Shroud of Darkness

3RD Person

Axle and Ahsoka wait in Kanan's quarters for him. They meditate while listening to a holocron recording. Anakin was the one in the holo showing examples of lightsaber techniques. Just then, Ezra walked in as Anakin continued, "Keeping the blade moving is key to deflecting the fire of multiple adversaries. Through the motions, one into the next. In to the next and so on. I've made some adjustments to the classic form 4 techniques that I think you'll find work well against droids and other ranged attackers. Here, I'll show you." he explained while igniting his blade and deflecting practice shots. Ezra sat down and looked at the two Gray Jedi who calmly meditated, "He's amazing. I've watched these recordings to help me with my own saber training." Ahsoka slowly opened her eyes, "You should have seen him in person. Anakin Skywalker. He was my Master. He also helped Axle with his training while he was apprenticed to Master Windu. Anakin was like an older brother to us both." "Kanan said he was the greatest warrior the Jedi had in the Clone Wars." Ezra said. Axle smiled at him, "He was powerful. Rarely lost a battle. But what surprised people was how kind he was. He cared deeply about his friends. And looked out for them until the end." Ahsoka could sense sadness in him as he spoke. Ezra paused, "Do you know what happened to him?" Axle tuned away, almost shedding a tear. Ahsoka used the force to turn off the holocron, "The last time we saw him, he was rushing off to save the Chancellor. Then everything changed. The war ended and the Jedi were accused of treason." Ahsoka said, bringing Axle into a hug. Axle looked at Ezra, "One by one, they were hunted down." "By the Inquisitors." Ezra ensured. Axle gave a serious glare, "Or worse. I watched my best friends, the ones who once called me brother, turn their blasters on us. I felt my Master fall and my older brother die." Ahsoka looked at him, then to Ezra, "It's too painful to say anymore."

Kanan then walked in, "Speaking of Inquisitors, Axle what do you think about us doing the hunting for a change?" Axle smiled at him, "Just like old times. I'm in." Ahsoka thought for a moment, "When you defeated one, two more came. Who's to say we would multiply our problems yet again." Axle looked at her, "She's right, but I have had enough of these games. They're free trial of surviving a fight with me has ended. The next time I cross blades with them, they will die." "And there's Vader." Ezra pointed out. "I don't disagree, but the fact remains we can't protect our friends from Vader and his Inquisitors. I can barely protect you." He said, pointing at Ezra. "I don't need protecting." the young Padawan argued. "It's times like these that Axle, Anakin and I would turn to someone one like Obi-Wan or Master Yoda. They always had the answer. Well, almost always." Ahsoka explained. Kanan got an idea, "Then maybe we should ask Master Yoda." Axle looked at him confused, "What do you mean?" "I'll explain on the way." Kanan responds as they board the Phantom and jump to hyperspace.

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They emerged from hyperspace in front of Lothal. Kanan put the ship down in front of the temple and they walked out. "Ezra, you're from Lothal?" Ahsoka asked, looking around. "Yea, this place is my home." the kid answers. "You know, I've never really thought about our own home planets." Axle says. Ezra looked confused, "What do you mean?" Ahsoka looked at him, "When the Jedi order was still around, they would take kids within the ages of one to five years. Axle and I were brought in when we were three. That's when we first met. Not many Jedi got to visit their home planets. Most Jedi don't even remember what their homes look like." Ezra took a minute to think about that, "Where are you two from?" Axle looked up at the sky, "Bespin. I've been there twice, but not for very long. There's not much there, but let me tell you, the sunsets are beautiful." Ahsoka smiled at him. "And what about you Ahsoka?" She also looked up at the sky, "I'm from Shili. Although, I've never really returned after I was taken by the order. The last time I was on a planet native to Togrutas, Axle, Anakin, Rex, Obi-Wan and I were captured and sold into slavery." Ezra dropped his jaw, "You were slaves?" Axle gave him a soft smile, "Yea, but we got out of it. As we always did. We even helped free some slaves as well."

They continued to walk until they reached a circular symbol on the ground. "Here it is. If you two stand here, you can use the force to open the temple." Ezra explained. Axle and Ahsoka looked at each other, "We cannot." "Why?" Ezra asked, confused. "Because we are no longer Jedi." Ezra gave them a surprised look. "It was our choice. We left the order." Axle answered. "It's probably best if you two open it." Ahsoka finished. Ezra hesitated, "Ok then. Kanan." Kanan walked over to his side. Together, they outstretched their hands and the temple began to rotate open. The two Gray Jedi watched in amazement. Once the temple opened, Ezra was confused, "This door is new." Kanan faced him, "New problem, new door. Chop, stay here. Keep an eye out." he ordered the droid and walked inside.

They walked into the tunnel until they came to an opening. The door behind them then shut. "How did you contact Master Yoda here?" Ahsoka asked. "Well.....he kinda contacted us." Kanan answered, confused. "I thought I was dreaming when I first heard Master Yoda's voice." Ezra added. "And I was meditating." Kanan realized. "Well then, I guess that's a place to start." Axle said sitting down followed by the others. They all meditated together.

