Chapter 3 – Ahsoka Tano

DISCLAIMER: We do not own Star Wars or any of the characters in it, though we wish we did. xD

Author's Note: Anakin and Ahsoka finally get to interact... and Shmi enters the picture... :P

~ Amina Gila

"So, you're Anakin Skywalker," Ahsoka muses as she scrutinizes him, blue eyes in stark contrast to her orange skin. Her montrals are striped white and blue. "I've heard a lot about you."

She's sitting across from Anakin in their cabin. Padme is looking at a datapad in a nearby chair, leaving Anakin to deal with this Jedi. He wonders what would happen if he threw her out an airlock. Would anyone even notice? He certainly hopes not, but he's not stupid enough to risk it.

"That's nice," he offers. Maybe if he keeps his replies to a minimum, she won't keep trying to talk to him. He does not want to talk to her. Why can't she understand that already?

She's frowning now, and he senses vague irritation. "You seem a little upset," he comments without even thinking. So much for trying not to talk to her. Now he doesn't have a choice.

Ahsoka seems to brighten when he finally acknowledges her. "I guess I am," she admits, sighing and leaning back against the wall. "You met Master Kenobi." She waits until he nods. "Well, I'm his Padawan."

He's actually startled by that. "What?"

Instead of being upset that he's asking questions, the Togruta actually seems relieved. "He didn't want to take me, and he often doesn't act like I'm his Padawan. Master Yoda told him that if he didn't accept me, I would be sent to the Agricorps because I was too old."

"Too old?" he queries in confusion. "What do you mean?"

She seems uncertain how to reply. "If younglings aren't taken as a Padawan, they don't become Jedi. They're sent to the Agricorps instead unless they want to join a different Service Corp." Oh. Anakin hadn't known that. He'd thought that all younglings became Jedi.

He looks her over, finally raising an eyebrow. "You look like a youngling," he notes. "I didn't know that Jedi would consider you old enough to become a – Padawan." He winces inwardly. He'd nearly said apprentice. Only Sith use the term apprentice.

Ahsoka is not amused. She gives him an outraged look. "I am not a youngling!"

"Sure you're not," he drawls, smirking. He suddenly realizes that he's finding it easy to talk to her, even though she's a Jedi. He hopes his master won't find out. He probably wouldn't be pleased, and he certainly would not approve. Anakin knows the Jedi are enemies, but maybe that shouldn't always be true. The Order is his enemy. All the individuals are not. Maybe he can find some use for Ahsoka. Perhaps he can get her to join the Sith Order.

"I still don't think you're old enough. Are you really ready to go on protection missions?" he wonders. He didn't know that Jedi gave their apprentices such risks. Sith are a different story, but he doesn't really care for their practices.

She scowls. "Master Yoda thought I was old enough to become a Padawan, and Master Obi-Wan only sent me here because he didn't want me to join him in his investigation."

"Because Yoda knows everything," mutters Anakin, bitterness threatening to overwhelm him. There are times he can almost hear when the old troll claimed he was too old and too angry to be trained. He was not angry then. He had no darkness. Now? The darkness is suffocating his soul. His hands are stained with Jedi blood, and he can never wash it off. It will always be there, mocking him for what he'd wanted and what he'd become.

Ahsoka gives him a curious look. "You don't like Master Yoda?"

Anakin snorts. "How could I? He's the one who decided to adopt me to the Chancellor without even asking me." Despite his animosity, he still takes note that Ahsoka seems to be upset with Obi-Wan and resolves to pressure her about it later. He might be able to learn some useful information.

She falls silent, an inscrutable expression on her face as she studies him. "You're upset because you were denied becoming a Jedi?" she queries.

He looks at her incredulously. "Do you think I still want to be a Jedi after seeing how they treat others? They didn't even bother trying to free my mother! The Chancellor did it himself."

"Free?" she echoes. "You were slaves?"

Anakin narrows his eyes, giving a stiff nod. "I don't want to talk about it," he states simply and hopes that she'll drop it.

