A/N: Heavy chapter ahead, not looking great for our friends at first, but the tides will be going in their favor soon enough. See y'all next time.
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 Twenty-Two
Sunday Afternoon
Anakin wanted to release every bit of his pent up rage, but he couldn't do that here, not with so many people, particularly these people. Judge Tarkin made his ruling, Ahsoka was still in his and Obi Wan's custody, thank the Force for small mercies, but it's been decided that she and Maul needed to have more frequent visitation. The matter of custody would be revisited later, after the visiting sessions were evaluated in two months, maybe three depending on if the courts believed they needed more time to see the effect it had on the ten year old this was all about.
It pissed him off. It severely was ruining his mood. How could they possibly think Maul needed to see her more often? How could they think that was okay? Anakin glared at the judge's retreating form, wishing he could incinerate him for his ruling. This was stupid, ridiculous. Ahsoka didn't need to be anywhere near Maul, he was bad for her, beyond bad for her. He had to fix this, he had to stop this, he had to do something, anything to keep her from him.
I promise, I'll always protect you Ahsoka. I'll never let anything happen to you.
He was failing her, he was completely and utterly failing her. He couldn't-
Obi Wan gave his shoulder a firm and tight squeeze, grounding him back to the moment and giving Anakin a chance to focus on the moment at hand. He hadn't realized his breathing had turned slightly ragged until he looked at Obi Wan, ever the picture of calm. His older brother was as collected as ever, as if he hadn't heard what the judge ruled, as if he didn't see the smug looks on Maul and their Grandfather's faces. Just another day. It was something Anakin both admired and hated about Obi Wan. How he could just hide what he was feeling behind a calm mask, controlling his emotions where Anakin could never keep them at bay it seemed. That the emotions he had controlled him and not the other way around.
"We need to go," Obi Wan said softly as he rose from his seat, adjusting his suit as he did so.
Anakin followed his lead a bit numbly, he said nothing in response. If he opened his mouth, any words that left him would be terrible and not put either of them in a more positive light. Everything here was about presentation, if they intended to win favor of the judge and show they were the better choice for Ahsoka, they had to prove it. That also annoyed Anakin to no end. What did any of these strangers know? How could they decide whether or not his sister could stay with him? Why did he have to prove to them that he was capable of taking care of her? It wasn't fair, it wasn't right, it made him angry, so many things made him angry.
"Come now my boys, do not look so downtrodden," said their grandfather coming to them, Maul at his side. "This is a good thing. After all, children belong with their parents."
Anakin had many words ready on his tongue, but Obi Wan beat him to it. "In some cases that is true, but not in every one. There are times when a child is much better off away from their biological parents."
Grandfather flashed a venomous smile. "A good thing this is not such a case. That little girl needs her father. We should discuss when the next visitation will be, how about next week?"
"Next week," Anakin said incredulously. "Not a chance-"
"We will need to look at her schedule," Obi Wan interrupted his brother sharply. He sent the younger man a slightly scathing look. "As we are all here for her best interest, we do not want to disrupt her sense of normalcy. Children need structure and stability."
Maul nodded approvingly. "Of course and I expect her schedule will be shared with myself. I need to be familiar with her day to day so that when she is returned to my care, it will be a smooth transition. Soon enough, you boys will see it's for the best when she leaves you."
Anakin could only see red, "She's not going any-"
Obi Wan stepped in front of Anakin to face Maul. "Do not forget Malachai, your standing is very fragile and this is a trial, your trial which begins now. All you do and say is going to be monitored even more heavily than before. Should you antagonize the people responsible for your daughter's care, when all the evidence has shown we are perfect guardians, it reflects poorly on you. Watch how you move."
"Threatening me will serve you no favors," Maul replied plainly, but his aggravation clear.
"No threats have left my lips, only observations and the facts laid before us. I suggest you watch yourself, we all want what's best for Ahsoka and as her father, you should only want what will serve her best interests," Obi Wan said calmly, but Anakin see the barest tremble of Obi Wan's shoulders. "We will be in touch."
Sharply, Obi Wan guided Anakin away from the two older men before either could reply. It took them moments to get outside and to their car before Anakin's mouth was open, ready to scream and rage and say all sorts of things. But Obi Wan just held up his hand, halting his younger brother. Obi Wan was so tired, just tired. As much as he always tried to lend a listening ear, he couldn't, didn't want to hear his brother lose control of himself over this. It was too much for his mind to handle, especially with the throbbing of temples. He'd likely need to take some more medicine to soothe the ache.
