As the ship soared through hyperspace towards Coruscant, Anakin took a moment to close his eyes and reach out through the Force. He sought calm and clarity, finding solace in the bright and youthful presence of Ahsoka amidst the chaos. It was a reminder of what they were fighting for—not just victory in the war, but the safety and future of those they cared about.
Upon landing on Coruscant, the team disembarked with Ahsoka. Anakin's thoughts were already racing ahead to the mission, but he knew he had to ensure Ahsoka was taken care of before they could proceed. Rex, Kix, and Fives stood ready with Ahsoka, who looked around the bustling hangar with wide eyes.
"Alright, men," Anakin said. "You know your assignments. Fives, get that activity chart ready. Rex, Kix, take Ahsoka to the Jedi Temple. Master Obi-Wan will meet you there."
"Yes, sir," they chorused, their earlier reluctance now overshadowed by determination.
Anakin watched as they led Ahsoka towards the Temple, feeling a pang of longing. Padmé's words echoed in his mind, reminding him of their conversation. She had faith in him, and he had to live up to that faith.
Turning back to the ship, Anakin prepared for his meeting with Obi-Wan. There was much to discuss and even more to plan. But for now, knowing that Ahsoka was in good hands, he could focus on the task at hand.
At the Temple, Obi-Wan was waiting for them. His brow furrowed as he took in the sight of Ahsoka, now a toddler, clutching Rex's hand and looking around with wide-eyed curiosity.
"Anakin told me what happened," Obi-Wan said, his voice tinged with concern. "Ahsoka, how are you feeling?"
Ahsoka giggled, her youthful exuberance undiminished. "I feel funny"
Obi-Wan chuckled softly, bending down to her level. "Yes, I imagine you do. But don't worry, we'll figure this out together."
As Obi-Wan lifted her into his arms, he felt a surge of protectiveness. Ahsoka had always been strong and independent, but now she was vulnerable and in need of their care. He glanced at Rex and Kix, who nodded their understanding.
"We'll be in touch with the healers to see if they can help," Obi-Wan said. "In the meantime, let's make sure Ahsoka is comfortable."
They made their way through the Temple, Ahsoka chattering excitedly at everything she saw, even gasping at the sheer size of the Temple. Obi-Wan found himself smiling despite the gravity of the situation. Her joy was infectious, a beacon of light in the darkness of war.
Just as they reached the quarters prepared for Ahsoka, she suddenly wrinkled her nose and shifted uncomfortably in Obi-Wan's arms. A telltale smell reached his nose, and he realized what had happened. He froze for moment and then held Ashoka at arms length
"Uh, General," Rex said, a smirk playing on his lips. "I think Ahsoka might need a... change."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened, and he quickly handed Ahsoka back to Anakin, "Anakin, I believe this is your area of expertise."
Anakin laughed, taking Ahsoka from Obi-Wan's arms. "Who knew my Master could be afraid of a little diaper change. Thanks, Master. I think I've got this covered."
As Anakin carried Ahsoka away to change her, Obi-Wan couldn't help but chuckle. The situation was bizarre and challenging, but there was a certain warmth in seeing Anakin's protective instincts in full force.
Returning to the main hall, not long followed by Anakin (the force sure does come in handy when diaper changing), Obi-Wan and the others convened to discuss their next steps. They reviewed the latest intelligence reports. The tension was palpable, the weight of the mission pressing heavily upon them. Obi-Wan's brows furrowed as he scanned the data on the Separatist device that had regressed Ahsoka.
"There's a lead suggesting that the device might have originated from a laboratory on the outskirts of Coruscant," Obi-Wan said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency.
Anakin nodded, his thoughts divided between the task at hand and Ahsoka's well-being. "Then that's where we need to go. We can't let the Separatists develop something like this unchecked."
"Agreed," Obi-Wan replied. "But we must proceed with caution. This area is heavily fortified, and we can't risk an open confrontation."
"We'll need to gather more intel first," Anakin said, already formulating a plan. "Maybe we can get in touch with some of our old contacts in the underworld."
Obi-Wan's eyes met Anakin's, a hint of concern in his gaze. "Just be careful, Anakin. The underworld is a dangerous place, especially with the Separatists on high alert."
Anakin smiled faintly. "Since when have we ever taken the easy path, Master?"
As they finalized their strategy, a soft chime announced the ship's arrival at Coruscant. The sprawling metropolis shimmered below, its endless cityscape a testament to both its grandeur and its hidden dangers.
