Chapter 25 – Ball on Naboo
First of all, a little apology. Writing this chapter took a lot longer than I thought. And when I was almost finished I had a lot of trouble with my computer. I almost lost a lot of files, but thankfully that didn't happen. It took a bit longer, but I finally managed to finish this chapter.
This story is at its 25th chapter. I'd like to thank everyone that read, reviewed and favorited this story. This story has been going on for a while but it's far from over. I hope that you continue to enjoy my stories.
Another thank you to JediMayukiDaAWESOME, for giving me a nice description for Ahsoka's dress. It really helped me out.
This chapter is the longest chapter in my story with over 10,000 words. I hope you enjoy it.
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"Wow, would you look at that." Lilo said in amazement as she looked out of the viewport at the planet of Naboo. Their ship had just dropped out of hyperspace and they were now preparing to start the landing sequence. "It looks like an amazing planet." Marina said as she looked at the planet as well. "It is, Naboo is a beautiful planet." Ahsoka replied with a smile. She was glad that they were almost there. Marina and Lilo had been constantly telling her to add some jewelry or gloves and whatnot to her dress, and they had dragged her to a few stores again as well. Ahsoka liked to spend time with her sisters, but shopping would never become really one of her favorite activities.
The past few days she and her sisters had mostly been preparing for the ball. Ahsoka had been able to get enough rest and fully recover from the strange incident at the construction site. By now she had stopped thinking as much about it. She had given herself a massive headache trying to figure out just what had happened and afterwards Ahsoka had decided to let it go. One thing was clear for her: even though she had left the Jedi Order, the Force was still with her, looking out for her. No matter where she was, it would always be with her.
After Ahsoka had recovered she had paid a visit to the palace to thank princess Zaa Vashee and her family for the titles they had given her. She knew such titles were a big deal so she wanted to thank them properly. Ahsoka had found Zaa's brother, Zolar in the palace and spoke to him for a while. He had told her a bit more about the privileges her new titles bestowed on her. They could really come in handy in case something happened. "Knowing my luck, something will probably happen sooner or later…" Ahsoka thought to herself.
"You've been to Naboo before, right Ahsoka?" Marina asked as she turned back to Ahsoka. She nodded in return. "That's right, I was here on a few occasions." Ahsoka replied. Lilo turned around as well. Ahsoka could tell that they were both eager to hear about it. She smiled. "The first time was when that crazy scientist was working on recreating the Blue Shadow virus. It wasn't really an opportunity for sightseeing." Ahsoka said. "Another time I was here was during the Festival of Light. It was quite amazing, until Count Dooku and those bounty hunters tried to kidnap the Chancellor…" Ahsoka sighed. "Any nice stories about Naboo?" Lilo asked teasingly. Ahsoka chuckled a bit at her question. "Yes, I do have one." She replied. "A few years ago Anakin and I had been given a week off by the Council to rest and meditate. Anakin wanted to go somewhere, as a small vacation of sorts. Senator Amidala had a house in the Lake Country of Naboo, she allowed us to stay there." Ahsoka said as a smile spread on her face. "That was a great time. The house was at one of the large lakes, it was a beautiful place." She told her sisters. They both smiled. "Sounds like it could be a nice destination for a vacation." Marina replied. "Yes, definitely." Ahsoka said.
"Pardon me, Senators, madam advisor. We'll soon be landing at the palace of Naboo. Palace staff will explain were the ball is taking place." One of the ship's personnel said to them. "Alright, thank you for telling us." Marina replied. The attendant nodded and left again. "Come on, we'd better get ready." She told her sisters who nodded in response.
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Sometime later the three were walking through the halls of the Naboo palace. "This place is quite something." Lilo commented as she looked around. "Yeah, no kidding." Marina replied. "We're you here before as well, Ahsoka?" she asked. Ahsoka shook her head. "No, I've been in a few other areas like the hangar, but not the rest of the actual palace." She replied. "This place is bigger than I thought it would be." Marina said as she looked at the different halls. "Come on, the main ballroom is right here." Ahsoka said as she pointed at the entrance to a large room. She walked towards it. Her sisters following a little ways behind her.
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Ahsoka looked into the large ballroom where the main area of the ball was being held. The room was several scales larger than she had anticipated. The entire room had been completely decorated. Just about every flag and symbol of the different planets aligned with the Republic were displayed on the walls. On the tables with snacks and drinks stood several ice sculptures in the form of the symbol of the Republic. A large orchestra was playing music at the end of the large hall. It was pretty obvious that the Republic didn't cut any corners for this ball.
There were a lot more people here than she had expected. She let her gaze wander around the large room. There were a lot of faces she had seen before, Senators she had seen on broadcasts around the city but she didn't know them personally. She smiled when she saw Senator Ryo Chuchi talking with Senator Bail Organa. Padmé was not far away from them talking with another Senator. "Mon Mothma was her name if I recall correctly." Ahsoka thought to herself. At least a few of her old friends were there. Suddenly she sensed a lot of frustration. Ahsoka frowned and looked at its origin. She gasped when she saw who it came from and quickly moved away from the entrance of the ballroom.
Marina and Lilo looked on in confusion as their sister suddenly ran away from the entrance to the ballroom they were headed and hid behind one of the pillars in the hall. They looked at each other. "What just happened?" Lilo asked. "I have no idea." Marina replied. "But we'd better go and see if she's alright." Lilo nodded and they both walked to Ahsoka.
They found their sister hiding behind a pillar, breathing heavily. "Ahsoka? What happened?" Marina asked worried. Ahsoka looked at her with a shocked look on her face. "He's here…" she replied. "Who's here?" Lilo asked confused. "Anakin's here." Ahsoka replied. Marina and Lilo exchanged a surprised look. "Really?" Marina asked. Ahsoka nodded in response. "Then why don't you go and talk to him already?" Lilo asked as gestured at the entrance of the ballroom. "I-I don't know…" Ahsoka replied as she covered her eyes with her hands. Ahsoka took a deep breath to steady her nerves. "Just go and talk to him Ahsoka. It's pretty obvious that you want to." Lilo told her. Ahsoka looked questioning at her sister. "Last week when you fell asleep in the chair on the porch you muttered his name. It's pretty clear to us that you miss him." Marina explained with a smile. "I-I did?" Ahsoka asked slightly shocked as she looked down. "Come on. You can't evade him forever. You told us how much he meant to you. Go and talk to him already!" Lilo told her. Ahsoka took another deep breath. "Okay." She said with a smile. Marina and Lilo smiled as well and they walked to the ballroom.
