Chapter 143: First Mission as Jedi
The Jedi Council chambers buzzed with a rare, unanimous decision. Bell, with his unmatched skill and balance in the Force, was immediately granted the rank of Jedi Master. Anakin, his natural prodigy and affinity with the Force unmatched, was assigned as Bell's Padawan. Though unconventional, the Council saw potential in the partnership—a bond that could reshape the future of the Jedi.
Their first mission was simple: mediate a dispute on the Outer Rim. It was a routine task, one meant to test their synergy. Together, they resolved the conflict with ease, combining Bell's charisma and Anakin's innate understanding of strategy.
As they prepared to return to Coruscant, their ship was intercepted. A familiar presence rippled through the Force—one that sent a cold chill through Bell's very core.
Bell and Anakin landed their ship in a clearing, the stars above twinkling innocently against the weight of the dark energy encroaching on them. Emerging from the shadows of the forest were three figures cloaked in darkness: Chancellor Palpatine, Count Dooku, and Asajj Ventress.
Each ignited a crimson blade, their faces twisted with purpose. Palpatine's sinister grin widened as he stepped forward.
"Master Bell, young Skywalker," Palpatine hissed, his voice oozing malevolence. "Such power, such promise. It's almost a shame it must end here."
Bell, unfazed, placed a reassuring hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Anakin, use 'that move.' Show them why they should fear us."
Anakin nodded, stepping back as a radiant light engulfed him. When it faded, he stood taller, his presence exuding raw power and confidence. He looked every bit the Chosen One, his connection to the Force radiating like a beacon.
Bell smirked, activating his lightsaber. "I'll handle the Sith Lords. Anakin, the assassin is yours."
Anakin vs. Ventress
Ventress lunged at Anakin with ferocity, her twin sabers flashing like deadly fangs. Anakin met her assault with ease, his augmented strength and precision overwhelming her attempts to corner him.
"You're skilled, boy," she hissed, spinning her blades in a dazzling flourish. "But skill without experience means nothing."
Anakin grinned, the Force guiding his movements. "You're not wrong, but I learn quickly."
He adapted to her style, exploiting her overconfidence. Each clash of their blades pushed her closer to her limit. Desperation set in as she resorted to the Dark Side, unleashing bursts of Force energy.
Anakin countered each attack with precision, finally disarming her and delivering a decisive blow. As Ventress fell, her last words were a whisper. "The Chosen One… truly."
Bell vs. Dooku and Palpatine
While Anakin battled Ventress, Bell faced the combined might of Dooku and Palpatine. The Sith Lords attacked with synchronized precision, their mastery of the Dark Side evident in every strike.
Dooku's elegance clashed with Palpatine's savagery, creating a deadly dance of crimson light. Bell, however, was more than their equal. His lightsaber technique, a fusion of styles enhanced by his godly essence, rendered their attacks predictable.
"You're strong," Dooku admitted, his strikes growing desperate. "But strength alone won't save you."
Bell smirked, his brilliant blue eyes analyzing every move. "Strength? No, this is balance."
As the battle intensified, Bell unleashed his unique technique: a momentary infusion of Hakai into his blade. With precise strikes, he severed their arms and legs, leaving both Sith Lords incapacitated.
Bell knelt beside Palpatine and Dooku, placing his hands on their foreheads. Using his mastery of telepathy and the Force, he delved into their minds.
What he found was horrifying: the depths of Palpatine's schemes, the existence of Order 66, and the true extent of the Dark Side's corruption. Bell absorbed it all, committing it to memory.
"I know your secrets now," Bell said, his voice calm but resolute. "The galaxy will be better without you."
Without hesitation, he infused his lightsaber with energy and ended both their lives. Their twisted presence in the Force vanished, leaving the forest eerily silent.
As Bell and Anakin returned to their ship, Anakin's excitement was palpable. "That was incredible! I saw some of it with my Force projection. What did you do to Palpatine and Dooku?"
Bell smiled faintly. "Let's just say they won't be causing trouble anymore."
They flew back to Coruscant, the weight of their victory settling over them. Bell knew the galaxy had shifted—Palpatine's death meant the Republic was safe from his manipulation, and the Jedi were spared the horrors of his schemes.
For the first time in decades, hope shone brightly in the galaxy.