Anakin would never outright admit to being a food lover, lest he be mocked by his peers for his appetite, but growing up on a desert planet with little in the way of decent food left much to be desired. Nine times out of ten all he had ever been able to eat on Tatooine was samples of dry bread given to him by Watto, or perhaps, if he and his mother had been lucky, some sort of soup amalgamation that may as well have been gruel.
So suffice to say, when an orange hand passed him a plate with a sizable nerf burger sat in a roll coated in thick sauce, Anakin couldn't help the way his mouth watered. It was times like these that having one of your best friends be a member of a carnivorous species really paid off. He loved these sorts of meals.
"Here you go, one totally not undercooked nerf burger for one totally uncool Jedi Knight. Did you pick the holomovie yet?" Ahsoka quipped from beside him as she sat next to him on the surprisingly comfy couch that sat in the centre of her apartment, facing towards the holoscreen. Upon entering Ahsoka's home Anakin was struck with two feelings. Pride, and jealousy. He'd of loved a place like this when he was her age.
That said, he would never trade it for his place at Padmé's, not ever. That was his true home now, just as this place was Ahsoka's.
"Sure did. Do you remember those really awful movies that they make about the adventures of the Jedi?" Anakin replied, a smirk on his face.
"Oh yeah! 'Heroes of the Republic!', or something?" Ahsoka replied, running a finger along the edge of her own juicy nerf burger, acquiring some sauce on said finger before liking it off.
"Yeah, that's the one. They released a new one about a week ago. Guess who the main character is?"
"Oh for the love of... it's not us again is it? I still can't get over the fact that the actress that played me was not only the wrong skin colour but also obviously much older than you!"
"Yeah that was pretty funny. Not to mention the fact that they assumed we were sleeping with one another as well. That scene still haunts me to this day!"
"I couldn't stop laughing throughout it!"
"Yeah, I remember that as well. Anyway, it's not about us, though I imagine we might reappear again all things considered." Anakin calmed himself, the laughter in his voice fading as he attempted to adopt a more serious tone, even if the movie they were about to watch was nothing more than a bad parody of their lives.
"Who's it about then? Don't keep me in suspense like this Skyguy!" Ahsoka's voice too shifted towards a faux seriousness, clearly playing along with the situation.
Inclining his head towards the large screen, Anakin reached across to where a datapad sat next to him on the couch. Tapping the screen several times, Anakin watched as the holoscreen turned itself on, displaying an image of an actor dressed in familiar creme robes, sporting a fake ginger beard, clearly posing in some sort of heroic fashion, pretending to be a Jedi.
"Oh man! This is gonna be hysterical!" Ahsoka spoke, struggling to contain her laughter at the image on the screen.
Anakin couldn't agree more.
"Hi there. My name is Oby-Waon Konobi. The Jedi Council sent me to help you deal with these pirate robots."
"Oh Master Konobi, you timing is perfect. These pirates have captured my daughter and intend to sell her to Count Duuku for some nefarious reason. You must stop them!"
"Have no fear madam. I will save your daughter. It is the way of the Jedi after all."
"Oh thank you Master Jedi."
"Wow… this is perhaps more ridiculous than the last one. They couldn't even get Obi-Wan's name right!"
"That and he's not flirting with everyone he meets."
"True. Their depictions suck! Who is playing Obi-Wan again?"
"Some guy name Yuwan. No idea what else he's done."
"Well let's hope he improves over the course of the movie. He's a bit wooden at the moment."
"Here here."
As expected by both Anakin and Ahsoka, the movie did not get much better, not that either were complaining. They had just as much fun mocking a bad movie than they would watching and enjoying a good one, perhaps even more.
Said movie continued on, featuring various scenes of various natures. One had 'Oby-Waon' speaking to a pair of dignities that were apparently associated with the villains of the story, and another featured a section involving a series of careful jumps from roof to roof, making 'Konobi' look like some sort of action hero. Having experienced what Obi-Wan was capable of first hand, Anakin had to give some credit to the movie. They had managed to get Obi-Wan's flair for the dramatic right.