Her face registers shock, and she seems to be at a loss for words, but she shakes her head. "I can tell you're upset though." Yes, he is, and he's not going to unburden himself to a child, especially not a Jedi youngling when she'll run straight back to the Council.

Anakin shrugs half-heartedly and turns the conversation back to safer waters. "I got the feeling that you're upset with your master."

After giving him another probing look, she lets the topic change. "Yes," she agrees reluctantly. "He never wanted to train me or anyone actually. He only ever wanted to train you. He told me he'd promised his master. He wanted to honor the promise, but he also saw your potential, and he wanted to help you."

He mulls over her words, deciding to determine how he feels about that later, not that he hadn't already known, but the confirmation was good to hear. "If you're so upset with how you've been treated, why not leave the Order?" he suggests. "It might be the only thing you've ever known, but you can still use the Force and not be a Jedi."

Ahsoka looks startled by his words. "I – I never actually thought about it," she admits. "The Jedi are like my family. I don't want to leave them. Besides, if I did, I don't know where I would go."

He hesitates before opting to plunge forward and deal with the consequences later. He has a number of cards to play, and if he wants to convert Ahsoka to prove he can be trusted, he needs to tread with caution. "I could teach you."

"What?" she gapes at him, and he glances at Padme to see if she's still occupied. She doesn't seem to be paying either of them any attention. "How can you do that? You were never trained."

He gives her a flat look. "The Jedi are not the only Force users, you know," he informs her. "There are many other groups out there, and I explored a lot about the Force. I can use it just fine, even without Jedi training."

"Really?" she seems skeptical, but he has to give her the benefit of the doubt. She's probably never seen a Force user who isn't a Jedi.

"Yes…" he drawls, flicking out his right hand casually and pulling one of Ahsoka's lightsabers to his hand.

She lets out a startled yelp and lurches forward to grab it away. Smirking, he tosses it in the air out of her reach, using the Force to keep it suspended. Huffing, she reaches out with the Force, calling it back to her. "Don't do that," she warns.

"I won't hurt myself with it, if that's what you're afraid of," he replies, grinning and resisting the urge to reach for his own concealed saber.

"No. It's not that," she grumbles, though she doesn't explain just what bothered her.

"I am serious about my offer, though," Anakin tells her, letting sincerity color his tone. "I would be willing to teach you if you wanted."

"I don't know…" she mumbles dubiously.

"You wouldn't be my apprentice or Padawan or whatever you want to call it," he answers, knowing he's pushing her to accept. That's something else he'll have to consider later. "I can simply teach you a few things, even if you don't leave the Jedi."

"Okay," she says finally, smiling at him.

"Can you meditate?" he questions.

"Yes," she replies immediately. "I learned that when I was really young."

"I can't meditate very well," he confesses, "But I've found that focusing with emotions is most helpful." He doesn't mention that it's a Dark Side technique, or that he often uses a strong dark emotion when preparing himself for combat. Some things are better left unsaid.

Ahsoka frowns. "That's a Dark Side technique," she tells him. So much for that.

"Is it?" he feigns surprise. "I have never noticed myself feeling anything other than peaceful when I use it." It's true – from a certain point of view. Even if he's burning from the Dark Side, he is still peaceful in the very center of the turmoil.

She nods emphatically. "Yes, it is. The Jedi use calm. We don't rely on emotions. We let them go." He keeps his expression neutral. He doesn't want to arouse any suspicions as to the nature of his training. It's better if she thinks him to be self-taught.

"I never understood the Jedi ideal of calmness," he acknowledges. "I'm emotional by nature. It's not something I can just control."

"The Jedi teach that you need to release your emotions to the Force," Ahsoka explains. "We don't hold onto anything. We just let it go, so it doesn't affect us."

His lips quirk into a smile. "You are awfully smart for a youngling," he teases.

In a millisecond, her expression goes from serious to annoyed. "Stop calling me that!" she snaps, glowering at him. "I'm not a youngling any more than you are, Skyguy."

He raises an eyebrow in surprise, crossing his arms. "What did you just call me?" he demands. "Don't get snippy with me… Snips."

