Chapter One
The Trip Begins
Ahsoka and Bubbles were standing in front of the council, hopeful that their requests for leave would be approved. "Planning a trip with your family you are?" Yoda asked with a smile as he looked at Bubbles.
"Yes master, the scheduled departure date is printed on the bottom left hand side of the page, however, you've probably noticed that there's no return date. The reason for that is because we're not sure how long our trip will last. I understand that a request like this is more than a little unconventional, but I believe that master Tano, more than any of us, needs a long vacation to recover after the many things she's been through recently." Bubbles explained in a polite tone.
"That's kind of you to think about Ahsoka's needs, however, I believe that Ahsoka should tell us for herself what she needs." Windu replied as he looked at Ahsoka.
"Actually master, Bubbles is correct. Though most of my physical injuries have healed, I still have times when I get slightly paranoid. I sleep a little lighter at night, expecting Bane to take me away again, or worse, thinking I'm about to be tortured by Vader again. I know it's not rational to think those things, especially being in the temple, but I can't help it masters. I just can't let it go." Ahsoka explained in a sad tone.
"Talk to anyone about this have you?" Yoda asked with a curious expression.
"Yes master, almost every day. Master Kenobi encourages meditation, master Skywalker encourages exercise, Ami suggested that I speak with Doctor Mallard again; and Doctor Mallard suggested taking time to relax and come to terms with what's happened. He says that it's okay to feel what I feel, but I have to find a way to let it go. He says I can't change what happened, I can only accept it and find a way to move forward; and honestly, I think being with Usagi and everyone else is the best way to move forward. Because her group has all but mastered moving forward from trauma, they've helped me do it twice before, and I believe that they can help again." Ahsoka explained with a smile.
"You know Ahsoka, if you want to go that badly, just say it. You don't need to make up a long and profound excuse as to why." Obi-Wan said with a chuckle.
"With all due respect master, it's no excuse. I really believe that Usagi and her friends are the best treatment for my traumas, because they understand me more than anyone. No offense to any of you, I know that you all care about me, but I just feel a deeper connection to Usagi and her group." Ahsoka replied in a sad tone. The council was surprised at Ahsoka's words, but if that's honestly how Ahsoka felt, then who were they to deny her peace of mind.
"Very well Ahsoka, if you truly believe that this will help you recover, and recenter yourself in the force, then take as long as you need." Windu replied with a small smile.
"Thank you masters." Ahsoka thanked as she and Bubbles bowed to the council.
"May the force be with you both, have fun." Obi-Wan said with a small grin.
"Yes master." Bubbles and Ahsoka replied with smiles, then Bubbles opened a portal and lead Ahsoka through it.
"We're free!" Bubbles yelled as she jumped out of the portal into the middle of the shrine, while Ahsoka stumbled out of it.
"That's wonderful! Now start packing, we leave tomorrow morning." Ami instructed with a smile.
"Okay!" Bubbles replied before opening a portal back home. "Bye mommies and aunties!" Bubbles yelled before dashing through the portal.
"Uh, I hate those portals." Ahsoka mumbled as she dry heaved a little bit.
"Ya gonna puke?" Sarah asked as she patted Ahsoka's back. Ahsoka shook her head no before slowly standing up straight.
"Okay, I think I'm alright now. I thought you guys said that I'd get used to that eventually." Ahsoka said with a breath as she looked at Ami.
"That was based on our experience. It's different for everyone though, plus you may be more sensitive to it due to your anatomy." Ami explained as she gently rubbed Ahsoka's back.
"I've noticed." Ahsoka replied as Ami slowly helped her to her feet.
"You ready Ahsoka?" Minako asked as she walked over to Ahsoka.
"Yep, I don't have a lot of material items as a Jedi, so I just have this small bag of extra clothes and my diving gear." Ahsoka informed as she held up a medium sized duffle bag.
"What about a swimsuit, and not the wetsuit. Like an actual bathing suit that you can relax on the beach in?" Minako asked as she stared at Ahsoka.
"Again, Minako, I don't know what that is. What's so special about a bathing suit, why can't I just use the diving suit?" Ahsoka asked in a confused tone.
"I'll show you why." Minako replied before walking away, then she came back a few minutes later in a tight orange bikini. "This is why, wouldn't you rather wear something like this for lying in the sand and relaxing?" Minako asked as she slowly turned around to give Ahsoka a three-hundred and sixty degree view of herself.
"Well, it's definitely cute. But it's so revealing." Ahsoka replied as she stared at Minako.
"That's the point, it's supposed to be kind of eye catching. You should see the way Rei looks at me when I'm wearing it." Minako giggled as she looked at Rei, who just grinned at her.
"Well, if you say so. But where am I gonna get one from?" Ahsoka asked as she looked at Minako.
"OOOO! It sounds like we're going shopping!" Rei yelled with a big grin.
"Wait, what?" Ahsoka asked as Minako started dragging her towards the door, followed by a giggling Rei.
"Just don't take too long, we have a flight to catch in about five hours!" Ami yelled as the small group left.
