Chapter 15 - Life on Coruscant

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Author's Note: In which Ahsoka talks to Anakin, Obi-Wan, Plo, and... Sidious. ;)

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~ Amina Gila

"Finally. I was beginning to think you were going to spend all day in there," Anakin calls, turning around from the window where the sun is low enough for sunlight to stream through the window across the halls as he senses the familiar Force-presences heading towards her.

"You wouldn't be the only one," Ahsoka replies, striding over to him. There's a new sort of light in her eyes, a new sense of resolve. Obi-Wan is with her, and considering she's walking quite freely, it more or less summarizes what happened. Her lightsabers aren't with her, as Anakin expected. At the very least, the Council wouldn't let her keep them, which is unsurprising. Judging from Ahsoka's expression, it went much better than she'd anticipated, just as he'd predicted. It's good to see that the Council can be reasonable from time to time, and not overbearingly demanding, at least with everyone other than him.

"Anakin," Obi-Wan acknowledges. "The Council has decided to grant Ahsoka immunity, though she will remain under our supervision temporarily." Until she proves herself trustworthy. He'd mentioned it before. The Council doesn't trust her, of course, and will be keeping her under close scrutiny. "You and I were chosen to watch over her, and if we're on a mission, Master Plo will temporarily take your place."

"We should show you around," Anakin tells Ahsoka, turning and heading off down the halls. She looks around, taking in the sight, her expression nearly one of awe. The Temple wasn't built for beauty, but it's more magnificent than the castle she used to stay at on Serenno in its own way, even if it doesn't have the same obvious wealth.

"When were you brought here?" she asks them suddenly. Anakin pauses in his tracks, the sudden question startling him.

"I've been here as long as I can remember," Obi-Wan informs.

"I was almost ten," Anakin answers slowly. It's now that he realizes exactly how little they know about each other, even if they have known each other for a while. Sort of. There are still many things he doesn't want to mention to her, or anyone, really. He just doesn't talk about his past. For one, he's not supposed to. For another, every time he mentioned it, it only gives people more reasons to look down on him. He quickly learned to close it off.

"Isn't that... rather old to become a Jedi?" Ahsoka inquiries. "I was three when I was taken."

"It is," Anakin replies curtly, hoping she'll let the topic drop. He doesn't like thinking about the day he nearly got his dreams shattered, especially because of the other memories that surround it. When he left Tatooine, and afterwards the battle on Naboo.

There's a second of silence, then – "Why weren't you taken earlier? I mean, your Force-presence is extremely strong. Any Jedi who came to your planet could have picked up on it."

Obi-Wan answers before Anakin can. "He was raised on Tatooine, in the Outer Rim. My master, Qui-Gon found Anakin. No other Jedi had been there for a long time."

"Oh." She nods in understanding. "Dooku talks about him a lot. I think he misses him, though he'd never say so. That – I think – was why he Fell. He disagreed with how the Council was dealing with finding Sidious, so he left the Order to investigate it himself. One thing led to the next, and he Fell." Interesting. Anakin honestly never thought about why Dooku might have Fallen, and he definitely never considered the fact that he may still care about Qui-Gon. Well, he's sure doing a good job at showing it. Not. And he's glad she finally started talking about something other than him.

As they continue to walk through the halls, they soon make their way to the apartment level. A few Jedi they pass on the way here throw a few curious glances their direction, but no one says anything.

"Staying here is definitely going to take some getting used to," Ahsoka murmurs.

"I'm sure," Anakin says as he opens Obi-Wan's apartment door, and they step inside. "It took me a long time to get used to." And since Ahsoka was here before, he imagines it feels a little like coming home to a different world, one that moved on without her. It must feel so wrong. Much like how Anakin felt when he met Padme again, knowing a decade had passed and they grew up without each other, except for Ahsoka, it's the place, not so much the people.

"He was always getting lost at first," Obi-Wan informs her, making Anakin huff in annoyance. Yes, it's true. He was. "But considering that someone will be with you most of the time when you're here, you should be able to avoid that."

Ahsoka chuckles quietly. "I totally understand that. I was always getting lost in the castle on Serenno at first since Dooku never bothered to show me around much."

"Yes, I can imagine a Sith Lord would have more important things to do than be tourist guides," Obi-Wan quips.