"No words," Obi Wan whispered, he sounded weaker than Anakin expected. "Please, I just, I just want the silence."
Fortunately, Anakin nodded and said nothing on their journey home. Home where their little sister was waiting to hear how it went, to learn what was going on and they would have to tell her the truth. Maul's rights were growing, this visitation increase could likely lead to a re-evaluation of Ahsoka's living situations which would lead to change in custody, that perhaps the three would split it. Obi Wan didn't want that to happen.
And while he truly did understand why the visitation was in place, all the courts saw was a father who would do anything for his daughter and just wanted her back, he wished they wouldn't do anything. He wished that Maul hadn't been released and that Ahsoka would just stay with them instead, that she didn't need to worry about this. But that was not the life given to her. They would all have to make do with what they had.
Friday Afternoon
With her cheek pressed against her desk, arms hiding most of her face, Ahsoka sighed. She would be lying if she said she wasn't bummed out during classes all week. The dance she had with Anakin had been awesome, then days later the high fell away when she learned that her dad now had increased visitation, which meant she had to see him more. And she was conflicted about it. Part of her, a stupid part she believed, was kind of excited to get to see her dad again. The part of her that missed how he was before the accident, how he seemed like a tough, but regular dad.
The larger part of her was annoyed with the whole thing and didn't want to see him at all. It was easier when he was in jail, she only had to go every other month, it wasn't super strict or consistent really. Just another chore. But now with this visitation, she'd have to go see him more and there was no telling how those would go. And if they went well, then that would lead to a path she didn't want to follow. Maybe if she begged the courts to let her stay with Anakin they would do it. After all, she had to have a pretty big sway considering it was her life.
Though she had her doubts considering adults looked down on kids often believing them to be incapable of making any decisions. She met the judge who would be following their case, his name was Tarkin and he was a jerk, also friends with her grandfather which meant he was biased which totally sucked for them. The only good thing though was that Tarkin and Anakin had gotten along previously, no bad blood between them and that the two had some respect for each other. It made Ahsoka feel slightly better, but not that much.
"Tano, your ride's here," called the substitute.
Padme had been under the weather Wednesday, she fell asleep at her desk during after school and when Anakin got there, he felt her head and it was warm. So she stayed home the past two days. Anakin said she was recovering well, that she'd likely be back by Monday which was exciting for Ahsoka. The sub, whose name Ahsoka already forgot, wasn't very nice and got on her nerves. With a sigh, Ahsoka shrugged her backpack onto her shoulders and made her way out of the classroom and down the hall. When she got outside looking to see who was coming, she nearly tripped over feet when she saw who it was.
"Dad," Ahsoka said uncertainly, stuck in her spot.
Malachai flashed her a smile, it looked forced, "Hello Ahsoka. Ready to head out?"
Ahsoka swallowed thickly, she gripped her backpack tighter. "I didn't know you were coming to get me."
"All apart of the new visitations," he said plainly, offering his hand to her. Ahsoka wasn't sure if he wanted her to take his hand, or if he wanted her backpack. "We should get going. You brothers are already aware of my coming."
Anakin and Obi Wan would have told her if her dad was picking her up today, they wouldn't have blindsided her like that. Unless they forgot, with Padme sick Anakin had been worried about getting her better and Satine recently lost a relative of her own meaning Obi Wan was preoccupied with her. It was possible they didn't remind her this development, but in her gut she knew that wasn't true. She knew they wouldn't have forgotten to tell her this. But what was she supposed to do? Refuse to go with him?
If she backed away, if she did refuse to leave with him, not only would it end with his fury, but bring all sorts of attention her way. It was bad enough her class knew her dad had been in a jail, she didn't want them to see her actively move away from him. Though another part of her considered maybe the attention was a good idea, maybe it would stall him from taking her wherever he wanted to take her.
Ahsoka straightened herself, "They didn't tell me you were coming. I can't leave the grounds without their approval."
He let out a noise that sounded a like hum as he got on one knee to be eye level with her. "Yes, approval that has already been set by your teacher here. Let's not hold up her time any longer. Okay Mira?"