"How long is the flight again?" Mako asked as she sat down by Ami.
"Well, it would usually take about twenty-eight hours, including connecting flights. However, I'm surprising everyone with a lazy route. One of the girls are going to fly there, then I'll open a portal to them and we'll all just walk through it." Ami answered with a smile.
"That's genius, thank goodness for the transport watch." Mako replied as she hugged Ami. "But wait, then why are you rushing Minako?" Mako asked in a confused tone.
"One, because I don't wanna wait all day to leave, and two, because I don't think Ahsoka is going to enjoy shopping like we all do." Ami answered with a giggle.
"Oh yeah, I never thought about that." Mako replied as she thought about what Ahsoka must be about to go through.
"Come on Ahsoka, let's see it!" Minako yelled as she stared at the changing room door.
"No! I look like a skank!" Ahsoka shouted from inside the changing room.
"You do not, just let us see it." Rei replied in a dismissive tone. Ahsoka huffed before whipping the door open, revealing an orange string bikini that left little to the imagination. "I take it back, that's a horrible look for you." Rei said as she stared at Ahsoka.
"I know! Thanks a lot Minako, could you please at least try to grab something that looks even half appropriate?" Ahsoka asked as she stared at Minako.
"What? It's not that bad, I mean sure it looks like you're trying to floss between your butt cheeks and your uh... front part. But I mean, come on, it's sexy." Minako replied with a nervous chuckle. Rei and Ahsoka just crossed their arms and stared at her. "Fine, try this one." Minako said as she held up a semi dark turquoise bikini. Ahsoka happily took it and ran into the changing room.
"This one's much nicer, is there a smaller top though? This one's falling down." Ahsoka asked as she stepped out of the changing room again.
"I don't think in that color, maybe try this one." Rei replied as she handed Ahsoka a light green two piece bikini.
"Alright." Ahsoka replied as she took the suit into the changing room. "I like this one!" Ahsoka yelled with joy as she burst out of the changing room and showed her suit off.
"That's the one!" Rei and Minako both yelled with enthusiasm.
"Awesome! I have a suit for swimming now, do think Merida will like it?" Ahsoka asked with a smile.
"I think she would've liked the first one better." Minako replied with a giggle.
"No way! Those bottoms were so skimpy that I might as well have made a pair of underwear from floss. This one's perfect." Ahsoka said before she stepped back into the changing room to put her street clothes back on.
"You know Minako, you can get that suit if you want to." Rei quietly said with a small grin.
"Or you could." Minako replied with a grin of her own.
"Why don't you both get one." Ahsoka suggested from inside the changing room.
"Will you stop eavesdropping and just change already?!" Rei yelled in a grumpy tone.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to listen in; I just have good hearing." Ahsoka apologized as she exited the changing room.
"Come on, let's go pay so that we can get home and pack." Minako said with a smile as she lead Rei and Ahsoka to the register.
"Just this today?" A man asked as Ahsoka handed him her swimsuit.
"Yes please." Ahsoka answered with a smile.
"Alright, that'll be three-thousand seven-hundred and forty yen." The man informed as he pushed a few buttons on his register.
"Um... will this cover it?" Ahsoka asked as she held up a silver republic credit.
"I'm afraid not ma'am, I need real money. Not shiny dominos." The man answered in a slightly rude tone.
"Here, I've got it." Minako said as she handed the man some yen.
"Thank you, enjoy your day ladies." The man replied as he took Minako's yen, then handed her Ahsoka's swimsuit.
"You too. Jerk." Minako said as everyone left, mumbling the last part under her breath.
"Alright, we got you a swimsuit and you have spare clothes. Are we ready to head back to the shrine?" Rei asked as she looked at Ahsoka.
"Yep, then we can relax and be all set for tomorrow." Ahsoka answered in a joyful tone.
"Hey, wanna get some ice cream before we head back?" Minako asked as she stopped outside of an ice cream shop.
"No thank you, after what happened the last time I ate ice cream, I think I'm done with it for a little while." Ahsoka replied with a giggle, remembering how sick she'd gotten on Geonosis after eating chocolate ice cream.
"What happened the last time you ate ice cream?" Rei asked in a curious tone.
"I may or may not have puked on a sheriff." Ahsoka answered with a giggle.
"Yikes, I can imagine the ticket for that one." Minako replied with a giggle.
"He was very nice about it, but it probably helped that I was in my feral state." Ahsoka explained as everyone approached the shrine steps.
"Yeah, you're always impossible to be mad at when you're feral. Well, not including Padmé that is. I remember that time she was trying to give you a bath and you were being fussy. She got so mad that she walked out of the bathroom." Minako laughed as she reached the top of steps with everyone.
"There you three are. So Ahsoka, what'd you get?" Usagi asked as she skipped over to Ahsoka, followed by everyone else.
"I got this." Ahsoka answered as she held up her new swimsuit.
"Wow, I bet it looks great on you. I can't wait to see it." Kaede said with excitement as she stared at Ahsoka's swimsuit.
