Of Love and War Book 3: In The Thick of Battle

Chapter 18: Season 2 (Grievous Intrigue)

Zelina was the first knight on the scene.

When she heard that Grievous had directly contacted the Jedi Temple, she was there in a heartbeat, standing tense by the holoprojector that was displaying Grievous' twisted, vile form. It took a great deal of effort on Zelina's part to keep the hate out of her eyes under the watchful gaze of so many Jedi Masters.

Anakin and Obi-Wan stood like sentries on either side of her, as if guarding her from herself and ready to jump in just in case she started to do or say something stupid. Whenever Grievous was involved, it was a personal matter, and they both understood that.

Zelina's eyes narrowed to slits as Grievous spoke.

"Greetings Jedi. It would seem once again one of your Order has lost his way; and even better, a leading member of your Jedi Council," Grievous sneered, lifting Master Koth higher by his head. Zelina's gaze turned to daggers, but she kept still, doing her best to keep her anger at Grievous reigned in.

Someone had to stop this monster once and for all.

"Listen to me Jedi," Grievous growled, tossing Master Koth to the floor. "I do not care about your politics! I do not care about your Republic! I only live to see you die!"

A magna guard appeared into the view of the holo, spinning its electrostaff rapidly before jabbing at Master Koth without mercy. Master Koth screamed in agony and Zelina's fingers tightened on her arms that were crossed over her chest, the nails digging in painfully. She didn't feel it though, flashes of her vision of Ur-Sema's death flashing before her eyes when Grievous impaled her master with an electrostaff and electrocuted her to death. Around her there were several younglings who gasped and looked away, and the fact that they had to see that only fueled her anger.

"But death will not come so easily for Master Koth! I will make him suffer endlessly because I know that is more painful for you all!" Grievous declared before he erupted in maniacal laughter that was unique to that monster only; a sound that was burned into Zelina's brain from when he had murdered her master.

She could feel Anakin's tension and anger—though nowhere near Zelina's anger—while Obi-Wan simply stood tense behind her, more concerned for Zelina's well-being at the moment. Despite his own roiling emotions, Anakin was also concerned for her well-being and drew instinctively closer to her.

As the message ended, whispers of monster could be heard around the room, though Zelina wasn't paying any attention to it; her eyes stayed glued to the spot that grievous had been standing not moments before, a dangerous storm of emotions swirling inside of her.

She jumped slightly when she felt a hand on her arm; when she saw the hand belonged to Anakin, she relaxed, letting his presence calm her as much as was possible at the moment.

"Are you all right?" he asked her softly. Zelina noticed Obi-Wan move slightly to shield Anakin and Zelina from at least some prying eyes.

"No," she said bluntly, though there was a soft edge to her voice simply because it was Anakin. Anakin's hand shifted on her shoulder to a comforting position at the side of her arm; he obviously wanted to pull her into a hug but dared not in front of so many Jedi Masters.

"We'll talk after this meeting," he murmured quietly to her.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"Away with the younglings; much there is to discuss..." Yoda said, his voice troubled. There was movement throughout the room as the younger Padawans—Ahsoka included—and the younglings and initiates all left the room, leaving the Masters and a few Knights.