* * * * transition * * * *

Something was eating him. He felt uneasy. As a Jedi, he did not show it, like how a lay person would sweat, tremble and await his doom under the pressure he was in. The Force nagged him, trying to tell him something, but whenever he peered into it, their was total darkness.

That day though, he saw it and it gave him terror. That was what was eating him. Nevertheless, Master Mace Windu continued on with the day, determined to speak with Master Yoda later.

Coruscant's sun was at its the midday point, its rays reflecting from the smooth surface of the Jedi Temple. It was a good day, which hid the Jedi Master's mood. He discussed the present sieges of the Republic with Master Mundi, Secura and Yoda. All the news he received was good, but he still had a grim expression.

"Sorry to interrupt Master Jedi, but I am here to inform that General Kenobi has engaged General Grevious," Commander Cody of the 212th reported, his hologram suddenly popping beside the conference table.

"Thank you, Commander Cody. I will personally inform the Chancellor of this," Windu said, taking in the news with slight delight and slight worry for Kenobi. The commander bowed and disconnected the transmission, having delivered that news.

"Good news, this is. If Grevious is defeated, end the war will," Yoda commented.

"I sense a plot to destroy the Jedi. The dark side of the Force surrounds the Chancellor," Mace admitted, choosing to reveal his troubles then.

This was a thought that had been bothering him since the beginning of the Clone Wars. Since he had mildly 'touched' the Dark Side, he had seen the death of countless of Jedi. Each and every one of his visions was centred around the Chancellor.

"Yes, I agree. If the Chancellor does not give up his emergency powers after Grevious' defeat, he must be removed from office," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied.

"But the Jedi Council would have to take control of the Senate," Aayla reminded her fellow colleagues. "In order to secure a peaceful transition."

"To a dark place, this line of thought will lead us to," Yoda said with anxiety in his voice. He knew they were in danger from the unknown, and pondered on what the Order should do, but his senses were clouded. "Hmm, careful we must be."

A tension hung in the air, each Jedi thinking of the future of the Republic, the galaxy, the Order. They knew they were in danger, but could not pinpoint where the danger lay. Their main suspects were Sheev Palpatine and General Skywalker of the 501st. Darkness seemed to surround both of them.

Right on cue, the hologram of the General of the 501st appeared.

"Master, I am afraid I bring grave news." His voice was breathless and his features were tensed with worry.

"Speak, Skywalker," Windu spoke waringly, gesturing him to reveal the news.

"I have discovered that the Chancellor is a Sith Lord, the one weve been looking for," he panted.

Windu knew this but was not certain. He still disliked the man though. Often, he had wanted to get rid of him, along with Skywalker, but he could not, from lack of proof. This was the news that confirmed his suspicions.

"We need proof, General." Master Secura stated, getting a nod from everyone else at the table.

Anakin opened his mouth to speak, "I –"

"No, proof we need not." Yoda spoke out, "The Sith Lord he is."

"We trust in your insight and suggestions master," Mundi uttered out the words, "but how can you be sure?"

"I can attest that," Windu said and closed his eyes. He reached out his hand, connecting the tendrils of the Force to their Force signature. He showed them what he saw earlier. Gasps escaped their mouths and their eyes were filled with recognition. They now knew the truth and they must take action.

But no one knew about the other.

"Telling the truth, you are," the grandmaster told Skywalker, after their revelation. "Speak."

"I have kept the Chancellor trapped in his office Masters, but I doubt my efforts would be enough to stop a Sith Lord." The General informed.

"Stay there, and don't let him leave." Windu directed, immediately running out of the room without adjourning the meeting and left their holograms hanging.

He summoned three Jedi Master to accompany him in the arrest of the Darth. Three was enough, he had thought. You can never be too careful. Shaak Ti and Ahsoka were kept in charge of the Temple until they return.

* * * * transition * * * *

They entered a gunship and it started to fly towards the Senate Building. Adrenaline were in each and every Jedi there, anticipating what would happen in the encounter. They didn't know what to expect; none of them had fought an actual Sith. That honour belonged to Master Kenobi, Yoda and Ahsoka Tano.

Windu made up a plan and let them know about it. He knew their feelings, but he kept himself stoic; they knew what to do too. Nevertheless, he did add a warning. As the ship was landing, he told them, "Remember, be on your guard, do not underestimate him. He is a powerful Sith Lord."

It was twilight when they arrived at the Senate building. The darkness was thick around there. How could he have not noticed that? The Force was trying to tell something, but it was blocked by the darkness. Ever since the beginning of the Clone Wars, he still had not got used to the annoyance.

They entered the Chancellor's office. The General stood next to Palpatine, watching him closely with narrowed eyes. However, as soon as they arrived, his face lit up and he ran up to them.

"Thank you, General. We will handle this now," the Jedi said to him. He was unawaringly thankful for him. The latter nodded and left the room. A silence hung in the air — awkward and tensed, they addressed the Chancellor. He sat comfortably on his seat as he faced them, turning away from the huge window.

