the desire to go back to the apartment at the Temple to get her other clothes.

"Well, if you need that..." Lux looks slightly uncomfortable. "I'm sure Padme could help with that."

"Yeah," Ahsoka agrees, "But that can probably also wait until tomorrow." She's not ready to talk to anyone else right now. She needs some time. She's completely worn out, more so than she remembers being in literally ever. She's never had to make a completely life altering decision like this, after all.

Lux nods his agreement.

Ahsoka moves closer, slipping her arms around him. "Thanks," she whispers again.

"Any time," he whispers back, pulling her closer. This doesn't automatically make anything better but knowing that he's going to be here at her side makes trying to sort things out on her own a lot easier.

Chapter Text

Ahsoka was expecting someone to show up eventually, but she didn't know it was going to be the very next evening. She's spent most of the time staying in Lux's apartment, trying to figure things out. Until she was so worn out she didn't want to think anymore. Force, she misses Anakin so much.

Lux goes to open the door when someone knocks, to see Padme standing on the other side. "Lux – Ahsoka?!" she exclaims in surprise, eyes widening when she sees the Togruta sitting there.

"I said she could stay here," Lux explains.

Ahsoka stands, walking over as Padme steps inside, closing the door behind her. "Thanks for... representing me," she offers awkwardly, suddenly unsure what to say. She only saw her a day ago, but everything is so different now. She's suddenly hardly even sure how to act or anything.

"Of course," Padme brushes it aside, "But you're planning on staying here?"

"I was," she replies. Why does Padme seem so uncertain at the thought?

"If you're going to be staying in 500 Republica anyway, you can come stay at my apartment," the Senator offers.

She doesn't really see why it would be a big deal, but not that she would mind. "Why?" Ahsoka objects, not that she really cares but still.

"You're... still a legal minor, and I don't think you're really ready for this." Wait, she better not be implying –

"She's just here as a friend!" Lux hastily protests, turning slightly red.

"I know," Padme hastily assures, "But it's probably better if you stay at my apartment, if you're planning on staying around at the Senate."

"Okay," Ahsoka agrees, exchanging a glance with Lux, and shrugging. She doesn't mind, either way. "You really have room for me there?" She's been the apartment before, and it didn't exactly seem to have room for someone else to move into it full time.

"Of course I do," Padme says, "We'll just move some things around, and you can come there tomorrow. Does Anakin know you're here?"

"Yes, I told him," Ahsoka responds, "Has he... been around?"

"He talked to me earlier today," she answers, and Ahsoka nods. She really wants to see him again. Maybe after she goes over to Padme's, she can see him the next time he stops by. She can't imagine that he's dealing with her being gone any better than she is dealing with being gone, after all. Even now, she wants to help him.

Thinking about Anakin and Padme's friendship is just strange to her now. She hasn't had much time to think about it since she found out, but it's jarring to think that her master broke the Code like that. It makes her feel... she doesn't even know. Yes, she broke it too, but it's different when it's the person she's always looked up who did it.

Not that it matters anymore, because he's not her master anymore. She's not even a Jedi anymore. Their way of life is behind her.

***

"I asked Ahsoka to come stay with me." Padme's words ring through Anakin's mind again as he leaves the Temple, heading for Padme's apartment.

He doesn't know how to feel about any of this. Only a few days ago, everything was fine, and now, it's completely fallen apart. Ahsoka left the Order. She just walked away. He knows why she wouldn't want to come back, but it's still hard for him to process or accept.

True, it could be worse, Anakin knows. She might have left the Order, but at least she implied that she didn't want to leave him. It was only the Order that she wanted to walk away from, even though now that she's no longer his padawan, he doesn't know how much he'll be able to see her. Likely not any more than he's able to see Padme.

But she's staying at 500 Republica now. At least he knows that she'll be safe. At least she's there instead of wandering around somewhere in the Underworld. Padme will take care of her.

He's still mostly in shock. Ahsoka has been at his side constantly since the beginning of the war and now she's gone. And as a Jedi, she shouldn't have left. He... failed to teach her properly, just like he was afraid of from the start. And now he has to explain to the 501st that Ahsoka isn't coming back, or that every time he goes to battle from now on, the one person he always thought would be by his side wouldn't be there. He can still see her, at least, but it's not the same.

He doesn't know for certain if she wants to see him. She said she was going to stay with Lux, since she didn't have anywhere else to go and that they could still see each other, but... She also said that she wanted to figure this out on her own. It's as though everything in his world was entirely upended, and Anakin suddenly has no idea how to even approach her anymore. Realistically, he knows it's only been a day, but with everything that just happened, he doesn't know how to feel about anything.

Still, after everything they went through together for over two years, how could Ahsoka really not want to see him? Their bond couldn't mean that little to her, could it? He just... doesn't know how to approach the situation or deal with it. Even if Ahsoka agreed to see him, even if she's staying at Padme's apartment, that doesn't mean she's ready to see him yet either. To be fair, he doesn't even know if he's ready, but sitting alone in his room is hardly helping.

Anakin finally parks the speeder on Padme's landing platform and knocks on the door. Threepio opens it immediately, ushering him inside.

Padme hurries over to him, wrapping her arms around him. "I'm glad you were able to make it, Ani," she murmurs.

"Me too," Anakin replies, hugging her. He feels Ahsoka's presence instantly. She's somewhere right in the apartment, he can tell that much.

"She's in the living room," Padme tells him, after a moment, stepping back. "She's been waiting to talk to you."

Anakin blinks in surprise. He wasn't... expecting that, but it takes the edge off his concerns from earlier, if only a little. Nodding, he slips past Padme, stepping into the living room.

He doesn't know why it feels like he hasn't seen Ahsoka in so long when she only left the previous evening. Honestly, though, even the battle of Cato Neimoidia feels a like a lifetime ago. So much has changed.

The Togruta stands up as soon as he steps into the room. And then they both just stand there. Anakin suddenly doesn't know what to say, and Ahsoka doesn't seem to have any more of an idea how to react either.

A few moments tick by before she finally seems to find her voice again. She darts across the room, slipping her arms around him. "Skyguy..." she murmurs.

"Hey, Snips," Anakin mumbles, unable to find any other words to say, at the rush of adoration that runs through him as he holds her close. His little sister, who he raised himself, as if she was his daughter. He can't believe she's right here, in front of him again.

And she clearly doesn't want to leave him, even if she somewhat did by walking away from the Order. Still, if this is what she wants, what she thinks she needs, he's willing to let her have it.

"I told you we could still see each other," Ahsoka offers lamely, after a moment, voice slightly muffled with her head buried in his robe.

"Yes, you did," he agrees. They finally pull away from each other, moving to sit down side by side on the couch. "How are you doing?" Anakin queries.

He can still feel her tumultuous emotions, even if they're somewhat suppressed now that she's mostly focused on how happy she is to see him. "I'm okay," she says, though he doubts it, "I'm still... trying to figure things out."

"Do you know what you're going to do now?" he wonders. He might have occasionally thought about leaving the Order before, but as for what he'd actually do with himself once he did, he's still not sure.

Ahsoka shrugs. "I don't know, but since I'm staying here at the Senate anyway, maybe I could help Padme or Lux with their work? At least for now."

"You could," Anakin agrees, "I'm sure they could both use it."

"And I'll be extra security if Padme ever needs it. Other than that, I guess I haven't thought about it." It hurts, to have to be talking about what Ahsoka's going to do while she's away from him, about what she's going to be doing once he leaves again for the frontlines.

"Well, you have plenty of time to figure it out," Anakin replies. After everything that happened, what she's going to be doing with herself now that she left the Order isn't the most important concern at all anyway. Right now, she really needs some time to come to terms with everything that has transpired.

They spend some more time together, before Anakin finds himself alone with Padme again. Ahsoka decided that she wanted to help Threepio with... something, and frankly her actually doing something is probably a lot better than brooding over what happened, so he certainly doesn't object.

"I've been thinking..." Padme starts slowly.

"About?" Anakin asks, raising an eyebrow.

"Ahsoka is technically still a legal minor," she explains, "I know there's... many children that age who are on their own regardless, but legally,she should have a guardian."

Somehow, Anakin knows what it is she's hinting at. "What are you suggesting?" he asks anyway, because he has to be sure.

"I – we – could adopt her."

"Adopt her?" Anakin echoes, hardly able to believe what he's hearing. They could legally adopt Ahsoka. She would be their child. Their real child. He can hardly believe it.

"We should ask her, if that's what she wants," Anakin says finally. He doesn't know how any of this works, but he'd rather talk to her about it first, regardless. She's the one who'd be suddenly getting real parents, after all.

She'd legally be their daughter. He would be a father. The thought doesn't even feel real. After marrying Padme, he has occasionally thought about what it would be like for them to actually have children of their own. Of course, right now it's not something even remotely practical. In a way, he'd always seen Ahsoka as their child, or as close as they'd probably ever be able to come to having one. But this...

"Yes, we should," Padme agrees, snapping him out of his thoughts.

They head into the dining room where Ahsoka and Threepio are setting up for the meal.

"Hey Ahsoka, we'd like to talk to you about something privately," says Padme, thankfully saving Anakin from trying to figure out how to initiate the conversation. He has no idea how to do this. How do you ask someone to become their parent? Like... how does that work? And he's suddenly reminded of how much they're both already acting like Ahsoka's parents right now. Parents who need to have an important, private conversation with their teenage child.

She raises an eyemarking at them, but steps away from the table, following them into the next room. "I'll be right back, Threepio," she calls over her shoulder, before turning to them, "So?"

"Legally you're still a minor," Padme begins, "And technically you ought to have a guardian. I know it would be fine even if you didn't, but we were discussing... that we could adopt you, if you want."

Ahsoka blinks, and then gapes at her. "Are you – serious?" she splutters, mind-blown.

"It's up to you, Ahsoka," Anakin assures her, "If you don't want –"

"No!" Ahsoka hastily interrupts, "I actually think – I'd be fine with that," she finishes.

"If you want some time to think about it, there's plenty of time," Padme reminds her.

"I'll be staying here anyway, right? So..."

"I don't know how this works," Anakin admits, "I'll let Padme deal with the legal aspects."

"Well I don't know a thing about this either, but a master is kind of like a padawan's legal guardian too, I think," Ahsoka asks, "This won't be... that much different, right?"

Except before they were just master and padawan, and now they're legally father and child? "No, not really," Anakin agrees, "You're sure about this?"

"Are you sure, Dad?" Ahsoka chirps.

Anakin blinks. Did she just – What?!

Padme smiles in mild amusement. "Yes, I suppose that's what it would make him, even if that part won't be legally documented."

"Not only is your marriage secret, but I also have a secret parent now," Ahsoka deadpans.

Hearing her call him 'parent' is still jarring. True, he occasionally thought of her that way, but actually hearing her say that... is something entirely different.

Things have changed enormously in the past couple days, but maybe, Anakin can't help but think, it might not all be for the worse.

***

"It is the Council's opinion that Padawans Ahsoka Tano has committed sedition against the Republic and thus, she will be expelled from the Jedi Order... Your Padawans status will be stripped from you, and you shall forfeit all rank and privileges within the Grand Army of the Republic... Henceforth, you are barred from the Jedi Order."

The memory replays through Ahsoka's mind again as she sits on the couch, watching the early morning light creep across the Coruscanti sky. She long since gave up trying to sleep, after several nightmares of what happened jumbled with things from the battle field.

It's only been about a week since everything happened, and she still has a long ways to go towards figuring out anything. Everything she ever believed was completely torn apart, and she's certainly not any closer towards trusting the Council now than she was then. If anything, she only seems to be losing her faith in the Order more and more as she looks at what they've become. If they truly followed the Force like they claim to, then something like this should never have happened at all.

Anakin is gone now, having left to go on another mission. And he's going alone. She doesn't think the reality of all of it really sunk in for either of them until that happened. She won't be going with him anymore. Maybe not ever again, because more than likely, the war will be over before she figures out anything about the Order. Probably.

Right now, it's still dragging on without an end in sight, and if anything, it only seems to be growing more heated. But that does mean one of the sides might be coming closer to winning eventually. Maybe.

A part of her admittedly misses being on the frontlines already. She misses the feel of her lightsabers in her hands, of fighting alongside Anakin and the clones. Force, she's been so preoccupied that she never even took the time to see the 501st after everything that happened, and now she really wishes that she had. Who knows when they're actually even going to be back on Coruscant to begin with?

Ahsoka throws another glance around the still silent apartment, where she can just faintly make out the sounds of people starting to get up. It's too quiet here. Only because she's so used to constant action that she frankly doesn't even know how to live without it. She itches to be doing something, fighting maybe?

At the same time, she does want a break from everything. She wants to distance herself from her old life, from everything she did as a Jedi. Well, not everything. Anakin is the exception to that. She knows her decision to leave is hurting him, even if they can still see each other sometimes, but at least she didn't have to walk away entirely. If she didn't have somewhere to stay, she likely would have, and then she'd be all on her own. She could manage, of course, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't hurt her too.

Ahsoka hears sudden movement, and looks up to see Padme quietly slipping into the room, stopping in surprise when she sees her. "Ahsoka? I wasn't expecting you to be awake already."

"I'm not really used to sleeping an entire night without interruption," Ahsoka admits, smiling ruefully. At least not when it's somewhere so quiet.

The interaction abruptly reminds her of how Padme's officially her legal guardian now. So she's technically her mother. Frankly, Ahsoka's hardly sure how to feel about that. She was more than happy to agree – especially since that technically made Anakin her father since he's married to Padme – but it's... weird to actually apply those labels to the two of them.

She's never actually seen them like that. Padme was a mother figure of sorts, but never actually a mother. She always saw Anakin more like her older brother. But the new labels... aren't exactly wrong, especially now.

"Are you leaving for the Senate now?" she asks as an afterthought.

"Yes, shortly," Padme replies.

"Really, why do they have meetings at ridiculous hours of the morning like this?"

"Well, there isn't a meeting yet, but I have a lot of work to do in my office."

"Hmm," Ahsoka hums in contemplation. Maybe this evening she can go see Lux again, but that doesn't speak much for what she'll be doing the entire day today. And spending so much time brooding as of late probably isn't advisable, but...

"Do you want to come?" the Senator proposes, "There's plenty you could help with, if you wanted."

"That might not be a bad idea," Ahsoka agrees finally. "I just don't want to... be around much too curious people." She has no interest in being asked tons of questions about what happened, or anything, actually.

"It shouldn't be a problem," Padme assures, "At least not when you're in my office. That's not really the place for... unnecessary chatter."

"Well, I guess I'll just have to stick away from the halls," she decides, standing up. Because that's where such things will most likely happen. "Let's go."

Chapter Text

It's been a little over a month since she left the Order, and Ahsoka is proud to say that she has finally succeeded in finding some semblance of a life. She's sitting on the couch looking through some documents that Padme had asked her to go through, when Anakin arrives. "Did you hear what happened?" he asks, dropping down beside her with a sigh.

"What?" Ahsoka asks with a frown.

"Apparently, Padme's been arrested on Scipio."

"What?!" she yelps.

"I don't know how it happened," he tells her, rubbing his face tiredly, "But it was under charges of espionage. I didn't hear all the details, but it sounds like she was doing something in the vaults where she shouldn't have been, and around the same time there was an explosion that caused a power outage. Teckla was found dead near the area of the incident."

Wait, Teckla's dead?! Ahsoka didn't know her well, but she'd seen her after leaving the Order since she worked for Padme.

Just what has Padme gotten herself into now?! She was supposed to be going on a diplomatic mission to Scipio on behest of the Chancellor. How did that end with her getting accused of espionage? Knowing the things Padme does sometimes, Ahsoka gets the feeling she was probably trying to do some sort of investigation or something that the Muuns clearly didn't appreciate.

"Do we know where she is?" Ahsoka queries.

"Yeah," Anakin confirms, "I offered to go bail her out."

"Then what are we waiting for?"

***

"Maybe try not to get arrested again," Ahsoka chirps as she and Anakin are shown to the prison cell. Padme is lying on her side on a padded bench next to the wall. She immediately sits up as they enter. Ahsoka is silently relieved to see that at least Padme is alright, even if she's been in prison for a while now.

"What exactly is going on here?" Anakin queries, something akin to anger in his tone.

"Ani, Ahsoka, I'm so glad to see both of you," Padme greets.

"I guess I'm not only useful for fighting wars after all," he quips, crossing the room and taking a seat next to her.

Padme ignores the comment and instead wearily asks, "How long have I been in here?"

"A few days. And I'd really like to know what you were doing that got you arrested in the first place," Ahsoka tells her, raising an eye marking.

"They say Teckla is dead. Is it true?"

Anakin sighs. "Yes. She was found shot at the bombsite."

"By who?" Padme asks, looking stricken.

"No one knows. They say she sabotaged the power grid. What happened?"

Padme looks down and pauses. "You have to get me out of here. Clovis –"

Anakin stands abruptly, expression darkening slightly. "What exactly does Clovis have to do with this?"

"Wait, wasn't he the Senator who nearly killed you?" Ahsoka objects, frowning at Padme. Back before the second battle of Geonosis, she remembers hearing something about how Padme and Anakin were able to find the plans for the factory when they were on some mission with Clovis. And Padme had nearly died from poisoning.

"It's more complicated than that," Padme replies, "But I can't explain everything here."

"How could you ever put your trust in a man like Clovis after what he did?" Anakin demands. From how upset he seems, Ahsoka is pretty sure something more happened here than she didn't hear about, because Anakin never gets upset for no reason.

"It's for the Republic, Anakin!" Padme exclaims, "Something is very wrong with the banks."

"Why is that when Clovis is around, your excuse is always that you're doing it for the Republic?!"

"Look, I don't know what's going on here," Ahsoka cuts in, "And I don't think we should talk about it here, but I don't think trusting Clovis is a good idea."

"We can talk about it outside," Padme suggests.

***

Leaving Scipio went about as smoothly as Ahsoka was expecting. After getting the corruption files Padme needed, they were chased down by a bounty hunter and the only one who could do anything of use was Anakin, since she didn't have her lightsabers. They'd finally managed to escape him when Ahsoka threw the bounty hunter back with the Force, allowing them enough time to get to the ship. It reminded her again of how much she misses fighting sometimes... and also why she's not ready to go back to the Order either.

Now, Ahsoka's pacing back and forth outside the Chancellor's office, waiting for the meeting to finish. She doesn't understand all the politics – even after working with Padme this long – but if Anakin doesn't trust Clovis' intentions, she doesn't think she does either. She may have worked with an ex-Separatist once, but that was completely different.

Finally, the doors opens, and she immediately moves off to the side into the shadows as several Jedi Council members pass by, along with a bunch of other Senators. The one thing she really doesn't like about being at the Senate all the time is that she'll often run into them. It's just a glaring reminder of what they did to her, how they turned their backs on her when she needed them the most.

Near the exit to the room, Anakin catches Padme's arm before she can walk off. And Ahsoka is pretty sure she's about to witness another one of her "parent's" arguments. And she's right.

"Why did you accept?" Anakin demands.

"Why would I not?" Padme retorts.

"I don't want you working with Clovis."

"You don't want me working with him?" she repeats incredulously.

"A serpent can shed its skin, but it's still a serpent," Anakin retorts. That, Ahsoka definitely agrees with. Clovis betrayed the Republic for the Separatists, for his own money. There's no reason to think he's up to anything better now. She might know people can change, but she knows better than anyone how it feels to have a best friend who betrays you for themself.

"Well, you're just going to have to trust my judgment here."

"Clovis is dangerous, Padme. You almost ended up dead. And he got you arrested."

"The Chancellor has asked me to do this, Anakin."

"But I am asking you to say no, as your husband." It's weird to hear him saying that out loud.

"We've already been over this. I'm not foolish enough to allow myself to be deceived twice, Anakin. My sole intentions are to defend the Republic."

Right on cue, Ahsoka sees Clovis walk around the corner. She narrows her eyes at him, moving to step between him, and Anakin and Padme. "We have company," Ahsoka interrupts, folding her arms.

Both of them look up sharply, Anakin's eyes narrowing as he sees Clovis standing there. "Excuse the interruption," Clovis says smoothly, "Shall we begin?"

"Yes, of course," Padme replies, hurrying off down the hall.

Ahsoka doesn't miss the stung look on Anakin's face as he watches them leaving. "This is stupid," she declares flatly. "We can't trust him."

"I know," Anakin sighs, "But she won't listen."

"I'll be there," Ahsoka assures. "If Clovis tries something, I'll stop him." She'll do the best she can, at least. "Padme will be on her guard though. I'm sure of it."

Anakin makes a sound of agreement, though the look on his face makes him look far older than he is. He doesn't look like he's twenty-two in moments like these. "I'm worried about her, Snips."

"Yeah, me too," she says softly, "But we'll be there." She'll be fine, or so Ahsoka has to believe.

***

With Anakin having returned to the Temple, and Padme busy with Clovis, Ahsoka finally finds the opportunity to go see Lux. They haven't had much time for a while now.

"How is everything?" Lux queries as Ahsoka takes a seat next to him. They won't have long before his next meeting, so they'll have to make the most of the time they do have. "You seem a little... upset."

Ahsoka huffs. "It's about Padme," she admits, "I'm worried about her." More like Anakin is worried about her, but she can't really say that. Lux might be the closest friend she's ever had, but this isn't something she can tell anyone, even if she badly wants to.

"Why?" Lux wonders with a frown.

"I'm assuming you've at least heard about the issues with the Banking Clan?" Ahsoka queries, and he nods. "Well, Clovis is a known traitor to the Republic, and I'm worried about Padme working so closely with him."

"Well," says Lux, smiling faintly, "You know people can change their minds about things like that."

"I know," the Togruta concedes, "But call it... a feeling." She trusts Anakin's judgment in this. And frankly, seeing Clovis around Padme makes her decidedly squirmish, though she can't really pinpoint a reason why.

"Did you talk to her about it?"

No, but Anakin did. She can't really say that, though. "I... mentioned it," Ahsoka says finally, because that at least, is true.

"You can tell her your concerns," Lux advises, "I know she's never been particularly concerned with her safety, so for now, you might want to... keep a close eye on him."

"Yes," Ahsoka agrees with a sigh, "I probably should. I ought to head back home now."

It's still jarring, sometimes, to call anywhere other than the Temple home. Or anywhere home at all really because she never exactly addressed the Temple like that, even if that's undoubtedly what it was.

With a final goodbye to Lux, Ahsoka slips out of his office, heading back for Padme's apartment. Hopefully Padme won't mind her barging in, but she's not planning to stand in the corner and snoop on the conversation between her and Clovis anyway. She'll just keep watch for a distance.

Opening the door to the apartment, the Togruta steps inside, freezing in her tracks at the sight in front of her.

"Clovis, no!" Padme is saying, even as the other man ignores and seems very intent on –-

That's all it takes to make her totally explode. He would seriously –

It reminds her suddenly, of back on Zygerria, when that Zygerrian had been... looking at her. She could sense what he wanted through the Force, and – it's not different than what Clovis is doing now.

