Chapter 2 - Looking to the Future

DISCLAIMER: We (unfortunately) do not own Star Wars. :P

Author's Note: Everything starts diverging in this chapter, though not by much. :P

~ Amina Gila

Qui-Gon is awake early as he often is in the Temple, but the rest of the house is still asleep as he slips outside and watches the first of the suns peak up over the horizon. He hardly knows what to think about the young Togruta who invited them into her home without a second thought. And to think she's a slave! No one should have to live like that, and he's already decided to do his best to free her if not her mother. As he's lost in thought, he senses more than sees Sharlan approach him, leaning against the wall a distance away.

"You should be proud of your daughter. She gives without any thought of reward," he comments finally, turning to look at her.

Sharlan smiles faintly. "She knows nothing of greed. She has..." She trails off, as if looking for the right word.

"She has special powers," Qui-Gon finishes. He heard about the incident the previous day where Ahsoka used the Force. It's very rare for anyone to accidentally access the Force unless they're strong. The Force whispers something, urging him to listen carefully. Is this the child spoken of in the prophecy of the Chosen One? He's sensed for a while that he'll find the person, but he didn't realize it would be this soon.

"Yes," the Togruta agrees.

"She seems strong in the Force, unusually so. That much is clear," Qui-Gon tells her. "It's rare for someone to be able to use the Force to that extent without training. Has it ever happened before?" Because if it has, then this girl is definitely the Chosen One.

Sharlan wordlessly shakes her head, and Qui-Gon ignores the feeling akin to disappointment inside him. "She deserves better than a slave's life," she murmurs.

"Who was her father?" he queries curiously.

"That was no father that I know of," she replies after a moment, pain echoing into the Force. "I carried her. I give birth to her... I can't explain what happened. Can you help her?" She changes the topic so quickly that Qui-Gon almost wonders if he touched a sore spot. Maybe Sharlan was abused and can't really remember anything about it. He banishes the thought in favor of addressing the question.

"I can convince Watto to free her, and maybe you too, but beyond that, I can't say," he answers. "Had she been born in the Republic, we would have identified her early, and she would have become a Jedi, no doubt. She has the way. But now, it's too late for her. She's too old." He doesn't say that he intends to ensure Ahsoka is trained regardless of the consequences. He doesn't want to give Sharlan false hope.

**w**

Ahsoka hurries along behind Qui-Gon as the two of them head for Watto's shop. She can hardly believe that the day she's been waiting for so long has come. Unless Watto refuses, her and possibly her mother are going to be free. They won't have to stay here on Tatooine anymore. She can finally get off this miserable dust bowl. She hates the planet and everything that comes with it. To leave would be truly freeing. And maybe she can even fulfil her dream of becoming a Jedi. It's something she's always wanted her entire life, to help bring justice to the galaxy and eventually free the rest of the slaves.

"Ahsoka!"

The Togruta turns at the sound of her best friend calling her. Kitster runs up, stopping a short distance away from the entrance to Watto's shop. He seems rather excited about something. Ahsoka's eyes follow Qui-Gon into the shop before she turns, giving Kitster her full attention.

"What's up, Kit?" He shouldn't be out here so early. He usually isn't, so what's different now?

"My master sold me to Watto," Kitster replies.

"What?!" Ahsoka exclaims. What could ever have prompted that?

"It was compensation for yesterday," Kit explains, "Watto was quite upset about it, especially since such incidents keep happening. My former master owed Watto a lot, and he agreed to let the debt go in exchange for me."

"Oh," she says at last. She finds herself wondering if she should tell him about the possibility of her freedom. If not, Ahsoka doesn't want him to get her hopes up, but if she will be freed... She really wants to at least have the chance to tell him now, since she doesn't know when she'll be able to later, and she could possibly be leaving Tatooine.

"I don't know for sure... but I might be freed," she blurts out finally.

"W-what?!" he cries, eyes widening in shock, "How – how's that possible?"

