Gates of Hell

Chapter 40 - Resolutions

Author's Note: A... lot of things are resolved in this chapter. There's one more and then an epilogue. I can't believe we're really almost done. It's a little sad, tbh. xP

Next chapter: November 23rd

~ Amina Gila

After checking on Anakin and making sure he'll be okay, Ahsoka hurries to find Barriss. She's still in the hangar, lingering on the side, just watching the clones moving about tending to their duties. Ahsoka sits next to her on a crate, sitting in silence for a few moments.

"I'm sorry it came to this," she says finally, quietly. She doesn't even know what to say, how to handle this. Barriss killed her master. She can't even begin to relate to that, much less understand what her friend is going through.

"I as well," Barriss replies tiredly. Her expression is neutral, blank, but Ahsoka can feel the rolling emotions under the surface. "She was my master. She was supposed to train me to be a Jedi, a peacekeeper. I don't understand how it all went so wrong and came to this."

"Me either," Ahsoka murmurs, nudging their shoulders together, trying to offer comfort. She sends a steady understanding through their bond, hoping it will help. Even if she can't say much to her, she can at least be a supportive presence while Barriss grieves. Maybe there is nothing she can say to ease this pain. Maybe all she can do is stand beside her while Barriss copes and heals. Maybe that will be enough, even if it doesn't feel like it, even if she still feels helpless, as if she should be doing something to help.

Barriss has never been one to talk about her emotions much, anyway.

"If you ever want to talk, I'm here," Ahsoka offers, because she needs to at least do that much.

Her friend nods. "Thank you, Ahsoka."

They sit in silence for many minutes, watching the clones move about, lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Ahsoka breaks it. "What are you going to do now?"

Barriss sighs heavily, slumping. "I can't go back to the Order after what I did, even if they would let me. I... don't know yet."

"I understand," Ahsoka assures, "You don't have to be a Jedi to help people. Look at us. If you want to help, then I know the Emperor will have a place for you."

It's those words which make Barriss sit up a little, turning to her. "Tell him thank you," she answers. "I know he's Anakin, but I don't really understand how."

"It's... complicated," Ahsoka tells her, shaking her head, "He's from the future, a future, but you'll have to talk to him if you want to know any more."

"That's okay," Barriss assures. "I know it's not your place to tell me." She hesitates, before leaning a little closer. "You're a good friend, Ahsoka. Thank you for helping me."

***

"What happened?" Anakin asks in an effort to divert the conversation to something a little less personal but just as important. He's tired and in pain, and he's trying to hide it. Discussing emotional topics is the last thing he wants right now. Besides, as the heir to the throne, he thinks it's his responsibility to be aware of everything that transpired in the battle.

"We have eliminated or subdued all the criminal factions which attended the meeting," Vader informs him.

Padme is sitting in a chair at his bedside, still holding his hand in hers, and it's nice, comforting. He's missed being around her and knowing that they don't have to hide anymore is more relieving than he could have anticipated. Obi-Wan is hovering behind her, arms crossed, obviously a little uncomfortable at being here. Probably, he just feels out of place, understandably after everything which has happened.