Author's Foreword

When Leafstem (FFn User #3014550) opted to discontinue – and eventually delete – her story, Some Things Better Left Unsaid, she did so just prior to Alari being taken for her rite of passage. Because I've written about this topic before, I offered to write about the rite of passage myself. I'm grateful to her for giving me permission to use her original characters in this story: Alari Bonteri; and Alari's friend, Louis. Writing a story featuring Lux and Ahsoka as a husband and wife posed a challenge, but it was one I was willing to accept here.

In the original story line, the Clone Wars have been ongoing for approximately 20 years. Lux and Ahsoka are secretly married (à la Anakin and Padmé) and they have a daughter together. Alari was given to the Jedi for training and she does not know that Ahsoka is not just her master, but also her mother. This is partly due to Ahsoka keeping the last name Tano and her (successful) efforts to keep her pregnancy concealed from the Jedi Council.

Also, I'd like to acknowledge George Lucas, Lucasfilm Limited, and the Walt Disney Company for being able to write a story featuring the Star Wars Universe and the characters and concepts contained therein.

Finally, passages enclosed in «angled quotes» are my convention to represent dialogue in foreign languages. In this story, it will represent words spoken in Togruti.

Ahsoka checked her ship's instrumentation. She still couldn't believe she was about to revisit her home world again. Although it had been years since she last visited Shili, it felt as if it wasn't all that long ago. This time, however, she was the chaperon. She looked over at Alari.

"I sense a lot of nervousness, my padawan," Ahsoka said.

Alari took a deep breath. As excited as she was about visiting Shili, she still had a lot of questions about the experience. Sure, her late mother was a Togruta; however, she didn't look much like one herself. Despite having sharp canine teeth and heightened senses, she had no lekku or montrals. Her blue and white-streaked hair and the faint diamonds marking her face made it obvious she was a hybrid, though.

"Master, are you sure they'll even accept me? I don't look like much of a Togruta. I doubt I even act like one," she finally replied.

"I might disagree, Alari. You've shown a certain fierceness in battle on various missions. That seems like a trait any Togruta warrior might possess."

"But how will I successfully track an akul when I don't have montrals? Not having echolocation is a huge disadvantage for me."

"You have a point. But, you can make up for it. Think of the Force as a natural extension of your already-enhanced senses. Learn to use it to enhance what you observe and sense. It might not be the perfect workaround, but I'd like to think that may help you."

"But what if we don't encounter a tribe willing to accept me and prepare me for the hunt?"

Ahsoka turned to make direct eye contact with Alari. "If we can't find a tribe to accept you, I'll just have to teach you what I remember from my own hunt. I just hope I remember everything if it comes to that," she assured her padawan.

"I hope they accept me too."

Ahsoka took a deep breath. The truth was she had no idea how tribal Togruta would view or accept a half-human hybrid. She knew very little about the tribal way of life, aside from a research project she did as a Jedi Initiate. Although the tribe that helped with her rite of passage was reluctant to let someone younger than 18 standard years attempt to hunt an akul, they were impressed she slayed the beast and proved her skill.

"Even if you don't succeed, I hope you learn more about yourself. You deserve a chance to embrace your heritage and learn more about who you are. That's the most important part of this trip," she said.

"Master, may I ask an important – perhaps personal – question?" Alari asked rather abruptly.

"I guess so, what is it?"

"Well, I've heard you used to spend a lot of time with my father. I've wondered if you knew my mother – or if you could tell me anything about her?"

Ahsoka blinked her eyes. She wasn't ready to tell Alari that her mother was in the same ship as she was. Still, she couldn't ignore the question, either.

"I'm glad you want to know more about yourself, but now's not the time for that. However, I think it's safe to say that you mother would be very proud of you right now to know you're traveling to her home world for your rite of passage."

Alari cracked a small smile. "Thanks, master. I can only hope she would be proud of me."

Ahsoka smiled back. "We still have a short time in lightspeed before we reach the Ehosiq Sector. Why don't you check the instruments with me to make sure the engines are still working efficiently."

Alari nodded and helped her master.

Alari sat quietly and tried to mediate on her impending arrival to Shili. She found it hard to focus because she had no idea what to expect. As she continued to reflect with her eyes closed, she heard the ship's navicomputer chime. As she opened her eyes, she noticed Ahsoka pressing some buttons as the ship dropped out of lightspeed.

"Well, Alari, here it is: the planet Shili," Ahsoka said.

Alari looked on curiously. From this distance, the planet looked like any other. Yet, she felt a certain sense of pride knowing her mother likely came from the planet. She knew a colony of Togruta lived on the neighboring planet, Kiros. But, as far as she knew, none of the Togruta Jedi or initiates currently in the Jedi Order hailed from there.

As the planet slowly got larger, she noticed a few smaller orbs that appeared to orbit around Shili.

"Master, what are those?"

"I believe those are some of Shili's moons. There's six in all. If you've never been on a planet with multiple moons, you'll be in for a treat when night falls," Ahsoka replied. She remembered how she thought the moons looked pretty when she visited Shili for the first time after being taken to the Jedi Temple.

