A/N: I've had enough of happy and fluffy one-shots- the title says enough, enjoy (crying)!
***
"Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf." Came Ahsoka's calming, serene voice as her fingers gracefully harmonized the melody on the piano.
"Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf," Anakin's smooth tenor voice echoed as he pulled his bow across the cello strings while his left hand formed various fingerings.
"Sept, huit, neuf,"
"Sept, huit, neuf,"
"One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine!" The airy, light-hearted melody shone through perfectly with both of their voices perfecting it.
"I must say, that was quite unexpected," an English-accentuated voice mused from behind them.
They pivoted in shock to see Obi-Wan Kenobi standing behind them, leaning against a doorframe and an amused smile stretching across his face.
"Oh hello, Master," Anakin said with a sheepish smile. Scratching the back of his neck, he added, "We were simply, um- we were only practicing a song-"
The auburn-haired Master grinned at his baffled former-Padawan. "It's quite alright, Anakin," he consoled knowingly. "I wasn't criticizing you, I simply didn't know you could sing this well, while playing an instrument at that. Ahsoka, your voice is lovely. I am curious, though — however did you convince him to sing a duet with you?"
"Thank you, Master Kenobi," the fifteen-year-old said, bowing respectfully. "I was playing the piano on the Resolute one day while everyone was asleep, and Anakin walked in on me. I thought I was in for it, but surprisingly, he brought out his cello, and we just - fit. Voices and instruments alike."
"I see... Well, much as I'd love to hear you both play another song, you are both needed in the briefing room immediately. I came to deliver the message." Obi-Wan told them.
"Will do, Master Kenobi," Anakin said as he tipped his head in thanks.
***
"This is an extremely heavily fortified Separatist base, Skywalker," Mace Windu thundered, glaring at the Knight and his Padawan standing before the hologram Council. "You must win it, as it is a crucial part of winning this war and a huge blow to Dooku's army if they lose control of it. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master," Anakin replied, "I do."
"As do I, Master," Ahsoka added.
Windu stared haughtily at the duo. "You are dismissed. Report back here when the mission is complete."
***
As Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan walked out of the briefing room, the Jedi Master faced the two, giving them a final reminder. "Don't do anything brash that might get you killed."
"Of course we know that, Master." Anakin replied. "Ahsoka and I evade death's talons all the time."
"Well, May the Force Be With You."
***
"You ready, Snips?" Anakin inquired, smiling down at his apprentice.
"More than ever, Master. I can't wait for the moment this blasted war will end."
"Me too, Ahsoka. But you just have to wait for it. Play your part and it will all be over soon."
***
"This is just like how Master Ti predicted it!" Ahsoka stage-whispered anxiously. "And- that's our cue!" She hopped off the high ledge she'd been perched on moments prior as her lightsabers activated, becoming a blur of green and yellow in the midst of brown, chattering battle droids.
Not too far away, Anakin mirrored his apprentice's actions as he, too, landed in the middle of a large wave of battle droids, blue saber blade barely visible.
The oncoming waves of droids seemed like they would never cease. As soon as one group was defeated, another replaced it immediately as if no raging battle had occurred. No wonder Master Windu had said that this was an important location for the Separatist Alliance — the vast majority of droids were being manufactured here!
Ahsoka Tano was an incredible lightsaber duelist for her fifteen years of age. Her Force-enhanced acrobatic abilities made her movements very nimble, quick, and extremely unpredictable. Add a couple of lightsabers, and you've got a fierce and immensely loyal Jedi warrior. But even the best Jedi couldn't go on forever. Ahsoka could sense her stamina levels dropping dramatically, and her lightsaber moves gradually became sloppier and sloppier. The steady river of sweat trickling down her forehead didn't help, either. The perspiration was falling into her eyes, burning them, and Ahsoka found herself relying purely on instinct. What was worse, was that while fighting the endless hordes of droids, she and Anakin had gotten separated. She didn't know where he was, nor how he was faring, and it deeply troubled her. Ahsoka had no choice to fall back, relying heavily on the Force instead of focusing on her saber technique. She was soon forced to admit defeat as two stray gunshots slipped past her weakened defenses — and hit her square in her thigh and upper arm. She had been brought to her knees. She was trapped.
