Chapter 1: The Separatist Senator

Soft chirps and a leaking light woke up Ahsoka early in the morning. Her body was relaxed to a tee and for a moment she did not want to get up. Yet she felt a great need awaken forcing her out of her bed. Slipping out of her bed she went over to her closet to change out of her night clothes and adorn something more suitable for the day. She put on a simple light grey dress with darker grey tights but then placed a mute purple chest plate and belt with attached armor to her hips. Last was her boots which were shielded but flexible for quick movement. Ahsoka exited her closet then walked towards the bathroom to finish cleaning herself up before the day began.

She studied her face in the mirror and observed the marking upon her face. They were a Togruta tradition for those who were warriors, and Ahsoka was given these markings of pride before leaving her home of Shili when she was 3. But now, she was no warrior. Yet she couldn't bring herself to remove the markings, being a warrior was in her blood but as a jedi she was unsure. With a sigh she left the mirror and returned to her room then departed.

She walked into the halls of the grand palace of Iziz on Onderon. After leaving the Jedi Temple Ahsoka was unsure of where to go. She contemplated returning to Shili and integrating back into Togrutan society, but she did not felt at home. Ahsoka thought for a long while before making her decision.

Traveling down the halls Ahsoka exited into a large garden behind the palace. She loved it there because most of the time the garden was empty and allowed her time alone to reflect and practice. Unfortunately, even after leaving the Jedi Council there were some aspects of that life she could not forsake.

She unclipped her lightsabers from her belt. She activated them and the white blades hummed to life. Ahsoka felt this was more therapeutic than anything else. She had made a stop at Ilum two weeks after leaving the Jedi Order. Feeling she needed a way to start over. The force guided her to two white Kyber crystals and gave Ahsoka closure in her decision. If the force agreed with her decision then it must have been the right one.

She practiced her routines she would often at the temple within the serenity of the garden. After her routines she picked up a practice droid usually used to train younglings but set it to a far more difficult level. She deflected the bolts off her lightsabers till she was done. As much as Ahsoka wished she could move on from this part of her life she could not, no matter how hypocritical it seemed.

At last she was done with her training for the day and worked up a sweat but the most important practices were yet to come. Deactivating her lightsabers Ahsoka grabbed a soft plush matt left for her and sat down upon it. She then began to meditate and try to strengthen her connection to the force.

"For someone who is no longer a jedi, you sure act like one."

Ahsoka opened her eyes and turned to look at the familiar voice. Lux Bonteri crossed his arms and flashed an award winning smile at Ahsoka. Lux was the first person Ahsoka went to after leaving the order. It would have been Padme if it weren't for her connection with Anakin but Ahsoka felt a twinge of guilt for not turning to her friend. Lux was the next best option as he lived on Coruscant and on Onderon. He of course welcomed her with open arms, as did the people of Onderon.

"May I join you?" He then asked politely and Ahsoka gestured for him to sit.

Silence floated between the two as Ahsoka remained in a fixed meditative stance but she could feel the anxiety radiating off of Lux and decided to put him out of his misery.

"And what brings you here Lux?" She said relaxing her position.

"Well I live here." He said cracking a joke to make himself feel better.

Ahsoka only stared him down telling him to get to his point. Normally Lux knows better than disturb Ahsoka during her morning meditation.

"I have come to ask a favor of you, and a large one at that." For a man who has stared down the Night Watch and separatist droids he was strangely nervous.

"There have been rising tensions from within the Republic and threats are being made. There is debate and complete unrest over the cause and the cost of the war. And although I reflect my home as part of the Republic all I am seen as is the son of a Separatist senator. It is at the request of the king that you accompany me back to Coruscant as my personal guardian."

Ahsoka remained silent and speechless as she stared at Lux. No wonder he was so nervous, asking her to return to Coruscant and enter the building which she was nearly convicted.

If it weren't for Anakin saving her that is.

That in itself would be entirely stressful. If she ran into Anakin she is unsure how she would respond. Well she would of course greet him as the friend and father figure he had been to her but the true question was how would he respond to her?

"It would be rude of me to reject the request of my most gracious host. I will return with you but under a single stipulation."

"If something is to happen, you will listen to me and follow my orders. No knocking me out or kissing me unexpectedly."

Lux's cheeks lit up red like the light of a Sith's lightsaber, and if Ahsoka's skin tone wasn't already a natural orange red tone she would have also. She internally cursed herself wondering why she would even mention it.

"Of course, I completely understand! No kissing whatsoever! We leave tonight at sunset! He said with a laugh and stood up to leave.

Ahsoka turned as he departed and shouted after him,

"That's not what I meant!" She let out a frustrated growl and tried to regain her composure but after hours of trying she was unable. Too much was on her mind for her to be at peace. Instead she stood up and returned to her room to pack.

It didn't take very long as Ahsoka had very few personal items and Ahsoka resigned to wandering about the castle while waiting to leave. Eventually Ahsoka had to turn around to collect her belonging and head out to the landing platform to depart. She traveled down a lengthy hall that connected the east and middle wing of the palace. It was beautiful, built with stone masonry that features decorative carvings and many other architectural feats but the true beauty was in its windows which served as walls in every direction except the floor. Ahsoka stopped for a moment to take in the beauty of Iziz in the distance.

"Gorgeous isn't she?"

Ahsoka turned and bowed quickly to King Ramsis as he approached her from the other end of the hall which she had been traveling towards.

"A sight like no other your majesty."

"Don't be so modest Ahsoka you know you can call me Ramsis. If it weren't for you and the other freedom fighters I would not be here right now. I must thank you for everything you have done for Onderon. You truly are one of the people, never doubt that dear girl. You do Lux and I a great service by returning with him to Coruscant despite the difficulties in which you left."

"It will be difficult to return, I will not lie, but leaving the Order is a part of life that I have come to accept."

"Very wise words from a very young girl. Nonetheless I would like you to know how much I myself admire your great strength. And that is probably not even half as much as Lux."

Ahsoka raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"All the time when he was away he would call me on the holo and ask me how you were. And whenever he was here you two would he inseparable. Quite an attachment you two have." He gave her a mischievous but knowing smile.

"Yes… I suppose we do." Ahsoka was unsure of how to respond to his reactions.

"Ah do not worry my dear. I understand the Jedi taught chastity of both the body and the heart. Do not worry you will understand one day. Please enjoy your trip Ahsoka, maybe while being on Coruscant you can find some closure." He then placed a hand upon her shoulder and gave her a soft smile before departing leaving Ahsoka speechless.

Gathering her wits she quickly returned to her room and thought nothing more of what was said for the sake of her own sanity.

I've had enough cryptic wisdom from Master Yoda during my life.

That thought warmed Ahsoka and made her laugh aloud which was not often after she left the order. Ahsoka then arrived at the landing platform to find Lux waiting for her before the loading ramp. He smiled the moment he saw her, similar to how Anakin smiled every time he saw Padme walk into a room. Taking her bag from her they walked up the ramp together and the ship took off towards Coruscant where Ahsoka could feel that interesting events were to occur.