"I found a gem some time ago, and I gave it to this person who intends to give it to Watto in exchange for some parts for their ship and me. Maybe my mother too," she explains in a hushed whisper, casting a glance around to ensure no one can hear her.

He looks at her, wide-eyed. "Oh. I'm so happy for you."

She grins, and on impulse, hugs him tightly.

"Anyway, I better not keep you," he says, eyeing the shop entrance. She nods, reluctantly walking inside to begin her chores for the day. Or maybe, if she's really lucky, to hear the news that she's finally, finally free.

Since Qui-Gon and Watto are still talking, Ahsoka heads out back to continue working on cleaning up and sorting out parts like she was the previous afternoon. If she isn't going to be freed, there's no sense just waiting and making Watto angry. Besides, at least she can get a head-start for the work Kit will be assigned after the ownership transfer.

Finally, she hears footsteps approaching and looks up to see Qui-Gon walking out of the shop. Ahsoka turns to give him her full attention. She can hardly contain the excitement building inside her. Please don't say that he refused.

"Ahsoka," he calls, "Come with me to your home. I'll tell you and your mother what happened together."

"Okay," the Togruta agrees, jumping to her feet and hurrying after him. She doesn't want to get her hopes up too high only for them to be crushed, but this seems like a good sign.

"Whatsa happened?" Jar Jar is the first to ask as the two approach. He, Padme, Artoo, and Ahsoka's mother are waiting outside for them.

"I have the parts we need for the ship," Qui-Gon informs them. He turns to the Togrutas next. "And Ahsoka has been freed."

For a moment, Ahsoka can hardly believe she heard right. Yes, she thought it was going to happen, but actually hearing that it's true?!

"For real?!" she practically squeals, forcing herself to hold still and not start bouncing around with pure glee.

"And this is yours," Qui-Gon adds, holding out a bag of coins. "The rest of the money from the gem that wasn't used."

Sharlan smiles a bit sadly, as she takes the bag from Qui-Gon. "Now you can make your dreams come true, Ahsoka. You're free," her mother says, before turning to the Jedi. "Will you take her with you? Is she to become a Jedi?"

"Our meeting was not a coincidence. Nothing happens by accident," he responds.

"A Jedi!" Ahsoka exclaims. She can hardly believe it. After all this time, maybe she'll actually be able to get her lifelong dream. This is the happiest day of her life. "You mean I can go with you on your starship?"

"Ahsoka," Qui-Gon says, kneeling down to match her height, "Training to be a Jedi will not be an easy challenge. And even if you succeed, it will be a hard life."

"But it's what I've always dreamed for!" she insists. With the opportunity here in front of her, there's no way she could refuse. How could she? "Can I go, Mom?" she asks hopefully, turning to her mother.

"This path has been placed before you, Ahsoka," she answers quietly, "The choice is yours to make."

"I want to go!" Ahsoka exclaims.

"Then pack your things," Qui-Gon instructs, "We don't have much time." The way he said that promptly reminds her of something, and her excitement suddenly plummets.

"What about Mom? Is she free too?"

There's a moment of silence before Qui-Gon answers. "I tried to free your mother, Ahsoka, but Watoo wouldn't have it. The only reason he was willing to let you go so easily in the first place was because of the incident yesterday. People were talking and he didn't want to keep you anymore."

Ahsoka freezes in place, staring up at her mother. She can't just leave her behind. There's no way she can do that. How would she ever even be able to survive without her mother? She's hardly ever spent more than a day without her, her entire life. How can she just... leave? Why? Ahsoka stares up at her, tears slowly filling her eyes. She can't leave the only person she's ever had her entire life. She's lost many, many friends over the years, and she knew Kit would just be somewhere down the line, but not her mother. She can't...

Her mother steps over to her, pulling her close. "Little one, my place is here. My future is here. It is time for you to let go... to let go of me. I cannot go with you. Besides, Kitster will be coming to stay here and he's going to be all alone if I don't remain."

"I want to stay with you. I don't want anything to change," Ahsoka protests, fighting back the suddenly rising tears. How can she leave behind the person she cares about more than anyone else in the world?