"How long do you think you'll be here before you're called away again?" Ahsoka asks as they take seats on the couch. She sits on the end, with Anakin in the middle next to Obi-Wan.

"Probably not very long," Anakin answers, "We don't have much time on Coruscant anymore. Haven't since the war started."

She sighs. "With me gone, I imagine Dooku will just look for another assassin – who might be even more skilled – so I doubt it's going to let up much. Unless the Council is able to do something with all the information I told them."

Which reminds him... "Did you ever tell the Council who the Sith Lord is?"

A dark look flits across her face, but finally she nods. "They insisted, but I'm afraid it may have been a mistake." Out of the corner of his eye, Anakin notices Obi-Wan stiffen ever so slightly at the mention of it. Who could he be?

"Who is he?" Anakin asks again. If she told the Council, why can't she tell him too?

"I already went over this with you," she sighs.

"But you told the Council," Anakin argues, crossing his arms. Why should it be so different than him? He gets it; the Council are in charge of everything and his superiors, but it was Anakin who did everything possible for Ahsoka. It was him who offered her another chance and did everything he could to carry it through to the end even while the Council abandoned her, albeit unintentionally. Why does she trust him so much less than them?

She stares right back at him, unflinching. "You see him all the time. He'd know if you were acting different."

"So, I won't act different."

Ahsoka rolls her eyes, turning away. "Sure, you won't."

"Just drop it, Anakin," Obi-Wan advises, looking slightly exasperated, "The Council will take care of it. Right now, we don't have enough evidence to do anything anyway."

"Which is all the more reason I should know," he grumbles. They don't trust him. He knows that much, and it hurts, more than anything. He can't fault Ahsoka for it – she hardly knows him – but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt she trusts the Council over him. Get over it, he hisses mentally at himself, but that doesn't decrease the hurt in the least.

"She's right," Obi-Wan says, "For now I think it would be better if you don't know. Just stay on high alert."

Anakin scowls. It's obvious neither of them will budge, though he can't understand why. This – this is his purpose! It's all the Council ever wanted him for; the sole reason they ever tolerated him. So why is Obi-Wan denying him from living it through? He just doesn't understand. "Fine. I'll be in my room," he says, standing abruptly. Neither make a move to stop him when he walks away.

He'll figure it out on his own if he has to. Whatever it takes, he needs to know. He can't be left in the dark for something this critical when he could be helping. If anyone could find the evidence they need, it's Anakin. He would've thought they'd jump on the chance to just send him in there and fill his role. Apparently not.

**w**

The lines of traffic pass seemingly endlessly in the cloud covered sky, an occasional speeder making noises at ones in front. All acting as though oblivious to the state of the galaxy. Ahsoka hates Sidious so much. He called Anakin to come talk to him, to continue his work in trying to get him to Fall to the Dark Side.

There are times like this that Ahsoka almost wishes she could tell Anakin, so he would know to at least try and avoid him or at least be wary of what he's saying. But she can't do that. It would be too suspicious. She already talked to Obi-Wan about it again privately after Anakin left, and he agrees with her. For now, they'll have to remain silent and do what they can to help him from the side. In the end, they can help him as much as they can, but he'll always be the one who makes the choice. Whatever happens, Ahsoka just hopes he doesn't end up in a worse situation than she did, being forced to work for Sidious himself instead of Dooku.

It's the sound of approaching footsteps that snaps Ahsoka out of her thoughts. She turns, spotting Master Plo approaching.

"Ahsoka." She returns the greeting, finally turning away from the window to face him. "How are you doing?" he asks.

"I'm fine," she shrugs. She's not exactly used to being asked that question. "It's strange being here though. I'm not used to not feeling alone." And she can't believe she just told him that.

Plo nods in understanding. "Where is Skywalker?" he questions.

Ahsoka frowns at the mention of that again. "He went to meet with the Chancellor."

"A personal visit, then," Plo observes, a hint of concern in his voice, "The Council didn't send him to deliver any reports."

Ahsoka nods. "I know. He doesn't know who he really is, and Obi-Wan and I didn't think we should tell him yet..."

"You should not," Plo replies, concern coloring his tone. "Obi-Wan has mentioned in the past that he's worried about how often Anakin goes to see the Chancellor. He often seems... darker when returning to those visits. Now it makes sense."