Continuing to 'enjoy' the movie, Anakin watched as the scene changed again, this time focusing on what looked to be an upcoming battle. The onscreen version of his former Master approached a group of 'pirate robots', a badly designed prop of a lightsaber hilt in his hand.
"Freeze Jedi scum!"
"No."
"Obi-Wan would have a far wittier response than just 'no'." Ahsoka quipped from beside him, her legs pulled up underneath her, leaning against Anakin in the process, using him as a pillow.
Before Anakin could respond, the sound of a lightsaber igniting drew his attention back to the screen, and his eyes widened in outrage at what he saw.
"OH COME ON! THEY COULDN'T EVEN GET HIS LIGHTSABER COLOUR RIGHT! HE DOESN'T USE A GREEN ONE YOU MORONS! IT'S BLUE! BLUE!"
Beside him he could hear Ahsoka burst out laughing, burying her face in her hands in the process, tears leaking from her eyes as she struggled to contain herself.
Red in the face with anger, Anakin watched as the onscreen adaptation of his Master charged forward, saber in hand towards his foe. The scene transitioned into battle, droids firing blasters towards the 'Jedi Master', who in turn was shifting his lightsaber in frankly rather over the top motions in an attempt to deflect. If Obi-Wan tried such things in real life he'd have never made it past being a Padawan.
"This is ridiculous! Jar-Jar fights better than this!"
"Yeah that's cause Jar-Jar can actually fight when he needs to. Plus he's not an actor in a stupid parody of a film of our lives!"
The film continued, much the same as what had preceded it. One over exaggerated fight scene after another dragged on, each featuring more ridiculous blade work than the last.
"Ok, I've counted at least twenty seven different times in which he should have been killed by these droids. Obi-Wan would never be that sloppy." Anakin commented, rolling his eyes in response as he continued to watch the movie, wondering when he would be blessed with the ending.
"Looks like we're about to see number twenty eight." Ahsoka responded, pointing at the holoscreen as a tall man dressed in regal looking attire entered the same room as 'Konobi'.
"Hang on a minute… is that…?" Anakin began to question, eyes widening in surprise.
'Master Konobi, what an unpleasant surprise.'
'Count Duuku. Your reign of terror ends here today on this moon.'
'You are all alone this time Konobi. Skywalker and his plaything will not save you this time.'
"PLAYTHING!?" Ahsoka all but screamed in outrage, making Anakin jump in surprise.
'I do not need their help Count. I have the Force.'
'So do I Master Jedi.'
The scene before them shifting again, the two on-screen versions of Obi-Wan and Dooku suddenly finding themselves in the middle of a lightsaber duel. Green and red clashed against one another, arcs of colour spinning around their bodies as they attempted to replicate the way Jedi dueled.
'You should of joined me Master Konobi. Que-Gone-Jan would have.'
"Really? 'Que-Gone-Jan'? I think I've just lost faith in humanity." Anakin commented, lowering his head into his hands again as the duel continued.
"Lucky you. I never had any faith in your species to begin with. At least you had it to lose" Ahsoka replied, nudging Anakin with her elbow in response.
"Now who's being racist Snips?!" Anakin said, remembering their discussion when they had arrived back from Manaan.
"Just saying Skyguy. Togruta are vastly superior to humans in every respect. Example, we have passive echolocation thanks to our montrals. Meanwhile, you lot have a mass of dead fuzzy stuff on your head instead."
"That's offensive! My hair is great!"
"Sure thing. Whatever you say."
After what felt like forever, the movie began to enter what Anakin assumed was it's epilogue. The pirates had been defeated, the daughter safely returned, and Dooku had been forced to turn tail and run.
All that was left, at least Anakin hoped, was one scene.