"In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you're under arrest Chancellor," Windu stated, all of the Jedi igniting their lightsabers. Finally they could get rid of the Sith and the plague that disabled them.

Palpatine's face formed into a scowl as he said, "Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?"

"The Senate will decide your fate," the Jedi Master spoke, in a condescending manner. He knew that the man would naturally resist. A Sith was truly a dark entity through and through.

"I am the Senate!" the old man snapped, glaring up to them from his seat.

"Not yet," Windu returned, emphasizing on his statement. He could deal with this. He had three masters on his back. It would be easy to subdue a mere Sith.

The Dark Lord rose from his chair and used the Force to grab a lightsaber hidden under his desk. His words were filled with malice and blood lust when he spoke. "It is treason then."

A cry was let out and he flipped towards the Jedi. The Light Side users all shifted to a fighting stance. As Palpatine moved to stab Windu, the Jedi Master spun and blocked the strike with his violet lightsaber.

Kit slashed towards the Sith Lord, but he counteracted by slaying down Master Tiin and then flipping out of the Jedi's way.

Agen Kolar swung his weapon towards the Sith's head. Sidious moved backwards and struck at the one who attacked him.

The Zabrak Jedi got the warning from the Force and used it to send a blast towards the Dark Lord, pushing him towards the wall.

Quickly, the Jedi surrounded him and took away his weapon before he recovered. A short, unsatisfying fight, but victorious.

"It is over, Chancellor," Windu said, in contempt. "The Sith and their oppression upon the galaxy is over. You have lost."

Leaning towards the wall, Palpatine laughed like a maniac, "Oh are you sure, Master Jedi. That you have wiped out the Sith? Don't you know that there is one more?"

He knew that, but he thought to deal with that matter later. The Sith seemed relax even with his position which brought him to doubt their victory. The fight was short and felt too easy. It seemed like he knew he was having help. His apprentice perhaps? This meant that he must kill the master quickly.

The Force could suddenly speak to him and it revealed to him all that was transpiring. Sweat started to form and his body went stiff. So it was him. He finally knew about the situation but, it was too late for him to control it.

A red lightsaber penetrated itself through Master Kolar's chest. The source pulled back his lightsaber, and the Zabrak collapsed, revealing Anakin Skywalker. Sidious shouted out a cry as he summoned Force lightning of Kit Fisto. The poor electrocuted Jedi was pushed out of the window into the chasm that was thousands of storeys deep.

Windu became aware of his surroundings, he was the only one left and two Sith Lords versus one Jedi is a tough fight and it was uncertain if he would win. He swung his saber around his head to strike a blow but Vader did a double sweep against the Jedi, knocking him down.

Mace kicked the young man away, and back flipped to the door. Now was the time to escape. Before he could, the Sith Force-pulled him back in and held him by the throat. The Jedi struggled against the grip and used the Force to apply telekinesis in his lightsaber.

The ignited lightsaber flew towards him, but he ducked. Taking the opportunity, Mace headbutted him and while Vader clutched his nose, he quickly jumped away from him. In midair, he was violently Force-pushed to the wall, and ended up breaking his rib cage. Coughing out blood on the floor, he looked at the Sith who stood victorious above him. That man will pay for this soon.

"At last the Jedi will be no more," Sidious exclaimed, standing tall in front of the Jedi Master.

'No. I can't. It mustn't.' Mace thought. His muscles went tired sooner than usual and his breathing rate increased. It was like the Siths were draining away his energy. He couldn't let the Sith win, not like this. It was humiliating, shameful and hopeless.

Regardless of this, the Force gave him assuarance in his last moments. The Jedi Order would rise. It always did. With that person as its leader, it would be the paradise that would be for all Force users. His glimpse into the future made him relax. The Jedi Order would rise, better than ever.

That was the hope he had as Vader plunged his blade into his body. Darth Sidious smiled at the sound to the Jedi's breath ceasing.

"When the Jedi discovers this, they will kill us along with all the senators." Palpatine said, putting on his hood.

"I agree." Came the nonchalant reply from the young Darth. "The Council's next move will be against the Senate."

"Every single Jedi, including your friend Kenobi, is an enemy of the Republic," the Sith master said, facing Vader, with a look on his face.

'The friendship meant nothing,' he told himself, more like reassured. Obi Wan Kenobi was his friend, even then, how hard would it be?

"I understand, master," Vader replied, pushing his frantic thoughts away.

"We must move quickly. The Jedi are relentless," Sidious spoke, "If they are not all destroyed, it will be civil war without end. First, I want you to go to the Jedi Temple, we will catch them off-balance."

Vader knew what he meant; kill all Jedi, including the younglings, children and babies. Babies... He was reminded that his wife was still waiting for him back home. Awaiting when she would betray him. He looked at the the apartment from the view of the office.

