A.N: TODAY'S UPDATE IS A TWO PART UPDATE. PART ONE IS THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER. But if you already read it then go right on reading but MAKE SURE TO READ ALL THE END NOTE.

Something Wild Calls You Home

part 2

If you're lost out there where lights are blinding, caught in all, the stars are hiding,

that's when Something Wild calls you home...

(Song to Listen to: "Something Wild' from Pete's Dragon movie, the movie that gave me this fanfic idea in the first place)

The crew followed Nitza through a path familiar only to her. Jacen asking all sorts of questions so Nita could answer. "See this?" she motioned to the flat ground bellow and then the ground on either side of the trail rise higher. "It was where great water happened in storm season. Big, big waves! I saved Housen here and then the crew saved me!" It was true, it was this place where her bond with some rebels began. But there was more to it now.

"The battle came here, too," Jacen pointed out. The dry river run was littered with broken pieces of rebel ships and imperial walkers. But nature was taking over as small clumps of coral leaves grew on broken wreckage. Flora that had been destroyed had grown back to their full glory.

Nitza gave a solemn "The Battle of Atollon is just bad memory now." Nitza had everyone follow her over one side the riverbed and into an open trail with small hills and some coral trees. And here, Nitza began to talk, a lot! And not tell it like a storyteller. The crew couldn't help but feel nostalgic as she unconsciously rambled on as if she were ten years old again.

"Back there was High Trees because they are the tallest in Atollon. The tallest of all. And see that cluster of trees in the far east. Me and Bendu would forage seed fruit there. They were so yummy. Oh, yes they were. And in the west, you can't see but Bendu and I would play in a river with water up to my ankles. And I would splash in a pool up to my waste. It's the only water on the surface, the only one! Spar Hill was the most fun. The most. Because I would pretend to have horns and play fight with Bendu. Yep, yep, yep."

The memories of those times came flooding back so hard, Nitza was grateful her energetic nature kept her from another crying spell. And Jacen kept her excited. Nitza had never been this energetic when talking about Bendu before. Maybe because Lothal never believed her. But Jacen did, and he wanted her to be because to him Nitza was like a big sister. "What else?! What else?!"

Nitza giggled and motioned them around a right corner were some leaves began to grow close together. Here, spider creatures began to pop out behind leaves. Everyone became somewhat defensive, Zeb picking Jacen up in his arms on instinct. Chopper rolled into the middle to hide. But Nitza instructed everyone to, "Stay calm. If you are, the krykna will be too." Everyone tried their best to relax as Nitza went up to the krykna that blocked their path. Nitza had grown so much she had to lean down to be eye level with it. She giggled and said, "Silly, krykna, we can't get through unless you move. Silly you."

The krykna all around were a bit shocked at this reaction but began to walk away. Nitza patted the familiar leather bulge of the creature in front of her to signal him to walk away. Jacen gasped, "Wow," as everyone hurried passed the krykna. Ahsoka, being somewhat of a Jedi herself, patted the creature on the head before walking with the others.

Soon there was an open space again. Holes littered the ground as shelled creatures walked in and out again. Nitza smiled at the sight, and then gave a shrill squeal when she saw one in particular. "PRINT!" She ran and then slid on the ground on her stomach to grab it. When she held it in a hug, it gave a little squeal of delight in return. "I'm so happy you're ok," She said with a slight break in her voice.

Jacen hopped off Zeb's arms and asked, "Is this your little dokma friend?" Nitza nodded and handed Print to Jacen. The boy noticed the off-colored pattern on his shell compared to the others. Then the little creature began to crawl around the boy, making him giggle. Jacen took Print in his arms as Nitza lead everyone down to the edge of a very wide and very deep pit in the ground. Nitza reminisced for a moment. She imagined herself sitting on Bendu's shoulder as they both looked at the stars from deep in this place they called the Pit. A wild feeling filled Nitza's heartz she was getting closer.