(Sometimes, she still wonders if there's anything to how Anakin was acting afterwards, too. He hadn't seemed capable of being touched by anyone immediately, and she'd never seen him so... closed off, before.)

And now – "Get away from her, you sleemo!" Ahsoka snarls.

Both of them jump, heads swiveling to the door.

Ahsoka suddenly becomes abruptly aware of someone else approaching behind her. Anakin.

But she's too angry to pay attention right now as she lunges at Clovis. "Ahsoka, stop!" yells Padme, sounding horrified and outraged at once, even as the Togruta punches a very startled and caught off guard Clovis in the face.

It all makes sense now, why Anakin didn't want someone like this around Padme. Of course, he didn't!

The last time she beat someone up out of anger was... a long time ago, but right now she could care less.

Clovis seems way too caught off guard to even respond – not that she gives him the chance to anyway. She punches him again, and he finally reacts to block her next blow. She hits him again, and then kicks him, throwing him off balance. He lands very unceremoniously on the floor.

Padme grabs her arm, yanking her a step back. "Ahsoka, that's enough!" she exclaims.

Ahsoka glares at her. "I saw what he was doing," she snaps, before she can launch into a lecture.

"I had it handled," Padme retorts, and Ahsoka gives her a dubious look.

Frankly, she doesn't care if Padme was capable of handling that on her own. The thought that someone would even think of... approaching her mother like that makes her want to beat up Clovis all over again.

Speaking of him... the Senator is slowly standing up, straightening his clothes and looking decidedly irritated over his undoubtedly very wounded pride.

"You said she was your daughter?" Clovis asks, looking to Padme.

Ahsoka bares her fangs at him. "Yes," she spits, "And you'll keep your hands of my mother if you know what's good for you." She notices out of the corner of her eye that Anakin is standing off to the side with his arms crossed, looking most uncomfortable and very upset.

"Ahsoka," says Padme sharply.

"What?" she snaps back.

"We were in the middle of an important meeting, and –"

"Some meeting," she mumbles under her breath.

"I have some calls to make on my own. I will see you tomorrow, Padme," Clovis finally excuses himself, heading for the door.

"That behavior was completely inappropriate," Padme scolds, waiting until he's disappeared out the door before she looks back at her.

"His behavior was hardly appropriate either. Don't be unreasonable... mom," she retorts.

The Senator lets out a sigh of exasperation, but some of her anger seems to fade. (Did pulling the 'Mom' card just work?) "I know," Padme says, "But it wasn't what it seemed like. And I could have handled it... much more effectively and without a fight. Now, I need to deal with this... situation." She turns at that, stalking out of the room.

"I can see why you didn't want him around Padme," Ahsoka says flatly to Anakin as soon as they're alone.

"I really shouldn't encourage acts of violence," Anakin says dryly, "But... thank you."

"I'd gladly do it again," Ahsoka deadpans.

***

"Are you alright? What happened?" Ahsoka demands the moment Anakin and Padme get back to her apartment. Padme had left for Scipio for the deal with the Banking Clan, and the next thing Ahsoka knew, she was hearing about the Republic and Separatists invading, and Anakin was sent in order to get Padme out. And now she wishes more than anything that she would have been able to go too.

"I'm fine," Padme assures, though she's looking a little worn out.

"Clovis made a deal with the Separatists," Anakin explains.

"And now the Republic is going to take control of the Banking Clans," Padme explains. "Now that Clovis is... dead."

The Togruta blinks in surprise, "Clovis is dead?" Maybe she should care more than she does, but she does not like him one bit. "How did that happen?" What kind of chaos did they get into without her?

"Part of the building was hit by debris when the droids attacked," Padme explains, "Anakin was only able to save me." She doesn't sound happy, and it reminds Ahsoka again that yes, Clovis was her friend, even if he was very messed up. Of course, she's upset that he died. Ahsoka just isn't sure how to go about making her feel better.

But she does have another question. "So, if the Republic is in control of the banks, doesn't that mean the Separatists won't be able to get money from them anymore?" Maybe some good will come of this situation, after all.

"It does," Padme informs, "But the Trade Federation already has so many resources, I don't know how much of a difference it will make."

"We can hope," Ahsoka replies.

Padme has to leave after that to attend a Senate meeting, and Anakin and Ahsoka decide to tag along, talking quietly as they observe from a waiting balcony from which they can observe the proceedings.

"I'm going to be leaving for a mission in the Outer Rim," Anakin tells her, "I don't know when I'll be back, but it might not be for a while. The Separatists are mounting their attacks, and I'm needed on the front lines."

Of course, this would happen eventually. Anakin's only been on Coruscant this much recently because he was on leave for a short time after the whole framing incident. But now... He'll be going back to fighting like he was before, and she doesn't know when she'll see him again. She won't be there with him, won't know if he's alright or anything. She won't know about Rex and the boys, either. (She misses them.) "Be careful," Ahsoka orders, "Don't do anything stupid that you'd need me to pull you out of."

"I'll be careful," Anakin assures, "Stay safe. Both of you."

Ahsoka moves closer impulsively, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "I'll miss you," she whispers, because it's the truth. She's not ready for this, but in the end, it was her choice to leave. At least she's still in contact with him, if nothing else.

"We can call each other, from time to time," Anakin assures, "I did that with Padme too."

Ahsoka smiles faintly. "I know. I'll miss you, Skyguy."

"I'll miss you too. We all do."

***

It's been over a month since Anakin left, and there's still no signs of when he's going to be back. She really, really misses him, and this has been almost the longest they've been apart, but she knows he's doing good out there. It's probably the only thing keeping her sane. She's working on Senate work early in the morning when Padme steps into the room.

Ahsoka notices instantly that something about her adopted mother seems... off. Her emotions are radiating loudly into the Force despite her naturally relatively good shielding, which is saying something. She seems torn between excitement, nervousness, maybe a little fear, and a multitude of other emotions Ahsoka can't label. If she's trying to hide it, she's doing a very poor job at it.

"Is... something going on?" Ahsoka asks, once she's certain everyone else is out of earshot.

Padme blinks in surprise, then smiles in faint amusement. "Was it that obvious?"

"Clear enough," she replies, raising an eye marking. She has no idea what this could be, but now she's dying of curiosity.

"I... I'd make you wait until Anakin got back, but I don't know how long that's going to be."

"Wait for what?" she demands. What's going on here? And what could it be that has something to do with Anakin?

Padme walks closer, taking a seat next to her. "Ahsoka, I... I'm pregnant."

All gears in her mind promptly screech to a halt. What?! "I – I'm going to be an aunt?!" she asks, half-hysterically. What – how –

Padme laughs. "Yes, although seeing as you're also our child, you'll technically be their older sister."

Right. She's going to be an older sister. Anakin and Padme are going to have a child. And that... has so many implications she can hardly begin to think about right now. "You have perfect timing," Ahsoka deadpans.

Padme sighs. "I don't know what we're going to do. When the word gets out, Anakin is going to be thrown out of the Order, and it's going to cause a scandal in the Senate."

Ahsoka grimaces. She doesn't even know how to feel about this herself, much less give Padme any potential advice on what they could do. She's obviously never dealt with anything of such nature before, and she has absolutely no idea how to go about it. "Anakin has talked about leaving the Order before," she says, finally, "And I'm sure he'd want to, to raise his child."

Unless the child becomes a Jedi. She doesn't know if Anakin or Padme would want that, though. Personally, she really hopes not. She wouldn't wish that on them, not when they could have a family as good as this one.

"I know." That doesn't seem to have made Padme a whole lot happier about the situation. Considering that her own job and reputation is in jeopardy as well, that's not really a surprise.

"I don't know what we can do, but I'm sure we can figure something out," Ahsoka offers, finally, "Things will... work out."

Maybe. Hopefully. She doesn't know what more she can say beyond that.

But she doesn't want to get lost in worries right now. They're going to have a child. She'll be an older sister, an aunt. It's a mix of both, because she still sees Anakin more as a brother. Maybe. She never had a parent, so she assumes he took both roles. She can't believe this is happening.

Chapter Text

It's been five months. Five months since he was last here on Coruscant, able to see the rest of his family in person. He was beginning to wonder if he would come back, until the war was over which still seemed to have no end in sight. He can't believe that he's really here again.

As soon as the initial crowd there to greet Palpatine starts to disperse, Anakin spots a familiar figure pushing her way towards him. "Anakin!" Ahsoka squeals, all but throwing herself into his arms.

Force, she's grown so much. Yes, he saw it on their holocalls, but seeing it in person is different.

"You're tall," Anakin observes, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her close. He's missed her so much. It's good to be back, more than he could say, even if he doesn't know for how long.

Ahsoka shifts to look up at him, a smirk on her face. "Soon, I'll be taller than you."

"No, you won't be," Anakin insists, "The top of your montrals don't count."

"It absolutely counts," Ahsoka retaliates, "No need to be scared."

"I am not scared."

"Uh-huh! You are. Because then I won't be little to you anymore."

"You'll always be little to me," he shoots back, "Even if you are taller."

"I'm almost an adult!"

"You're only seventeen."

"Almost an adult. See?" she repeats stubbornly, grinning.

"I missed you," Anakin murmurs. So much. He didn't even realize how much until this moment.

"I missed you too... Dad."

A rush of adoration runs through him, and he reaches up, rubbing a hand along her lekku, in the way that she hates when anyone but him touches it.

"Padme's waiting to see you," Ahsoka says when they pull apart, "You might want to go while you still can. And she has a surprise."

Anakin raises an eyebrow. "A surprise?" What's that supposed to mean?

"You'll see," Ahsoka says, grinning devilishly. She's radiating a strange sense of excitement and nervousness that he thought had to do with the fact that he was back, but suddenly he thinks it might have to do with whatever this 'surprise' is, too. What is going on?

Clearly, she has no intention of spilling, though, so Anakin doesn't press, and instead makes his way further into the Senate building. He runs right into Lux before he gets much farther down the hall.

"Master Skywalker," the boy greets, brightening, "I was wondering when you would come back."

"It's good to see you, Lux," Anakin replies, nodding.

"So, Dooku's really dead?" Lux asks.

"He is," Anakin confirms.

"I have to say, I'm relieved he was brought to justice," Lux replies, "After what he did to my mother." It wasn't justice that Anakin killed him in cold blood when he was defenseless, but he doesn't say that. He doesn't want to think about it right now. Palpatine had given him a direct order, and he could hardly disobey it, especially not when he knows how dangerous it would be if Dooku escaped again.

Anakin nods, giving Lux a small smile. "And hopefully the war will be over soon." He'd already heard Palpatine saying it wouldn't happen until Grievous is captured, so he can only hope that it won't take long for that to happen, too. Now, time to go find Padme. And see what this surprise is.

***

It's already dark out by the time Anakin finally is able to get away from the Temple and come over to Padme's apartment. Ahsoka is practically bursting with excitement. The child is going to be born soon, and she's going to be an older sister. It will raise so many problems, yes, but Anakin will finally get the chance he wanted at having a family outside the Order. She can't believe it.

She really wants to talk to Lux about it, but obviously she can't, though he's really been wondering as of late what she's so hyped about.

"He's been moving a lot," Padme comments, as the three of them sit on the couch together.

"He?" Anakin echoes. "What make you think it's a boy?"

"My motherly intuition," she insists.

He reaches over, resting a hand on her stomach, and chuckles quietly. "No, with a kick that strong, it's got to be a girl."

"Maybe it's both," Ahsoka chirps.

"Both?!" Padme and Anakin exclaim in perfect unison.

She shrugs, grinning. "Never know."

"I don't think we're ready for twins yet," Padme worries.

"Or maybe it will be neither."

"Excuse me?"

"A three eyed human-togruta." The excitement is definitely getting to her head, because she's acting ridiculous. The incredulous looks on Anakin and Padme's faces made it worth it.

"Then we'll name... it Ahsoka," Anakin replies flatly.

"Two Ahsokas? You don't think that's a bit much?" she retorts.

"I was actually thinking about names," Padme declares, "For whether it's a boy or girl."

"And she wouldn't tell me any ideas until you got back," Ahsoka huffs.

"It's only fair," Padme insists.

"If it's a boy, you should name him Yoda," Ahsoka declares.

"What?!"

***

Something is wrong. Ahsoka knows it the moment she slips out of her bedroom the next morning. Instead of the light and happy atmosphere form the night before, the air itself seems almost... heavy. Padme is acting as though everything is normal, but Anakin...

He's sitting on the couch, staring almost vacantly ahead of himself, practically motionless. She frowns, worry spiking. What happened? What could have changed overnight?

"Anakin?" Ahsoka asks cautiously, approaching him. Beyond that, she can feel his muted storm of emotions in the Force, equal parts fear and desperation. He looks up as she approaches, snapping out of whatever haze he was in.

"What's wrong?" she asks, frowning, as she settles next to him.

"I..." he hesitates for a long moment.

She reaches over, touching his arm. "What happened?" The sudden change in atmosphere is confusing. Everyone was so excited yesterday, so what changed?

"I had a... vision," Anakin says finally, quietly.

She frowns. That's... not unusual for him, but she's never seen him so shaken about it. "About what?"

He's quiet for a long moment, to the point she's almost wondering if he's going to answer, before he does. "Padme. She..." he trails off.

"What?" she promptly, worried. She knows she once had a vision of Padme dying, and that had nearly happened. Ahsoka has barely been able to stop it in time.

"In childbirth, she –" Anakin cuts himself off, looking away.

Ahsoka inhales sharply.

No.

No wonder Anakin is so shaken up by it. She would be to, was when she had vision so long ago. Visions are rare among the Jedi, but she knows Anakin has often had them in the past, even if he rarely mentions it.

She isn't going to try and uselessly reassure him that it was nothing more than a dream. He would know if it was a vision or not. She knows enough about visions to know how to tell the difference between that and a regular nightmare. The thought itself scares her, but at the same time, it seems too unreal. "We could have her go to the medbay to get checked up," Ahsoka offers, "If you think it's this serious. I know she's under a lot of stress, but otherwise, she's okay. There's no reason for something to go wrong."

"We don't know that," Anakin points out, numbly. "It's – common, you know. Where I grew up."

Ah. In truth, Ahsoka doesn't know how that works. She was raised with the Jedi, lacking all knowledge of that side of life. Her... mother could die. There is a high chance of it, if Anakin is seeing it. Briefly, Ahsoka wonders if she'll see something, too. If she does, then they can be assured it's a very legitimate, pressing concern, and they'll need to act immediately. The only reason Ahsoka had saved Padme before was because she didn't wait, but this is different. It's a natural part of life, unlike before.

So, quite frankly, Ahsoka has absolutely no idea what to do.

"Will you eat?" she asks, and he mutely shakes his head. She didn't think so. That would be foolish anyway when he's so upset. "Do what I did, then," Ahsoka offers, squeezing his shoulder. Somehow, she doubts this will work, either, but it's worth a try. It must be, because Padme cannot die. And what about the child or children? Ahsoka doesn't dare think about that. It would be bad enough for one to die, so why both? Or... all two or three? "Talk to Master Yoda. He might have something to offer. He helped me with my visions, you know."

Anakin nods. "I was going to," he concedes, "But I don't know what he will say about it. These dreams are different than yours. They're not of violence, they're of death. One is easier to prevent than the other. Precognitions are tricky."

"It's worth a try."

Anakin looks up at her, eyes conflicted. "Anything," he promises, and Ahsoka knows he means it. She only hopes they'll find the answers they need before too late.

***

Lux would very much like to know what Ahsoka has been so excited about recently. He thinks it's about more than Anakin's return, but she doesn't seem to have any intention of spilling, so he'll have to be patient.

He has other more crucial things to focus on right now, anyway. Namely, the very important private meeting he's attending with Padme, Bail, Mothma, and others. "Now that he has control of the Jedi Council, the Chancellor has appointed Governors to oversee all star systems in the Republic," Bail begins.

Lux really doesn't like this. Everything goes on the Republic – which he can see far clearer now that he's part of it – is reminding him more and more of all the things his mother used to say about it. Palpatine isn't a Sith like Dooku, but Lux has questions if the Chancellor is really much better.

"When did this happen?" one of the others asks.

"The decree was posted this morning."

"Do you think he will dismantle the Senate?" Padme inquires gravely. The prospect is... alarming, to say the least.

"Why bother?" Mothma asks, "As a practical matter, the Senate no longer exists."

"I don't like the path the Republic is going on," Lux admits, "I can see now, why my mother wanted to start over." Anywhere other than private, he knows there would be Senators screaming about how he must be secretly loyal to the Separatists, but he trusts everyone here enough to know what they talk about won't leave this room.

"I did understand why," Padme replies, "But I don't want to believe the Republic is past saving." Some of the others look a little uncomfortable, but they don't object.

"We can't let a thousand years of democracy disappear without a fight," Bail asserts.

"I agree," Lux replies firmly, only noticing then that everyone else is looking at each other warily.

"What are you suggesting?" one of them asks.

"I apologize," Bail says, "I didn't mean to sound like a Separatist."

"I think one of the biggest problems the Republic has is that anyone who criticizes it with the hope of change for the better is labeled as a Separatist now," Lux interjects. And it's frustrating him to no end. He knows the Separatists were in the wrong in the war, but he doesn't know that their ideas and ideals themselves were wrong.

"I agree," Mothma adds, "We are not Separatists trying to leave the Republic. We are loyalists, trying to preserve democracy in the Republic."

"It has become increasingly clear to many of us that the Chancellor has become an enemy of democracy," Bail declares.

"I don't mean to sound like a Separatist either," Lux interjects, "But when I was part of the Confederacy, even Dooku made more a pretense at having a democracy than this." The others exchange uneasy glances, though he can't say if it's because of what he said or because they agree. In politics it is impossible to be blunt. His mother was better at this than him. He wishes she'd been there to help him prepare, to guide him through this role.

"I can't believe it has come to this! Chancellor Palpatine is one of my oldest advisors. He served as my ambassador when I was Queen," Padme exclaims.

"The Chancellor has played the Senators well. They know where the power lies, and they will do whatever it takes to share in it. Palpatine has become a dictator, and we have helped him to do it," Mothma replies.

Lux wishes he didn't have to agree. For a moment, he almost wishes there had been a way out of this mess without joining the Republic or the Separatists, but staying neutral wasn't possible. Besides, being part of the Republic has helped on Onderon, so he doesn't entirely regret it. On a more personal level, it also let him get to know Ahsoka and Padme, so...

"We can't sit around debating any longer. We have decided to do what we can to stop it," Bail begins, heatedly, "Senator Mon Mothma and I are putting together an organization –"

"Say no more," Padme abruptly cuts him off, "Senator Organa, I understand. At this point, it's better to leave some things unsaid."

The words send an inexplicable chill through Lux, though he doesn't know why. Somehow, he gets the feeling this is just the beginning, and he doesn't like it.

"Yes. I agree, and we must not discuss this with anyone, without everyone in this group agreeing," Bail adds.

"That means those closest to you, even family. No one can be told," Mothma declares.

Lux shares a silent glance with Padme, for a moment thinking about Ahsoka. She can't know either, for as much as he hates to keep something like this a secret from her. She'll understand, though. It's a Senator-only matter for now, and when it's time, she'll know.

***

"Congratulations on your Council appointment," Ahsoka chirps enthusiastically as Anakin enters the room. She's completely the opposite of the depression, bitterness, and anger raging inside of him.

He doesn't know what to say to her. He's – he's not on the Council in anything but name, really, and there's still a dark part of him that's wondering if they don't want to make him a master as simply a way to rub it is his face that they don't want him here, that he'll always be different.

It's not as if he even wants to be there, but they're breaking their own rules for him again. They always do that – as though he's different and shouldn't be treated how everyone else is, and he doesn't understand why.

The worst part is that the only reason they approved it was because they want him to spy on Palpatine. They want him to commit treason, and he doesn't understand why. Why would they do this? (He can't help that there's a part of him that's thinking about what happened to Ahsoka.)

Her cheerfulness dims when she realizes he's not up to being playful any more than he was earlier. "Anakin? What's the matter?"

Anakin sighs quietly. "Bo-Katan Kryze from Mandalore made contact with us," he comments, dodging the question. He doesn't want to talk about it. He doesn't want to get Ahsoka involved with it, either. It's too dangerous.

Ahsoka raises an eye-marking. "What did she want?"

"Apparently, she's been tracking Maul, and managed to locate where he's hiding. She wants Republic to help capture him."

"Who's going?" Ahsoka asks, "Because if you and Obi-Wan are going, I'd –"

"Master Windu is going to go," Anakin interjects, "Obi-Wan volunteered, but the Council thinks he should be kept here to deal with Grievous if we locate him."

"Why? He hasn't exactly been successful with that in the past."

"That's what I said," Anakin mumbles darkly. How many times has he barely gotten there on time to rescue Obi-Wan? Last time they encountered Grievous, Anakin had to save him. The fight didn't even last a minute, from what Anakin heard.

"But this isn't what you're upset about, is it?" she queries, scrutinizing him.

He sighs again, looking away.

"Don't shut me out," Ahsoka requests, reaching over and taking his human hand in with hers. "What's the matter?"

"They – they didn't make me a Master. It's not –" It's not really real, that he's on the Council. It's just in name to give him that mission, to commit treason.

"What?!" Ahsoka exclaims, eyes going wide, "That doesn't make any sense! That is literally not how it works. How can they do that?!"

"I know," he grits out. They broke their rules to let him be a Jedi, but since, they've been breaking every known rule to make him stand out and keep him from fitting in, and he doesn't understand. He wants to leave. To walk away, without looking back. He wouldn't feel bad about it anymore – except that he'd have to leave Obi-Wan, but would that be bad? After all, Obi-Wan was the one who asked him to do this. (Does he care? Does he? Or is that also completely fake?)

"I don't understand! You can't be a Knight and be on the Council! And you deserve to be a Master more than anything. You would be already, if not for them, for what they did!"

It's true, and it hurts. Bitterness rises inside him again as he remembers what they did to Ahsoka. She may have found and made a life of her own, but it doesn't change how they took it from her before.

He sinks onto the couch, feeling completely worn, and she immediately joins him. "I wouldn't have expected them to agree to this," she admits, "Why – did you want this?"

"No. I –" He'll never be a true member, and he doesn't care to be either. He's going to leave the Order, anyway. It's another major responsibility he'll have now until the war ends. He doesn't want a part of this, but he can't turn Palpatine down. How could he? He can't refuse what Obi-Wan asked of him either, so he doesn't know what to do. "Palpatine did," he answers bitterly, and they leave it at that.

***

Ahsoka... doesn't know what to say about this, but it's infuriating to see how the Council treats her master. She notices it especially now – and looking back – that they never have treated him like he's one of them. It's like there's always something different about him.

Still, she thinks there might be something else. "Is that all?" Ahsoka queries, eyeing him worriedly.

Anakin sighs. "No, but it's... classified."

Ahsoka frowns. "If this is stressing you out so much on the first day, maybe you should just resign."