As they walked inside the room Ahsoka looked over to where she saw Anakin. To her surprise, Obi-Wan was also there. Not so much to her surprise, Anakin was complaining to Obi-Wan. Ahsoka smiled and turned to her sisters. They both nodded and gestured for her to go. Ahsoka nodded and started making her way towards the two Jedi.
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"Come on Anakin, can't you just enjoy the peace and festivities for once?" Obi-Wan asked with a sigh. "These aren't exactly the type of festivities I enjoy." Anakin replied with an annoyed voice. "I'd rather be somewhere else right now." He complained. Obi-Wan shook his head and ignored Anakin's further protesting. He looked behind Anakin and saw someone approach the both of them. Surprise, but also relief, filled him when he saw who it was. Anakin, in his ranting, had no idea that a certain someone was walking up to them. Obi-Wan smiled as the person stopped behind Anakin. Anakin himself was still complaining, completely clueless. "Anakin." Obi-Wan interrupted. "What is it Obi-Wan?" Anakin asked annoyed. "Anakin, turn around." He replied with a smile. Anakin looked at him with a confused face. Obi-Wan nodded at something or someone behind him. Anakin slowly turned around and went wide-eyed when he saw who was behind him.
Standing behind him was a teenage Togruta wearing a white dress with a sweetheart neckline and a ruffled skirt, with low white high heels and fingerless wedding gloves. She was also wearing a thin gold necklace with a small sapphire pendant in the middle of it. Even though the formal dress wasn't something he'd even seen on her, her face was one he'd never be able to forget. "Ahsoka…" he said softly as he looked at his former padawan. "Hello Anakin." She replied. They both looked at each other for a moment. Then Ahsoka ran at Anakin and hugged him tightly. Anakin hugged her back just as strongly. "It's so good to see you again Skyguy." Ahsoka said smiling as she pulled back from the hug. "It's great to see you as well Snips." He replied with a large smile as well. "You look wonderful." He said as he looked at her dress. Ahsoka chuckled a bit as her lekku darkened. She turned to Obi-Wan. "Hello Master Kenobi, it's good to see you as well." She said to him. "Likewise Ahsoka, it's certainly been a while. You look like you're doing alright." Obi-Wan replied with a warm smile and a sense of relief in his voice. Ahsoka smiled at him as well. Even though Obi-Wan hadn't really stood up for her before, he certainly didn't want her to be killed. They were close friends before and it wouldn't do anyone well if she forever held a grudge against him. "The same thing cannot be said however for several other members of the Council…" she thought to herself.
Before any of them could say anything else a coughing noise was heard next to them. Ahsoka turned and saw the one man she had hoped she'd never have to meet again. "Hello miss Tano." Admiral Tarkin said in a cold tone of voice. "Admiral Tarkin." Ahsoka replied in a similar tone. "Might I ask what you think you're doing here? Civilians aren't allowed here." He said. Ahsoka frowned and gave him a glare. "It's alright Admiral. She can stay here. I'll vouch for her." Anakin said defending her. "I'm sorry General Skywalker, but as a civilian former padawan Tano has no right nor reason to be here." Tarkin replied. "Escort her out of the premises." He ordered the two clone troopers behind him. "Might I ask what you think you're doing Admiral?" Ahsoka asked in a neutral voice, intensely focusing on releasing her anger into the Force. Admiral Tarkin gave her a questioning look. "What do you mean?" he demanded more than he asked. Ahsoka grinned. "I am an official advisor to the Royal Family of Shili. Therefore I have even more reason and right to be here than you." She replied, causing the three men to look surprised for a moment. Anakin chuckled at her reply while Obi-Wan smiled and stroked his beard in thought. Admiral Tarkin looked angrily at her. "What the heck is his problem? He looks like as if I've kicked him in the mud or something. Hmm, that might not be such a bad idea." Ahsoka thought to herself. "Even then, our sensors indicate that you're carrying one or more weapons. I demand that you hand them over immediately for destruction." He more or less ordered her. Anakin looked at him with an angry frown. Ahsoka simply smiled at his demand. "As an official protector of the Shilian Royal House and the people of Shili, I'm licensed to carry any type of weapon at any time." She replied, earning herself a small round of laughter from Anakin and another angry look from Tarkin. "Now then, if that is all Admiral I'd appreciate it if you left. We were having a conversation here." She requested in the kindest voice she was able to manage, which was not so kind at all. He gave her an angry look before walking off without another word.
"It seems that you are doing quite well for yourself." Obi-Wan remarked as Tarkin walked off. "I've made some great new friends. They've helped me out quite a bit." Ahsoka replied with a smile. Anakin chuckled a bit. "You certainly showed him Snips." He said in an amused voice. Ahsoka chuckled as well.
"What was that guy's problem?" a voice behind Ahsoka asked. She turned around and saw her sisters standing behind her. Anakin looked at Lilo and her older sister with a smile while Obi-Wan looked at the two Togruta and wondered why they looked so similar to Ahsoka. "Did you do something to him or something?" Lilo asked Ahsoka. "I saved his life and as thanks, he ruined my name and tried to have me executed." Ahsoka replied. "So he was that admiral you mentioned before, huh?" Marina asked in return. Ahsoka nodded. "Yep, that's him. I'm somewhat starting to regret saving his life…" Ahsoka admitted silently. She shrugged and turned back to the two Jedi. She smiled and gestured at them "These are Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi." She said to her sisters. "You've already met Anakin." She said to Lilo. "Masters, meet the Senators of Shili and Kiros, my sisters, Marina and Lilo." Ahsoka told the two Jedi, earning a surprised look from Obi-Wan. "It's nice to meet the both of you. Ahsoka told us quite a lot about you." Marina said. Obi-Wan smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well." He replied. He looked at Ahsoka. "So you have been living with your family?" he asked her. Ahsoka smiled and nodded. "That's right. I went back home to Shili and found my family there. I still have some crazy adventures though." She replied. "Are you referring to what happened on Felucia?" Obi-Wan asked. "Yeah… That's right." She replied. Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, Masters Unduli and Felucia told us about your great bravery. We owe you a real 'thank you' for saving the Senators." He told her. "Don't mention it. I was glad to be of help." She replied with a smile.