***
Anakin Skywalker, the infamous Hero Without Fear had been backed into a wall. The never-ending sea of droids was slowly cornering him, taking all his options of escape, much less a victory. All he could see, sense and hear were the robotic, monotone voices of the unfeeling droids. He, too, had become very reliant on the Force, powering him through the next wave of B1 units. Yet, as he soon discovered, his efforts were futile. He and his lightsaber were no longer one, no longer in sync. They were now two separate units instead of one. Anakin was forced to admit defeat as he felt a blaster bolt graze his chest, and a slow drip of thick, red liquid began to drip. He was trapped.
***
Anakin Skywalker lay there, weaving in and out of consciousness as black spots danced in his vision, threatening to take him if he closed his eyes. Try as he might, he simply couldn't decrease the flow of blood streaming down his wound. Gazing at his hand, he cringed. It was completely covered in an iron-tasting red liquid. He could only hope that his Padawan was doing better.
A hundred meters or so away from him, lay an utterly exhausted Ahsoka Tano. Her arms weighed like lead and her thigh stung. She was physically unable to fight back any longer. She hoped Anakin was doing better than she... until that small glimmer of hope shattered as she felt an excruciating blast of pain stream across her chest.
Anakin. No. No!
She felt his pain as clear as day through their vivid Force bond. With her overactive imagination showing countless scenarios where she witnessed her brother die, Ahsoka felt tears hovering near her eyelids.
"No!" she screamed, her call of desperation echoing down the long hallway while a steady stream of tears fell. "Master!"
"Ahso...ka!"
She only sobbed harder. "Anakin! Where are you?"
Snips... Anakin's comforting voice crackled from across their bond. I'm here.
Don't go!
I... can't guarantee anything, my lovely Ahsoka.
Please, Master, d-don't leave me!
No- guarantees. But hey, I'll always.. be with you- cough, cough.
And after a moment:
... one last time?
One last time.
Creating a complex Force connection between himself and Ahsoka which allowed them to see each other one final time, the girl began singing.
"Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf."
"Un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf."
"Sept, huit, neuf," she said, extending her hand towards Anakin.
"Sept, huit, neuf?" He responded, barely able to lift his hand.
"Sept, huit..." Their fingers edged closer.
"Sept, huit..." their fingertips touched.
"Se- sept..." Anakin's mechanical hand gripped Ahsoka's with affection, squeezing it gently, reassuring her.
"I... love you Snips."
"I love- you... too, Master..."
Anakin's eyes began to flutter shut. Finally at peace, he allowed the darkness to envelop him. His mortal body slowly faded into the Force, leaving Ahsoka with an empty connection. She watched helplessly as her brother become One With the Force. Letting out one final, desperate scream, she, too, began fading.
***
Obi-Wan had been in the middle of an important Council meeting when he felt the pain. Two people he held dear to him had been brutally ripped from the living Force, leaving gaping empty spaces for they should've been. He clutched at his chest, doubled over in pain.
"Master Kenobi, what is the matter, hmm?"
He didn't reply immediately.
"I felt them, Master," Obi-Wan managed. "I felt them."
"Who did you feel, Obi-Wan? What happened to them?" Mace Windu asked sharply, in concern.
"Ana-Anakin and Ahsoka... they're gone."
"Prepare a proper funeral for them, we shall," Yoda said, sorrow marred in his voice. "Go to Geonosis, we will."
And go to Geonosis they did. Try as they might, the Council members found nothing but Anakin's and Ahsoka's lightsabers on the ground, their final resting spots revealed.
***
As the small box containing Anakin and Ahsoka's lightsabers was slowly lowered into the ground, Obi-Wan allowed tears to slip down his face openly for the first time.
Anakin Skywalker
Beloved Master, mentor, and older brother.
Unwaveringly loyal, and dedicated to the very end.
May you finally find the peace you deserve.
Ahsoka Tano
Beloved friend, younger sister, and Grand-Padawan.
Kind, fierce, and hardworking.
May the Force bid you goodbye.