Hi guys! How are you doing? I'm so sorry it takes me so much time to update (and I can't even do that with Ashes of Malachor or Crimson Masquerade…) but things are crazy for me right now. It's the end of my university semester so I have a few exams and papers to write (the literature is taking me forever, but it could be worse so I'm not complaining). And I'm really stressed and freaking out about my master's degree admission because I realized the level is so much higher than I thought it would be. I basically have three steps for the admission: a creative project of 30 pages that I already have sent and I'm waiting for the resultants at the beginning of May, they I have three written exams in late May and finally I have an interview in the beginning of July. So I'm also currently preparing my three written exams. Gosh, I've got too many things to do!
Anyway, about Shadows, I actually realized two things: the first one is Ahsoka's surname. We know she calls herself Fulcrum in the first season of Rebels and I've been wondering why, I mean, it's a very uncommon and weird name. It's only when I came upon that word in my Game Design study book (yep, one of the four 700 pages books I've got to study for the exams) that I wondered if it actually means something. And I found out that fulcrum means: the point on which a lever rests or is supported and on which it pivots, by extension, something that supports something else and I think that it only adds more to Ahsoka's importance in the rebellion. To me, Ahsoka and Bail Organa were the creators of the Rebellion, but that's just my point of view (although Padme did start some talks about that in Episode III in a deleted scene).
The second thing was that I was looking at how long a rotation takes place. Because Rex said he could reach Malachor in two rotations and I wondered if it actually means two hours or two days. I found out it means two days (which is a lot I think to do Atollon-Malachor). And I discovered that the galactic calendar isn't the same as ours. So technically my chronology for this fanfic is screwed up. But I won't change and adapt it now, so I'll just stick with our chronology, but I've got to say sorry, I didn't look it up earlier.
Starlight:Well thank you! I'm currently (well, not exactly, all my novels and stories besides Shadows are on pause because of my studies) working on a new novel, one that I will translate in two languages, that is in the realistic genre (something I'm familiar with but don't really like because I find it so boring). So you'll probably hear about that at the end of the summer and I'll publish one of my first novels in French before the end of the year, but I don't know if you speak French xD *and don't worry about the confetti, I love when there's a lot of colors*
Starwarshobbitfics:Thanks, it is, truly, I almost cried when I held it (I know it sounds so cliché, like the "mother holding her child for the first time" cliché, well in my case, that image is kind of well chosen). It's auto-publication, so it's a bit different than traditional publication, but the physical printed book is still there. Nope, the Youngling on Zygeria is not Luke. Actually, Ahsoka will meet Luke and Leia when they'll be kids (maybe even before that), but the Youngling on Zygeria is someone else, someone that will be crucial to this story. I think you'll like that character though! I personally find it hard to believe that Ahsoka didn't meet Vader before Rebels or at least didn't figure out it was him (although you could argue that she knew and lied to Ezra and Kanan, which to me she totally did, but the finale was kind of blurry about that specific aspect, so in the end, I really don't know if she knew).
Lux's Sister: I totally agree with you, that Youngling is in danger and the way Ahsoka will bit that kid is a very important moment, I hope I'll manage to write it right. I didn't describe Ahsoka and Taii's argument, but I think one might come again later in time and that they might even fight. But I don't really know how their relationship will evolve, so I'm not planning too much about that.
Johnt12345:Thank you. I agree, the Jedi aren't all perfect, we saw that immediately with Ahsoka and her snappy remarks or Anakin and his anger issues. Although I've got to admit that the thing with the biscuits was completely random and unplanned, it just kind of happened xD
Lola Jeery: Good luck with your own story! And yes, I did a lot of research. I'm always researching the planets around the places where Ahsoka goes. I was planning on making her go to every freaking planet I have on my map (which is unfortunately incomplete) but no, she won't do that. Instead, other characters will travel too (and I'll write from their point of view) and all together, they should explore pretty much the whole universe. Well, as much as I can, if a planet is not interesting enough, I won't force it. I'll see about the novels when I'll have time because my life is as crazy as Sabine's hair color right now. I mostly actually listen to novels on my phone when I'm walking to school or work, like ten minutes here, ten minutes there. That's how I read A New Dawn. As for the grammar or style mistakes, I do proofread before posting (although I don't have a beta-reader) but people have been telling me for years I have a very heavy style that uses long sentences. I'm trying to change that progressively, so, yeah, I'm working on it. But I also have to point out (although it's no excuse), that English isn't my native language and I might use sentence formations that aren't English. But thanks for pointing that out, I'll look out for those mistakes. Also, welcome aboard!