"I see a doorway." Kanan said. "Where? I don't see anything." Ezra answered. "Neither do I." Ahsoka said. "Yea, I think you've been fighting the red blades too long buddy." Axle jokes. "Last time we spoke to Master Yoda, we were separated. Maybe this is my path alone." Kanan says walking towards the wall. "Be careful." Ezra warns. Kanan laughs, "Don't worry, I wouldn't do anything you would do." he then disappears through the wall. "Where'd he go he just disappeared." Ezra asked. Axle looked at Ahsoka, "It's Mortis all over again." which made Ahsoka laugh. Ezra just sat there confused.

They meditated for a while longer. "You knew Master Yoda." Ezra ensured. Axle smiled, "He was an amazing teacher. In fact, I even impressed him enough where he would have considered taking me as an apprentice. He is the only one who still holds my trust." "He taught almost all of the younglings at the temple at one point or another." Ezra was amazed that he was sitting in front of Jedi history, "Kanan described him to me. Small, green and wrinkly with pointy ears." Axle smiled at him and looked at Ahsoka. We both thought the same thing. Truly wonderful the mind of a child is, Ahsoka said in her mind, smiling. Axle understood and smiled back. "But, he didn't know what he was really like." Ezra finished. "I'm not sure anyone did. He was wise, kind, but when we were younger he seemed happier. As the Clone War dragged on, he carried a great burden. A deep sorrow as he knew one time was ending and another beginning." Ahsoka answered, closing her eyes. "When Ahsoka and I left, it hurt him hard. Not just because he hated the fact that he thought he failed us, but also the entire Jedi Order." Axle added looking down. Just then, a bright light shined at them, "Axle." a familiar light voice said. "Satele?" Axle yelled standing up. Ezra looked confused, "You know that voice?" "Axle." a darker voice said. "Revan." Axle whispered. Ahsoka stood up and Axle put his arm around her. Then a new voice spoke up, "Axle, you must follow me." A glowing figure then appeared. Axle went wide eyed, as did Ahsoka. Ezra was just confused as hell. "Master Windu?" Axle barley was able to get out. He fell to his knees and bowed his head, "Master, I failed you. I failed them all." Windu just gave him a smile, "Come with me my former apprentice." The ghost walked over to a wall where another doorway could be seen. Axle looked back at Ahsoka. She smiled and nodded at him. He then followed Windu into the light.

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Axle and Windu came upon a bright white room. "Master...What is this about?" he asked. Windu turned to face him, "It is time you faced your final test." All of a sudden, Satele and Revan emerged from behind the Jedi Master and charged Axle who quickly ignited his sabers and began to duel the two.

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Ezra and Ahsoka kept meditating. "You know, I've been dying to ask so I might as well ask now." Ezra started. Ahsoka kept her eyes closed, "Go on." "Well....ok...um...It seems that you and Axle are alone a lot." Ezra said. Ahsoka still didn't move, "And?" Ezra hesitated, "You do realize.....that....well....you two...have sex......a lot....Like I mean a lot. Every chance you get." Ezra thought he would get the beating of a lifetime, but Ahsoka just stayed still, "We haven't seen each other in so long. I love him. And he loves me." Ezra paused, "With all do respect, I see you two every night pushing each other in your room. And you shower together all the time. Why don't you discuss more about taking back Lothal?" Ahsoka didn't answer for a while, "We've been through so much pain and suffering. The Clone Wars. Leaving the Jedi. Order 66. The loss of our family. Being together is what physically shows that we are still capable of loving. Every night, it's the one time where we can fully relax and embrace our feelings." Ezra understood. "Also, we'd appreciate it if you'd stop sneaking into our room." Ahsoka added. Ezra felt embarrassed, "How did you know about that?" Ahsoka laughed, "We could sense you easily. Axle and I would laugh when you leave." Ezra thought of another question, "How long have you been together?" Ahsoka smiled, "As I said before we were three years old when we first met. We grew up in the same class and were both assigned to the best Jedi in the order. Since we had good chemistry, the Republic would send us on missions together. We first expressed our love after Axle and I were stranded on a planet named Corvus. It took over 2 weeks for us to be rescued. We kept our relationship a secret until we left." Ahsoka opened her eyes, but Ezra disappeared.

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Axle pushed Satele back. Locking blades with his thousand year grandfather, he continued to put the pound on him, "Why are you doing this?" Axle asked, pushing him back, "I'm sorry. This is your final test. This will prove that you are the Master of both sides of the force." Revan answered. "We are only doing this to prove you are worthy." Satele answered. "Not again with the worthiness." Axle sighed. He then levitated the two with the force. He made them hit the walls and their bodies disappeared. "Impressive. You can defeat Masters of both sides of the force, but something is holding your true power back." Windu responded, "But now you must face me." he said, igniting his purple blade. Axle got in his stance as Windu attacked. "I thought this crystal was yours. How did you get another one." Axle asked, blocking with his purple shoto. "It was, but this is the realm of the force. Anything is possible." Windu answered.