"I – I can't."

"Why not?" she inquires.

"I can't just not do the mission they gave me and... Palpatine wants me there."

She raises an eyemarking. "Palpatine?" Since when did he have a say in things like that?

"There's... a lot going on. I can't really explain."

She doesn't like this. It's bad enough that they have to deal with visions of Padme's possible death, and now this? Speaking of which... "You talked with Master Yoda, right?"

"Yes, I did," Anakin confirms.

"What did he say?"

"Nothing. He just told me that – that I need to be ready to let go." His bitterness is perfect evident.

What?! "Well, that's helpful," Ahsoka practically growls. She shouldn't have expected any differently, though, since this is a natural – well not natural but still – cause of death. Of course, that's what Yoda would say. "Clearly the Jedi can't help us," she concludes, not that she truly expected differently, even if she'd hoped. "I think all we can do is... Make sure she's in the safest place she can be to give birth, and I think Coruscant is best so... maybe we don't need to worry?" She can only hope. Anakin doesn't look convinced, but he says nothing. Then again, if they didn't need to worry, why would he be having visions?

***

Anakin is feeling marginally better after leaving the meeting with Palpatine at the Opera House that night, even if he's as lost and confused and unsure of what to do as before. This... it gives him the slightest bit of a chance, though. Maybe.

If... if it's really possible to save someone's life by using the Dark Side, he's willing to do it. He can't let Padme and maybe his child – no, he can't think about that – die if he had the choice to save her. What kind of husband – and father – would that make him?

He can't shake what Palpatine was saying about the Jedi from his mind. Anakin refuses to believe they would turn on the Republic, because it's against everything he thought his entire life, but they did ask him to commit treason. That's what doesn't make sense. Palpatine would never betray the Republic. He wouldn't! It's so confusing, and he obviously can't turn to Palpatine to talk about things like he normally would.

There's Ahsoka, but he doesn't want to dump this on her.

He'll have to figure this out on his own, and he gets the feeling that for both things, he's already running out of time.

Chapter Text

A sense of foreboding hangs in the air, one that she's only felt right before someone dies. It's the same clawing sense of urgency, and all Ahsoka knows is that it terrifies her.

She hears a scream, and somehow, she knows who it is. An image swims in front of her eyes, a vague flash of Padme's face.

She wants to scream and reach for her – her mother – but the next thing she knows, her eyes are flying open, and she's in bed. A wave of desperate all-consuming fear crashes through her, her heart pounding. Dread coils in the pit of her stomach, and she abruptly feels like throwing up. This can't be happening. It can't be.

This... it's the same kind of vision that Anakin had. She knows it's a vision, because she can feel it. It can't be mistaken. The urgency and fear of it doesn't fade like it does for other dreams. Visions don't always mean what they seem to, but Anakin saw it, and now so did she.

This... yes, visions can be stopped – like the one she saw about how Padme was going to be killed by Aurra Sing – but in that vision, she didn't actually see Padme die. It was just an assassination attempt. This... she didn't see her die either, but she can't shake that sinking, horrifying feeling that that's what's going to happen.

Force, no. She won't let this happen, but she doesn't know what to do.

She can understand Anakin's panic last night so well now, but she doesn't know what to do about it. She doesn't want to tell him, almost. He has enough on his mind already. Both her parents do. She doesn't need to make it harder by telling them this. Maybe. She doesn't know what to say.

Ahsoka finally sits up, staring around the darkness of her bedroom. Everything was supposed to be fine. Anakin was probably going to leave the Order, and him, Ahsoka, Padme, and the child could all be a family together, and now it's as though everything is about to shatter into a million pieces.

She can't let this happen. She can't. But what can she do? She can trust in the Force, but at least with her nightmare about Aurra Sing, there was something she could actively do to stop it, and she has no doubt that if she hadn't, it would have happened. This is different, and she has absolutely no idea what to do.

***

Anakin notices immediately that something's very wrong with Ahsoka the next morning. She's trying to go for completely casual when she comes in to eat with him and Padme early that morning, but she's radiating an obvious fear that she didn't have the night before when he told her about his vision. And she's hardly eating.

Something happened, and Anakin can't shake the sinking feeling that – what if it has to do with his nightmares? No, no. "Ahsoka?" he asks, finally, "What's the matter?"

The question seems to catch Padme's attention instantly, and she frowns. Maybe she noticed something was wrong but hadn't been sure if she should bring it up.

"It's nothing," the Togruta mutters, very unconvincingly.

"We can both see that it's something," Padme counters.

Ahsoka sighs, reaching up, scrubbing a hand over her face before answering. "I... I had a vision."

Any remote attempt at trying to keep a calm façade promptly disappears. If Ahsoka saw it too, that means – "The same as...?" he dares to ask, knowing the answer even for as much he doesn't want to hear the confirmation.

She nods, looking away.

"Is this about me dying in childbirth again?" Padme asks.

"It wasn't clear, but... I think so," Ahsoka confirms.

Anakin closes his eyes, trying to breathe, struggling to find some semblance of calm. He doesn't want to accept this, that Padme could be about to die, and there'd be nothing he could do about it. Unless...

"The Dark Side is a path to abilities some consider to be... unnatural."

That... it's the only thing he can think of at this point, but it's not something he could learn on his own either.

"Look, I'll be fine," Padme promises.

"You don't know that," the Togruta bites out, voicing exactly Anakin's thoughts. Of course, Padme will say she's going to be fine. And how exactly would she know that?

"I can have a med-droid check me over, but people don't die from childbirth frequently anymore. It's nearly unheard of, especially in places as well-developed as Coruscant."

"It might not be natural. I don't know. I can't let you die," Anakin replies, shaking his head. He won't say anymore to her about it, though. Trying to convince her that there's a danger she might die would be the worst thing he could at this point.

He needs to figure this out on his own. And maybe talking to Ahsoka about it again wouldn't be a bad idea.

***

Anakin leaves for the Temple shortly after that, while Ahsoka paces the living room in a vain effort to get herself to calm down. Now that she's not alone in her room, the thought is the slightest bit more manageable, but also less believable. That doesn't make her any less scared, though.

She should be focusing on trying to help Padme prepare for the day at the Senate, but she can't even think about it right now.

And that's when someone knocks on the door. "Who is it?" Padme asks.

"I believe it is Master Kenobi," Threepio reports.

Obi-Wan? What's he doing here?

"Let him in," Padme replies.

Ahsoka draws in a deep breath, trying to get her emotions under control as Obi-Wan enters the apartment. He looks a bit stressed himself, she must admit. This is the first time, really, that she's seen him since she was thrown out of the Order. Yes, she's briefly seen him at the Senate a couple times afterwards, but she never talked to him. She hardly realized until now how much she misses him.

"Obi-Wan?" Ahsoka greets, uncertainly. Why is he here? This definitely isn't a 'to say hello' trip, she knows that much.

"Senator, Ahsoka," Obi-Wan nods in greeting, "Do you have a moment?"

"Of course," Padme replies. "How can I help you?"

"Has Anakin been to see you?" Obi-Wan asks, which Ahsoka is pretty sure is meant to be rhetorical. Why do adults have such terrible ice breakers?

"Several times," Padme says, "I was so happy to hear he was accepted to the Jedi Council."

"I know. He deserves it," Obi-Wan answers.

Ahsoka barely withholds the urge to snap at him. Then why aren't they treating him the way they do everyone else? It may not be Obi-Wan's fault though, even if she's had very little trust in him since Hardeen.

"But you're not just here to say hello. Something is wrong, isn't it?"

"It's... about Anakin," he admits, and Ahsoka does her best not to stiffen. It's no secret that he's been here a lot, but she can only hope it's he thinks it's because of her, not Padme.

"What about him?" Ahsoka asks.

"He's become moody and detached," Obi-Wan responds, "He's been put in a difficult position as the Chancellor's representative, but I think it's more than that. I was hoping he might have talked to you."

Ahsoka bites down on her lip. What is she supposed to say to that? It's not like she can tell him what's really wrong. "Did you try talking to him?" she deflects the question, finally.

"He hasn't said much to me since getting back," Obi-Wan replies, which doesn't exactly answer the question, though it implies the negative, "But he wasn't like this before."

Ahsoka exchanges a glance with Padme. She doesn't know what to say, and from the looks of it, Padme doesn't either. Although she's pretty sure they are making it pretty obvious to Obi-Wan that something is up, and they know about it.

"Whatever it is, I hope you can at least help him."

"I'll do my best," Ahsoka replies, "But you should ask him if he wants to talk to you."

"I will, but I'm leaving for Utapau to find General Grievous later today. I won't have time first." Obi-Wan stands. "I don't want to take any more of your time, Senator."

"It's not problem," Padme assures.

The Jedi Master looks as though he's considering something, and then stops. "Ahsoka, can I speak with you privately?"

"Sure," she shrugs, standing as well.

"I need to get to the Senate anyway," Padme declares, standing and excusing herself from the room to give them privacy.

"What?" Ahsoka demands, a little warily, crossing her arms.

"Anakin has been put on a special assignment from the Council. Did he mention it to you?"

Why is he asking? "He didn't say what it was, but he implied he has one," she answers, carefully. One that he clearly isn't happy about.

"The Council wants him to observe on the Chancellor's dealing and report his findings," Obi-Wan explains.

"Observe?!" she exclaims, "You mean spy! You want him to spy on the Chancellor?! That's treason!"

"This is war, Ahsoka, and something is out of place."

She shakes her head, turning away and crossing her arms. "The Chancellor has been a great friend mentor to him. No wonder he was so upset."

"Can you talk to him about it?" Obi-Wan requests.

"And say what?" she asks bitterly, "Defend the Council's actions? I hardly think I'm the right person for that."

"Ahsoka," he says, and he sounds tired now, "The Council isn't always right, and that's why I'm asking for your help."

"I'll talk to him about it," Ahsoka promises. For a moment she wonders if there'd be anything he could do if they mentioned the visions, but no. He probably would react much the way Yoda did – not to mention that he'd go straight to the Council about Anakin's marriage. Anakin can leave the Order on his own; there's no reason he needs to be thrown out like how she was. She wouldn't wish that – the enormity, the emotions, the disgrace of that on anyone.

"Thank you," Obi-Wan nods, "That would be much appreciated."

***

What Ahsoka really wants to do right now is talk to Anakin, but she doesn't think she'll even get the chance until much later. He's busy with Council work – namely their order for him to commit treason and spy on Palpatine. No wonder he's been shadowing the Chancellor so much. It's as disturbing as it is infuriating, though, that they would demand something like this from him. Before, she might have trusted the Council, but she can't anymore. Not after what they did to her, how they turned their backs on her without a second thought the moment it pleased the Senate.

They would do the same to Anakin in a heartbeat, probably even more eagerly, since they don't seem to consider him one of them in the first place. So no, she does not trust their reasoning behind why they had to pick him for this mission. (If something goes wrong, are they planning to just let him take the fall for it? Somehow, she can't shake the feeling that that's exactly what they have in mind, even if it's just... unconsciously. They would anyway, even if that isn't their plan right now.)

She would very much like to talk to Anakin and flatly inform him that there's no way he needs to put himself in so much danger for them, but... That will have to wait until when he's not at the Senate building. She just needs to talk to someone though, so she finally gives in and heads for the office of the one person she's been... ignoring a little too much as of late. It wasn't intentional, but there was so much going on with both of them that she hasn't taken the time.

"Ahsoka?" Lux asks in surprise as she enters the room.

"Are you busy, or do you have time?" she queries.

"Yes, I do," he assures, rounding the table and pulling her into a hug, "It's been awhile since we talked." Only two days, but she agrees with him.

"There's been a lot going on," Ahsoka replies.

"You mean with your master getting back?" he asks, "Because you seem... less cheerful than I would've expected."

Again, she wishes that she could tell him about Padme and Anakin, but that will have to wait until... a few weeks from now, probably. Then she can explain everything. Another rush of fear crashes through her at the thought. They're running out of time to stop Padme's possible death.

"The Council is being..." She wants to say 'idiots', but the life-long respect she's always had for them, except for the past year or so, stops her. "...unreasonable and... frustrating."

"I haven't heard that in a while," Lux replies, frowning, "What happened?"

"They're just..." She sighs. "I can't really tell you everything."

"That's okay," he assures, "I don't suppose there's much I can do either way, but if you want to rant about it, I'll always be willing to listen."

"I know. Thanks," she replies, moving a little closer, kissing him.

They pull apart after a few moments, and Ahsoka finds herself feeling the tiniest bit better after talking to him, even if it still changes nothing. She wishes she could tell him what's bothering her the most – about Padme. "How are things with your work?" she asks, finally.

Lux's expression promptly grows grim. "There's... a lot going on, as I'm sure you know from Padme too. I don't like the way the Republic is going."

Ahsoka frowns. "What do you mean?" She doesn't know why she suddenly feels a prickle of... something. It feels like he's right, and it's not just a feeling, it's a fact she senses in the Force, and that leaves her feeling extremely uneasy.

"It's just... I know it's war time, but the Senate has too little power now. It's not the kind of democracy I expected to join, but we'll see how things are when the war ends. There's so much corruption to deal with."

Ahsoka doesn't know why she gets the feeling there's something he wants to tell her but won't, for some reason. "Yeah," she murmurs. She doesn't know why the words send a prickle of uneasiness through her; she doesn't know if the feeling has anything to do with what he said, either.

They run out of time after that, though, because Lux is called away to another meeting, and so Ahsoka goes in search of Anakin, to see if she'll be able to find a chance to talk to him.

***

This time, Lux finds himself in the living room of Padme's apartment as the Senators from yesterday meet again to discuss their next course of action. He can't get his mind off his conversation with Ahsoka, though. She seems very upset by something, and he wishes she would tell him what. But he knows she would if she felt she was able to, so he won't push it.

"We cannot tell this turn into another war," Padme declares, firmly.

"Absolutely, that is the last thing we want," Bail agrees.

"Of course not," Lux concurs, though there's a part of him that wonders at the likelihood of things getting out of hand. The galaxy is just finishing up the first war in so long, and he knows it will be decades before it recovers, so he can hope not, but... He also knows that if things come to it, Saw and Steela will be willing to keep fighting.

"We are hoping to form an alliance in the Senate to stop the Chancellor from further subverting the constitution, that's all," declares Mothma.

"I know a Jedi I feel it would be wise to consult," Padme comments. Who is she talking about, anyway? Anakin, perhaps? Because Lux knows she's obviously not talking about Ahsoka.

"That would be dangerous," someone else objects.

"We don't know where the Jedi stand in all this," Mothma reminds.

"They've always been loyal to the Republic, above all," Lux offers. Or at least, from what he's seen. Suddenly he remembers what Ahsoka was telling him before, and he doesn't know if it has anything remotely to do with this or not. It very well might not, and even if it did, that doesn't mean he needs to be concerned about the Jedi's loyalties. Probably.

"Still, these are uncertain times," she insists.

"I only wish to discuss this with one whom I trust," Padme states.

None of the others seem to like the idea much, though.

"Let us see what we can accomplish in the Senate, before we include the Jedi," Bail decides, so it's left at that.

***

The image swims in front of Anakin's eyes again, of Padme dying. It fills him with the same rush of fear that he's been feeling constantly since his first vision, only serving to intensify his fears. What he doesn't understand, though, is why for the briefest moment he sees Obi-Wan standing near her before the vision fades out again, and he finds himself back sitting on the couch at her apartment.

Or maybe the reason he saw that this time is because... for some reason he can sense his former master's presence here? "Obi-Wan's been here, hasn't he?" Anakin asks, looking up. Why would he? It's not like he would drop by for a casual visit; there's obviously a reason for it.

"He came by this morning," Padme informs him.

"What did he want?"

"He's worried about you," Padme replies, "He says you're under a lot of stress."

"He asked us if we knew what was wrong," Ahsoka says, looking away, "I didn't tell him anything, of course, but..."

Padme frowns, looking between them. "You both seem extra stressed recently," she observes.

"We haven't exactly forgotten those visions," Ahsoka reminds.

"That's what's bothering you?" she asks.

Anakin suppresses his rising frustration. Why isn't she taking this seriously? "Padme, you could –" He cuts off, unable to finish.

"I'll be fine," she repeats, "We talked about this."

Ahsoka lets out a frustrated breath. "You keep saying that, but how do you know that?"

To be fair, Anakin is pretty sure constantly repeating that to Padme won't help the situation either. He's found a way out, and... he doesn't know if he should talk to Ahsoka about it. He's not sure if she would approve, and if she did, it might be worse, because he doesn't want her to do the same. She shouldn't have to sell her soul for Padme. He is Padme's husband; he's the one who's supposed to do it. Not their child.

Padme sighs. "I know you're worried about this, but it's such a rare occurrence."

She leaves after a while, and Ahsoka moves closer to Anakin. "Obi-Wan mentioned something else too," she says quietly, throwing a brief glance around the room as though to make sure no one is close enough to hear.

Anakin frowns. "What?"

"The mission the Council put you up to."

Anakin freezes. What? Why did Obi-Wan tell her about that?! Anyone who knows about it could be accused of treason too! Isn't it bad enough that Anakin is putting himself in danger? Why does Ahsoka have to be dragged into it?!

"I suppose I can see why you didn't want to tell me about it," she continues.

"It is – anyone who knows about it could be accused of treason for not reporting it!" Anakin exclaims. As if Ahsoka hasn't already gone through more than enough in that regard. He never, ever wanted to get her dragged into this with him.

"Don't worry. No one needs to know that I know anything about it," Ahsoka assures. These things tend to come to light, especially when they're supposed to stay a secret, but Anakin can only hope that she's right about that. It's enough that he could get accused of treason if he makes a wrong move. Palpatine already knows what the Council told him – he figured it out on his own – and even if he didn't seem upset with Anakin for it, others could find out.

"I don't understand why the Council would want you to do something like this in the first place," Ahsoka goes on, "But whatever you do, just be careful. Don't do anything risky because of this."

"I – I won't," he reassures her. He's already Palpatine's personal representative, which means he has to spend a lot of time around him. He hates how it feels like he's betraying one of the only people who's always stood by him, no matter what. And betraying the Republic. But what else can he do?

"Obi-Wan didn't seem happy about the mission," she comments.

What? "He's the one gave it to me."

She scowls. "Well, he implied he didn't think the Council was right, but you know if the Council asks him to do something, he will."

Yes, of course, he knows that. He's always know it, really, but especially since Hardeen. From the dark look on Ahsoka's face, he can tell she's thinking about the same thing.

It hurts, because in the end, no matter what, Anakin knows Obi-Wan will always stand by the Council over him, no matter what. It's his job, of course; it's what he's supposed to do, and what Anakin ought to do too, but he can't. He's never been able to. "I know," he says quietly.

"Just be careful, Skyguy," Ahsoka murmurs, leaning over and wrapping her arms around him, "The war is almost over, and maybe then you could just... leave the Order. Then you wouldn't have to deal with the Council's mission or any of this anymore."

Maybe. It's what he wants to do. He has to, for his children. Another wave of nearly agonizing fear washes through him as he thinks about his child again. If something happens to the child or Padme – No, no. He won't let that happen. He won't. No matter what.

Chapter Text

"It is upsetting to me that the Council doesn't seem to fully appreciate your talents," Palpatine murmurs, as he and Anakin cross the office, "Don't you wonder why they won't make you a Jedi Master?"

He does, and it frustrates him to no end. It feels like a blatant way of rubbing in his face that he's different for some inexplicable reason that they never bother to explain, that he doesn't deserve the same treatment that everyone else gets, and he doesn't understand why. He knows the Council only tries to do their best, that they have a reason for what they do, but he doesn't understand. Or maybe it's just a way of reminding him that he doesn't belong on the Council, as if he didn't already know that. He doesn't even want to be there.

"I wish I knew," Anakin replies, quietly, "More and more I get the feeling I'm being excluded from the Council." Even though he's supposed to be on it. It's not like he wants this, but he can't refuse Palpatine – not if something as serious as he claims is really happening, though he doesn't know that he entirely believes it. He doesn't know what to believe anymore. "I know there's things about the Force they aren't telling me."

Perhaps even a way to make sure Padme won't die? That his child – no, he can't even let himself go there.

"They don't trust you, Anakin," Palpatine replies sympathetically, resting a hand on his shoulder, "They see your future. You must break through the fog of lies the Jedi have created around you. Let me help you know the subtleties of the Force."

It takes a moment for his words to catch up to Anakin, and he freezes, spinning around to face him. "You know the ways of the Force?" How is that even possible?

"My mentor taught me everything about the ways of the Force," he responds almost carelessly, "Even the nature of the Dark Side."

Anakin's breath catches in his throat, denial screaming through him. No, it's impossible. It can't be –

Palpatine knows the Dark Side, and suddenly, everything the Council and Obi-Wan have been telling him floods his mind again. And that means – No, that's impossible. "You know the Dark Side?" he asks, faintly.

"Only through me will you be able to achieve a power than greater than any Jedi. Learn to know the Dark Side of the Force, Anakin, and you will be able to save your wife from certain death."

"What did you say?" he demands sharply. This cannot be happening. It – it – but what else could he be saying?

"Use my knowledge. I beg you."

He knows it in that moment, even if he can't even begin to process the implications of it. It doesn't even make sense. How could the man he always considered a friend, a mentor, be a Sith?!

"You're the Sith Lord!" Anakin accuses, whipping out his lightsaber on instinct, pointing it at him. Darth Sidious, the Sith who was manipulating the Senate, who was involved in starting the entire war in the first place – or so the Council suspects.

Palpatine turns away, seeming unconcerned. In truth, he doesn't have anything to be concerned about, not from Anakin. He couldn't attack him – even if it wouldn't be treason to do so. He can't even comprehend the implications of it, or the magnitude of this betrayal, but way inside, he knows he could never hurt him, even if he shouldn't be feeling like this, because Palpatine is a Sith, and...

"I know what has been troubling you," the Sith replies, "Listen to me. Don't continue to be a pawn of the Jedi Council. Remember what they did to Ahsoka."

His breathing hitches, and he tightens his grip on his lightsaber hilt. "That has nothing to do with this," Anakin retorts, although maybe it does. He doesn't know. He doesn't know anything anymore, because the one person he always knew would help him is a Sith, and –

"It does," Palpatine counters, "They cast her out as soon as they thought they had a reason to, without looking into the evidence. What makes you believe they would not do the same to you?"

All his fears over the undercover mission he was given surge to the surface again. Were they really setting him up to take the fall for it if it was necessary? In truth, he knows they would. They should, probably, because why would they let the whole Order be accused of treason instead of just sacrificing one person for the greater good?

"This isn't about me," Anakin grits out, because that much is true. It's not and has no reason to be. He's not that important. The Council should be willing to sacrifice him for the greater good, but...

He only feels more lost and confused now than ever, and he doesn't know what to do. He should take this to the Council, but they'll... they'll want to kill Palpatine. Maybe they should. He's the Sith. But the thought of him dying... It floods him with an unclenching fear. He's still his friend, and – But that doesn't make this betrayal hurt any less. And he's still angry about it.