"You can't stop change anymore than you can stop the suns from setting. Listen to your feelings, Ahsoka. You know what's right," her mother says softly. Yes, she does. Way inside, she knows she should go with Qui-Gon. She still wants to, but the thought of leaving her mother is nearly unbearable. She's already lost so many others... friends, whether due to being sold or killed... or even the one who died in a sandstorm that one time. But still, she knows the choice she should make.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Mom," she whispers, tightly wrapping her arms arounds around her mother.

"I love you too, Ahsoka," she replies, hugging her back. "Now you must hurry."

"I can come help you pack," Padme offers as Ahsoka finally pulls away from her mother and heads for her bedroom. It's not like she even has much to pack, but she doesn't refuse the offer. Having someone with her right now will make this at least a little bit easier.

The two work in silence, quickly packing up Ahsoka's small bag. There's really nothing to say, and Ahsoka is pretty sure if she does talk right now, she's going to end up crying. Why does this have to be so hard?

Finally, the two of them finish and step back out into the main room of the hut where the others are waiting. "Come," calls Padme, and heads out the door after Qui-Gon with Jar Jar and Artoo in toe.

Ahsoka hesitates in the doorway for a long moment. She's nearly beginning to have second thoughts about her decision, and now will be the last opportunity she has to back out of it. She doesn't even know when she'll ever see her mother again. Or if. The very prospect of it sends another tendril if icy fear curling through her. She can't lose the only person she has left. The only person who went out of her way to protect Ahsoka at all costs, the one who taught her everything she knows...

"I don't think I can do this, Mom," she whispers finally, stepping back over to her.

Her mother stares at her for a long moment, a sad smile on her face. "I know you can do this, little one. You're brave enough to do this. This place is not your future."

Ahsoka nods, struggling not to have a complete meltdown. "Will I ever see you again?" she asks finally. The thing that's scaring her the most. Even if she could somehow manage for a time without her mother, she has to have some reassurance that she'll see her again someday. At least knowing the separation will eventually be over will make it a little more bearable.

"What does your heart tell you?"

If only she knew the answer to that. "I hope so," Ahsoka murmurs, pausing for a moment. She reaches out, hardly sure what she's doing. Something is telling that this goodbye is not permanent. She doesn't think so, anyway. "Yes... I think."

"Then we will see each other again," her mother replies. But still, the reassurance does little to console her right now.

"Will you be okay?" Ahsoka asks at last. At least she needs to be sure her mother will be fine. If not, there's definitely no way she can just leave.

"I'll be fine," her mother assures her.

"I will come back and free you someday," Ahsoka states with determination, "I promise." And she will. That why she wants to become a Jedi in the first place - to free the slaves. Regardless of how long it takes, she's going to make sure it happens.

"No matter where you are, my love will always be with you, Ahsoka," her mother says softly, "Now, you must hurry. They need to be leaving, and we can't keep them waiting much longer."

"I love you, Mom," the young Togruta whispers fiercely before turning around and heading out the door of the house. The others have stopped a short distance away down the road, waiting for her. She hurries to catch up, doing her best to ignore the urge to run back to her mother's side.

They reach the end of the street before she pauses again, risking a glance over her shoulder. She catches sight of her mother watching them, standing in the doorway of the hut. For a moment, all she wants to do is run back to her and never leave. But no, she has to do this. She has to leave to become a Jedi. With a final long look, Ahsoka turns and follows the others around the corner, leaving her mother behind for the indefinite future.

She has no idea when she'll ever see her again, or if. She can only hope it's just temporary, but even so, it's hard to force herself to continue following the group as they head out of the city where she's spent her whole life. Escaping this miserable dustbowl will be wonderful, but she's leaving the only person she's always been with, the only one she always knew was there.

It's not until they've gotten all the way to the end of the rows of shops that Ahsoka suddenly realizes she'll be leaving. She's going to leave Tatooine, and she's going to become a Jedi. Thoughts of the future give her something else to focus on, so Ahsoka does her best to force the crippling realizations from mind and think about the future.

