Chapter Text
Ahsoka took great pride in her abilities within the Force. Having been discovered and brought to the Jedi temple at a tender age of one, even from her earliest memories, life of discipline and training was all she had ever known, much like almost all of her fellow younglings.
However, amidst the sea of familiar faces, there was one exception that stood out from the rest.
Him.
Anakin Skywalker.
Even his name made her want to break from her stoic Jedi expression, one she would like to think she had mastered even as a youngling, and roll her eyes.
Anakin Skywalker remained a persistent thorn in her side, an ever-present reminder that, regardless of her extensive training and relentless efforts, there would always be someone better than her.
Arriving at the temple at the age of nine, Anakin Skywalker's presence was unprecedented. Whispers of "Chosen One," and "Will bring balance to the Force," trailed him wherever he went. How was she meant to compete with that?
Ahsoka had always excelled in combat training, surpassing all her classmates with ease. However, her reign at the top was short-lived as she found herself swiftly relegated to second place, after just a mere month of Anakin being at the temple.
She remembered Jedi Knight Obi-wan Kenobi beaming with pride, as she laid sprawled on the floor, Anakin’s hand out stretched to help her up, a tentative smile on his lips, perhaps in apology but she didn’t care.
Ahsoka had gotten up, without his help, and glowered at him. “That was a lucky shot!” She had told him bitterly.
“Hey, I won fair and square. No need to get snippy about it.” Anakin replied, rather arrogantly, she thought.
“Get your head out of the clouds and come back down to earth, Skyguy.” Ahsoka snapped back.
“What in the hell is that meant to mean.”
Ahsoka could feel the eyes of her fellow younglings on them, though they weren’t speaking loud enough for them to hear.
“Just because you’re the chosen one,” her eyes, did in fact roll this time, “Doesn’t mean you’re any better than the rest of us.”
Anakin had let her words hang in the air, for a few seconds before a knowing smirk spread across his lips, “Actually, I think it does.”
From that moment on, Ahsoka and Anakin became bitter rivals, constantly trying to outdo each other in every aspect of their Jedi training. Whether it was lightsaber combat, Force abilities, or even academic studies, they were locked in a never-ending battle for supremacy.
Ahsoka effortlessly soared past Anakin in meditation and scholarly pursuits. Her mind was a wellspring of knowledge, and her ability to find inner peace surpassed any other youngling in her class, even some knighted Jedi. Conversely, Anakin's true prowess lay in the realm of combat, where his skills with a lightsaber were unmatched. His unique connection to the Force granted him abilities that left others in awe.
At the ripe age of fourteen, standing on the threshold of their journey towards becoming Padawans, Ahsoka's heart sank as she laid eyes on the roster of younglings and their designated opponents, each vying for their rightful place.
Engaging in combat with a fellow classmate, under the watchful eyes of potential masters, had long been a standing tradition amongst the Jedi Order.
Ahsoka’s name had her paired with none other than the insufferable Anakin Skywalker. She didn’t need to look at him to know he was smirking.
All in front of the notice board, her classmates eagerly sort out who their opponents were, and Ahsoka could sense the relief in almost all of them, when they discovered, that they wouldn’t be pinned against ‘The Chosen One.’
She wanted to rip the paper into pieces and throw it at him as he smirked at her, though she restrained herself.
Meeting his eyes, she saw humour dancing in them. “Scared?” He asked.
This wasn’t fair, every other youngling had to fight for a Master, where as ‘The Chosen One’ had his already picked out and waiting.
Ahsoka bawled her hands into fists at her side, wanting to punch that smirk off his face. But she restrained herself. She took a deep breath, reminding herself of the Jedi teachings of patience and control. Instead, she mustered a calm and composed expression, meeting Anakin's gaze with determination.
"No, I'm not scared," she replied, her voice steady. "I'm ready to prove that I'm just as capable as you are, Skyguy."
Anakin's smirk widened, clearly enjoying the challenge. "We'll see about that, Snips," he too using the annoying nickname they’d given each other since her first defeat by him. "But don't be too disappointed when I come out on top, I always do."
Ahsoka's eyes narrowed, a fire igniting within her. She was tired of always being in Anakin's shadow, tired of feeling like she had to constantly prove herself. This duel would be her chance to show everyone, including herself, that she could beat the insufferable Anakin Skywalker.
They glared at each other, until they went their separate ways. They were only given one day to prepare for the duel, and Ahsoka was going to use every moment she could to practice.
She spent the entire day honing her skills, pushing herself to the limit. She practiced her lightsaber techniques, focusing on speed and precision. She meditated, seeking inner peace and clarity. She studied ancient Jedi texts, absorbing every bit of knowledge she could find, that may help her in this duel.
As the sun began to set, Ahsoka resigned herself to sleep, hoping that a full nights rest might be exactly what she needed.
* * *
Tossing and turning by restlessness, Ahsoka's eyes fluttered open in the dead of night, a peculiar sensation coursing through her being by the Force. A trickle of something unfamiliar, it whispered secrets to her senses. In her mind's eye, vivid images materialized, revealing a desolate desert world where grains of sand danced in the wind. Echoes of distant screams pierced the silence, accompanied by the ominous crack of a whip, shattering the stillness of the night.
Ahsoka shook her head, trying in vain to push out the strange images. “Where had this come from?” She thought, trying to meditate the images away.
* * *
Exhausted from lack of sleep, the day of the duel arrived. Ahsoka stood in the training arena, facing Anakin. The tension in the air was palpable, and the other younglings waited with anticipation.
