Standing before Master Yoda, Master Windu and Master Plo, I could feel the gladness from my old master to have me back where I belonged and safe from Grievous. I wished he was here physically, for there was a great many things that I wished to ask his advice on, but since he was still fighting the war in the Outer Rim, I had to be satisfied with him present in the form of a hologram. "Good it is, to see you safe young Theca. Concerned we were, after your capture." Master Yoda said to me after I had bowed formally in greeting having been summoned to speak with them.
"You did well to endure under the torture of Grievous's hate for all Jedi, you should be proud of yourself, Jedi Rouyn." Master Windu agreed before Master Plo concluded with a note that I should take time to rest and recover, and that he was glad to see me alive. From what I had been told, Master Plo had fought longer and harder than anyone to try and find me, searching for Grievous and his ship with an intensity which had made him a daunting opponent to any Separatist fleet that crossed his path. It was possibly the knowledge that one master had failed to rescue me before that had driven him forwards, and I could sense the regret in his voice that he did not find me sooner as he apologised for being late.
"Master, you have already done more than I could have hoped for so do not feel discouraged. I knew you would never have given up on me, and that faith gave me the strength to endure as I did. You were with me every step of the way, my master." Seeking to console him, I smiled to him tenderly and with a deep affection which we shared for one another, Master Plo bowing his head graciously in thanks for my reassuring words.
"Have something of yours, we do." As if only just reminded of the fact, Master Yoda revealed my lightsaber which until now, he had been carrying all the while I had been missing. It had been recovered by Sergeant Green after the battle on Ilum, and given to Aayla who then passed it onto the Council after delivering her report of the events that had transpired. At first I was glad to see my trusted tool, kneeling down in order to reach out and take it however the moment my fingertips touched the smooth hilt I was struck by a sudden interference which caused me to instinctively snatch my hand back with a pulse of fear as my vision crashed with the sight of Grievous battling me, and a collision of memories which followed.
The masters all recognised my reaction and sensed my fear as I drew my hand away, the memory dimming in the next moment however I was now reluctant to even touch my own lightsaber, fearful of the memories that may come back to plague me. It appeared my mind was once again trapped in its own prison, rendering me utterly useless as a Jedi. Sympathising with my uncertainty, Master Yoda closed his hand over the lightsaber hilt with gentle understanding. "Hold onto this, I will, until ready you feel to take it once again."
"Thank you, master." Rising to my feet, Master Windu suggested I took this time to deal with my fears face on and accept them for what they were, for a Jedi was not a Jedi if they allowed fear to hold them back. I knew that he was right, but I was surprised that instead of his usual ire and disdain for my presence, Master Windu also displayed a certain degree of softness that one did not often see from him. Perhaps he took pity on my appearance, which was haggard and weak from the ill-treatment of Grievous. My clothes hung from my frame owing to the loss of weight, meaning that I was gauntly featured and every movement I made was small, timid and jumpy. I must seem such an utterly pitiful creature in their eyes.
Having been allowed to leave, I bade the masters goodbye, particularly to Master Plo before leaving the chamber and going to my own living quarters in order to rest and meditate alone. Isolating myself almost completely, I gave my time to process and heal from what had happened, and in due time, I felt more comfortable emerging from my quarters and gradually returned to my old duties. The younglings were at least glad to see me, and their uplifting spirits always soothed my aching soul to the point where I felt almost new, and so I devoted myself to them. After my recovery, I was finally able to see Ahsoka again after her return from a series of successes, including thwarting an attempt on Master Windu's life, as well as assisting in uncovering corruption upon the planet Mandalore.
With Anakin now sent to Balith to settle a large-scale civil war, Ahsoka had been ordered to remain behind in order to continue her studies, which if I knew Ahsoka, would be the last thing she wanted. Still, it at least gave us the chance to reunite, and when she spotted me in the temple, she ran to me with eagerness before throwing her arms around me. "I'm so glad you're alright, I was worried when I heard the news Grievous had taken you captive." Ahsoka said to me as I returned her embrace warmly, placing my hand against her cheek and smoothing away the concerned crinkles of her brow. "Don't worry, we'll get that monster next time. He won't get away with what he did to you and Master Koth."
"We were both fortunate to have such persistent and dedicated allies to come to our rescue." I responded with a light chuckle, feeling the energy roll off Ahsoka in waves from her youthful restlessness. "Shouldn't you be studying right now little 'Soka? Or are you perhaps intending to use me as an excuse to avoid your responsibilities to your own education?"