Windu was tough to beat. After all his training in both the light and dark side, Axle still couldn't break Windu's balance. They pushed apart and stared at each other. "You know you are right. You failed to protect the Republic." the Jedi Master yelled. Axle started to get angry. He attacked with full force. Windu continued, "YOU FAILED TO PROTECT THE JEDI!!!" Axle kept swinging with anger. " YOU FAILED YOUR FAMILY!!! VADER KILLED ANAKIN!!!" Windu finished. Axle felt the darkness take over. His eyes turned his Sith yellow and drenched Windu with force lightning.

Axle's POV

A darkness blinded my eyes. I saw clouds or red. "Axle, Why did you leave?" It was Anakin. I looked away, "I made a choice. I couldn't stay." "You were selfish." Anakin saint angrily. I felt a tear, "No." Anakin started to yell, "You abandoned me. You failed me. Do you know what I've become?" A deep breathing filled the darkness and a clouded black mask appeared. I screamed out in pain, "NO!!!"

3RD Person

Windu knelt down on the ground and Axle stood above him. "What are you waiting for? Finish it." Windu said. Axle thought for a second, then disengaged his lightsaber. He turned away from his former Master, "I let the Republic down. But I will never let my family down. It's time I forgive myself." The Gray Jedi then turned around, "And it's time I forgive you." Windu stood up and smiled once again. "I need to let go of my guilt and grudges. I need to focus on what I have. And I have the one I love." A voice then spoke up, "Axle." Windu stepped aside. Revan and Satele walked up to him. Then Ellisia walked between the two, "You have passed the final test. The one thing that was truly holding you back all this time was your guilt of failure. You have done the one thing that is harder than mastery of the force. I am so proud of you Axle. Although you are a Gray Jedi, we believe you are worthy of something greater. Kneel." Axle did as he was told. Satele put her hand on his right shoulder, "By the will of the light." Revan put his hand on Axle's left shoulder, "By the power of the dark." Ellisia put her hands on top of his head. "Axle Tinguard, Jedi Knight and Sith Lord." A bright glow flowed through the room and was absorbed by the three. They removed their hands. Axle stood up. Windu walked up to him and he knelt down in front of him, "We grant you the rank of Master."

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The temple started to Shake. Axle ran back to Ahsoka who was recovering from the vision of Anakin. "I know. I heard him too." he said, helping Ahsoka stand up. She looked down a tunnel, "There's still a way." Axle knew what she meant as he followed her. They came to an intersection where Ezra and Kanan arrived, "Axle, Ahsoka, Kanan, you won't believe what I..." Kanan interrupted him, "Tell us later come on." They ran to the exit of the temple.

"Up ahead. A way out." Kanan yelled. Axle and Ahsoka stopped. They turned around and saw Master Yoda. He gave a smile and waved. The two Gray Jedi smiled back and nodded. They ran to catch up to the others.

They made it outside where Chopper landed to pick them up. They jumped aboard and flew off. Axle and Ahsoka sat down. They leaned against each other. They sensed their thoughts. "I know. *sigh* I know Ahsoka." Axle whispered holding her. Ezra spoke up, "I saw Master Yoda." Kanan looked surprised, "Saw him? What did he say?" Ezra smiled, "He said to find Malachor. Who's Malachor." Axle was shocked. "Axle are you ok?" Ezra asked as Ahsoka held him tighter. "Malachor isn't a person. It's a place. Axle went there during the Clone Wars. It's too horrifying to go into detail." Ahsoka explained. "I remember now. You went there after fighting Sidious." Kanan says. Ezra was surprised, "You fought the Emperor?!" Axle nodded and sat back down. "Axle, please tell me what you saw. We need to know what we're walking into." Ahsoka pleaded. He took a deep breath, "Revan...He's my ancestor." Ahsoka almost fell to the floor. Axle continued, "And...And he killed you. Or at least, a vision of you." he stared into her eyes. "He ran his blade right through your stomach. It was the same vision on Mortis too." They brought each other into a deep hug. "But the good news is I cleansed him of the darkness. He will not threaten us anymore. He is my ally. Master Windu and Ellisia gave me the rank of Gray Jedi Master. Which means I have Mastered both Satele and Revan." Axle informed. Ahsoka smiled and looked in his eyes, "Well, that's good news. Do you still feel like you should go?" Axle gave a serious look, "I will never leave your side again. Whatever you chose, I chose."

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Later that night, Ezra walked the halls of the Predator. He then saw Ahsoka and Axle kissing in front of their room. She then pushed him inside and looked at him. Ezra felt a load of embarrassment. She smiled and winked at him. She turned to look inside the room and laughed as she joined Axle.