"Yeah, y're gonna be the sexist gal on the beach in that thang. Well, second sexiest." Sarah giggled before looking at Kaede, who grabbed her in a tight hug.
"I'm glad you all like it, it's much better than the first one I tried on." Ahsoka replied with a giggle.
"Let me guess, Minako grabbed you one of those string thin bikinis, didn't she?" Mako asked with a smirk as she looked at Minako.
"What can I say, I like to flaunt the goods." Minako giggled as she twirled around.
"We know, but remember Minako, the girls are going to be there; and so are the Thornberrys." Ami reminded with a stern expression.
"Yeah yeah, I get it. No sexy fun time for me." Minako replied with a sigh.
"Alright. We have all of our bags, we told the professor goodbye already, and we're all here. Are we ready to go?" Blossom asked as she dashed out of the shrine with her sisters.
"I think so. Is there anything else anyone can think of that we need?" Mako asked as she looked at everyone.
"Um, where's Naru?" Usagi asked as she looked around for Naru.
"I'm here!" Naru yelled as she came sprinting out of the shrine. "I'm sorry, I fell asleep. I had a late shift at the department last night. Three car accidents, a fire, and a few bar fight injuries. I was spent by the time I got off." Naru informed as she leaned on Usagi.
"Awe, they worked you extra hard since your vacation started today." Usagi giggled as she hugged Naru.
"Hey wait a minute, why aren't you exhausted then? Don't you and Naru work the same days and shifts?" Rei asked as she looked at Kaede.
"We do, but they put me on medical leave after I got my foot crushed by a giant wooden beam that came down during a structure fire last week. I tried to tell them that I heal fast because of my powers, but they wouldn't let me come back until I was cleared by a doctor. So I figured with the trip so close that I'd just take the time off and talk to Mizuno-San when I got home." Kaede explained with a smile.
"Ya never told me that ya almost got crushed! Why would ya hide that from me?!" Sarah yelled as she grabbed Kaede and hugged her.
"Sorry, it didn't seem important enough to bring up. You can't even tell that it happened anymore." Kaede replied as she hugged Sarah back.
"I don't care, if y're ever hurt on the job ya tell me. I don't care if ya get a dang paper cut, I wanna know. Okay?" Sarah asked as she squeezed Kaede a little harder.
"Okay, I promise not to keep things like that from you ever again. I love you Sarah." Kaede replied as she kissed the top of Sarah's head.
"I love ya too Kaede." Sarah quietly said with a smile.
"What are you looking at?" Naru asked as she looked at Usagi, who was staring at her.
"You haven't been injured at all and kept it from me, have you?" Usagi asked with a grumpy expression.
"Of course not, you know I'm an open book. Trust me, if I got hurt I'd milk the heck out of it to get your attention." Naru replied with a smile.
"Good! Now let's go." Usagi replied with a smile.
"Alright girls, you know what to do." Ami said with a smile as she looked at the puffs.
"Woohoo! Last one there's a rotten egg!" Buttercup shouted before dashing off, followed by her sisters.
"Wait, what's going on? I thought we were catching a plane tomorrow." Kaede asked as she looked at Ami.
"Surprise, I lied about the plane." Ami said with a giggle as Ami's watch started beeping. Ami pressed a button on the watch and Bubbles's joyful voice came through it.
"Okay mommy, open the portal!" Bubbles instructed with a smile.
"Alright girls." Ami replied as she activated her portal and stepped through it, followed by everyone else.
"Here we are." Ami informed as she and everyone else stepped onto a white sandy beach on a large island.
"Uh, that never gets better." Ahsoka groaned as she stumbled out of the portal and fell to her hands and knees.
"You still get sick from the jump?" Usagi asked as she knelt by Ahsoka and rubbed her back.
"Every time." Ahsoka answered before vomiting.
"Wow, this place is beautiful." Minako quietly said as she looked around a little. Everyone had exited the portal onto a beach covered in white sand, in front of them was a small coral reef with various colored coral, and water that was so clear it was like glass. Behind them was a small forested area with bright green trees and grass.
"Hello there!" Someone yelled from the small forest. Everyone turned around and were both surprised and happy to see an old friend walk out of the bushes.
"Eliza!" Everyone yelled with joy as the young adventurer, dressed in her usual long yellow shirt, approached them.
"It's good to see you all again, how's everyone been?" Eliza asked as she hugged the puffs, then everyone but Ahsoka.
"We've been great, how have you been? Still shooting the breeze with the locals?" Usagi asked with a chuckle.
"If by locals you mean the local wildlife, then yes." Eliza giggled, then she noticed Ahsoka, who was still recovering from the jump. "Oh wow, is that the alien you told us about?" Eliza asked as she stared at Ahsoka.
"Yeah, her name's Ahsoka Tano." Usagi answered with a smile.
"I...I'm sorry, I'm not used...to the portal thing yet. It makes me sick every time." Ahsoka apologized as she turned around and looked at Eliza.
"Wow, your markings are even more beautiful than everyone said they were." Eliza complimented as she held her hand out to Ahsoka.