Obi-Wan looked at Ahsoka and her sisters. "I'm very glad to know that you're somewhere where you can be safe and happy." He said with a sense of relief in his voice. "Thank you Master Kenobi. Being with my family has helped me tremendously." She replied as she looked at her sisters. They both smiled at her. "You've helped us greatly as well. Not just us, but the people of Shili also." Marina said. Ahsoka's lekku darkened a little bit.
"Ahsoka? Is that really you?" a familiar voice behind them asked. Ahsoka and the others turned around and saw Padmé and Ryo Chuchi standing there. "It is you!" Padmé said excitedly as she walked up to them. Ahsoka smiled as Padmé pulled her into a tight hug. "It's so good to see you again Ahsoka!" She said with a large smile. "It's good to see you to Padmé. Can I breathe again now?" Ahsoka replied in a slightly strained voice. A bit of laughter was heard around them as Padmé pulled back from the hug. "Sorry, I'm just excited to see you again." Padmé said. "It's okay." Ahsoka replied as she looked at the Pantoran Senator. "Hey Chuchi, it's been too long." She said to her. "Likewise Ahsoka." Ryo replied with a smile. The two hugged each other. Ahsoka looked at her sisters. "Senators, meet my sisters Marina and Lilo." She said to Padmé and Ryo. "Girls, these are Senator Padmé Amidala of Naboo and Senator Ryo Chuchi of Pantora." Ahsoka introduced them. "I didn't know you had sisters Ahsoka." Ryo said surprised. "It's nice to meet the both of you." Ryo told the two Togruta. "Likewise." Lilo replied. "Do you know every Senator around here or what?" Marina asked Ahsoka. "No, only the good ones." Ahsoka replied with a small laugh. The others around her laughed as well. "So what are all of you doing here?" Ryo asked curiously. "Lilo is the new Senator for Kiros and I'm the new Senator of Shili. We came here to meet several of the other Senators we're going to be working with. And since Ahsoka has been appointed as a royal advisor we decided to drag her along as well." Marina explained to her, earning a smile from the Pantoran. "I see. Well I'm looking forward to working with you." Ryo replied. "Us too, Senator." Marina said with a smile.
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The group kept talking with each other for a while. Marina and Lilo enjoyed hearing about the workings of the Senate and which Senators they could better avoid. Ahsoka spoke a lot with Anakin and Obi-Wan, asking them how several of her other friends were doing. She and Ryo also talked a lot. It had been a long time since she had seen the Pantoran, so they had quite a bit to talk about. At the moment, the whole ball idea wasn't as boring as she had thought.
Ahsoka looked around the ballroom looking for someone else. After all, she did come to the ball to find a certain someone. He wasn't anywhere in sight, but she had other ways of finding people. She concentrated on the Force and located his presence somewhat away, outside of the ballroom. Ahsoka looked in the direction she sensed and spotted a doorway to what appeared to be a garden of sorts.
"Ahsoka?" Lilo asked when she saw her sister look away. "I think I'm going to get some air and maybe look for someone." She replied with a shrug. Lilo smiled teasingly at her, completely knowing what she really meant. "Have fun." She said as Ahsoka blushed a little. She nodded and headed towards the door.
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Ahsoka walked out of the large ballroom into the large garden area. She smiled as she looked around. It was a large open area with numerous different types of trees and plants, a number of ponds and rivers were spread throughout the garden.
She walked down the small stairs and headed into the garden. She could sense that Lux was somewhere close by. Ahsoka smiled and started looking for him. She walked slowly for two reasons. The first was to simply enjoy the scenery of the Naboo palace. Her second reason was that she wanted to spot Lux before he saw her. She wanted to surprise him with her presence.
A couple of minutes later she spotted him standing next at one of the ponds, next to a statue. She hid behind a stone wall a little taller than her. She looked around the wall to see what he was doing. Lux was obviously taking a stroll to get some fresh air and look around. Ahsoka was about to walk up to him when she spotted someone else approach him. Ahsoka studied the person, it was a teenage human girl with dark hair. "Who is she?" Ahsoka wondered as she frowned. Her frown turned into a look of shock as the girl hugged Lux from behind and attempted to kiss him. "W-what? Why is she…" she thought in shock. "Lux and I were…" Her shock turned to sadness as she watched.
The girl was clinging to Lux as Ahsoka watched in sadness and horror. She was about to head back inside when she noticed something strange. Lux shook himself loose and pushed the girl back. She tried to hold his arm but he pulled back. She saw him shake his head and say something to the girl. She obviously disagreed with whatever he said and complained about something. She reached out with the Force and could sense frustration building up in Lux. Ahsoka was beyond confused right now. "What the heck is going on here?" she asked herself. Then she suddenly remembered something Lux had told her when she was with him on Onderon. When he was in the Senate on Coruscant there had been some daughter of one of the other Senators who had tried to hit on him. He had told her that he wasn't interested but he wasn't sure that she had understood or even wanted to understand. "Is this that same girl?" she wondered. A sly smirk spread across her face when she had a nice idea. "I'll show her." She thought as she started making her way towards the two. With her montrals and Force enhanced senses she could pick up a few parts of their conversation. What Lux said made her giggle a little.
"Oh come on Luxie, you know that's not true. You do like me." The girl said to him. Lux sighed and shook his head. "I already told you this before, I don't like you in that way." He replied, trying to remain kind. The girl just smiled at her. "Of course you do." She said, ignoring his words. "No, I don't. And besides, I'm already with someone else." Lux protested. The girl laughed a little. "Sure you are. You may think so but no one can compare to me." She replied with a smug smirk. Lux chuckled at that. "She's way better than you'll ever hope to be." He said with a smile. The girl scoffed and continued with her futile attempts to seduce him.
At this point Ahsoka reached them, neither of them had noticed her yet. "Excuse me Senator Bonteri." She said politely, startling both of them slightly. They both turned around. "A-Ahsoka?!" Lux said bewildered. The girl gave her a look that clearly said 'get lost'. Ahsoka chuckled as she grabbed Lux and pulled him into a kiss. Lux kissed her back and the girl looked like someone had slapped her in the face. Ahsoka broke the kiss and looked at her. "He's mine." She said with a grin. The girl tried to say something but merely stuttered in her frustration. She then angrily stormed away.