Watching the screen, Anakin witnessed his 'Master' step out of a shuttle and onto a landing pad, only to be greeted with two individuals.
"Oh god its us." Ahsoka muttered from beside him, shaking her head in despair as the image focused on the two individuals, one a youthful human male with blonde hair who was apparently supposed to be Anakin, and another a taller blue Togruta who was clearly in her thirties playing the role of Ahsoka.
'Master Oby-Waon. We were so worried. Are you ok? Did you defeat the bad guys?'
'I did Padawan Tano. Thank you for asking.'
'Did you manage to defeat Duuku this time Master?'
'Unfortunately not Anakin. He escaped once again, but we will get him one day. We are Jedi after all, and we protect the Republic.'
THE END
Neither Anakin nor Ahsoka said anything as they stared at the holoscreen, credits running before their eyes. Several moments passed before either of them could even begin to understand what had just happened, or even make sense of their own thoughts about the movie as a whole.
And then Ahsoka spoke, voicing what both of them were thinking in a simple statement.
"Well that was a load of poodoo."
"Took the words right out of my mouth Snips. That was even worse than the one about us!"
"Yeah! So… what do we do now?"
"I've got an idea. Be right back!"
'Be right back' turned into a far lengthier trip than Anakin had intended, and that was mostly due to the fact that he couldn't find what he was looking for. He knew that somewhere hidden within the walls of his personal quarters in the Jedi Temple was what he sought.
Rifling through a stack of flimsi that he kept on his desk, Anakin found what he was looking for. Reaching a hand out he picked up the holopad, one that he had heavily customized for purely entertainment purposes, one that belonged to him alone.
Smiling to himself, Anakin braced for what was next. Moving across his quarters he approached a doorway, one that had in the past led to Ahsoka's own chambers. Where once they would have housed an enthusiastic Togruta Padawan, now they were empty, devoid of any of the life and energy that Anakin had found oddly comforting. He prefered to stay with Padmé most of the time, but when she was away and he was forced to stay within the Temple walls it had always been nice to have someone around for him to talk to, someone he got along with.
Now the room was nothing more than a stark reminder of what had happened to Ahsoka, and what the Council had both done and not done.
Shrugging off the thoughts, Anakin entered the room. Everything inside was how Ahsoka had left it. Her bed was freshly made, having been fully expecting someone to sleep in them.
His eyes moved away from the bed to a small desk Ahsoka had kept in her room, one she had used for her studies mostly. Numerous times he had caught her half asleep, stuck in the middle of writing some sort of dreary essay the likes of which he had struggled with in his youth.
But, like the bed, it was empty now, devoid of any work that Ahsoka might have been doing. Anakin couldn't help but wonder if she had any outstanding essays when she had walked away. Part of him hoped she did, and that she had left them unfinished as a final insult to those that betrayed her.
Continuing his survey of his former Padawan's private quarters, Anakin found what he was looking for. Another holopad, likewise customized for entertainment purposes sat on a windowsill, as untouched as the rest of the room.
"No reason for this to remain here anymore." Anakin whispered to himself softly, picking up the device and moving to leave the room, allowing the door to slide closed behind him without a second thought.
"Hey Snips! Look what I got!" Anakin's voice was full of enthusiasm as he entered Ahsoka's new apartment, waving the two holopads around for Ahsoka to see. Upon realization of what he held, and what he was intending, Ahsoka's face lit up with a bright smile.
"Oh you are so going down this time Skyguy!"
It only took a few moments to fully set the datapads up, connecting them to one another as they had been many times in the past. When Anakin had first begun teaching Ahsoka he hadn't wanted to be the usual Jedi mentor to her. After all in many ways she was still just a child, one who needed to have fun now and then.
At the same time however, she was a military commander, and thus had to learn such techniques, both on and off the battlefield.
It was thus that he had found a game for them to play together, one simply called 'Colonization'.
