A/N: Sorry for the delay, real life was starting to take a toll and some not fun things were going on which lead to lack of posts. Hope you guys are doing alright out there!
Summary: Padme Amidala built bridges with people, especially with her 4th grade students. When new student Ahsoka joins her class, she is ready to start building a bridge to the young girl. Anakin Skywalker doesn't trust easily, especially when his little sister is involved. But he's drawn to the 4th grade teacher and willing to trust Padme with the darker battles his family is facing.
Chapter Fourteen
Padmé straightened slightly, she kept her tone firm, "Ahsoka isn't here for you to pick up."
Malachai's brow quirked, his tone almost mocking, "Is that right? Thursday's is a typical day for her to remain after school because her brothers seem to be caught up in other matters. It really is a heavy burden for them to be taking on a child you know."
"You aren't on the approved list of people who can pick her up," Padmé said sternly, ignoring the chill went through her at his words.
How could he possibly know that Ahsoka was usually picked up late on Thursday's? Anakin's words about Maul, well Malachai, being a stalker rang in her ears. How long had he been watching the school? That made her feel uneasy, but her face gave nothing away, she would not allow him to intimidate her and she would not let her student go with him. She hoped Ahsoka wouldn't come back from the restroom, she hoped she wouldn't come back to classroom.
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave the premises," Padme told him, her voice cold.
Malachai gave her a bored expression, not pleased by the words, but not surprised, "As a teacher it is your responsibility to teach and protect your students. You are making the mistake in seeing me as a threat to my daughter."
Padme would not back down, "You need to leave."
"I'm not sure what any of the boys have told you, but I believe you should know enough that, that was not a wise answer," he told her, something flashed in his eyes that made her think of why Anakin called him Maul. "Where is my daughter?"
The look in his eyes and on his face reminded her of the story, that this man had killed a man and nearly killed others in front of his own child. Had even tried to turn it into a lesson for a six year old girl. Anger burned in Padme, she kept one hand behind her and was prepared to pull out her emergency button.
"That is none of your concern," said a new voice from the back of the classroom.
Obi Wan had entered the room, his expression the coldest Padme had ever seen. Some relief went through her that she now wouldn't have to deal with Maul alone, but now her thoughts went back to Ahsoka. Where was she? Had Obi Wan come across her and sent her away? She hoped so.
That was what had happened. Obi Wan had come across Ahsoka in the hallway, the pair walking back to the room when he heard that voice. He told Ahsoka to remain out of the classroom, to return to the girl's bathroom until he or Ms Amidala called for her. At first she was ready to protest, but a sharp look from him forced her to walk away. Now was not the time for a reunion.
Malachai's features shifted to aggravated, he faced the man, "Kenobi. What a displeasure to see you, though I suppose you're better than Skywalker."
Obi Wan's eyes flashed darkly, "Do not speak of my brother, not one of them. You need to leave, the school teacher nor myself will ask you again."
"I'm not going anywhere," Malachai replied curtly.
Obi Wan kept his tone even, "You've had more than a month to show yourself, but instead you've been little more than a phantom or shadow. Stalking is a new low, even for you. It's also not your style."
Malachai scoffed at that, "Merely an observer who wants to ensure that a ten year old is in the proper care. We can go in circles, I'm not leaving until I see her."
"Not today," Obi Wan said flatly, his voice left no room for argument.
"I have a right to be here or have you forgotten about the rights I do possess," Malachai said pointedly.
Obi Wan wasn't phased, in fact he almost looked pleased, "Malachai you don't have permission to be here. You've been preoccupied for awhile so allow me bring you up to speed. In order for you to see her, you need the approval of her legal guardians and neither myself nor Anakin will approve such a thing if we think it's a threat to her well being. With the suspicion of your stalking and this attempt of kidnapping, I can't imagine how willing the courts would be to grant you anymore of the 'rights' you claim to possess."
If looks could kill, Padmé was certain that Obi Wan would have turned to dust on the sight. The look on Malachai's, Maul she was going to call him Maul from now on, was downright murderous and Padme felt genuine fear for Obi Wan. Would this man go off the handle? Would he kill someone else in order to get to Ahsoka?
"You believe your rights outweigh mine, but you are a temporary guardian. The claims you have on her are fragile," Malachai said coldly, his tone held a note of finality.
Obi Wan glared at the man, "Leave this place before either myself or Ms Amidala are forced to call the police to remove you. Ahsoka's seen enough of her father being locked away. Let's not add to it."
