Chapter 225: V.3-C.23│War III│
Back within the depths of Sky Palace, or more specifically the technological and mechanical depths of Tatooine, a small group of Jedi Masters, along with Jedi Master Ki-Adi-Mundi have made their way through a maze.
A maze in place keeping them within a tunnel of horrors, and that horror is Anakin, for he is slowly taking care of the Jedi that had deemed it necessary to come after him.
"Master Mundi! We are missing more and more of us. We had around twenty of us here and now we are left with five people." One of the remaining Jedi within this environment had been keeping count.
Of course, if one was taking count of how many people there were and are now, there is also a person keeping an eye on the amount of time that has passed. "Also! It has been around half an hour now!"
All words were exchanged through their normal voices, as it has been proven to them that Anakin could hear them whether they whisper or not.
It is unfortunate that they couldn't communicate mentally, or telepathically like Anakin can with his lovers. "What are we going to do now? There has been no way to get out, and most certainly there has been no clues as to where we are..."
"We must still be within the Empyrean, obviously and we should also still be on Tatooine as well. I am guessing this place is some sort of special hunting grounds that the Empyrean Emperor has created for himself."
"And how do you know this?"
"I am just guessing...?"
"That's enough! Your speculation is probably wrong. However, we must not dismiss the idea that the dark side can change someone no matter their willpower or power." Mundi inputted his own opinion on the situation.
Everyone went silent at this and they would continue to move in another direction, coming across a wall and having to continue moving. At this rate they may start to die down here simply because there is no way out, and a host of other things.
Whether that be because of no source of sustenance or because of a lack of water. Everyone still down here was a human, excluding Mundi. Out of the Jedi that were still alive, there are four humans and Master Mundi being a Cerean.
Mundi would then use his lightsaber against the wall, trying to burn a hole through this strange metallic structure. Unfortunately, the metallic walls would immediately fix itself after the damage was done.
Which is something that scared everyone here, because this is most certainly not natural. "Just where are we!?" One of the Jedi was practically pulling their own hair out, with the others not so far out from this same state.
"You are nowhere special." Anakin's voice was heard as the five of the Jedi had let their guards down for but a moment.
Anakin's voice scared them, waking them all to the very real threat of Anakin lurking in the shadows. He had been after all taking the rest of their comrades from them, but the reason their guard had been let down is because Anakin hadn't been taking anyway after a certain point.
Of course, they noticed this and tried to sense why or even ask why but Anakin wouldn't reply. That is because he didn't spend all of his time down here and had left around the five minute mark to get some lunch.
How could he not abuse his position of power now, and when it came to the Jedi, he didn't actually kill them. However, he would make sure to kill the Jedi Master, Ki-Adi-Mundi for his insolence.
The others may escape, but Mundi may not.
"Will you just show yourself already!?" Mundi was starting to sound desperate, as if his energy was being sapped from him. The others of course noticed this, but didn't put much importance on this and didn't say anything.
They knew that keeping a calm and peaceful mind in a confrontation with anyone is of importance. The Jedi taught this is of importance after all, for emotions could affect their judgement. Given the Mundi is above the rest of them however, it is only natural that they dont question his state of mind right now.
Especially in such tight and confined spaces.
The underground of Tatooine was actually quite complex and different from a sewage system or anything like that. It is a massive network of technology all connecting together to create one massive satellite-esque technology.
It is used to boost alot of connections through the Empyrean, and if it is taken out the backup networks and systems would have to take over. Tatooine's underground is considered the main system, with Siri and Anakin in charge of it.
"Master Mundi. I think trying to lure Skywalker out isn't going to work..."
"Shut up! What do you know?" Mundi seemed to be losing himself somewhat, and this is an effect of Anakin's plan. He wanted to create a reason for him to strike down Mundi, and even though he didn't really need one, he wanted one.
Wanted one for the Jedi that is, as he no doubt would have to explain himself if he strikes down Mundi without some sort of preempt. Of course, coming to kill him should be more than enough, however he wanted there to be no doubt as he was trying to convert the Jedi into his own Empyrean Academics.
"I think that is enough playing around for now." Anakin's voice all of a sudden sounded out, and the next second bright flashing lights started to assault everyone's senses. Mundi and the other four Jedi were blinded by the distracting lights and thus the four human Jedi were gone.
After coming to his sense, Mundi tried to look around as his retina were blasted with strobe lights. Now that it was no more, he had a short period of struggle in trying to see things. After this struggle however, he noticed that there was no one else around.
"Hello!?" Mundi tried to use every sense available to him, most of all he also tried using the Force as well. "Where did everyone go!?" Mundi is most certainly distressed now, knowing that his allies were now nowhere to be seen.
Or sensed at all for that matter and instead he now had to deal with things by himself. "It is just you and me now." Anakin's voice is heard again, but this time it is only directed to the remainder of the Jedi within this metal tomb.