The object of the game was simple. Build and maintain an Empire of any kind through the galaxy. There were many ways to win, each unique and challenging, but rewarding in the process, and there were many Empires to choose from. The two of them had lost many hours to the game, both on and off duty, and yet neither seemed to grow tired of it. Sure, some would probably criticise them both, mainly Anakin, for playing such games, but Anakin cared little for their opinion.
Ahsoka deserved to have fun and relax, and if she was doing so in this way then that was good enough for him.
"So, who you playing as this time? And don't pick someone you've been before." Ahsoka's voice brought him back to the virtual reality before him, drawing his gaze to holopad screen before him, where the game was now loaded and waiting for him to make a series of choices to begin the game.
"Dunno. 'The Naboo' look pretty powerful but I might give the 'Togruta of Shili' a go. Thoughts?" Anakin relied, hand swiping on the screen before him as he deliberated his choices.
"The Shili Togruta are good for war if that's what your doing for. Not sure about Naboo. I imagine they focus on culture and such." Ahsoka replied, her own eyes lost in the small screen of her holopad.
"Who are you being then?" Anakin inquired, still undecided on who to pick. Waging war was his strong suit, but maybe he should play nice and peaceful for once.
"I'm being the 'Nightsisters'."
With the knowledge of who Ahsoka had picked Anakin made up his mind instantly. He had played as the Nightsisters once before, and knew exactly how powerful they were. It was likely that Ahsoka was fully intending on attempting to conquer the galaxy this game. He couldn't allow that to happen.
"Togruta of Shili it is then."
The game continued on for a while, and before either of the two participants realized it three hours had passed by.
And neither of them were any closer to in game victory. In fact, pretty much half of the simulated galaxy had burned under the strain of an ongoing war between 'The Togruta' and the 'Nightsisters'.
The game had started rather peacefully, with simple expansion and trade between empires leading to an era of prosperity and growth.
And then Ahsoka had led to 'Nightsisters' to war, burning the planet Naboo and it's people to the ground.
Suffice to say Anakin did not take it too well, declaring his own war on Ahsoka's empire in response, leading to the ongoing conflict that threatened to destroy all life in the galaxy.
And right now he was backed into a corner, Ahsoka's army of 'Nightsisters' surrounding several of his planets, threatening to take over unless he surrendered, which he had no intention of doing.
"Give up yet Skyguy?"
"You'll never take me alive Snips!"
"Good, cause I don't plan to!"
Ahsoka attacked and conquered one of his planets immediately thereafter, forcing him to retreat from her armies might.
Another hour of endless in game war passed by before both players began to grow bored of the game. Luckily for them they could save their progress and return at a later date, not that Anakin particularly wanted to return to this specific game. Living in a galaxy ruled by Ahsoka Tano of the Nightsisters was downright scary!
With the game over for now the duo found themselves simply enjoying the time they had together, both knowing full well that eventually they would have to part ways again.
"So how are you doing Anakin. Anything you want to talk about?" The soft gentle voice of Ahsoka flowed through the air, drawing his attention to her warm expression. Had anyone else asked him such a question he would have lied, told them that he was fine.
But Ahsoka knew him, perhaps better than anyone else did, maybe even better than Padmé did. He'd only been freshly knighted when he had her forced upon him as his Padawan, and in a weird way he too had grown up alongside her. Sure, she had matured in a much more obvious way, but he felt as though he had too. He wasn't as rash as he once had been, mainly to ensure the protection of Ahsoka from forces that would see her harmed.
But not only that, he also felt as though through knowing and teaching Ahsoka that he had become a better Jedi, a better person. She had guided him as much as he had her.
And for that reason alone he knew he couldn't lie to her. Even if he did she would see straight through it, just as he would if the situation had been reversed.
Obi-Wan was right about one thing. He and Ahsoka had become far more alike than perhaps anyone realised they would. As far as Anakin was concerned, that was their greatest strength, and one of the many reasons why they worked so well together.