"Do what must be done, Lord Vader." Sidious' voice grew harsher as he pointed towards the Jedi Temple. "Do not hesitate. Show no mercy."

"What about the other Jedi spread across the galaxy?" he asked.

"Their betrayal will be dealt with." Sidious stated, taking a seat. "After you have killed all the Jedi in the temple, go to the Mustafar system and wipe out all the Separatist leaders."

"Once more the Sith will rule the galaxy!" he exclaimed. "And there shall be peace."

Vader nodded, taking his words to heart. He pulled his hood over his head, resolve etched in his features. Outside, the army waited for his command, all loaded and prepared with weapons to annihilate the enemy.

His wife would have to wait longer. He would let her receive the news of their deaths then he will... kill her?

* * * * transition * * * *

It was in the dead of night when a sudden disturbance was sensed. Darth Vader approached the Temple, briefly stopped by the Jedi Temple vanguards. Before they could fire at him, his lightsaber ignited and flew all around, killing them. The Jedi were alerted by the noise and through the warning from the Force.

They surrounded the unknown Sith Lord, and challenged him. Cin Drallig ordered him to stop and glared with disbelief at him. Almost the entire Jedi Order was at the hall, igniting their lightsabers and preparing for the fight. Vader simply sneered and ignited his own to face the Jedi Master. He swung towards him with incredible speed, and Cin just managed to block it. Two more powerful strikes sent him on the defensive.

Just as the others were about to join in the fight, a blast hit Padawan Bene and they could hear the battle cries of thousands of clone troopers invading the Temple. All hell broke loose and the Force sensitives scattered away, trying to defend against the blaster wielding attackers, but they were outnumbered and were depleting quickly. Vader, who was stalling the entire time of the fight, spun around and slashed across Master Drallig's back and walked towards the Council Room.

****

The holocron beeped. "It's all done, Master Ti." Ahsoka said, grabbing it and putting it in her utility belt.

"Good." Shaak Ti spoke, "Now, leave the Temple for it is not safe here."

Ahsoka nodded and left through the library archives, instead of directly through the chaos in the hall. She was aware of the situation and felt hundreds of Jedi being vanquished. Master Allie, Master Secura, Master Mundi, all gone. She wiped away her tears as she ran and ran and ran.

The door hydraulics sounded as the Sith entered, and stood right behind the Torgrutan Jedi Master.

"What is it Skywalker?" she demanded, eyes closed in meditation. Shaak was internally grieving and mourning for the death of the Jedi but she remained emotionless to the Sith.

She hoped Ahsoka escaped and preserved the Jedi knowledge and that Jocasta Nu destroyed the library archives before the Sith get their hands on them. She sighed. Hopefully, the Jedi will rise again; she sensed Master Yoda and Master Kenobi somehow survived. That was her last thought when he stabbed her through the back.

****

Several bookshelves were destroyed by many Jedi and the clones were trying to stop them. Ahsoka sprinted and ignited her lightsabers, took out a lot of troopers without any effort. She planned to leave through the garden where; she sensed; no one was.

However, when she reached, she saw Master Nu, being choked by Vader behind her. Ahsoka gasped as Vader threw the librarian Jedi out to be trampled by the traffic. She was scared, she didn't want to die a gruesome death and she got chills as she realised that he was her comrade who fought alongside her.

With trembling handsⸯ, she slowly took out her weapons and charged towards him, with an Ataru attack. He moved to the side and kicked her from her back. She turned back and glared at him; he was playing with her. When he was about to do a downward cho strike at her, she blocked it with her main saber and swung her shoto at him.

He dodged it and Force pushed her into the wall, her shoto was knocked out from her hand. Her left arm broke, and she screamed while bleeding from her forehead. She was pinned to the wall, but she was not out of moves. She threw her main saber towards him.

He was hit by the luminous spinning weapon but his Phrik alloy armour protected him from it. Ahsoka used the opportunity to take her shoto and fight with it. With Vader recovering from the previous attack, she sprinted towards him and kicked him away a few yards; using her remaining power.

He looked at the Togruta. He couldn't bring himself to kill her; she was an important part of his life, she was a friend; more like a sister. He purposely allowed her to land the attack, and stalled. He must recover the holocron, but his conscience didn't allow him to kill her, causing a rise of frustration on his side.

"Lord Vader!" a clone trooper noticed them and seemed to have thought that his leader was in danger. He grabbed a thermal detonator, activated it and threw it towards the padawan. Vader had gone away.

Ahsoka panicked and ran away from it as possible but the damned thing blasted before she could get out of range, and the kinetic energy caused her to be pushed out of the Temple into the outside. She landed on a nearby platform and used the Force to cushion the fall.

She escaped, but with injuries on her back, head, arms and she guessed that her right thigh has been dislocated. She limped away from the danger zone but fainted out of exhaustion and pain.

****

ⸯSome Sith can instil fear upon their enemies.