PADAWAN ROYALTY 20

Now where were we? Ah, I remember now. Ahsoka decides to leave Lux and she feels entitled to serve her kingdom. Meanwhile, Lux and Anakin are covertly tracking her every moment.

Now, we find ourselves on Shili and conquering any second doubts about the tracking device and Ahsoka's readiness for her fate.

Remember that I don't own any part of the Star Wars franchise. Anything I write is purely free material for your own entertainment.

And finally, I apologize for the long wait. Apologies aside, please accept this chapter as a token of my gratitude for your patience.

Home. Sweet. Home.

...

AHSOKA: THIRD POV

It was refreshing really. The sight itself. The undeniable mountain ridges, the dense forests, the blue oceans, the red, yellow and white savannas and turu grasslands were all striking. The clashing of eastern villages against western cities was awe provoking. But,it wasnt the appearance of cities that caught her off guard. No. Ahsoka wasn't surprised at the visible changes she had seen on the surface. Rather, she was caught off guard by the minimal drastic changes inflicted on the natural environment. The city seemed to live in symbiosis with the natural world around it. She began to go as far as to wonder if her old hideout was still standing. But, before her mind could wander even further, Seven intervened. Presumably, the drop out of hyperspace had woken the battle weary soldier.

"At ease Trooper."

He was on his feet, knuckles white around his gun and helmet. Not a muscle was uncoiled. As a whole, the marine was still very tense.

"Commander.."

He was hushed.

"Seven, since we're on the plane of nicknames call me Ahsoka."

He didn't respond. His eyes were fixated on the scene before him. As if he too was absorbed by the Shilian sundown. As if the flourish before him took all the oxygen in the shuttle. As if he was mystified by the orbital paths of the Shilian moons. As if he had never seen a sight like this in all his service tours around the galaxy. She pursued conversation to ease the soldier's vigilant nerves.

"Amazing isn't it?"

"Never seen anything like it."

He was born on a planet plagued by constant rain and thunder storms. Though as an initiate, he had been appalled by the power of the lightning that would shake entire sections of barracks. The harmony of this sight put that sight to shame.

"This is where my life as a Jedi began. ..and I never thought I would ever be able to comeback."

Truth be told, she thought she died on Mortis. She thought she would've died in that underground laboratory on Iego from Blue Shadow. She thought she would've died on Christophsis. She thought she would've died when Cad Bane had her against the air lock. Too many brushes with death had given her an acute aversion to deadly scenarios. But, that wasn't the point.

Ahsoka realized how tender a subject it had been only after the words came out of her mouth. She watched his reaction. He stiffened, but didn't flee from the subject.

"Well you have, Ahsoka. Many people never get to come home. Some don't even have a home."

"Yes. I guess I should be thankful for an opportunity like this."

"But that's not it. Is it? Permission to inquire, Ahsoka?"

He had a question, but he didn't want her to think he was probing. He suppressed his curious emotions.

"Ask away."

He cleared his throat.

"What's really bothering you?"

She paused and averted her eyes, back to her task. What was really bothering her was Lux. He seemed distant.

"I just wish, I knew more about my people. I mean I just don't know how to relate to them. Roku didn't even give me much details on what was going on. Its just ..."

He put his hands up to stop, Ahsoka. She was ranting. Ahsoka chided herself for losing control, for ranting, and therefore burdening Seven, an essential stranger with her unfocused grievances. She took a breath focusing on landing the ship.

"If it's a trap, then you'll spring it. You can't keep running from your problems, Ahsoka. This is the shining moment for you to conquer your doubts and prove your merit as ruler. "

Ahsoka looked in his eyes for a moment as they made the slow and steady descent to the surface. She could see the bright lights of the city through the gap. Now, she was nervous.

"But..but how can you be so sure?"

Seven took a deep breath, focusing on the scene before him. Enthralled by the change of setting, he held back his response.

"By obliging by your parents wishes, you please not only them but also your people. You show them that you care about them. That you're devoted to the kingdom, rather than yourself, by giving up your Jedi status. "

Ahsoka sighed exhausted and still uneasy about her decision. Where was Lux when she needed him. Nowhere to be found, because this was her battle. Her war to wage.