"Thank you, that's so sweet of you to say. My name's Ahsoka Tano, it's nice to meet you." Ahsoka introduced herself as she shook Eliza's hand.
"It's nice to meet you too Ahsoka, I'm Eliza Thornberry." Eliza introduced herself as she shook Ahsoka's hand in return.
"So Eliza, are you camped far from here?" Ami asked as she looked at Eliza.
"Not at all, we're just beyond the tree line here. Follow me." Eliza answered as she waved everyone into the forest. Everyone casually followed Eliza for a few minutes before stepping into a clearing where Eliza and her family had set up camp. "Guess who's here." Eliza said with a smile as she stepped out of the bushes and looked at Debbie, who was lounging on a chair with her earbuds in.
"What do you want geek?" Debbie asked as she blew a bubble with the gum she was chewing on.
"Oh nothing, I just figured that you'd want to know that other people close to your age have arrived. But whatever, bye Debbie." Eliza answered before starting to walk away.
"Wait?! Other people, as in not a smelly monkey or the wild child?! AAAAH! Finally!" Debbie cheered as she leapt from her chair and ran over to everyone.
"Hey Debbie, it's good to see you again." Minako greeted as she hugged Debbie.
"Oh my gosh, I've missed you all so much! It's so lame around here without all of you." Debbie replied as she hugged Minako back, then she looked at everyone else and noticed Ahsoka. "Woah? Who's the girl in the alien costume?" Debbie asked as she walked over to Ahsoka.
"Um, it's not a costume." Ahsoka replied as Debbie inspected her.
"Debbie, don't be rude. I told you that they met a new friend from another galaxy." Eliza grumbled as she glared at Debbie.
"Come on Eliza, that's a little crazy even for all of them. Though I have to admit, this is a great costume; you almost have me fooled." Debbie chuckled as she gently went to touch Ahsoka's lekku.
"Debbie don't! Master Tano's lekku are very sensitive and private!" Bubbles yelled as she dashed between Debbie and Ahsoka.
"Her what?" Debbie asked in a confused tone.
"Look lady, I don't know who you are, but I'll have you know that touching my lekku would be like me grabbing your boobs. They're not fake, it's not a costume, it's my skin; so please back off." Ahsoka said in a slightly upset tone as she glared at Debbie.
"Okay, I'm starting to think that everyone was telling the truth. I'm sorry Ahsoka, I didn't mean to like, offend you or anything. It just seems a little far fetched that you're a real alien from another galaxy." Debbie replied as she backed up a little bit.
"I understand, and I'm sorry that I got snippy. But I am a real alien species, my species are known as togrutas, we're a predatory species. But we're highly evolved, like humans." Ahsoka explained with a smile.
"Wow, that's pretty awesome. So, are you evolved enough to like music?" Debbie asked as she held up her CD player.
"I do enjoy music, what kind do you like?" Ahsoka asked with a smile.
"Rock and roll." Debbie answered before putting a CD in her player and pressing the play button. Ahsoka immediately slapped her hands over the sides of her montrals as the loud music and intense beat vibrated through them.
"Something tells me that Ahsoka and Debbie aren't going to get along." Ami quietly said as she looked at Usagi.
"They might just need some time to adjust to each other." Usagi replied as she looked at Debbie, who was head banging to the music; then she looked at Ahsoka, who looked like she wanted to scream.
"Aaah! Ooo oo aah! Aah ah ooo!" Darwin chattered as he pulled on Debbie's shirt.
"What do you want? You know that I don't speak chimp!" Debbie asked as she looked down at Darwin.
"He said that your music's loud and that you're being rude!" Eliza translated as she stared at Debbie.
"How am I being rude?" Debbie asked as she looked at Eliza, who pointed at Ahsoka. "It's not that loud, she's just being dramatic." Debbie replied with a dismissive wave.
"I'm not being dramatic! I have very sensitive hearing!" Ahsoka shouted over the music. Debbie rolled her eyes and turned the music off. "Thank you." Ahsoka said with a breath as she rubbed her montrals.
"Is your hearing really that sensitive?" Debbie asked in a curious tone.
"I can hear something digging in the sand on the other side of the beach, my hearing is extremely sensitive. I have better hearing than a lurca hound." Ahsoka answered with a straight face.
"What's a lurca hound?" Eliza asked in an intrigued tone.
"It's kind of like a dog, but much bigger and cooler. I'd show you, but I don't have any pictures." Bubbles explained with a smile.
"That's okay, it's sounds awesome. I'd love to meet one someday." Eliza replied with some excitement.
"I'm sorry everyone, but I need some space." Ahsoka said before slowly walking away.
"Nice Debbie, great first impression." Eliza said in a snippy tone as she glared at Debbie.
"You're blaming me?! She's the one being over dramatic, and what's with the stupid costume? There's no way she's a real alien, probably just some overly dramatic acting student." Debbie replied as she stared back at Eliza.
"Kriff you!" Ahsoka shouted from the jungle.
"Gee Debbie, I think she heard you. From halfway across the island!" Eliza shouted in an angry tone.
"She probably just hid a microphone or something when she was here! You're such a little dweeb, just because you can talk to animals doesn't make you as great as you think you are!" Debbie yelled back in the same angry tone.
"At least I know how to be nice to people!" Eliza replied in an angry tone.
"She was the rude one, she started it!" Debbie yelled as she jabbed her finger at Eliza.
"That's enough, both of you!" Usagi yelled as she stepped between Eliza and Debbie. "Before you two end up killing each other, let me tell you both the story about how we met Ahsoka. I think hearing this story will help you not only realize that she's an actual alien species, but that she's been through a lot and isn't really herself right now. In fact, part of the reason we brought her on this trip was to help her relax and recover from a series of traumas and struggles." Usagi calmly said as she sat down on a chair.
"Traumas?" Eliza asked as she and Debbie sat down.
"Yes, this all started around October." Usagi answered as she started telling the story of how she and her friends had met Ahsoka. While Usagi told the tale of how they'd met Ahsoka, Ahsoka was aimlessly walking through the forest.
"Uh. Nice one Ahsoka, why couldn't you just let it go. Usagi and the others must be so disappointed right now, they were nice enough to bring me on their vacation and the first thing I do is get into a fight with one of their old friends. Oh, and worse yet, I did it all right in front of my padawan. What the hell is wrong with me?! Why can't I just let things go?! Sure that music was loud and obnoxious, and that woman was kind of rude, but I should know better than to let my emotions get so out of control. I'm a Jedi! Oh masters, what is wrong with me?" Ahsoka quietly asked as she slumped down and leaned against a tree. Ahsoka sighed as she pulled her knees to her chest and laid her head on them. She tried to calm her mind, but the forest was loud to her, the birds were constantly chirping, the wind was ruffling the leaves, and even the bugs scampering across the ground were irritating to her. "Please, someone give me some guidance. I feel lost and confused right now, I don't understand why I feel these things. Someone just give me a sign or point me in the right direction!" Ahsoka yelled as she started to cry.
"Oo?" A soft voice called from nearby.
"That'd better not be the monkey." Ahsoka mumbled as she looked up, seeing a silhouette of something on the branch above her.
"Yackada boo!" The silhouette yelled as it jumped on Ahsoka.
"AAAAAAH!" Ahsoka screamed in a panic as she jumped to her feet, flailing and trying to throw whatever the thing was off of herself.
"So, now you understand why she's not herself at the moment. She's normally much less confrontational and kinder, but she's struggling a lot right now. I don't think she knows how to cope with the amount of trauma she's been through, everything from the crash that brought us together, to being stranded in that jungle, her battle with anorexia, and most recently being kidnapped and tortured. She came on this trip to try and find some peace, but it's going to take time. I know you and Ahsoka may not see eye to eye, but for the time being, please try to cut her some slack. She'll loosen up after a day or two. Okay?" Usagi explained as she stared at Debbie and Eliza.
"That's so sad, I can't believe she went through all of that. How did she not loose hope, I don't think I could've handled the fist capture, let alone all of the other traumas and issues. I feel awful now." Debbie quietly said in a sad tone. Then she let out a sigh and stood from the chair she was on.
"Where are you going?" Eliza asked she looked at Debbie.
"To find Ahsoka, I owe her an apology, and then some." Debbie answered with a smile, but just before she started to walk away, everyone heard a horrible scream.
"Ahsoka!" Everyone shouted before starting to run towards the jungle, but Ahsoka burst out of it before they could even reach the first bush.
"Get it off! Get it off of me!" Ahsoka screamed as she came running out of the jungle, flailing and screaming as she tried to throw whatever was on her head off of it.
"Donnie?!" Eliza and Debbie shouted in shock, realizing that the thing Ahsoka was trying to throw from her head was actually their little brother Donnie.
"Get it off! Get it the kriff off of me!" Ahsoka screamed as she finally panicked to the point where she went for her lightsabers.
"Ahsoka no!" Buttercup shouted before dashing over to her. "Donnie! Ibbidy wibbidy oo yoo!" Buttercup yelled as she grabbed Donnie.
"Oo? Buttercup! Yibbidy wibidy woo!" Donnie cheered as he hugged Buttercup.
"What is that thing?!" Ahsoka screamed as she jumped back from Donnie.
"This is Donnie, he's really nice. He's just not adjusted to civil behavior. He was just trying to play with you, I'm sorry Ahsoka." Buttercup apologized on Donnie's behalf.
"You... You know his name?" Ahsoka asked with a breath.
"Yes, we're sorry Ahsoka. This is our younger brother Donnie." Eliza apologized as she looked down at Donnie.
"I... I need a minute. I feel like everything's just blowing up in my face right now. I've been kriffing everything up since I got here! What is wrong with me, why is my head such a mess right now?! I don't feel good, I never should've come here, I'm just ruining everyone's trip. I should've stayed in the temple. I'm so sorry everyone." Ahsoka cried as she slumped onto the ground.
"Ahsoka." Debbie quietly said as she sat down by Ahsoka.
"Please not now. I'm sorry that I was so rude to you, but please, I'm not in the mood for this right now." Ahsoka quietly cried as she hugged her knees to her chest. Ahsoka was startled as Debbie moved a little closer and put an arm around her.
"I'm sorry that you've been through so much, Usagi told me everything. I shouldn't have been so hard on you, I should've given you a chance. Here, let's make amends." Debbie said with a smile as she set her C.D player down, then hit the play button. Ahsoka waited for the loud music, but she was surprised to hear a quiet classical song with a soft melody. "I heard that you like slow and quieter music. This is one of my mom's C.Ds. What do you think?" Debbie asked with a smile. Ahsoka looked at her with tears in her eyes.
"Thank you. Thank you so much Debbie, you have no idea how comforted I am by what you're doing for me right now. Thank you." Ahsoka cried as she hugged Debbie.
"Anything for a friend." Debbie replied as she rubbed Ahsoka's back.
"I'm sorry that I was so rude when we met. Loud or not, I shouldn't have gotten so upset, and I definitely shouldn't have sworn at you; especially not in front of the younger ones." Ahsoka apologized in a sad tone.
"You swore at me?" Debbie asked in a confused tone.
"Yeah, it was the last thing I yelled before I stormed off." Ahsoka answered with a sad expression.
"That was a swear word? I thought it was just a really bad comeback, like that guy from that Christmas movie who wanted to yell, but all he got out was, and I quote, not a finger!" Debbie replied with a laugh.
"Yeah, that's a swear word in my galaxy. I guess it's the equivalent of some kind of F word on this planet." Ahsoka replied with a sad expression.
"Wow, I really made you mad then. Can't say I didn't deserve it though. Friends?" Debbie asked as she held her hand out to Ahsoka.
"Friends." Ahsoka replied as she shook Debbie's hand.
"Thank goodness that's all sorted out, now let's think of something fun to do while the day's still young!" Kaede yelled with a smile.
"I wanna see the big turtles!" Bubbles shouted with excitement.
"What big turtles?" Eliza asked in a confused tone.
"Those big huge ones that walk around on land, they look so cool!" Bubbles answered with a smile.
"Oh, you mean the tortoises. They're incredible creatures, you're gonna love them." Eliza replied with a giggle.
"Can we see them now?" Bubbles asked with a smile.
"Sure, follow me." Eliza answered as she started leaving the camp.
"Yipee!" Bubbles cheered as she dashed after Eliza.
"Wait for us!" Ami yelled as she and everyone else followed her.
"Oo! Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!" Donnie yelled as he looked at Buttercup.
"Yubidy woobidy woo." Buttercup replied before picking Donnie up, then dashing after her sisters.
"WAAAAAAAA! Zoom zoom zoom!" Donnie yelled with excitement as he held onto Buttercup.
"I still can't believe that Buttercup can understand him. I can speak to animals, and even I can't understand what Donnie's saying." Eliza said to herself as she continued leading everyone into the forest. After a short walk everyone exited the forest into an open area of grasslands, where dozens of huge tortoises were moseying around, with some of them just lying on the ground with their heads sticking out of their shells.
"WOW! These are the biggest turtles I've ever seen!" Bubbles cheered as she stared at all of the tortoises.
"These aren't turtles, Bubbles, they're tortoises." Eliza corrected as she walked over to Bubbles.
"What's the difference?" Bubbles asked as she watched a tortoise slowly walk past her.
"The turtle is a water based reptile with flipper shaped feet used for swimming, the tortoise on the other hand, is a land based reptile. It has flat feet with large claws used for digging and burrowing. There are many other differences as well, but the most noticeable are the differences in their size and appendage types." Eliza explained with a smile.
"Oh, are you talking about our cousins from the sea? Yeah, those guys sure are strange. How do they walk on those paddle shaped legs, so weird." One of the tortoises said as it stopped in front of Bubbles and Eliza.
"Wow, you're so big! I love your pretty shell." Bubbles complimented with a smile.
"Awe thanks, I try to keep it nice. It is my home after all." The tortoise chuckled in reply.
"It's a beautiful home." Bubbles said with a smile.
"Thank you, I do love it. I've lived in it my whole life, one-hundred and twenty years and counting." The tortoise replied with a chuckle.
"You're a hundred and twenty years old?!" Bubbles asked in a shocked tone.
"Yep, I'm one old lady, but that doesn't mean I can't still have a good time. Ain't that right Tom?!" The tortoise yelled as she looked at another tortoise, who looked at her and nodded.
"Wow! You're the second oldest being I've ever met, you should meet master Yoda; he's almost nine-hundred years old." Bubbles replied with a smile.
"Wow, compared to him I'm still a baby! Much respect to that man." The tortoise replied with a surprised expression.
"He's the wisest and oldest Jedi to ever live. I'm not sure what his species is called, but master Yoda is a great Jedi and teacher. You'd probably like him a lot." Bubbles said with a smile before hugging the tortoise.
