Chapter 72: All the dots
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***
* Another suspended year later *
Practice went on long enough. These two brats were taking exams today. I had a lot of trouble with them, from the self-exploration that is so typical of teenagers to the scandals involving the dishes and Erdva.
The latter was teasing the students more and more, but most of the time he remained unavailable for retaliation - he was on standby, coming out of hibernation only to receive mail or watch our training.
I had arranged the exam in a rather original way - Tano and Shiai were required to storm the ship. I had already trained in creating phantoms to the point where I could easily create a dozen or three or four of them. The ship was filled with images of people and non-humans I'd seen before, from my mother and young Amidala to Qui-Gon, Lex, and Toshi. According to the terms of the exercise, the ship had been taken over by the Sith and it had to be stormed without damaging the civilians, that is, to act quickly, decisively, without lingering in one place, and most importantly, to work as a team. Ahsoka had already learnt enough of the first and fourth forms of combat, as well as simple force techniques. Simple from my point of view - from a Jedi point of view - the standard knight's kit - mind trickery, stun, flash, force concealment, force absorption, defensive forms of combat and on top of that acceleration and amplification, increased stamina and foresight. The same could be said for my son, he couldn't afford to fall behind the girl. The assault began at noon ship time - I positioned myself below the cabins, a deck below, and controlled the phantoms of civilians and Sith. The Sith were figures in dark cloaks with scarlet blades. Attempts to kill the hostages were unsuccessful - the children used their powers to knock the Sith out of their minds, stun, blind, control the hostages' thoughts and make them dodge the villains' scarlet blades. They cleared the cabins in pairs - one in the doorway casts force blows on the Sith, the other attacks with a sword and takes out the hostages. Then they switched places and it went on and on until I changed the record. In the next room the hostages were waiting for them, and the Sith attacked from the back. The children did not fail - successfully parried their attacks, despite the surprise. My verdict is that both of them are Jedi Knight level. But Jedi Knight by local standards, for the old order are still average padawans. Force strikes need to be more varied, stronger, faster, more cohesive and quicker. Ideally, they should pass such an exam like a hurricane that swept across the passenger deck, sweeping away all the opponents on its way - this is already the level of an average good knight by the standards of the old order or master by the standards of the new order.
The honing of abilities has entered a phase where techniques are learnt and endless repetitions are made over and over again in order to perfect the movements. After successfully passing the examination, I called the children to the master's quarters, where we lived.
- So," I walked in after them, making them turn around sharply, "you... passed the exam. Congratulations, you deserve a biscuit. But that's good for now, you'll have to try a lot harder in training from now on.
- We get it, Dad," Shiai sighed, giving Ahsoka a victorious look, "what are your plans?
- Today is a rest day, and tomorrow we'll start the mastery course. You need to learn how to face stronger opponents one by one, so far you are at the level of an average padawan in swordsmanship.
The children settled down and began to share their impressions of the test. I, having already dealt with all the affairs of the empire, was in a state of idleness. I had to spend it the best way I could - to call the children. When they sat down on the sofa opposite, I spoke:
- "All right, we've dealt with that. Now my personal grumblings about your classes. Tano, all you lack is swordsmanship, you, Shiai, too. This matter is not so much interesting as tedious - just devote your time to sparring and practising techniques. In a week I'll start teaching you juyo, but it has its weaknesses.
Ahsoka stepped forward, and Shiai asked:
- What is it?
- You hold an emotional barrier, don't you? - I raised an eyebrow," The weakness of learning juyo is that you can't suppress your emotions. You will have to understand, realise and make sense of your emotions. To be honest with yourself, to no longer hold emotional blocks. It's like wanting to go to the loo and putting up with it - sooner or later it will just... ahem... burst.
Seeing how embarrassed the guys were, I stood up, shook myself off, and called Shiai to follow me. To have a chat.
- Shiai, let's go to the bridge," I led him behind me. We came to the bridge of the yacht. Sitting in the captain's chair, I pushed Erdv aside and asked him to keep the bridge free from eavesdropping.
- Dad? - Shiai was surprised, "Is something wrong?
- No, not at all. I called you here to talk man to man. You know what men talk about.