"Showing up is one thing, Trooper. Presentation is another. Not to mention that I have the political prowess of a nerf herder."

"But..what you're forgetting is that you have allies. You're not in this alone. You have me and my brothers, Master Skywalker, the Jedi Council, connections in the Senate and the assets of the Republic at your will and command. And you know we would never abandon one of our finest."

Unless I made an allegiance with the Separatists, for the good of my people.

Ahsoka bit her lip, as her eyes roved over the vast expanse of turu grass below and before them. She couldn't argue against that logic. They were almost at the city, but still tens of thousands of yards away from the palace, that lied on the western outskirts of the city.

The ship sailed over and around durasteel buildings. Over the streets and alleys, around public celebrations. At this point, the sun had pretty much gone down, leaving Ahsoka with just enough light to see silhouettes.

Ahsoka turned back to the NaviComputer, checking the distance between her and her destination. She was just a few hundred yards away from the Palace rendezvous.

LUX POV

I walked to my room, relishing the solitude from Ahsoka's overprotective master. Relishing the time to make my decision. Trying not to think about Ahsoka. Trying not to let my affections clog my better judgment and struggling with the concept. Why be the voice of reason? Although selfish, Anakin was for a noble cause. I could see myself managing a similar crusade.

By the moons of Iego, I miss you.

I was pacing. A common and frantic habit, I picked up from my time in the rebel training camp. What could I do? This tracker is my last direct connection with Ahsoka, since she had left her communicator behind. To render it useless would be to let go of my love and abandon her. I had not the strength to abandon her again.

I paused to gaze at the Coruscanti star light. How long had I been pacing?

But, how does she feel about us spying on her. If she knows that we haven't let go, then we will continue to hinder her from accepting the whole of her new life. I couldn't do that either. I had my back to the wall. Her safety was more important to me then anything, but so was her trust.

I knew what I wanted. I wanted her to be happy without me interfering. I wanted her to know that. This tracker is a hindrance to her happiness.

I stopped pacing and stepped through the sliding door, one thing on my mind: finding Anakin and decommissioning the tracker.

He'll thank me one day.

It didn't take me long to find Anakin. He had been there the whole time. Waiting. Waiting outside my quarter door. Should I be surprised, angry or flattered?None of the above. At least until we negotiate about the tracker.

"Before you even ask,yes. Yes, I've been here. I couldn't sleep."

Why did everyone always come to me, when they can't sleep?

I just invited him inside, without another word. We needed to talk in private, away from prying ears. I focused on the gleam of the tracker on my finger one last time, before joining Anakin. He was standing, drumming on a desktop, waiting for the verdict.

"So you've decided."

He didn't hope so,he knew so.

He looked deeper into my eyes, as if searching for more doubt. Doubt that he could use to make a counterargument against my better judgment. I wasn't going to let him dissuade me.

"Yes. We need to destroy these trackers."

Anakin wasn't surprised. He just held his arm at his sides.

"All of them?"

He asked as if I didn't understand the concept.

"All of them."

His finger hovered over a red button on his communicuff.

"You sure?"

"Look a deals a deal. You promised me when Ahsoka reached her destination, we would deactivate them. Based, on the data she's on Shili. So, now is when you for fill your part of the deal."

His finger was right on top of the button.

"Last chance,Lux."

I pushed my finger down on the . Done. Finished. The ring stopped glowing. Somehow I still felt like I made the wrong choice.

I looked back at Anakin and couldn't help, but feel as if he was hiding something. I thought he'd put up more of a fight. He seemed all too eager to deactivate the trackers.

He's hiding something.

He stepped out, before I could ask.

AHSOKA POV

I had been watching the computer count down the mileage. I had been lost in the world around me. So lost, that Seven had to land the ship. What's wrong with me?

A hand on my shoulder brought me back to reality.

Seven glanced worriedly at me. I must be spacing out again.

"It's time, Ahsoka."