"You're a sweet kid, go have some fun with those other humans, I'm not going anywhere. See ya around kid." The tortoise said with a smile before slowly walking away.
"It was nice meeting you!" Bubbles yelled as she waved to the tortoise, then she floated over by Eliza, who was chatting with a different tortoise.
"What's your name?" The tortoise asked as he looked at Eliza.
"I'm Eliza, it's nice to meet you." Eliza greeted as she shook the tortoise's paw.
"It's nice to meet you too, my name's Albert. What's your name?" The tortoise asked again with a smile.
"Um, Eliza." Eliza answered in a confused tone.
"What a lovely name, I'm Albert. What's your name?" Albert asked with a smile.
"I think this guy's shell is a little too tight." Bubbles whispered to Eliza.
"Well, it was nice meeting you Albert, you have a good rest of your day." Eliza said with a smile as she started walking away.
"Thanks, you too! Whoever you are." Albert replied before slowly lying in the grass.
"Wahoo!" Donnie shouted from nearby. Eliza and everyone else looked in the direction of Donnie's shout and gasped.
"This is awesome." Buttercup giggled as she held onto Donnie, they were both sitting on top of one of the tortoise's shells as it slowly walked around.
"Donnie, that's not a ride!" Debbie yelled as she ran over to Donnie.
"Buttercup, get off of that tortoise right now!" Mako shouted as she glared at Buttercup.
"Awe!" Buttercup whined before slowly floating off of the tortoise, followed by Donnie who just jumped off of it.
"I'm so sorry about my brother and his friend, I hope they didn't hurt you at all." Eliza apologized as she and Bubbles rushed over to the tortoise.
"I'm sorry about my sister, please forgive her." Bubbles apologized as she bowed to the tortoise.
"What? What are you two talking about?! That's the most fun I've had in twenty years, mind your own business ya dang kids!" The tortoise yelled back before slowly walking away.
"Um, never mind! You can ride him again!" Eliza informed as she watched the tortoise walk away.
"That's more like it, leave an old tortoise to his fun. People these days, no respect I tell ya. You think just because I'm old I can't do anything for myself?! I'll show you, come on you two, all aboard!" The tortoise replied as Donnie and Buttercup jumped back onto his shell.
"Woohoo!" Buttercup and Donnie both yelled as the tortoise started walking away again.
"Hey, what did I just say?!" Mako yelled as she started running after Buttercup.
"It's okay, the tortoise doesn't mind. He's actually having a lot of fun carrying them around." Eliza informed with a smile.
"Are you sure? Alright then, as long as he doesn't mind." Mako replied as she watched the tortoise walk around with Buttercup and Donnie on his shell.
"Hey, you awake?" Debbie asked as she walked over to Ahsoka, who was lying on her back in the grass with her eyes closed.
"Yeah, I'm just relaxing in the sun. It feels nice and warm." Ahsoka answered with a content sigh.
"It does." Debbie replied with a smile.
"So what's up, is everything alright?" Ahsoka asked as she opened her eyes.
"Yeah, I just saw you lying here and wanted to make sure that you were okay." Debbie answered as she laid down next to Ahsoka.
"I'm doing better, thanks again for letting our bad blood go. I know I'm not always the easiest person to deal with." Ahsoka said with a small smile.
"Neither am I, maybe that's why we just didn't click at first. We're too similar." Debbie replied with a giggle.
"Perhaps. Whatever the reason though, I'm glad that we're friends now." Ahsoka said with a smile as she rolled over and hugged Debbie.
"You mind if I put some music on?" Debbie asked as she took her cassette player out of her pocket.
"Not at all, and you can play whatever you want. Even your loud music if you'd like." Ahsoka replied in a kind tone.
"Thanks Ahsoka." Debbie thanked as she set her cassette player between her and Ahsoka, then turned it on. Some quiet classical music began emanating from it. "I think this music suits this environment much better than heavy rock." Debbie said with a smile as she closed her eyes.
"Thank you Debbie, you're a true friend." Ahsoka quietly said as she started to fall asleep. A few hours passed as everyone hung out with the tortoises and each other, but with the sun rising to its peak, it started to get a little warm for everyone's liking.
"Wow, it got really hot, and so fast." Ami said as she sat down in the grass.
"Uh, I know. I feel like I'm melting." Minako replied as she wiped some sweat from her forehead.
"Let's head back to camp, then we can sit in the ComVee and cool off. We finally got the A.C fixed." Eliza suggested as she started walking towards camp.
"I've got a better idea." Blossom giggled as she flew over to everyone.
"What would that be?" Naru asked as she looked up at Blossom.
"I can cool us all down with my ice breath." Blossom replied as she took a breath.
"WAIT! You can't turn this place into a snow day, these animals aren't adapted to that kind of weather, it could kill them!" Ami warned in a serious tone.
"What?! I don't wanna kill anything!" Blossom replied before landing next to Ami.