Ahsoka turned back to Lux and kissed him again. He smiled and kissed her back. The two of them separated after a short moment. "I can't believe you're actually here. Thanks a bunch for getting rid of her, she's really pushy and chooses not to hear certain things she doesn't want to hear." Lux said as he looked at Ahsoka. "You look absolutely amazing." He said. Ahsoka blushed. "Thanks Lux. You look great as well." She replied smiling. "So what are you doing here? I didn't really think that a party like this was something for you." Lux asked. Ahsoka shrugged. "Well, my sisters kinda talked me into coming along. And besides, Lilo told me that you were going to be here as well, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to see you again." Ahsoka explained. "So your sisters did come here." Lux stated with a smile. Ahsoka nodded but her smile faded slightly. "What's wrong?" Lux asked. "I owe you a little apology." She replied softly. "For what?" Lux asked confused. "I saw you with that girl and I thought… I thought that you and her were…" Ahsoka said softly as she looked down. Lux understood what she meant. "I would never betray you like that 'Soka." He told her with a smile. Ahsoka smiled back. "Thank you Lux."
They moved to a nearby bench and sat down. "Lilo convinced Marina pretty easily, they both like parties like these and they thought it would be a nice opportunity to meet other Senators." Ahsoka explained. "I met Lilo when she was on Coruscant. I thought that she liked the idea." Lux replied. "So your other sister is here as well?" he asked. Ahsoka nodded. "Yep, our oldest sister, Marina, is here as well. They're both still inside, talking with several others." She replied. "I see. And they convinced you to come along as well?" Lux asked. Ahsoka laughed a moment. "Yes they did. They ganged up on me." She replied chuckling. "They also used this ball as a nice excuse to drag me to several dress stores and try and a lot of different jewelry and accessories." She said with a sigh. Lux laughed at her frustrated sigh. "Shut up!" Ahsoka said as she playfully punched his arm. "Well, I'm glad they did," Lux said as he stopped laughing, "You look gorgeous in that dress." Ahsoka giggled and blushed at his comment. "Thanks Lux, that makes me feel better about it. This," she replied as she gestured at her outfit, "isn't something I'd usually wear. I don't know, it makes me a little uncomfortable." Ahsoka admitted as she shrugged. "Don't be, you look amazing." Lux replied, causing Ahsoka to smile. She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. "You're sweet Lux. Do you really think so?" She asked. "Yes, of course. The dress looks amazing on you and the crystal of that pendant really goes nice with your eyes." Lux replied as he gently stroked her face. Ahsoka smiled and held his hand.
"Speaking of crystals," Ahsoka said when Lux moved his hand again. "about the locket you gave me." Lux looked at her in slight surprise. "What about it? Were you able to get it repaired?" He asked. Ahsoka shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Marina took the locket to several jewelry stores, but it was damaged beyond repair." She explained. Lux' smile faded and Ahsoka could sense some sadness emanating from him. She placed her hand on his chin and turned his head towards him. "The crystal, however, was still intact. And I found a great way to use it." She explained. "How?" Lux asked intrigued. "Remember when you said that you wanted your locket to keep me safe?" Ahsoka asked. Lux nodded in response. "Now it most certainly will." She said as she reached into one of the hidden pockets in her dress and took out her lightsaber. She chuckled a bit at the confused expression on Lux' face. Ahsoka smiled as she activated her lightsaber. Lux' expression turned to one of surprise as he instantly recognized the bright cyan colour of the blade. "That's amazing." He said as he studied the weapon. Ahsoka smiled and deactivated her blade. "The crystal you gave me was perfect. It will definitely keep me safe this way." She said with a smile. "I'm really glad to hear that. That means that I won't have to worry about your safety that much. Now I know that you'll be alright." Lux replied with a warm smile. Ahsoka smiled back to match his own smile. They both leaned in again and their lips met again.
"Ahsoka?!" a loud voice exclaimed shocked, startling both of them. Ahsoka and Lux separated and looked at the voice's origin. Standing a few meters away from them was a very shocked looking Anakin Skywalker. "Anakin!" Ahsoka said surprised. "What are you doing here?" she asked a little frustrated at him disturbing her and Lux. "You suddenly disappeared from the ballroom and I went to look for you. What's all this?" Anakin replied, still not believing what he had just seen. "Why was Bonteri making out with Ahsoka? Did he do something?!" He thought angrily. Ahsoka picked up on his thoughts and frowned angrily. Lux looked at her and Anakin, suddenly feeling quite unease with his glare. "I think I'll head on back inside. I'd like to meet you other sister." Lux said as he turned to Ahsoka. "Alright Lux, I'll see you in a moment." She replied as he got up and walked away in the direction of the palace.
Ahsoka got up from the bench and walked up to Anakin who was staring after Lux. "Anakin, what the heck was that?" she asked with a hint of anger in her voice. "I'm the one who should be asking that. What the heck were you doing with him?" he responded in a similar tone of voice. "We were making out. What the heck did it look like?" Ahsoka replied. "That… You…" Anakin was at a loss for words for a moment. "Why were you doing that? Since when had this been going on?" he asked between confusion and anger. Ahsoka sighed and walked back to the bench she and Lux had just been sitting on. Anakin followed after her and they both sat down.
Ahsoka said nothing for a moment as they both sat on the bench. Anakin looked at her and could sense how uneasy this made her feel. "I'm sorry I reacted like that Snips, but this just really surprised me." He said hoping to ease her tension a bit. "I understand Skyguy." She replied with a nervous smile. Anakin smiled back. "So… Care to tell me about it?" he asked. Ahsoka chuckled a little. "Alright then." She replied and looked at him. "I just told all of you that I went back home to Shili, right?" she asked. Anakin nodded. "I didn't immediately go there. I went to Onderon first." Ahsoka looked up. "I had no idea where to go or what to do. I was hoping that Lux would be able to help me out a bit." She smiled as she told her story. "He really helped me out. Lux let me stay with him and looked out for me. He helped me forgot about the pain I felt at that time. He showed me around Onderon and we went out several times. Some feelings I had before came back. We really started to fall in love and, well, we're together now." She said with a small shrug, her lekku a few shades darker. Anakin took a deep breath and nodded. "I could tell there was something between the two of you when we were on Onderon." He replied. "Although, I must admit that I didn't really think that you would be breaking the Jedi Code like that." He told her. Ahsoka laughed a bit. "Well, I don't really have to follow the Code now anymore, do I?" she asked in return, causing Anakin to laugh a little as well. "And besides, I never really cared about the non-attachment rule. I just think that it doesn't make a lot of sense." Ahsoka admitted. Anakin smiled at her. "I feel the same way. I just don't see how shutting yourself off from other people can make you a better Jedi or a better person." He said to Ahsoka. She smiled back at him. "I knew you did." She replied.
Anakin looked at his former padawan. She had really grown up a lot. He recalled the young tiny Togruta that had walked down the ramp of the ship on Christophsis. She had been very eager, overcurious and incredibly energetic. Now, she was a young woman, wise beyond her years and quite capable of looking out for herself. The knowledge made him both proud and sad at the same time. "Is something wrong?" Ahsoka asked when she saw him studying her. "No, nothing. It's just… You've grown up so much. You're no longer the little girl I met on Christophsis." He replied with a smile. Ahsoka looked at him with surprise in her eyes. "Thank you Anakin. That means a lot coming from you." She said softly. Ahsoka gave him a quick hug.
Anakin looked at Ahsoka and made a difficult decision. "There's something that I feel I should tell you Ahsoka." He said. She looked at him curiously. He took a deep breath and told her his greatest secret. "Padmé and I are married." Anakin finally admitted to his former apprentice. Ahsoka didn't immediately reply. Anakin could sense multiple things from her. Slight surprise and amusement among them. "I knew that the two of you were a lot closer than 'just good friends'. But I have to admit, I hadn't expected that you were married." She said with a smile. "Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" she asked him in a serious tone. Anakin sighed. "I don't know Snips. I was worried that you wouldn't understand or that you would be angry or upset with me. I was afraid that you might've told the Council or something." He admitted. Ahsoka chuckled a little at that. "I would never have betrayed you like that Skyguy." She replied. Anakin sighed with relief. "Thank you Ahsoka. You have no idea how much pressure this has always caused me. I'm glad you understand." He said. "Well, I guess I understand it even better now that I'm with Lux." Ahsoka replied with a shrug. "I suppose so." Anakin said with a slightly nervous laugh. "So, how long have you been married? And how was the wedding? " Ahsoka asked with a bright smile. Anakin laughed. "We got married shortly after the first battle Geonosis, at the start of the Clone Wars. The wedding was great." He told her with a large smile..
The two of them talked for a while about Anakin's marriage. Ahsoka was quite curious about the details of his marriage. She had asked a lot of questions about the wedding and their 'normal' married life. Anakin had answered all of her questions enthusiastically. It had been a while since he had been able to talk openly about his marriage. Ahsoka enjoyed hearing about his married life, but he also had a question he had been wanting to ask her. "Ahsoka?" he began. "Yea?" she replied. "I've been wanting to ask you something. Have you thought about returning to the Jedi Order?" He asked hopefully. Ahsoka sighed. "I don't know Anakin. I don't think I can, not now in any case. And besides, I strongly doubt that the Council would allow me to come back if they found out that I was dating a Senator and that I know my family." She explained with an amused chuckle. "Only Obi-Wan and I know about your family and Obi-Wan doesn't know about you and Lux. We won't tell those things to the Council and you know that." Anakin said, trying to convince her. Ahsoka sighed. "I'm sorry Anakin, but I simply can't. There are still several things I have to sort out." She explained. Anakin nodded slowly. "I understand. I may not like it, but I won't try to force you into coming back if you don't want to or if you're not ready for it." He replied with a sigh. "Thank you Anakin." Ahsoka said with a smile. "Don't think that the fact that I don't want to see the Council means that I don't want to see you." She told him. "If you have the time, feel free to come and visit me on Shili. I'd love to introduce you to my parents and my niece Rosette." Hearing this made Anakin smile. "That sounds great Snips." He replied. "And you have a niece as well?" he asked. Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, she's Marina's daughter. She's adorable and very energetic." She said with a smile. Anakin chuckled at her description.
They both continued to talk for a while, Anakin sharing some more stories about his marriage and Ahsoka telling him about her family. Sometime had past and Ahsoka felt a cold shiver creep across her spine. "Let's go back inside. It's getting a little chilly out here." She said to Anakin. "Sure." He replied and they both got up and headed back to the palace.
;-
Meanwhile, inside the palace
Marina looked at the Jedi Master as she recalled something that had been bothering her. She barely had any knowledge of the mysterious Force, but she figured that a Jedi Master would be able to tell her something. "Uhm, Master Kenobi?" she said as she walked up to him. "Yes Senator?" he replied. "I wanted to ask you something, could you come with me for a moment?" she asked him. "Very well." He replied. "Lead the way." The two of them walked away from the small group so they had a little bit more privacy.
Marina turned back to Obi-Wan who studied her a bit. "I can tell that something is troubling you Senator. Is there anything I can do?" he asked concerned. Marina chuckled for a bit. "Ahsoka keeps doing that Force-sensing stuff as well. It's a little annoying sometimes." She replied. Obi-Wan chuckled a bit as well. Marina sighed and looked at him. "It's about something that happened two weeks ago. I won't tell you all of the details because I don't want to betray Ahsoka's trust." She told him. Obi-Wan nodded and motioned for her to continue. "Well, there was an accident on Shili two weeks ago. Ahsoka and I were there when it happened. She, I don't know." Marina sighed. "Ahsoka somehow used the Force and prevented what could have been a massive incident. What she did, it seemed impossible. She used such power all of a sudden. Afterwards she just collapsed without warning and she was unconscious for three days." She shook her head. "When she woke up she didn't immediately recall what had happened. And she has no idea how she did it." Marina explained to Obi-Wan. "Two weeks ago, did Ahsoka cause that disturbance in the Force?" Obi-Wan asked himself. "I'm worried about my sister. Do you know something, anything about what could've happened to her?" Marina asked with concern in her voice.
