The Mirror of Hatred

by It Is Your Destiny

Yoda believes that only Ahsoka can turn Anakin back to the light. Obi-Wan seeks her out upon Shili. Together, they follow Padme to a certain volcanic planet. What happens when Anakin is confronted by both his master and apprentice? AU RotS-TESB (Entries 1 & 2 Revised: 1/17/16)

6. Bits and Pieces

The Mirror of Hatred by epithree

Part II: The Aftermath

Entry One – Bits and Pieces

Coruscant

Jedi Initiate Ahsoka Tano gleefully made her way up a grand staircase located in the training area of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Barely seven years of age, the young Togruta couldn't contain her mirth, for she was on her way to train with Grand Master Yoda.

Many other initiates scrambled up and down the stairs around her, all on their way to specific classes and each following a guardian. They were all members of the Clawmouse Clan, a group of Jedi younglings that Ahsoka had been assigned to shortly after her arrival to the temple four years ago. Tano trained and shared quarters with them.

Young Ahsoka stumbled as she ascended the great staircase. Spryly jumping back to her feet, she looked up ahead at her current guardian, Jedi Master Plo Koon. He was leading her to the session with Yoda.

Plo Koon sensed that she had fallen, and turned around to look at her. Ahsoka smiled at her guardian, and although she couldn't see his masked face, she knew that he was smiling back through the force.

A feeling of warmth washed over Ahsoka Tano as she continued up the stairs. It was Master Plo Koon who discovered the young girl at the age of three during his mission to Ahsoka's home world of Shili. Ever since that day, Ahsoka and Master Koon had shared a special bond. It was a source of comfort for the Togruta.

Ahsoka had been raised in the Jedi Temple, and she now felt that she truly belonged. Naturally, the gratitude she felt towards Plo stemmed from his act of bringing her to the temple. He was responsible for discovering her force sensitivity and providing her with a home. Ahsoka would always hold a special affinity for the Jedi Master.

Her excitement peaked as they reached the top of the flight of stairs. "This way, Ahsoka," Plo explained in his soothing baritone voice. The eager girl ran ahead of her guardian, for she could sense which room the Grand Master occupied. After navigating through several of the temple's cool hallways, Ahsoka arrived at the appointed door. Now behind the girl, Plo smiled again. He was truly amused by her exuberance. "Go ahead, Ahsoka. I shall meet you here when your lesson concludes."

Ahsoka shot another quick smile towards her guardian. "Thanks, Master Koon."

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

"Thanks, Master Koon." Ahsoka Tano spoke the words aloud as she opened her eyes. She wasn't in the Jedi Temple. It was far too dark. She sat up groggily, examining her surroundings. As her blue eyes adjusted to the low light, Ahsoka realized that she had been asleep. She pushed a pale green blanket off of her lap and noticed that she was sitting on the ground. Beads of sweat covered her forehead.

Ahsoka now recognized the makeshift tent she occupied. Her feet were near the exit, where only slightly brighter light trickled in from the outside. She made circles with her head, working the kinks out of her tight neck. Then, it hit her. She had been dreaming again, and apparently talking in her sleep. The comforting warmth she had felt from the dream was suddenly obliterated as reality stormed back into her psyche.

During the last three days, Ahsoka had experienced dreams similar to her most recent one. They all harkened back to the days of her youth in the Jedi Temple. Her pain worsened each time she awoke. Every time Ahsoka realized that she wasn't speaking with Plo Koon, it became harder to deal with.

'Master Koon,' she thought morosely. Ahsoka shook her head slowly and once more squelched the rage she had been feeling these past few days. Her next thought came quickly. 'There is no Master Koon.' Ahsoka's eyes became thin slits as she brooded there in the dim light of the tent. She wanted to scream out in anguish. However, she did not. Instead, Ahsoka muttered to herself through gritted teeth. "The clones." They were responsible for the girl's pain. Yes, the clones. They had taken countless friends from the young Togruta.

Then, her ruminations turned back to her dream and the Jedi Temple. The corridors of the temple were so cool. Not like here. As the humid air clung to her red skin, Ahsoka remembered how content she was among those comforting halls. 'The Jedi Temple.' Tears rimmed her eyes. 'The Jedi Temple is no more.' Again, she mumbled to herself. "Anakin." The girl was seething. "Anakin took the temple from me."

