Damaged Souls

Axle's POV

I woke up on the third day after leaving the council. Ahsoka and I used the credits we had to purchase a small apartment in the lower levels of Coruscant. She and I would cry to sleep each night. This was the biggest decision we have made in our lives, but we had little choice. I laid there thinking about the good times we had. I remember Anakin teaching me to Master form four and Master Kenobi teaching me form three. The bickering between the two Jedi was very entertaining. "Axle needs to learn how to protect himself." Kenobi would say. "Yea and the best way is to attack first." Anakin would argue back. Meanwhile Ahsoka and I would just ignore them and spare on our own.

Ahsoka slowly woke up. She seemed like she slept hard. I could also tell because her head felt much heavier on my chest. She slowly blinked her eyes at me, "Could you get started with breakfast?" I held her tightly, "I'll take care of it. You just rest." She lowered her head against me again. "You know I can't get started with you still on top of me." I whispered. She groaned a little in disappointment and rolled off to the other side of the bed.

I entered the kitchen and began to cook up something quick. We haven't gone outside since we left. Honestly, I feel better that way and I think Ahsoka does too. I looked over at her sleeping body. She looked amazing no matter what, but it's when she sleeps is when she looks like a God. I love her very very much and I know she loves me the same. We would tell each other telepathically, but we have never spoken it aloud. There was just something blocking us from speaking it. It feels as though we don't need to. We prove we are in love every night. That is the only time where we feel like all our problems just disappeared. Loving each other every night made us feel in a different galaxy. Not a one in chaos, but a one in paradise. Every night we would make sure there is no space between us. Every part of our skin would connect with each other. This is why the Jedi are what they are. They do not allow love in their life. They are too blind to see their flaws.

I brought the food over to the small table we had and walked over to Ahsoka still sleeping. I crawled on the bed and brought her into a tight hug, "Come on. The food is ready." She moaned a little as I sat her up. She began to open her eyes. I grabbed her clothes off the floor and gave them to her. She looked up at me with a sad smile. I gave her the same look and moved in for a kiss.

We ate slowly looking down at our plates. "We need to make some credits if we are going to buy more supplies and food." I said to her. She nodded. I could tell she didn't want to leave the safety of the apartment. After what happened between us and the Jedi, we don't feel safe anymore. I put my hand to her face, "I'll find a job. A person named Craig owes me anyway. He has a repair shop not too far from here." She closed her eyes at the soothing touch of my hand. She slowly grabbed it and smiled, "Are you sure you don't need help? I know you don't want to leave." "I know you don't either. It's ok I'll be fine. I will only be gone a couple hours a day and be back home before dinner."

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I walked the dirty and dangerous streets of Coruscant. Many people have heard about how Ahsoka and I were put on trial and nearly convicted of treason. I didn't want to be spotted so I hid my face with my hood. I kept a holo-communicator in hand just in case Ahsoka needed to call me.

I arrived at Craig's Repair Shop and walked in. "Welcome to Craig's Repair Shop. What did you break this time?" Craig asked behind a desk. I removed my hood, "Apparently the Jedi's trust." Craig turned around and recognized me, "You're...You're the kid who saved me last year. I heard what happened to you and your Jedi friend. I truly am sorry." I nodded, "Thank you." He put his hands on the desk, "So, how can I help?" "When I saved you, you said you owe me one. Well, I need a job. Can you help with that?" I answered. Craig smiled, "Of course. It's the least I can do. As long as you know how to fix ships then you're hired." I laughed, "I fought in the war. I know how to put ships together and how to take them apart."

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Ahsoka's POV

Axle just contacted me that he found work. That was good news. He would only be gone for a few hours and would make a decent amount of credits. I decided to clean up the apartment a little to make it more clear. I never thought Axle and I would get to live a normal life. Just a boyfriend and girlfriend living without having to worry about war or conflict. When I first met Axle, he was a silly but an inspiring figure. Who knew that within fourteen years after we met, I'd be in bed with him. I giggled to myself a little at the thought. It's funny how that works. Most people won't meet their soulmate for at least their first twenty years. I met mine when I was three.

After cleaning up, I sat down and turned on the holo-projector screen. One thing I found was Chancellor Palpatine talking about our trial that occurred a few days ago, "The Republic traitor who has bombed the Jedi Temple was Jedi Padawan and Republic Commander Barriss Offee. She has been accused of treason, murder, robbery, and framing. Her plan would have been completed if it wasn't for Jedi Knight and Republic General Anakin Skywalker. With his incredible skill he found the real traitor and has cleared his two Jedi Padawans Republic First Commander Axle Tinguard and Commander Ahsoka Tano. Unfortunately, both First Commander Tinguard and Commander Tano have left the Jedi order and Republic army. To where we do not know. After the events, General Skywalker has not emerged from the temple. He feels as if he is to blame for failing the two Padawans. I want him to know that it was not his fault, but all of our faults. Padawans, if you are watching this we all apologies for distrusting you. Wherever your path takes you know this, I for one think you have made a wise choice."

I couldn't watch anymore. I felt small tears slipping down my face. I whipped them away and laid down on the bed. I just still couldn't believe that my best friend would turn into a terrorist. I honestly don't know what I would do if I ran into Barriss ever again. I know Axle would break her teeth, but would I just stand there?

