Chapter 44 – Part of the Family

I'm done with the next chapter. It took a bit longer than I had originally planned. I had more to do for work and school.

Ahsoka returns to Shili in this chapter. A nice surprise awaits her there.

Hope you enjoy.

;-

Ahsoka smiled with relief as she walked off the ramp of the transport. It had been a long flight back to Shili, but she was finally home again.

Fortunately, she had been able to get some much needed rest. It had been a very long battle and she had really needed some sleep.

She had spent the remainder of the flight talking with Varon, Silara, the other pilots and a few others of the H'Raani M'Kai that had also gone to Kiros. They were great company, so the flight hadn't been that boring. Still, Ahsoka was glad to be back on Shili.

;-

Ahsoka walked through the halls of the palace, searching for her family. A lot of people were gathered at the palace, either picking up a relative that had gone to fight or to congratulate the victorious warriors. Despite the large crowd gathered in the palace, Ahsoka was still able to sense the familiar presence of her mother close by.

Ahsoka smiled as she made her way towards her mother. Yuae herself smiled as well when she saw her daughter. She quickly walked towards her and gave her daughter a big hug. "I'm so glad you're back, Ahsoka," she told her daughter.

"I told you that I would come back safely, didn't I?" Ahsoka replied as she pulled back from the hug. "How is everything here?" she asked.

"It's all been going well. We've been eagerly waiting for you to come back," Yuae said. "You have no idea how relieved I was when you called. We heard that the battle had started, but after that we didn't hear anything for so long."

Ahsoka nodded. "Yeah, it was a very long and intense battle," she replied. "Definitely one of the longest I've been in. Thankfully, everything turned out fine in the end." She looked down a bit. "There were a number of wounded soldiers on the ground, but they should all recover nicely from what I heard."

"If everyone is going to be fine then there is nothing to worry about," Yuae said. "We have some very good doctors in the city. They'll be treated well."

Ahsoka looked at her mother. "That's true, I know just how skilled the doctors here are," she replied with a small smile.

"That's right, you do," Yuae said. "Still, I'm glad you don't need their help now." She smiled and placed her hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Come on, let's go home. Everyone is eager to see you."

"Alright, let's go," Ahsoka replied. "It'll be good to be home again."

;-

Before Ahsoka and her mother could leave the palace, princess Zaa Vashee walked up to them. The Togrutan princess seemed to be in a very good mood.

"Ahsoka, it's good to see you again," Zaa greeted her. "We were all so relieved when we heard that the battle had gone well." The princess smiled widely. "Everyone is going to be alright now. We owe you quite a bit again."

"Thank you, milady," Ahsoka replied a bit surprised. "But you don't owe me anything. It's not like I fought the entire battle myself. There are plenty of other that deserve more praise than me."

Zaa shook her head a bit. "Don't say things like that, Ahsoka," she said. "Without your help, we wouldn't have been this well prepared for the battle. You did do a lot, even if you won't admit it," she added in a slightly teasing tone.

Ahsoka sighed a bit. "I'll never win such a discussion with you, will I?" She asked in return. Zaa smiled and shook her head again. "Alright, have it your way," she said in response. "I was just happy to help."

Zaa chuckled a bit. "We really appreciate everything you've done," she replied. "I'll see to it that you'll get a proper reward for this. You deserve it, so don't even try to talk me out of it."

Ahsoka wanted to protest, but she had known the princess for longer than today. She wasn't going to change her mind about this. "Thank you, milady," she simply said. "Just don't go overboard with it, okay?"

Zaa smiled at Ahsoka. "No promises," she replied. "Oh, and we'll be expecting you and your family at the celebration tomorrow evening, no excuses."

Ahsoka looked at her mother who smiled in return. "Of course, that sounds great," Yuae replied. "I'm sure everyone will enjoy being there."

"Great, then I'll see you both tomorrow," Zaa said with a big smile. "I guess I have some planning to do."

"Alright, we'll see you tomorrow," Ahsoka replied. She and her mother both bowed and they started making their way out of the palace.

Zaa looked at them a moment before continuing on her way as well, thinking about what she could give Ahsoka as a reward.