The distraught Togruta burst out of the small tent with clenched fists. She was immediately met by pelting rains and she didn't care. Ahsoka looked upwards, shaking her fists at the high jungle canopy. No sky could be seen, for foliage dominated the view in all directions. The raindrops stung the skin of her face as she cursed up at the gnarled trees. "Damn you, Anakin!"

Unfortunately, Ahsoka's sleep had not been helping. She suddenly felt weak and gave into exhaustion. Tumbling to the muddy surface, Ahsoka lay on her side in a cold puddle. Her muttering continued as she surveyed the area. "Master Koon…" There were five tents arranged in a circular formation around a smoldering campfire. "…please help me." Ahsoka lay there between her tent and the embers, while the heavy rains trickled down the form of her body.

'Long overdue a talk is, I suppose.' Ahsoka shot up and sat there. Master Yoda was speaking to her through the force. She spun around to look in the direction of the bristling fire pit. Yoda sat on the other side of the embers, in a meditative position. With his back to Ahsoka, he faced the entrance to his small tent.

"Master Yoda." That's all Ahsoka Tano could bring herself to utter. She knew that the diminutive Jedi Master had left on a pilgrimage yesterday. Unaware of his quick return to camp, Ahsoka was a bit stunned to see him meditating nearby.

Yoda stood up, and with the assistance of his gimer stick, he hobbled around the fire pit to meet Ahsoka sitting in her puddle. The girl appeared quite disheveled. Her face was smeared with mud and her Jedi apparel remained soaked from the heavy rains. Yoda could sense how distraught his pupil was. Ahsoka rubbed the bridge of her nose, and tears still clung to her red cheeks.

Extending his free hand to the girl, Yoda spoke. "Up, my child. Much to discuss, there is." Ahsoka wiped her face and took Yoda's hand. She felt ashamed about her recent demeanor, and she knew that Yoda was aware of all her actions since waking up.

As she stood up, Ahsoka stared at the muddy ground. She never wanted to be seen this way, especially by Master Yoda. Realizing it was too late, she refused to look at her mentor as he led her to his tent.

Together, the two Jedi entered Yoda's little tent by crawling. Once inside, Ahsoka sat cross-legged next to a wax-filled bucket. Yoda lit the centralized wick and offered the girl his torn blanket. "Thank you, Master Yoda." Ahsoka now looked at the Jedi Master. She felt warmer in his presence. The improvised candle provided adequate light, and Yoda seated himself opposite the young girl.

The two looked at each other for a moment, and then Yoda broke the silence. "What feel you?" His pointy ears twitched ever so slightly in anticipation of a response.

Ahsoka watched the flickering candle with a defeated look across her face. She grabbed a nearby rock and started chiseling lines in the muddy ground. Once again, she couldn't bring herself to look at Yoda.

The wise Jedi knew what Ahsoka was going through. "Miss your childhood, you do." Yoda nodded slowly as he spoke the words.

The young girl seemed offended. She dropped the rock and jerked her head to the side, placing her chin upon her shoulder. "No." Ahsoka had no desire to admit it. She would rather put it another way. "I… I miss…" The Togruta struggled to say the words. "I miss Master Koon." She continued to stare at the inside of the tent, avoiding eye contact with her mentor.

Before Master Yoda could offer any wisdom, Ahsoka furrowed her brow and turned to face him. She pointed a finger towards Yoda, and the nearby flame intensified as if fueled by her rage. "Don't say it, master." She sighed, made fists, and dropped them to her lap. "Please don't bring up attachment." Ahsoka shook her head slowly. "I can't do it anymore, master. I can't… pretend."

Yoda expected this reaction from the girl. "Mmm… yes." His ears perked up as he nodded again. "The ways of the Jedi Order… forbidden, attachment is." He waited for a reply.

"It… it doesn't matter anymore." The sullen girl stared at the ground once more. Then her hand went to her forehead. "The Jedi Order no longer exists."

"About attachment, right you may be," Yoda explained. Ahsoka looked up at him with a quizzical expression. "However, exist the Jedi Order does," he added firmly.

"But master," Ahsoka began. "The clones… and Anakin. Their atrocities." The candle flickered strongly.