I hope you'll like this chapter guys. It's kind of short and there will be a few more of those, but I'll try to include Max and Daisy in the next ones. Maybe make them explore the Hutt space a bit more before tackling this whole Youngling on Zygeria issue. Anyway, you're awesome, thanks for sticking with me and this story and see you soon!
TS
19 years before the Battle of Yavin / a year and 5 months after leaving the Jedi Order / a year and 2 months on Nar Shaddaa / 9 months after Order 66 (Year +11)
"Are you sure this is a good idea? Because my former Master has told me stories about those creatures and it didn't end well," Ahsoka said, frowning.
A loud noise could be heard. It was coming closer and the ground shook. They were in a grass field, the kind that could be found on Naboo. A huge beast was running towards her and Ahsoka jumped to the side, barely avoiding the tumbling animal that roared in frustration when it didn't hit her. It kept running for a while in a straight line as if it wasn't capable of changing directions.
"I know it's part of my training, but I think I've got the dodge covered!"
She focused on the Reek in front of her that finally stopped and turned around. It brushed the ground angrily with its huge hoof and dashed towards her, its three horns ready to impale her.
Old Hoody was sitting high up on a rock a few feet away. He was watching her since she had annoyed that creature in purpose. It was supposed to be herbivorous but could be aggressive if provoked. And Ahsoka had done just that. She started to regret listening to the old Bothan.
"I am well aware of your skills." Ahsoka jumped in the air, way above the Reek that kept running. "But I want to see if you are able to hide your Force signature in the midst of action," Kai said, clasping his clawed hands in front of him before nibbling on a eucalyptus-flavored biscuit.
Ahsoka groaned but dodged for the third time. The massive beast ran next to her. Its powerful paws flattened the grass. "Remind me what exactly you wanted me to do besides dodging?" the Togruta asked, turning in the Reek's direction, watching it turn angrily.
"Connect with it, try to calm it down."
Ahsoka lifted her hands in front of her and taped into the Force without revealing her presence. She didn't think it was possible, but Master Hudorra had taught her that technique during the last couple of days. She tried to connect with the beast that threatened her, but she didn't manage to focus her thoughts. She could see the three horns pointing directly at her, about to pierce her flesh.
She jumped.
Ahsoka landed lightly on the Reek's grey back. Only the animal's head was red. She grabbed the middle horn and held onto in for dear life, her legs clutching the beast's thick sides. She looked so small on its back, it was ridiculous. The Reek stomped around, trying to shack her off.
"Connect with it!" Kai yelled from his rock before taking another biscuit.
"I'm trying!" she responded through gritted teeth.
Each of the beast's violent movements send tremors through her body, making her arms shake like the branches of a fragile tree. She almost let go and her hands were slowly slipping on the rough and wide horn. She closed her eyes and let one of her hands go. She pressed it directly on the animal's head and put all her resolve in that gesture. The Reek slowed down and stopped in the middle of the grass field. Ahsoka leaned forward and whispered towards the animal. It shook its enormous head and walked heavily to the rock on which Old Hoody was sitting.
"See? I knew you could do it. Your Force signature didn't show up even for a second. You did good, Scarlett."
Ahsoka smiled. Since Grakkus the Hutt had showed up in Taii's bar, Old Hoody was very careful. He only mentioned the Force or the Jedi when he was certain they were alone and no one was listening. She had grown accustomed to the name Jynna had given her after her late mother. Scarlett was a pretty name and Ahsoka was proud to wear it. Kai threw her a biscuit and she caught it. The Reek had started eating the grass, completely ignoring the Togruta on its back.
"So, what now?" Ahsoka asked once she finished her biscuit. Old Hoody was drinking tea. Ahsoka had no idea how he made some without her noticing because she was fairly certain she didn't see him move in the slightest.
"Well, we've been training for three weeks now. Max and Jynna came to see us on Lannik a week ago. I think it's time to go back."
To Nar Shaddaa, Ahsoka thought. She had to admit, she missed her home. She smiled when she realized she considered the Smuggler's moon her home. Two years earlier, she would have laughed if someone had told her she'd live on the run in the Hutt's space. She was impatient to see her friends and family but dreaded to see Taiilyrra. She knew she owed the other woman some sort of apology but the Chagrian had disappointed her. Ahsoka promised herself to make it right. She turned to Kai:
"Alright. Let's go home. But I want to try something first."
And with that, she bent forward and whispered something to the Reek. It suddenly raised its head and jumped to the side. With a loud bellow, it sprinted in the grass field and Ahsoka rose to her feet, placing her body sideways as if she was surfing. With her hands outstretched, she managed to keep her balance and laughed out loud, tears of joy prickling at her eyes.
Old Hoody just sighed and drank his tea, finishing his biscuits without budging.