Ahsoka stiffened at the old nickname, but before she could so much as say anything, Malachai had taken her hand into his own and started walking away, she did her best not to cry. Once they got in the car, she would send a message to Anakin and Obi Wan. Then they would take her home.
Ahsoka was gasping for air, sweat coating her skin and the ground being unsteady beneath her feet, but she forced herself to remain upright, ready to continue the fight before her. The first round she had lost to Savan the second, her cousin on her father's side, his younger brother, Feras, watching on the side with an uncomfortable expression. It had been awhile since she'd last seen them.
Feras has always been sweet, but his brother Savan was an absolute terror and certainly hadn't changed. Last time she had seen him he had been a jerk and as far as she could tell, he still was one. Aggressive, rude, had a terrible attitude and all around nasty. He played dirty, he cheated, he was rotten. Ahsoka couldn't stand him. He was about three years older than her, his skin a bit paler than her own and some vitiligo on his clenched fists, ready to attack her once again.
"Seems to me you haven't gotten much stronger," Savan remarked with a twisted grin, "Just a weak little girl."
Ahsoka glared at him, "Still the same rotten boy."
"At least I don't give an enemy the chance to get up when they're down," Saven replied, his blue eyes narrowed.
Her father stepped closer to the raised mat, she didn't glance at him, worried about two things. The first being that if she looked away from Savan, he would attack her since he didn't care to wait for the signal to start the fight and her father didn't care for it either. Second being that she didn't want to see the look on her father's face. Whether it be anger or disappointment. She shouldn't have cared whether he was upset with her for what she had done, or really hadn't done, but she did care. She hated that too. Despite it all, she did want his approval. He was her only living parent.
"Ahsoka, you would have won the last round if you wouldn't have hesitated," Maul told her, his tone cold and patronizing.
Ahsoka didn't look away from her opponent, "Master Ti says we aren't supposed to kick an opponent when they're down. We give them the honor to get up."
"Look at me," he said slowly, his tone icy.
Steeling herself, she turned her head to look at him, his brown eyes met her gaze and she forced herself not to look away. There was no room for weakness here, there was no room for stupid mistakes, there wasn't room for a lot of stuff here. Not for the first time in the past two hours did she wish she could go home, back to her brothers, or just anywhere that wasn't here.
"Do you think the real world cares about honor," he said to her in a harsh tone that she struggled not to flinch away from, "No, they don't. It seems you have forgotten the most important lesson."
"I haven't," Ahsoka said, clenching her fists tighter.
Maul gestured to her opponent, "Prove it to me. Show me that you have not forgotten."
Ahsoka swallowed, she took a breath and the fight began. Savan charged at her, his attacks were hard and fast, but she was faster and dodged them or deflected them off without as much trouble. Her attacks came harsher than before. Even though Savan was bigger, she was the better fighter thanks to her having spent more time training than him. A flurry of punches and kicks from both children came and went, each one trying to get the upper hand over the other. He fought dirty, she fought fair. She was going to lose, but that wasn't an option.
I'm tired. I want to go home.
Ahsoka had him pinned to the ground, she had won the fight and she was poised in the position to strike again, but he was down. There was no need to hurt him when he was already beaten, that was the rule, that was honorable. The fight should be over, it should be over, but she knew it wouldn't be, she hated that it wouldn't be. Force she just wanted her brothers, where were they? Why weren't they here? She'd managed to text them about Maul taking her, but soon as he saw her phone, he took it away.
"Have you forgotten the lesson," Maul asked her.
Ahsoka lifted her head slightly to him, she hadn't forgotten his lesson, she wouldn't be able to forget. She shook her head no. Maul nodded to her opponent. Already she had hit him harder than was allowed in sparring, she had already busted his lip from her kick before, that was too far. In her waiting, Savan got the advantage, she barely managed to get away from his fierce attacks. He got a good punch to her arm, she knew they would be covered in bruises.
Ahsoka felt her father's eyes boring into her, she would not be able to leave if she did not prove to him that she remembered his lessons. It was clear Savan remembered the lessons, it was clear he intended to remind her of it as well. Ahsoka back flipped away from Savan's more aggressive attack, once back on her feet, she kept her momentum going to stay away. He was holding nothing back. She didn't dodge his kick soon enough, she fell to the ground and slid slightly. Savan charged at her again, she just barely rolled out of the way of his attack that would have been illegal in a sparring match.
