Disclaimer: I own nothing. Gosh I wish I did. Can you imagine being the man (or woman) to have brought something as wonderful as Star Wars to life?! For one I wouldn't have sold it to Disney (no offence Disney I love you too). I'm just a simple Asian teen who grew up and was moved by The Clone Wars, and also loves Obi-Wan Kenobi
Chapter2 On Top to On the Run
Ahsoka walked over to the window and looked out at the approaching ship, scratch that ships. There were four giant ships just hovering in the atmosphere. She watched as a smaller transport flew out of the bigger vessel and started heading for the surface. Governor Roshti turned to face Padme and the hologram of Master Yoda.
Yoda was the first to break the silence, "Send help we will."
Roshti nodded but then humbly said, "That is much appreciated Master Yoda but I do not think Count Dooku brings my people any harm."
Yoda scratched his chin then said, "Hhmm… Senator Amidala there is she?"
Ahsoka bit her lip and looked over at the senator. Even with her lack of political knowledge she knew if this 'Dooku' knew Amidala was on Kiros that would put the people of Kiros in a big pile of bantha poodoo. Roshti put a hand of his chin then looked over at Ahsoka then back at Yoda's hologram. "Master Yoda I personally guarantee that my niece Ahsoka Tano will protect Senator Amidala until you can get here."
Yoda nodded then the transmission went out. Roshti then turned to Padme. "Senator Amidala I am so sorry for this small inconvenience; this is my niece Ahsoka Tano."
Ahsoka took a small and quick bow towards the senator then looked towards her uncle she had a bad feeling about what she thought he was about to say. "She is the best guardian on Kiros. She will protect you until the Republic can come to pick you up."
Padme Amidala bowed quickly and said, "Thank you Governor Roshti. Your concern is much appreciated."
He half bowed to Padme then turned to Ahsoka and put his hands on her shoulders. "Take her away from the city and don't come back unless with the Republic." He gave Ahsoka a look he hadn't given her in years, one that gave her comfort in trying times one that told her that he trusted her one that told her he believed she would succeed. With that Roshti walked over to the pod and headed down to ground level leaving Padme and Ahsoka alone at the top.
Ahsoka looked out the window down where the Separatist ship had landed and she didn't like what she saw at all, droids everywhere. She took a deep breath and mentally slapped herself for wishing that morning that there would be something actually fun to do.
"Senator I hope you have everything you need because we won't be going back to your quarters." Ahsoka stated as she was walking over to the pod.
Padme quickly caught up to her and simply nodded and said, "Don't worry Ahsoka; this isn't the first time I have dealt with Dooku."
Ahsoka was glad to hear that but she so hoped that they wouldn't need to use the senators skills to get out of the city.
When the pod made it down to ground floor Padme walked out and headed for the front door. Ahsoka quickly reached out and grabbed her arm. "Not that way Senator. We go the back way."
They quickly walked around the pod and down a hall way. By the time they got to the end there was only one door and it was locked with an old fashioned padlock. Ahsoka put both her hands on the lock then closed her eyes. There were a few seconds of silence before both Ahsoka and Padme could hear screams outside the government building. Ahsoka's brow drew closer together as she worked to concentrate harder; finally she heard a click and the lock fell into Ahsoka's hands. She smiled and pushed the door open enough for the two of them to squeeze through.
Once inside and the door securely shut behind them Ahsoka out her back to the door and slid down to a sitting position and closed her eyes. Padme bend down beside her but hesitated to do anything else.
"Ahsoka?" was all that Padme could think to say.
After a few moments Ahsoka mumbled something then got up and headed over to a chest in the dusty corner. There was an identical lock on the chest like the one that was on the door. Ahsoka did the exact same thing she had done with the door lock to the chest lock. When that was done Ahsoka opened the chest without touching the kriffing thing. With the lid and lock abandon Ahsoka moved on to rummaging through the contents in the box.
Padme just stood by the door first watching the new side of Ahsoka rummage through the chest which was too heavy for any normal girl to lift then decided to look around her new surroundings. They were in a dim lit room not even half the size of the conference room stories above their heads. It was musty, dusty and claustrophobic in that little room. The only furniture in the whole place was a sturdy metal trunk and an old desk nearly falling apart. She only had a few minutes to look around the apparently deserted place before Ahsoka was next to her holding a bundle of clothing.
