Fall of the Chosen One

Chapter 7

 "Wolffe, wait! I can explain-"

The blaster, which was set on stun, was shot toward her and Ahsoka fell into unconsciousness.

Anakin and Plo Koon soon caught up with them. Anakin, feeling terribly bad for his young padawan, knelt down close to her and gently ran his hand over her own. How could this be happening to her? She didn't do anything wrong..

When they took her back to the Temple, Anakin couldn't help but continue to steal worried glances toward the unconscious Ahsoka. Of course, they'd likely be able to keep her in the Temple than in a place that wasn't extremely familiar to her.

Once they reached the Temple, Ahsoka had woken up. Then, they were sat next to each other, awaiting Ahsoka's trial with the Council. Except, Anakin had stood back up and began pacing back and forth while the thoughts of how they could possibly think a girl as kind hearted as Ahsoka could commit such a crime swirled in his head.

It hurt. Not physically, but mentally. It hurt knowing that the Jedi seem to just lack faith. Ahsoka was clearly being framed, but yet of course, everyone seems to think otherwise. Just because the evidence points to her.

"You're not helping, Master.." Ahsoka said with a sigh.

Anakin sighed as well and sat down next to her. His gaze was downcast, but he looked up quickly to meet Ahsoka's. "I'm sorry, Snips..I-I just don't know what to do.."

"It's okay. I don't either," Ahsoka replied.

Then, it was time to begin. Anakin wearily glanced at Ahsoka as they stepped onto the circle in the middle of the room, along with the Temple Guards. They were lifted up until they came to a merely empty room, except for the council chairs lined across the top. Ahsoka was lifted up to be almost eye level with them while Anakin had to stay down below.

Yoda was the first to speak up. "Padawan Tano. Serious charges have been levied against you. How plead you?"

Ahsoka took in a breath and raised her head slightly to be able to look at the Grand Master more clearly. "Not guilty, Master. I would never take the lives of innocents. The values of the Jedi are sacred to me."

"There is evidence to the contrary," Ki-Adi-Mundi said. "You were alone with Letta Turmond when she died. Can you explain this?"

Ahsoka felt a slight fear rising in her chest. Of course, she was already nervous. But clearly they could sense that she was telling the truth..

"Someone used the force against her," She replied. Then, she looked to Master Plo, whom she looked up to as well, as he was the one who found her in the first place. "Which brings us to Ventress. Can you explain your association with her?" He asked.

"We...had a mutual understanding.." Ahsoka replied. "I thought she was helping me."

Windu cut in. "Did she help you acquire the nano-droid weaponry found when you were apprehended? The same devices used in the bombing of the temple."

Ahsoka couldn't believe that they'd possibly think that she'd kill innocent people. She could never do that. And she didn't need to hear the Council say it themselves to know what they're thinking. All of this because of public opinion.

"No! I was set up and deceived. As you are being deceived now!"

"The question is, Padawan Tano," Windu started. "Who is deceiving us? Ventress, you, or someone else?"

The Togruta began to lose her patience. Her irritation with the Council and the Order itself only grew. "I am not deceiving you! I would assume Ventress is, but I can't be sure..My sense is..clouded."

It was Yoda's turn to speak up again. "Clouded by the Dark Side, these things are Padawan Tano. Dangerously clouded. But not just surrounding you. Surrounding many things, in these times."

Anakin cut in this time. And Ahsoka could tell that he was likely as angry with the Council as she was. If not more so.

"You've already made your decision, haven't you? This meeting is just a formality!"

Ahsoka noticed Obi-Wan glance sideways as there was a few moments of silence before Yoda answered.

Unfortunately, Ahsoka already seemed to predict what the outcome of this may be.

"Reached a decision, we have. Though, not in total agreement are we."

Ahsoka knew that was Obi-Wan who didn't agree. Master Plo also possibly, but she couldn't be sure.

"It is the Council's opinion that Padawan Ahsoka Tano has committed sedition against the Republic. And thus, will be expelled from the Jedi Order," Windu announced.

Despite already have known the outcome, Ahsoka couldn't help but feel like she was betrayed. Which wasn't a lie. The Jedi Order was her life..and now they're all turning their backs on her. Most of them, anyway. She could sense Anakin's rage and hatred toward them from where she was.

Anakin looked up at them, wide-eyed and in disbelief. How could they possibly betray her like this? HOW?

"You can't do this!" He shouted, moving forward but the Temple Guards stopped him.

"Your Padawan status will be stripped from you. And you shall forfeit all rank and privileges in the Grand Army of the Republic," Ki-Adi-Mundi said.

Ahsoka could almost feel Anakin's distressed emotions and felt terribly bad for him.

"You will be turned over to the Republic Courts to await your trial. And whatever punishment they will set for you."

Her Padawan beads were ripped from her lekku by a Temple Guard, and instantly she felt a wave of intense emotions wash over her Master. His shields seemed weakened, so she could feel what her Master was going through.

"Henceforth, you are banned from the Jedi Order.."

Ahsoka felt like her world was torn apart right then and there. Soon after, Anakin was rushing up to her, having been allowed a few minutes with her before she was taken away.

"Oh, Ahsoka..I'm so sorry.." He wrapped his arms around her.

"How could they do this..?" She choked. "I thought they'd have believed in me..Master, I swear I wouldn't do anything against the Republic. You have to believe me..!"

Anakin felt his heart shatter. The fact that the Council practically turned their backs on her completely; Because they were more worried about the public's opinion, was disgusting.

"Of course I believe you, Snips..I've always believed you."

Ahsoka smiled. It was more of a weak and watery smile than a happy one. "At least you didn't turn your back on me..Thank you.."

Anakin pulled back and looked her in the eyes. He kept his hands planted firmly on her shoulders. "Ahsoka, I would never turn my back on you. Never. I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

Ahsoka smiled and then wrapped her arms around his neck. "Thank you.."

Anakin smiled, then leaned closer to her lekku. "You know, Padmé hasn't given up on you either.."

"I never thought she would..knowing her," Ahsoka replied softly. Then, one of the Temple Guards came up to them, signaling that it was time to leave.

Ahsoka turned to look at her Master again.

"I'll come see you, I promise," Anakin smiled, though Ahsoka could easily sense his intense hatred toward the Council at this point.

"I know you've probably heard enough of this, but thank you.."