Everyone went down to the pit, seeing nothing but some coral trees surround the edge and a couple of coral leaf clusters here and there. Nitza though looked up a certain coral tree and began to climb it. Jacen put Print down and followed behind Nitza. Once on the second level of leaves, Nitza crawled on her knees and poked her head into a hole in the trunk. Jacen crawled below her and peaked in. Carved into the walls, drawings of this Atollon were almost faded now compared to the ones of figures off-world.

As Nitza reached a hand in and rubbed her fingers over the carvings, Jacen exclaimed, "Your hollow! Where you used to sleep!"

The crew waiting bellow the tree heard, looking at each other with smiles. They were happy Nitza was getting around to her favorite spot. But there was still the obvious question. "But where is this Bendu?" Zeb asked nervously. Everyone looked around now to see if they could spot the creature described in Nitza's stories. Nothing stuck out from all these giant random leaves. Or so they thought.

When Nitza came down with Jacen, Nitza walked away from the group and looked around. She was nervous even though she had been dreaming for this moment over the last five years. What would Bendu think? A little hope rose in her when she remembered, time was nothing to the force of nature. All that would matter was that she was here at this moment.

That's when she felt the tugging in her heart. A calling. Something Wild inside her calling her. More then ever. She then spotted it, the symmetrical pattern of a cluster of coral leaves just on the other side of the Pit. She ran to it, the others watching as the girl stopped short of the cluster before putting a hand on the closet leaf and smiled endearingly. No more waiting. Nitza smirked and said, "Wake up, sleepyhead."

The cluster began to shake and rise, creating a cloud of dust almost like a funnel around it. Nitza had to step back. Everyone's mouth dropped open in astonishment as they noticed a large but hazy shadow in the dust cloud. Sabine had to take off her helmet to see if she was seeing right. Suddenly two bright lights like eyes began to glow white, something like a low brow giving the eyes an angry glare. The crew reached for their weapons but Ahsoka held her hand out to remind them to give Nitza a chance to show them.

Nitza saw the eyes, Bendu's eyes. For a split second, Nitza thought he had forgotten about her. But no way, Nitza knew better. So he was reacting to what happened the last time people came to Atollon, just like how nature reacts to experience. All Nitza could do was let Bendu pass judgment on her and the crew. Nitza just hoped Bendu understood she was willing to take whatever happened next.

And he did. The Bendu stayed hidden among the cloud of dust, eyeing Nitza. He knew who this was, but what had she become was the question. Bendu observed her and looked between her and the strangers. Of course, they meant no harm but harm can still come from their action. They were that crew Nitza had always talked about. Why bring them here after what they brought to Atollon? Didn't she agree they had been a part of the destruction? Had she changed her mind? Had she changed?

Bendu looked down at Nitza. What was she bringing to this world? Then Bendu saw it all, seeing her hold her head up high. She was older yes, but the look in her eyes said she trusted him, even if the balance wasn't merciful to her return. In Bendu's eyes Nitza was not a teen but the eleven-year-old he last saw her be. Open-minded, not one-sided, and a great deal of fun in his life. She hadn't changed… she had learned. Wait a minute did she just call him lazy?

He popped his head out from the cloud of dust and said almost amused, "Sleepyhead is a complete exaggeration, Nitza. I never deal with—"

"Absolutes," the teen girl finished. Bendu smiled and gave his signature hearty laugh.

Nitza finally let herself feel the emotions of relief, happiness, and love and let the tears fall. She ran to him. Bendu knew just what to do, lowering himself close enough to the ground so that his head was low enough for Nitza to practically jump on his muzzle and hug it tight. He raised his head a little and even used the momentum to toss the girl in the air. She yelped in joy as she went up and then down to land on Bendu's muzzle again. They both laughed, Nitza still with tears. It felt like old times.

Then Bendu lowered his head to keep his eyes closed as Nitza got her feet on the ground but kept her grip around Bendu's nose. "I missed you," she managed to say.

