Healing Hurts (Anakin Skywalker)

Chapter 9

Anakin was used to the strange, confused looks on others' faces as he told them about his strange bond he'd had since he was a child. Even Obi-wan was still contemplative and often failed to hide his confusion when the topic of the girl was brought up. Even though the council knew what was going on, he saw the looks in their eyes when they discussed the possible force bond. The concern, wonder, shock, disbelief and even traces of disapproval wasn't just shown on their faces. However hard they tried to hide it, Anakin could sense it even in the force.

But when Anakin finished his story, his padawan just gave him a beaming smile and leaned forward, resting her hands on her knees.

"So, does this mean we're adding someone new to our rag-tag team? It's going to be so nice to have another girl to talk to! When is she coming?"

He wasn't sure why he was even worried. He forgot just how similar his padawan was to him. Her carefree and easily accepting attitude should have worried him, but in this instance he couldn't care less. At least he knew there was someone who would treat Havena exceptionally well rather than making her earn their kindness and trust as Anakin suspected much of the council would.

"Soon, Snips. We're just waiting on word from the council that they're ready." He leaned back in his seat and spared only a quick glance at the communicator on his wrist.

Ashoka nodded, but tilted her head as her master's unease seemed to permeate the room. "What's wrong, master? Isn't it a good thing that she'll be joining us soon?"

"There's a lot playing into it," he responded. "I think she's in danger. I can't shake the feeling that someone is after her, and I don't think she's in any condition to defend herself."

She furrowed her brows. "But if someone else is going after her... shouldn't we hurry? Why not go now?"

Anakin clenched his fist lightly, pushing away his growing concern. "The masters aren't ready yet, but they're getting close. That's why we're rendezvousing with Obi-wan."

The Togruta nodded slowly. "And then... what's the plan?"

"We go to Arkinnea. You stay with the masters and Obi-wan and I will go get Havena." He stated simply, Once he saw the girl's expression turn to frustration, he added, "They'll need protection. They can't defend themselves while they're holding the rift open. If they're attacked and the rift closes, we'll be stuck there until they can reopen it - if they can reopen it. It's a more important role than you think."

"But no one knows about this other than the council. Why would they need protection?" She frowned, "Why not leave some clones with them?"

"Oh, we will." He countered. "But I trust you more. We don't know what we're going into here. I need you there in case a nasty surprise shows up."

Ashoka raised her brow and leaned back in her chair, clearly not buying into her master's words.

Anakin sighed. "Look, Snips. We really don't know what we're walking into here. The only other person we know of who has done this before is long gone - and we know nothing about this other universe that we're about to walk into. We could go in and have no problems whatsoever, but it could just as easily be the opposite. I'm not risking you in this, got it?"

"But Master-"

The older Jedi gave his apprentice a warning expression before continuing. "Besides, if the wrong person gets wind of this... it could ruin everything. It's more important than you think."

Ashoka was quiet, her gaze moving from her master to the table in front of her while she thought on his words. She didn't like it. She was being left out of a mission again, and while she knew that Anakin would never admit it, she knew it was because of her age. And that frustrated her more than anything. Had she not already proved to him countless times that she was skilled? That she knew what she was doing and was capable of both keeping herself safe and successfully completing the mission?