Obi-Wan thought over the information he had just learned. "If Ahsoka was involved in some sort of large incident then it may very well be possible that she caused that disturbance in the Force, though I'm not really sure how." He thought. Obi-Wan looked at Marina's concerned expression. "There have been such events before." He said. "What do you mean?" Marina asked. "The Force is a Jedi's greatest ally. It looks out for us." He began. "Sometimes, when a Jedi is in danger the Force will come to his or her aid. There have been padawans before who, in situations of great danger, were able to use the Force in ways far beyond their normal capabilities. This does come with a drawback of them being weakened for a few days following the incident however." Obi-Wan explained. Marina nodded. "That sounds a lot like what happened to Ahsoka. So, this is sort of a normal thing for Jedi?" she asked in return. Obi-Wan nodded. "Yes, that's right. It may seem strange to you, but the Force isn't always clear about its intentions." He answered. Marina sighed with obvious relief. "That's good to know. Thank you Master Kenobi. Ahsoka already ended up in the hospital twice in the time she's lived with us. I was worried that this meant some kind of danger for her but I'm glad to know that I was wrong about that." She said with a smile. "You're welcome." Obi-Wan replied with a smile. "Could you keep this conversation secret? I don't want Ahsoka to feel like I betrayed her or something. This whole thing has bothered her greatly the past few days." Marina requested. "I understand. I'll not speak of it to anyone. You have my word." Obi-Wan replied with a kind smile. "Thank you." Marina said with a smile as well.
Marina looked to the side and saw a young human man looking alternately at her and Lilo. She observed him for a moment. The young man fit the description of someone she had heard a lot about. "That would be Senator Bonteri of Onderon." Obi-Wan informed her when he saw her looking. Marina smiled. "I see." She replied. "If you can excuse me Master Kenobi, I've been meaning to talk to him." She said. Obi-Wan nodded. "Of course Senator." He replied as he walked back.
;-
Lux walked up to who he assumed to be Ahsoka's oldest sister as Obi-Wan walked away. The Togruta looked at him and smiled. "So, you are the infamous Lux Bonteri." Marina said when Lux reached her. "That's me." Lux replied chuckling. "And I take it that you are Ahsoka's oldest sister?" he asked. Marina nodded. "Yes, that's right. I'm Marina Tano, the oldest of the three Tano sisters." She replied. "It's nice to finally meet you. Ahsoka has told us a lot about you." Marina told Lux. "It's nice to meet you as well. I've hear a lot about you and the rest of your family from Ahsoka." He replied with a smile. "Have you seen Ahsoka already? She came here with us." Marina asked him. Lux nodded. "Yes, I just spoke with her outside. She told me how you persuaded her to come along." He answered. Marina laughed a bit. "The look on her face when Lilo said that you would be here was priceless." She said. Lux laughed as well. "It was great to see her again. I'm glad that she's doing alright." He replied. "Yeah, us too. We were pretty worried about her before." Marina said. "But Ahsoka is very strong. She's surprised us quite a bit. And she recovers fast, mostly because she doesn't like being in the hospital." She said with a smile. "That was pretty obvious to me as well. Did Ahsoka tell you about that attack on the Onderon palace?" Lux asked in response. Marina nodded. "You should have seen her reaction when the nurse told her that she had to leave the hospital there in a wheelchair." He said with a smile. Marina laughed as she imagined that situation. "That probably didn't go very well." She said. "Yeah, it took us some time to exit the hospital." Lux replied with a smile.
The two of them continued talking to each other. Lilo joined them when she spotted Lux. A couple of minutes later Ahsoka and Anakin came back inside as well. Lux looked a little wary at Anakin. "Is it safe for me to be here?" he asked Ahsoka when she reached him. She chuckled a little. "Don't worry, he won't do anything to you." She replied with a smile. Lux sighed with relief. "That's good to know." He said. Anakin walked up to the two. "Excuse me Senator, can I talk with you real quick?" he asked Lux. Ahsoka flashed him a questioning look. Anakin smiled neutrally at her. "Okay." Lux replied and him and Anakin walked off.
"So what did you want to talk about Master Skywalker?" Lux asked even though he had a good idea what it was Anakin wanted. "It's about you and Ahsoka being together…" Anakin began. Lux gulped nervously. "I may not completely like it, but Ahsoka is really happy about this so I won't interfere." Anakin continued. Lux relaxed a bit and opened his mouth to reply but Anakin cut him off. "But make no mistake Bonteri. If you hurt her I will hunt you down and make you suffer." He said a little darkly. "Do you understand?" he asked. Lux nodded. "Yes, I do." Lux replied slowly. "Good, glad we had this talk." Anakin said with a smile as he walked off and patted Lux on the shoulder.
"You okay, Lux?" Ahsoka asked when Lux walked back to her and her sisters. "Yes, I'm good." He replied. "So what did Anakin want?" she asked. "Oh, nothing really." He told her. Ahsoka gave him a look that said she knew he was lying. Lux smiled nervously at her. Ahsoka sighed. "Alright then." She replied with a shrug.
The music in the ballroom changed to a slow dancing music. Lux looked at Ahsoka. "Do you want to dance Ahsoka?" he asked her. She looked a little shocked at his question. "I don't know Lux." She replied a little nervously. "You know how to dance, right?" Lux asked. Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, I do. Younglings in the Temple exercise with dancing to learn timing and coordination." She explained. "So why don't we go and dance?" Lux asked with a smile. "It's been a long time. I don't know if I still know how to." She replied. "Oh come on, I'm sure it will be fine." Lux said reassuringly as he took Ahsoka's hand. "Alright then." She replied with a sigh.
They moved towards the orchestra and walked up the dance floor. Lux bowed and caused Ahsoka to giggle. He took her hand and they began dancing to the music. They started slow so Ahsoka could remember how the dance went. A few minutes later they were both laughing and dancing. The songs changed pace and they adjusted to the new pace. "You're a great dancer Ahsoka. You had no reason to be worried about it." Lux said to Ahsoka when they were close together during a slow song. "Thanks Lux, you're pretty good on your feet yourself." Ahsoka replied softly as they both danced to the music.
Ahsoka looked around for a moment. Anakin and Padmé were also dancing together. Ahsoka gave a teasing smile in Anakin's direction when the two of them locked eyes. He rolled his eyes and smiled back. Close to them, Lilo was also dancing with someone. Ahsoka didn't recognize him, but he probably was some other Senators son. Marina and Ryo were standing at the side of the dance floor, obviously teasing Lilo. Ahsoka chuckled when she noticed Lilo's lekku darken a bit. "I'm really glad that my sisters convinced me to come here." Ahsoka said with a sigh. "So am I. This party would have been a lot more boring if you hadn't been here." Lux replied smiling. Ahsoka smiled back and gave him a quick kiss.
