Shattered Mind: Ahsoka Tano

Chapter 44

     Anakin stood outside this apprentice's door once again. He was having second thoughts of talking to her since it went so great last time. He knocked hesitantly, feeling more nervous than he sometimes was going into battle. To his surprise she answered, which was something he hadn't expected.

" Ahsoka..." he began, " I know you're upset right now, but I just want to help you." he pleaded.

Ahsoka was on the edge of her bed twisting the end of the blanket as if it were the most interesting thing on the planet. Anakin slowly sat down next to her. They sat there in silence for a while, neither one of them knowing what to say. What was there more to talk about?

" Master?" she said in a hushed tone, " Am I a disappointment?" she refused to meet his gaze when the question left her lips, her lekku darkening as seconds went by with no answer.

" What?" it took him a minute to let the question sink in. " No, no of course not, why would you ever think that?" he truly wondered.

Ahsoka cleared her throat. " I can't do anything right lately. I've caused everyone around me pain. I got captured because of my stupid decision and I just feel...worthless." she muttered.

" Ahsoka you are not worthless. I can't tell you how much you mean to me and everyone else. You are the light in this war." he remembered Obi Wan's words that held so much truth. " You're my Padawan, my friend, my little sister. To me, you're worth more to me than anything the galaxy could offer." he nudged her a bit. " You're apart of family that loves you very much and no one can put a price on that." he glanced at his Padawan. He caught a glimpse of a smile that appeared on her face which brought him joy.

" You really mean that?" Ahsoka couldn't believe that he had said all that. She had no idea that he felt that way. Of course she did too, but that would be a sign of attachment and emotion, something that Jedi were supposed to let go of. 

Anakin wrapped an arm around her. " Every word." 

Ahsoka leaned onto his shoulder. 

They stayed like that for a good five minutes until the young Togruta was fast asleep on her Master's arm. Anakin felt calm, seeing his apprentice finally resting was comforting. He tucked her under the covers and sat down in her desk chair. 

He contemplated everything that had happened in the past few months. From the worst parts to the most memorable moments. He was ready for the war to be over. He never wanted Ahsoka to have to go through a time of her life like this again. It pained him to see her in pain, especially when he couldn't take it away.

" I'll always be here Snips. Whenever you need me, I'll be there for you." he whispered. He himself didn't even notice how tired he was. His eyelids were heavy and the quiet was peaceful. He heard the soft breaths of Ahsoka, alerting him that she was okay now. She was the last thing he saw when his world engulfed in darkness.