;-

A short flight back later

Ahsoka followed her mother inside their home, a sense of relief washing over her as she stepped inside. It had been a worrisome couple of days, but she was back again. She placed her luggage next to the stairs and walked into the living room.

The moment she stepped in she room, she was immediately greeted by a tight hug. In her surprise, it took her a moment to tell that it was her sister Lilo. She awkwardly returned the hug a bit and waited for her sister to let her go.

Lilo pulled back a moment later, a relieved smile on her face. Ahsoka chuckled a bit. "Are you alright, Lilo?" she asked a little amused.

Lilo nodded. "Yes, I'm alright," she replied. "I'm just really glad that you and everyone else are safe. You have no idea how worried I was." She smiled and let go of her sister.

Marina walked up to them. "We almost had to sedate her, she nearly had a panic attack," she said with a teasing smile.

"Shut up!" Lilo replied embarrassed while the others laughed.

"It's good to see you back safely, Ahsoka," Marina told her sister.

"It's good to be back," Ahsoka replied. She studied her sister a moment. Marina seemed to be in a better mood than before she left. "I hope that she and the prince were able to resolve their situation," Ahsoka thought. She heard the door open and saw Aisha walk in.

Ahsoka smiled and turned to the young girl. "Hello Aisha," she greeted her. "How are you doing?" She wondered how Aisha had been doing during her flight back.

Aisha walked up to her. Ahsoka kneeled down and gave her a hug. "I'm doing okay," she replied with a smile. "I like it here," she admitted a bit shyly.

"That's good to hear," Ahsoka said with a smile. "I'm glad." She could sense that Aisha was doing somewhat better than before. After what Aisha had been through, it was good to see her condition improving.

Yuae smiled as well. "She's been very nice to have around," she told Ahsoka. "She's a well-behaved young lady." She looked at Aisha, whose lekku darkened a little bit. "Rosette also really likes her, they've been playing together a lot."

Ahsoka smiled at Aisha again, feeling very relieved that she was adjusting so well.

"Come on, everyone," Yuae told the family. "It's almost time for dinner. Let's go out and have a treat." Everyone agreed and the family went to get ready. Aisha hesitated for a moment, but Ahsoka took her hand and the two of them followed after the others.

;-

A few hours later

After a nice dinner at a close by restaurant, Ahsoka and her family had returned home. Ahsoka had told them about the battle a bit, but she focused on the better parts, like seeing her friend Barriss again.

Shortly after they had gotten home, Rosette had, much to Ahsoka's amusement, dragged off her mother and Aisha to go and play. Ahsoka was really glad to see that Rosette got along with Aisha so well.

Lilo had gone to her study for a moment. She wanted to go and contact Governor Rosthi and the others on Kiros, to see how they were doing. Even though the battle was over, she was still somewhat worried.

With everyone else busy, Yuae had asked Ahsoka to speak in privately for a moment, so they had gone upstairs for a moment. Ahsoka wondered what is was that her mother wanted to talk about, but she could sense that it was something urgent.

"What did you want to talk about, mom?" Ahsoka asked when they were alone.

"It's about Aisha," Yuae replied. "We had a visit from a government worker yesterday. She told us that Aisha is still registered as an orphan. Unless different arrangements are made, they would have to bring her to an orphanage in the city. That's the way it goes, unfortunately."

Ahsoka was quite shocked to hear that. She really didn't want Aisha to be brought to an orphanage. The young girl had been through enough already. She trusted Ahsoka now, but it would be very difficult for her to open up to others. If she had to go and live with a large group of strangers, Ahsoka doubted that it would do her much good.

Yuae could instantly see the worry on Ahsoka's face. "I know you're really worried her, Ahsoka," she continued. "The poor thing has been through such terrible things." She shook her head. "Your father and I have talked about what to do."

Ahsoka looked at her mother. Her next words took her completely by surprise.

"We've decided to adopt her ourselves," Yuae said with a smile.

"Really? You have?" Ahsoka asked between shock, surprise and happiness.

Yuae nodded. "Yes, we have," she replied. "We know what she's been through, it's just awful. Sending her to an orphanage where she doesn't know anyone would not help her at all right now. She deserves to be somewhere where she'll be loved." She smiled again. "Your father and I have taken quite a liking to her. We've spoken with your sisters about it, they would also like her to stay with us. The only one we haven't asked yet is you."