Maul did not move, he was fully turned to face Obi Wan now and though he spoke again, Padme couldn't hear a word he said when her eyes were drawn to the ten year old girl leaning against the door frame closest to the school teacher, but she wasn't looking her way. No, she was looking at her father with worry and surprise. No, Ahsoka shouldn't be here. She needed to leave, to go back to the bathroom or to Obi Wan's car, anywhere that wasn't here. Ahsoka's blue eyes found Padme's brown ones a moment later. In that moment, Padme did not see her student, she did not see the spunky and energetic elementary schooler. No, Padme saw a frightened child who needed protection.
Padme glanced to Obi Wan, hoping her eyes would convey what was happening. Her mind raced, she could slip away while Obi Wan distracted Maul, she could get Ahsoka out of here, bring her home or to Anakin. It would work, he wouldn't know and Ahsoka would be safe. Her safety was the number one priority. Padme made a move to the door, careful and slow as to not alert Maul, but after three steps, her plan wasn't going to work. Not when she was forced to freeze in her spot when Maul shouted, surprising her. She looked to Ahsoka who tensed her spot.
"I am not leaving until I see her," he shouted to Obi Wan who didn't so much as blink at the outburst.
Ahsoka didn't want to go in there, but she couldn't stay hidden. No, she wouldn't hide anymore. She wasn't some scared little kid, she could handle anything that came her way. Besides, she didn't want her dad to do anything to Obi Wan or Ms Amidala, she had to get in there. She shuddered, the mantra echoing in her mind.
No weakness. No pain. No mercy.
Quickly, she entered the classroom, he'd never put his hands on her, she would act as a wall. However Padme caught her underarm, pulling her back to her side and keeping distance between her and her dad. Ahsoka wanted to rip her arm away, didn't Padme understand that she had to get to Obi Wan? To protect him. However the look of desperation on Padme's face combined with the split second of pure unrestrained fear on Obi Wan's made her pause.
"Dad," Ahsoka said at last as Padme pulled her back to her side.
Padmé watched as thinly veiled panic spread across Obi Wan's face as Maul turned his gaze to his daughter. It took all of Padmé's willpower not to pull Ahsoka behind her, instead she kept a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder to make sure that if the moment came, she could pull her behind her. Ahsoka stood tall in front of the school teacher, she would not be intimidated or afraid. This wasn't the first time she had seen her father in person, she'd visited him in prison a handful of times and those visits weren't the worst. This however was different.
During those visits he was cuffed to the table and if he so much as shifted the wrong way an officer would be ready to escort them out and him back to a cell. Now they were out in the open and as Ahsoka looked up into his amber eyes, her memory flashed of the last time he had been standing tall in front of her. She never told her brothers what happened before Anakin arrived, to afraid to speak on it and she tried to bury it, but it was coming to the surface now.
"I've taught you better than that," he said to her as he set her down on the ground, "What are the rules? Hmm, tell me."
Ahsoka shivered, "No weakness. No pain."
"And," he prompted, tone sharp.
"No mercy," she whispered in response.
He nodded to her, "No mercy. They will have no mercy for this, you should not show them mercy."
Ahsoka pressed her back against Padme, her resolve slowly breaking as her father spoke, "There's the girl of the hour. I see you still wear that hat."
Ahsoka kept her eyes on him, "Why are you here?"
He replied simply, his tone smooth, "There was no rule saying I couldn't. Can't a father come see his only daughter?"
"Is that what I am to you now," Ahsoka asked as she crossed her arms over her chest, it was supposed make her look tough, but it was just to hide the shaking of her hands. "Dad's protect their kids."
"Father's teach their children to be strong, a greater protection," Malachai commented. "You still have much to learn, you are just a child."
Ahsoka tensed as she glanced at his legs then replied, "And you're half a man, does that make you a child with me?"
"I see you've picked up Kenobi's arrogance and tongue," Malachai said unimpressed.
"I picked up a lot of things for you to dislike while you've been preoccupied," Ahsoka said, the look on her face was almost feral. "I think you should go. Ms Amidala and Obi Wan don't want you here anymore."
"And you, do you want me to leave," Malachai asked her, taking one cautious yet purposeful step towards her.
Ahsoka felt Padme's hand tighten on her arm, in both reassurance and fear. There was no way for her to answer that honestly without some guilt reaching her.
Ahsoka straightened, "You're not supposed to be here, my answer doesn't matter."
Malachai nodded to her, "Very well, but do not think the lessons are over. We've discussed many, and more will come, but you've exhibited the most important one well today."
"If you say so," Ahsoka replied plainly, "Goodbye."
He nodded to her once more, the look on his face was almost a soft one if Padme was being honest.