- Women," Shiai sighed and sat down in the navigator's chair next to him.
- You are a mature young man. Well, in that case, you see why I called you here in the first place. Mature for a Jedi is not so much when he can sleep with a woman, but when he can be honest with himself. Once before Juyo's training, your mother and I decided to be honest with each other.
Shiai opened his eyes in surprise:
- So you...
- For a year we lived on shili and hid our emotions behind blocks. When it came time to learn juyo, that's when we came to some sort of consensus. I think I fell in love with her even earlier, during the training, but it started just as the training began. I only realised it after I left the Order, leaving Toshi alone. If I'd known what her situation was, I would have come back, or taken you with me, but... it was a surprise.
- I get it," Shiai hung his head, "you want to know if there's any... between me and Ahsoka.
- An attachment? 'There is, you can't hide that. And she's no less attached to you than you are to her. I'm only interested in love. Make up your mind, you're at the age to realise that. If you lie to yourself, those feelings will cause you a lot of pain.
- I... I don't know," Shiai shook his head, "do you understand?
- I do. Love is such a thing that you can't understand it right away. It's too late and too early for you to fall in love with her at the same time, your hormones haven't kicked in yet, and you've known her for a long time. But love... it can be.
- I don't know," Shiai hung his head, "maybe...
- Maybe you'll try to deal with it after all? - I raised an eyebrow, -you know, ask her out on a date, go for a walk, watch some play, kiss under the moon....
Shiai only blushed harder at that, and I smiled. It's not that I'm a matchmaker - it's a young thing, love today, wilted tomorrow - but the main thing is that you don't get emotional boils.
From my point of view it looked ordinary, but what passions were raging among the students! It was like Santa Barbara. After agreeing with Shiai, I left them alone, keeping a half-eye on the developments. Shiai honestly told Ahsoka what we had been talking about, and then the girl could be taken away - she was so red in the face. But she agreed to the offer to go out with her just the two of us, and then it was action. Since both of them had no dating experience, they still took my suggestion, visited the theatre, chatted all day, and in the evening Shiai made up his mind. There was definitely love between them. An unskilful but passionate kiss was proof of that, and he was still determined before he walked the girl to her bedroom. Tano pulled him along and they disappeared into her room. I left my sword, which I was once again trying to improve, and climbed up. What I didn't want was for these two girls to become ranettes after looking at all the vulgar girls, that is, to lose their honour before puberty. However, my intervention wasn't necessary. Perhaps it was just me being too spoilt - the couple were practising kissing hard, however, without going over the edge. I had to hide my presence and keep an eye on their cooing - they sat on one big armchair, Shiai put his arm around Tano and, occasionally exchanging kisses, they sat like that for a while, fountaining love and tenderness for each other. Well, thank goodness, the guy is just like me. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I went to bed - the programme was done for today.
In the morning, I went to Ahsoka's bedroom. To see, so to speak, the lovebirds in person - through force it's not that, although the fountain of light emotions just so surrounded this couple. I'd never seen such a stable pure-light background before. The children were lying in a deep armchair, hugging each other - Tano rested her head on Shiai's, and the kid, without being a fool, hugged her around the waist. How cute, it's even cooler than the kitten video by a factor of twenty. Covering them with the blanket I'd pulled from the bed by force, I left their room soaked in light power to the ground. Now the training could begin.
The pair showed up just as I was finishing my warm-up - this time it was more spectacular than it had been a couple of years ago when Tano had first seen me in action - my speeds were about a fifth of the Son's, and that supermonster was a god of war by Jedi standards. Now I might not be afraid to go one-on-one with Yoda, but my mind told me it was a bad idea - the nine-hundred-year-old master would take me down like a baby. He had kilotons of experience, but I had pure skill, not real combat experience. I wouldn't mind taking a swing at Windu. Tano was mesmerised as always by the warm-up, a non-stop hurricane of punches, blocks and dodges.
I stopped and switched off my sword. Hmmm... and the kids were holding hands, consciously or not.
- I see you've made up your minds after all....
They recoiled from each other, blushing.
- Come on," I waved my hand, "I don't know what you were doing in the bedroom last night, but after you, this cabin is so saturated with light power that it's glowing... did I tell you that I inherited my Force Sight from my Miraluka father?
