Vigilante

Chapter One

For the first time, she felt completely alone. Even with the crowds of people on the street, Ahsoka was by herself. She turned around, tear stains beginning to dry on her cheeks, to look back at the grand Jedi Temple she used to call home. Anakin was still there. She could run back and say she was sorry. She could reclaim the silka beads that made her the Padawan she's supposed to be, but no. She wasn't going back. For some reason it felt more right to leave than to stay. Ahsoka needed time to think about her decision, somewhere quiet and away from the Temple. The Togruta shivered at the thought of surviving on her own. The Jedi had never taught her how to live a normal life. Being a Jedi was so different from a civilian's life, but Ahsoka was determined to learn. It didn't seem like she had other choices anyway.

Ahsoka had never spent much time in the local streets. Usually, she would pass through on many missions without paying much notice to the activity. She never realized it was so alive.
People hurried in and out of the local diners and shops. Occasionally, there would be talented musicians providing entertainment on the side of the road. She smiled.

"I could get used to this," Ahsoka reassured herself. "But first . ."

She glanced at the dimming sky, realizing the time and that she was running out of it. A few blocks away, a flashing sign lit up the evening sky and caught her eye.

SPEEDERS AVAILABLE HERE
New Joben T-85 bikes have arrived!

Perfect. Ahsoka ran the distance all the way to the shop. The speeder bikes were indeed brand new and the girl stared at them in awe. Not that she'd never seen one, but the new models were admirable. She swung her leg over one of the bikes and started the engine.

"Hey! Just what do you think you're doing?"

Before she could take off, a raspy voice called to her from behind. A weary Gotal waddled out from the store to meet her, dirty rag in one hand.

"Who are you to think you could just steal my bikes? Pay up!"

Approaching her, he held out another hand awaiting payment. Ahsoka looked at it before it dawned on her that she had no credits. The Jedi Order wasn't supplying her with the money she needed anymore, so how was she supposed to pay for it?

"Well?" The Gotal waved his rag in the air, impatiently tapping his foot.

Ahsoka took a deep breath and focused on his mind. This was something she would never have done as a Jedi. It felt wrong. Using a mind trick to steal? Anakin would never let her hear the end of it. She pushed her thoughts away. She was no Jedi. Not anymore.

"You will let me have the bike. I have paid you enough credits," she murmured loud enough so only they both could hear. A moment of silence passed as the Gotal stood motionless. Ahsoka held her breath.

"I will let you have the bike. You have paid me enough credits," the Gotal repeated back. "Have a good evening."

He stumbled back into the darkness of his shop, leaving Ahsoka with her new bike. Guilt washed over her and she shivered. She was never going to do that again. Only use the Force for good when it was needed, she reminded herself. With a newfound sense of liberty, she started the engine and began to ride to an unknown destination. Ahsoka decided to let the Force guide her to where she needed to be. Flying fast and carefree, she discovered herself stopping at a small park in the middle of the city.

The sky was a gradient of lilac and orange. Ahsoka allowed herself to admire it. The tranquility of being alone was somewhat comforting. She slid off her bike, parking it near the edge of the park. She could see the Temple in the distance, but her longing to be there had diminished. Ahsoka turned and sat down with her legs crossed. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes.