Chapter 71 – Training

Author's Note: Things pick up in the next chapter. ;)

To Guest: It... will hurt. :')

~ Amina Gila


Ahsoka isn't even surprised to hear from Marr that there are more Inquisitors out there. The Empire seems to have almost unlimited resources of every kind, but she's been fighting them constantly for the past sixteen years, and she knows they are making a difference, even if it's happening slowly.

It's easier now that Marr is with her again. She thought it would take a long time to get used to calling him that, but really, he's changed from the 'Theseus' she used to know. They've reformed their friendship, but it's different than it used to be. They don't have nearly the same amount of time to spend around each other that they did when they were young, but it's better than nothing. He's... the first person she's allowed herself to become close to again after all these years.

And then there's... Anakin. She still can hardly believe that he's alive. She can't make sense of what she felt though – because while he might've Fallen on Mortis that was completely different. She died there, too, but she's still alive, and now, she still wonders how much of it was a vision versus reality. It could be all, for what she knows.

This is completely different, and she hardly knows how to handle it. All these years, what kept her moving was the knowledge that it's what Anakin would want her to do, but that's not possible if he's Fallen. She tries to tell herself it doesn't matter because he's not her master anymore, and she's not his padawan, because she left him – but that is what she struggles with most. She left him. When she had the choice, she chose herself, and would he have turned if she was there to help him?

"I wasn't expecting Vizma to run into an Inquisitor without me," Marr tells her. Ahsoka knows how hard this must be for him – it was the Inquisitors who killed Satine and chased him off Mandalore.

"I know," she concedes, "But it's inevitable. She needs to be prepared to face them."

"Yes," he agrees, looking none too happy, "I'm training her as well as I can, but..."

"But what?"

"When we were young, we were trained by many masters. Kanan and I are the only Jedi she knows, and I want her to know more about the Jedi. She has learned from many Mandalorians, and... I want her to know both."

In truth, Ahsoka has considered taking and raising her own padawan, but it's unrealistic. She doesn't have time when she's focusing all her efforts and time on the Rebellion, and she doesn't want to, anyway. She doesn't want to care for someone when she lost her last family. She won't make the same mistake twice, where she becomes too close to someone. Maybe it wasn't her fault that Anakin Fell, but it still feels like it was. She won't let herself become so close to someone again, and she won't let another become so close to her, either. She won't be the cause of another's Fall.

"I'm not asking you to train her," Marr continues, "She is not, and never will be, a Jedi, but she needs to know their ways. I was able to find balance through training under both a Jedi and a Sith, and I know there is more she should know that she can't learn from me."

"I will... think about it," she concedes. "I understand your point. As a Mandalorian, she relies too much on her own skills instead of the Force."

"Placing blind belief in one's connection the Force can lead to arrogance," Marr reminds. "Remember what you were like back then?"

She smiles faintly. Yes, Ahsoka remembers that – she had thought she could handle anything, and it did more harm than good. She can't count how many times she disobeyed Anakin, thinking she knew better, and got them both into trouble.

Now, she only follows what she thought he would have done. She knows she's not able to do it the same way – they're not the same person, and long ago, Ahsoka had accepted that the galaxy will never be the same without Anakin to light it – that she'll never have a place to call home, but this isn't about her.

"I am no longer a Jedi," Ahsoka reminds.

"You say you're not," Marr replies, "But you follow their Code. You don't want to call yourself by the name which you could never return to, but you are more of a Jedi than I ever have been."

The first objection that comes to mind is not one she would dare voice – that she can't imagine being a Jedi without Anakin at her side. She may have been an Initiate once, but the best part of her life was the Clone Wars. It was what shaped her life, what molded her into the person she is now. Anakin had been with her the entire time, but he's gone. She never got the chance to come back to him, and if he's not there to Knight her, to let her move on, it wouldn't be real.

Marr is asking her to do this though, and she doesn't want to refuse him. He has a point – if Vizma doesn't learn absolute control of herself, she will be vulnerable to the Dark Side. Kanan was young when the Order fell, and he doesn't know the Jedi like Ahsoka or any of the older Jedi did. She wishes, for the millionth time, that someone else was here, maybe someone on the Council, to help her with this. They would be far more prepared for it than she is or ever could be.

"I have little time," Ahsoka finally agrees, "But I will."

She can only hope she won't be responsible for the Fall of another.

**w**

Sometimes, Ahsoka still can't believe that Marr has a child, who's already thirteen. They haven't interacted much, but Vizma reminds her a lot of what Theseus was like when he was about that age, except that she's distinctly Mandalorian, while he was always far more Jedi-like.

She can see why Marr wants her to be around other Jedi more, especially considering the Mandalorian view on revenge. Vizma is very much that way, and even if she's learning balance, that's one thing that can lead someone far too close to the Dark Side.

With a start, Ahsoka finds herself wishing Anakin were here. If the Order was still here, she may have taken a padawan already – maybe. Anakin would know exactly how to do this. She doesn't. Vizma isn't difficult to handle; it's only that she's a Mandalorian and that is clashing with the basics of Jedi beliefs. If Anakin hadn't Fallen, if he were still here, he'd be doing this instead. His calm and patience and light are what this child – and so many others – needs. It's pointless to dwell on though because he's Vader now.

Anakin is a part of her past, and she needs to accept that as he always told her to, but it's not so easy. She can't bring herself to accept that he's gone forever. Not Anakin. She has let go of everyone, but it's different for him. It always has been.

"Our abilities are a gift," Ahsoka tells Vizma, "But we must use them wisely. We wield great power that others cannot understand."

"My father is teaching me that," she replies.

"Yes," the Togruta agrees, "But you were not raised the same way as we were."

"I'm a Mandalorian," Vizma interjects. "I am not ashamed of that."

"Nor should you be. As Jedi, we were taught to have compassion for all beings. You live by a code of honor."

"It's a part of our identity."

"It makes you quick to judge others. Perhaps too quickly."

"It serves us well."

"Yes," she agrees, "But what of those you serve? Many have sided with the Empire not through choice. Sabine once did."

"She came back though. She knew where she went wrong, and she came back. That's what matters."

"I know," Ahsoka agrees, "But it's important to remember that that may be true for others as well. Others whom it is often... easy to judge without understanding." Like with Anakin. Ahsoka has no idea what could happened that would make him support the Empire, but it had to have been something extreme. She won't deny that it hurts, knowing he became a Sith and was willing to fight against them – even after he likely knew she and Marr were there – but she tries to remember that things may not be as they seem. Marr is determined to find Anakin so they can help him, and she can only hope it will work.

"Are you referring to... Anakin?" Vizma asks, crossing her arms.

"Him as well, but this applies to everyone," Ahsoka replies, "Of course, we can't risk trusting those who could easily betray us again, but we should still give them a chance if we can."

"I'll remember that," she promises, "But I won't let myself be fooled."

Ahsoka nods. "The Jedi way of life is... quite different from Mandalorians."

"Definitely," Vizma agrees dryly. "I don't want to be a Jedi."

"I'm sure you don't," Ahsoka agrees, smiling faintly. If Marr had been raised Mandalorian, she's sure he'd feel the same. "And that's up to you. But you are neither a Jedi nor a Mandalorian in the terms by which they used to be."

"No, I'm not," she muses, "Dad isn't either. I guess I don't really know what we are."

"Something in between?" Ahsoka suggests, "I suppose there's a balance point between both belief systems, but it's important to find it."

"I've never really thought about it before," Vizma admits, "I always considered myself only Mandalorian. To know balance, I must learn both sides. That's what my father taught me."

"Yes," she agrees, "And I'm willing to help you, however you need it. I can teach you more about the Jedi, if you want."

"I do. I'll never be a Jedi, but maybe I should know more about them."

It's progress, anyway. Ahsoka hasn't found a name for herself either, seeing as she isn't a Jedi, but it doesn't really matter in the end. She has her skills, and she'll use them for the betterment of the galaxy the way the Jedi once taught her. It's always felt like her duty to do all she can to help others, and she's always expected the same of those who have the ability to help, too. It's all she's ever known and maybe this is one part of her past she has never let go of.

**w**

"He was supposed to be cleaning the Phantom," Kanan huffs, crossing his arms, looking up at the sky as the suspiciously missing ship flies to land.

"I don't believe he's used to all of this," Marr replies, glancing over at him, "This is... much more than when you were on Lothal." There were times when had just become a padawan and was learning how to deal with the war that he wanted nothing more than to run away from his responsibilities, not as if Obi-Wan would have let him get away with such behavior.

He also knows full well that getting upset with Ezra about it is going to help nothing. "Well, I hope this... expedition helped him," Hera replies, "Because we really do need the Phantom right now."

"I'll talk to him about it," Kanan decides.

The ship finally lands, and the ramp descends, except the person who walks off as is definitely not Ezra.

It's – "What are you doing here?" Marr demands, stalking towards Hondo, immediately reaching for his blaster.

"Oh, I don't believe it!" exclaims Hondo, "My old friend, Theseus Shan, was it?"

"If I was really your friend," he says coolly, "Shouldn't you know what my name used to be?"

"My memory is not what it used to be," Hondo replies, and Marr scoffs.

"Enough. What do are you here for? And how did you get that ship?"

"I was just getting to that," he insists, "I have brought you generators that Ezra helped me find!"

"Generators?" repeats Hera.

"Wait, how did you even run into Ezra in the first place?" Kanan objects.

"Vizago was trying to steal them from me and then suddenly Ezra arrived," he announces, "You wouldn't believe how –"

"Alright, just get to the point," Marr growls. He has no desire to deal with this pirate. His memories of him are far from fond. Why is he meeting all the people from his past, one by one?!

"Wait, I'm not done!" Hondo protests, "Then he let Vizago out! The villain was upon us, I'm telling you. But young Ezra, he stood tall in front of me! And withstood a massive –"

Ezra walks up the ramp, Chopper rolling behind him beeping grumpily.

"My friend!" cries Hondo, throwing an arm around him, "I was just talking about you! How you and I rescued the generators from the evil Vizago!"

Ezra shoves him away, scowling. "Yeah, that's not true. You stole the generators and my ship!"

"What an accusation! You wound me!"

"Chopper had the ship on autopilot," he huffs.

"Well, that's another version of the story, I suppose. I'll tell you what. You can keep my generators. They are my gift to you. Goodbye!" He turns away, striding down the ramp.

Personally, Marr doesn't think he's been more relieved to see someone leave in his life. He still remembers years ago when he had to try and rescue Anakin and Obi-Wan from him. That... had not been pleasant, though it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been.

Hera turns to Rex, asking him to deal with the generators. Marr's noticed that recently, Rex and Kanan have been far less hostile with each other. They seem to have reached an understanding, at least, for which he's grateful. Their arguing was becoming exhausting, even if he fully understood the reason for it.

Marr watches at the top of the ramp as Kanan and Ezra talk privately, before Kanan leaves, and Marr heads down to join Ezra. "I wasn't expecting you to bring him back here," Marr says dryly.

"You know him?" Ezra asks, surprised.

"We have been acquainted, yes."

"He claimed his best friend was a Jedi –"

Marr scoffs. "I do hope he didn't mean me. Or my master. Or Anakin. Considering that he was trying to ransom us off to the Republic."

"Well, hey, he is a pirate," Ezra points out far too cheerfully.

"I know, so I'm hoping he doesn't realize that this is our base," Marr replies.

"I don't think he's too fond of the Empire either. He said he lost his crew to them,"

"That kind of people do whatever suits them best at the time."

"Hey, I used to be like that too," Ezra grins, which makes Marr begin to wonder if he's taken a liking to Hondo. He really shouldn't be so surprised – Ezra takes a liking to the strangest people for literally no reason. (Anakin was like that, too.)

**w**

Marr had always wondered what happened to Sabine. She had... changed since they last met, which is understandable and perfectly natural, but it was far more than simple experience. Now, he thinks he can understand. He doesn't know what all happened between her and Ketsu, but he knows it was bad. She's much quieter and more withdrawn now. All Mandalorians refrain from outwardly showing affection because they're warriors – emotions interfere with their ability to fight, and it was the same with the Jedi.

She was different... before. She didn't used to be so quiet and distrusting, but it makes sense now. Chopper had viewed the reunion with Ketsu and Sabine, and he'd told the others what happened. Mostly.

Ketsu is a bounty hunter now, which apparently Sabine also used to be, before she joined up with the Ghost crew. He didn't get any details from the droid, except that apparently Ketsu left her for dead?

That aside, he's... conflicted about many things now. He found the Darksaber, but he can't shake the feeling that though he has it, it's only temporary, and it doesn't truly belong with him. What he doesn't know is who else he could hand it over to. Vizma is far too young, and he doesn't want his daughter to bear that burden.

He's considered Bo, but they talked about it before, and she didn't want it.

And, truthfully, he's considering Sabine. He trusts her deeply, and he knows she would do anything for Mandalore. She's still young though, and she shouldn't have to bear such a burden. He is certain she is worthy, but the Force will decide eventually.

Sabine has been... unusually quiet since her meeting with Ketsu, even if at the same time, she doesn't seem upset either. The door to her bedroom is open, and he pauses in the doorway, watching as she paints. Seeing it reminds him of something else he's been contemplating recently. "Do you have a moment?" he asks, leaning against the doorway.

"Sure," she says, looking up.

"I've been thinking about... adding something to my armor."

"You want a new paint job?" she queries cheerfully.

He can't help smiling at her eagerness. "Well, not entirely. Since the Empire already knows I'm with the Rebellion, I think I'll add the Jedi symbol to my armor somewhere."

"How about opposite your Vizsla clan mark?"

"Sure," he agrees, "Do you have time now?"

"Yeah, if you pick a color," she concurs cheerfully, motioning for him to come in. He does, settling in front of her, letting her get to work.

They sit in silence for a while as she works, and he can practically feel that she's thinking very hard about something. "Do you... ever plan on going back to Mandalore?" she asks, hesitating, feeling decidedly uncomfortable in the Force.

The question catches him off-guard. "Yes," he answers truthfully, "Eventually, but I don't know when."

"The people would rally behind you, wouldn't they? At least most of them."

"I don't know if it would be enough, or if we could move fast enough." He sighs quietly. "Look, if we don't destroy the Emperor, the Empire will always remain. He is beyond reason. Perhaps with his successor we could... make arrangements, but as long as Palpatine is on the throne, the war will never be over, and we aren't ready for something of that scale."

Sabine falls silent for a few moments, clearly contemplating his words. "There has to be something we can do," she says, finally.

"There is," he agrees, "I just don't know what, yet." He won the Darksaber for a reason – the Force guided him to it – even if he doesn't know why yet. It has to be connected to how they overthrow the Empire, but he can't forget his vision of watching Mandalore burn.

"Yeah, I don't really think we could attack Coruscant, even with help from other Mandalorians," she admits, "It's the center of the Empire."

"We couldn't," he concedes, "We'd need coordination from inside, and no one that high up and close to the Emperor would betray him that I know of." For a fleeting moment, he thinks of Anakin, and a crushing wave of longing crashing through him. What if...? But no, he doesn't even know how much Anakin knows about Sidious, and they still have yet to find much of anything about him.