When Maul left the room, Ahsoka wrapped her arms around her stomach and hunched over slightly as the waves of nausea crashed around her. She knew she should have been prepared that he would appear at school, but she really hadn't considered it would happen. Of course she heard what her brother's had said about it, but regardless she hadn't believed he would really come and then he did and she hadn't been ready. Her stomach hurt, her chest felt tight, her eyes burned. She wanted to go home, she wanted to feel better, she wanted her brothers, she wanted her mom.
"I don't feel good," Ahsoka admitted hunched over, her face set in a grimace.
Obi Wan and Padme were kneeling in front of her, both their faces worried. Padme kept a reassuring hand on Ahsoka's back, rubbing soothing circles there to help comfort her in whatever way she could. What happened just now had the school teacher on edge and she couldn't imagine what the ten year old girl was feeling.
"Ahsoka," Obi Wan said softly, "Look at me."
Ahsoka lifted her head to look up at Obi Wan, her eyes were burning with tears that she didn't want to shed. Weak, she felt weak. It was a good thing he wasn't here now, to see her this way, but then she berated herself for caring what he thought of her. Why did it matter? He wasn't really her dad anymore, he, he wasn't. Ahsoka felt so torn over it, she should hate him, but she didn't hate him and can't believe she still cares about what he thinks of her. She shouldn't care, but part of her still did. That was weakness, she shook her head.
"Dad stop," Ahsoka had cried to him.
Blood splattered on her as he shouted, "What have I taught you!"
Ahsoka shuddered, she shook her head.
"Answer me," he yelled at her, his expression full of rage.
"No weakness," Ahsoka said, "No pain. No mercy."
"Attack him," he told her, shoving one of the men down before her. "Show him no mercy!"
Ahsoka stared at the man, he lifted his gaze to stare at her and she could nothing, but watch as her father attacked him for her and a horrifying crunch made her screa-
Ahsoka shut her eyes and shook her head, her breathing picking up in speed as the images of that day started to flood her senses. Air was getting harder to get into her lungs, she could see Obi Wan and Ms Amidala, but she could also see her dad, she could see blood, she could see a man die. It all happened, all overlapping each other. Restless energy swarmed inside her, her head was starting to hurt, it was getting harder to breathe.
When Ahsoka looked up, she found she wasn't standing anymore. Instead, she was in Ms Amidala's arms, the woman was kneeling on the ground and keeping her up right as Obi Wan was rubbing her temples. Tears were falling down her cheeks, her mind felt fuzzy, but not as chaotic as before. After a second, Obi Wan stopped and she could clearly see his blue eyes watching her with concern and clarity. He always was the calm one in a crisis, he was always a rock, an anchor when storms came.
"You're safe Ahsoka," Obi Wan whispered, "You're safe."
Obi Wan had watched as his sister practically collapsed and Ms Amidala cradled her to the floor. A flash of anger went through him, this was all Maul's fault. He never should have showed up here, he should have just stayed away where he could not longer hurt his sister anymore. Now wasn't the time, he stamped that anger down and focused on the task at hand, getting Ahsoka to get out of her frantic state. Obi Wan lifted her hand and brought it his chest, in moments her palm could feel the beat of his heart.
There were several ways to bring someone out of a panic attack, while the common answers were not bad ones, Obi Wan knew that the best way depended on the person. Some people needed a person to talk them down, some of them needed to drink something, music, distance and all kinds of things. Obi Wan knew that in the times Ahsoka had a panic attack, three things always worked. The first was a lullaby that their mother taught them, the second rubbing her temples and third, if she could feel a heartbeat. He chose heartbeat.
"Focus on the feeling little one," Obi Wan whispered softly to her, "I'm right here. You are not and never have been, alone."
Her eyes looked from him to her hand, she noticed small spots on the back of her hand from vitiligo, but her attention was brought back to the thrumming she felt. Heartbeat. Obi Wan's heartbeat. After several seconds, the world sounded clearer and she no longer felt nauseous. Ahsoka copied his breathing, trying to get her heartbeat to match his and after a few minutes of him still humming that tune she knew so well, did her breathing even out. Padme wiped the last tears from her face and Obi Wan held her hand, his blue eyes looking down her, scanning her to make sure she was okay. She wasn't okay, but she felt better.
Ahsoka swallowed, "I want to go home."
"Then let's get you home," Obi Wan said, no question.
Carefully, Ahsoka rose to stand with Padme keeping her hands out to catch her if she fell back while Obi Wan was there to catch her if she fell forward. The young girl stood up tall, but she looked exhausted and in so much turmoil despite the smile she wore. Embarrassment flooded the young girl, she hated panicking like that. It meant something was really wrong and she was tired of things being really wrong, why couldn't things just be right?