"Ever since I've known you, you've been searching for a life greater than that of an ordinary Jedi," Palpatine presses, ignoring his comment, "A life of significance, of conscience."

"You're wrong," Anakin denies, though he knows it's a lie. Of course, he has. And he almost has it. But if he doesn't do something, he could lose everything. Padme, his child – and he and Ahsoka would be all alone. His wife would be dead, Ahsoka's mother would be dead, and he can't let her go through that. He dares not let himself consider the rest of t.

"Are you going to kill me?" Palpatine queries, still facing his back to him.

"I would certainly like to," he snaps, though it's a lie. He couldn't. If he's really Sidious, who started the war intentionally, who did all of this to the galaxy, he would more than deserve it, but –

"I know you would," he purrs, "I can feel your anger. It gives you focus. Makes you stronger."

Anakin finally steps back, deactivating his blade. "I'm going to turn you into the Jedi Council," he decides, turning away.

"Of course, you should," Palpatine replies, "But you're not sure of their intentions, are you? What if I am right, and they are plotting to take over the Republic?"

"I will quickly discover the truth of all this," he declares, firmly. Hopefully. It feels like he has no idea what side he should even be on here. His Jedi training says to kill Palpatine, to immediately turn him over, but there's so much else going on here. It isn't that simple.

"You have great wisdom Anakin," Palpatine continues, "Know the power of the Dark Side. The power to save Padme. I know both you and Ahsoka fear this. Only I can help you save her."

He falters, again, fear and dread clawing at him. He doesn't know what to do anymore. If he tells the Jedi, they'll kill Palpatine, or at least they probably will.

"I'm not going anywhere," Palpatine says, moving to take a seat back at his desk, "You have time to decide what you will do. Perhaps you will reconsider and join me, to help bring peace to the galaxy. To learn the power to save your wife."

Anakin turns away abruptly, heading for the door. He doesn't know what to do anymore. He should take this to the Council, but maybe... What else can he do?

He could talk to Ahsoka, maybe. She might be able to help him figure out what to do. Ahsoka is worried about Padme too, so she'll take that into consideration.

Yes, he'll go talk to her first and take it from there.

Anakin can only hope this won't prove to be a terrible mistake.

***

Ahsoka doesn't know why she can't shake the feeling that something is very wrong. Something just feels off, and it's coming from her bond with Anakin. He feels... His emotions are actually raging too much to put a label on it.

Any questions she has about whether or not he's okay end the moment Anakin steps into the room. He looks pale and shaken, and she can feel as much screaming into the Force around him.

"Anakin? What happened?" she asks urgently, practical flying to his side.

"I..." He sounds shaken too, like he doesn't even know where to start.

What could have happened? A million doubts and concerns flit through Ahsoka's mind, but she tries to quell her own rising fear until she knows what happened.

"The Council sent me to tell Palpatine that Obi-Wan engaged Grievous," Anakin answers, shakily. "And he – he told me that he's a Sith."

Wait –

Wait –

"What?!" she hisses, eyes going wide. "How could Palpatine be a Sith?"

"I don't know," he replies, shaking his head, "I... don't know what to do."

"You need to tell the Council," Ahsoka asserts, "If he's a Sith, we have to stop him."

"But stop him from what?" Anakin objects, "We don't know if he's Sidious. He implied it, but..."

"We should still warn the Council, at least."

"I don't know what they'll do. Palpatine told me..." He hesitates.

"Told you what?" she asks, frowning.

"That they're intending to take over the Republic. That they..."

"You believe him?" Her first instinct is to immediately deny it, because why would the Jedi do that? But – but then she remembers the mission they had Anakin do. Of course, it's because they were suspicious about Palpatine, which turned out to be for a very legitimate reason, but...

"I know there's things they won't tell me, even though I'm on the Council," Anakin replies, quietly, "I don't want to believe it, but..."

"I don't know what to say," Ahsoka admits, shaking her head. Her trust is the Council was long since shaken, and she doesn't trust them anymore now than she did before. But something like this? And Palpatine is a Sith, likely the one behind the war. He's a traitor.

"And there's something else," Anakin declares, quietly, "Palpatine said he... could teach me how to save Padme."

Ahsoka's breath catches in her throat. "What? How does he know?"

"He can always tell when something is bothering me," Anakin explains.

"Now I see why," she says, darkly, "But he's a Sith. Why would he help you?"

"He's my friend Ahsoka," Anakin asserts, "I know he's a Sith, but he... I don't think he was lying."

Ahsoka frowns, the fear raging inside of her almost all consuming at this point. Would Palpatine really help them? He's a Sith, and that immediately screams 'enemy', but Anakin does have a point. Still, she knows better than to even think she could trust Palpatine at this point. (But can she trust the Council either? It would be so easy for Anakin to be accused of treason, and she knows the Order would be perfectly fine with letting him take the fall for it, just like they did with her.)

"Why don't we wait until Obi-Wan returns?" Ahsoka suggests, finally, "We can take the news to him, after he gets back." She hardly trusts Obi-Wan either, but she needs a little more time to think about this. It's not as if there's much the Jedi can do instantly anyway, since Palpatine is the Chancellor, Sith or not. They could arrest him, but...

She can only hope this is the right thing to do.

***

Padme's screams fill the air, and Ahsoka instantly knows with an overwhelming surge of dread what's happening. She jerks awake with a start, heart pounding, only to see Anakin hovering right next to her, expression pinched.

She blinks in surprise, pushing herself up. "Master?"

"I need to go," Anakin replies, looking almost panicked. "Palpatine talked to me through the Force. The Jedi – they're going to kill him."

"What?" she yelps, flying out of bed so fast she knocks her blanket onto the floor. "How did they find out?!" They decided to deal with everything in the morning, because nothing could go that wrong tonight, could it? Ahsoka is honestly surprised she even managed to fall asleep, though, because of the sense of overwhelming dread she can feel in the air. It's only worse now because of that nightmare.

"I don't know, but I have to go."

She doesn't know if Anakin means to stop them from killing Palpatine or to help them arrest him. She doesn't stop to ask. They need to do something, because they can't just sit back and watch. "I'm coming," Ahsoka decide, darting out her bedroom door before he can argue.

They're about to go after a Sith. If Palpatine is fighting the Jedi, he needs to be stopped, and they could definitely use their help. But what does he mean they're trying to kill him? That's not legal. It's treason – even if perfectly understandable. It's suicide for the Order.

She doesn't stop to ponder it as they run through the halls for Palpatine's apartment which is on the top floor. He's at home for the night, of course, since it's after midnight already.

The door isn't locked, and they race right into the room without waiting. She doesn't know how many Jedi are here or anything, but further into the apartment, they can hear the sound of clashing lightsabers.

They dart further inside, not taking the time to look over the signs of a fight, as they follow the noise.

They stop in the doorway to see Palpatine and Windu engaged in a furious duel in the middle of the room. She can't believe this is really happening. Sidious moves with deadly precision, and she can feel the darkness pouring off him, but Windu easily keeps up. Still, it's not a duel she wants to interfere in. Although she is surprised he's the one here, unless there's more on the way or – or somewhere she didn't see. Her heart is pounding too hard to even think straight right now.

The duel continues furiously, and Palpatine slips for the briefest second. Windu kicks him back, sending the lightsaber flying from his hands. He stalks closer, lightsaber leveled in front of him, and Palpatine scrambles away, backing against the wall. "You are under arrest, my lord," Windu spits, mockingly.

"Anakin!" Palpatine calls, "I told you it would come to this. The Jedi are taking over." Taking over? Is that what he claims stopping the Sith is?

"The oppression of the Sith will never return," Windu growls, "Your plot to gain control of the Republic is over. You have lost."

"No, you will die," Palpatine snarls, lightning shooting from his fingers striking Windu's lightsaber. Ahsoka looks desperately between them and Anakin, heart pounding. They should do something, but she doesn't know what. But it's terrifying to see Sidious in all his Sithly glory. "He's a traitor, Anakin!"

"Don't listen to him," Windu shouts.

Palpatine continues to shoot lightning, and the deflecting current strikes him, deforming his face. "Help me! Don't let him kill me. I can't hold out any longer." His lightning attack ceases only moments later.

"You Sith disease," Windu hisses, "I'm going to end this once and for all." He raises his lightsaber, ready to kill him.

In cold blood.

Defenseless.

True, a Sith Lord is never truly defenseless, but this... Ahsoka doesn't know what to think. Once she might have been willing to accept anything the Council did, but not anymore. They violate their own principles when it suits them. Maybe this is justice, but not like this. Like this, it's wrong. By the Jedi's own principles, and the very head of the Order is willing to break it anyway because it suits him.

Just like when they threw her out of the Order.

"You can't kill him, Master," Anakin argues, "He must stand trial."

"He has control of the Senate and the Courts. He is too dangerous to be kept alive."

"He's a prisoner," Ahsoka reminds, eyes narrowed.

"It's not the Jedi way," Anakin protests, but Windu isn't listening. He steps closer, raising the lightsaber.

Maybe this is the right thing to do, Ahsoka doesn't know, but it doesn't change that it violates every principle the Jedi have. And it's treason.

And... the images of Padme swim before her eyes again. Would Palpatine really help them? Really, how would the Dark Side save anyone? But –

Her mind is whirling in circles, frantically trying to figure out what to do, and then everything happens so fast. WIndu slashes down, straight for Palpatine's head, and Anakin flies into motion with a cry of "no!", igniting his blade and swinging for Windu, cutting right through his wrist. Palpatine's previously panicked expression suddenly turns into glee as Windu stumbles back, eyes wide with shock and pain. A blast of lightning bursts from the Sith's hands, pouring into the Jedi Master, flinging across the room, and Ahsoka feels and smells it as he's electrocuted to death.

She's too frozen in horror to move.

Force, Anakin, what did he just do? What have they gotten themselves into? They just... he just –

Anakin staggers back, and Ahsoka doesn't think she's ever seen him looking this stricken and full of self-loathing. "What have I done?" he chokes out, stepping back unsteadily. She could ask herself the same question, and now –

Her heart hammers wildly as she watches the Sith Lord stand up.

He's right, though. The Jedi were committing treason.

Not that it was wrong, but it was still illegal.

And the only reason her and Anakin aren't complicit and liable to be executed for it is because of what Anakin just did.

But now they're here alone with a Sith who could do Force knows what to them, someone they should be trying to arrest, (someone who also might help them though she highly doubts it) and...

"You are fulfilling your destiny, Anakin," Sidious replies, approaching them. His eyes are on Anakin, but Ahsoka knows he's watching her with far more suspicion. "Learn to use the Dark Side of the Force."

Anakin glances for a fleeting moment at Ahsoka, a look of desperation and horror in his eyes – because, she realizes with growing dread after this, how can either of them go back to the Jedi? Anakin attacked a Jedi Master, while she stood and did nothing. And she could never turn on him even now because she knows why he did it – before he slowly lowers himself to his knees in front of Sidious. "I will do whatever you ask," he says, shakily.

"Goooood," Sidious purrs.

"Just – help me save Padme's life," he whispers, and she doesn't think she's ever heard him sound this scared before. Personally, she doesn't think she ever has been either.

Anakin is... pledging himself to a Sith.

She should stop this. She should –

But what would she do?

She knows why he's doing it, and she doesn't know how she could tell him to stop.

Even if she could, doing it right in front of Sidious would warrant instant death for both, and she knows it. That doesn't make it any less horrifying as they both turn their backs on what they always believed in. "The power to stop death has only been achieved by one, but if we work together, I know we can discover the secret."

"I pledge myself to your teachings. To the ways of the Sith," Anakin murmurs.

"Good," Palpatine gloats, "A powerful Sith you will become. Henceforth, you shall be known as Darth... Vader."

Vader.

The name hangs in the air, and all Ahsoka can still continue to do is stand there staring, frozen. What should she do? All her instincts say to kill Sidious, but she can't. She's not that suicidal, and besides... to do that would mean turning against Anakin too. Maybe.

"Rise," he instructs, turning away, eyes finally falling on Ahsoka. She stares back at him with her head held high, refusing to show any of the fear clawing at her.

"The Jedi have committed treason," Sidious declares, "And you, Tano, do you stand with your former master?"

Her mouth feels dry, and she thinks she's about to choke on her own words. He's asking for her to declare her loyalty to him, or to turn her back on Anakin. (On her father/brother, and... the rest of her family. Really.) It's a choice in that moment, between them and the Order that threw her aside. Her values and... what matters to her most. This is a terrible, terrible mistake and she knows it, but she can't stop the word escapes her lips. "Yes."

"Good," he gloats, turning back to Anakin, "Because the Council did not trust you, my young apprentice, I believe you are the only Jedi with no knowledge of this plot. When the Jedi learn what has transpired here, they will kill us, along with all the Senators."

That... seems a little extreme, doesn't it?

But Windu was just trying to kill Palpatine.

Somehow, she thinks bringing that up to his face would only get them both killed.

"I agree. Their next move will be against the Senate," Anakin concurs.

"Every single Jedi, including your friend Obi-Wan Kenobi, is now an enemy of the Republic," Palpatine continues.

Anakin looks away. "I understand, Master."

"All of them couldn't have known about it," Ahsoka objects, daring to speak up for the first time, "If they were planning to commit treason, they – they wouldn't have let it out of the Council."

She almost regrets speaking up when Sidious' cold eyes settle on her. "Even if they all did not know, they will stand by the Council's cause as soon as they learn about it," he replies, "The Jedi are nothing if not relentless. Unless all of them are destroyed, it will be civil war without end."

Her blood runs cold at the words. No, no, no. He can't be asking this. He can't be – he can't be asking them to turn on the Jedi, to destroy them. This... this is never what she thought would happen, and she knows it isn't what Anakin expected either.

Something suddenly catches Ahsoka's attention. Nearby movement. Someone is coming.

Anakin's head is the first to snap to the door, and his eyes widen, a look of unclenching fear filling his face.

Though in that moment, Ahsoka doesn't know if it's for or of the person standing in the doorway.

Obi-Wan.

Chapter Text

No, no. This wasn't supposed to happen. Obi-Wan wasn't supposed to be here.

He was supposed to be away – somewhere he'd be safe. Maybe he's a traitor to the Republic, but Anakin knows no matter what Palpatine says – even if it's true – he can't let Obi-Wan die. He can't.

"Master Kenobi," Sidious greets smoothly, or maybe there's actually a hint of... smugness? in his voice, but Anakin is panicking too much to analyze it.

"You're a traitor, Chancellor," Obi-Wan growls, a look of fury burning in his eyes that Anakin's never seen before.

"I'm afraid you are the traitor. You and your entire Order," Sidious replies.

Obi-Wan's expression only darkens, and he ignites his lightsaber. "We can take him together, Anakin."

Force, he thinks – Of course, he thinks Anakin and Ahsoka are here to fight Sidious, and Anakin knows Obi-Wan will never listen to their reasoning. This wasn't supposed to happen. The very sight of Obi-Wan here is making him question everything he just did, but he can't back out now. He can't. It's... it's the only way to save Padme and his child, and what the Jedi are doing is treason. Most of all, if they tried taking out Sidious now, he's curtain they'd still fail, and then...

"I think not," Sidious retorts, with no small measure of satisfaction, "He is no longer blinded by your Order. He sees through the lies of the Jedi. He knows how you have been excluding him from the Council and your treasonous plans."

Obi-Wan's gaze jumps to Anakin, and he pointedly avoids it. "What is he talking about?" Obi-Wan demands.

Anakin can feel Sidious' eyes on him again, and – he knows what he has to do, but he doesn't know that he can. "He is right," he says, the words coming out quieter and shakier than they were meant to. It feels like sealing his fate, almost like he's choosing Palpatine over Obi-Wan, but he isn't. There's so much else at stake here. That doesn't mean he wants anything to happen to his former master, but this – this isn't in his control, and that's what scares him so much.

"What?" He sounds shocked and confused but it rapidly morphs into even greater anger. He feels the instinctive urge to back down, as he always does, but he can't do that. Not this time. The Dark Side has filled him with a power he's never felt before, and it makes it easier.

"Your Order has fallen, Kenobi," Sidious mocks, "Even now, the clone forces march on the Temple. The Jedi will be destroyed."

Anger flashes through Obi-Wan eyes, and he abruptly moves forwards, towards Sidious.

No, no – His mind freezes in denial, because he can't have to make this choice, he can't –

"Anakin," Sidious says, and he knows what it means.

He has to do this. He has to. Even if he and Ahsoka joined Obi-Wan, there's no way they would win a fight against Sidious. Not when all the other Jedi died. And even if they did, then they'd all be guilty of treason, and then Padme and his children would die.

Anakin ignites his own blade, blocking Obi-Wan's.

The look on his former master's face cuts him to the core. and it scares him. He's seen that look on his face before, but it was never directed at him. "Anakin, what are you doing?" he demands, his fury obvious in every word.

"This is treason," Anakin replies, his voice oddly empty. It feels like he's shutting down; it's too much to process. "He is the Chancellor."

"He's a Sith!"

"Don't let him deceive you, Anakin," Sidious urges.

Obi-Wan pulls back, slashing at him again, and Anakin blocks it. They trade a few blows, though each one may well as well have hit him for how much this hurts.

"How can you do this?" he demands, angrily, slashing at him again, "I never would have thought you'd put your loyalty to him over the Jedi."

The words hurt more than he could say, and the Dark Side responds to it immediately. "The Jedi committed treason," Anakin retorts, a little more firmly.

"You're letting this Dark Lord blind you," he hisses, throwing up a hand. It sends Anakin skidding backwards a few feet, nearly throwing him off-balance. When he straightens, Ahsoka is crossing blades with Obi-Wan.

They need this to stop. They need this to end. If they could just arrest him or something, they could figure out what to do from there, but it's obvious Obi-Wan won't stop. Anakin can't stop to think or... he doesn't even know what he'd do anymore. He runs forwards, joining Ahsoka.

They don't have the chance to talk anymore. Obi-Wan isn't holding back as he fights them, and Anakin changes onto the offensive to avoid letting him hurt Ahsoka.

He doesn't have time to feel as he throws himself into the fight, and maybe that's for the best because he can't deal with it. They've fought before but never to hurt the other. He still wouldn't, and maybe way inside, he can't believe Obi-Wan would actually hurt him seriously either, but he can't deny that there's a part of him that's scared. He knows his master will do whatever he deems necessary for the Jedi, and that hurts. Most of all, it feels like he's betrayed Obi-Wan, that he'd deserve it if he hurt him, and –

He thinks it's thanks to having Ahsoka here, and that Obi-Wan has already been fighting for hours when he finds a slight slip in his defenses, and takes advantage of it instantly, throwing Obi-Wan back, and crossing his blade above him before he can get up again. He calls Obi-Wan's lightsaber to him, so he can't take it back.

There's a look of burning fury in Obi-Wan's eyes, and it feels like... like everything of their relationship was just completely destroyed. He'll never forgive him for this. Force, Anakin will never forgive himself for this, but he doesn't know what else to do.

"Finish it, Anakin," Sidious orders, and for a moment, his heart almost stops.

His head snaps up, to look at the Sith Lord. He can feel him in all his Sithly glory, the Dark Side hovering around him sickeningly, sending shivers through him. "M – master, I –" He pointedly does not look at Obi-Wan as he addresses Sidious like that. It feels wrong. That title should only go to Obi-Wan, but in the end, this was his only choice.

"He is an enemy of the Republic," the Sith hisses.

"You destroyed the Republic," Obi-Wan snaps.

"I am rebuilding it into something far more powerful that will never fall. The galaxy will finally have peace. But they never will until the Jedi are gone," Sidious continues.

"I can't," Anakin protests, looking down. Suddenly, everything he just did feels like a terrible mistake – actually he knew that from the start – but there's still no other choice he could have made. And he needs to convince Sidious not to do this, but he doesn't know what to say or do or – "Please –"

"If he's arrested, he won't be a danger," Ahsoka cuts in, stepping forwards.

Sidious looks more than a little displeased, and the child in him immediately wants to hide. Palpatine has never hurt him before though that was before Anakin knew he was a Sith. He almost feels like a different person entirely now, but Anakin can't believe everything between them was a lie.

"We will discuss his fate later," Sidious hisses, finally, "There is no time for this." He pushes a button and moments later, security guards enter the room, cuffing Obi-Wan and dragging him out.

Anakin watches them take him, panic still clawing at him. Are they going to hurt him? Are they going to – If they do anything to him, there's nothing Anakin can do. They're on opposite sides now, but somehow, it leaves Anakin with even less control than before. He can only hope that Sidious will keep his word.

"I want you both to go the Temple," the Sith declares, "Do what must be done. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy. Only then will you be strong enough in the Dark Side to save Padme."

***

This is all so, so wrong, but it feels like there's nothing Ahsoka can do to stop it. The Jedi have this coming. They betrayed the Republic and their principles. They don't deserve this, but it will happen either way.

And... the people who need her most are her mother and little sibling.

She has to believe that, or she's going to stop moving right here and now. Anakin has always stood by her – and the only time he almost didn't was because of the Council. And they tried to get Anakin to take the fall for their treason, to be killed instead for their actions.

There is no other choice. There isn't. (She has to believe that.)

She moves numbly as they get the clones ready, and head down for the Temple.

The last time she was here on these Temple steps, she was leaving the Order after what they did to her, after they showed how truly corrupted they were. Perhaps their destruction has been inevitable.

All she can hear is the sound of marching feet as they, with she and Anakin in the lead, march up the steps, into the building she once called her home.

They've fought a million battles before, but this is different. It's against the very people she once considered her family.

She's turning her back on everything she used to know.

Actually, she already did.

She lets the power of the Dark Side rush through her, washing away as many of her questions as she can as they move forwards. She lets herself remember every time the Jedi hurt her and Anakin over and over and over again. She lets herself feel every ounce of anger and bitterness she's felt towards the Council all these years. (That doesn't mean everyone should take the fall for it.)

They move forwards methodically, as though it's just some other mission.

They block of all the exits and then move inside.

She stays next to Anakin as they make their way through the halls. They head for where all the top Jedi Masters are, the most powerful ones who the clones will have a problem with, and deal with them one at a time.

It's effective, because it leaves the clones to deal with everyone else.

The first Jedi fall to her blades, and she forces herself not to freeze up at the sight of it – at the blood on her hands that will never go away.

They have to do this. They do.

It's easier after the first few, or maybe it's that she refuses to let herself feel anymore. The Jedi betrayed their principles. They had it coming. Maybe Barriss was right. (Does she really believe that?)

"What about the younglings?" Ahsoka asks, pausing in one of the halls. She can hear the sound of blaster fire, feel the death hanging heavily in the air like she's never felt before. She only ever destroyed droids. Fighting people was... rare.

Anakin is quiet for several long moments. "Sidious expects us to eliminate them as well." It comes out quietly, and she can feel his muted desperation, his pain, his own self-loathing at what both of them have done.