They kept dancing for a while until they got a little tired. Then Ahsoka and Lux joined Marina and Ryo at the side of the dance floor. Ahsoka talked with them while Lux got them both something to drink. "Are you glad you came along after all Ahsoka?" Marina asked her. Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, I am. This was a lot more fun than I thought it would be when Lilo suggested it." She replied with a smile. Marina smiled back. "I'm glad to hear that. I was kinda worried that you'd be bored or something." She said. Lux returned shortly after with some drinks. Ahsoka thanked him and he joined the conversation.
;-
A couple of minutes later Ryo left to talk with a few other Senators and one of her advisors. She said that she would be back a little bit later.
Marina also found herself a dancing partner and joined Lilo on the dance floor, leaving Ahsoka and Lux to enjoy each other's company.
"H-hey Horn-face." A slightly familiar but somewhat distorted voice said behind Lux and Ahsoka. They turned around and saw the same dark-haired girl that was pestering Lux earlier. She had an angry and upset look on her face. She was standing a little wobbly on her legs. Ahsoka used the Force to check the girls thoughts and quickly came to a conclusion: she was way beyond drunk.
"What do you want?" Ahsoka asked. She looked at Ahsoka, eyes half-focused. "Get away from him." The girl replied waving her hand. Ahsoka figured that she tried to point at Lux but failed horribly in her drunken state. "We've already had this discussion several times. I just don't like you, so please, leave me alone." Lux said to the girl. By now numerous people around them were staring at them. This little scene was attracting quite some attention. "Just go away, please." Lux requested. The girl just stood there, trying to keep her balance. Lux sighed. "Come on 'Soka, let's just go." He said as he turned back to Ahsoka. "Alright." She replied and they both turned to walk away.
A few yells of panic were heard causing Ahsoka to spin around again, suddenly sensing danger. The girl had drawn a small blaster and was trying to aim at Ahsoka. "You stupid tailhead." The girl said angrily. "Put the gun down, don't be foolish." Ahsoka replied calmly as she pushed Lux back a little. Ahsoka quickly assessed the situation. The girl was angry at her and might pull the trigger. However, in her drunken state, she probably wouldn't hit Ahsoka but someone else around her. This could get pretty ugly soon. Ahsoka reached into her pocket and grabbed her lightsaber. Numerous gasps were heard as she ignited the green blade and assumed a defensive stance. "Drop the gun, now." She ordered the now stunned girl. If anything, she got even angrier. She didn't respond to Ahsoka except for the fact that her hands were shaking even more. "What do I do? She's completely unpredictable in this state and if she starts shooting people will get hurt. Taking down a Senators daughter won't be a good idea either." Ahsoka thought as she further assessed the situation. Something she had learned about the minds of others came back to her. Intoxicated people had weaker minds. Ahsoka concentrated and waved her left hand in front of her, sending the strongest sleep suggestion she could to the girl. In response, the girl sank to the floor and fell fast asleep.
Ahsoka sighed in relief and put away her lightsaber. "What did you do to deserve having such a crazy girl chase you around?" she asked Lux. "I have absolutely no idea." He replied as he shrugged. "Uh… She is fine, right?" he asked as he looked at the girl lying on the floor. "Yea, she's just asleep." Ahsoka answered. "You can also put people to sleep with the Force?" Lux asked. "Yep, that's right. It has it's uses in certain situations." Ahsoka replied smiling. "I'll say." Lux said.
A number of palace staff and clone soldiers ran up to them. Two medics checked on the girl while the guards asked Lux and Ahsoka what happened. Lux, being a politician, quickly explained what had happened and how that girl had threatened them. A couple of minutes later they left and the medics took the girl away on a stretcher.
"I hope that that's the last I'll see of her." Lux said as he looked at the departing palace staff. "Yeah, me too." Ahsoka replied. "That girl is way too pushy and clearly doesn't know when to quit." She said as she turned back to Lux. "Oh well, let's not let this ruin the rest of the day." Lux replied. Ahsoka nodded. "You're right. Can we get some fresh air? This got me pretty worked up." Ahsoka asked. "Of course." Lux replied and they both headed outside again.
;-
Several hours passed in the blink of an eye and the ball on Naboo was nearing its end. Ahsoka, her sisters, Lux, Padmé, Anakin and Obi-Wan were now standing on the landing pad where the ship that had brought the Tano sisters to Naboo was waiting to bring them back to Shili.
"So, it's time for you to leave huh?" Anakin asked with a hint of sadness in his voice. Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, it's a long flight back so we have to get going." She replied. "Don't worry Skyguy, I'm sure this isn't the last time we meet." Ahsoka told him with a smile. "I guess you're right." Anakin replied. "You can always come and visit like I told you earlier. You know where to find me now." Ahsoka said. Anakin nodded. "That's true. I'll certainly try to visit you sometime if I get the chance." He replied with a smile.
Obi-Wan walked up to the two of them. "It was good to see you again Ahsoka. I'm very glad to know that you're doing so well." He said to Ahsoka. "Likewise Master Kenobi." She replied. "I hope that the Force will have us meet again some other time." Obi-Wan said. Ahsoka thought about his words for a moment. "Somehow I have a strange feeling that we will." She replied. "I'll be looking forward to it." He said with a smile. "Me as well Snips." Anakin added. Ahsoka smiled hearing this. Obi-Wans comlink went off all of a sudden. "Obi-Wan here." He said as he answered. "General Kenobi, it's Commander Cody. We have the Jedi Council on standby. They're waiting on your report." The familiar voice of a clone soldier said over the comlink. "Understood Commander, we'll be there momentarily." Obi-Wan replied and the transmission ended. "I guess it's time for us to go as well." Obi-Wan stated as he looked at Ahsoka. She laughed as she noticed Anakin's frustrated expression. Anakin sighed. "I guess this is goodbye then." He said to Ahsoka. She stopped laughing and nodded. "Yes, it is." She replied. Ahsoka walked up to him and gave him a hug. "We'll see each other again. Don't worry Skyguy." Ahsoka said when they separated again. Anakin smiled at her. "That's a promise Snips. Goodbye." He replied. "Goodbye Anakin." She said. "Goodbye Master Kenobi." She said as she turned to the older Jedi. "Goodbye Ahsoka. May the Force keep you safe." Obi-Wan replied. He bowed and Ahsoka, a little reluctantly, bowed back. Then the two Jedi left.