Even though they're riding on eopies, it feels like forever before a shining object in the distance finally comes into view. As they get closer, Ahsoka realizes it's the ship.

Several people are waiting outside for them when they arrive. Qui-Gon walks up the ramp with Ahsoka following, while the others unload the hyperdrive and whatever else they brought with them.

"I didn't expect you to get back so quickly," a person dressed in robes similar to Qui-Gon says to him as soon as they enter what must be the main hold.

"Things worked out better than expected," he responds.

The man looks down at Ahsoka next. "Who's this?"

"Ahsoka Tano, meet Obi-Wan Kenobi," Qui-Gon introduces them. She holds out a tiny orange hand to him.

"Nice to meet you," Ahsoka greets him cheerfully, as they shake hands, "Are you a Jedi, too?"

"Yes, I am," the man confirms, before glancing at Qui-Gon. "Why is she here?" He sounds so honestly confused that Ahsoka can't find it in herself to be offended at the question.

"I freed her," Qui-Gon answers simply. "And I will be taking her back to the Temple."

Obi-Wan blinks in confusion. "Why?"

Qui-Gon gives him a look. "Because she's strong with the Force," he answers as though it should be obvious.

"But – " begins Obi-Wan.

"We can discuss this later," Qui-Gon interrupts. "For now, I must return the eopies so we can leave the planet. The sooner we reach Coruscant, the better."

**w**

By the time Qui-Gon is back from returning the eopies, the hyperdrive has been installed. For whatever reason, he suddenly can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. He pauses at the end of the ramp of the ship, frowning out at the horizon. He doesn't see anything, but he can sense... something.

Could they have been followed? Is someone here looking for them? Still, he doesn't see anything, so it's best for them to get out of here before they're discovered. If someone did follow them, they're probably not expecting them to be leaving already. The only reassurance is that they have a headstart on their possible, if not probable, pursuers.

He hurries back up the ramp into the ship and heads to the cockpit. The pilot and Obi-Wan are in there, with Ahsoka lingering almost shyly in the back of the room. "Everything ready?" Qui-Gon queries.

"It is," Obi-Wan confirms as the ship takes off.

"Well, let's hope this thing works and Watto doesn't get the last laugh," Qui-Gon decides. As soon as they've left the atmosphere of Tatooine behind, the pilot flips the lever, and with a jolt, the ship streaks away into hyperspace.

"Come with me," Qui-Gon instructs Ahsoka, leading her into a room in the ship. "I need to test your midichlorian count." Obi-Wan shoots him a doubtful look as he follows but doesn't comment.

"Midi... what?" Ahsoka echoes, confused.

"Midi-chlorians. They are a microscopic lifeform that reside within all living cells and communicates with the Force."

"They... live in me?" she squeaks.

"In your cells. We are symbionts with the midi-chlorians."

"Symbionts?" Ahsoka repeats slowly, testing out the word the first time.

"Life forms living together for mutual advance. Without them, life would not exist, and we wouldn't know about the Force. They speak to you, telling you it's will. When you learn to quiet your mind, you will hear them speaking," Qui-Gon explains.

"I don't understand," the Togruta mumbles.

"With time and training, you will," Qui-Gon responds, before he gets on with the test and hands over the blood sample to Obi-Wan for analysis.

"What are your readings?"

His padawan frowns slightly. "It's 19,000." That's... he doesn't know of any other Jedi who has a count that high, except maybe Master Yoda. Is his original suspicion possible, then? That she's the Chosen One? He can't be certain, and the Force is not providing him with a clear answer. But regardless, it was still the will of the Force that Qui-Gon found Ahsoka, and he's going to make sure that she's trained to be a Jedi.

"I don't think any other Jedi even has a count this high," Obi-Wan exclaims.

"Not that I know of," Qui-Gon agrees.

"What does that mean?" Obi-Wan asks.

"I don't know," Qui-Gon replies slowly. He can only wonder.

Final Note: Chapter 3 will be out at the beginning of April.