Fall of the Chosen One

Chapter 8

Ahsoka had first thought that the Council would be the worst thing she had faced, but as it turns out, she was wrong.

Her trial was the absolute worst. It beat her experience with the Council by a lot. But, of course she was still happy that Senator Amidala and Anakin had her back the whole time. Though, Anakin had left, swearing that he'd find the real criminal.

It was nearing the end of the Trial, and Ahsoka grew worried that Anakin wouldn't show. But she was also worried to what he would do if he did find the criminal. She knew that he could never keep his emotions in check, and neither could she that much. And he did have quite a few violent outbursts and seeing as he was protective when it came to her or anyone else he cared about, Ahsoka wouldn't exactly blame him if the criminal was brought back dead.

But at least he had kept his promise of coming to see her before this whole Trial even began. That's when he had told her that Senator Amidala would be defending her. She felt a huge relief at that, knowing that she'd have her back.

Then, when they began, the hatred Ahsoka had felt toward Tarkin had pretty much exploded. She hadn't shown it, of course, but she wanted to. She had a feeling he had wanted this to happen from the start. But she couldn't just jump to conclusions.

So, when the Trial neared its end, Ahsoka held onto hope that Anakin would arrive. She knew that he had a tendency to barge in last-minute, which was probably exactly what he would do.

Saving the day, as always..

And that was exactly what happened.

"With an overwhelming count of-" Palpatine began, about to make the announcement of whether she would live or die, Anakin walked through the door. "Chancellor!"

Then the attention was turned to him. Ahsoka turned as well, looking at her Master in confusion. He apparently found who was behind this..

"I hope you have a reason for bursting into our proceedings, Master Skywalker," Palpatine spoke.

Anakin walked forward. "I am here, with evidence and a confession, from the person responsible of all the crimes Ahsoka has been accused of."

Ahsoka heard a few murmurs around the room. She wasn't prepared for what was about to come next.

The Guards stepped out of the way and Ahsoka felt like she was just stabbed in the gut.

"Barriss Offee. Member of the Jedi Order. And traitor.." Anakin spoke the word with such menace it made Ahsoka slightly nervous.

Barriss walked forward, gaze cast toward the floor.

"Barriss? Is that true..?" Ahsoka asked, seeming to already know the answer but still hesitant anyway.

"Tell them the truth," Anakin demanded.

Then, Barriss stepped forward. "I did it. Because I've come to realize what many people in the Republic have come to realize."

Ahsoka felt absolutely betrayed. Barriss was supposed to be her friend!

"That the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war! That we so lost our way that we have become villains in this conflict. That we are the ones that should be put on trial. All of us!"

The room was silent for a moment as Barriss's words echoed. "And my attack on the Temple was an attack on what the Jedi have become. An army fighting for the Dark Side. Fallen from the light that we once held so dear. This Republic is failing! It is only a matter of time!"

She stepped back, and Ahsoka lowered her gaze in absolute betrayal.

Barriss framed her. Her friend framed her.