Ahsoka smiled and gave her mother a big hug. "Do you even need to ask?" she said happily. She pulled back from the hug. "She's really sweet and a part of her kind of reminds me of myself. I'd love for her to be a part of our family."

"Then let's go and tell her," Yuae replied. "Do you want to do that?"

Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, I'd like that." She said eagerly. Her mother nodded back and the two of them went downstairs.

;-

After returning downstairs, Ahsoka found Aisha in the living room. She was watching an article about the successful battle on the holotv with Marina. The king was thanking everyone that fought on Kiros. He was also inviting everyone to join in the celebrations that would take place the next day.

Ahsoka walked up to them. "Hey Aisha, can we talk for a bit?" she asked.

Aisha nodded. "Okay," she replied and got up from the couch.

Ahsoka looked at Marina. From the look on her sister's face, she could tell that she knew what they were going to talk about. She gave an encouraging smile as Ahsoka began to lead Aisha upstairs to her room.

After entering the room, Ahsoka sat down on her bed and gestured for Aisha to do the same. Ahsoka looked at her as she sat down. She was barely able to contain her happiness. She smiled at the young girl.

Aisha looked at Ahsoka as she sat down on the bed. "Are you going to teach me about the Force now?" she asked excitedly. She had been looking forward to that ever since Ahsoka told her that she would teach her.

Ahsoka shook her head. "No, not yet. I'd like to rest a bit today first. We will start that tomorrow," she replied. "I wanted to ask you something else now."

"Okay," Aisha said with a bit of mixed emotions. She really wanted to start now, but she understood that Ahsoka wanted to rest first. Tomorrow wasn't that far away, so she could wait.

"You've been living with my family for a few days now," Ahsoka said. "You like it here, right?"

Aisha nodded. "Yes, I do," she replied with a smile. "I didn't have any brothers or sisters, so I like being with everyone."

Ahsoka smiled at hearing that. "I'm really glad that you do," she said. "Do you want to stay with us?" she asked in a serious voice.

Aisha was a little confused by the question. "What do you mean?" she asked in return.

"I just spoke about it with my mother," Ahsoka replied. "My parents want to adopt you. You can be a part of our family. You'll be my little sister. Would you like that?"

Aisha was stunned by the question. "R-really?" she asked softly.

Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, really," she replied. "We would all like you to stay with us."

A few tears appeared in Aisha's eyes. She then threw herself at Ahsoka, hugging her tightly. "I want to stay with you. Thank you," she managed to say between her happy sobs.

Ahsoka smiled and hugged her back. "Welcome to the family, sis," Ahsoka whispered into her lekku. She could sense the happiness radiating from Aisha. It made her feel even better. She now had a little sister and Ahsoka could tell that they would have some great times together.

They pulled apart a few minutes later, Aisha still crying tears of happiness. She was smiling widely Ahsoka.

Ahsoka was also smiling at Aisha. Having a little sister made her feel very happy. "Come on, let's go and tell the rest of the family," she said as she stood up. Aisha nodded excitedly and jumped up. She eagerly took her new sister's hand and the two of them went downstairs.

;-

In the living room, the rest of the family waited patiently for them to return. They all knew what Ahsoka was asking Aisha. They all wanted the young girl to stay. She deserved a good home where she would be loved, especially after what she has been through.

The sound of footsteps excitedly coming the stairs made them all look at the door. The door opened and Ahsoka walked, followed by a very happy looking Aisha. Both of them were smiling widely and Aisha had a few tears running down her face.

From the look on her face, everyone could tell what Aisha had decided. Yuae stood up and walked over to them. "Come here," she told Aisha with a smile. Aisha quickly walked up to her and hugged her. Yuae hugged her back and gently rubbed her head. "Thank you," Aisha said happily.

Ahsoka watched the scene happily. Her father also walked up to Aisha and his wife. He picked the young girl up and hugged her as well.

Ahsoka smiled and sat down on the couch next to her sisters. Both of her sisters looked really happy with this development as well. "Thank you for letting her stay," she said to her sisters.

