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Ahsoka buried her face in her mother's shirt. "Mama, I don't wanna go."
Pav ti stroked ahskoas tiny lekku. "You must, sweet child." She whispered. "That is where you belong. With that kind man."
Ahsoka peered over her mother's shoulder, at the strange man waiting patiently. The mask he wore was scary, but Ahsoka knew the Jedi master wasn't someone to be scared of. His heart was kind.
"But Mama, what if I don't like it there?" Ahsoka whimpered.
"Ahsoka, you'll love it there. I promise. You will learn to be a great leader, and a warrior. You will be around people who understand you, and who share your skills. Besides," Pavti said, pulling back to look into Ahsoka's eyes. "You are too powerful for this little village."
Nak il picked Ahsoka up from Pavti's arms, pulling her into a crushing embrace. "Be brave, my little one," he whispered.
As Nak il placed Ahsoka back on her feet, Pav ti knelt before her daughter one last time, pressing her forehead to Ahsoka's tiny one. "No matter what happens," Pavti murmered so only Ahsoka could hear. "Just remember I love you."
Ahsoka nodded tearfully. Pavti stood, and Ahsoka turned, walking over to the Jedi Master with big, drapey robes.
He held out his hand. "Ready, little 'Soka?"
She gripped his hand. "Ready."
*******************
Ahsoka lay on the cold metal bunk, her head pressed to the wall. A single tear trickled down her face. She lifted her cuffed hands awkwardly to wipe it away.
Voices crowded her thoughts, echoing through her mind.
"Ahsoka, stop running!"
"I was told if I ever needed help, you were the Jedi I should contact."
"It is our decision that Ahsoka Tano has committed sedition against the Republic, and thus, she be expelled from the Jedi Order."
"No matter what happens, just remember I love you."
"Could you still love me now, mama?" Ahsoka whispered, her voice echoing through the empty cell.
For the first time in years, Ahsoka let herself cry for her mother.