Yoda went on. "Gone into hiding, many Jedi have. Through each of them, our Order still exists." Ahsoka was now listening carefully, and the Jedi Master continued. "And through each of us, the Jedi Order still exists."

"Us?" Ahsoka questioned cynically. "There are only three of us." She looked down with sad eyes. "What could we possibly do?" It seemed that the young Togruta had truly lost faith.

"Only three of us?" Yoda inquired playfully. "So certain are you?" He let out a chuckle.

Ahsoka wondered why her mentor was laughing during the somber discussion. She didn't understand what he was getting at. "Yes, master. Three. Obi-Wan, You, and I." Ahsoka thought a bit more as to what Yoda's meaning might be. 'Padme? Bail? The droids?' None of them were Jedi. Then, she figured that Yoda was referring to the newborn twins. "Granted, master. I understand the potential that resides within Luke and Leia, but they're not Jedi yet. So… who else is there?"

Yoda displayed a wry smile. "My child… to an old friend, yesterday's expedition led me."

Ahsoka seemed perplexed. "Your pilgrimage to the sacred place?" A sense of wonder returned to her bright blue eyes.

"Indeed." Yoda laughed again. "A student of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn I have become."

Now Ahsoka was really lost. "Obi-Wan's master?" Kenobi had often spoke to Ahsoka about his noble master. "But… but that's impossible."

"Always with you what cannot be." Less playful now, Yoda elaborated. "Through the force, all is possible."

"But master… how?" Ahsoka's interest peaked, but Yoda felt that he had revealed enough for the time being.

"A question for another day, that is." Yoda smiled earnestly at the girl. "Slept much, you have."

'If you can call it sleep,' Ahsoka mused with much cynicism.

"To Obi-Wan you must speak. About your last three days, he shall brief you." Yoda extinguished the recently calmed flame.

Ahsoka's demeanor had visibly changed. Although her inner turmoil and rage were not quashed, the conversation with Yoda actually helped to clear her mind. "Thank you, Master Yoda." She bowed her head slightly.

"Go now, young one. May the force be with you." After speaking the treasured phrase, Jedi Master Yoda dropped into a meditative state.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Ahsoka Tano stood and stretched after crawling out of Yoda's nearby tent. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi was sitting at the fire pit, stoking some newfound wood. Thankfully, the rains had stopped. However, the planet was still as dank and dreary as before. Above the jungle canopy, the constant cloud cover produced countless days of grey.

Though it was no longer raining, Ahsoka could feel a warm mist against her face as she made her way over to Obi-Wan. She did not sit. "I'm supposed to talk to you?" The question was asked in monotone, without any variation of timbre. Ahsoka seemed stressed out and fed up. Yoda's chat helped to clear her mind, but it raised more questions. Besides, she still couldn't ignore the pain-induced rage she was feeling.

Obi-Wan stood up and looked into the girl's eyes. "Is there anything I can do?" He placed a warm hand upon her shoulder. Now Ahsoka felt a bit sheepish for acknowledging Obi-Wan in such a cold fashion.

"No," she replied quickly. "No, Master Kenobi." Ahsoka let out a sigh. "I'm sorry for taking out my frustration on you." Together, the two Jedi had been through so much the last three days. "Sorry," she repeated.

"Think nothing of it, Ahsoka." Obi-Wan squeezed the Togruta's shoulder and smiled. "I completely understand." The girl forced a smile back at Kenobi. "However, it is imperative that we talk."

"Sure, master." Ahsoka rubbed her forehead vehemently. "But can we get away from this campsite for a while? I just need a change of scenery." She let go another sigh. 'Not that there is a change of scenery on this mud ball of a planet.'

"Absolutely," Obi-Wan responded. Then, a sardonic smile appeared across his face. "And this mud ball of a planet has a name. It's called Dagobah."

Ahsoka actually laughed. Kenobi had heard her droll comment through the force. "Oh yeah. That's what I meant… Dagobah." She let out another short chuckle.

Obi-Wan laughed as well. Squeezing her shoulder again, he spoke. "Come on then. Let's head for the bogs. I'm sure we can find a nice log out there." The pair of Jedi left the camp and headed northeast through some thick foliage.

"So how are you feeling?" Obi-Wan asked as they walked. "You've slept a lot these past three days. And your…"

Ahsoka cut him off. She seemed embarrassed. "And my disorder has acted up, hasn't it? That's what you were going to say."