And even if they did have someone inside, he's pretty sure it would still take more than that. Sidious didn't become the Emperor by being stupid. He'd be prepared for an attack on Coruscant. The only way to destroy him would be to throw something at him that he didn't expect, and Marr has no idea what that would be.

**w**

"Don't touch that," Vizma calls over her shoulder at the sound of someone approaching where she's working in a corner on the Ghost.

"What are you doing?" Hera inquires, eyeing the pieces of explosives in the making scattered over the floor.

"Hey, Sabine wasn't around to help," she replies cheerfully, continuing to work.

"I'll assume you don't need help, then," the Twi'lek comments, dryly. Something about the way she is reminds Vizma of her mother and Satine, and she misses both of them so much. Obviously, Hera could never take their place, but being around her can make it a little better. She's... like an aunt of sorts, she supposes.

"No," she chirps.

"Well, as long as nothing blows up in the ship –"

"Hey, I'm as good at this as Sabine! How often has she blown things up inside?"

"You might not want the answer to that," Hera says wryly.

Vizma huffs. "If anything does go off, it will only be a paint bomb."

"You know, she accidentally set one off in Zeb's room once before Ezra joined us," Hera replies, "I don't think he ever wants a repeat of that incident."

She snickers. "Now I want to try it."

Hera crosses her arms – promptly flipping into her annoyed mother mode, which only makes Vizma laugh harder.

"Do you need me for anything?"

"Not right now," the Twi'lek replies, "But I'll be leaving now, as long as I don't find any prank bombs in anyone else's rooms when I get back."

"No promises," Vizma says innocently.

"No promises about what?" Kanan asks, stepping inside.

"It's better not to ask," Hera advises dryly as she heads out.

"What was that all about?" Kanan asks, crossing his arms, raising an eyebrow.

"Not much," she chirps, "Did I miss sparring time or something?" Most of her training classes are with her father, but recently he's been wanting her to spend more time around Kanan and Ahsoka, not that she minds.

"No," he assures, "Have you seen your father anywhere?"

"I think he's back in our other ship. Why?"

"Ahsoka is coming here," Kanan explains, "I don't know why she's here but..."

"Whenever she shows up so unexpectedly, it's generally because something's wrong?" Vizma finishes.

"Exactly," he agrees, "I'm sure he'll want to hear whatever it is."

"I'll go get him," she declares, jumping up, "But don't set off any of my bombs while I'm gone."

"I know better than to get between Mandalorians and their weapons," he replies, with obvious amusement.

"I see you've learned a few things," she snips, scurrying out the door in search of her father.

**w**

"I've been monitoring transmissions from Mustafar," Ahsoka declares, "To find out more about the... Sith Lord."

"What did you find out?" Marr asks, perking up, hope flaring inside of him.

"Nothing about him, but I've learned more about the Inquisitors. It seems they have a secondary mission to make retrievals."

"Secondary retrievals?" he echoes.

"We know they hunt Jedi, so what else are they after?" Kanan agrees with a frown.

"At this point I could only guess," she replies, pacing back and forth, "I managed to decode two sets of coordinates. I'm on my way to investigate the first one."

"And you want us to check out the second one?" Kanan queries. "I'm in."

"You should take Ezra with you," Ahsoka decides, "And perhaps Vizma as well."

Marr shakes his head. "If we'll be fighting Inquisitors, I'd rather keep her away from them. Last time didn't go well." He doesn't want her anywhere near them again any time soon either, not if he can help it. Besides, there's plenty of things for her to attend to right here, and they don't need that many people to check these coordinates.

"They're both already briefed on the mission," Kanan declares, heading for the door.

Yes, Marr can sense both of them standing right out there.

Kanan pushes the button, and Ezra promptly tumbles flat on his face on the floor. Vizma snickers, where she's standing leaning against the wall right next to the doorway. "Hey, Ahsoka did say it was Jedi business!" Ezra chirps, jumping up.

"We had best get moving," Marr advises.

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