Ahsoka nods again, wondering for a moment if she should tell him the one thing she's carefully avoided mentioning to anyone about Sidious' plans. She really wants to talk to someone about it, but she hasn't even told Obi-Wan yet. She should, though. If there's anyone who should know, it's him.

But still, Ahsoka is fairly certain she can trust Plo with this. She's not really sure. There are so many unknowns. This is for Anakin, and she doesn't want to make a decision lightly. If someone as powerful as him Fell... she doesn't want to know what would happen. "Sidious wants to turn Anakin," Ahsoka blurts out, "But don't tell anyone. I don't even want the rest of the Council to know."

Plo doesn't react much visibly, but there's a long pause of silence before he speaks again, and Ahsoka can sense his growing concern radiating through the Force. "This is most disturbing, though I have wondered. They do say that Skywalker is the 'Chosen One' who is meant to destroy the Sith and balance the Force. It would only make sense that Sidious would want to prevent that."

"The Sith say the 'Chosen One' is the one who will make them more powerful than ever before," she remarks, "But there are times where I wonder if neither side have it right." Balance is truly an intricate thing, which cannot be decided by people. It revolves around the Force and destiny itself. And Ahsoka is quite certain shunning the Dark Side is no way to go about it.

"Why is that?" he inquires, sounding genuinely interested.

"You won't like my explanation," Ahsoka warns. He doesn't look like that matters, so she launches into her explanation. "Neither side of the Force is evil. The Force is the Force. It depends on the intent of those using it. The Light and Dark are one. Believing only in one off-sets any sense of balance in this universe." It feels strange to talk to someone about her beliefs like this. She never has before, but then again, she hasn't done any of this before. It's all... new.

"Using the Dark Side without becoming lost in it requires much control," Plo murmurs, "But I have realized it is not impossible to come back." He gives her a pointed look as he says it.

It's weird. It almost seems like Ahsoka is already accepted here, even though she clearly doesn't belong here. Or does she? She's not sure anymore. Ahsoka feels more like herself now than she ever has. Just being here is reminding her more and more of the person she used to be. Maybe it's just the few Jedi she's met and knows so far, she's not sure. There's got to be some reason more than differences in beliefs that the Sith have always looked down on them. "It requires the will to do so, and a reason to want to."

He nods. "Perhaps the Jedi misunderstood Yoda's saying that 'once start down the path to the Dark Side, you do, forever it will dominate your destiny'."

Ahsoka's lips twitch into a smile. "He was right, in a way. Once you use the Dark Side, you can never get rid of it. It's always there, for better or worse. You have to learn to control it, to use it. To find your own place –" She's cut off as a sudden Force-presence from down the hall hits her. "– Anakin's back," Ahsoka announces. Looking past Master Plo, she sees him hurrying towards the pair.

"Hey, Snips!" he grins with altogether too much cheer as he walks up. "The Chancellor has asked to speak with you."

Ahsoka's blood runs cold. No. This can't be happening. Not now. Preferably not ever. But it is. Of course. She should have known he wouldn't let her escape so easily. Does he know she knows who he is? She always assumed so, but Force, please let her be wrong again. He better not have any idea she told the Council.

"No," she states firmly, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice. She does her best not to react too much, lest she make him suspicious.

Anakin frowns. Clearly Ahsoka's expression must have betrayed her fear. "There's nothing to be worried about." Sure, there's not. "Besides, I already agreed to bring you there."

Her fists clench tightly. "No," she insists, voice rising slightly. "He doesn't need to see me." Sidious already has so much control over Anakin, and he's clueless. Maybe it would be a good idea to tell him, but – no. It wouldn't be. That would give her away. They need to do something, but right now, the meeting with Sidious is a bigger concern. Or at least, it's more important right now.

"It's going to be fine, Ahsoka. There's nothing to worry about." Anakin sighs, frustrated. He has no idea.

Ahsoka can feel the darkness rising within her again, even though she's been trying to suppress it since coming to Coruscant. "There's nothing for him to talk to me about," she retaliates. "Nothing. How does he even have time for me? Shouldn't he have better things to do than –"

"Meeting with former Separatists? I don't know, maybe he wants some of the information you told the Council. He didn't tell me." Anakin's attitude is only serving to make her angrier.