Of course it was alphabetical and Ahsoka and Anakin had to go first. Potential Masters littered the stands, leaning in with interest to watch ‘The Chosen One’.
“Nervous?” Anakin asked, he twirled his lightsaber in his hand, a cocky grin on his face. But Ahsoka refused to let his arrogance intimidate her.
“You wish.” She told him, trying to centre herself, knowing losing control at this moment could cost her everything.
From the other side of the training grounds, Yoda stepped forward. The crowd instantly quieting at the presence of their Grand Master.
“A tradition it is, for Masters to choose their Padawans.” Though his voice was low, it reverberated through the grounds, catching the attention of every single member. “Battle, is not just for strength but for the will of the force. Patience, fortitude, for even the strongest of us may fall. Begin, you will.”
And so it began, simultaneously, Anakin and Ahsoka ignited their Lightsabers, but neither moved. Both trying to figure out the other. Anakin watched her, a wry smile spreading across his lips.
Of course he lunged first.
The clash of lightsabers filled the room. Ahsoka quickly countered, moving with grace and agility, her strikes precise and calculated. Anakin matched her blow for blow, his movements fluid and powerful. Almost over powering her by raw strength alone.
Almost.
They danced around each other, their lightsabers creating a mesmerizing display of skill and determination. Ahsoka could feel the eyes of their fellow younglings and Masters on them, watching with anticipation.
As the duel continued, Ahsoka could sense Anakin's frustration growing. He was used to being the best, the one who always came out on top. But Ahsoka was determined to prove him wrong.
The force was growing around them, almost palpable, as their attacks became more violent, more deadly.
With a sudden burst of energy, Ahsoka launched herself at Anakin, her lightsaber spinning in a flurry of strikes. Anakin struggled to keep up, his defenses weakening. But before she could win, Anakin pushed her back effectively with the Force, almost knocking her over entirely.
Recovering quickly, something strange happened, Ahsoka felt another trickle through the Force, making her feel more powerful then she had ever felt before.
Anakin countered on her, his lightsaber whirling through the air with precision and speed. Ahsoka barely had time to react, but she managed to deflect his strikes, her movements fueled by the newfound surge of power within her.
Their duel intensified, each of them pushing themselves to their limits. Ahsoka could feel the sweat trickling down her lekku, her muscles straining with exertion. But she refused to give in. She refused to let Anakin win.
As the duel reached its climax, Ahsoka and Anakin found themselves locked in a fierce exchange of blows. Their lightsabers clashed with such intensity that sparks flew in every direction. The force of their strikes reverberated through the training arena, causing the onlookers to hold their breath in anticipation.
Ahsoka's determination burned within her, fueling her every move. She could feel the power of the Force flowing through her, guiding her actions with an almost otherworldly precision. It was as if the Force itself was lending her strength, urging her to surpass her limits.
Anakin, too, seemed to be drawing upon a wellspring of power. His strikes were swift and powerful, his movements fluid and calculated. But Ahsoka refused to be outmatched. She met each of his attacks with equal ferocity, her lightsaber dancing in a mesmerizing display of skill and agility.
As the duel raged on, Ahsoka's mind became singularly focused on the task at hand. She blocked out the noise of the crowd, the whispers of doubt that threatened to creep into her thoughts. All that mattered was the present moment, the clash of lightsabers, and the unwavering belief in her own abilities.
With a sudden burst of energy, Ahsoka launched herself at Anakin once again, her lightsaber spinning in a whirlwind of strikes. Anakin struggled to keep up, his defenses faltering under the relentless assault. Ahsoka could see the frustration in his eyes, the realization that she could indeed win.
But just as victory seemed within her grasp, something unexpected happened. Ahsoka felt another surge of power flow through her, a surge that seemed to emanate from the very core of her being. It was as if the Force itself had chosen this moment to bestow upon her an extraordinary gift.
With this newfound power coursing through her, Ahsoka's strikes became even more precise, her movements even more fluid. She could sense the shock and awe in the eyes of the onlookers as she unleashed a flurry of attacks that left Anakin struggling to defend himself.
With each strike, Ahsoka could see the frustration and disbelief etched on Anakin's face. He had always been the one to come out on top, the one who was hailed as the chosen one. But now, it was Ahsoka who had the upper hand.
In a moment of perfect synchrony, she seized the opportunity for a decisive strike, just as Anakin did. Their movements mirrored one another, their lightsabers locked in a deadly cross, each blade poised at the other's throat.
A hushed stillness descended upon the room, as the truth dawned upon them all. It was an impasse, a stalemate that left them all stunned.
Anakin’s brow furrowed in confusion, as Ahsoka’s mouth closed, her winning retort forgotten at the realisation that she hadn’t actually won.
Their gasping breaths mingling the air between them. Locked into place by sheer shock.
Time seemed to stand still as Ahsoka and Anakin stared at each other, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. The room was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of their heavy breathing and the crackling of their lightsabers.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupted from the stands, resonating through the air. The sound of applause and cheers filled the arena, as both the Younglings and the Masters rose from their seats, their hands clapping together in standing ovation.
Both taking a deep breath, together they distinguished their Lightsabers. Anakin’s eyes burned into hers, with something she hadn’t seen before.
“That was a lucky shot.” He told her, mirroring her words from all those years ago.
When he stretched out his hand for her to take, this time in congratulations, she took it.