Ahsoka Tano - Undeserving

15

A thick, stunned silence hung over the Jedi Council as Anakin stood at the center of it, clasping and unclasping his hands behind his back. His expression was grim but stern as he waited for someone, anyone, in the room to say something.

The meeting had been called quickly without Master Krell's presence thanks in no part to Obi-Wan's belief in Anakin; no one on the Council except for Master Windu had an outright distaste for the young Jedi, but he didn't believe anyone on the Council except for Obi-Wan truly enjoyed his presence either. Either way, he was thankful for the urgency.

"Thank you for bringing this to our attention, young Skywalker." Windu finally spoke, as formal and steely as ever. "We will discuss this alarming news immediately. You are dismissed."

Anakin nodded politely and left the room, leaving the Council members both physical and holographic to review the matter. Master Shaak-Ti was the first to speak, uncrossing her legs and leaning forwards.

"This is a grave accusation made by Skywalker, one that must be further looked into." She declared. "I do not wish to prolong Padawan Tano's suffering if all is true, but we must also have physical proof of any misdoings by her master in order to proceed with a trial."

"Padawan Tano herself is physical proof, Master Ti." Master Mundi replied angrily. "She is in the Halls of Healing because her master pushed her too quickly; Master Allie said so herself."

"Yes." Master Allie nodded. "I have concrete evidence of Master Krell's mistreatment and abuse of power over his padawan. She was pushed into training much too soon after receiving such strenuous injuries, and even after I argued with Krell to have her stay he still insisted she be removed and return to training. That in itself is enough evidence of abuse without Skywalker's testimony. Furthermore, I have physical documentation of scars and bruises along her abdomen, usually hidden by her outfit, that were much too strategically placed to be caused by battle."

"I agree." Obi-Wan piped up with a sigh. "Nevertheless, unfortunately we must have Padawan Tano's recollection of events personally."

Master Yoda gave a thoughtful hum, turning all attention towards him. After a moment of silent contemplation, he spoke grimly. "Dark times are these." He declared. "Master Allie, healing, is Padawan Tano?"

"Yes, Master." The Healer declared. "She is recovering and able to walk and run, but nothing more. However, I've kept her under my care and told her master that she is still bedbound."

"Send for her, you shall. At once."

Master Allie nodded and stood up. "Of course, Master. I will do so immediately."

The Jedi Master exited the chambers and commed the Halls of Healing, telling the healer in charge of Padawan Tano while she was away to send the girl to the Council chambers. The healer entered Ahsoka's room and relayed the message, and the padawan felt her blood rush right to her feet. "Oh, er... Of course, Master." She managed, swinging her feet over the bed and standing with a slight wince.

In the past few days since General Skywalker's visit, Ahsoka's healing had come along at a normal if not even slightly accelerated rate. She was now able to walk around the room and stretch to an extent, keeping herself toned and ready for when her master inevitably returned to drag her away and begin training again. As soon as she had told Skywalker of her problems she had felt lighter but somehow also full of regret for doing so, her master's threats running rampant through her head. But she shook them aside and tried her best to ignore her growing anxiety; he wouldn't dare attempt anything inside the Temple. Would he?

She quickly got dressed in her usual attire, a change of pace from her healing robes. After pulling on her boots and belt Ahsoka left and headed towards the Council chambers, feeling an almost paralyzing amount of fear slithering deep inside her gut. A part of her was worried she was going to be sick, but the more logical part reminded her that this was a common symptom of nerves that she experienced more often than not and that she would be fine.