Axle's POV

I turned off the holo-projector after the Chancellor's speech. I wonder if he was right. If Ahsoka and I choose the right path. Craig walked over to me while I was fixing up a speeder. "I just can't believe that you were mistrusted." He said sitting next to me while I continued to work, "Yea. I worked hard everyday to prove myself to my mentors. I guess I didn't work hard enough." Craig looked down, "Listen kid, they made a huge gigantic mistake. I'm not saying you should forgive them, but everyone makes mistakes. This proves that even the Jedi are not perfect. I'm sure your parents are very proud." I stopped working and paused, "I never knew my parents. No Jedi ever knew their parents. We were all taken from a very young age. I was three when I was brought to the temple. The only thing I have left of my parents was my nickname, Axey." Craig put his hand on my shoulder, "I'm sorry. I didn't know." I looked at him, "It's ok. I just wish I could go back to them."

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I walked back through the streets heading back to the apartment when I sensed something familiar, "Get out of here Master Fisto." He emerged from the darkness, "I just want to talk." I removed my hood and folded my arms. "Master Windu sent me to negotiate with you in rejoining the order. I told him that it was your choice to leave and when you make up your mind it's nearly impossible to change it. He still sent me anyway, but I will not try to convince you like I was instructed to. I just want to see how you and Ahsoka are holding up." I hesitated, "We're fine for now. We have a home and I got a job. Ahsoka however is shaken up so much she doesn't even feel safe outside." Master Fisto looked down, "I'm sorry. This was all our fault. I want you to know that I for one did trust you, but the ones who did, got outvoted. We should have spoken up." I turned away, "I cannot blame you. You were the one who brought me to the temple where I belonged. You were the one who took notice of all my achievements. I guess since Ahsoka and I are no longer Jedi, I can tell you our secret if you promise to keep it to yourself." Master Fisto nodded and let me continue, "Ahsoka and I.....We...we disobeyed the code almost a year ago." Master Fisto seemed a little surprised, but in a calm way, "I always knew there was something between you two. Don't worry your secret is safe with me. I guess your love is too strong for the Jedi and that is not a bad thing. You must remember that I will always be here for both of you." I nodded and smiled a little. He gave his signature grin, "Good by little Axey."

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I walked the halls of the building heading to our apartment. I came to the door when I heard a voice, "So, it looks like Master Fisto failed his task." I sighed and turned toward the voice, "What do you want?" "We need to talk." Master Windu answered. I looked at him dead in the eyes, "How did you find me?" Windu didn't move, "The force guides me to my destination." "I don't have time for you." I answered and turned away. "The Prophecy is in danger!" Windu yelled. I stopped and slowly turned around, "What do you mean?" Windu slowly approached, "You and Ahsoka are the Wolves of the Force and are prophesied to help the Chosen One bring balance to the force. Now that you have left Anakin has been in a deep depressed sorrow." I folded my arms, "And who's fault is that?" The Jedi Master stopped and looked down. I continued, "You and the council were the ones who expelled both Ahsoka and I for good. You were the ones who lost our trust and Anakin's as well. You were the ones who threw the prophecy into chaos. And now you're telling me it was our fault for leaving? I can't believe I worked as hard as I could everyday to prove myself to you. I was determined to meet your approval and when I was selected to be trained as a Gray Jedi I thought all that work paid off. I dedicated my life to the Republic, to the Jedi, and to my family. Now I only work so Ahsoka and I can live without the conflict of the galaxy." Master Windu tried to find something to say but couldn't come up with anything. "Let me ask you something Master. Did you believe us when we said we were innocent?" I asked. Windu stood there and looked away. He stuttered, but no words came out. I was heartbroken, "I don't believe it. I stood by your side for years and you still voted me out." The river on my face flowed down. Master Windu tried to explain, "Axle I..." "I DON'T EVER WANT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!!!" I screamed and looked away. "Please just let me explain..." I have had enough, "GET OUT OF HERE!!! LEAVE!!!" I watched my old Master turn around. He gave one last look at me before he walked out of the building.

I walked into our apartment. Ahsoka was preparing dinner. I sat down and put my things away. She walked over and wrapped her arms around me, "I heard everything. Are you ok?" I pulled her in tight, "I am now. *sigh* I am now." She looked me in the eyes. I gave her a long stare. "What is it?" She asked. I moved in closer, "Nothing. You're just so beautiful." Her blues eyes sparkled in the light. We continued to stare until apparently Ahsoka couldn't take it anymore and quickly pulled me in for a kiss.

After dinner, we changed into more comfortable clothes and sat down on the couch turning on the holo-projector screen. We selected a film we wanted to watch and turned off the lights. Ahsoka grabbed a blanket and laid down with me. This is what we wanted. A nice and relaxing life with nothing but each other. We have a good size apartment. I have a decent paying job with a great boss. And there is no war, no chaos, no planning. Just me and Ahsoka together laying down watching a movie. I don't think I've ever been this happy. I could sense Ahsoka's feelings too. She loved this as well. Here breath slowly moved her torso creating friction against mine. "Isn't this so nice?" Ahsoka whispered. I exhaled and kissed her on the forehead, "This is amazing." We both drifted off to sleep as the movie kept running.