"Well," Kenobi explained, "not in those words, but yes." Obi-Wan stopped the girl. "Ahsoka, it's okay. You can talk to me about this." He gave her a nod of reassurance.

Young Ahsoka looked down for a moment. "I know, Master Kenobi. I know." They headed towards the boggy terrain again. "I'm not feeling well, master. The sleep does nothing for me and the dreams are about my childhood. But that's nothing compared to my intrusive thoughts when I'm awake." She paused. "I think about the clones. Anakin. Palpatine. I'm filled with anger and hatred." Ahsoka took a deep breath. "I'm afraid of my own rage."

Obi-Wan was both stunned and grateful. She had confided in him. "Always remember this Ahsoka… you have been controlling these feelings and that takes more strength than I can possibly imagine." The duo arrived at the first bog.

"Thanks, master." After surveying the area, Ahsoka pointed to a log wedged between two gnarled trees on the other side of the bog. They walked along the edge of the bog, knocking huge leaves out of the way.

"Here we are," Obi-Wan stated plainly. They both sat on the mossy log in unison, facing the deep bog. "So, Ahsoka, what do you remember about the last few days?"

"Not much, master. Just bits and pieces, really." Ahsoka drew random lines in the mud with a long stick. "I remember our departure from Mustafar, with Padme and the droids. I know Padme was asleep until the assault on our ship." She kept her eyes on the mud.

"You remember Padme waking up?" Obi-Wan inquired. His hand went to his beard.

Ahsoka pondered for a moment. "Yes. She was awake during our approach to Polis Massa. Then, our ship came under attack, and that's all I remember from that day." Now she looked at Obi-Wan, perplexed. "Master Kenobi, what exactly happened? I was under the assumption that Polis Massa was loyal to the Galactic Republic and friendly towards the Jedi." She paused. "Who attacked us?"

Obi-Wan began stroking his beard. "It's true, Ahsoka. You slept due to exhaustion from the onset of your symptoms. This happened as soon as we were fired upon." Then, he answered her questions. "Apparently, the new self-proclaimed Emperor had been aware that the remote settlement served as an emergency sanctuary for the Jedi. Yoda and Senator Organa believe that one of our transmissions was intercepted during transfer of coordinates. A squadron of these new Imperials was waiting on the far side of Polis Massa in their new starfighter prototypes."

Ahsoka threw the stick into the bog and placed her hands on her waist. She felt a harsh pang of guilt. "I'm so sorry, master. I should have been able to help." The Togruta bashed at the moss-covered log with her heel and clenched her fists. "I guess I've been of no help to anybody since then."

Obi-Wan grabbed Ahsoka's arms gently, turning her to face him once more. "Young one, you have done all within your power to help. You're not responsible for the severity of your disorder." He smiled at her. "Besides, thanks to you, our mission at Mustafar was a complete success."

Ahsoka was hit with rapid flashes of her duel at Mustafar. These intrusive thoughts could not be kept at bay. She shook her head. "Master, what is to become of Anakin now that he has returned to the light?"

The query took Obi-Wan by surprise. He would have to handle this delicately. Kenobi knew what truly happened to Anakin on that riverbank, but Ahsoka did not. And Obi-Wan had only shared that information with Yoda. Hesitating for the slightest of moments, the Jedi Master decided he would not tell the girl that Anakin had been consumed by lava. Now was not the time. Although he hadn't witnessed it, Obi-Wan cringed at the thought of Anakin engulfed in flames.

"Well, Ahsoka. I cannot assume that Anakin has abandoned the dark side. He's dangerous." Obi-Wan's hand went back to his bearded chin. He wondered if Ahsoka would see through his deception.

Ahsoka's surprise was apparent. "But master. I saw Anakin's eyes return to normal. I heard him quietly sobbing." She thought some more. "He even called me Snips. He told me to leave the planet and that he didn't want me to see him in that state." A pack of mynocks flew by and disappeared into the jungle canopy.

"I believe you Ahsoka," Obi-Wan assured, "but that's not enough to indicate he's returned to the light." The Jedi Master chose to stand before he continued. "We would need solid proof."

The young Togruta considered Obi-Wan's words. "I guess you're right." Ahsoka grabbed a smooth rock and got up to stand next to Kenobi.