But they can't stop. It makes her hate Sidious most of all, but this would happen either way. It's only a question of who they try to save – a few Jedi or their own family. It's an easy choice, but it's still tearing her apart. "We can't kill them. None of this is their fault," Ahsoka objects.

"It will be far worse if they fall into Sidious' hands."

"Worse than dying?"

"There are many things in life that are far worse than death," he replies quietly, firmly. "I – I could never do that to another."

It's probably been hours, but Sidious shows up eventually, joining them in killing the remaining Jedi.

It's near sunrise by the time everything is over.

(Force, what have they done?)

***

Everything is falling apart, and Padme has no idea what to do. She doesn't even know what happened. All she knows is that the Jedi Temple is in flames, and Anakin and Ahsoka are gone. And she can only imagine where they went.

They could – they could...She doesn't bother to hold back the wave of tears that hits her. Her adopted daughter and husband could die, and – Only hours ago, everything was fine. Perfect, like a fairytale, almost. But now...

She doesn't know how long she's been standing there before she finally sees a ship approaching. Hope flares inside of her, even as her heart pounds, her mind playing out the worst possible scenarios of what could've happened. Through the darkness, Anakin and Ahsoka step out.

She runs over to them, hugging them both. "Are you alright? I heard there was an attack on the Jedi Temple. You can see the smoke here."

"I know," Ahsoka says, quietly.

"I'm fine," Anakin promises, "I came to see if you and the baby are safe." Ahsoka hovers next to them, expression pinched. There's a strange air about her... about both of them, that wasn't there before, but with everything that happening, it's not surprising.

"What's going on?" Padme queries.

"The situation is not good. The Jedi have tried to overthrow the Republic," Anakin responds.

What?! "I can't believe that!"

"At first, I couldn't either," Ahsoka replies.

"I saw Master Windu attempt to assassinate the Chancellor myself," Anakin explains.

That doesn't make any sense. She doesn't understand. How could the Jedi do this? It's all so confusing, and it's worse that Anakin is being dragged right into the middle of it. "What are you going to do?"

Anakin looks down, turning away and taking a few steps across the landing platform.

"We can't stand with the Jedi if they're doing this," Ahsoka replies, steely, but there's a note of... pain? in her voice that Padme doesn't miss.

"I will not betray the Republic," Anakin replies finally, turning and approaching her again, "I stand with the Chancellor, and with you."

But – "What about Obi-Wan?" she objects.

Anakin and Ahsoka exchange silent glances. "I don't know," is all Anakin says, though there's an underlying note of desperation there, which almost makes her wonder if they know or suspect something more that they aren't saying. She doesn't take the time to consider it, though. If it's important, they'll tell her.

None of this makes any sense. She doesn't understand. "How could this have happened?"

"I want to know the same thing," Ahsoka replies quietly.

Padme draws in a shaky breath. She doesn't think she's actually been this afraid before in a very long time, maybe ever. Except probably when the Trade Federation invaded Naboo. Everything she ever knew has been thrown into chaos, and she can't shake the feeling it's only about to get worse.

"We should leave," Ahsoka interjects quietly, looking to Anakin.

"Where are you going?" Padme frowns.

"The Chancellor has given us a very important mission," Anakin explains, "The Separatists have gathered in the Mustafar system. We're going there to end this war. Wait for us until we return. Things will be different. I promise." He steps forwards, pulling her into his arms again, and she returns the hug fiercely.

"Wait for me," he requests as he pulls away, and two head for the shuttle.

She can only hope that Anakin is right. Things will definitely be different. Nothing will ever be the same again. She watches as the shuttle takes off, flying away and disappearing into the endless lines of traffic, all of which is moving as though this is just another typical day. Like they're all oblivious to everything that's happened.

Another wave of tears hits her, and she lets them fall.

***

Anakin never wanted Ahsoka here in this. He might be willing to sacrifice himself, but she should never have been here. What was he even thinking, bringing her along when they went to find Palpatine? His Padawan Fell, and – he can't believe he was willing to let her do that. What is wrong with him?

How could he have let her do any of that? Maybe someone had to, but he could have done it alone. It's too late, though. She's here and Fallen, and nothing can change what either of them did.

He doesn't know what to do. He's never been so lost and alone and confused in his entire life. He always had someone to go to for help, but now he only has Ahsoka, who is as lost as him. It's Anakin's duty to care for her, anyway. He's torn between taking out Sidious the moment they ensure Padme will live and... doing nothing. Sidious betrayed him, but Anakin also owes him loyalty.

Anakin might be able to save Padme, but he wasn't able to save Ahsoka. He failed her, and nothing he does or says now will be able to change that.

"What are we going to do?" Ahsoka's voice breaks him out of his thoughts.

"What do you mean?"

"About Sidious," she clarifies, "He's... He's still the one behind the war. Behind everything."

They don't know that with certainty, but it's a safe guess. "He will help us save Padme," Anakin answers slowly. After that, he doesn't know. He doesn't know anything anymore.

They get to Mustafar not long later. Anakin remembers it from the last time he was here with Ahsoka. The orange glow enveloping everything somehow fits it perfectly. He remembers the intensity of the Dark Side from before too, but this time he lets it rush through him.

"Wait with the ship," Anakin tells Ahsoka as he climbs out.

She frowns. "Why?"

"I can handle this myself." He doesn't need to bring her into this too. It was enough with the Jedi. Dealing with the Separatists isn't nearly as bad, but still. He should never have brought her into any of this.

She seems reluctant, but doesn't argue, so he goes in alone.

It doesn't take long. There's only a few droids to defend them, and the rest fall easily. It's close to a massacre, but these people are the ones who helped start the war. They're responsible for the death of billions of people, just because of their own greed. They do deserve it. (Even if the Jedi didn't, and even if dealing with it like this isn't the right way.)

He contacts Sidious when he finishes, before stepping outside, moving to the railing, staring out at the rivers of lava below. The enormity of everything he's done feels like it's smothering him, and there's no one he can go to for help. The Jedi would have been destroyed either way, and he had to do this for his child, for Padme. But he didn't have to drag Ahsoka into it, and...

There's no way out.

Chapter Text

"How is she?" Anakin inquires, looking to the medical droid hovering next to Padme. He's holding Leia in his arms, and Ahsoka is holding Luke. The moment hardly even feels real.

They're his children. Ahsoka was his first child in every way, but this is... different, in some ways. But they're going to be okay, and he thinks Padme will be too, but he can't help but be worried, because she doesn't look that good.

"She will need time to recover," the droid replies, "But she will be live." Sidious had promised to save her, and he... did. She's alive, and maybe everything could be fine eventually. The moment could almost be perfect, if not for the cloud hanging over them. Padme's life has come at a cost, and it's not something either Anakin or Ahsoka will breathe a word of.

He doesn't know what's going to happen now, but the last he heard, Palpatine was turning the Republic into an Empire. Padme wasn't able to attend the Senate meeting, and he hasn't told her about it yet, either. For now, it's probably better if she doesn't know. She needs to rest, and he knows she won't take the news well. She's always been a strong supporter of the Republic, and he highly doubt that would change. She will not be happy about an Empire.

"You should rest," Anakin advises Padme finally, looking down at her.

She gives him a small smile in response.

"We can handle the babies," Ahsoka says, though the attempted cheerfulness in her voice falls flat. She doesn't have the same innocence she did only a day ago. Everything about her – about both of them – is different now, and there's nothing he can do to change that.

Padme only nods, closing her eyes.

Anakin looks down at Leia for a moment, before glancing to Ahsoka. "Can you take care of both of them for now?"

"Why?" she asks, "What are you doing?"

"I need to take care of something," he answers, vaguely. He's been thinking about it from the moment those guards dragged Obi-Wan away. He doesn't know what's going to happen to him, but if he's put on trial, Anakin already knows what the outcome will be. And he won't let that happen.

He doesn't know if this is going to work, but he has to hope.

***

Her siblings – or niece and nephew, depending – are here, and her mother is still alive. It's all Ahsoka could have asked for. She paces back and forth next the twin's crib, staring down at them. They're perfect. They're – she loves them so much already, and she doesn't even know them.

So, why can she not find a single shred of peace?

Okay, she knows why, and she wants it to stop, but it won't. She has blood on her hands that will never go away. The Dark Side flows through her, a silent whisper of power, almost a promise that what she did she had every reason to do.

But that doesn't mean way inside it feels like it.

At the time, it felt like they had no choice, like there was no better option. But now she has to wonder. The guilt that hits her when she even thinks about it is more than she can handle, though, she shies away from the thoughts, focusing on the babies in front of her.

They shine brightly in the Force, standing out distinctly against the darkness that now fills her. It helps, a little. (Maybe it just lets her tell herself that saving their lives was worth it. She could never imagine making a choice that would lead to them dying but – the cost of it was...)

Finally, Ahsoka reaches out, dialing the frequency into her comm.

Moments later, a familiar figure appears holographically in front of her. "Do you have a minute?"

"I'm on break right now," Lux replies, giving her a smile, though it doesn't quite reach his eyes. "It's good to see you, Ahsoka. Are you alright? I heard about the Jedi –"

She tries not to wince. He can never know what she did. She can't let him know. He – he would never approve of what she's done, and Padme wouldn't either. They wouldn't understand, even if it was legal.

"I'm fine," she promises, "I – do you want to come talk in person?"

"Sure," he agrees immediately, "I'll be there as soon as possible."

She lets out a sigh of relief as the hologram flickers off. Maybe being around him will make it feel a little better. Maybe. She ignores the part of her that feels much worse for even attempting to make herself feel better after what she did. Her and Anakin were in the wrong place at the wrong time, and... made terrible decisions, one she knows they can never change. She just wants to stop thinking about it. They did what they had to do. They did. She draws on her anger and resentment towards the Jedi until it feels like she's drowning in the Dark Side, but nothing seems to help.

Thankfully, she doesn't have to wait much longer before Lux arrives.

Ahsoka practically throws herself into Lux's arms the moment he steps through the door. He makes a quiet noise of surprise, but hugs her back fiercely. "What's going on?" he queries, when they finally pull apart, "About the Jedi? And what's this I'm hearing about Senator Amidala giving birth?"

"The Jedi committed treason," Ahsoka explains.

"What?!" Lux exclaims, "Why would they do that?!"

"I didn't want to believe it, but Anakin and I saw it ourselves. We couldn't... go along with it."

"Palpatine was presenting evidence about it all morning," Lux answers, slowly, "I didn't believe him, but..."

Ahsoka looks away. "It's true," she says, quietly. (But were they actually right to do it?)

"I don't understand," he frowns, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice, "Why would they do that?"

Should she tell him? It could far too easily lead right into everything that happened, that she still doesn't want to talk about. "I don't know everything that was going on," she replies which is the truth, but it still feels like a lie. The second major secret she has to keep from him. It feels like she's cursed or something, because they can't have a relationship without her keeping something from him – and this is even bigger than last time. "What do you think of... the Empire?"

His expression darkens a little – a rare sight on someone like him. "I didn't join the Republic so it would be turned in an Empire. I thought maybe the democracy here would be better than the Separatists, but I was wrong."

Ahsoka grimaces. "I know." She's not happy about the Empire either. She didn't know this is what Palpatine was planning to do, though in retrospect, it seems obvious. He wanted a Sith Empire. Of course, he would do this.

He does need to be stopped. Maybe they're indebted to him for Padme and twins' lives, but she still doesn't trust him, and she doesn't know what to do.

"I wanted to speak with Senator Amidala, but she's been unavailable. What's going on?"

"Well, she was... pregnant," Ahsoka replies.

Lux blinks, then just stares. "Is that what you were so excited about and never told me a word about?" he asks incredulously.

She gives him a sheepish smile. At least she can come clean on this. "There were... Jedi reasons that I couldn't," Ahsoka responds, "Padme wanted it to stay a secret."

"... Oh. Seems familiar." He gives her a teasing smile, which she returns, as well as she can. "So who's the father?"

"Guess," Ahsoka chirps.

Lux groans. "How would I do that? Can't you just tell me?"

"You have no ideas?"

"How would I?"

"Anakin, of course. They've been married for years."

"Married?!"

"Of course! You wanna see the babies?"

"Sure, wait – babies?"

"Twins," she grins, with a lightness that lasts for only a moment, "Luke and Leia. Come on."

She pulls him into the bedroom where the twins are staying. They're both still fast asleep.

"They're so cute," Lux breathes.

She grins. "I know."

"So, where is Padme?" he asks.

"She's resting. Recovering. It was... hard on her," Ahsoka replies, "I'm on babysitting duty all alone right now. Unless you want to help?"

"I don't mind," he says, still not taking his eyes off the twins. He seems thoroughly enthralled by them. "But I think all they'll be doing for now is sleeping."

"I'm expecting that's all they'll do until nighttime," Ahsoka smirks, "Then they'll keep waking me up."

"Well, I don't think I'll be able to help at that point," he says dryly.

"Probably not," she agrees, "We only have one bed here, and that's mine." For a moment, just a moment, things almost could feel like they used to. Before all of this. But then, as always, she remembers again.

"Are you okay?" Lux asks, suddenly.

Ahsoka frowns. "Yeah, why?"

"You seem... upset about something. I thought you would be happier with two new siblings."

"Things are so different now," Ahsoka sighs, looking down. With the Republic, with the Jedi, with everything. It's the truth, even if she's leaving out a large part of it.

Lux nods, reaching over and taking her hand. "At least we still have each other."

"At least," she agrees, squeezing his hand back.

***

Anakin has never been more grateful for his specialties in stealth than he is now. Getting all the way into the prison is hard enough and getting out – especially with Obi-Wan of all people – will be far more difficult. Obi-Wan has never been good at these things. Breaking out Ahsoka in such a situation would be easy. The hardest part will be dealing with Sidious once he discovered the truth. Anakin will try to cover his tracks, but the truth of what happened is quite obvious. Anyone can find it if they are looking, and Sidious knows him better than maybe anyone.

What's definite second worse is trying to deal with Obi-Wan himself. He will not be appreciative of this, and Anakin doesn't know if he can handle it. It doesn't matter though. He knows he's committing treason to do this, and his former master should know that too. (That doesn't mean he'll care.)

He dodges any security on the way, finally reaching the cell he's looking for. The entrance is ray-shielded, so he can see Obi-Wan on the other side. He stands immediately when he sees Anakin, and for a moment, Anakin freezes, hand hovering over the control. He's not ready for this. He's not ready to confront his former master again, but there's no other choice. He can't let Sidious kill him. That would be far worse.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan says curtly, eyes hard, as Anakin finally deactivates the shield. There's no way he can't feel all the death in the air here, and even if he doesn't know what Anakin and Ahsoka did, he can probably guess.

Maybe just not talking about any of this at all will be easier, though he doubts he'll be that fortunate. "There's not time," Anakin replies shortly. "I came to get you out of here."

From the surprise that flits across Obi-Wan's face, he obviously wasn't expecting that. "Why?" he asks, though he steps out into the hall. He's still looking at him with suspicion and it hurts, even though he knows he deserves it.

"I'm not letting them keep you here." Anakin replies, darting off down the hall without another word. They need to move. (And maybe if they do, they can avoid talking.)

"I was in there because of you," Obi-Wan retorts.

He tries not to flinch. It's the truth, after all. "I know," he answers icily, "But it was better than killing you."

They keep moving through the halls, making their way towards a back entrance, ducking any patrols that pass by. "What's wrong with you?" he asks, bitingly, "How can you support a Sith?"

"I am only doing what I must to keep my family safe."

"And what of the Jedi?"

"They committed treason."

"It's our duty to stop the Sith," Obi-Wan snaps, "And it's also yours."

Anakin tries his best to suppress the sting of it as they keep moving.

Finally, they reach an exit, and race out of the building for the speeder Anakin left waiting, quickly disappearing into the Underworld. They've gone undetected so far, but he knows this is going to trace back to him if Sidious really looks into it. "You need to get off Coruscant," Anakin declares, "And just... stay hidden." Even now, he can't handle the thought of anything happening to him. He can't believe this is really a goodbye, though. Obi-Wan has been the one constant person in his life, and now... He doesn't know when he'll ever see him again. He won't, unless something changes, and he doesn't know that he can handle that thought.

Obi-Wan eyes him for a long moment. "What about you?"

"I'll stay here. I can't leave. I'm sorry, Master. I want to go with you, but I can't."

"Can't, or won't?"

"Do you even want me?" Anakin asks, almost bitterly. "You know what I've done. I'm not a Jedi anymore." Nor can he be again. There's no coming back from the Dark Side. He already knows that.

There's a heartbeat of silence. "You Fell, didn't you," he states more than asks.

Anakin looks away, not replying. He hates how he feels small and worthless again, under that look, judging and criticizing his every move as always.

"I don't understand why you would do this."

"I had to," he replies.

"Why?"

He falters for a moment. "I had to... save my family. It was – You should go before they realize you're gone." He doesn't want to talk about this, and most of all his master needs to leave before it's too late.

"I assumed even after the war we would still... work together," Obi-Wan says after a long pause, which Anakin thinks might be intended as an answer to his question of if he wants him. Maybe.

"I – I'm sorry," he chokes out, past the wave of emotion suddenly rising in him. He doesn't want this. He doesn't want to have to make this choice, but he doesn't know what else to do. And so long as Sidious rules the Empire, this is how it's going to be. "I – You should go." He doesn't want him to, but he has the sudden feeling that he needs to.

Obi-Wan watches him another moment almost looking as though he's considering saying something, before he turns and walks away.

He's been through plenty of extremely painful goodbyes before, knowing he won't see the other person again for a long time, but in many ways, this is the worst. He doesn't know when he'll ever see Obi-Wan again. Or if. He'll have no way of knowing if he's safe, and they're on opposite sides now, which makes it worse. (And with his mother, at least he knew she would always love him, but he can't say the same here. Even if they do see each other again, by then, he doubts Obi-Wan will want anything to do with him.)

***

He hasn't had time to even begin sorting through his mess of emotions over what just happened when Sidious asks to talk to him. He needs to stay calm, Anakin reminds himself. If he panics, that will give the truth away.

Going into his office doesn't give the same sense of acceptance he always used to feel. He stops by the desk, keeping his expression neutral, and trying to focus on anything else.

"Lord Vader," Sidious greets, standing, circling around his desk, "I assume you have heard of Master Kenobi's mysterious disappearance."

He forces himself not to react too visibly – although on second thought, maybe he should have. "I have," he admits.

Sidious is studying him far too closely now. "He could not have done this alone. Only someone with knowledge of the area and experience with this could have done it. Another Jedi, or perhaps... a traitor?"

He needs to stay calm. If he were a Jedi, it would be simpler, but as a Sith, he doesn't know how to control himself. He doesn't know how to feel his emotions without... not feeling them. He doesn't know what to say either, so he opts to remain silent.

"I trust you will find and eliminate the breaches in our defenses," he continues, moving closer. Anakin can't believe he once liked this. Now it only makes him feel sick. "Unless perhaps," he adds, turning towards Anakin, his eyes glowing gold, "You desired this?"

Staying calm is always easy in principle. Not so much in practice. "I would never –"

"How can you explain the timing?" Sidious asks, and the worst part is that Anakin can sense his anger though he remains completely outwardly calm. How does he do that?

"I –" He needs to say something, a very good excuse if he plans to keep denying it, but suddenly, his mind comes up with nothing.

"Tell me," Palpatine says, and he's standing way, way too close. "What did you hope to gain from this?"

He feels sick, and he doesn't even know how to answer him. "You were going to kill him," Anakin answers lamely. "I – I couldn't..."

"How many," he replies, voice still an icy cool, "Will die because of this?"

Anakin looks down. He doesn't know what to say. He couldn't – He couldn't make any other choice. But he knows it was wrong, and that's the worst part. How many people will die because Obi-Wan led them to rebel against the Empire? Even if Sidious doesn't kill him, he could die anyway and take hundreds, if not more, of others with him.

"How much more will the Empire suffer from your actions? You claim to want peace, but your actions stand in its way. You have joined the Jedi in their treasonous actions."

Anakin knows exactly what this means. The punishment for treason is clear and swift – death. He didn't think it through when he did it, and that could mean he loses everything. Maybe. There's only one thing he can do now, and if that doesn't help, nothing will. (It's the only thing he can ever do when his master is angry with him.) "Master, I will not pretend to understand the full results of my actions. I was not... thinking clearly. He was my best friend, and he was in danger. I acted of instincts, and I... I let it cloud my judgement."

"You are sworn to protect the Republic and the Empire," Sidious replies. How does he successfully sound so menacing and calm at once? "Not your friends."

"They mean everything to me." He says it quietly, but he can't withhold the protest. It hurts too much, and he wishes he wasn't here. He wishes none of this had happened. The Outer Rim Sieges were hard, but it was easier than this. This is beyond his worst nightmares. And nothing can stop the fear clawing its way up his throat, turning his blood to ice. Sidious could do anything to him, and he can't do anything to stop it. He can only submit to it, as always. How did he ever get Ahsoka dragged into this too?!

"The first and foremost importance of being a Sith apprentice is loyalty to their master above all. Your love for your friends makes you weak." Sidious turns away, his anger drifting into the Force. Anakin has sensed that before, only when people are about to lash out physically. He knew it would happen, from the time he first embraced the Dark Side. Now he just wants to disappear somewhere, lock himself away from the world. "You leave me in a... difficult situation, Lord Vader," he continues. "I have no desire to do this, but you know the... penalty of your actions."

"It will not happen again, my master," Anakin promises, quietly. (But it will, if Obi-Wan is in danger again. He can lie out loud, but he can't lie about that to himself.)

"I have no desire to find ourselves in this position again, but I cannot excuse such behavior a second time," Sidious warns.

So he's not planning to... punish him for this? It catches him more than a little off-guard, but it still hardly matters. It's little more than a temporary reprieve.

"I understand," he replies quietly, because he does, but that doesn't stop the fear twisting inside him. He doesn't how long he'll be able to handle this, and he wants out. He almost wishes he could have gone with Obi-Wan, but that's nothing more than a pointless dream. He has to be here with his family, where they'll be safe, not living on the run.

Maybe someday things will change, but for now, he has to do what his new master wants.

***

Ahsoka notices it immediately when Anakin seems usually quiet and withdrawn that afternoon when he returns to their apartment. To be fair, with everything that's changed it's hardly surprising, but still. She takes a seat on the couch next to him, scooting close. "You okay?"

"I let Obi-Wan out and... Sidious found out. It went over as best as you can imagine."

Ahsoka stiffens. Oh. Of course he did. She was wondering what would happen to Obi-Wan, but she tried not to think about it, because she didn't think there was anything they could do. But Sidious... "What did he do?"

"Nothing," Anakin answers, which for some reason doesn't sound like an accurate answer, "But this – it cannot happen again. He will not... tolerate it." Anakin was always submissive like this to the Council, but for some reason seeing it to Sidious is so much worse. Maybe because he was always supposed to have been Anakin's friend.

And Ahsoka knows here and now that they can't keep living like this. Maybe for now, but not forever. "You should help him again if you have to," Ahsoka counters quietly.

