Battle Scars (Hobbit/Star Wars Crossover)

Chapter 26: An Old Friend

Once Ahsoka's trial was on, all the Masters from the Jedi Order, including myself were present at her trial. We watched as Padmé defended Ahsoka, but Tarkin was brutally degrading Ahsoka, swaying the decision of the jury. I anxiously watched as the trial went on. When the jury had decided, Palpatine then stood up, announcing the decision. "Ahsoka Tano by an overwhelming count-"

"Chancellor!" 

We turned to see Anakin and Neria walking into the room with several Temple guards beside them. I furrowed my brows. What was going on?

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

"We are here with evidence and a confession from the person responsible for all the crimes Ahsoka has been accused of." Anakin announced. 

"Barriss Offee, member of the Jedi Order, and traitor." Neria stated.

They then moved aside, revealing Barriss. My eyes widened. Barriss was responsible for this?

"Barriss, is that true?" Ahsoka asked, sounding hurt.

"Tell them the truth." Anakin ordered. 

"I did it because I've come to realize what many people in the Republic have come to realize, that the Jedi are the ones responsible for this war." Barriss confessed. "That we've 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! And my attack on the Temple was an attack on what the 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's only a matter of time."

My stomach churned at her words. Part of what she said was true, we have lost parts of ourselves and what it means to be a Jedi.  

"Take her away." Palpatine ordered. 

At his command, the Temple guards took Barriss away to a cell. Once Ahsoka was cleared from all charges, we returned back to the temple. Currently, Neria, Anakin, Ahsoka, Jara, Master Plo, Master Mundi, Master Tiin, Master Windu, Master Yoda, Obi-Wan, and I were in the Council chambers. 

"Ahsoka, I am so sorry about everything." Anakin said. 

"You have our most humble apologies, little 'Soka." Master Plo added. "The Council was wrong to accuse you."

"Yeah, we're truly sorry about all of this. We should've remained by your side when you needed us the most." I chimed in.

"You have shown such great strength and resilience in your struggle to prove your innocence." Master Tiin pointed out. 

"This is the true sign of a Jedi Knight." Master Mundi stated.

"This was actually your great trial. Now we see that. We understand that the Force works in mysterious ways, and because of this trial, you have become a greater Jedi than you would have otherwise." Master Windu mentioned.

"Back into the Order you may come." Master Yoda said.

"They're asking you back, Ahsoka." Neria commented with a smile. 

Anakin extended out his hand, revealing the silka beads that were torn from Ahsoka's head. "I'm asking you back."

We then watched as Ahsoka placed a hand over Anakin's, slowly closing it. Tears filled Ahsoka's eyes. "I'm sorry, Master, but I'm not coming back."

We then watched in devastation as Ahsoka walked out of the chambers and out of the temple. My heart dropped. I watched as Anakin and Neria rushed out to follow her. I understood...I wanted to walk away from the Jedi Order. I wanted to return to Middle-Earth and be with Bard, but I can't. I have Jara as a padawan now, I can't be so selfish.