Letting her excitement take the better of her, Ahsoka let the Reek roam freely. She allowed it to run wherever it wanted to run. She could feel the beast's powerful muscles and the noise its paws made on the ground was similar to thunder. She was making a mental map to be able to go back to Kai later, but except for that slight surveillance, she didn't control the animal she was standing on. It had been a while since she had trained like this. But her body remembered. She put her balance to the test with every tremor, every little jump the Reek made. Thrilled by the challenge, she was so focused on not falling that she only noticed too late the gap in front of her.
A cliff stretched in a long line and disappeared in the horizon. The Reek wouldn't be able to jump to the other side. Ahsoka's eyes widened in shock and she looked around for a solution. She found none and the animal was almost on the edge. The Togruta did the first thing she could think of: she jumped ship. The Reek on the other hand tried helplessly to slow down but his massive body fell off the edge.
Ahsoka rolled gracefully on the grassy ground and skittered to the edge. She outstretched her hand towards the Reek that was falling helplessly and bellowing in fright. The Togruta frowned under the weight of the creature and used both hands to slow its fall. After a couple of scary seconds, she managed to stop the animal in mid-air. The fact that it was panicking and moving its limbs wildly didn't help. Sweat started to appear on Ahsoka's forehead.
Excruciatingly slowly, she managed to bring the Reek up. She was forced to sit down to have a better position and almost dropped the creature several times in the process. Eventually, the Reek's paws landed on the edge of the cliff and it ran away from it, his connection with the former Jedi completely forgotten. Ahsoka took a few minutes to recover from the effort before joining Old Hoody. The Bothan didn't ask her what happened and they entered the Sneaky.
Once they had left the atmosphere and entered hyperspace, Ahsoka excused herself and left the cockpit. She walked into her room although she didn't really consider it her own since she rarely slept in it. She had probably slept less than three times in it since she had bought the ship. Because when she was out in the galaxy with Max, she often fell asleep in the cockpit, feet propped up on the control panels.
She sat down on her bed and pressed the buttons on her right gloved arm. After making sure the channel was secure, she called the person she longed most.
"Hey Scarlett," said a familiar voice that made Ahsoka smile. The hologram appeared soon afterwards and Lux's face filled the empty space in front of the Togruta.
"Wait… are you wearing a moustache?" she asked, forgetting to greet him.
Lux looked embarrassed and slightly blushed. "I… you don't like it?" he asked.
Ahsoka smiled. "I might need some time to get used to it, but it looks good on you. Anyway, how are you? Anything remotely interesting happened in the civilized side of the galaxy?"
"Not much. The Senate is still shaken and some politicians have their own secret agendas."
"Don't they always?"
"Yeah, well, I don't know yet if it's for or against the Empire. I heard a few rumors about uprisings in faraway systems and some politicians disappeared the day after," he sighed.
"Be careful out there." Ahsoka's anxious tone made Lux smile softly.
"Don't worry. Having a Besalisk bodyguard dissuades pretty much everyone from messing with me. What about you? What have you been up to?"
Ahsoka had already told Lux about Bane and her whole breakdown after that. She had tried to reach several people on Lannik, Obi-Wan and Yoda among others but neither Master had responded. Their communications had long been destroyed and Ahsoka couldn't find a new way to talk to them. She had also reached out to several of her contacts in friendly systems like Naboo, Shili and Alderaan.
The thing that bothered her was that she hadn't been able to track Rex. She had learned from Lux that the Clones had been put to retirement, replaced by Stormtroopers and that a chip in their heads had made them execute Order 66, but she had no idea if Rex had been among those that pulled the trigger. She had heard stories about Clones that had their chips removed and, since she couldn't find Rex, she believed he hadn't been around during the fall of the Jedi. She hoped so at least.
"I've been mostly training lately. Oh and I nearly fell off a cliff an hour ago," she said.
Lux almost chocked on that. "You what?!"
Ahsoka explained the day's events and they talked a little bit about everything and nothing before Lux mentioned something important. "You know, I'd really like to come and visit you on Nar Shaddaa soon. It's been a while since we saw each other without using holograms."
"I know," she answered. "But we both knew that we wouldn't always be together." Truth was she was missing him bad but didn't say so: she didn't want him to feel even guiltier and then do something stupid like leaving the Senate to become a fugitive like she was.
"Of course, I want to see you, but I've got a little something for you too."
"Don't tell me you bought me a Tauntaun!" He had once joked he'd buy her one.
"No, I know it wouldn't survive Nar Shaddaa's hot climate, although I did think about it. No, it's something smaller. I think you'll like it."
They settled for a date in the next few months and it was time for Ahsoka to get back into the cockpit because they were already coming out of hyperspace since Ylesia and Nar Shaddaa weren't far. After saying goodbye to her soul mate, Ahsoka left her room.