Nature could let people come and go, but Bendu couldn't lie. He missed the girl. "As have I, little one."

She whispered, "I know you did." Bendu knew what she was talking about. The last time they physically saw each other was when Thrawn took her away. Not a great goodbye then. But it was Nitza's first night on Felucia, that night was something special. Nitza had asked Ahsoka what had caused Nitza to see Bendu and Atollon. Ahsoka tried to explain that some Force wielders were powerful enough to use other people's memories and manipulate them even at vast distances. That was one theory. Nitza, though, felt that it was the force of nature giving her a chance to say goodbye through her memories. Bendu wasn't a Force wielder. He was just Bendu.

The two friends were like this for a few moments, not letting go. They wanted to cherish this moment after five years apart. Which made it endearing for the crew to watch. The problem was that Chopper wasn't patient, making a sound that got everyone to shush him loudly. Nitza and Bendu looked up at them with a smile.

As Nitza whipped her tears away, Bendu looked to Ahsoka. He gave her a nod as he said, "It looks like the Force has allowed you to stay in this plane." Ahsoka nodded, remembering their meeting six years ago. Then Bendu looked to the crew, "And even though your rebellion caused destruction…" He began a little peeved, he added calmly with…." The Force still willed you all to be here to bring Nitza to where she calls home." Bendu looked to the sky seeing no sign of a ship that had been over this planet the last five years. "A great balance has been restored to the galaxy these last few days."

Nitza giggled as she said, "That's Bendu's way of saying thank you."

The crew looked at each other in bewilderment before Hera said, "Then… your welcome." But none made a move to each other. The crew seemed to tolerate this Bendu a little more than before with just stories. But just like Bendu was too them, the tolerance was still a bit iffy. One person though… seemed keener. Jacen began to walk to Bendu.

Nitza gave Hera a wave of her hand to assure Jacen would be ok. So when the boy stood next to Nitza to face the giant, Nitza explained quickly how Kanan died and Ezra got lost in space. "But they kept their promise because of the Ghost crew. I've been staying on Lothal just like Ezra said I would. And now I'm here because Kanan promised no matter what. That's why I want you to meet Jacen. Kanan's son."

"Noble sacrifices for the sake of balance," Bendu began, "And indeed these promises have been carried out by the Force. But have these lessons been passed down." Bendu looked to Jacen.

Jacen's mouth gaped open as Nitza whispered to him, "Ok, ask him any question."

Everyone waited as the boy tried to process he was going to talk to a Force giant. He could just ask Bendu anything. Jacen was definitely like his father in some aspects, but not everything. So that's why the question he asked was, "Can I ride on your head?"

Bendu blinked and everyone was flabbergasted, even Nitza. But Bendu then thought… when was the last time a five-year-old asked him to do anything fun? Bendu looked to Nitza before laughing so load the echoes were like thunder in the distance. Then he lowered his left hand down palm facing up. "Come with me."

Moments later, Nitza and Jacen were giving outcries of joy as they sat on Bendu's head roaming the path Nitza and Bendu used to take on their sunset stroll. With them was Print in Jacen's arms, the little dokma enjoying the free ride. Krykna moved away and watch surprised as the Bendu came lumbering by. He wasn't in a hurry, but his pace was unusually quicker then most times. It allowed some convores to fly in a loop around his head before flying away. B

Even though Jacen was enjoying this for the first time in his life, Nitza and Bendu were just reliving old memories. They did this for a while. An hour maybe. Then they got to High Trees. There, the crew waited at the base. Bendu lowered his head so that Jacen, Nitza, and Print could get off.

Hera bent down and picked her boy up into her arms and said, "So how did it go?"

"So much fun! I felt like I was flying! You have to try it. You too, uncle Zeb!"

The lasat waved his arms going, "Oh no, I'm mot that kind of person for thrills."

Sabine smirked, "Kallus says otherwise." Then she wiggled her eyebrows which got Zeb to playfully shove her face away as he felt his cheeks burn.

"Besides, it's time to say goodbye to Sabine and Ahsoka. They're starting their journey to find Ezra and we might not see them for a while. And we have to get back to Endor."

Nitza stepped back into Bendu and watched in sadness as Hera, Zeb, Chopper, and Jacen gave their best wished to Ahsoka and Sabine. It's not that she was also part of this goodbye, but it was because she didn't want to be. She wanted to find Ezra but she didn't want to leave the best friend she was just reunited with. Not yet. Then the crew came to Nitza.

Ahsoka said, "We know, you want to stay longer with Bendu now that you have a chance to visit him."

"So Ahsoka and I will go find Ezra," Sabine said, "You can stay with Hera and the others now that they don't have to fight the Empire anymore." Nitza looked at them wide eyed.

Hera then said, "And from time to time we can bring you here to visit Bendu." Zeb crossed his arms and nodded with Chopper giving a salute of approval. Nitza smiled, liking the plan… but there was just a problem. She still felt like it wasn't enough. Visiting wasn't enough.

Nitza turned to Bendu on instinct for guidance but she could see it in his eyes he didn't expect this compromise either. And even though Bendu saw the logic in this idea, Bendu didn't want this to be the final decision either. Bendu looked at Nitza sadly and the girl did too. Nitza reached her hands up and Bendu lowered his head so that she could wrap them around his face. He and Nitza have been apart for so long only to come together for visits? No, there had to be another way.

It clicked in both her heads and the two friends met eye to eye. This didn't need to be the final decision right? If Nitza and Bendu didn't want it to visits, it didn't have to be. There are many possibilities. Expect the unexpected. Bendu smiled as he raised his head. Nitza gave him a knowing smile back as she let go and went to Ahsoka and Sabine. Giving them a hug she said, "Go find Ezra… but when you come back with him, you won't find me with the crew… I'll be on Atollon no matter what."

She stepped back and looked at everyone one by one. Ahsoka, Sabine, Chopper, Zeb, Hera, and Jacen. She imagined Kanan and Ezra here as well standing by them all. "You all gave me so much. I got to explore other worlds, live on Lothal, and find a family again. But it's time for me to stay where I feel I belong."

Hera asked. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure of it," Nitza said beaming with pride. "Just as long as you guys come and visit. You're all still family after all.

Hera nodded, wiping a tear from her face as she realized here was another person she took in who was really all grown up. One by one, Nitza hugged everyone. There they agreed to come back and take Nitza to Lothal later so that she could pack her things and come live on Atollon for good. Until then...

Nitza waved goodbye as the Ghost left to go back to the Rebellion and for the Jedi cruiser to go find Ezra. Then Nitza bent down and picked of Print before looking to Bendu with a pleading look. The giant rolled his eyes, "Let me guess…"

They spent the rest of the day doing things the way they used to do it. Well, sort of. Even if Nitza still felt wild at heart, she had still gotten older. Instead of sparing each other on Spar Hill, Bendu and Nitza relaxed beside each other as they watched the krykna fight. There was splash or two between them when they played by the river but not a lot of running. Nitza used tools left at Chopper to break open pores in the leaves to forage for seed fruit. The tiny changes were nothing though compared to Nitza's and Bendu's carefree nature.

What hadn't changed was the sunset walk. There Nitza told Bendu about all her adventures from her time on Felucia to how she lived out on Lothal. Though some topics were more interesting than others, Bendu listened the whole way. Oh how he missed Nitza's talks, and funny enough he was a creature of silence.

When night fell, the two friends were in the Pit. Bendu laying down as Nitza sat at the crook of his harm where it met the fur on his chest. Print was laying on her chest sleeping as Nitza stroked the Bendu doll she had in her skirt pocket all day. Nitza finished her earlier conversation, "...and maybe at the edge of the Pit I can build a hut or a tent. Not too big but big enough for a bed and put away my clothes and take a bath…" then she faltered.