"I hope these will do you better than your dress senator. We have a long way to go and not much time." Ahsoka filled Padme's arms with the spare clothing then went back over to the chest to grab a few more things.
By the time Ahsoka had gotten two DL-44 blasters and some old food and water rations from her chest Padme was changed into the new clothes.
She was in a tight beige long sleeve shirt with matching leggings, dark brown hikers boots, a belt with a small first aids kit and pouch to store food rations then lastly a light weight protective maroon sleeveless jacket. Padme smiled and tossed her dress aside then looked to Ahsoka for her next instructions.
Ahsoka got up and tossed her the blaster. Then together they both squeezed through the door again and were back out in the hall. Ahsoka locked the door then lead Padme back down the hall and out another door out into the open.
They stayed in what shadows they could find and shot the few droids in their path. It didn't take too long to get to the outskirts of the city. When they were clear of the last house Ahsoka started full out running head on into the jungle with Padme hot on her heals. They kept running until Ahsoka knew they were well away from the city then she slowed down to a fast walk.
Padme watched Ahsoka as they walked. Almost instantly she realized there was something different about this particular Togruta from the moment she saw her up in the governors meeting room. Ahsoka was more aware of her surroundings. She was sure of herself. She was amazingly agile and the idea of just sitting around somewhere for a whole day probably never crossed Ahsoka's mind. It reminded her of someone back home on Coruscant. As they kept walking all day Padme watched and took note on the differences between the Togruta she had seen in the city and Ahsoka. She knew there was something different about the girl. She could almost say right then but who was she to say.
As the sun was setting Ahsoka stopped and looked around. When Ahsoka was sure that they were alone she turned to look at the senator and said, "How good are you at climbing trees senator?"
Padme raised an eyebrow and stuttered, "Excuse me?"
Ahsoka simply pointed up towards the sky; Padme followed her eyes and say what she meant. Way above them Padme could see a certain tree branch. It was the thickest of them all and was pretty high up. Either Ahsoka was being precautious for the night or there were strange deadly animals lurking around in this jungle.
Padme was interrupted with her thoughts when Ahsoka said, "Follow me Senator."
Ahsoka walked around the tree until she saw what she was looking for. On the opposite side of the tree was the perfect foothold. After the first one the rest were easy. Ahsoka had always been good at these sorts of things. She could never explain it but it was like a small voice inside her telling her what to do and when to do it. Long ago she didn't trust the voice but after she met her father he told her to trust it always.
Ahsoka kept climbing and climbing up, every once in a while she would look down and see the senator a few limbs below her. She would wait for her to catch up then start climbing again. By the time both women got up to the right limb they were both exhausted and ready to sleep. Ahsoka was breathing heavy but she sat up and leaned against the trunk and looked over at the senator.
"Senator you should get some rest. I'll take the first watch."
Padme just looked at her then nodded, "Alright Ahsoka. Just for a little while."
Ahsoka stayed up for a few hours just looking at the stars before she too fell asleep. They both woke up when the heard the sound of marching from below. They both looked around the treetops first then down below. What Ahsoka saw made her actually nervous for once. Down below on the ground super battle droids were marching in a single file line through the jungle foliage. Once they had past Ahsoka took out an energy bar and handed it to Padme.
Padme took the food and ate. "Do you think they are looking for us?"
Ahsoka carefully thought about the question then answered, "I hope not senator. Though… there are no other villages on planet."
Ahsoka stood up and looked around. Padme watched as Ahsoka carefully scanned the area.
"Do you feel something Ahsoka?"
"I'm not sure senator."
Padme bit her lower lip then scooted closer to where Ahsoka was standing. "Trust your feelings Ahsoka."
Ahsoka stopped her search and looked down at Padme. Before she could say anything three droids on STAP vehicles went flying by. Ahsoka watched the direction the droids were going and immediately decided to go the opposite direction. Ahsoka just silently pointed and started jumping from limb to limb. Padme follows best she could but Ahsoka eventually had to help her. Together up in the trees they covered more ground than walking down on the ground. All the while Padme was keeping note of all that Ahsoka was capable of doing and evidently not even aware that this made her special.
