Whirlwind of Chaos

Chapter 6 - Significant Decisions

With one final slash of Ahsoka's lightsaber, the training droid -- which she modified to have a double bladed lightsaber -- falls to the floor. She's been getting much better at... well, everything. Her lightsaber combat has been progressing exceptionally fast, partly because of how strong she is in the Force and her species. Togruta's have a natural ability more than most.

She steps away from the fallen droid, only for whispers from the other students present to catch her attention. "She may be good with a lightsaber, but that doesn't mean she'll make a good Jedi."

"No. After all, she's just a slave to her emotions. It's obvious."

"Exactly. Just a slave."

Ahsoka's anger flares. Even three years after having been brought to the Temple, she's still extremely touchy about her past. She's never gotten any friends here, because everyone her age acts as those two are. Without even thinking about it, she spins around, using a Force-shove to throw them backwards.

"What are you --?!" one of the students cries.

She yanks their lightsabers away with the Force, activating them mid-flight. "Tell me," she smirks, "What emotion are you feeling right now?"

They both stare back at her looking shocked and almost afraid.

"Ahsoka, enough!" Obi-Wan's voice brings her back to reality. She overdid it, again. She can sense his exasperation through their bond. Somehow, she only ever manages to disappoint him.

"Master, I..." she trails off, deactivating the lightsabers and approaching the Jedi she took them from. "I didn't mean to scare you. You're right. I need better control of my emotions." To Ahsoka, that's about as much an apology she could ever give willingly. During her time at the Temple, Obi-Wan has made her apologize to bullies like these so much that saying 'sorry' is really starting to lose its meaning.

"Of course. Forget it," one of them replies, still looking a bit shaken, as they take their lightsabers back from her.

The day continues as any normal one. Ahsoka is in the middle of trying -- and failing -- to learn how to use the Force to calm and control animals when Obi-Wan drops a sudden bombshell. "Right now, you have an appointment, and I think it would be inadvisable for you to be late." What?

"An appointment?!" Ahsoka asks dubiously. "Who would want to see me?"

"The Chancellor is requesting to see you," he explains. What?! Of all people, that's the last one she was ever expected to want to see her. Why would he? She's just another Jedi, like all the others, and a Padawan to top it off.

It isn't long before the pair find themselves in the Chancellor's office. She hasn't really seen him since Naboo, three years ago.

"Ah, young Tano," Palpatine acknowledges, rising from his chair, "A true pleasure indeed." He paces over to stand next to the large window behind his desk. "Thank you for finding time to come see me. I know how demanding your Jedi training can be."

"Of -- of course Chancellor Palpatine," Ahsoka stammers, still feeling overwhelmed.

"Ahsoka is making exceptional progress, Chancellor," Obi-Wan informs him, "She will make an excellent Jedi one day." Surprise swells up, followed by happiness. She knows that she can be a good Jedi -- she wants to be -- but hearing her master saying that she will be means a lot. Maybe he's not as disappointed in her as she initially thought. She wishes she could ask him, but she doesn't even know how. Jedi aren't supposed to feel emotions. If only she could stop needing praise and reassurance. It's very unbecoming of her.

"Oh, I have no doubt. No doubt whatsoever," Palpatine replies, turning to face them again. He doesn't even know her, but he's already supporting her. For someone who's hardly had a single friend, it means far more than Ahsoka will admit.