Anakin only gives a slight nod, which is enough of an answer.

"I can't... We can't keep living like this."

"We do not have a choice."

"This isn't how it should be," Ahsoka says firmly, reaching over to take his hand. They're the only people who can truly understand each other right now, and maybe that's always been true.

"Sith are different from Jedi. He is my master, and he..."

"I know," Ahsoka replies. She thinks back to Lux's earlier unhappiness, and now she knows they need to do something, but perhaps the best way is by going along with what Sidious wants for now, getting a higher up position with access to everything they need, and then making their move. "The galaxy might need an Empire for stability right now, but..." She doesn't know if it actually does, but she thinks her implications are obvious enough. Talking about it probably isn't a good idea, though. She leans closer before Anakin can reply, wrapping her arms tightly around him.

He returns it just as fiercely, and she leans against him, wishing she could pretend for a moment that everything is alright.

Chapter Text

When the Senators from the group of Two Thousand gather again, the group is far smaller. No one says so, but Lux knows it's because they don't know who all they can trust. The only ones here now are Bail, Padme, Mothma, and a few others. They all know that they can't sit back quietly while Palpatine destroys the galaxy like this.

He may claim that it's going to be democratic, but Lux saw enough of that with the Separatists. He won't fall for it again.

And then, of course, there was what happened with the Jedi. Legally, they may have committed treason and action had to be taken against them – although he still thinks he's missing something huge here, especially given that he doesn't like Palpatine in the first place – but there's no way all of them could have been guilty. It's worse that Palpatine did have the legal authority to order their mass execution, because of the emergency powers he was given throughout the war.

Joining the Republic had seemed like the right thing, but now, Lux has to wonder again. They brought Onderon right under the control of an Empire. He's not going to say so publicly, but maybe the actions the Gerreras are taking back on Onderon already is for the best. They're already rebelling, and he has to say he silently supports it, even if he can show nothing publicly.

Maybe they can take action in the Senate, but he doesn't know.

He knows something's clearly troubling Ahsoka, not as if that's a surprise. With everything that just happened, there's no way it couldn't be. She's usually a lot more open about how she's feeling, though, so he wonders for a moment – but no. If there's anything else, Ahsoka will come to him when she's ready. She always does, and she probably doesn't want the issue to be pushed.

He doesn't know where things are going to go with the Empire, but he knows whatever happens, Ahsoka is going to stand with him. She may have chosen to stand with the Chancellor instead, for now, but in truth, that was the only wise decision, given the situation. It was the legally right choice, whether she agrees with him or not. And trying to assassinate Palpatine is not right, regardless of the reason. He should be put on trial, not just outright murdered. Again, Lux doesn't know all the details.

But he knows if things come to a fight, Ahsoka will be with him, fighting back-to-back the way they did on Onderon, and Carlac before that, when their relationship truly began.

And he's sure Anakin will join them, too. It makes the conversation on how to handle the Empire just the slightest bit easier.

***

It's only a couple weeks later when they accompany Sidious to a place in the Works, something about some new project of his. Ahsoka has a distinctly wary feeling about this.

They follow Sidious through the building, to a railing that overlooks a large training room. Down below, there's about half a dozen figures with red lightsabers gathered. She doesn't recognize any of them – except one.

A much too familiar red and black Zabrak.

Maul.

What?! What's he doing here?!

"Most were slaves of the Light Side once," Sidious declares, "But now they are mine. Hunters, one and all."

"Who do they hunt?" Anakin asks, cautiously.

"Jedi, of course."

"Why is Maul here?" Ahsoka blurts without thinking.

"He was once my apprentice," Sidious replies, "His skills are still... useful, even if he is no longer worthy of that status. He is now the Grand Inquisitor."

Does that mean they're going to be working with Maul now?!

"Tano will join the ranks of the Inquisitors," he continues. Hey wait, when did she agree to that? She keeps quiet, though. It's not as if he cares for her opinion. "And you will train them, Lord Vader. They all have much to learn. Make them a blade that will cut the Jedi infection from the galaxy once and for all.

"I will begin immediately, my master," Anakin replies.

Ahsoka doesn't know how she'll ever get used to hearing him say that to Sidious. Then again, it's jarring to hear him being addressed with a Sith name too.

"Good. Most of the Jedi were killed in our glorious purge, but some few remain." She does not miss how he's pointedly looking at Anakin as he says that, obviously in reference to whatever... conversation they had about it. "The luckiest, the deadliest, the strongest. Those more duplicitous, willing to tell any lie to save their lives. You and the Inquisitors must find these Jedi, Lord Vader. You must destroy them all. For in truth, there is no greater threat to our Empire."

***

A group of Inquisitors to hunt down the Jedi.

It makes sense. Sidious is right that the Jedi are a serious threat to his Empire. (It only scares him so much because it means it will be so much easier for them to find Obi-Wan. He can only hope his former master will do what he asked him just this once and stay hidden, not try to start a rebellion or something.)

It's worse that Maul is one of the ones here. He's been going after Obi-Wan for over a year now, and now that he literally has the opportunity from Sidious, there's no way he's going to pass up on it. This is not good. But he knows there's nothing he can do except go along with what his master wants.

And... Ahsoka is going to be an Inquisitor? That's not surprising, but he doesn't like the thought of her working under Maul, instead of directly under Anakin himself. But again, there's little he can do about it. Sidious has the final say in the matter, and he dare not object. Not right now. He can push limits later, but the stakes are too high right now.

"Lord Vader," Maul greets, curtly once Sidious leaves, and he goes down to talk to the other Dark Siders. Anakin doesn't miss the clear animosity in his voice, or his obvious anger at having to address Anakin as a superior. He's not taking any pains to hide it either. "I see Lord Sidious' plan for years in turning you to his side has succeeded," he hisses.

The comment shouldn't sting so much. He already knew that, all these years, what Palpatine really wanted was to make him a Sith. But... it means their entire relationship was nothing more than a front. Was any of it real? He can't handle the thought that it might not have been, but he can't entirely deny what it seems like, either.

"I saw the true nature of the Force," Anakin replies evasively. The Dark Side does fill him with a power he never before knew he could have. Maybe it will finally make him strong enough to protect everyone in his family. That's the one thing that always mattered above all else, after all – he is the sun-dragon. He will do whatever he must for his family. (Obi-Wan is still out there, though, and there's nothing he can do to protect him.)

"I have never seen one who isn't raised as a Sith achieve the true power of the Dark Side," Maul says, and that's definitely a pointed jab at him. He's clearly very unhappy that he's technically subservient to Anakin right now. Not that Anakin cares.

"You were raised a Sith?" Anakin asks, instead. He never really thought about it before, but he supposes it makes sense. Maul can't be older than Obi-Wan, so he must have been quite young during the Trade Federation Blockade. It would make the most sense if he was raised a Sith. What would that even be like? Anakin hasn't seen much of Sidious but he's... nothing like what he always thought Palpatine was. He can't imagine actually being raised by him.

"I was," Maul confirms, "Here in this building."

"... you lived here?" The Sith apprentice was also living right on Coruscant, and the Jedi were none the wiser?

"Yes. And the Jedi were too weak to sense it." Anakin... can't entirely disagree with that statement.

He has little interest in working with Maul, but he's not being given that choice, so they might as well at least be... civilized. He hasn't forgotten how he killed Qui-Gon, and how he hunted Obi-Wan for the past year – and killed Satine – but he'll have to... tolerate him for now. Especially since it seems Maul is more competent than any of the Inquisitors, or he wouldn't be their leader.

Anakin ends the small talk there, because they need to get on with training and preparing the others.

He wins the first time he fights against Maul, and it makes him really wish he'd just gone with Obi-Wan in the past when his former master had gone after him. The Sith looks none too happy about Anakin winning against him, but he thinks it gains him a very grudging shred of respect... Not that he cares for any from him, but still.

Except for the missions that Sidious occasionally gives him – he really wishes he was sent with Ahsoka more often, but not everything is under his control – he spends much of his time training with them. Or whatever time he can, back with his family.

The rest of it, he's with Sidious. The Sith Master is unsurprisingly very busy, but he occasionally makes time to spend with him – just as he always did as Palpatine – except this time, it's to train him more in the ways of the Sith.

Sith training is far from easy. It's much more extreme than anything Jedi training was, and he tries not to be thrown into a near panic attack the occasional times he's hit with a blast of lightning. Sidious is only doing it to "help him learn" not to outright hurt him the way Dooku always did, but still. It's only a blatant reminder of the massive power difference between them.

Being around him never gives the same feeling of acceptance and security that it always used to, even if he still finds it surprisingly easy to talk to him, or maybe it's just that Sidious still encourages it so much. He's learning more and more, though, and becoming more powerful, and that's... a good thing. The stronger he is, the more he'll be able to protect his family.

He can only hope this is going to be enough.

***

Ahsoka thought the first few weeks were bad, but this is even worse.

She's been labeled as the "second sister." All of them go by number designations, perhaps a part of leaving their former identity behind? Is that what all this is supposed to be? Will she be expected to do the same? Actually, that's not really a question. She knows she will be. Maybe in some ways that's almost... better, because she isn't the Ahsoka she used to be anymore, and she'd almost prefer it if these people didn't address her as such.

But what she really despises is her new lightsaber. It's double bladed with the most horrific hilt in the history of lightsaber creation. Seriously, how is anyone supposed to fight with these stupid things?! And she has no experience with using a double-bladed lightsaber like this. She's best at using two, and this is a totally new form entirely.

How is she supposed to defeat anybody like this? Or is that the point?

She doesn't think the lightsaber is any less clumsy for any of the others, which makes her wonder, for a moment, if the purpose of this isn't to make sure they'd never be able to fight properly against Sidious if they decided to rebel. The only people who have proper lightsabers are Anakin and Maul.

And she hates when she has to train with Maul, because she knows she'd be able to do so much better if she had her old lightsabers. It already feels like he's coming this close to killing her as is.

She prefers to just avoid all of the Inquisitors entirely as much as she can. This is definitely the most awkward and uncomfortable situation Ahsoka's been in for a long time – except for being forced to work around Sidious all the time. Even being with Ventress wasn't nearly this bad. She doesn't know these people, but they all betrayed the Jedi. (Other than Maul, but she thinks she wants to be around him even less.) Not that she didn't also betray the Jedi, but it feels... different for some reason.

They have the least productive working environment possible, and she wonders how they're expected to do anything properly like this. Not that she minds giving Sidious a hard time, but still.

This is just giving her another reason why she wants to rebel against him, though she's careful not to think about it when anyone is around.

The First Brother – a Pau'an and former Temple Guard – gets on her nerves the most. He's unbearably arrogant and seems to despite nothing more than that he's not the Grand Inquisitor anymore – apparently he used to be? He often acts as though he's intentionally trying to undermine Maul, in some lame hope of gaining Sidious' favors so he can be reappointed to his former position.

At first Ahsoka may have felt similar spite towards Maul, but at this point, she thinks she hates the Pau'an far more. She hates going on missions with all of them – she can never be sure when they'll abandon her or stab her in the back or make her mission fail because they're too focused on fighting amongst themselves – but he's the worst.

And the one thing she really has been noticing is that Maul does not like Sidious at all. He's only loyal for a similar reason that they are – out of little other choice.

And that makes her wonder.

They need help if they'll do anything against Sidious, and even if they can't trust him, maybe... maybe they could get him as a tentative frenemy.

***

With each passing day, Ahsoka knows she's slipping further and further into the Dark Side. Before she could at least occasionally feel a calling of the Light, even if she could never bring herself to reach for it. Now... she doesn't even feel that pull she used to anymore. (Or maybe she's too afraid to. It will mean confronting everything she's done, and she's not sure she would be able to handle that.) Now she knows what the Jedi mean when they say that once someone starts down the path to the Dark Side, it will dominate them forever.

It gives her power she never before had, and she would never give that up. She feels more whole, complete than she used to when she tried to let go of her feelings. It feels like she can finally be herself, without any of the constraints of the Jedi holding her back. (But it comes at a cost that she only spends more and more time trying to hide from.)

She doesn't like how much it's changing Anakin either, but there's nothing either of them can do to stop it. They made this choice. They can't walk away from it. More and more, she knows they need to kill Sidious, and then, Anakin will be the Sith Master. Then, they can make choices of their own, instead of following everything Sidious wants. Even with him gone, she wouldn't let go of the Dark Side (why would she?) but she wouldn't have to keep doing things that she knows aren't right.

Usually she tries to let go of the Dark Side after leaving her training for the day and going back to Padme's apartment or the Senate, letting her eyes turn blue again, but it's becoming increasingly difficult. At first, she only had to hold onto how much she cared for Anakin and the rest of her family and it would be... fairly easy, but now, doing that is becoming increasingly difficult. (It reminds her of why she embraced the Dark Side in the first place, of all the people she killed so she could have this and staying completely immersed in the Dark Side is easier. That way she doesn't have to worry about what Padme or Lux would think either, if they knew.)

Padme frowns the moment she steps into the room. "Ahsoka? Your eyes..."

Right. Of course, she would notice it immediately. This was not supposed to happen. She wasn't supposed to find out, but Ahsoka knew she would eventually. "I know," she replies quietly, turning away. If she was still clinging the slightest amount to the Light, she may have felt a surge of guilt and shame at having to explain any of this to Padme, but she drowns out any such feelings. This is what she has to do. It is.

"What's... happening?"

"The Force," she replies, after a moment.

"What do you mean? How does using the Force do that?"

She clenches a hand but turns back to face her. "The Dark Side," she answers, simply.

Padme stills. "Ahsoka, what's going on?" she demands finally, "I know you've been... different recently. And what do you mean 'the Dark Side'? I don't know anything about the Force, but I know the Jedi always warn against using it."

She has to explain this, or at least a little of it. "The Jedi are considered traitors," Ahsoka replies, "But it's more than that. Any Force user who doesn't use the Dark Side and ascribe to the Empire is... now against the law."

Her frown only deepens. "That isn't right. They can't make regulations like that. And this... this is how you and Anakin..."

"We had to," Ahsoka interjects, "It was the only way. If we didn't, all of us would have been declared traitors." And they had to for her, and for Luke and Leia, but she doesn't add that.

"You should have told me," she replies, with no small measure of unhappiness in her voice. "I've heard rumors about... Inquisitors to hunt down Jedi. Are you a part of that?"

Ahsoka refuses to look away, even if she suddenly wants to. "We have to," she replies, evenly, "Just like you can't outright speak against the Empire."

Padme sighs quietly. "You should have told me about this," she repeats, "You and Anakin both. You shouldn't be in a position like this."

"There's nothing you can do," Ahsoka responds, "As long as – things are like this, this is how it will be." She still doesn't know the extent of what they've done, and Ahsoka can only be glad for that.

"Don't keep something like this a secret from me again," Padme warns, looking very unhappy.

"I won't but... I wasn't ready to talk about it. Anakin either."

"I... can understand," she concedes, "But had you mentioned something earlier, perhaps we could have done something about it."

"There is nothing you can do," Ahsoka replies sharply, "Not without getting you killed. Sidious is too powerful. He destroyed all the Jedi. Do you really think we would be enough to do anything?"

She didn't mean to yell, but it seems to get the point across anyway. "What are they having you do?" Padme asks, almost warily.

"Deal with rebels. Look for surviving Jedi," Ahsoka answers, shortly.

"What... about Obi-Wan?"

"He knows he needs to hide," she replies, "We can only hope he does." And she can only hope no one knows what they're talking about here.

Padme shakes her head. "Neither of you should be in this position. Can you just... leave?"

"Not without being declared traitors. Like this, maybe our positions could be advantageous... eventually." She won't hint at anything more of a rebel alliance than she is already. Padme knows. They all know, but no one talks about it.

Padme nods, though she still looks unhappy. "I suppose you are right," she concedes, "But this is still wrong. I wish you weren't in this position."

Ahsoka moves past her, turning to stare out the window. "Me too."

Anakin gets back before long, and Ahsoka makes herself scarce as he and Padme have a talk about all of this. She can tell Padme's clearly extremely unhappy, but she can only hope that her explanation from earlier will be enough. She does have the right to be upset but yelling at Anakin about it won't help. It will only make him more depressed. Ahsoka finally finishes putting Luke and Leia to bed – she can't imagine a world without them, and for that alone, she can't say she wishes they'd made a different decision even if maybe she also does – before she slips back out, going to join her... parents.

Things between Anakin and Padme seem settled now, although there's a certain tension about Anakin that he didn't have earlier. Ahsoka reaches over, taking his hand, which he immediately squeezes back. A silent promise, that she's going to stand with him no matter what, and she knows he feels the same.

It's still a little early for bed, so the three move to sit outside on the balcony. She used to love coming out here after first moving into Padme's apartment, and she's abruptly reminded of all those months she was here only with her mother, wondering when Anakin would ever be back, if he was okay out there without her at his side.

Anakin sits between them, but Ahsoka notices that Padme also has a certain, definitely unhappy air about her, even if she's not outwardly showing it.

For a fleeting moment, Ahsoka wishes again that things could be like they used to be with her parents, before all of this changed, because of Sidious. But nothing can ever be again. Maybe it can get better, but that won't happen until Sidious is dead. She looks up, staring at the stars overhead, seeing if she can pick out any constellations. There's so many lights on Coruscant it's hard. She tries to let herself find a moment of peace in that, the same way she used to stare up at the stars alongside Anakin on the battlefield, but she can't seem to find that peace. Not anymore.

She wonders when she ever will again. Or if.

Chapter Text

Sometimes, Ahsoka finds it hard to believe it's been an entire year since the Empire formed. But today is Empire Day, marking the anniversary of when everything happened.

And her and Anakin are expected to celebrate. Well, of course, they are.

The party she's attending is beyond stupid – especially when she loathes so much of this, but her hate makes her stronger – but there is nothing that makes it a little more tolerable.

Lux is here with her, though she knows he doesn't like this any more than she does. Actually, probably less.

She had no idea how to dance at first, but Lux insisted it would be easy. It turns out it was – especially because she's very good at coordinated movements of a similar nature, has to be to be a fighter. It's a slow dance, but with Lux here, she can actually enjoy it, at least for a few moments.

Finally, the dance comes to an end, and Ahsoka leans closer, wrapping her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder. Sometimes, she wishes things could go further, but... that wouldn't be fair unless he knew the truth. The very thought of him knowing fills her with... fear. She doubts he would reject her, but in some ways, that almost makes it worse.

Lux found out what her and Anakin do a while back – with her eyes, she could hardly keep it a secret – but for as much as they can, her and Anakin just don't talk about what happened. Padme and Lux don't know anything more than they need to, and she's perfectly content in keeping it that way.

"What are you thinking about so much?" Lux asks teasingly, tracing his fingers over the back of her lekku.

"Us. Everything," she admits.

He pulls back, enough that their eyes meet. "Is something bothering you?"

Her throat feels suddenly dry, and her stomach flips nervously. "I – There's something I should tell you. Sometime."

He frowns. "What?"

She swallows hard. Why did she ever start talking about this? Yes, it's his right to know, but – "Can we do it later? I just – "

She's never been so grateful in her life to hear the sound of her beeping comm. It's Padme. "Yes?" she asks.

"It's getting late, Ahsoka. You should come home soon."

"Still worrying about your bedtime?" asks Lux, faintly amused.

"As always," Ahsoka says with a smirk, though it's mostly feigned. That's not the reason Padme is calling her back, and they both know it, even if no one talks about it. It has to be for something important. Something... not so legal. With how much time she and Anakin spend around Sidious and the other Inquisitors, they can't afford to think about any rebel activity much, but she helps with the little she can, and just pretends to be willfully blind to everything else she knows Padme and Lux are involved in.

"See you later then, Ahsoka." Lux takes her hand and walks with her towards the door. The Celebration of Stupidity and Corruption is still going on behind them, and she thinks it will actually be a relief to be away from the noise.

"You too," she gives him a small smile.

"Be careful," he adds.

"Always." She nods, before slipping out the door. She pauses a moment as she catches sight of her reflection on the side of the gleaming speeder.

Blue.

Her eyes are blue, for probably the first time in... she doesn't even know. They're almost always yellow now.

Apparently, she got more lost in having a good time with Lux than she remembered. She already aches to be back with him – more and more she thinks she really wants to... take things a step further – but for now, she has other matters to attend to.

***

"What happened?" Anakin inquires, as soon as he, Padme, and Ahsoka are alone together. He can sense Padme's emotions – a mix of anxiety, hope, and fear. Something major happened, and he needs to know what. He can guess what it probably has to do with, though, and he immediately tightens his shields just a little, to make sure Sidious won't pick up on anything.

"I got a message," Padme explains, and his nervousness skyrockets. She throws a brief glance around as though to make sure no one is around before continuing. "From Obi-Wan."

Anakin stills. "What?" he breaths, faintly. He hasn't heard any word from him, for the entire year. He misses him like he'd miss rain on Tatooine, a constant ache that never goes away, even if he's come to accept that... this is how it will be for now. He has no idea if he's okay or safe or what's happening, but he knows he would have heard and felt if he died. He's alive, and that's the most he can know for now.

But why is Obi-Wan contacting Padme?! Why would he risk something like that?! If anyone realizes what Padme's involved in, Anakin doesn't want to think about what will happen. It will be the end of everything he has now. She'll be executed for treason. Sidious will never trust Anakin again assuming he doesn't kill him and Ahsoka... No, he doesn't even want to think about it.

(Not to mention his children. He knows Sidious has noticed how strong Luke and Leia are in the Force, but Anakin is only thankful that for now they're far too little to be trained. He doesn't want them to have a like this like – the kind of life he dragged Ahsoka into. He doesn't want to fail his children again)

Maybe most of the galaxy wouldn't actually believe in Padme's guilt, but Sidious would. Anakin and Padme's marriage went public, along with the fact that Anakin is one of the only Jedi loyal to the Empire who now works as the Emperor's right hand. Which means that anything Padme says against the Empire is completely discredited, often as nothing more than an attempt by her to drag the rebellion into trouble. It's what most of the populace believes, even if Lux, Bail, Mothma, and others – the less Anakin knows about their secret identities, the better – know otherwise. Sidious is watching her closely, though. Anakin knows that much.

"It wasn't direct," she hastily reassures. That makes him feel a little better, but only a little. He knows Padme has... contacts, but Sidious could still figure out.

"What did he want?" Ahsoka asks.

"They are... working on a plan. They didn't give me details, but they have a way that might work to lure Sidious off Coruscant. He wants to know if you'll help."

For a moment, he can hardly breathe, especially not with his surge of fear for how this will turn out. For how it could end for Obi-Wan. For how it could end for every single one of them. (For the very thought of Palpatine being dead.)

They're planning to kill him. Anakin knew that was coming eventually. He also knows that until then, his family won't be safe.

But this is – this is his mentor that they're talking about, someone he always looked up. A part of him has... already accepted that he's not the person Anakin thought he was, and he's considered killing him in the past, but hearing it spelled out, about to happen, is...