"You think he needs to know what I told the Council?" Ahsoka practically snarls. "You think he cares? He's –" A sudden hand on her shoulder makes her instantly clamp her jaw shut, reminding her to watch what she says. Ahsoka shoots a grateful glance at Plo. If he hadn't stayed here, she very well might have spilled everything to Anakin. Never mind that she's yelling at one of the only people who cares about her.

Anakin's eyes narrow, and he looks quite frustrated though he's trying to hide it. "Come on. You don't want to keep the Chancellor waiting." He spins around, and she can feel his anger.

"Next time," Ahsoka shoots back, unable to keep the anger from her tone, "Tell me before you decide to arrange random meetings for me."

The ride to the Senate is dead quiet. She's mad at the entire situation. She's angry at Anakin for agreeing to this, and Sidious for making him agree so readily and putting her in the situation to begin with. As for Anakin, he's clearly upset with her. If he considered why she was acting like that, he doesn't ask. Ahsoka sincerely hopes he thinks about it but given how much control the Sith Lord has over him already, he very well might not.

All too soon, the speeder lands outside the Senate building. Ahsoka takes a deep breath, trying in vain to calm herself as she follows Anakin through the halls towards her doom. If not for the situation, she would almost marvel at how well Sidious is concealing his darkness. She can feel the traces of darkness everywhere, but given the kind of people that come here, there is no way to know it's him.

"He wishes to speak to you alone," Anakin says finally, breaking the heavy silence. Just as Ahsoka has been expecting. "I'll be right outside." Only slightly more comforting. At least he won't be able to secretly kill her and hide her body somewhere. Not that she thinks he'd be so stupid, but sometimes, there's no way to be sure.

The door slides open in front of us to reveal the altogether too familiar figure seated behind the Chancellor's desk. Ahsoka inhales sharply, struggling to keep her anger and fear in check. The only thing that stops her from going murder mode then and there is her admittedly minor sense of self-preservation and that she knows it's a fight she'd lose.

Ahsoka steps into the room behind Anakin, doing everything in her power to keep her expression neutral. "Anakin," Palpatine greets him in a voice that sounds so friendly she's two seconds from strangling him, "I'm glad you were able to make it back here with her."

Anakin nods. "I will wait outside, as you requested," he says, disappearing through the doorway. The door slides shut behind him, closing with an ominous sound as if sealing Ahsoka's fate, leaving her to face Sidious alone.

"What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" she demands, voice slightly sharper than she intended. Calm. She needs to stay calm. She can't let him know, if he doesn't already.

"It is truly a surprise for you to be here," Sidious states. He's still keeping his innocent, Chancellor façade.

"Yes," Ahsoka replies through gritted teeth. "It was rather unexpected." She's mostly just angry now, which is good. Anger is so much easier to deal with than fear.

"I hope that with the information you have given us, the war will end sooner. The Republic is grateful for your help."

Seriously, Ahsoka can't stand this anymore. From the way he's acting – if she didn't know better – she'd almost begin to doubt if her suspicions were right that he is Sidious. "Just tell me what you really want and stop wasting both of our time," Ahsoka snaps finally. Way to go, Ahsoka. She's never had a good way with words, and now it seems it might get her in trouble.

His expression darkens ever so slightly. "I suspected you know the truth. This will be your only warning, child. If you say a word to anyone, I will kill you. There is nowhere in the galaxy you can hide from me."

"I'd expect nothing less," Ahsoka shoots back. She carefully avoids thinking about the fact he must not realize she told the Council. He'd sense her relief. So instead, she remembers her worry, the fear that still remains. Unless she does something, none of it will matter. Anakin could easily Fall, and the Republic will be destroyed. But there's not really anything she can do, is there?

His grin is sinister, and a shiver runs down Ahsoka's spine at the sight. "Good, good. But remember, whatever you do, I will be watching you." He's looking at her like he wants some sort of response. What? Punching him in the face? She'd love to, but it would get her killed, and that's far to childish anyway. One wrong move, and she'll be as good as dead. It's plainly not fair the world can be like that. She can be as upset as she likes, but it won't change how things work.

"Is that all?" Ahsoka asks, barely managing to keep the rage from her voice.

He chuckles darkly. "I am surprised the Jedi would accept you so easily."

Ahsoka's eyes narrow. "I am no Jedi, and I never will be."

"You may leave," Sidious says at last.

Ahsoka gives him a final glare before turning and nearly running from the room. She has no desire to stay here with him any longer than absolutely necessary.