Chapter Text
Meetings with Darth Sidious usually weren’t held in his office. They typically preferred more covert forms of communication and as the chancellor, every meeting held in his office was recorded by the guards posted at the door.
Yet, the office was all too familiar to his apprentice. It was within this very room, many years ago, that Darth Sidious had divulged his plan for Anakin Skywalker, whom had just been an innocent child at the time. But the apprentice knew, innocence was a lie. They had been far younger, when Sidious had discovered them and their innocence had never mattered.
They could remember their Master explaining his plans for the young, newly freed slave. How he had the power to become the most powerful Jedi, the galaxy had ever seen. And, if played correctly, he would be able to destroy the Jedi order from the inside out.
Sidious had not however counted on Anakin’s unlikely dyad to one, Ahsoka Tano, or the effect it would have on his plans.
Anakin had become an unstoppable force on his own, but the added presence of another, only seemed to make him that much stronger.
“Darkness will rise and light to meet it.” Sidious said, the first time they had discovered the connection. His words had felt like poison, even then.
The apprentice knew what it meant. The prophecy of the chosen one had always been vague and open to interpretation. It had never specified whether it was a Jedi or Sith who would be the one to bring balance to the force.
The apprentice had always hoped, that it would be the latter. That Anakin Skywalker, would destroy the Jedi and the Sith, could finally rule.
It was no secret, the apprentice loathed the Jedi. And it was not for the reasons most assumed. It wasn’t because of the Jedi's teachings and code, or their own hypocrisy. No, it was because of the Jedi's blindness, and their ignorance.
They could not see that they had already failed. They could not see a galaxy in chaos before the war had even begun. They could not see the truth, the Sith had risen and were waiting, biding their time.
The apprentice could not wait, to see the look on their faces, when they finally realized, that they had lost. The apprentice could not wait, to see them destroyed.
Anakin had the power to accomplish that. Ahsoka, however had the power to stop him. Yet, together, united, they had the power to do almost anything.
Anakin was already halfway there. With each passing day, the apprentice could sense the light inside of him, dimming. He had grown cold and distant, his mind, shielded, guarded. And yet, he had not turned.
But, with recent developments, developments that neither they, nor Sidious, had a hand in, he was closer then ever.
It was after all, the nature of darkness to consume. Anakin would turn. It was only a matter of time.
When he did, he would be a weapon of immense power. He would destroy the Jedi, and in the process the remaining light inside of himself, her light.
The apprentice felt a surge of hatred, as they thought of the Togruta. Her very existence, was a thorn in their side. Because she shouldn’t exist, a force dyad hadn’t occurred in centuries.
They were a myth, a legend. Yet, the fact remained, that their dyad existed, and had the potential to become a very real threat.
The apprentice couldn't understand why Sidious wanted her alive, let alone unharmed. It was no secret, how the apprentice despised her. She was the embodiment of everything the Jedi stood for. Everything, the apprentice hated.
It would be a pleasure to see her fall, the apprentice thought.
Sidious had given strict instructions, the moment the dyad had been discovered, that Ahsoka was not to be harmed.
They would obey. They had to, or face the wrath of Sidious. Yet, they longed for the day, when Sidious finally gave them the command, to kill her. They couldn’t wait to sink their blade deep within her chest, to see the life fade from her eyes.
The apprentice felt the shift in the force, moments before Sidious made himself known. Sidious was the only person in the entire galaxy, who was able to sneak up on the apprentice and remain undetected.
The apprentice turned around, as Sidious entered the room. The Sith lord had a smug, self satisfied grin, that the apprentice could not read.
They were tempted to question him, about the sudden shift in his force signature but they decided against it. Sidious did not take kindly to being questioned, especially when it came from his apprentice. It would be unwise to ask.
The apprentice bowed their head, respectfully. Sidious took a seat in his chair, motioning for the apprentice to sit down. The apprentice obeyed, sitting opposite their Master.