However this wasn't sparring, this was a real fight. Ahsoka remembered talking to Anakin about street fighting, he was really good at it from a time he didn't like to talk about. The both enjoyed fighting, maybe a little too much, but they weren't ever out to hurt each other. Only to make sure the other wouldn't be defenseless if the situation came. He'd told her that she was young and small, an easy target, but it was his goal to ensure that she wouldn't be an easy target. That she could protect herself. It was different than her dad.
"What the hell is this," shouted Anakin from behind her.
He was here.
Ahsoka couldn't look at him, she was too busy keeping away from Savan. For a moment she thought she would have been able to stop, but her father made no indication the fight was done and Savan certainly wasn't giving her any breathing room. Ahsoka was knocked down hard again from a kick to her stomach. A gasp left her as she collided with the ground on her back, but she couldn't focus on it for long, Savan went to jump on her, his arm pulled back ready to punch. She rolled out of the way. His fist hit the mat, softer than it would have hit her.
"They're fighting and will not stop until the lesson is learned," Maul said calmly to Anakin.
"Screw that, Ahsoka let's go," Anakin said, his tone left no room for argument and honestly, she didn't want to argue.
Ahsoka made move to him, but Savan was still in the fight and knocked her down again, the air forced from her lungs. He did the move again, she narrowly avoided his attack. This fight wasn't over. Ahsoka raised her hands into fists, she wanted this to end. Part of her considered just jumping off the mat, but when she glanced over she saw the look her father was giving her and she knew that wouldn't work. She had to finish this herself.
"The fight is over," Anakin snapped at Maul.
Maul glanced at him tiredly, "Not until the lesson has been learned."
Obi Wan spoke next, "There is no lesson she needs to learn from you. This is barbaric."
"This is necessary," Maul replied, hands clasped behind his back.
Savan landed harsh punch to Ahsoka's arm, she spun around to avoid his next attack. Anger burned in her chest, she just wanted to go home. With a new burst of energy, she went on the offensive and attacked with faster and wilder swings. Though her form was getting sloppier, the strength in each attack was more powerful. She barely registered Anakin or Obi Wan telling her to stop her harsh attacks against Savan, she should care, but at this second she didn't. She got Savan down to the floor with four more punches and a kick, she was on top of him, she punched his nose.
"What is the lesson," Maul asked her.
Savan pushed her off, he went to get away, but she wouldn't give him the chance. She kicked him to the ground with more force than necessary. He landed roughly, he tried to roll away, but Ahsoka landed on his back harshly, the air forced from him again and he was gasping. She shoved him down to the mat as hard as she could.
"Ahsoka stop, he's down," that was Obi Wan.
Ahsoka pulled back her arm, ready to strike. She hesitated for a second.
"The lesson," Maul snapped at her.
Ahsoka lifted her gaze to look at him, her eyes flashed to Anakin and Obi Wan before she looked back at Maul, "No weakness. No pain. No mercy."
Maul nodded his head, "Go on."
Ahsoka brought her elbow down onto Savan, he collapsed from his push up position with a groan. The fight was over, she won and felt sick. Ahsoka shoved him for no other reason than her own anger, she was disgusted. Out of breath, she faced Maul who was looking at her with an approving gaze and an almost proud grin, albeit very faint. He rested his hand on her shoulder, she did not break eye contact with him despite wishing she could look away.
"The lesson remains," Maul said to her, "Do not forget it again. Someone will take advantage of your honor in a fight, you must not allow such things to hinder you."
Ahsoka said nothing, her stare was defiant, but body language defeated.
"You're free to go now," Maul dismissed dropping his hand.
Ahsoka still said nothing, the anger that burned in her chest was a raging fire, but the sorrow was beginning to drown out. Now she looked away, she stepped around Maul and walked straight past Anakin and Obi Wan, both their expressions filled with concern and at a slight loss on what to say.
Anakin opened his mouth to let Maul have it, but Obi Wan put a hand on his arm to stop him and nodded for him to go after Ahsoka. He agreed and left to get her, leaving Obi Wan the chance to speak with his former step father. And while he considered himself a patient and lenient man, this pushed him over the edge. They'd all be full of fear and worry when Ahsoka was not at the school waiting for them, when the substitute teacher said that her father had taken her home. It had been a frightening hour that felt endlessly long.