"Honestly… I'm tired of all of this. I just want this damned war to be over. I want to go to bed at night knowing that when I wake up I'm not going to be dragged into another war meeting, or find myself in the midst of a battlefield worrying about the safety of my men, my friends. I just want everything to be ok again. Is that too much to ask?"
He didn't want to burden Ahsoka, but at the same time he felt as though she would be the only one who would truly listen to what he had to say, truly understand exactly what he was saying. Just once he wanted someone to understand.
"I know Anakin, this whole war is horrible. If I could end it tomorrow I would, but we can't. We just have to see this thing through to the end and then everything will return to normal. Have faith Master."
"I'm not your Master anymore." Anakin's reply came a bit snappier than he had intended. Hearing her call him 'Master' only stirred up bad memories for him, for more than one reason.
"I may have left the Order, but you will always be my Master, just as I will always been your Padawan." Ahsoka took no offense to Anakin's tone, instead coming to embrace him gently, a gesture that Anakin gratefully returned.
"I know Snips, and I can't even begin to describe how proud I am of you. I just wish everyone else could see in you what I could."
Pulling back from the embrace, Ahsoka smiled, bowing before him as she might have once done in her days as a Jedi. Despite everything it was clear she still respected him. That filled him with hope, something he was sorely lacking these days.
Before he could say anymore a chiming sound distracted him. Looking down at his wrist, Anakin discovered that his commlink was beeping, indicating an incoming call.
Gesturing to Ahsoka that he would return, Anakin moved a distance away and connected the call.
"General Skywalker here."
"General, it's Jesse. Me and some of the boys are heading down for a drink at 79's to remember Tup if you feel up to it?"
Hearing Tup's name mention brought the sense of despair back to Anakin. He had lost another of his men, another of his friends to this war. Perhaps it would do him some good to spend some time with those he had left.
"I'll be there Jesse, but don't wait on me if I don't show up." Anakin replied through the commlink, hoping the answer pleased the Clone.
"Sure thing General. Hope to see you there."
And with that the commlink flashed off, indicating the call had been ended.
Perhaps it would do him some good to reminisce with his men, to remember all those that had fallen in this war. Maybe then he would finally remember why he was fighting it in the first place.
Turning back around, Anakin glimpsed at Ahsoka, who was now over in the kitchen area of her apartment, washing up the plates that had been used for their burgers. Approaching the kitchen worktop, Anakin cleared his throat, gaining Ahsoka's attention, who turned to look at him with inquisitive eyes.
"So… the boys have just invited me out for drinks. Feel like coming along? I know they'd love to see you."
Author's thoughts
Well, that was a weird chapter am I right? Thoughts on it?
Seriously though, this was one hell of a chapter to write. I wanted it to be a mixture of humour, emotional connection, and just a small side order of downright ridiculousness. (hence the crappy movie)
The movie that Skyguy and Snips watch is not really inspired by any actual movie or story, it is essentially just a parody that tries to take itself seriously, and I figured that having it mock poor old Obi-Wan, as well as a plethora of other characters, would be the best way to have Anakin and Ahsoka enjoy themselves. After all, they are at home when they are taking the piss out of Obi-Wan. (as a joke of course) And yes, any spelling mistakes in the movie dialog is done on purpose to make it cringe worthy for everyone. XD
That said, the comment made in the movie about their fictional counterparts having some sort of illicit affair behind everyone's back is simply a joke towards the various movie makers that seem to think that every character ever is sleeping with one another simply because they are close. It is by no means an attempt by me to insult any Anisoka shippers. Ship what you want my friends, I don't care, and I can see how it could work in certain circumstances.
As for the game that they end up playing in this chapter, that is a reference to several different games all combined into one. When thinking about this chapter I can point to three real life games that inspired what they are playing. Imaginary cookies to anyone who guesses one of them. And if anyone manages to successfully guess all three I might not kill off a fan favourite character later on. (slight incentive there huh?)