They could not see his eyes but they could feel the intensity of his gaze. It was the same intense gaze, that the apprentice had felt the first time they had met him. The first time Sidious had taught them how to mask the darkness inside of themselves.
The Sith's probing presence in their mind was unmistakable. The Apprentice could sense that Sidious was on a relentless hunt for something, or more precisely, someone. It had become a recurring pattern, a constant in every interaction they’d had over the past month and the apprentice allowed it.
Allowing the Sith to delve into their thoughts and memories seemed the wiser choice compared to attempting to resist him.
The intrusion of his presence in their mind was far from gentle, and the apprentice couldn't deny the pain it inflicted, but they masked their expression, not giving their Master the satisfaction of seeing their pain.
Finally, after a long moment, the Sith pulled back, a satisfied expression crossing his features.
The apprentice did not allow themselves to relax, not fully. Their master was up to something, he always was. They were not foolish enough to think, that the Sith had gotten what he wanted, so easily. No, Sidious was a master of deception. He was manipulative, cunning, and the apprentice, had no doubts, that whatever his motives were, he would succeed.
The apprentice waited, as Sidious studied them. Finally, the Sith lord, spoke.
His tone was casual, conversational, almost friendly. The apprentice did not believe for a second, that his intentions were friendly.
"I must admit, my young apprentice," he started, "I had not expected such an, interesting turn of events. Tell me, are you pleased?"
“Yes, Master.” The apprentice answered, knowing the words Sidious wanted to hear. The truth, was irrelevant.
Sidious was silent for a moment, his silence was unnerving. Finally, the Sith spoke, his tone was low, and menacing. "Your thoughts betray you."
The apprentice stiffened, they knew Sidious was right. Sidious always knew when his apprentice was lying. It was, of course, one of the many reasons, the apprentice did not like, the Sith in their mind.
Sidious continued, as though the apprentice had not heard his last comment.
"You do not agree with my plan for the dyad. I can sense it."
The apprentice could sense a hint of danger in Sidious's voice. They knew that the Sith lord valued their knowledge and skills, but if the apprentice ever became a liability, a threat, then Sidious would not hesitate, to kill them.
"Why spare her?” The apprentice hesitated for only a moment before continuing, “She is a Jedi. She is a threat. You know as well as I do, what she is capable of."
Sidious leaned forward in his chair, and the apprentice felt their stomach drop.
"Because, she will be useful. Do not mistake my compassion, for weakness. I am doing what is necessary, to achieve my goal."
"I am not trying to question you, Master."
"Perhaps not. But I can sense your displeasure."
The apprentice said nothing, knowing that it would be unwise to respond.
"It is understandable. I have put a great deal of faith into you. I have trusted you, with things, I would trust no other. It would be wrong, for me not to allow you the same level of trust."
Sidious leaned back in his chair, a sly smile crossing his features.
"What is it, you would tell me, if I were to allow you to speak freely?"
The apprentice paused, considering their response. The last time they had spoken openly to the Sith lord, he had punished them, severely. They had no wish to repeat the incident.
The Sith lord was a master at deception, and his patience was running thin. If the apprentice was not careful, he would grow tired of their games and simply dispose of them.
The apprentice sighed, knowing, that it would be better to speak, now, and get it over with, than to risk the Sith's ire.
"Why spare her?" The apprentice asked, their voice calm. "She is a threat. She can undo everything we have worked for."
"She will not." Sidious responded, his voice sharp. “She is the key, to his undoing.”
The apprentice raised an eyebrow, the meaning behind the Sith's words, were lost on them.
“I do not expect you to know of such things.”
“What things, Master?”
“Love, love is the key she will use to destroy him. The key to his undoing and the order will follow.” Sidious replied, his words echoing, in the apprentice's mind.
Ahsoka's connection to Anakin, was a double edged sword. She had the potential to save him from the darkness, or to be the catalyst that would destroy him.
There was a chance, that Anakin could be redeemed, the apprentice could not ignore that possibility. Ahsoka had the power to destroy him, just as much as she had the power to save him. The risk was too high, a risk the apprentice couldn’t ignore.
"If Skywalker turns," the apprentice started, "and if she is not killed in the process, she will be a threat. You would risk the success of our plan, for what? Sentimentality?"
"There is no sentiment. My intentions, are far greater, than you can comprehend."
"Then explain it, to me."
The Sith said nothing, but his eyes were glowing with rage.
"Explain to me, what purpose, the girl could serve, if she is not destroyed. Explain to me, why you are so adamant on keeping her alive? She is a threat. If she survives, she will be our undoing."
"If she is not ours, she will be his. It is inevitable."
"What do you mean?"
"You are correct. There is a chance that Skywalker could be redeemed, there is also a chance, that he will fall. And when he does, the girl will follow him. It is the nature of their bond."
"What are you suggesting?"
"I am suggesting, that we wait. We allow them to play their part. The girl will be his undoing. Her presence is the only thing that will lead him to the dark side."
"Are you certain of this?"
"Yes."
The apprentice could sense the truth, in the Sith's words. The certainty in which he spoke. But still, the apprentice could not ignore the nagging doubt in the back of their mind.
"What if, she does not follow him, what if she fights against him?"
“Then she will die and his transformation to the dark side will be complete. And there will be no going back.”
The apprentice nodded. There was some sense in the Sith's logic. It was of course a risk. A risk the apprentice was not certain was worth taking.
Yet, the apprentice could not ignore the thrill that coursed through them, as they thought of the possibilities.
They thought of Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One, a Jedi, the hero with no fear. They thought of him, on his knees, a broken man, stripped of everything he loved. And, they thought of him rising again, a Sith lord, more powerful, than any that had ever come before him.
And the apprentice thought, of the young togruta, the girl who was Anakin's match. She was strong, and she was powerful, and the apprentice would very much enjoy, seeing him destroy her.
* * *
Ahsoka was surprised when she received summons to see Master Yoda. Not that it wasn’t expected, yet the location was different to all there previous meetings.
She walked slowly, taking in the bustling Jedi Temple. The younglings had a session in the training hall, their small voices carried through the air, echoing with their laughter. The older Padawan's were gathered in the main hall, some sitting while others stood around chatting, the soft chime of their sabers echoed in the distance.
Ahsoka took in a deep breath and held it as she released her feelings into the Force, trying to keep calm and collected.
A few younglings ran passed her, giggling and racing towards their instructor. She couldn’t help the smile that spread across her lips, as the small Togruta female looked at her with wide eyes before rushing to catch up with the group.
Walking into the large training room, Ahsoka saw Master Yoda meditating on a mat. She closed the door softly and approached him, kneeling before him.
He didn't open his eyes or acknowledge her presence for a long while, instead, she settled into the meditation as well, clearing her mind and letting her worries fall into the Force.
She didn’t know how much time passed when he finally spoke.
"Strong your feelings are." He said, "Strong and painful. Confusing."
Ahsoka felt her face flush, she knew this was coming. "I apologize, Master Yoda."
"No need." He opened his eyes, "Know I do, why you feel such things."
"You do?" She asked, not knowing what to say.
He hummed softly and nodded, "Long time, these feelings have existed, yet recently grown they have.”
"Feelings, Master?” She asked, not knowing exactly what the Grand Master was picking up on.
"The Force is strong with you, Ahsoka." He looked at her, his expression was unreadable, "A great fear you have.”
"I do not understand, Master." Ahsoka looked at the mat, trying to find the words to say.
"Hmmm," Yoda hummed, his eyes watching her intently. "Difficult this is for you. Confusing. Yes?"
"Yes, Master."
"Tell me you must, Ahsoka. Help me to understand, you will."
"I don't even know how to describe it, Master Yoda." Ahsoka shook her head, her fingers fiddling with her robes.
"Try you will." He said softly.
"I'm afraid, Master." Ahsoka admitted, swallowing the lump in her throat.
"Afraid, why?" He asked.
"The mission, I’ve never felt that weak before.. That powerless."
