The Dark is Patient [a.s]

Apprentice; Old and New

  Ahsoka stood in the middle of her room, arms crossed and bottom lip tucked between her teeth. She had been gnawing on it so much that it had gone raw and started to bleed but she didn't pay it any mind. Pain to her now was just a companion, one that hovered over her shoulder. She had been so sure it was a mental obstacle but over time it seemed to bleed into each of her limbs poisoning her bones and blood and she didn't feel right .

She knew she was still young, but now with war worn at her edges it felt as though she had lived many lifetimes and she was tired. There was always the thought of just stopping, but she knew there would be no rest while the Empire was still the ruling interest of the galaxy. Ahsoka paced, her shoes scuffing along the floor as she debated on what to do. Should she lie low or flee? Running felt cowardly but it didn't feel like she had much of a choice. The Empire wasn't known to come peacefully and with her luck she'd most likely cause a scene. And if she was provoked or had to protect someone, Ahsoka couldn't not fight.

Besides, she was still relatively new so it wasn't like it would be some mystery if she left out of the blue. People weren't depending on her besides drunkards at the bar she worked at and Marta would be fine on her own for a couple of days. Ahsoka had made sure to restock on whatever food she had eaten and cleaned up just so the woman wouldn't have to do too much heavy lifting. With a huff she made up her mind and began packing light. Shoving whatever she thought might be necessary into an old and worn bag.

There was a light knock on the door and she turned to see Marta leaning against the wall. "Going somewhere?"

"For a few days."

"Anywhere in particular?"

Ahsoka shook her head, to put it elegantly she was 'winging' it, but on top of that the less Marta knew the better. "Exploring I guess, I never got the chance to and I figured what better time than now?"

"I know it's to flee the Empire but what you might find out there won't be any better."

Pausing, Ahsoka turned to Marta with a brow raised. "Meaning?" She knew she could handle herself, but admittedly with the lack of her sabers some obstacles might prove to be a bit more difficult now.

"Have you heard of Tusken Raiders?"

Her heart fluttered a bit and it seemed as though the air was ripped from her lungs. Yes, she had heard of them. Her Master had told her the story of how his mother was taken and tortured. How he had wanted to go to her because he knew something was wrong but the Order told him he had to 'let go' because somehow they thought it was so simple.

That spark of hatred flared again, heating her up and her veins boiled and she wanted to scream as it scorched her. How could they expect him to do nothing? Regardless if she was his mother or not, she was in pain and needed help and they refused her. Ahsoka got dizzy with the storm raging inside her mind and she begged for it to be quiet.

It'll be alright, Ahsoka . His voice called out to her through the flames and she took a deep breath. His voice was a lull that sent a comforting blanket of warmth spilling over her like warm water and she took a steadying breath. The past few days Anakin's echoes had been scaring her, making her feel anxious and worried there was some sort of trick involved. But now, with those reassuring words, it truly felt like her Master and it hit her how much she missed him.

She licked her lips and turned back to packing. "I've heard of them, but don't worry about me. I may not look like it but I can handle myself."

Marta tsk-d and waved a hand. "There's fire in your eyes, child. You have rage, I think you'll be just fine. I just wanted you to be prepared."