For the next week Ahsoka and Padme were hiding and running from the droid squads. One minute they would be safe in a cave the next they would be on the run up in the trees. If Ahsoka learned anything during their running she learned that these droids were determined. They never gave up. With her instincts she knew when and how she could lose them for a few hours but eventually those kriffing droids caught up with them. Ahsoka was quite surprised with how well the senator was able to keep up with her. Not many were able withstand this long without proper rest. Well, at least from everyone Ahsoka met and that wasn't a lot. During any of their down time Ahsoka and the senator would talk to brighten the mood between the two. They soon got to know each other and learned quite a bit about each other yet at the same time they still knew nothing about the other.
By the tenth day even Ahsoka was starting to feel the effects of being on the run. She thought back to that day when she woke up, knowing she would be sitting in her uncles meeting room all day boring herself to death. Oh how she wished she could go back to then. Just a mere ten days ago she was the governor's niece but now she might as well be a fugitive on the run. As she was thinking about all of this a group of STAP vehicles flew by down on the ground again.
That was when Ahsoka got a crazy idea. She hadn't done anything like this since she had been on Shill. What was even crazier was that her little voice inside was agreeing with her. Ahsoka turned around to look back where Padme was sitting with her back against the tree trunk.
Padme saw that there was something different in Ahsoka. She fully sat up and looked straight into Ahsoka's eyes.
"What are you thinking Ahsoka?"
"I'm glad you asked Senat- I mean Padme. Stay here, I'll soon be back with transportation."
Ahsoka just simply smiled and turned and started jumping limb to limb in the direction the STAPs went.
After just a few trees she found the droids sitting around one of their old campfires. It was just the remains of one they had made three nights ago. Ahsoka couldn't believe they were already passing by again. But she quickly forgot about that when she saw those vehicles parked nearly right under the branch she was standing on. Slowly and quietly she inched her way down the tree until she was on the ground. The droids were still too preoccupied with the old campfire to notice that Ahsoka had run over and jumped onto one of their STAP speeders.
With is quick twist of the handlebar the machine roared to life under Ahsoka and there was no way of hiding the smile she was now proudly wearing. Once the vehicle came to life then and only then did the droids realize that they were being robbed.
"Hey get back here!" said one of those kriffing things in its robotic voice
Ahsoka just smiled, "Sorry boys. This one is for me."
She twisted the handle again and the vehicle moved forward and Ahsoka was well on her way with a stolen Separatist STAP.
She pushed the STAP as fast at the thing would go until she got back to where Padme was. By the time she got there Padme had climbed down the tree and was waiting for her.
"I hope you have a plan."
"Eh, I'm making this up as I go." Was all Ahsoka said as she stretched out her hand to help Padme up to somehow fit onto the STAP. Once Padme was up Ahsoka was flying again. Going through the jungle faster than she ever had before, again she couldn't explain it but she knew when and where to turn the machine so they wouldn't crash. Some might have considered this crazy or even suicide but to Ahsoka this was exciting and thrilling.
Ahsoka nearly forgot where she was until she could see the spire of the capital building looming in the distance. Before she could think to turn around she heard Padme behind her say something about the Republic. Ahsoka didn't even have time to ask her to repeat because she had not one, not two but three groups of STAP droids on her tail.
Again Ahsoka just followed her instincts and let her little inner voice guider her as she evaded laser fire and trees and more droids. Slowly as she was speeding around the jungle now going away from the city Ahsoka found the weapons controller on her little STAP. She smiled and made a fast turnaround the closest tree. By the time she cleared the giant tree trunk there were four STAPs in front of her. She patiently waited until she felt her inner voice tell her then she let the lasers rip loose. First one went down then another then another hen another. She was feeling pretty good about herself but then her little STAP rattled. She looked back to make sure Padme was still there; yup she senator sure was. Poor thing, holding on to Ahsoka for dear life, praying to whatever she prayed to that she would live to see the next day. It wasn't Padme, so Ahsoka took a quick glance towards where she stood and sure enough she found her problem. One of those lucky kriffing droids had gotten a shot from behind.