Both Marina and Lilo smiled at her. "Of course, sis," Marina replied. "She's a really sweet girl. I'm glad you found her when you did."

Lilo nodded. "She's going to be a great part of the family, I just know it," she said as looked at her sister.

"You guys are great," Ahsoka replied as she relaxed on the couch a bit.

;-

Some time had passed since Ahsoka had asked Aisha to be a part of their family. Everyone had calmed down a bit again. Aisha still had a large smile on her face and nothing could ruin her mood now.

Ahsoka was really looking forward to tomorrow. First, she was going into the city with Aisha and their parents, in order to finalize the adoption. After that, there was the large celebration in the evening. It would be one memorable day.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Marina walking up to her. "Hey sis, do you have a moment?" she asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

Ahsoka didn't need the Force to tell that it was a personal matter. "Of course," she replied as she got up. She followed her sister into the kitchen so that they would have some privacy. "What did you want to talk about?" she asked.

"It's the whole situation with the prince," Marina replied.

Ahsoka nodded. She knew how much this all meant to her sister. "Did you get a chance to think about it all?" she asked a bit cautiously. She had sensed some happiness in her sister earlier, so she hoped for a good answer.

Marina nodded. "Yes, I have," she replied. "I've thought about it for a while. It was difficult, but I want to try and make things work with Zolar. We both do," she admitted.

Ahsoka smiled at her sister. "That's great. I'm glad you were able to work things out," she replied.

Marina gave a small smile back. "I wish he had just told me when it happened, but I can't change the past." She sighed. "I can't hate him for what he did either. I care too much about Rosette and him," she said as she looked at her sister.

"I'm really happy for you sis," Ahsoka replied. "I know it must've been very difficult for you, but I think you made the best decision." She sensed a bit of relief in her sister.

"Thank you, Ahsoka," Marina said as she gave her sister a hug. "It was difficult, but I'm glad that you found out the truth."

Ahsoka patted her sister on the back. "Don't mention it," she replied as they parted. "I know how happy I am with Lux and I know how much you care about the prince, I just wanted you to be that happy as well."

Marina smiled at her sister. "I'm really grateful for everything you've done, Ahsoka," she said. "I'll do my best to make things work with him, I promise." Her smile faded. "Now we just have to find a way to tell our parents. I don't suppose that there's any way you could…?"

Ahsoka looked at her sister for a moment. It was going to be very difficult to tell everyone the truth. She wanted to help her sister, of course, but she wasn't sure if she could help her with this. "I'm sorry Marina, I'll try to help you if I can, but I think that this is something that the two of you should do together," she told her sister.

Marina nodded. "I understand, thank you," she replied. "We'll figure something out. But for now, let's just take it easy. We have a big day tomorrow," She said with a smile. Ahsoka nodded as well and the two of them walked back to the living room.

;-

Ahsoka placed her lightsabers and her headdress on the nightstand and sat down on her bed. Tomorrow was going to be one great day, she was looking forward to the celebration. It was going to be one massive feast.

Besides the celebration, the idea of Aisha truly becoming a part of her family was even better. The idea of having a little sister made her feel very happy. The two of them were going to get along great.

She heard a knock on the door. Turning towards it, she opened it with the Force. Aisha slowly stepped inside her room. Her new sister was wearing a set of pajamas that actually fit her now. Ahsoka smiled at her. "Those look a lot better on you," she said.

Aisha smiled back at her. She stood nervously at the door for a moment. Ahsoka sensed what she wanted to ask. She gestured for Aisha to join her. She smiled again and crawled in bed next to her new sister. "Sweets dreams, sis," Ahsoka whispered to her.

;-

That's the end of this chapter.

Aisha is becoming a part of Ahsoka's family. They are going to be very happy together. She and Ahsoka will also start some Force practice in the next chapter.

The next update will be for Barriss again. She returns to the Temple to report on the battle to the Council. After that, she will inform Anakin of Ahsoka's presence on Kiros, how will that end?

I'd like to take the opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. If you celebrate something else, I hope you enjoy that as well.

I won't have any special Christmas story this year, I just didn't have the time for it. I thought about it for a while, but I just couldn't find the time to write it.

Until next time.