"Of course not, would I do such a thing?" With a bright glint in her eyes, I laughed again before having Ahsoka follow me to the library in order to oversee her study, ensuring that she did not spend all of her time focused solely on combat training.
"It is important to have an extensive knowledge of more than just how to fight, Ahsoka. A Jedi may be thrown into any situation at any given time, and their success or failure will always depend on their preparation. This time is crucial to learn and study as much as possible, for you will not have time to learn outside of the battlefield." I lectured her leisurely as I had her brush up on her galactic history and politics. "The knowledge of life within the galaxy is an essential part of becoming a Jedi Knight, you cannot focus only on conflict. You need to know when diplomacy is required over violence, and when conflict is necessary to broker peace. It is a delicate balance, but I am certain that someone as capable as you will learn to be mindful of such things when the time comes." Ahsoka groaned tiredly, already bored with politics and history which I could understand, for I had felt the same way when I had initially started learning.
"I know that this stuff is important, but it's just so boring. Ever since I became a padawan learner, I've learned so much being out in the field, even my master agreed with me on that count." Ahsoka told me as she leaned back in her chair. "So far I haven't met a problem that I haven't been able to resolve without my lightsaber."
"That is because we are at war, little 'Soka. When the war ends and peace is returned to the galaxy, how will you respond to situations which do not call for the answer of a blade, but a more delicate touch?" To this Ahsoka had no answer, so I resumed her lesson and tried to encourage her to take at least a little interest in the research. It worked for a little while, however soon enough Ahsoka had lost her drive and had taken to flicking through the criminal registry with an exasperated expression just as Madame Jocasta Nu appeared with a collection of data files for Ahsoka.
"These should help you with your studies, dear." She said, giving Ahsoka's shoulder a squeeze as I inclined my head gratefully to our respected librarian.
"Our thanks, Madame Nu." Ahsoka, however, was not enthused.
"Study. I should be out there fighting, not in here studying."
"I see you have taken a great deal of your master's personal traits on board as well as his teachings." Giving her hand a squeeze I then gathered up the data files that Ahsoka had already perused through in order to put them away, however upon my return I found Ahsoka had drifted off but she appeared to be restless, groaning and murmuring in her sleep before all at once she woke with a start and a gasp. "Ahsoka?"
"Senator Amidala is in danger." Surprised at the sense of urgency which surrounded her, I placed my hand upon her back to comfort her, concerned for what was going on and asked to know what she had seen, for it appeared to me that she had seen a vision. "I've been having these dreams for a couple of days now and until now, they have been unclear. I sense that Senator Amidala is in danger of being attacked by the bounty hunter, Aurra Sing." This caught my attention, making me straighten up as my eyes widened minutely.
"But you reported Aurra Sing as being killed in the crash on Florrum, Ahsoka. Are you certain it was Aurra Sing you saw?"
"I'm certain, and I know that Padmé is in danger." Thinking for a few moments, Ahsoka decided that she would go and see the senator herself in order to deliver a warning to be careful and wary from now on in person. "May I go, Theca?"
"Yes of course, you must. Be mindful of your surroundings, and if Aurra Sing truly does intend to assassinate Senator Amidala, then she needs to know about the threat to her life. Go carefully, little 'Soka." Bowing quickly to say goodbye, Ahsoka then rushed away in order to go to the senator whilst I brooded over this new development. Aurra had been captured before but escaped, and with the recent involvement with a young unaltered clone child who attempted to kill Master Windu in revenge for killing his father, Jango Fett, at the battle of Geonosis, I felt uneasy about the entire situation.
Ahsoka accomplished her task and then returned to the temple, however soon after she requested to meet with Master Yoda and myself, having meditated further on her premonitions and receiving further clarification which she now wanted to consult with us on what should be done. "I am sure now that it is Senator Amidala who is in danger."
"Senator Amidala, you say?"
"Yes, master. I've seen it in my visions." Ahsoka confirmed, turning around to face us both as I stood behind Master Yoda, my hands tucked into the sleeves of my cloak.
"Choose, you must, how to respond to your visions. But remember, always in motion is the future and many possible futures, there are." Bowing her head acceptingly of Master Yoda's wisdom, Ahsoka then looked to me and asked if I would mind accompanying her to protect Senator Amidala. For a moment I considered, thinking that although Ahsoka was capable and reliable, she was still young and I could sense the uncertainty in herself. Perhaps this would be an excellent chance for her to grow individually, however with the life of Senator Amidala on the line, it made sense to ensure that she received the best protection as possible as she was an important voice in the Senate of justice, truth and reason.
