Author's Note: *Grins evilly* How was that for a plot twist, eh guys? Things are going to be very different for Ahsoka from here on out! Y'all are getting this early because my town is experiencing quite the snowstorm right now, and there's the possibility I might lose power (welcome to east coast Canada!). I've been so excited to start this part of the story, I can't wait to hear what you guys think. We're getting closer and closer to the end now! Anyway, enjoy!
Trigger Warnings: Short instance of a needle being used for its intended purpose.
Chapter XI
Ahsoka was incredulous, but she did sit down. He was right about her being tired. "I'm your what?"
"My apprentice, in the art of fighting." He gave her a "proud mentor" look, lifting his chin and smiling broadly. "You've come a long way."
Well, the fighting arts would explain my scars, she thought to herself. Aloud she asked, "How did I get these wounds?"
His voice was nothing but confident as he answered, "Why, in the heat of battle, of course. Your scars, anyway. You are quite the accomplished fighter, and have been making a name for yourself on the missions you do for me. And the freelance work you occasionally take on, which…" He shook his head, and Ahsoka pulled her feet up onto the bed while she waited out his pause. "I had wondered if perhaps I was letting you out on your own too early. Unfortunately, I was right."
"What-" Ahsoka was interrupted by a yawn, her mouth cracking open in what felt like an oddly familiar motion. But one that had undertones of fear. She put it out of her mind for now. "What do you mean?"
"The injuries on your back and sides… you got them on one of the jobs you took on. It's how you lost your memory. The job went horribly wrong. You were fighting for your life against beings with laser swords, swords like my own." He demonstrated by igniting a blood red weapon that lit up the whole room. Ahsoka was transfixed by it, feelings that she couldn't put into words stirring inside her. Sheathing it, he clipped it back on his belt, and the feelings vanished before she could examine them further. He continued. "They overpowered you, and gave you the injury on your back. I don't know how you got away from them, but we found you unconscious in your ship, orbiting this planet. Your home. The medical droids said you had extensive head trauma and that you might have lost some of your memory. In time it should return… they hope. They are not one hundred percent certain. But in the meantime, you will need to have daily injections that keep possible side effects of your injuries at bay."
Ahsoka's eyes had been starting to droop, but she startled awake when Count Dooku stepped closer to her. He put his hand on her shoulder, and she felt warning bells go off in her head, before the red light that she'd seen flash through her mind before reappeared. But this time it didn't blind her thoughts. Instead, she suddenly felt the absence of the warning bells, like they had been muffled into silence. She heard a voice whispering, trust him. He will take care of you as no one has before.
The Count's own words seemed to confirm the voice in her head. "I am so sorry, Ahsoka. I should never have allowed you to take on such work before you were ready."
At that moment, the door opened, and a gray-coloured droid entered with a tray of medical supplies.
"Ah," the Count said, backing up from Ahsoka. "That'll be your first daily injection."
Focused on the medical droid and on keeping her quickly slipping thoughts together - she really was completely exhausted - Ahsoka didn't notice the Count heading toward the door until it was almost too late.
"Count Dooku!" She called before he'd left the room completely.
He turned back with a thunderous expression on his face that sent a thrill of terror through her. He quickly schooled his expression back to serene neutrality again. "You will address me only as Master."
"Why?"
The thunderous look came back. "I will give you the benefit of the doubt this one time. But if I ever hear you questioning my word again, I promise you will not like the consequences."
Ahsoka bowed her head, a sense of shame coming over her. This man was treating her injuries and explaining her whole life to her when she had no memories of her own, and she couldn't even go along with the one thing he asked for in return?
"Yes, my Master."
He gave her a nod. A look of satisfaction flashed across his face, but it was gone so quickly Ahsoka wasn't sure it had even been there. He turned to leave.
"Master!" She called, realizing she hadn't actually asked her question yet.
"Yes, my apprentice?"
Was it her imagination, or was his tone a bit… strange, as he said that? Like a tooka cat that swallowed the porg.
Force, she needed sleep.
"I… won't have to stay in here. Will I?"
"No, no," he answered, stepping back into the room slightly. "Tomorrow we will get you set up again in your old chambers."
"And… will there be clothes in there?"
"Hmm…" He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I'm afraid you took all your clothes with you on your mission, and they were not in the ship when you returned. But no matter. My other student would be happy to share some of her wardrobe with you."
Ahsoka nodded her acknowledgment, too tired to ask questions about this other student. Besides, the droid was still waiting. "Thank you, Master."
"You are welcome, Padawan Tano." And with that, the Count left.
Ahsoka lay down on the bed almost before the door closed behind him, simply unable to remain upright anymore. She didn't even feel it when the droid slipped the syringe into her arm. She was fast asleep.
