Who are you suppose to be?
The young Jedi Knight stared at the ceiling of his quarters. R2 had tried numerous times to stir him away from his thoughts. He tried to make out what had happened that evening, since night had fallen hours ago. Reaching out into the Force to see if she was still on-planet was a bad idea as it was.
I'm Ahsoka. Master Yoda sent me here...
He didn't speak to anyone for several days. Not Rex. Not Obi-Wan. Not even Padme. The Council had noticed Anakin's behavior, and decided it was best for him to be put on leave for a while. 'As if that's gonna make me feel any better,' Anakin thought. A mission would distract his thoughts easily. Although, it would be uncomfortable for him to make sure a certain Togruta was at his side. Or hoping that he'll see two familiar green lightsabers slashing droids apart.
There's been a mix up, the Youngling isn't with me.
Staying at the Temple was a better option.
Stop calling me that! You're stuck with me, Skyguy.
Visiting Master Luminara would have caused him too much pain. The woman surely should have been doing worse than him. After all, her Padawan Learner was responsible for numerous deaths, attacks, and the reason for Ahsoka's departure. Anakin wanted to put all of the blame on Barriss. Some nights, when his thoughts became dark and his mind at unease, Anakin would regret not killing her on the spot. He immediately resented it. Murdering Barriss would have only made him look like the terrorist. Ahsoka would have never forgiven him.
Yet here he was, not even forgiving himself.
After all of these years, Vader would never thought that he'd keep her braid.
The silka beads were contained in small pouch whenever he went on dangerous missions. Vader thought the presence of the braid was a sign of safety, and also meant that he'd see her again.
He finally learned that she was still alive. Ahsoka's alliance with the Rebels had angered him, but it didn't shock him. He knew that his Snips would be a brave and determined leader. She would fight for freedom, even if it meant fighting against her former Master. Vader took the braid out of his pouch, wondering if she knew that he kept it after so long.
You're reckless, little one. You'd never make it as Obi-Wan's Padawan.
Every single apprentice, even the most talented ones, could never replace her.
But you might make it as mine.
Vader chuckled at those words. He placed the braid back into his pocket. As much as he hated it, she was only a memory.