"This will be your mission, Ahsoka, since it is your premonition that has revealed the plot against Senator Amidala, however I will be there on hand should you need me. I have faith that you will be up to the challenge, and prove yourself capable in following your instincts." Promising that I would be with her, Ahsoka immediately relaxed and smiled to me as Master Yoda agreed that I should go with her as a guardian and observer to witness her progress as a learner.
"Perhaps time it is, to return this to you, Theca Rouyn." Master Yoda then drew back his robe to reveal my own lightsaber upon his belt, which he levitated with the Force and held it out towards me in offering, giving me a confident nod to signal that it was alright. I was hesitant, recalling what had transpired the last time I had touched my own lightsaber, but I knew that I could not leave this time without it. If Aurra Sing truly was involved, then Ahsoka and Padmé may need me to protect them should the situation take a turn for the worse. With a soft sigh, I took the lightsaber with the Force and guided it to my own belt, securing it in place before spreading a hand towards the door with a word to Ahsoka that if we were to join the senator, then we would have to leave now. "Good luck Ahsoka, Theca. May the Force be with you."
"Thank you master." We both responded naturally, bowing to Master Yoda before departing for the sky dock where Senator Amidala was already preparing to board in order to leave for her conference to Alderaan. Ahsoka ran on ahead, calling out to the senator as I followed behind at a more leisurely pace, taking my time and remaining calm as I joined them.
"I can't just stay behind knowing about the threat to your life. Allow me to come with you, please. I also brought a close friend of mine, Jedi Knight Theca Rouyn to add to your security detail. Theca, this is Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo." Introducing me to the senator personally, I bowed in greeting and stood before the senator who offered me a friendly and polite smile.
"Senator Amidala, it is my honour to be here."
"Jedi Rouyn, I've heard a lot about you from Ahsoka. She speaks nothing but the highest praise of you." I gave Ahsoka an amused look as she shifted slightly and avoided eye contact with me. "Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt. Besides, I enjoy your company Ahsoka, and look forwards to making your better acquaintance, Jedi Rouyn. Of course you can join me as extra security." Senator Amidala decided, giving a wink to Ahsoka before looking to her head of security who nodded in approval before we all boarded the ship to make our way to Alderaan.
For the most part, Ahsoka played a game with Padmé however she was largely out of spirits, admitting that she felt very unsure of herself without Anakin there to guide her, and that even though I was there with her, she was the one in charge of the mission to protect and guard the senator. It was here that Padmé revealed how she had felt when she had been Queen of Naboo, and how during her tenure she had often felt afraid and unsure of herself. Being able to relate to how Ahsoka was feeling proved to help her to feel a little more settled within herself, and after a few more games, Ahsoka retired to bed in order to get some rest. "Ahsoka is so advanced in her abilities that sometimes I forget how young she is." Padmé said to me as we watched her leave, the both of us standing side by side.
"Indeed. I have watched Ahsoka grow from a very young age, and often I have to remind myself that she still has a great many things to learn. Confidence in herself being one of them."
"She is lucky to have you. I know that you mean a great deal to her, Jedi Rouyn." Grateful for her words, I bade the senator goodnight before seeing her to her quarters where she retired to rest. With everything remaining quiet, I decided that it was prudent to remain on guard just in case Aurra Sing had already set her plan to assassinate Padmé Amidala by sabotaging the ship, and so I continually made sweeps of the ship in order to ensure that nothing was amiss. I found nothing to indicate anything dangerous, however I sensed Ahsoka was having difficulty sleeping and, as a result of another vision, charged straight into the senator's quarters and leaped onto her bed, convinced that Aurra was on the ship.
Thankfully it was a false alarm, though Ahsoka felt rather humiliated to have made such a mistake. She retreated with her head bowed, hugging her own arms as she made her way back to her own room as I arrived, coming to investigate what had happened. "Ahsoka, are you…?"
"It's fine, I just made a mistake." Ahsoka attempted to move past me without engaging, however I caught her hand in order to bring her about and look at me.
"Do not feel shame, Ahsoka. You merely reacted instinctively to protect Senator Amidala, and that is a good thing. Swift reactions can mean the difference between life and death." I consoled her, flicking her chin lightly in an indication that she needed to keep her chin up. "We shall chalk this up to experience, shall we? Try to get some rest. You will need to keep up your strength." Tapping her forehead I sent her on her way, hoping that she would find her feet soon. I had complete confidence that she would know what to do when the time comes, she merely needed to trust herself.