Anyway, not much else to say really about this chapter, only that it was great fun to write.
As normal, thanks to my beta reader 'ArrinSnyders' for all the help. XD
Next time round Anakin and Ahsoka head out for drinks with the boys, and the conversation takes a rather awkward turn when someone points out that Ahsoka is growing up. Anakin's not gonna be happy!
As usual, comment and speculate at will. Speaking of which:
MythicUtopia: To be clear, in case you were unsure, this story is not connected to my Rebels AU. It's an entirely different AU so don't expect any continuity to that AU.
That said, I'm glad I did the Rebels one first, as they helped me prepare for this monster of a story. Looking back now, those were ultimately practice for this. Here's hoping it pays off.
Glad you are enjoying it so far. Hopefully this update was good for you. :)
Ghostt14lebi: You might not be able to wait, but I am afraid you will have to. We are a long ways off from ROTS yet, though that time will come. Only time will tell what Ahsoka will feel then. Something could very well change her outlook on life by that point. ;)
Fives isn't going to show anytime soon, but his presence alive will be important later on.
Glad you enjoyed the characterization of the Council. I wanted them each to be unique, despite their usually unified front.
SWGoji2001: Poor Caleb is just trying to be nice. Its a shame Ahsoka's former Master is a bit too protective of his Padawan.
Your excited for Jar Jar... yay, someone else who is. Seriously though if they announced a Jar Jar book tomorrow I'd be interested, just to see what the 'fan' reaction was. Imagine the chaos! It'd be glorious.
And yeah, Windu, I know and I'm sorry. He's not really a bad guy, he's just a bit stuck in his ways, which is a problem when he comes up against people like Ahsoka and Anakin, who go with the flow. Still, as I said someone had to be the bad good guy, and he fitted the role perfectly, considering the history.
And hey, don't apologize for the comment. Its a good quote. XD
Dream Plane: Thanks, glad you are enjoying the characterization of everyone. I wanted to make everyone their own character so they stood out, otherwise it's boring. (like the Council in the movies)
Movie night did just happen in this chapter, minus Padmé. Maybe I'll do another one down the future with her in it. XD
1saaa: It took longer to get this one out so sorry for that. Hope it was worth the wait.
Business involving Barriss, or at least Ahsoka's thoughts on Barriss are coming soon. Hope that's ok. :)
Juxshoa: Glad you liked the chapter. Anakin and Ahsoka's night did technically get interrupted, but not by anything bad. :)
Mysterious guest one: Anakin would instantly dislike anyone who he thinks likes Ahsoka. (except Lux for some reason. Frankly I'm more surprised he wasn't overly defensive of her in canon when that happened)
Jayfeathers Friend: Oddly enough, age difference wize there is a bigger gap in canon between Kanan and Hera than there is better Ahsoka and Caleb, but yeah I get where you are coming from. One pairing is a pair of adults, the other two teenagers.
Windu does get a lot of flack for being an arse, rightfully so, but even he is still only human. He makes mistakes. Difference is he doesn't often own them, which isn't really a morally good thing to do.
Erukat: Anakin is just being a good surrogate dad to his alien daughter. It's what good Jedi Masters do. XD
But yeah, poor Caleb. He better watch himself.
TaitanoRules555: He certainly could be a good bad guy in a 'what if'. Guess that's what happens when you borderline use the darkside of the force.
Travis Middleton: Palpatine being nice is general is just downright creepy, doesn't matter who it's to. Guess that is part of his charm.
Glad you enjoyed the meeting. You can expect some more Windu vs. Palpy in the future as well. :)
LaniSkywalker200: Thanks! Glad you thought so. Hope you like this chapter as well. XD
jojbinks01: Sorry, I prefer to remain independent. Less people to worry about stabbing me in the back that way. :)