Alari activated her datapad to look up more information about Shili. Her clan instructors always told her and her classmates to be as prepared as possible when visiting a new planet. Today, her trip to Shili was no exception. It might not be an official mission, per se, but Alari was determined to make her master proud, if not her mother.

Although Ahsoka couldn't remember which part of the planet she visited for her akul hunt, she looked for a suitable area to land in the scrub lands that would also be close enough to a canopy forest but far enough away from a settled city. That would increase the chances of finding a tribal encampment. Besides, she still had more than enough fuel to make the relatively short trip to Corvala or Cover City to refuel prior to the return trip home.

Finally, Ahsoka saw what might be a suitable landing spot and she initiated the appropriate landing sequence. Alari couldn't help but to look in awe out of the transparisteel viewport.

"Is something wrong, padawan?" Ahsoka asked.

"No, master. It's awesome to finally see the planet up close. Just reading about it doesn't do it any justice," Alari replied.

"Don't worry. This is your chance to learn what you can about yourself. That said, I hope you successfully complete your rite of passage."

"Master, why did you say I would get my necklace and not a headdress like you wear?"

"Simple, you have hair. I don't. You could craft an akul-tooth headdress if you wanted, but it might snag on your hair. You wouldn't have that problem with a necklace. And, it might look better on you."

Alari blinked her eyes one last time. "That makes sense, master. I can only hope I get to return home with one."

Ahsoka completed the landing sequence and the ship touched down on solid ground. She shut down the engines and opened the gangway.

"Oh, Alari, I know I'm not going to be the best example of Togruta customs. But, many of our people go without shoes on the planet. If you choose to do so, I won't mind."

"Do you think I should, Master?"

Ahsoka thought for a brief moment. "I'm not going to decide for you. This is your chance to learn more about Togruta culture."

Alari nodded and pondered her master's words. Soon, she slipped out of her boots. "I want them to know I'm willing to learn what I can and follow their customs," she thought to herself.

Ahsoka looked on with amusement. It was obvious Alari didn't share her master's desire to wear boots as much as possible. "Maybe they switched hybrids in the maternity ward," Ahsoka thought to herself.

"So, are we ready now?" Alari asked with a hint of nervous curiosity in her voice.

Ahsoka nodded as she answered, "Let's go, Alari. Your journey begins."

Ahsoka and Alari walked slowly in the meter-high [~3¼ feet] turu-grass that wavered in a slight breeze.

"Master, why are these plants red and white?" Alari asked curiously.

When she didn't receive an immediate answer, she looked around and wondered where Ahsoka could be.

"Master?" she asked again.

Ahsoka quickly leaped up from the turu-grass. Alari did her best to keep from screaming.

"Master, you almost startled me!" she exclaimed.

"Almost? I was showing you the answer to your question. Our people are able to use it as camouflage. Between our skin color and markings, we can blend right in and hide from predators or prey that don't know any better," Ahsoka said.

"Including akuls?"

"Yes, including them."

Alari nodded. Even though she didn't have a rusty skin color, she thought this information might prove useful during her time on Shili.

As they continued to walk, Alari noticed her master resisting the urge to lunge after what sounded like a muffled squeak.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Thimiars," Ahsoka replied as she wrinkled her nose. "From what I remember, they're the main food source in the tribes. Unfortunately for me, thimiar meat makes me pass gas," she added.

"Eww. Trill Mern Isk, master. I didn't need to know that."

"Well, you did ask, my padawan," Ahsoka replied with a playful smirk.

Alari shook her head. She had a lot to learn about Shili, and it didn't seem like she'd have enough time to learn it all.

Ahsoka sensed Alari's thoughts. "Don't worry, you'll learn what you need to know. Think of this trip as a different type of training," she assured the teen.

Alari nodded her head as she looked around. Despite the new unfamiliarity of Shili, she realized it was like any other planet. Occasionally, she would see or hear birds in the sky. Also, she swore she could make out the faint silhouettes of animals in the distance.

"Are those akuls out there?" she asked nervously.

Ahsoka took a closer look. "No. Those aren't gruesome enough. These are harmless, but very fleet on foot. I remember being told how difficult it is for even a skilled warrior to catch those creatures … more difficult than hunting an akul, actually," she replied.

"Master, what was your hunt like?"

Ahsoka took a deep breath. Even though she was only 12 years old when she attempted her rite of passage – uncharacteristically young, even by her people's standards – she still had fond memories of the trip.

"I was only 12 when I attempted my hunt. Because of my advancing skill for my age and a report I wrote about Shili, my clan leader thought I should go on the trip before I was named a padawan. Even though Master Plo took me instead of Master Ti, I was proud to show him what I could do. And even though he's generally stolid, I think he was a bit proud of me, too."

"Actually, master, I was more interested in the hunt itself."

"Oh." Ahsoka's lekku stripes darkened before she spoke again. "It wasn't easy. I was eager to learn to and have a successful hunt, but I was worried what might happen if I failed. It wasn't easy, but when I finally shot the arrow that killed my akul, I felt like I could do almost anything."

"No wonder people call you 'the one with enthusiasm' – except for Master Skywalker," Alari replied as she giggled.

Ahsoka could only shake her head. As Alari and she continued to walk, Ahsoka noticed something up ahead.

"I'm not sure, but it looks like I see smoke coming from the trees. I think we may have found a tribal settlement," she said.

"Does this mean I can begin my hunt?" Alari replied eagerly.

"Not quite yet. First, we have to see if they will welcome us. Then you have to learn how to hunt and avoid becoming akul food."

Alari rolled her eyes. "That's not funny!" she exclaimed.

"Maybe not, but I plan to come home with my padawan in one piece. Remember, Alari, good Jedi know when and how to be patient. This is one of those times."

"Yes, master."

As the pair closed in the settlement, they noticed two male Togruta looking at them curiously.

"Master, who are they?" Alari asked.

"I imagine they are sentinels – tribal guards of sorts. We'll need to speak to them to see if they will let us speak to the tribe's leader," Ahsoka replied.

"Oh, okay. I hope they let us."

Ahsoka nodded. As the pair approached the sentinels, they crossed their spears, albeit in a non-threatening manner.

«Who are you?» one of them asked.

"I am the Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano. This is my padawan, Alari Bonteri. She is half Togruta and wishes to attempt the Rite of Passage. May we see your tribal leader?" Ahsoka replied.

The sentinels looked at Alari. Aside from her striped hair and faint face markings, she didn't look very Togruta. Still, it wasn't their role to assess the girl's readiness.

«Come with us. We will talk you to our chief,» the lead sentinel stated. He walked in front of the master-padawan pair while his partner trailed behind them.

As they walked, Alari looked around. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the dimmer light from inside the canopy forest. There weren't many Togruta close by, but the ones she saw were busy with one task or another. As the group made their way closer to the middle of the settlement, some individuals noticed Ahsoka and Alari.

«What an unusual pair,» one of them commented.

«Are they mother and daughter? Why would she mate with an off-worlder?» another one asked out loud.

Alari grew more nervous. She knew her unusual appearance was generating a buzz, even if she didn't completely understand the Togruti words she overhead.

"Easy, Alari. You'll be fine. You don't need to be ashamed of who you are," Ahsoka assured her padawan.

The sentinels stopped walking and signaled Ahsoka and Alari to stop.

«Wait here. We will tell our leader you wish to speak to him,» the lead sentinel stated.

Ahsoka nodded. «Thank you,» she replied in slightly broken Togruti.

"I didn't know you could speak the language," Alari said.

"Actually, I only know a little. Having been raised in the Jedi Temple and spending most of my life fighting in the Clone Wars, I haven't had use or need of it. Thankfully, my datapad has some common words and phrases. And I hope the tribe is somewhat fluent in Basic if it comes down to that," Ahsoka replied.

"Do you think they will welcome and accept us?"

"Well, they already welcomed us. I just hope the tribe leader is willing to accept us and teach you the skills of the hunt."

Moments later, the sentinels returned, but they continued walking back to their post. However, a new male walked towards Alari and Ahsoka. He had pale orange skin that looked somewhat yellowed. He had various white markings on his face and grayish-blue stripes on his lekku and montrals. He wore his own akul-tooth headdress and a jeweled necklace. Such jewelry was one way in which tribes identified their leaders.

«Please state your name and intentions,» he told Ahsoka and Alari.

«Do you speak Basic?» Ahsoka asked she bowed respectfully.

Alari, noticing Ahsoka's gesture, bowed as well.

"Of course. We are not like one of the neighboring tribes that prefers to keep itself cut off from off-worlders."

Ahsoka nodded. "I am the Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano. This is my padawan, Alari Bonteri. Even though she is only half Togruta, she is of the usual age to undergo her rite of passage. I would like to recommend that you accept her and teach her what she needs to know to successfully prove herself as a warrior," she told the leader.

"I am Toshir – leader of the Zalthane*. I am truly honored to be in the presence of Jedi, especially a Togruta Jedi," he replied. He then looked closer at Alari. "Bonteri – that tribe name is not familiar," he added.

"That's my father's name. He's human," Alari replied somewhat nervously.

"Indeed. Do you know your mother's tribe."

Alari shook her head negatively before responding, "My mother died when I was young. I have no memories of her. I'd like to think she'd be proud of me if I successfully hunt the akul."

Toshir gave an unexpected smile. "You may only be half Togruta, but your spirit is as strong as any full-blooded one. On behalf of the Zalthane, I welcome you both as our honored guests. And you, Alari Bonteri, will be taught by our best warriors. The hunt is not easy – and it's possible you might not succeed – but I'm confident the experience will be positive and help you further embrace your heritage. Come with me, and I'll show you more of our tribe."

Alari took a deep breath and smiled. She didn't expect the tribe's leader to accept her so easily. But now, she was eager to show him that his confidence in her was not misplaced.

"I will do this – for myself, my master, and my mother," she thought.

Both she and Ahsoka trailed behind Toshir as he escorted them though the settlement. ▄

Footnotes:

* "Zalthane" is pronounced as Zal – thay – knee.