- No," Shiai shook his head, "you didn't say anything about your father at all.
- My mum never talked about him. I only learnt about him from a DNA test. It's not the best topic of discussion, but I think if a woman prefers to say that a child doesn't have a father, then there is a very good reason.
Shiai caught every word, while Tano was just curious.
- Can we start training?
- I want to look into your souls first. Are you willing to trust me and show me what you are? I'm not forcing you, but I won't start training you, Juyo. The risk is... unacceptable.
Shiai immediately said yes, beating Tano by half a second.
- Sit in front of me. You first, Shiai.
We sat in meditation. I placed my hands on Shiai's head and entered his mind, examining the most secret corners. He's... a little afraid of me, very tired from training, and just quietly loves Tano. Just like me and his mother, the feeling is very similar. Quiet, calm, like the taste of expensive wine or the faint scent of flowers... In general, you could call it willingness - he has both the excitement and the desire to get stronger, but for a specific purpose - to protect Tano. Having emerged from my son's subconsciousness, I spread out tiredly on the floor. Such penetrations are very difficult for a Jedi, only a few who have spent a lifetime perfecting the mental arts can do such a thing. There are no such masters now, and I am the Architect. It is not the power, the subtlety, the precociousness of influence that is my true power. Shi'ai didn't let it go to waste either - he was breathing heavily and it was only Tano running up and hugging him that brought the boy back to reality.
- Now you," I nodded to Ahsoka, "are you ready?
- Yes," she walked over and sat across from me.
Her subconscious was a wild cocktail of emotions, feelings, principles and beliefs. So, let's try to sort out the basic ones. Shiai - some guilt, affection, love, no rivalry at all. Rather, she just doesn't stop him from showing his best self, i.e. fluffing his tail. Guilt - because she initially perceived him negatively, as a half-breed. To me... hmm, loyal, and just tons of admiration and... almost worship. The Masters of the Order who trained her look roughly self-taught compared to my Archmages and powers. She feels affection for them, but at the same time, they have faded into the background, but for Yoda there is an enduring dislike. The fact that he and his "light" side deceived her, she has not forgiven until now, although the former outburst of righteous anger at the liar has not left a trace - after all, Yoda acted in the interests of the Order, and his deception did not have such a mean form. Shiai was the same as the boy, but much more emotional; she seemed to have mixed all her emotions, from friendship with her fellow student and solidarity with me, to almost adult love. It was funny, but there was definitely a connection between them.
- Okay," I snapped out of the girl's mind, leaving her to Shiai who ran up. His son was not a stranger, and put his arm around her shoulders and began to whisper something to her. They were cooing again, assholes, not even embarrassed by me.
After a minute, they came to their senses.
- Shiai, Ahsoka, I have two pieces of news for you. Three, actually. Which one should I start with?
- Which one is the bad one? - The boy asked.
- None. All right, I'll start in order. Firstly, you passed the test. You are strong enough in spirit and emotionally stable enough to withstand the training. In fact, I'd say you're a lot more stable than I expected.
- And the second? - Tano asked.
- The second one refers to the two of you. Congratulations, there is love between you two. And don't look at me like that, such mutual feelings are rare in our world, so half of galactica would envy such a relationship.
The children blushed, but only held hands.
- And the third? - Shiai asked this time, -something interesting?
- Very much so. From my senses... so, what did you guys do yesterday? - I frowned. The children blushed again so that the pigments on their faces became very prominent, however, they still remained silent.
- Shiai, as a man, have the courage to tell your Jedi father what you've been up to. And preferably in detail, it's important.
- Well..." he glanced at Ahsoka, "we kissed.
- That's it? I'm not asking if you did anything else," I quickly pointed my fingers at the famous 'sex' gesture, "what did you talk about?
Shiai thought for a moment, remembering," We... well... different things. Ahsoka asked me about my childhood, then I asked her, then we talked for a while more... hmmm... discussing....
- I see. Congratulations, my silly children," I stood up and clapped both of them on the shoulder, "but you have formed a strong bond in power between you.
- It's like teacher and student? - Tano's erudition shone through.