"It's okay, you didn't do anything yet, so there's nothing to worry about. I know that it's hot, but we can't change the environment for our comfort, if we do it could harm the animals that are adapted to this weather. So we'll just use the air conditioning back at camp, we can always make some ice or snow balls there. We just don't wanna turn everything into winter around here." Ami replied with a smile.
"Alright Ami mommy, we won't mess with nature." Blossom replied as she hugged Ami.
"That's my girl." Ami replied as she hugged Blossom.
"I think I have an idea on how to cool off. Follow me back to camp, I'll explain when we get there." Eliza said as she continued walking towards her camp. Everyone followed Eliza back to camp, then they all sat down to rest once they'd gotten there.
"It may be hot here, but it's still way cooler than Mustafar." Bubbles said with a giggle.
"Oh my God, compared to that hellish planet this place is like Hoth." Ahsoka replied with a chuckle.
"Where are those places, I've never heard of those countries?" Eliza asked in an intrigued tone.
"They're not countries, they're two planets back in master Tano's home galaxy." Bubbles answered with a smile.
"Where is your home galaxy, if I may ask?" Debbie asked as she looked at Ahsoka.
"Andromeda, the closest galaxy to your own. That being said, it would still take two and half million years at light speed to get there, unless you accidentally flew through a wormhole like I did. Then it only takes seconds." Ahsoka answered with a chuckle.
"Oh yeah, I remember Usagi mentioning a wormhole. That's pretty amazing, being able to travel from here to another galaxy like that." Debbie replied with a straight face.
"I don't know if you can anymore, the wormhole may have closed. It's been so long since I checked because we just use the transport watches to move around now." Ahsoka answered as she stretched a little bit.
"Um, not to be rude, but what was that idea about cooling off again?" Buttercup asked as she stared at Eliza.
"Oh right, I thought that maybe we could all go swimming. Check out the coral reefs and cool off, we have four S.C.U.B.A tanks as well if anyone wants to use them." Eliza suggested with a smile.
"That's awesome, four of us could dive at once?! That would be so cool!" Buttercup yelled with excitement.
"Actually, eight of us can. Master Tano and I both have two breathing devices on our belts." Bubbles informed as she pulled her small breathing device out of one of the pouches on her Jedi belt.
"That's even cooler! But why do you each have two?" Minako asked in a confused tone.
"Incase one's either damaged, or more likely we have another person with us that's not prepared, such as someone we're protecting." Ahsoka answered as she dug both of her breathing devices out of her pouch.
"So we have eight breathing devices for underwater, but there are fourteen of us, so six of us won't be able to go the first time." Ami informed in a sad tone.
"Give me a minute." Blossom said with a grin, then she opened portal and stepped through it.
"Where is she going?" Buttercup asked as she watched the portal vanish. A few minutes later the portal reappeared and Blossom stepped out of it with six extra S.C.U.B.A suits.
"Tada! Six more suits, courtesy of the professor." Blossom informed as she set the suits down.
"Why does the professor have six S.C.U.B.A suits?" Ami asked as she picked up one of the suits.
"No idea, but who cares! Oh and look, we have our own suits." Blossom said with a smile as she held up a small pink diving suit.
"Neat, so someone can use my breathing device." Bubbles said as she grabbed a light blue suit.
"Not me, I'm taking this." Buttercup replied as she picked up a green suit.
"I'll try the breathing thing." Kaede said as she walked over to Bubbles.
"I'll try it as well, Kaede and I wear enough oxygen tanks at our job." Naru replied as she grabbed Ahsoka's spare breathing device.
"So how do they work?" Kaede asked as she looked at the small device. The entire thing was U shaped and had a small white piece in the center that the user would bite down on, it also had what almost looked like two spark plugs sticking off of either side of it.
"You just put the center piece in your mouth and lightly clamp it between your teeth, then you breathe normally. It can provide oxygen for up to two hours." Ahsoka explained as she held her own device up.
"No way! Thats amazing, that's twice as long as these big tanks last." Eliza replied as she patted her S.C.U.B.A tank.
"I doubt we'll be diving long enough to even drain a standard tank, let alone those things." Debbie informed as she put her wetsuit on.
"Now for the fun part, lugging all of our gear to the beach." Eliza said as she picked up her S.C.U.B.A tank.
"Don't worry Eliza, we can move the gear." Blossom informed as she grabbed two tanks.
"Hold on girls." Kaede said as she held her hand up. "Europa moon power, make up." Kaede called out, quickly taking her guardian form. "Here, put everything in my bag, then we'll just take it out once we get to the beach." Europa instructed as she summoned her bag.
"Good thinking sis." Mako complimented as the puffs threw everything in her bag.
"Hey, why didn't we check your bag to see if there were more S.C.U.B.A suits?" Blossom asked in a confused tone.
"Honestly, because the idea never crossed my mind." Europa answered as she sent her bag away.
"Oh well, let's get to the beach now!" Blossom replied before dashing towards the beach.
"Wait for us!" Mako yelled as she and everyone else ran after Blossom.
"This is going to be so cool!" Debbie cheered with excitement.