Maybe it needs to be done, but that doesn't mean he wants this.

"We have to," Ahsoka declares firmly, determination blazing in her eyes. It's so simple for her. She doesn't know Palpatine. She only knows Sidious, and she rightfully hates him. "Of course, we will."

Ahsoka pauses, throwing a questioning glance at Anakin.

He knows what he needs to say in response to this, so why is it so hard? Why does it hurt so much? It feels like he's betraying him, in a way worse than what Obi-Wan did to him back in the Hardeen incident, even if... maybe he doesn't owe him that same level of loyalty.

"I... need to think about it," he answers finally, hollowly. It feels wrong to consider it with an actual intent to carry through with it, even if he knows they need to. And if Obi-Wan is planning to go after him anyway, it's almost down to a choice between the two of them. And that very thought fills him with a chilling fear. "They want us to coordinate our attack?"

"At the very least, they want to make sure you won't intervene on his side," Padme replies.

Anakin wordlessly shakes his head. He has to pick sides in this. There's no choice, and it's not really a question of what side he has to choose. There is only one side he can choose, even if he's not sure the guilt of that will ever go away. (Anymore than it will for all the other things he's done.) "I... I'll help," he answers at last. If Sidious finds out about this, they're all done for. He doesn't even want to think about how the Sith would react if he finds out about this. Anakin can only hope he can't sense his intentions right now, because he... often seems to.

Padme seems relieved. "I knew you would," she smiles, "I told them as much already. When you need to communicate more, I will tell my contact." And this was exactly what Anakin was hoping to avoid all this time, dragging Padme right into the middle of it. If they do this, it will mean she will take the fall for it if they are discovered.

That means she can't stay here. It's too much of a risk either way. If they fail, Anakin knows Sidious will take the twins to raise as Sith. They need to be as far away from here as possible before this happens, preferably somewhere even Anakin and Ahsoka don't know where to look.

He needs time to think about all of this. It feels like everything is about to fall apart, and he doesn't know if it's for better or worse.

***

"Are you alright?" Ahsoka asks, following Anakin as he leaves the room. She can tell he's clearly not happy about this at all, and she supposes she can get why. Somewhat. She knows he still... cares for Palpatine, even if she can't fathom why. And, of course, if this goes wrong, they could lose everything. Her mind drifts to one-year-old Luke and Leia sleeping peacefully in the next room. Her little siblings. She doesn't want this to change. But it's inevitable. They can't leave Sidious in control.

Anakin breaths out a quiet sigh, not answering for a few moments. "I am fine."

That is definitely a lie. "I know he was your friend..." Ahsoka begins, hesitantly.

"I know we must do this," Anakin interjects. Definitely a sign he doesn't want to talk about it. Maybe she shouldn't push, but it also means he probably needs to talk, even if not right now.

"Yes," Ahsoka agrees, "But I can understand it if you're reluctant." There's a lot more she could say, but it wouldn't really help right now. Instead she steps closer, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Anakin returns it equally fiercely, and she can feel his surge of protectiveness, and... carefully concealed fear. Of course.

"Padme cannot stay here," Anakin declares firmly after a moment.

Ahsoka blinks. "What? Why?"

"If we do not succeed, he will..." A pang of chilling fear grips her, the memories of the Jedi Masters Sidious killed burning far too clearly at the forefront of her mind.

"We won't fail," Ahsoka whispers, but she thinks it sounds more like a prayer than a promise. They can't afford to. They can't.

"It is still a chance," Anakin replies quietly, and she tightens her grip.

"I know," she breaths, "We... we need to prepare." What that involves though, she isn't really sure.

"He will see it coming," Anakin warns.

She freezes. "He won't know we're involved," she protests, desperately. Of course, Sidious will sense something, but they need an element of surprise here.

"He may sense it. We must be prepared."

"How?" she wonders. They can set up an elaborate trap for him to walk into, but she can't be sure even that will be enough.

"He will have reinforcements with him," Anakin reminds.

"Then we need backup, too, that he won't see coming," Ahsoka declares, but thinking about it, her mind only draws up blanks. "What about the clones?" That wouldn't work, though, because they all have chips, and they'll do everything Sidious tells them, even if they'd much prefer to listen to Anakin. The 501st had been with them when they marched on the Temple. And most of them are gone now. She doesn't want to think about it, because most of her friends are dead now, whether during the time she wasn't around to know them, or during that attack. She never expected when she left that she wouldn't fight alongside the clones again until she was attacking the Temple.

"On an upcoming mission, we could... free them," he suggests, "But it will be risky, and Sidious may learn of our plan before we carry it out."

"Then we should go there expecting he knows we're coming," Ahsoka decides grimly. It's all she can think of now.

***

Technically the initial effect of the chips wore off not long after Order 66, but the clones are still being controlled to a point, and the chips could easily be reactivated again. He tells Padme to send a message that they need a little more time to prepare, and then, they wait.

The next mission Anakin is on where he actually has the chance, he secretly has Rex taken to the medbay and de-chipped. He leaves Ahsoka elsewhere, to make sure that they don't get interrupted, and to cover for both of them.

He breaths out a quiet sigh of relief when the surgery is finally complete. It's some minutes later that Rex slowly opens his eyes. "Rex?" Anakin asks, "How are you feeling?"

"I'll be fine, sir," he assures. He slowly sits up, reaching up to touch a hand to his head, to the area where they cut out the chip. "I am just... thankful to have it out of me."

Anakin nods, nearly wincing. To think he led the mind-controlled army on the Temple that got so many of them killed. He had no idea of any of that until it was too late, and by then... he could hardly argue with Sidious about it.

"I'm sorry," Anakin murmurs after a moment, "I should have taken care of this sooner." He didn't want to leave the clones with chips in them, but the risks were too great. He should have listened to Fives. Then, so much of this could have been avoided. Force, what is wrong with him?

"None of us believed Fives." Rex shakes his head. "That isn't on you, sir."

It is, though, because these were his men, and this happened to them because of him. They can only move forwards now, though, and de-chip the rest of the boys who are left.

He can only hope that they'll be able to do it without catching anyone's attention. He's taken as many precautions as he can, but anything more, and people are definitely going to start getting suspicious.

Still, he can't shake the feeling that something is going to go wrong,

***

The day they planned for comes far too quickly. All Anakin knows is that he's not ready. He's not ready to turn his back on all of this, risking losing it again. He's not ready to face Obi-Wan again either. He's not ready to turn on Sidious – the one person who always at least wanted him... though in the end, it was only for his own purposes – and he's definitely not ready to face Sidious once the Sith Master finds out about his betrayal.

But he won't ever be ready. For any of that.

The tension hanging in the air is practically palpable, and Anakin is just grateful that Sidious has had other engagements the past few days, so he hasn't had to spend time around him. He doesn't think he would have been able to completely keep up his act.

The first thing that definitely tips Anakin off that something may be slightly wrong is when he hears nothing about Sidious' plan to disappear off world. He only heard of it from... other sources. Sidious left, and Maul disappeared too, so he can only assume they're walking into the trap. Although he can't shake the feeling that it's with full knowledge of what they're getting into.

The only reason Sidious would have taken Maul there instead of Anakin is if he knew Obi-Wan was there. And suspected that Anakin would turn on him. Fear is clawing at him, but there's nothing he can do except keep going through with the plan. It's Sidious or his family, and there's only one choice he would make in those circumstances.

"We have everything ready," Padme declares, pulling him into a brief hug, kissing him.

"Good," Anakin replies, with a determination he definitely does not feel.

He reaches down, picking up Luke and Leia for what could well be the last time. They gurgle happily, leaning against his shoulders, but he can tell they're a lot more subdued than usual. They can obviously feel the atmosphere, through the Force.

He loves them both more than anything. He'd do anything to protect them – he already has – and he won't let all of that be for nothing. He doesn't want to think about how this may be the last time he sees any of them. But at least if they're safely away from Sidious, that will be one thing he won't have to worry about when he's confronting the Sith.

Finally, he passes them back to Padme.

"When are they getting here?" Ahsoka queries.

"I'm going to meet them," Padme replies, "This is nothing more than a... simple meeting with friends."

"That will be safest." Anakin agrees quietly. He hates this, how everything is up in the air now. And he's dragging Ahsoka right back into the danger the same way he did a year ago, and again, he knows he could never make her leave, even if it would be for the best if he did this alone.

"Good luck," Padme murmurs, and he can see the fear in her eyes. "Be careful. Both of you. Don't do anything stupid."

"This whole idea is stupid," Ahsoka says lightly. But the joke falls flat, because it's so true.

"It is," she agrees, "But you won't be alone. He can't be that powerful, can he?"

"I don't know," Anakin replies. He wants to say no, but he knows better. He doesn't want her to worry too much, but he can't give her false hope. Not in the face of this. "Just stay away with the twins, until all of this is over. If something happens – "

"Don't say that," she cuts him off, "You'll be fine. You'll be back here before you know it." She doesn't truly believe it, he knows, but it's easier that way. She's letting them go for the greater good of the galaxy, and Anakin wishes he could do the same so easily. He can't and never will, though. He'll always protect his family.

"If anything happens," he continues, "Stay hidden. No matter what." It's all he can ask for. It's only that assurance, that Luke and Leia will survive, that gives him the strength to do this, when he's risking everyone else.

Padme stares up at him in silence for a long moment before nodding. "I will."

***

It might be the last time Ahsoka sees Lux, and it's not fair to leave without warning him, even if she can't tell him where she's actually going. The fewer who know about this, the better. "I need to tell you something," she confesses, as soon as she's able to pull him out somewhere private that no one will overhear them.

"What you were speaking of the other day?" Lux asks.

Ahsoka shakes her head. "Not that. Not right now. I have to go somewhere. I – I can't say where. But I don't know what's going to happen."

Any lightness is gone instantly. "That sounds serious. Is there anything you can tell me?"

"It's something you would want me to do?" she offers, trying and failing miserably to flash hm a smile.

"Something we can't do together?"

She shakes her head. "No. I... Not this time."

"Who will rescue you if you need it?" he asks, teasingly.

"Excuse me?" she huffs, "I rescued you over and over again!"

"Really," he states dubiously.

"Well. there was Carlac, and I think I can count at least two times on Onderon –"

"That was only to keep you around," he retorts with a smirk.

She snorts. "Sure. Then I'll make sure I won't need help this time, to keep you away." That promptly kills the mood again.

Lux sighs quietly. "Whatever you're doing just be careful."

"I will be," she promises.

"And come back."

"Of course." It's an empty promise, and they both know it. She has no way of knowing what will happen, how this is going to turn out. She finally steps forwards, wrapping her arms tightly around him, and they kiss, for what she can only hope won't be the last time.

Chapter Text

The tension hanging in the air is practically crushing Ahsoka, and she paces back and forth in the cockpit, her fear only growing. Anakin is fiddling with something in the corner of the ship, but she can tell he's not really seeing it. He's probably feeling even worse than her. She wishes there was something she could say, but there isn't. No reassurances will help. All she can do is offer her silent support, the same way he is to her.

Being around Anakin always used to make her feel safe and protected. It still does, but now, she understands that he can't protect her from everything, even if he'll do his best. And maybe that's what scares her the most. Because if Anakin can't handle something, then who can?

The ship finally jolts out of hyperspace, and the familiar dustbowl of Tatooine comes into view. It reminds her abruptly of when she first became Anakin's padawan. Things have changed so much since then, it's hard to believe it was only four years ago.

"Are you ready?" Anakin asks quietly, turning to her.

"Are you?"

"You do not have to come if –"

It's a very good thing he's flying the ship right now, because Ahsoka is very tempted to whack him over the head. "Of course, I'm coming with you! Why would you ever think I wouldn't?!"

"All of us will not make it out."

She draws in a breath, refusing to let her fear show. She has to control it; Sidious will feed off it otherwise. "I know. And that's all the more reason I'm not letting you go alone."

They spend the rest of the ride down to the surface in relative silence. Not that there's anything to say. Her fear is only mounting, desperation and determination humming under her skin. She needs a fight to let it out.

This is a fight they have to be ready for and win. There won't be any second chances. Sidious will kill all of them, no question about that. The only exception might be Anakin, and Ahsoka is pretty sure whatever fate he would give him instead would be something far worse than death. So, no, there is absolutely no room for failure.

***

Even if Anakin didn't already know where to go, he can sense the darkness of Sidious' presence. It sends an involuntary chill through him, and suddenly he wonders if having the fight here is actually a very bad idea. He knows how Sidious manipulates, and on a place like Tatooine... it would be far too easy to distract Anakin. At the same time, it reminds him of so many dark things, that it makes it easier to draw strongly on the Dark Side. It goes both ways.

Of course, it's hardly ideal for extended fighting, thanks to the heat, but that works to Sidious' disadvantage too, since he's wearing black. (Although Anakin and Ahsoka are, as well...)

But there's no turning back now, and they all know it. From the feel of it, the battle has already begun. As they fly overhead, he can see the flashes of clashing lightsabers down below and maneuvers the ship to the ground a short distance away. Sidious and Maul are both there, and they're fighting Obi-Wan, Vos, and Yoda?

Behind them, there's a number of Sidious' Senate guards, but all of them are staying out of the way, waiting to intervene at a time they won't accidentally shoot Sidious instead, probably.

For a moment Anakin is almost frozen to the spot as he watches. It's the first time he's seen Obi-Wan in so long. He didn't realize until this very moment how much he missed him. For as much as he loves the rest of his family, it will never be complete without Obi-Wan, and he knows it.

"I didn't expect them to be here," Ahsoka murmurs.

"I didn't, either," Anakin replies, standing. This is it. The moment that they reveal themselves. He's not ready. He doesn't know how Sidious will react, and he doesn't want to. (He doesn't want him to die, either, but he knows there's no other way.)

Together, as always, they step out of the ship, and run for the furiously raging duel, leaving the group of de-chipped clones they brought with them to handle the Senate guards.

Sidious flips away from the fighting Jedi, turning to face them. "Destroy them, Lord Vader." There's a dangerous note in his voice, though, that Anakin doesn't miss. He knows why they're here. Of course, he does.

Something in him twists, that part of him that immediately wants to back down, but he can't do that this time.

"Not this time," Ahsoka spits, igniting her lightsabers and diving forwards. Anakin springs into motion instantly, right as Sidious unleashing lightning on them. He deflects it away with his lightsaber – trying very hard not to think about all the times he's been hit with it in the past – but it lets up when Yoda lunges for the Sith. Sidious spins away, lashing out at him with the Force, throwing him back. Vos runs at the Sith again, and Anakin and Ahsoka join. He can only hope Obi-Wan will be able to hold out against Maul for now, because they need everything they've got if they want any chance of defeating the Sith Master. (Does he want that?)

***

Ahsoka's anger is burning furiously, desperation clawing through her as she lunges for the Sith, with both of her lightsabers. She brought her old ones here for this. The Inquisitor's blade design is intended to make them weak, and she wasn't going to take any chances. She's been secretly practicing with these blades again for the past few weeks, and she falls into the flow of how she always used to fight, with ease.

Sidious spins back and forth in blur, a constant flurry of motion as he fends off all four of them. She barely has time to get close enough to hit him, with how he keeps throwing people aside or using lightning against them. He uses the Force more than his lightsabers, she notes.

It would probably be a lot easier if the sun wasn't beating down on them so hard, making it hard to breathe, especially when they're moving so fast. She's fought in much worse conditions throughout the war, but still. They aren't getting anywhere past the Sith's defenses, but they do outnumber him, and she can only hope that that will be enough. She's silently grateful when the duel carries towards a nearby cave, and someone throws Sidious back into it, before they charge at him again.

They're out of the immediate sun and heat, and that makes it a little easier to breathe – although it obviously also makes it easier for Sidious. But if they're battling their fighting conditions as much as they are him, they'll have no hope of winning. And she knows what that will mean. They cannot fail. They cannot.

Sidious hits Yoda with a blast of lightning, throwing him into the wall of a cave, before suddenly whirling towards her, his blade nearly cleaving her straight in two. She jumps backwards, barely missing it, as Anakin blocks him. Vos attempts to take off the Stih Master's head and but Sidious swings downwards, stabbing him in the side.

No. Ahsoka lunges forwards, fast enough to make the Sith pull back and turn away, but she has no idea how deep Vos' injury was. It could easily be fatal, and even if it isn't, that's one person down in the fight. And they still haven't gotten any closer to killing the Sith.

From outside the cave Maul goes flying, and Obi-Wan runs in, charging at Sidious.

Sidious throws Anakin back, and the Force suddenly wraps around her neck – she can see him lifting Obi-Wan off the floor in a Force-choke too – the grip tightening sharply. A blinding panic claws at her, because no this can't be how it's going to end.

But Yoda finally springs into motion again, flying at Sidious. He drops his grip on them, whipping around before he gets his head taken off, batting at the Jedi Master. She tries to quell her rising fear as she catches her breath. It would be so easy for him to kill or seriously injure another one of them, and then she doesn't know if they'll stand a chance.

Especially not as Maul has to run through the entrance that very moment, and she whirls around to attack him. She knows she's the least skilled, and if she can hold him off long enough, giving the others time to deal with the Sith Master...

She doesn't have time to focus on the others as she tries to fend off Maul. She's fought him many times before, and she knows he's stronger, but she just needs to delay him until Sidious is dead. They exchange blows furiously, and he slashes at her, nearly hitting her. She flips out of the way repeatedly, avoiding him, landing herself right next to the other duel.

She crosses her blades in front of her, shoving back against Maul's. But in a physical strength contest. when she can't keep backing away, there's no question who will win. He shoves against her hard. and she stumbles, falling to the cave floor. Maul abruptly spins aside, swinging straight for...

Sidious?

The Sith Master reacts barely in time, diving out of the way. Yoda's blade hits him the same moment, and Sidious throws him back with the Force. Ahsoka rolls away, and starts pushing herself up, but the Force suddenly screams of danger. Before she can scramble for her lightsabers, a blast of lightning hits her, blinding agony consuming all her senses.

She's been electrocuted before yes, but it was never like this. The last thing she registers is hitting something cold and hard a distance away before she blacks out.

***

Desperation claws at Anakin, and he jumps forwards, frantically blocking Sidious' lightning from Ahsoka. It's more intense than anything he's ever used on him in training, and he knows he was going for the kill. Why would he not, after all? They are attacking him.

Sidious lets up the attack as Maul and Obi-Wan lunge at him at once – the irony, and Anakin supposes he shouldn't be so surprised that the other Sith would turn on Sidious the first chance he got – and the duel continues furiously again.

They keep Sidious in constant motion as they press their attacks, and for a moment, it actually seems they're gaining ground on him. He's on the defensive, unless he's just stalling. Something in the Force is shifting, changing, and all at once Anakin hears the sound of blaster shots from outside the cave.

He looks over his shoulder, sharply, to see the clones shooting at a group of far too familiar figures. The Inquisitors.

No.

Force, no.

This can't be happening. They can't –

Sidious' cackle rings out even above the sounds of the fight, and it snaps Anakin back into motion again. This isn't a fight they're ever going to win, though. He knows it with steadily rising horror. This was a mistake. At least Padme and the twins are gone. It's all he can be glad for because all of them here – including Obi-Wan and Ahsoka – are about to die, unless something serious changes. He could try making a deal with Sidious, but he knows, deep inside, that the Sith would never spare them. Maybe Ahsoka, but definitely not Obi-Wan.

He spins away from Sidious, as the first of the Inquisitors enter the cave. "You're weak, Vader," sneers the First Brother, "You betray your master, yet you can't defeat him. You never deserved your position."

They don't have time for this. Anakin sidesteps his blade, catching him with the Force and throwing him out of the cave, knocking over several Inquisitors behind him.

It slows them down only for a moment, though. The six of them swarm into the cave.

He lifts one of them in a Force choke, snapping their neck right as another one lunges at him. If they're going to win this, they have to deal with the Inquisitors and fast. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Sidious shooting lightning at Yoda, who's formed a Force-shield in front of him.

The First Brother goes after Maul, gloating about how he's finally going to replace him now that he's showing who's more loyal to Sidious. Anakin focuses on fighting off the other four, with Obi-Wan at his side. It's... almost strange to be fighting alongside him so in sync now, and it reminds him again how much he missed this. He doesn't have more than a second to dwell on it though, because the Force suddenly surges. He didn't see what happened, but the next thing he knows, Yoda is falling to the floor far too close to their feet, close enough that Anakin can tell he's...

Dead.

Gone. It – it doesn't feel possible, but at the same time, it's never felt more real as everything continues falling down around them. He and Obi-Wan take down two more of the Inquisitors, and Maul stabs the First Brother, right as Sidious unleashes a blast of lightning on him.

He doesn't know if Maul is alive or not when the Sith stops, but one of the Inquisitor – the Ninth Sister – kicks Obi-Wan to the floor, leveling her lightsaber above him before he can move to get up.

And... he knows it's over. There's nothing more he can do. He can't take out both Inquisitors and Sidious by himself. Panic claws at him, as he dares to look away from Obi-Wan for a moment, at Sidious.

"Foolish of you to join with these traitors, Lord Vader." He doesn't sound outwardly angry, but Anakin can feel his fury burning in the Force, and that's what terrifies him so much, because when he's like this, it's always so much worse.

He doesn't know what to say, what to do. They lost, and –

Ahsoka stirs on the other side of the room, and Sidious motions to the other two Inquisitors. The Ninth Sister drags Obi-Wan halfway to his feet, closer to Sidious, before shoving him back to his knees on the floor. The other Inquisitor goes to collect a half-conscious Ahsoka, shoving her down next to him. Her eyes blink open, lucid enough that Anakin doesn't miss the flare of panic in her which she quickly hides when she realizes what's happening.

"Tell me, what could you have hoped to gain by conspiring with these traitors? You know the apprentice does not betray the master until they show weakness. Where in all this have you found it?"

"Everywhere," he replies, eyes narrowed. He knows Sidious is in control here, and he has no idea what to do about that – especially since his entire family is at stake here. Trying to calm him down won't work. "An Empire ruled by fear will never last."

"And yet is has lasted thus far, and it has kept you where you belong until now."

"Only for now," he retorts, past his hammering heart. He really should be quiet, but – that probably wouldn't help either.

"I saved your wife," Sidious hisses, "I supported you when your old master never did, and yet you still have no loyalty."

He breathes in sharply, trying to ignore how hard the words hit him.

"This is not the way of the Sith. The apprentices are always unconditionally loyal, but you have none." The Force flares in warning, and before he can make a move to defend himself a blast of lightning catches him, sending him to the ground screaming.

"Leave him alone!" He hears Ahsoka snarl furiously as the lightning finally lets up, only for the Inquisitor behind her to hit her hard with the hilt of their lightsaber.

Anakin's anger and panic flare, and he tries to move, to push himself up, but it hurts. He's used to forcing past it, but still.

"I see now you never truly embraced the Dark Side," Sidious growls, moving closer until he's practically standing over him. "Your pathetic attachments to your so-called family will always make you weak."