She watched as Obi Wan collected her items, putting her books away in her bag. Ahsoka turned to Padme, who was still watching her to make sure she was alright. At least she wasn't looking at her like a broken doll, so that was a positive. She wanted to apologize for her display, but she remembered counselor Sinube's words and changed her mind. Instead of saying sorry, say thank you.
"Thanks, for helping," Ahsoka said softly.
Padme nodded, "Of course. Anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."
Ahsoka had some things she wanted to ask, but knew the answer wouldn't be one she wanted to know. So instead she just nodded her head. However she did grab her teacher's hand, wanting the support, but not asking for it directly.
Padme gave the young girl's hand a squeeze, her heart breaking and storming. The anger she felt towards the girl's father had grown significantly. It was uncalled for, for him to show up here like that and Ahsoka had to face him. As soon as her student was taken care of, she was calling her superiors to inform them that security needed to be better. This man was no allowed back on campus, not allowed near Ahsoka.
When Obi Wan finished packing her bag, the young girl stepped forward, but did not let go of Padme's hand. Neither adult asked her why, instead Padme just let Ahsoka tug her along and the three walked back to the carpool lane where Obi Wan's car was waiting. He set her stuff inside first while Padme opened the back door, getting Ahsoka inside. She didn't let go of her hand until she had to close the door. When the door was closed, Obi Wan looked to Padme. His expression was torn.
"Thank you for your help, I apologize for this," Obi Wan told her sincerely, "I think Ahsoka's coming down with a cold and will not make it tomorrow."
Padme nodded, "I understand completely, she just needs to focus on resting."
Obi Wan held her gaze for a moment, "I know you and Anakin are close, if you wish to inform him of what's happened I know he'd be a bit more receptive and it will give me time to warn our brothers."
"I'll tell him," Padme said, knowing what he meant.
Without another word, he got into the car and Padme watched them drive away, her heart aching
There was an old saying Anakin hadn't believed held a lot of weight until he opened up Shmi's Auto Repair that first day. The saying said that if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. In truth that was how Anakin felt. Currently he was working on some repairs for a motorcycle. He'd been working on it for most of the day, giving tune ups, fixing and upgrading the engine only stepping away when he had an appointment or if another mechanic needed some help.
Briefly he glanced around the garage, this was the first location he had opened and it was the smallest. It started with only two open spots, but two more had been added thanks to a generous and anonymous donor, not to mention their sponsors. In the garage slow here out front were where trucks, motorcycles and cars would come. Behind this garage was a large open space, almost like a warehouse with a handful of spaces for all the employees to work in. The part in the back was all about working on everyday appliances or if an engine had to be taken out, it could be brought in the back.
"Hey boss," called one of his mechanics and longtime friend, Kitster.
"Yeah Kit," Anakin said wiping his forehead, managing to smear more grease on his forehead.
Kitster told him, "Time for you to clock out."
Anakin frowned, he was scheduled until six, "That shouldn't be-"
"Got the days mixed, todays only four," Kitster said over him, softly he whispered, "A woman here is saying that it's urgent that she talk to you. It's about Ahsoka."
Anakin tensed in his spot, he nodded as he rose to his feet, "Can't believe you're trying to kick me out of my own garage."
Kitster laughed, "You've been hogging this beauty all day. Now it's my turn, get out of here."
Anakin gave Kitster a grateful look before he quickly exited the garage back to the locker room. The woman had to be Padme, if Satine had come here then Kitster would have said so since he knew the platinum blonde. No one knew Padme, but everyone here knows about his little sister. There were two newer mechanics here who didn't know about the chaos of his home life, they hadn't been here long enough for him to trust him with that information, so he was grateful for Kitster for keeping it quiet.
Anakin changed out of the blue jumpsuit, but didn't bother to get the grease off his face. He could deal with that later, he needed to see Padme and learn what was going on with Ahsoka. Obi Wan hadn't left him any message, neither did Rex or Cody, which meant that whatever happened must have just occurred or it wasn't that serious, but serious enough for him to know.
Anakin went into the lobby to see Padme waiting there, dressed business casual. Her eyes landed on him instantly, the expression she wore told Anakin she had bad news, must have been really bad news. Not saying anything at first, she stood up and walked out of the lobby and Anakin followed her to her car.
"What's going on," he asked once they were by themselves, "Is Ahsoka alright? Did she get hurt at school? Another fight?"
Padme shook her head, "No, it was Maul. He showed up at the school today."