Outside of this place, Anakin caught up with Ahsoka who was standing by the light post, staring at the mostly empty lot with her small shoulders shaking. He made his way over to her, coming by her side and looking out at the few other people here, briefly wondering what was going on in their lives, if it were as hectic as their own. It was doubtful, they likely had more normal lives.
"You weren't there," Ahsoka said, breaking the brief and tense silence. "Why weren't you, any of you, there?"
Anakin looked down at Ahsoka, but she wouldn't look at him. "Obi Wan was at work, the twins in school and I was on my way to you. I'm sorry I was late Snips."
"Don't call me that," Ahsoka snapped, her tone harsh.
"Ahsoka-" she wouldn't let him say another word.
In one sharp movement, she was facing him, tears in her eyes and her face scrunched like she was in pain. "He came for me, you weren't there, none of you were there! Why weren't you there?!"
Anakin felt as if all the breath he had was forced out of him. "I'm sorry."
"You should have been there," Ahsoka said to him as tears fell rapidly down her cheeks. "I don't want him near me anymore."
"And we will find a way to ensure that this nightmare ends," Anakin told her earnestly, his hands on her shoulders, but the shaking didn't cease. "This is all my fault, I am so sorry Ahsoka. I am so sorry."
Ahsoka squirmed out of his touched, but soon as his hands were off her, she found she missed the feeling. Anakin was always safe, he was always safe. If he wasn't there, she wasn't safe. A second later, she slammed into his chest, gripping his shirt tightly as all her emotions spilled out of her. This wasn't fair, none of it was fair, she wanted to go home, she wanted him gone. She felt Anakin's arms wrap tightly around her. Safe, he was safe, he was always safe. He promised to protect her, why wasn't he there?
"You're always safe," Ahsoka cried into his chest. "Always, safe when you're- when you're there. You have-have to be there."
"I know and I'll always be there, I'll always be there," he whispered into her hat, squeezing her tightly to offer any reassurance he could.
Ahsoka arms slipped around his neck, her face buried in the crook of his neck as she continued to cry, her breathing uneven, but slowly steadying. After a minute of remaining there, Anakin stood up with her in his arms and went over to his car. Obi Wan drove separately, they didn't need to wait for him, he could handle Maul any day. For now he had Ahsoka, he would do better, he wouldn't let this get in the way of the promise he made.
By the time they made it home, Ahsoka was asleep in the backseat of the car, the tears dried on her cheeks, her breathing now even. Today he failed her, tomorrow he wouldn't, couldn't do that. With ease, he lifted her into his arms once more and as he entered the kitchen, he found the twins and Padme waiting for him, each with worried expressions. All of them just wanted Ahsoka to be happy, to be safe, to have a normal life. It killed each of them in their own ways that these were the cards they'd been dealt.
Without a word as to not disturb Ahsoka, Anakin made his way upstairs with her and laid her down on her own bed, taking off her hat and placing it on her nightstand. Hopefully she'd get some peace for a while before dinner rolled around. Maybe they could make her favorite meal, something to lift her spirits, to bring her comfort. As silent as he could, he made his way downstairs once more to see the twins and Padme waiting him.
It was Padme who spoke first, "I am so sorry, so sorry. This is all my fault."
Anakin took her hand, "It's not yours. If I had been there on time, he wouldn't have gotten to her."
"No one is to blame except for Maul," Rex said plainly, his eyes alight with anger. "Anakin, we can't let this stand."
He nodded. "I know. Luckily, it won't. While you have to wait a certain amount of time before you can report kidnapping, her being removed from the school grounds by someone who wasn't on the approved list works well in our favor. The court will be reconvening on Wednesday to go over this incident."
Cody raised an eyebrow impressed. "That seems quick."
"It is, but given the circumstances of the case and everything, they can't ignore this," Anakin told him with a sigh. "I'm sure once Obi Wan gets back, he'll be able to walk us through it more clearly and how the next proceedings will go."
"At least there's some solace knowing this will not work well in Maul's favor, he can't come back from this, not without it being suspicious among the courts," Rex said, arms folded over his chest.
The words were true, Maul made a terrible mistake today, one that would not doubt work in their favor. There wouldn't be a possible way for the court to ignore this or let it slide without consequences, not without risking being called a mistrial and having to start the process over. And while that certainly seemed to be like a light at the end of the tunnel, no one was willing to get their hopes up just yet. For now, things were heavy, but things were going in their favor. The load should lighten soon.