"Ok." Mundi started to still himself within the Force, but even this is not possible because Anakin was making sure that Mundi is not in his right mind. Not that he was in his right mind, but it is better if he records Mundi going crazy and possibly tapping into the dark side unintentionally. "Damnit!" Mundi exclaimed, for trying the Force nothing happened.
It was as if the Force had come to a standstill, where he was unable to use it to look for some sort of answer. He could still use it to empower himself and other things, but trying to seek guidance wasn't going to help him here.
Confused, alone and most importantly desperate, Mundi would do anything now. Even resort to using things that he himself would call out for being heretical against the Jedi code.
The dark side of the Force.
Some lights turned on, finally exposing Anakin to Mundi for he wanted to be seen now. Anakin is in his Nanosuit getup, but he strangely enough had no weapon. "I knew that you were afraid of the dark, so I decided to turn on some lights." Anakin pointed towards the small lights fixtures placed throughout.
It was something conjured by Siri and himself when they wanted. "There you are! Finally..." Mundi seemed mentally exhausted, however his body is fine enough for him to engage in battle.
"Just so you know... I am recording everything that is happening now, incase my friends the Jedi ask me what happened and why I decided to dispose of you." Anakin said.
Ki-Adi-Mundi was a Cerean male who had white hair, yellow eyes, light skin and a height of 1.98 meters. He was a logical and methodical Jedi Master who was well-known for his wisdom, his noble thinking, and his courage. Like other Cereans, he was highly intelligent due to his binary brain, which allowed him to observe both sides of a situation simultaneously.
His wise way of thinking made him an excellent strategist. When Jedi Masters needed advice, they often sought Mundi's opinion.
Of course, he is also a psychopath with no regard for the lives of others, especially beings like the clones. Mundi could be said to be the epitome of what a Jedi should strive to be, unfeeling and disconnected from things.
"I have you now!" Mundi's eyes flashed the Sith colors of yellow and red for a split second before jumping towards Anakin and swinging his saber towards him, trying to take his head off presumably.
[]
Back with Mace Windu, the esteemed and probably one of the most important members of the Jedi in such times. In war Mace is important because of his experience, power and knowledge within things related to the dark side of the Force.
Especially now that the dark side is now more prominent than ever.
"Master...? Qui-Gon Jinn?" Mace didn't know how exactly to address Qui-Gon now that he was not a part of the Order.
"You may call me however you want. I am no master anymore of course, and instead I am but a humble teacher." Qui-Gon replied, as he was approached by Mace. He was not currently taking any classes right now, thankfully for he also had some things to think upon.
He most certainly is not getting on in the years well, and as his body fails him he is reflecting more and more as his remainder of his life passes him by. Not that he hasn't done a great many and deal of things.
It is just he never had a chance to have stuff that normal people would have, and he is reflecting on whether or not his choice to stay with the Jedi was the right one. For now, he is of the mind that his choice was correct for if he didn't stay with them he wouldn't have meet Anakin.
"Right. I have come to talk more on some things and would like you to come with me when I meet up with Count Dooku." Mace most certainly would like a neutral link between himself and Dooku. Mace also was uncomfortable with getting Anakin so he instead went to someone he both knew and is somewhat connected to.
"You wish to see the Count?" Qui-Gon is interested.
"Yes. The Count has some resources, connections, allies and some droids left over himself. The Jedi are ready to start a counter attack against the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious. All we need to do now is try and get Dooku to coordinate with us." Mace said.
"That is a reasonable enough plan. However, I dont think I could do anything. I see no need to have me along..." Qui-Gon is a bit hesitant to face his mentor now, especially since the two of them are more and more similar now.
Qui-Gon knows that Dooku was probably under alot of stress and seeing him would probably not help right now. Qui-Gon is but a simple teacher now within the greater scheme of things. Of course his position is quite high, but the Empyrean Academy is not the Jedi, nor the Sith.
It is a school. A school that educates Force-sensitives properly instead of enlisting them into a life of servitude for the Force.
"No. I think it would be best to bring you along. Negotiations would be much better." Mace said.
"Negotiations, huh..." Qui-Gon said this to himself as he found a small joke within that sentence. In the end he decided that he would have to face Dooku some time or another. "Ok. I cant guarantee anything though."
"That is fine." Mace had a serious and contemplative face. "I have seen this place. I have sensed this place. I have tried and tried to find flaws in what is being taught here, but..."
"Even you think it is fine, right?" Qui-Gon could see where Mace is coming from. After all he also had his own reservations about what Anakin is doing.
"The more I see, and the more I sense within the Force, I cant help but feel the harmony and balance here. It is not only the people and residents of the Empyrean but also the students here as well..." Mace replied, speaking his thoughts as Mace and Qui-Gon started to walk away from this area, heading towards where Dooku may be.
"You would be surprised..." Qui-Gon left this statement off as they continued on their way.
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