- Stronger. Like between very close people.... Togrutas... in short, don't get lost in thought. Such a bond was extremely rare, however, it often happened between husband and wife, parent and child, brothers and sisters, provided, of course, that their connection to the force and to each other was strong enough.
Tano was frightened by the unknown condition, while Shiai on the contrary breathed a sigh of relief.
- So... how does it affect us? - Asked the girl a question.
- Well firstly - you can feel each other regardless of distance. Feel each other's emotions and even each other's thoughts, if you suddenly concentrate hard enough. Your feelings to some extent bind you through strength to each other, you can say that you are like two halves of one whole. This is quite rare, especially now, but definitely a positive thing. Over time, as your relationship and feelings for each other develop, your connection can also change greatly and take many forms, from being able to, say, look through your partner's eyes, to being able to mentally talk to each other, or using a single power ability together. To be honest, I don't know much myself - this phenomenon is a rare power anomaly, or rather a stage in the evolution of feelings and relationships. It seems that due to the potential and the purity of the power around us, you have crossed several steps at once.
The kids were colouring again as I wondered what I should do under these circumstances. I guess it was my own fault-I'd forgotten how the year on Shili had ended for me and Tosi. Now I have to deal with it.
- So... what do we do? - Tano asked uncertainly.
- Nothing. Live as you have lived, be happy that you are not alone, after all, we can return to this issue later. Just, I warn you, for now, your relationship should not go horizontal. When the time comes, you'll see for yourself.
Today is just so red Togrut day - again embarrassed both two lovebirds.
We started training the next day. I learnt the basic fundamentals from Toshi and developed them with the rest of the styles and training from the Architects, so Juyo is like an individual puzzle. It's a different set for everyone, with its own peculiarities. What I can say for sure is that after the "night of the lovers" the couple's teamwork took a sharp turn for the better. They attacked me as if they were one and the same. What I had said earlier had a basis in fact - the power really did unite them to some extent. I only had time to adjust - they were much more dangerous as a team than alone. Together they were perhaps as dangerous as a couple of good Jedi knights of the old order. After fending off the attacks, I settled on individual sessions with each one. Tano first, the girl quickly grasped Juyo's meaning, faster than I did. It was as if she was born for it - activity, assertiveness, excitement, just fountained, so even armed with a couple of techniques and the general concept, she became a strong opponent. Shiai realised this style later, but unlike his girlfriend, it was not his style. He liked heavier, more powerful styles, without excitement, but with professionalism. I mean, forms two to four. Together they were a very powerful tandem - Shiai's heavy power punches and Tano's whirlwind of punches, jabs, underhooks, and dodges. It was almost impossible to readjust, so any opponent would lose rhythm. I didn't even manage to adjust right away, and even then I had to take a second sword - otherwise I couldn't. Tano preferred two short blades, while Shiai preferred one, classic, but with a long hilt - so he could put all his weight into the blow. By manipulating the reinforcement and centre of gravity, he was able to deliver powerful and fast blows that could easily knock the sword out of the hands of an average opponent.
* * *
Two years later
* * *
The kids, or rather the teenagers, had become quite insolent. At least they stopped hiding and being shy, and even sometimes called each other cute nicknames. It made me depressed - I felt older, seeing their skills, strength, bonding, relationships develop. I had a good time, of course - I became much stronger, had time to rebuild my fighter from the ground up, creating a new machine that was much more organic. I had to study the literature and use my knowledge and strength to the fullest. However, somehow the modification programme was ready, and it was quite impressive, starting with the configuration changes and ending with the colouring. The Empire needed to make itself known - a symbol, a flag, a banner, a corporate colouring. Instead of red-and-white republican my "Venators" were painted in dark blue and white colours. White in general is universal - you can clearly see scorches on it, and it is well noticeable when manoeuvring with manual control.