"Hmm," Yoda hummed again.
"I couldn't protect my men. I failed them."
"Fail, you did not."
"I was useless, Master." She shook her head, her heart aching. "I couldn't do anything. They died, because of me."
"Strong the darkness is, Ahsoka. Not a failure you are. Powerful, you are. Strong and wise, yet still learning. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering. Do not let the darkness take hold, you must."
"Yes, Master. Thank you." She whispered.
"Yet, not only fear and sorrow is it you feel. Hmmm?" He tapped his cane against the mat.
"Master?" Ahsoka looked at the small green Jedi Master.
"Hmm," He hummed again, looking at her. "Strong and confusing the feelings are. Unfamiliar, they are to me. Hmm."
Ahsoka blushed and looked away, knowing the conversation was about to take a very awkward turn.
"Feelings, we have been taught, are something to let go, not embrace."
"Yes, Master. I'm sorry."
"Why, sorry are you, young one?" He asked.
"It's just… I get confused sometimes. It's forbidden for a Jedi to form attachments yet we're suppose to be compassionate.”
"Emotion, yet peace." Yoda said softly.
"But how?" Ahsoka looked at him. "How can we remain peaceful and compassionate, yet not form attachments? How is it possible?"
"Answers, you seek." Yoda said softly, his eyes staring into hers. "Understand, I do. Know what you feel. A great conflict, I sense in you."
"I'm not sure what I'm feeling."
"Feel, you do, yes?"
"I think so." She answered honestly, her hands twisting together.
"Trust the force, you must, young one."
"What if it's wrong, Master?"
"The force, never wrong, it is.”
"Then why do we feel the need to let go of these feelings? Why do we not embrace them?"
"Strong emotions can cloud judgement. Dangerous the dark side can be. Lose yourself you can. A Jedi is selfless, compassionate, wise. Not selfish, not possessive. The Jedi Code, you have read. Have you not?"
"Of course, Master."
"Remember, I do, your trials, Ahsoka." Yoda tapped his cane on the ground. "Remember the choices you have made. Remember, you do, the strength you found. Trust the Force, you must. Do not be afraid, young one."
Ahsoka flushed a deeper shade of orange, her face burning as her hands tightened into fists.
"A great Jedi, I believe you will be. One day." Yoda gave her a rare smile. "Yet, still so much there is to learn. To discover. About yourself and the Force."
"Yes, Master. Thank you." Ahsoka bowed.
"Much there is to do. A gift for you, I have.”
"Gift?"
"Hmm," He nodded and stood.
Ahsoka watched the small Jedi Master shuffle over to his discarded robe and rummage through the pocket, pulling out a small box and walking back.
"Take this, you will."
Ahsoka accepted the small box and opened it, inside was something completely unexpected. A small, colourless crystal. She lifted it, holding it up in the light.
"Master?" She looked at him.
"A lightsaber crystal, it is." He smiled. "Bond with the crystal, you will.”
“Master, I do not understand.” Ahsoka was confused, why was Master Yoda giving her a crystal?
"The crystal, the heart of the lightsaber. A Jedi's weapon.” He answered patiently.
“Yes Master, but I already have one.” She reached behind her, touching the hilt of her own lightsaber.
"A new one you will build." He told her. "A new beginning, this is."
"Why, Master?" Ahsoka asked, not sure what was going on.
"Strong you are, young Ahsoka. Two you shall wield.”
* * *
A few days had passed since her last visit to the training room, and she returned with a sense of determination, a bag slung comfortably over her shoulder. Within that bag lay the small, unassuming crystal, and her newly built sabre hilt.
As she stepped into the room, she carefully set the bag down, Ahsoka inhaled deeply. With gentle hands, she withdrew the small, box from the bag's depths and placed it within her palms.
Seating herself in the center of the room, her legs crossed and her hands resting calmly together, she prepared herself for the connection she sought to forge.
Closing her eyes, she began to breathe deeply and slowly, seeking the inner calm that would allow her to attune to the Force. The energy, like a constant gentle presence, enveloped her.