I took a deep breath. Its go time. There's nothing to fear. The Force is with me. I breathe out.

"Right. Lets go."

I got out of my chair and made the slow descent down the landing strip towards the throne room. Seven followed behind me warily. I looked at our guide. The palace guard was garbed in a white tunic, a white cape, and a red sash with a sword tucked in the folds of the sash. The sash was embedded with akul teeth. Seven averted his eyes from the palace guard, as if he knew his battle worn armor could not compete with the eloquence and ferocity of the palace guard's attire.

I watched as a whole army of seemingly all male guards crossed in front us to go down the corridor on the opposite side, clutching staffs. It was only then that I realized that the temple guard who was leading us was a female, due to her more narrow stature.

Once the group passed, the returning silence was dreadful. My eyes fell from the palace tapestries to the tattoo on the warrior's shoulder. There was writing engraved under the drawing. Was it a name? Was it a clan? I didn't have time to ask. As soon as the words formed in my mind, our group came to a halt and a hush fell over the chamber.

The guard knelt before the throne, her hand against her heart. A hand rested upon her head, drawing the hood from her brow.

"Your guests have arrived, Oh Great and Powerful Roku."

Her voice was exotic, beautiful. It reminded me of Master Ti. Listening to her soothed my unsettled nerves. So, I focused on the sound of her voice. But, the hooded figure sent her and his other guards outside. It was me, Seven and Roku

The figure lifted his head, allowing me a glimpse of his face. The light caught and enhanced his finer features, from under his hood. His green eyes were full of their usual mischief and mystery. His chiseled cheek bones, his broad shoulders and the scent of hunting were ever-present and welcoming. The scar across his right eye was his only flaw. It is my Uncle Roku.

It seemed as if he hadn't aged a day.

"Uncle Roku..its me."

He turned his green eyes in me, and chuckled. The hood, finally falling loose from his head entirely. He gestured towards me to come closer. I put my palm out towards Seven, hoping to put him at ease. His hand only moved out of the holster. Nevertheless, his hand still strayed near his gun.

"Is that really you, Little 'ka? Come closer my child. Let me see you."

I took tentative steps closer into the light. As childhood memories flooded my mind, I couldn't help but feel safe, once his arms were around me. It felt like old times, before the Jedi came, when life was a fairytale. It was blissful.

"You've grown older. But, your still my little 'ka. I thought I'd never see you again."

I felt like a little three-year old girl again.

"I've missed you so much, Uncle."

One side of his lip was upturned.

"It's been too long, darling."

His arm was about my shoulders. His eye wandered to look at my ring. I looked down and realized it wasn't flashing. Why wasn't it flashing? Did something happen to Lux?

"But first, introduce me to your friend."

He spoke in good spirit. But, I still got the feeling that Roku thought Seven was more than just a friend. The ring on my finger made that a logical assumption.

"He's my escort, my comrade, my pilot. Nothing more."

Nothing more.

I shrugged. Seven wasn't bad-looking and he was skilled as well as understanding, but not what I was looking for.

"Some day, you will need to pick a mate. One who could sustain a kingdom. One who could protect you and a kingdom."

He was giving me the lecture again. I had heard it before and I knew it was coming. After all, my mother had married at my age. But, I was different. I had been around the galaxy. Seen things others haven't. I understand that I could so much more. Besides, I haven't found the right candidate yet. Or have I?

"I know Uncle."

By the way Seven was tapping on his empty left holster I could tell he was hoping for a change of subject. He was not one to enjoy eavesdropping on private conversations. So, I changed the subject.

"But, Uncle. Lets talk about that later. In private..."

"Pardon me, my friend. We can catch up at dinner. I had a special meal prepared for your return."

I nodded. Seven was by my side.

"My most trusted servants, Elsa and Jai will lead you to your chambers."

Elsa took me to my chambers and Seven, hesitantly followed Jai, unwilling to leave me alone. As we split separate ways, I gave him one last look.

See you at dinner.

We're finally at the palace. Incredible. Any comments, likes or dislikes? Feel free to leave them in a review.

Tess