With one day left until the end of the training, the whole yacht was imbued with an aura of anticipation and uncertainty. Tano and Shiai were both happy and sad about it. Rejoicing - because the torture-training was over, sad... once on Mortis I was also sad when it was over. Because there was no going back, I wasn't the same person I was when I got there, I was an adult. Then, when the time came for me to finish my training, I realised that I was no longer the same Ani Skywalker who had dashingly won the Bunta-Iv-Classic, no longer the same one who had partied with Ali in the dorms, even getting drunk and taking exams at the academy while modifying a droid friend. Now a new life had begun, it was time to grow up a little. But the kids were older now. Not outwardly - inwardly, teenagers of thirteen years old both of them. It was at that age that I spent the night at Aldera, the first time with Ali. From then on, fate was leaving me in the lurch. It was a good thing I'd accumulated enough power and influence to prevent that from happening to my students. The night before the voyage back I tactfully retired to the bow of the ship, where there was an observation deck, and my sensory abilities did not reach their bedroom... Let's just say that it is unlikely that they will physically do something, but I assume that this night they will spend in the same bed.
The skills of both students have been pulled up to the level of a good knight of the old order. A bit of a contrast to their appearance - I did slow down their aging and they looked ten years old. It's not seven, but it's not their actual thirteen or fourteen either. At least I wouldn't have to worry about them, and they'd be able to fend for themselves - I'd given them as many challenges as possible on an old Sith cruiser crawling lonely through hyperspace.
In the morning, waking up refreshed and rested, I jogged through the ship's facilities and ran into our sector. Ahsoka and Shiai were already up and sitting in the living room, talking about something.
- How's life young one?
- Normal," Shiai turned round, "are we going back?
- Yeah. Only in a couple of hours, but for now... I wanted to put an end to your relationship, - I collapsed on the sofa in front of the stunned students.
- What do you mean? - Shiai was surprised.
- To make things clear. I don't really understand how you two are going to live your lives. Well, Ahsoka, where do you plan to go from here? Well, Shia and I are not going anywhere with the Order. He's planning on becoming a Mandalorian, in... a few years, in normal annals. I'm Emperor of Koros, which is the richest of the Core worlds, which is a pretty big political figure... Will you return to the Order?
- I will not leave Shi'ai," Tano said quietly, earning a grateful look from the boy.
- You mean you don't want to go back?
- I... I think I'm out of my league with these Jedi. I don't want to deny my feelings, I love... your son.
- I know that, after all, I read your souls a few years ago.
Shiai hasn't interfered yet. It was so hard with these kids who suddenly decided to fall in love. I think Tano would be a good match for Shiai. He's also a handsome boy by human standards, I don't know by Togrutian standards, but if Toshi didn't cringe at the sight of me, then he's not bad either. And a prince, too... good thing Tano found out about my status as Emperor long after they'd confessed it to each other - less surprises.
- What about you? - I'm not imposing anything on you. Your fate is in your hands. What will you do with her?
- I will support Ahsoka in any case," he said confidently, "whatever decision she makes.
- In that case, it's up to you. You're not little kids anymore, you've got your wits about you, you can talk to us in an adult way. Unfortunately, we're not simple either, you, Shiai, are officially a prince and heir to the empire. Which means your status is important to the entire political community both inside and outside the empire. If you want to stay together, I won't stand in the way of that, and I'll handle the Order issues... somehow.
- What do you mean? - The girl didn't understand, shaking her lekku amusingly again, -I can stay, but...
- But. But there are two options - either Shiai gives up his rights as heir and prince, or we make a marriage between you. There's such a thing as tradition, and I wouldn't want to go against them where I don't need to. So here's the deal. You could still stay in an open relationship, but that would be undesirable - it would cause resentment, and even more so against Mandalorian tradition. And I'm a Mandalorian, in case you didn't know.
I left them alone and went to prepare the exit from the jump. While Erdva and I were checking the coordinates, they had a meeting and came to me on the bridge. It was Shiai who dared to announce the decision.
- Dad, we've made a decision.
- Yes? I turned to them.
- By both, you meant marriage, right?
- Yeah. You're screwed, kid.
Shiai grinned, "As far as I'm concerned, it's still normal among people in our circle. So I'm all for it. I won't refuse to do anything.
- Your decision. Then, Tano, as soon as we jump out, there will be the fastest wedding in the galaxy - I, as Emperor, have the power to visa your documents and change the status of your marital status.