Slowly, with each passing moment, the crystal in her palm hummed softly, as if calling to her, drawing her into its ethereal depths. The connection between them deepened as she focused her intent, reaching out to the small, colorless gem. Its inherent beauty was undeniable, a silent testament to the wonders of the Force.
Determined to strengthen this bond, she concentrated harder, delving deeper into the connection with the crystal. Its allure was irresistible, and her heart swelled, as it beckoned her, like a siren's song, inviting her, commuting to her.
When she finally opened her eyes, the crystal was emitting a soft, pale glow that illuminated the room with an otherworldly radiance. A satisfied smile graced her lips as she gazed upon the crystal.
With careful practiced hands, she delicately inserted the still colorless crystal into the waiting hilt of her lightsaber.
As the crystal settled snugly into place, she activated the weapon, and the result was nothing short of mesmerizing.
The blade that sprang forth was unlike any she had ever seen in her journey as a Jedi. It bore the distinct hue of blue, reminiscent of the serene waters of a tranquil ocean, reflecting the vastness of its depths. But it wasn't just blue; there was a subtle interplay of colors, an enchanting dance between the azure and a soothing green.
The green wisps of light within the blade seemed to ebb and flow like the lush foliage of a vibrant forest, creating a mesmerizing contrast to the deep blue, as if the two colors were inextricably entwined.
Quickly, she reached for her other weapon, igniting it also. To her surprise, it too had changed.
It wasn’t blue, nor was it green, but a balance of the two. Like an amalgam of the two hues, it seemed to draw from both and yet, at the same time, exist as an independent entity.
As she examined the two blades, she could feel the power emanating from them. They hummed with an unmistakable vibrancy, as if they were alive, infused with a life of their own.
There was an intensity in the weapons, a fierce and raw energy. Yet, she could feel no darkness, no hatred or anger. Only a sense of calm and serenity, as if the two forces were at harmony, co-existing, existing in a balance.
“I thought I might find you here.”
Ahsoka jumped slightly, so consumed with her creation, she hadn’t felt a presence approaching her.
She turned, and her eyes widened in surprise as she saw Obi Wan standing at the door, an amused smile crossing his features.
She smiled as she deactivated her lightsabers, placing them back in their place, as Obi Wan took a seat beside her.
"They’re beautiful." He remarked, looking down at her now extinguished sabers.
"Thank you." Ahsoka replied, her smile broadening.
"Master Yoda has taught you well." Obi Wan looked up, meeting her eyes.
"I was originally taught by the best." Ahsoka said, nudging him with her arm.
"Well, I'm certainly no Master Yoda."
"You're the next best thing." Ahsoka said warmly.
"Is that a compliment, or an insult?" He raised an eyebrow.
"Can't it be both?" Ahsoka retorted with a snort.
"So, this is why you haven't been answering my comm." He chuckled, as he pulled the device out.
"Oh, sorry, Master. I didn't realize. I've been working on these for a while."
"So I see." He smiled, before continuing, “The council wishes to speak to you.”
"What? Why?" Ahsoka frowned, she hadn’t expected to be called into seeing them so soon.
"They have a new mission for you."
"Already? What kind of mission?"
"I do not know. They did not specify. But youu'll find out soon enough." He smiled.
Ahsoka frowned. A mission. She wasn't exactly thrilled at the prospect, after what happened on the last one. "Master?" She looked at him.
"What is it, Ahsoka?"
"Nothing."
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"It's just... the last time I had a mission, it didn't exactly go as planned." She mumbled.
"I'm certain this will be different.” He looked at her, placing a warm reassuring hand on her arm.
"I hope so, Master."
"You have nothing to worry about, Ahsoka. Everything will be fine. The council is confident in your abilities." Obi-Wan continued, rising to his feet. “We should go you’re already late, my old padawan.”
Ahsoka watched him walk towards the door. Sighing, she reluctantly stood, picking up her bag and following after him, a sinking feeling in her gut. “Right behind you, Master.”