Ahsoka turned around and spotted her sisters talking with Padmé. Lux walked up to her when the Two Jedi turned around the corner. Ahsoka smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss him. Lux wrapped his arms around her waist in response and kissed her back. They made out for a couple seconds before a round of laughter caused them to break apart. They turned around to see Marina, Lilo and Padmé laughing. "Aww, that's adorable." Marina commented causing Lux's face to turn bright red and Ahsoka's lekku turned a dark blue. "I knew you two would end up together." Padmé said smiling. "You two are perfect for each other." She said enthusiastically. "Uhm…Thanks Padmé." Ahsoka replied with a hint of embarrassment in her voice. "You're right, they really do make a cute couple." Lilo said teasingly as well. Ahsoka ignored her sisters comment and turned back to Lux who was smiling nervously.
"I'm really glad that you were here Ahsoka." Lux said. "Yeah, me too." Ahsoka replied as she hugged him again and rested her head against his chest. "I wanted to go to Shili after this party and surprise you." Lux sighed before continuing. "But unfortunately something came up on Onderon and I have to return there to attend several meetings." He explained with a hint of regret in his voice. Ahsoka tilted her head up to look him in the eyes. "Don't worry Lux, I understand." She replied softly. "At least I got to spend some time here with you today." She said with a smile. Lux smiled back and kissed her forehead. Ahsoka giggled at his action. "I'll try to visit you another time. Maybe when I have a few days off we can go somewhere together." Lux suggested. "That sounds great." Ahsoka replied with a smile.
Marina smiled as she walked up to the two lovers. "Ahsoka, I'm sorry to break this up, but it's time for us to go." She informed her sister. Ahsoka sighed and turned to her sister. "Okay, I'll be right there." She replied. Marina nodded and walked back to Lilo and Padmé to give them a little bit more privacy. Ahsoka turned back to Lux. "I guess this is goodbye, for now." She said a bit sadly. Lux nodded. "I guess so." He replied. "Don't worry, I'll contact you when I have some time off." He told her with a smile. "You'd better." Ahsoka replied with a smile as well. They leaned in towards each other and shared one final kiss. After they separated again the two of them walked up to Ahsoka's sisters, Padmé and the ship. When she reached them Padmé pulled her into a hug. "It was great to see you again Ahsoka." She said. "Likewise Padmé." Ahsoka replied as they separated. "You have two wonderful sisters. I'm glad to know that you're with them. Now I can stop worrying so much about you." Padmé said as she smiled at Ahsoka's sisters. "It was great to meet the both of you." Marina replied as she looked at Padmé and Lux. "I'm sure we'll see each other again sometime in the Senate." Lilo added with a smile. "I'm looking forward to it." Lux replied.
They said their final goodbyes and Ahsoka and her sisters walked up the ramp of their ship. When they reached the top Ahsoka turned around and waved at Lux and Padmé. They waved back and Ahsoka followed her sisters into the ship. The ramp closed and the ship took off.
"So, you and Ahsoka, huh?" Padmé asked Lux with a teasing smile. "Yes, that's right." He replied. "I'm glad. You two deserve to be happy." She said with a smile. "I'm sure you mother would be happy as well." Padmé said. A twinge of sadness struck Lux when Padmé said this. He looked up at the ship as it shrunk smaller and smaller as it flew away. Deep in his heart though, he could feel that his mother's old friend was right. "I think you're right about that." He replied softly. Padmé smiled and placed an arm around his shoulder. Then the two of them went back inside.
;-
Onboard the ship
Ahsoka had kept looking out of one of the viewports of the ship until the palace was too small to see. After that the three Tano sisters returned to their quarters on the ship.
Lilo sighed loudly as she dropped on the couch. Marina rolled her eyes and joined her sister on the couch. Ahsoka chuckled a bit and sat down in the chair next to them. "What a day…" Lilo said with another sigh. "I'll say." Ahsoka replied as she relaxed into the chair. "This party wasn't as boring as I originally thought it would be." She said with a smile. "So you are glad that you came with us after all sis?" Lilo asked as she looked at Ahsoka. "Fine, I'll confess. I'm really glad that you talked me into this." Ahsoka replied with a sigh. Lilo chuckled. "Told you so." She said teasingly. Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "It was nice to meet some of your friends Ahsoka. And Lux seems like a really sweet guy. You're really lucky you know that?" Marina said. Ahsoka nodded in response. "You sound a little jealous Marina." Lilo told her. Ahsoka laughed as Marina's lekku turned dark blue. "Shut up Lilo. You're one to talk." Marina replied a little embarrassed. Ahsoka laughed even harder as Lilo's lekku turned even darker than Marina's. "Shut it!" The two of them said to Ahsoka.
Ahsoka stopped laughing and yawned loudly. "Tired?" Lilo asked mockingly. "Well, it's been a long day." Ahsoka replied with a tired smile. She got up from the chair and stretched. "I'm going to bed. I feel just about ready to pass out." She said to her sisters. They both nodded. "Alright, sweet dreams. We'll probably follow you shortly." Marina replied. Ahsoka nodded and headed off to her room.
When the door closed behind Ahsoka, Lilo turned to Marina. "Did you already send mom and dad the message?" she asked with a hint of excitement in her voice. Marina nodded eagerly. "Yes, I did." She replied. "This is gonna be great!" Lilo said excitedly. "Ssh, not too loud. We don't want to give anything away." Marina replied. Lilo nodded. "I can't wait to see the look on her face." She said with a smile.
The two sisters kept talking about their little surprise for their younger sister for a few minutes. After that they went to bed as well, excited about what the next day would bring.
;-
And that's the end of this chapter.
This chapter was a lot of fun to write, not counting the computer problems…
.5851, thanks for the suggestion of Ahsoka's sisters talking with Obi-Wan about the incident. It fit in nicely.
When Lux and Ahsoka were talking about the dancing I looked a bit at the novel The Cestus Deception. It's been awhile since I read this book, but if I recall correctly Obi-Wan told one of the leaders of the planet he was on that every Jedi practices with dancing at a young age for those reasons. It added a little background on things so I added it.
In the next chapter Ahsoka will get a few surprises. What kind of surprises are in store? There are a few hints in my past chapters. Can anyone find them?
I hope to upload the next chapter somewhere next week.
Until next time.