In fact, that's exactly what happened. As soon as we came out of hyperspace, Tano ran to her quarters, Erdwa opened a holomonitor with a terminal and I, using my clearance to the justice system, drew up and registered several documents. Firstly - Ahsoka Tano was granted the title of Countess of Besero. It is a rather cosy planet on the very border of the Empire, with picturesque nature and ruins of old cities long since deserted. Secondly, a marriage is arranged between Countess Besero, Ahsoka Tano, and Shiai Skywalker, Prince of the Koros Empire, and thirdly, Ahsoka Tano changes her full titular name to "Ahsoka Skywalker", becoming an unheralded princess of the Empire. And joining our friendly family in the process. Me, Shia, Satine, now Ahsoka. The Skywalker clan is really growing. If Satine can woo Kenobi, that'll be great. It won't affect our group's political influence, but it will affect the morale of the ruling group. I handed the new cards to the newlyweds, who looked at them as if they were seeing them for the first time.
- So... that's it? - Ahsoka was surprised.
- Yes. By the way, get used to it, you're Princess Ahsoka Skywalker now... well, do you two kiss?! - I was outraged. It didn't take long for them to merge into a kiss, as always, so adorable that it made me tear up. I did.
I was interrupted by Cinna's voice on the speakerphone:
- Chief, how are you?
- I'm fine," I struggled to change my mood, "Did something happen?
- There was a recent enquiry under your details to the registry office of the Ministry of Justice.
- Yes, I know, - I turned to Erdva and he began to broadcast the image of the nerd's sly face, - Well, at least congratulate the newlyweds.
- Ahem," he smiled slyly, "congratulations, young people.
- Cinna, what have we got?
- It's almost done, chief," he immediately adopted a business-like appearance, "the operation has entered its final stage....
- You can talk openly. Did Satine get her way?
- Well... yes. One problem - Ben Kenobi is too worried about his apprentice, so it's advisable that you be involved in the process.
- And their relationship?
- They're hiding it, but they have something to hide.
Cinna disconnected, whereupon I turned to the students:
- Your training is over. You still have much to learn, a Jedi should never stop evolving, but you will be able to train yourselves from here on out. As for the rest... your decision I promised to respect, so if you haven't realised already, from this day forward we are one family. I'm glad, Ahsoka, that such a good girl and strong Forceuser as you have accepted our family name. Now I'll tell you about the Satine and Kenobi operation that made me have to kidnap you..." I made myself more comfortable in the chair. Ahsoka sat in the one next to her and Shiai remained standing next to her.
- I've wanted to ask for a long time... but I didn't dare.
- You should. I'll tell you myself. So, there's my sister, not my own, Satine Kreese. Duchess of Mandalore, as you may know.
- Sister? - Ahsoka was surprised.
- Yes, I'm Skywalker-Kriz. Officially. My sister had a great sorrow - unrequited love. For whom, guess who?
- Obi-Wan," Ahsoka nodded.
- That's right. I should have just brought them together. Whether or not she and Ben could make a relationship work was up to them, and I promised only to get them together. So I used some connections, faked an attack on her, and then the Chancellor asked Yoda to assign a guard to Satine. By the way, Ben Kenobi and Satine Kreese are childhood friends. That's just how it worked out. The only thing that served as a constant reminder to Ben that he's a Jedi and should act like a reclusive monk was you. That's why I had to take you away, it gave those two a chance. If all goes smoothly, you won't be the only one leaving the order, Ben will be staying with Satine too. Considering how much effort was put into this operation - the game was played through the very top of the Republic - I'd be surprised if things didn't go the way we planned. Now, judging by my assistant's report, Satine already has a personal relationship with Ben... well, you know what I mean.
Ahsoka and Shiai turned slightly pink, but remained motionless.
- I mean, I have to fly to Mandalore, and....
- We will. And you will tell him how fate has abandoned you, and that you have decided to leave the Order, having found your one and only Shiai. That's the end of our mission - if Satine and Ben don't get back together after that, I'll give him an educational talk. After all, the Order is not a prison, anyone has the right to leave it freely at any time, not even a light saber.
- Then... let's go to Mandalore," Ahsoka said confidently, "and... thank you.
- For what?
- For... well, I guess you're helping us after all. To the teacher and to me," she looked at Shiai, "thank you.
- You're welcome, Tano. You're welcome.
We're going to Mandalore.
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