Obi-Wan sighed mentally in relief. Hopefully, he had eluded the topic. Sure enough, Ahsoka's next question proved easier to handle. "So, Master Kenobi, how did we escape the attack?"

He grinned. "Don't you know, Ahsoka? Luckily, Master Yoda always has a Plan B." The girl was intrigued. "Padme would soon need medical attention, but the Polis Massa facility was crawling with Imperials. Yoda and Senator Organa had beamed us alternate coordinates in case of such an emergency. Artoo helped me with some quick maneuvers and after taking minimal damage, we were able to make the jump to hyperspace." He stroked his beard. "We met here at the Dagobah System."

"Wow. The next thing I remember was waking up in a tent, shortly before the twins were born." Ahsoka puzzled. "I witnessed the birth with you and the others deep in the jungle, between my bouts of sleep. But… I never asked where all the medical equipment came from. How…"

Obi-Wan began to answer before she had finished. "We shot a medical capsule to the surface in one of the Tantive IV's escape pods. It took a few more escape pods to transfer the medical droids and some extra equipment. I must say, Yoda was thoroughly prepared."

"But why come to this planet? There's nowhere for the Tantive IV to land. Wait a minute. How'd we get to the surface?" Ahsoka was determined to piece together the sequence of events.

Obi-Wan laughed again. "I understand your confusion. You see, we landed in a clearing with Padme's Nubian craft. Yoda had to guide us with the force due to zero visibility. The landing was quite… interesting. Be thankful that you were asleep." They both allowed themselves a quick chuckle. "Anyway, we left the Tantive IV in orbit. It's still up there, being maintained by droids from Alderaan. As for why Yoda chose this mud ball of a planet, it's actually quite simple."

Ahsoka waited for the explanation. "We needed to mask our force signatures in order to avoid detection by Sidious," Kenobi told her.

"And the millions of creatures on this planet, each with signatures of their own, make it almost impossible to pinpoint any Jedi," Ahsoka finished for him.

"Very good, young one, but there's more." Obi-Wan spoke softly. "There is a mystical cave on this planet that generates residual dark side aura."

"I know," Ahsoka stated. A bit stunned, Kenobi tilted his head. "I've felt it, master. That area is strong with the dark side."

"Yes, Ahsoka. Your insight serves you well." Kenobi was impressed. "So, the resonating dark side aura, coupled with the diverse wildlife allows us to exist as practically invisible."

A notion struck the young Togruta as she skimmed her smooth rock across the surface of the swamp. It skipped several times before sinking. "But master, how can we stay here without social contact of any kind? What about the twins? They can't grow up here."

Bubbles arose from the nearby bog where Ahsoka's rock had sunk. Neither Jedi noticed the stirring of some large aquatic being.

"Precisely," Obi-Wan exclaimed, referring to Luke and Leia. "As for us Jedi, we must protect Padme and the twins at all costs."

The warm mists turned into light rain. "Come, Ahsoka. Let's head back to the tents," Obi-Wan suggested. Knocking away much foliage, they followed the edge of the swamp to the southwest. A bubbling noise became apparent as they walked near the deep bog.

Then, the murky water churned. "I sense something," Ahsoka revealed. Bringing up the rear, Obi-Wan could see a giant noga surfacing just behind her.

Obi-Wan's eyes went wide as he realized the full size of the beast. "Ahsoka! Run!" His warning came too late. As Ahsoka began to dash, a large green-gray tentacle took hold of the girl's waist. She was lifted into the air and over the brownish mire.

Ahsoka could not gain access to her lightsabers, for they were trapped between the huge tentacle and her own body. "I have a bad feeling about this," she muttered while the tentacle thrashed.

Obi-Wan ignited his blue-bladed saber and sprinted towards the giant noga with his eyes narrowed. He was determined to save Ahsoka. The Jedi Master was just about to slice into the creature's appendage when suddenly, another tentacle surfaced.

Before he could strike, Obi-Wan was blasted by the second tentacle and sent flailing into the deep bog.

"Master Kenobi!" Ahsoka yelled. Hanging above the now choppy waters of the swamp, she scanned the area frantically for Obi-Wan, but he was nowhere to be found. The Jedi Master had vanished amongst the waves.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

~to be continued