Anakin and Obi-Wan descended the ramp, the hum of the city filling the air. Rex, Kix, and Fives followed, with Ahsoka trotting beside them, her eyes wide with fascination. The new outfit suited her, and she seemed to be adjusting to her new, younger self with remarkable resilience in.
"Alright, let's split up," Anakin said. "Rex, take Ahsoka back inside to the Jedi Temple, see if they can provide any assistance. She has a room set up already, but bring her to nursery"
Rex saluted. "Yes, General. We'll keep her safe."
Anakin knelt down to Ahsoka's level, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Rex will take good care of you. Stay close to him, okay?"
Ahsoka nodded, her youthful face determined, she paused for moment before throwing her arms around Anakin's arm and giving him a hug. Anakin chuckled for a moment, wrapping his own arms around her to return the gesture. He let her go and met Rex's eye, giving him a nod before turning and heading with Obi-Wan
"Bye Bye" Ashoka giggled, waving her little hand at her Master's turned back.
Rex chuckled before scooping her into his arms, "Alright General, let's get you back to the temple"
As Rex led Ahsoka inside the Temple, Anakin and Obi-Wan made their way to the lower levels of the city. The descent was swift, the atmosphere growing more oppressive with each passing level. The neon lights and narrow alleyways of the underworld were a stark contrast to the gleaming towers above.
They reached a familiar cantina, a place where information flowed as freely as the drinks. Inside, the air was thick with smoke and the murmur of hushed conversations. Anakin's eyes scanned the room, searching for a particular face amidst the crowd.
"There," Obi-Wan murmured, nodding toward a shadowy corner where a Rodian was nursing a drink. "That's our contact."
Anakin approached the Rodian, who looked up with a mixture of surprise and apprehension. "Jikola," Anakin greeted, sliding into the seat opposite him. "We need information."
Jikola's eyes darted around the room before settling back on Anakin. "Skywalker. It's been a while. What brings you to these parts?"
Anakin leaned in, his voice low. "We're looking for information on a Separatist device. Something that can regress people to a younger age."
Jikola's eyes widened slightly. "I've heard whispers about a new weapon. Experimental stuff. Dangerous."
"Do you know where it's being developed?" Obi-Wan asked, his tone measured.
Jikola hesitated, then nodded slowly. "There's a lab in the industrial sector. Security is tight, but I might know a way in."
Anakin's expression hardened with determination. "Tell us everything you know."
As Jikola outlined the security measures and the potential entry points, Anakin and Obi-Wan exchanged glances. It was risky, but it was their best shot at uncovering the truth and reversing the effects on Ahsoka.
"Thank you, Jikola," Anakin said, standing up. "You've been a great help."
"Just be careful," Jikola warned. "The Separatists don't play nice with intruders."
With their new intel, Anakin and Obi-Wan made their way back to the surface. The sun was setting, casting long shadows over the city. As they approached the Jedi Temple, they were greeted by Rex, who looked both relieved and anxious.
"General, Ahsoka's settled in the Temple," Rex reported. "The healers are looking into her condition, but they haven't found a solution yet."
"We've got a lead," Anakin replied. "A lab in the industrial sector. We're heading there tonight."
Rex nodded, his expression resolute. "I'll be ready." Anakin and Obi-Wan relayed Jikola's intel to Rex
"Jikola's information should give us a good starting point," Obi-Wan said, reviewing the data. "We need to infiltrate that lab and find out how this device works."
Rex nodded. "We'll need to be careful. The industrial sector is heavily guarded."
"We'll go in under the radar," Anakin said, rejoining the group with a freshly changed Ahsoka in tow. "A small team, stealth approach. We can't afford to draw attention."
"Agreed," Obi-Wan replied. "Let's gear up and move out. Time is of the essence."
As they prepared for the mission, Anakin took a moment to check on Ahsoka. She was playing with a set of blocks, her concentration intense as she stacked them into a tower. Despite the challenges, she seemed to be adapting well to her new circumstances.
"Be careful, Ahsoka," Anakin said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We'll be back soon."
Ahsoka looked up, her eyes filled with trust and she nodded.
With a final, reassuring nod, Anakin joined Obi-Wan and the others. As they set out into the night, the weight of their mission pressed heavily upon them. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but they were determined to see it through. For Ahsoka, for the future, and for the hope that guided them all.
After they left, Ashoka turned back to her blocks, she was trying to build the biggest tower she could. As she continued to build, she heard footsteps behind her, she paused for a moment before turning behind her to see a tall figure above her. It took her a moment to take him in, but then she screamed "PLO! PLO!"