Panic claws its way into his throat, as he struggles to push himself into a sitting position. No, no, no. He knows what the Sith is going to do. He's going to hurt them, he's going to –

No.

"They betray you over and over, but still, you return to them. I warned you after you freed Kenobi that something like this could not happen again." There's a horrible glint in his yellow eyes, and Anakin knows what he's about to do. He isn't going to just kill them. He's going to drag it out, and –

"Master, I –" He cuts himself off. What can he even say? That he's sorry? That he won't do it again? Anything he can come up with is nothing but a pathetic excuse, and Sidious will see it as such. There's nothing he can say to him.

Force, he's supposed to be the Chosen One. He's supposed to be all-powerful, but he isn't even capable of protecting his family and taking down one Sith Lord.

"You will learn loyalty, Lord Vader," Sidious hisses, cutting him off, "Or the rest of your family will follow them."

Anakin makes a move first, a half-hearted attempt to stand up, he doesn't know. But he can't just sit here, not when Sidious is going to kill them. A blast of lightning catches him, throwing him to the ground again.

It's far from enough to kill him, but he can vaguely register that it's of a low enough intensity that it's obvious intended to hurt, not just knock him out temporarily.

And when it's over, Sidious is... going to kill the others and –

He has to stop him.

He has nothing to lose, does he? At least he can try. Even if he fails, at least he didn't sit back and do nothing.

He lets the Force flow through him, feels every emotion he can, drawing on his anger and hatred of Sidious (resolutely ignoring any other emotion, towards him, which is easy right now), and how much he cares for Obi-Wan and Ahsoka, his desperation to get out of here and just live in peace with his family.

The pain is practically incapacitating, but he forces himself to push past it. He's had to do as much for himself before, and this is for his family.

Anakin lashes out with the Force for the Inquisitors first, feeling their necks snapping, their lives disappearing into the Force, before he hurls everything he can at Sidious.

The lightning attack stops instantly, leaving him gasping for air on the ground as the Sith Master flies backwards, slamming into the wall.

He doesn't waste his energy in trying to move; he can see enough from here anyway, instead reaching out with the Force again, letting it flow through him, letting himself feel the same determination he did long ago on Mortis when he had to save Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. It's not the same because he doesn't feel like a literal embodiment of the Force like he did there, but it's close enough.

When the next blast of lightning comes, it hits his Force shield, and he throws it all back at the Sith. He doesn't really know what he's doing; he's just delving as deeply as he can into the Force, letting it guide his every move. Sidious obviously was not expecting that, because he goes down, his own robes smoking, and Anakin doesn't wait, tightening the Force around his neck.

He can feel the Sith fighting back, but he's supposed to be the Chosen One. He should be stronger than this. He is stronger than him, even if he's not skilled enough. The Force is running through him like it's a living thing, though, and he clenches a hand, feeling and hearing the bones breaking.

The last thing he feels is the strong bond in his mind abruptly wrenching apart before everything spirals into darkness.

***

"Anakin!"

Ahsoka jolts forwards, running to him the moment he collapses to the ground. Surprisingly, Obi-Wan gets to his side first. "Anakin?" she asks again worriedly, shaking his arm, but there's no response, not that she really expected one.

She has no idea what he just did with the Force, but she's pretty sure it's something even he didn't know he could do, or she is going to punch him when he wakes up for not doing that a long time ago. But his robes are still smoking, and his face is pale, and Force, he does not look good.

"We need to get him to medcenter," Obi-Wan declares, circling around to his left side, holding his wrist, probably to check his pulse.

"We can take the ship Anakin and I came in," Ahsoka offers. It's strange, being here with him again, especially after how their last several meetings went down.

Obi-Wan nods, picking him up, moving outside and carrying him to the shuttle.

Another flare of anger surges through Ahsoka when she sees the clones outside. All of them are dead, except for a couple, who are too injured to move.

"I'll get Quinlan," Obi-Wan tells her, going back inside. Right. Because he might still be alive, although seriously injured as well. She doesn't think he's going to make it, though.

Ahsoka nods briskly, hurrying through the injured clones, kneeling next to Rex. He's injured too, but at least he's alive. "Commander," he breathes out.

"You'll be alright," she promises, helping him to his feet and taking him onto the shuttle. They really do need to get to a medcenter as soon as possible. Her own body is still aching from being electrocuted, and she's pretty sure there's probably some at least minor injuries caused from it. She can still keep moving, probably for a while if she draws on the Dark Side, but it won't change anything.

They need to get the rest of the clones and everyone on board the shuttle and to the medcenter as fast as possible. She can only hope it'll be fast enough, though right now, she's still most worried about Anakin.

At least Sidious is gone, but as for the long-terms effects on... everything, she doesn't know when, or if, they'll ever fade.

Chapter Text

Being here with Obi-Wan – the only other conscious person even around – is a million kinds of awkward. It reminds her of the occasional times in the war together when Anakin was injured, and both of them stayed near him as long as they could. Until he woke up, or duties pulled them away. It isn't during the Clone Wars anymore, though. They are long past that.

She doesn't really know what to think of Obi-Wan anymore. At the end of the day, it was what he did in the Hardeen incident that made her start questioning everything. She won't blame her or Anakin's choices on him but that is still what triggered the beginning of it. And of course, there was when she was framed, when the only person who stood by her was Anakin.

But there's still a small part of her that has missed how things used to be with everyone. Those times are past, though.

She does her best to avoid him at first, because she doesn't even know what to say, and from the looks of it, he's feeling just as uncomfortable. But there's only so long she can pretend to be busy fussing over Anakin, Rex, and the other boys, before the medical droids kick her out.

"What are you going to do now?" Ahsoka asks finally, simply because the silence is becoming intolerable.

"What are you going to do? You are still a Sith," he replies, and she doesn't miss the underlying note of hostility.

"Just because I'm a Sith, that doesn't mean I supported what Sidious was doing," she snaps.

"Then why join him?"

Her temper flares instantly. "Did you not see enough of Sidious?" she hisses, "We couldn't just leave. Sidious will stop at nothing to keep Anakin with him. We came to help you, risking everything as soon as we could."

He doesn't argue the point, thankfully. "I was in contact with Senator Amidala," he comments, "She said the Empire now goes to Anakin."

"Yes, it does," Ahsoka agrees, trying to tone down on her anger.

"I can't imagine he'll be appreciative of that, unless his opinion on politics has changed," Obi-Wan comments.

No, not likely. She can't even imagine Anakin as Emperor. But Padme... "I imagine he'll hand it over to Padme, but I couldn't say."

Obi-Wan looks as though he's considering saying something else but decides better of it. It's awkward because it's like they don't know each other anymore. They only knew each other for the better part of three years, and they were never close. Now... it's more like they're awkward acquaintances. Maybe she'll just leave any further discussions about any of this for Anakin. He's the one who knew Obi-Wan for thirteen years, after all. It should be easier for the two of them. Probably.

***

Anakin is mildly surprised when Obi-Wan comes in to see him right after he wakes up – he honestly thought his former master wouldn't care to. Or that he'd simply feel too uncomfortable, or something, but he's here.

"Obi-Wan?" Anakin rasps, pushing himself up as best he can. He's exhausted but he can still move. The aftereffects of being electrocuted that badly are going to last for a while, and he knows he has a lot of new scars from it. Not that that's really a concern right now.

"How are you feeling?" Obi-Wan asks, moving to stand next to his bedside. His expression is far more closed off than it used to be, but he sounds genuinely concerned.

"I'll be fine," he answers, automatically.

"You almost died," Obi-Wan retorts, "And I do not believe you have been 'fine' for a long time."

Anakin looks down. He doesn't know what to say to that. It is true. Frankly, he doesn't know the last time he ever was. Maybe the last time he was in his mother's arms. But he can hardly say any of that to Obi-Wan. Not even if they hadn't been separate for an entire year, long enough that it's making everything... even more complicated.

"I saw what Sidious was like," Obi-Wan continues, after a pause.

Anakin really doesn't want to talk about this. Any of this. He feels completely emotionally exhausted, and he hasn't recovered from how close he came to watching Obi-Wan and Ahsoka be killed in front of him. By Sidious who he... He's glad that he's gone, that they're free. (So, why is there a very small part of him that still misses Palpatine?) "I thought he would be... better than this."

"I was referring to how he... treated you, but yes. Why did you join him?" he asks.

"I... was having visions," Anakin explains, slowly. It's not as if telling Obi-Wan will make him reject Anakin any more than he already has, right? "Of Padme dying in childbirth. Ahsoka saw it too. I... I couldn't let that happen."

"You thought becoming a Sith would stop that from happening?"

"Palpatine promised to help her. I didn't know what else to do. Master Yoda already refused to help me." It still fills him with bitterness, and he's always let that fuel him. It's not so easy when he's facing Obi-Wan, though. He wants to pretend that it doesn't matter, but he doesn't want to give his master a reason to reject him entirely. "He told me of a Sith Legend, and the next thing I knew, the Jedi were committing treason. I didn't know what else we could do."

"He was the Sith. We had to stop him," Obi-Wan retorts.

"I saw Windu about to kill him unarmed," Anakin argues, "It – he was about to break the Code, and the laws of the Republic, and I didn't know what else to do."

"And your solution was to break the Code even more?"

Guilt twists sharply in him, and he looks away. It's – a constant part of him now, and he knows he can't let it go. It's why he can't let go of the Dark Side either. "I – will not excuse my actions, Master."

Obi-Wan shifts next to him. He still feels upset, and... that's not surprising. He probably always will be. It hurts, but Anakin doesn't know what he can do about it. "What do you intend to do with the Empire?"

Right. Right. He hasn't even had time to think about that yet. "I – I don't know."

"Ahsoka said you would probably turn it over to Padme." It sounds like that's what he wants, and Anakin doesn't really know what else he would do, anyway. Although he knows that Padme won't leave it an Empire, and he doesn't know if that's really a good thing or not. Sidious was a terrible Emperor, but the system could have worked. It's truthfully the only thing that kept the galaxy from shattering completely in the aftermath of the Clone Wars.

"I will talk to her about it," Anakin decides finally. It's almost surreal, having Obi-Wan next to him again. He didn't realize how much he missed him. He never thought he would have this again. He – he doesn't know how Obi-Wan has been or anything. It doesn't feel like he should have the right to ask after everything that's gone down between them – after how he betrayed everything Obi-Wan taught him, but...

"What are you going to do now?" Anakin asks, hesitantly.

"The Jedi are still considered traitors," Obi-Wan replies, voice hard.

"With Sidious gone, that may... change." Maybe. The Jedi were declared traitors for a reason. It may have to be up to the Senate to decide.

"What are you going to do?" Obi-Wan demands, "You're still a Sith."

Anakin swallows. "Yes. I am."

"Why?" he questions, voice hard, "I know what you told me, but Sidious is gone. Why hold onto this?"

"How could I let it go? You know what the Jedi teach of that."

"You have done the impossible before," Obi-Wan argues, "And you killed the Sith – the only one left is you."

Obi-Wan just wants him back, doesn't he? Is that what this is? He doesn't know, but something twists sharp and painful in his chest. "I can't, Master," Anakin says, quietly, "I don't..."

"Why not?"

"All dark emotions fuel it. I cannot just let them go."

"Can't or won't?" he retorts.

"I don't know how. It's not..."

"What?"

Because he doesn't deserve to be anymore. Because he doesn't... anything. "I can't be a Jedi after what I did to them."

Obi-Wan's expression hardens. "Perhaps not," he agrees, stiffly.

He – he needs to say this, even if he's rejected. It will hurt more than words could ever say, but – At least he'll still have Ahsoka, Padme, and his children. (It will never make up for Obi-Wan, though.) "I'm sorry, Master," Anakin says quietly, trying to force himself to hold Obi-Wan's gaze, hard as that is, "I know that will never be adequate for what I did, but – I am. If you want us to stay apart – I – I understand." He swallows back how choked up he feels, forcing himself to keep talking. "But I – want us to stay with each other. If that's what you want."

Obi-Wan is quiet for an agonizingly long moment. "It doesn't change what you did," he agrees, "But... I would like for us to be with each other."

"You'll come to Coruscant?" Anakin asks, daring to sound hopeful.

"Yes," he concedes, studying him almost speculatively. Anakin hates the distance between them now – but at least this is the first step to changing it. He doesn't know if it'll ever be the same – maybe that's for the best, he doesn't know – but he knows he'll never be complete without Obi-Wan, no matter if he has the rest of his family.

Anakin's mechanical arm twitches suddenly, involuntarily, an after effect of the lightning.

Obi-Wan frowns, very visible concern obvious for the first time. "You can rest now, Anakin."

He's tempted to refuse, only because he doesn't want him to go. "I'm fine," he objects, again.

"Then you would not be in here at all," Obi-Wan retorts, "You were electrocuted badly, Anakin. You need to rest."

He sighs, nodding quietly and shifting to lay down, but really, he just doesn't want his master to leave yet. He won't ask him to stay, though. Obi-Wan reaches down, tugging the blanket partly over him. "Are you alright, Master?" Anakin blurts finally.

His expression softens for a moment, and he reaches over, lightly touching his arm. "Yes. Rest now. And once you are healed, we can return to Coruscant together."

Everything is far from solved, but this is a start, and Anakin feels a strange... happiness in him that he hasn't felt in a long time. Not since before... everything.

***

Ahsoka makes a beeline to Anakin's side the moment she hears he's awake again. He looks exhausted, but he's alive, and she doesn't think there's ever been a moment she was more terrified than when Sidious was electrocuting Anakin. She's still hardly sure how her master did manage to kill the Sith, but – this is Anakin.

"Master," she breaths, dropping onto the side of his bed and wrapping her arms tightly around him. He pulls her close, chin pressing against the area between her montrals. She's getting a little big for him to hold her like that, not that it matters right now.

"Are you alright, Snips?" Anakin asks.

"You're the one who's been in a medbay for days!"

"I know you were injured in the fight," Anakin points out.

"Nothing significant," Ahsoka assures, burrowing into his side. She'd been able to take care of the first aid herself, "Can we go home now?" It's all she wants to do. The fight is finally over – it still doesn't feel real – and there's a lot left to do for the galaxy, but at least they no longer need to fear being torn apart.

"Yes," he agrees, "We can. Padme will be waiting. And Obi-Wan is coming."

"He is?" Ahsoka questions, perking up. "You two talked?"

Anakin nods. "We did. He will stay."

It's going to be strange, having him back. "Even though we're Sith? That's going to be... I'm glad, but –"

"I know," Anakin agrees, "We still have much to discuss with him." He looks happier, she can tell, happier than she's seen him in a long time.

"It worked," Ahsoka says, almost dreamily, "I can't believe it."

"Yes," he concurs, but there's a slight edge there. He sounds more... not unhappy, but she doesn't know how happy he is either. He cares for Sidious, Ahsoka knows, even if he also hates him, so she knows it might be... hard.

She doesn't know what she could say to him though, so for now, she's just content to stay in his arms.

***

Being back on Coruscant is relieving. Ahsoka had feared they may not all make it back, but here they are. It's close enough. It's more than she expected.

"Anakin, Ahsoka," Padme says, brightening instantly, "It's so good to see you."

"Mom," Ahsoka murmurs, a smile spreading across her face, and she runs to her mother, wrapping her arms around her. Anakin joins them half a step behind, an arm around each of them, and Ahsoka can only take a moment to marvel that no matter how broken and twisted this family is, they're still together. Not even Sidious was able to take them apart.

"I was so worried," Padme breathes.

"We all were," Ahsoka answers, tilting her head back to look up at Anakin. She feels free, and it's... overwhelming. Relieving. The worst of it is over now; there's nothing more she can ask for. It's all they've ever longed for.

"I didn't know if – if you'd make it back," she admits, and Ahsoka can acutely feel her fear.

"We're alright," Anakin assures her, as if it needed to be restated. To be fair, it is still sinking in.

"I know," Padme agrees, sighing, though she still looks happy, "But I don't think you have been for a long time. I know what... Sidious had you do wasn't easy."

There's so much of Sidious it's better if Padme never knows. She knows they were forced into it, but she has no idea how much. (She doesn't know much they were tortured, either.) "It's the past now," Ahsoka replies, "I don't want to think about it right now."

"Why don't we go to the living room, and I have Threepio make some hot chocolate," Padme suggests, "The twins are already asleep, but tonight may be the last free night we have, before I'm busy with the Empire."

Padme really has no idea what the word 'free' means to both of them right now. It's filling Ahsoka with a strange sense of giddiness, almost, that she won't have to answer to anyone anymore. She needs to speak with Lux about... everything at some point, though, but it doesn't have to be tonight.

Tonight, they'll spend the first free night since before the Empire formed together and happy.

"Yes," Anakin concurs, immediately, so they settle on the couch, waiting.

It's going to be busy with Padme as Empress, but at least they're together, and they won't need to worry about being torn apart again.

***

Lux didn't realize how scared he was of Ahsoka actually not coming back until she's standing outside his apartment door. "Ahsoka," he breathes, relief flooding him, instantly pulling her into a hug. "I was so worried."

"Me too," she replies, voice muffled, "But we're okay. We won."

"I heard." It feels like a dream that's still sinking in. He feels almost wary to be this hopeful after how... admittedly disappointed he was when joining the Republic, but this time, it actually feels like there may be a chance for things to get better.

They go to sit on the couch together, Lux just letting himself enjoy her being with him again, after he was so terrified she might never come back. But then he notices that she's suddenly looking a little... nervous, almost. "What is it?"

"I..." Ahsoka looks down. "What I was saying about what I needed to tell you."

He's really been wondering what that could be. "What?"

She takes a deep breath, staring at some indistinct point past him, and that's never a good sign. Ahsoka doesn't act like that. She's never so... nervous around people. Even if she has been changing a lot since everything fell apart, and Lux really didn't like the changes. "I... I know you know about what Sidious was having us to do, but it was worse than you know."

He sucks in a sharp breath. "What do you mean?"

"We – I – He had us destroy the Jedi. All of them. We hunted them down for a year now, and so many died, and – " Ahsoka cuts herself off, turning away.

He feels a strange numbness spread through him at the words. He knew it was bad, but... "I suspected," Lux admits finally. "I just didn't know what to do." He knows it's not her fault, but it's still... hard to hear that she did it.

She doesn't reply, body suddenly shaking with sobs.

What?

And he's never seen her cry before. Lux leans closer, pulling her into his arms, and she clings to him tightly.

"It'll be okay," he promises.

"No, it isn't. It can't never be again," Ahsoka chokes out.

"Then we can make it better," he replies, grip tightening, "Hating yourself for your mistakes will only make it impossible to leave them behind. I think you should tell Anakin that too." He knows whatever it is that's going on, they're both struggling with it.

And Lux knows well what it's like to make stupid mistakes – like Carlac. He nearly ended up as a terrorist there.

She sniffles against his shoulder, saying nothing, and he just waits in silence, holding her. He thinks that's what she needs most right now.

***

Being back on Coruscant, without feeling Sidious constantly, is jarring. He's really gone, and it feels unreal. (It was his duty, so why does he feel so guilty?) Anakin did turn the Empire over to Padme, and Obi-Wan is here, too, so that's something.

"I'm glad that you're back... Anakin," Lux greets.

It's also nice to be called his real name again, the name his mother gave him instead of the one his master did. "We're free now," Anakin replies. He doesn't underestimate how much Lux has been looking forwards to this. He can sense it. He understands it, too, because he was in this place with Padme. And he can certainly understand why someone would... want Ahsoka. She's brilliant, she's determined, she's fearless. "If – if you and Ahsoka want to... make it real, I will support you," he says solemnly.

He looks briefly surprised, then smiles. "Thank you," Lux replies, "I don't know if she's ready, but I..."

"It's your choices to make. I'll support you, either way." And it is – this is going to be Ahsoka's choice, and he would like to see her happy, even if it feels like she's too young to take such a step. She always will, though, but more than that, he doesn't know if she's ready for a step that drastic with everything they went through because of Sidious.

"I need to think about it," Lux says, giving him a small smile, "And I will talk to her about it."

Anakin nods. "Whenever you're ready."

"I should thank you," Lux adds after a pause, "You and Ahsoka helped save... everything. It's something the entire Senate never could have done."

"We're only doing what we should have long ago." What we should have done as Jedi.

"Still," Lux says, "Ahsoka didn't know if... you'd come back, so I know it must have been... hard."

One of the hardest things he's ever had to do, not that he'll say so. "Sidious was powerful," he concedes.

"I'm just glad you're alright." He hesitates a moment. "Have you heard what the Senate is saying about it?"

"Padme believed it safer if the details of it did not become public," Anakin replies.

"Yeah," Lux agrees, "They want an investigation, but there's some people who are just... happy he's gone. The Empire could have helped, but never with him ruling."

It makes him feel a little better to hear, and for once, Anakin has the feeling that things may finally get better.

He's confident they will, now that most of his family is back together again.

***

"I've been thinking," Ahsoka comments, standing near the doorway of her bedroom as she watches the others in the living room. The twins are fascinated with Obi-Wan's existence, and Anakin looks to be having too much fun with it. Padme is gone, busy dealing with her new Empress work. Her and Anakin agreed they can't immediately retransform the Empire, but it means she'll be very busy, for a while.

"About what?" Lux asks, smiling in faint amusement as he watches the circus in the next room.

"I know we're a little young for this," Ahsoka replies, suddenly feeling more than a little nervous, "But I... want to go forwards. I want to get married. I want this to be real." And she wants that more than she's wanted almost everything, partly because it would mean moving on from Sidious, and even if she's also quite nervous about what this will mean, she wants to do it. "Padme says she's already making preparations."

"You've told your parents?" he queries, smiling.

It's almost contagious and she smiles back. They're not quite as young as they were when they first met, but it's changed nothing.

They have a chance to go forwards, to shake off the chains Sidious bound them with, and she wants that. Maybe they could leave Coruscant, too, though she can't really imagine a life not central to war. Even if she's just as much tired of fighting.

"Yes, I did. They want me to move on from everything. I do, too. I can never forget what we've been through, but this feels more as if I can move on."

"I understand that," Lux assures, taking her hand, "I... felt much the same after my parents died. I knew Dooku killed my mother, but it wasn't easy to accept. My mother respected him. So did I."

Ahsoka winces. Before, she couldn't understand that, but now, Anakin is experiencing something similar. To a point, so is she, though she never actually looked up to Palpatine. She respected him because Anakin did, but that was all. "At least I can understand where you're coming from now," she replies – no one can understand what terrible choices are better than her and Anakin.

But really? Even if she will never forgive herself for everything that happened, and even if it sometimes feels like she doesn't deserve to be happy after everything that happened – she destroyed the Jedi Order, and they were her home, even if they did betray her – she is happy to move on. Her parents keep telling her that it's something they'll all inevitably need to do, even if it's hard. She's wanted it for so long, and now there's nothing to hold them back, except fear, and for as nervous as she is, she won't let that stop them.

Not now, not ever – she's not a Jedi anymore. She's a Skywalker. There's nothing she could want more than that.