Ahsoka only had a few seconds to decide what to do. She had a few options, she always did but then she remembered what her uncle told her before they split. She knew what she had to do. A little red warning light started blinking on her little dashboard in front of her. That wasn't good at all. With what control she still had she veered left then made a hard right. It was hard for her to keep steady and if this was had for her she couldn't imagine what it was doing to Padme. Ahsoka didn't have much time to think about that for when she did it the second time Padme lost her grip and fell from the STAP and went rolling into the thick leaves.
Ahsoka allowed herself to give a small sigh of relief. Padme would be safe. The droids were still on her tail, she had kept her promise she made with her uncle. If what she heard Padme say before it wouldn't be long before the Republic would find Padme and take her back to the safety of her Coruscant.
Still with six droids still on her tail Ahsoka now moved her thoughts to how she could possibly survive this failing STAP. She looked down at her controls, gaining speed and completely useless. She was running out of options fast. She kept fighting the controls best she could but it was getting harder and harder by the mile. Finally when she was least expecting it she felt something hit her left shoulder. She screamed and did the mistake of shifting all her weight to the left. Her STAP spun out of control. One last time she heard that inner voice tell her to jump, she listened. Mere seconds after she jumped the STAP crashed into the next tree and exploded in a fiery inferno.
The droids were too preoccupied with taking down the stolen STAP they didn't see Ahsoka go flying off. When they saw the vehicle explode they all nodded and then turned around and headed back for the city, leaving a wounded togruta behind.
Ahsoka tried to get up only to be met with the feeling of fire spreading through her body. She defiantly knew something was wrong with her shoulder, that was what got her into this wreck in the first place, but something else was off too. She didn't have the strength to try and place what was bothering her so much. It hurt too much to even move, much less think. Ahsoka looked up at the trees and listened to the birds chirping in the distance one last time before slipping into the empty, cold darkness.
She was happy. It wasn't every day the country girl got to go to the big city. A week had gone by since she beat those boys in the races. The blue ribbon was hanging up proudly back in her room. Ahsoka hadn't had this much fun since… well she couldn't think of a time at the moment. As a reward for doing so good in the races her mother surprised her with a trip to the big city. They had spent all day yesterday walking around just taking in all the sights and the beautiful architecture, something the country simply didn't have. Today they had shopped, Ahsoka had gotten new boots. As her mother was calling a taxi Ahsoka thought nothing could ruin this day.
The ride back to the hotel was going smoothly until they stopped at that one stop light. After that day Ahsoka would never forget what happened. It played over and over in her mind too many times. Her father had just left right before her trip to the city. He had told her about the little inner voice inside her. That she should always listen to it. Ahsoka had practice listening but most of the time it would remain silent. Today would mark the first day she would actually hear a voice and she would never forget what it said.
MOVE. She didn't understand she didn't react fast enough.
Their light had turned green. They had the right of way. But the thugs didn't care. Their taxi was in the middle of the intersection when the thug's speeder was speeding their way. It was too fast and on her mother's side.
Later Ahsoka would be told that because of that crash the thugs were arrested and she and the taxi driver technically saved the Shill National Bank from bankruptcy. Ahsoka was too young to understand, all she knew was that her mother didn't survive. The thugs crashed so hard that the taxi had flipped over and rolled around a few times before landing upside down. The seatbelt was supposed to help, but nothing could have prevented that crash. Ahsoka hung upside down barely conscious. Everything hurt, in the end she did indeed fractured a few bones. Nothing time wouldn't heal. She looked around the upside down world. Her mother was beside her, way too much blood but Ahsoka couldn't bring out the energy to scream. All she could do was close her eyes and listen to people outside the speeder telling her to hold on. Things were going to be alright. Just hang on young one. She saw her mother. She figured the damage; her life might be over without parents. Ahsoka blocked out the voices outside and closed off the little inner voice inside and freely fell into the cold, empty darkness.
Hope you enjoyed the story so far. My apologies if there was a little slow in the middle.
If you can tell I'm not the best at descriptions but please understand I am trying my best. If I stay to the outline the story is about to pick up. Do not worry.
Any advice is more than welcome anytime.
I have learned a new use for school this week. Thanks to school I now have a plan and am excited to keep moving along in this story.
I fully intend to continue this until I see it finished even if it takes years. (hopefully it wont)
May the Force be with you