They both glare at each other, neither willing to back down. Inwardly, Anakin finds that he enjoys her company. She's very different from what he imagined a Jedi to be, and it's even better that she's still a child. She's very impressionable, and he doubts he'll have a hard time getting her to join him. Once she sees the Jedi's flaws, she'll understand the power of the Dark Side and come to him willingly.

**w**

"Naboo is a very beautiful planet," comments Ahsoka, head swiveling to take in the sights all around her.

Padme laughs. "Yes, it is," she agrees. "Even though I grew up here, I still find it breathtaking. There is so much to see. Maybe when we're not hiding from an assassin, I can take you to some of the sights on the planet."

"Oh, yes!" Ahsoka exclaims enthusiastically. "I would love that."

"I'm always awed by the sights," Anakin adds. He glances around, judging the time it will take to reach his master's private residence where his mother is waiting. After they arrived in Theed, they went to see the queen and then Padme's family. Now, early the next morning, they are headed to the Palpatine residence. It's located off the map in a secure area, where his master assured him that no one could find them.

While he falls silent, watching the landscape go by, he hears Padme talking to Ahsoka. He's inwardly glad that they immediately hit off, especially now that he doesn't mind the Jedi's presence. He needs to contact his master as soon as they arrive. He knows he'll be expecting regular updates.

It only takes them an hour before their speeder is approaching the large estate. Anakin feels some of the tension in his body drain away when he senses his mother's Force signature. It's been a long time since he's seen her, but he doesn't dare reach out too much with the Force. Ahsoka might be aware that he has some training, but he's not entirely sure how to use the Force without also drawing on the Dark Side, something that, if noticed, would raise too many unpleasant questions.

Anakin is practically humming with excitement when they arrive. His protocol droid, Threepio, comes out to greet them. "Master Anakin, it is so good to see you!" he cries. Artoo immediately rolls over beeping out a long series of comments.

"Where's my mother?" he asks.

"Mistress Shmi is in the garden," the droid answers. "Shall I get her?"

"No, Threepio. Not yet," Anakin tells him. "I need you to take the luggage to the guest rooms. One for Padme, and one for Ahsoka." He motions to them walking into the mansion as he escorts them towards their rooms. He knows he'll have to give them a tour, excluding the areas only Sith are allowed, of course. It would not be good at all for them to see the training facilities underground.

This isn't the first time guests have come here, so Anakin and Shmi know well how to behave. After showing Padme and Ahsoka their rooms, he leads them to the gardens, inhaling deep breaths of the fresh air. Despite every bad memory associated with the estate, Anakin has never lost his love for the gardens, full of many varieties of exotic plants.

It is there that he finds his mother. She is sitting on her favorite bench, looking at a holopad. She is the manager here, though her duties often leave her with much leisure time. As long as Anakin follows Sidious' rules, she will remain unharmed. It's a golden prison, and Anakin loathes it. Sometimes, he would almost rather have remained a slave to Watto. At least then it would be obvious that he's not free to live his life as he chooses.

"Mom," Anakin calls softly. She looks up, relief flooding her features as she rises from her place.

"Ani, you're home," she says simply, opening her arms. He wraps his arms around her, hugging her tightly, suddenly fighting a lump in his throat. He's missed her so much, but those are words which don't need to be said. She already knows, just as she knows that he's a murderer, but she accepts him anyway, fully understanding his reasoning, even if she doesn't approve.

He pulls back, turning to face his companions. "This is my fiancée, Senator Padme Amidala," he introduces. "And this is Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano. We're here because someone is trying to assassinate Padme, so the Chancellor suggested we come here."

"It's wonderful to finally meet you," his mother murmurs, looking at Padme, "And I'm glad Anakin has befriended a Jedi," she adds, turning towards Ahsoka. "Please, call me Shmi. We don't use fancy titles around here."

"As long as you call me Padme," she stipulates.

His mother smiles. "If that is what you want," she replies.

"It's a little weird being here," Ahsoka finally admits, inadvertently explaining her awkward silence. "I've never been in huge places like this, and it feels like I'll break something if I touch it."

"Don't worry, Snips. If you break something, you'll only have to replace it," Anakin announces cheerfully. "You won't receive the death sentence." Probably. Knowing his master, he can never be too sure.

"Anakin!" scolds his mother, frowning at him, though he can sense she's trying not to smile. She looks at Ahsoka. "I felt like that when I first came here, but you'll get used to it. Nothing is nearly as breakable as it looks."

"Oh good," Ahsoka replies, seeming greatly relieved.

Padme laughs softly, entwining her hand with Anakin's. He squeezes it gently. "I don't want to take Anakin away from you, but I had hoped to get a look around here before lunch if that's alright." Her words are directed to Shmi, who immediately nods.

"It's not a problem," she hastens to reassure her. "I know he's safe now, so feel free to look around. Ani, show her around. I'll stay out here in the gardens a bit longer."

"Well, Snips. What about you?" queries Anakin, looking expectantly at the Togruta.

"I think I'll stay out here too," she smiles. "Don't get in trouble, Skyguy."

Anakin snorts, rolling his eyes, though he doesn't reply. Instead, he gently pulls Padme back towards the mansion. He knows it will take her a while to look around and get a feel for the place. He doubts that Ahsoka will want a tour. Likely, she'll just use the Force to guide her wherever she needs to go.

**w**

"Do you like it here?" Ahsoka asks looking at Shmi almost as soon as Padme and Anakin disappear. She likes Padme already even though she hasn't spoken to her at length. Anakin is a whole other story. She likes him too, but there's something about him which sets her on edge. She can't quite put her finger on it, but she hopes that she'll discover something through meditation. Maybe she can talk to Master Obi-Wan about it later.

Shmi smiles warmly, but there's a weary look in her eyes which never seems to fade. "Yes," she murmurs softly. "I do." The lie rings through the Force.

Ahsoka gives her a look. "No, you don't," she corrects. "Why not? I would have thought that living in such a place with your son well cared for would make you happy."

She doesn't answer, falling silent as she studies Ahsoka, looking pained. "You're a Jedi," she states at last. "You can sense if someone is lying, can't you?"

Ahsoka regards her with surprise. She'd expected an answer not… this. Shmi is changing the topic too obviously. If she doesn't want to talk about it for whatever reason, then she could just say so. She ought to know that Ahsoka won't pry unnecessarily. "Yes, I can," she answers slowly. "If you don't want to talk about it for whatever reason –"

"No, it's fine," Shmi hastens to reassure her, only making her even more confused. She feels like she's missing something huge which, if known, would allow her to view the situation from an enlightened perspective. "I know you just met Anakin, but do you care for him?"

Ahsoka gapes at her, her voice momentarily abandoning her. "Is there a reason for these questions?" she demands finally.

Shmi smiles wryly. "Do I look like someone who asks idle questions?"

"I suppose not," the Togruta replies finally, expression confused, "But I don't really understand why you're asking these questions."

"You don't have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable," Shmi tells her, looking at her expectantly.

Ahsoka sighs quietly. She knows that Anakin's mother clearly wants an honest answer, but she's not even sure herself. "I – I suppose I care for him," she finally says. "That's what Jedi are supposed to do. We care for others."

"I had hoped you'd say that," Shmi murmurs, a painful hope in her eyes. "I have a request to make of you." Ahsoka nods, letting the older woman know she's listening. "Can you help Anakin?" Just like that, Ahsoka is shocked into speechlessness. Of all the things she'd been expecting – and the list was admittedly short – that was not one of them.

"I – help him with what?" she wants to know.

"Only he can tell you," Shmi answers sadly. "When the time is right, you will know in your heart, and I ask you to help him. He needs your help."

"I will do what I can," Ahsoka assures her after a moment of silence. An instinct warns her that she might regret agreeing too hastily, especially since she doesn't even know what she's agreeing to do. She doesn't want to make Shmi worry any more than she already is – and it's clear that's she's terribly disturbed about something. She really needs to spend time talking to Master Obi-Wan when she sees him again. Hopefully, it will be soon.

"Thank you," Shmi murmurs, a look of profound relief on her face. "Thank you."

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