A Path Less Taken

Chapter 18 - Home Sweet Home

"Home sweet home," Anakin said bitterly as they started approaching the planet.

"It'll be fine," Ahsoka said, putting a hand on his shoulder reassuringly. He sighed before speeding up his ship to get down towards the planet faster. It didn't take long to find a hangar to land in. Putting on their robes, both him and Ahsoka raised their hoods before walking out of the ship with R2 in tow.

There were about a dozen people in the hangar, but all of their attention went to the robed figures that were walking through the hangar. Neither Anakin nor Ahsoka paid them any mind as they continued. First order of business was finding a place to stay. And he knew the first place to stop at. Let's see if an old friend still hung around this planet.

Ahsoka kept her eye on Anakin as they walked. While what little she could see of his face didn't give anything away, his eyes were shining with distaste. He hated this planet with a passion, and it showed. But only she could see it. Lord forbid they ran into Anakin's old owner. Even thinking the word disgusted her. The idea of anyone being enslaved was absolutely horrible, but it when it happened to Anakin? Her mentor and her best friend... her hands unconsciously balled into fists.

"Well, it seems you can't stay as calm as I am anymore," Anakin said as he gave her a small smirk. The sight had her loosen up her hands, but she was still not happy thinking about that. No wonder he stayed away from this place.

"I swear, if I find that worthless piece of bantha fodder that enslaved you..."

"That's who we're going to see. Keep yourself calm Snips. Watto isn't as bad as some of the people who own slaves on this planet. That is, if he's still here. There are people on this planet that I want to slice to pieces and feed to a Sarlaac, but now is not the time for that. I'm going to talk him, and I'm going to get any information I can about any available land," Anakin said. He had family here, but... maybe. Maybe one day.

"Then it's better if I wait outside," Ahsoka said, making Anakin nod. While there were no hostile feelings between him and Watto, there were certainly not any good ones. After all, he was his owner. He was forced to work for him. At the very least, him and his mother weren't treated like trash. They were fed fairly well and they had a place to live. Most slaves didn't even get that.

"I'll be back in a minute," Anakin said, walking into the shop with his robe billowing behind me. Ahsoka nodded as she kept her head down while leaning against the building.

"This place hasn't changed a bit," Anakin thought, his eyes roaming the shop. "He was probably too cheap to redesign the place."

"What is it you need?" a voice questioned. And it was familiar. Anakin turned, and his eyes landed on the Toydarian that owned him and his mother for eight years.

"Looking older Watto," Anakin said as he removed his hood.

"Ani? Certainly didn't expect you drop by again!" Watto exclaimed.

"Neither did I. But war teaches you to expect the unexpected. I trust you've been doing well?" Anakin asked.

"Alright. About ready to sell this rusty piece of poodoo," Watto said, gesturing a hand all around the house. "Have to say, I miss you keep tracking of all the inventory. Certainly made things much easier."

"Even if you pay me, I'm not taking the job. I already have something to do that pays better. Plus it's more enjoyable," Anakin said, crossing his arms.

"Wouldn't think of it. I think you've already done enough work for me," Watto said, removing his hat and dusting off the top before putting it back on his head. "So... what is it you need? Parts? You need em, I got em."