Bendu looked down and wondered what made her stop. She was looking up at the stars thinking something very important. "Bendu…" She began. "I know why we can't be family, but why can't we be friends?"

Bendu blinked. Well, he should have remembered that was still a conversation that was left to be finished. So he did what he had always done. Asked a question back. "Isn't that the same thing? Bonds that bind many together?"

Nitza nodded in agreement. "So we can't be friends."

Bendu sighed and looked at the stars, "It must be agreed upon on both sides of the bond. And nature does not have family or friends." He said almost in the same way he did five years ago. "You can consider me a best friend… and you can consider me family."

Nitza gave half a smile at least grateful that she can still think of him as a loved one. But there was still the pain that the will of the Force couldn't allow Bendu such a range of attachment. But then instead of just accepting it there, Nitza took the lessons she learned and thought harder. "You serve the will of the Force. If you had to choose me or the balance it's not a choice. It is just the balance. I'm not a part of nature, so I can belong anywhere I want to be and not here. But I missed Atollon so much that a feeling called me here. If the Force meant for me to come back as you said to the crew…"

"Then it is the will of the Force for you to be here."

Nitza's small smile grew wide. She was getting somewhere. "And what if it is the will of the Force for us to be friends."

Bendu smiled. She got it. He looked down at her and said, "Then it is by the will of the Force for us to be friends. To be family."

Nitza giggled in victory as she pulled herself closer to his chest. Then Bendu did something unexpected. "And whether it be the Force or not, know that I enjoy our time as family." And there it was. His true thoughts. No matter what, he still loved Nitza. Nitza closed her eyes, feeling a familiar sense of satisfaction. She was really home. "I love you, too, Bendu." Bendu lowered his head onto his hands and closed his eyes too.

There two friends lay under the stars. A bond that started out of sad circumstances and a lonely existence. That grew into an odd pair of just accepting each other company before it was tested by the outside world. Even when separated for so long, they grew to understand each other better. So when they came together, they were closer than ever. Two friends. One a giant that had been at the start nothing but tall tales to the other who was a little girl at the time. But Nitza grew up to now better. There was more out there. And he was a giant.

I thought I lost you when you ran away to try to find me, I thought I'd never see your sweet face again.

I turned around and you were gone and on and on the days went, but I kept the moments that we were in

and I knew in my heart, that you would come back to me, my friend

And now I got you, I thought I lost you.

("I'd thought I Lost You" from Disney's Bolt)

THE END

READ All THE END NOTE HERE: Do those last words sound familiar? They are the same words I started the story with. A story that began as just one shots and turned into a plot surprisingly and ends today. A reunion that we all had been waiting for. Which got me thinking "I'd Thought I Lost You" from the Disney Bolt movie would be great song to listen to as well.

Also this reunion inspired me to do not only an art piece but a storyboard! My Deviantart link is on my profile here on fanfiction. It will be the first art you see in my gallery. The storyboard is on youtube with the link also on my profile here. It will be the latest video you see.

I can't believe it's over. Just like with my other story my body just feels so heavy, I didn't want it to end. Bendu and Nitza are the wildest, weirdest but most adorable friends i've ever paired together. But it is time for it to end. I can say however that if I do get an idea for small chapter, I could find time to write it and add it in as a "lost chapter" so to speak.

But it was time to come to terms with what their relationship is about. One ready for the other to let go of her if the force wills it and for the other willing to come to grips with the part of him that is emotionally attached to the one. I loved exploring this theme of nature and how far it can go to be in touch with humanity, and how young humanity has to be to understand nature. Along with some hijinks and emotional rides with the Rebels characters. Because of this, we reached over 500 reviews! You guys are all amazing. I couldn't have made it this far into their story without the dedicated readers and the supporting words.

So I leave you all now with these simple yet powerful words. Never forget to answer the wild calling in your heart. We all have a compass that can lead us to our destinies. May the Force be with you, always. I'm KikaKatTIOI signing off on this story but hoping to see you all in my other and future stories. Peace out!