Anakin and I waited in the hanger for Ahsoka to arrive. We'd been there ever since Obi wan called us a half hour ago, letting up know Ahsoka was on her way to our location. Anakin also held Ari in her arms, the girl passed out with a little purple paint of her cheek. He adjusted his hold on her, shifting her up so she wouldn't slip out his arms.
As the hanger shield pulled away we both stood with baited breath watching the shuttle fly in. It landed central to the landing strip, the both of us approaching before it had even lowered its ramp. As the hydraulics hissed I squinted and just caught sight of Ahsoka's silhouette. She looked taller in person, walking her way down towards us and giving a small smile as she caught sight of the three of us.
"It's good to see you again masters, and, congratulations."
She greeted in a slightly hushed manner likely for Ari's sake. At the end she nodded towards my baby bump with a small smile. It had r even occurred to me she wasn't aware we were having another baby.
"Thank you Ahsoka, it's so good to see you again." I replied stepping forward and giving her a brief hug. She didn't seem to be in an affectionate mood, I didn't want to make her uncomfortable.
"Yes, it's amazing to see you again Ahsoka - there's so much we have to catch up on."
Anakin stepped forward speaking excitedly. He was so happy to see her again, but she, she just seemed distracted by something.
"It's good to see you too master...but I really don't have time to catch up, the people of Mandolore needs us now." Ahsoka replied being the serious one here. Of course I was proud to here her being so responsible but at the same time I felt awful for Anakin seeing the disappointed puppy look in his eyes.
"We understand of course, come alone this way, the troops are ready for you now." I replied, quietly taking Anakin's hand as I did so and giving it a little squeeze. He was understandably upset at her reaction, remaining quiet as he held Ari close.
"Thank you." Ahsoka replied and the four of us began on our way down the halls. Anakin stayed quiet and hung back, this obviously wasn't the reunion he was waiting for. But how could it be? Everything changed back then, our lives were turned around and none of us would ever be the same.
I could see that in Ahsoka's eyes now. She'd grown up so much during the last months, it was all in her eyes. The aqua had never regained the shine it had before Ari's death, it still held the quiet dim scars of grief. Just being here again, I could see how tense her shoulders were...
No this wasn't the reunion any of us had hoped for...
It would all be far simpler when we finally found peace.
Making our way threw the halls a number of clones stopped to salute Ahsoka. She seemed confused by this, brows furrowing as she bowed back to them out of her own sense of respect. Turning away from the main corridor Ahsoka walked a little closer to us.
"Why are they saluting me, I'm no longer their commander." Ahsoka spoke in a slightly hushed manner as she came over and looked from the back of the clones up to Anakin. The corner of Anakin's lips pulled up into a small smile.
"It's their way of showing their respect, in their eyes you're still a valued leader," Anakin replied as another couple more clones stopped to salute the torgruta. "You're still a part of the family Ahsoka, in their, our eyes, you always will be." Anakin emended taking his hand from mine and placing it upon her shoulder. Though it was evident Ahsoka tried to remain diligently un-attached I still managed to see a small smile slip up upon her lips. She still cared, I hope Anakin saw that. He needed to know that it wasn't because she moved on that she acted this way, rather it was the same as the reason he never came back to Coruscant. While the people were suffering there was no time for niceties...we must do our duty for the republic.
Reaching the doorway we stopped. Anakin looked to me, his eyes meeting mine then glancing to Ari before back to meet mine. It was a quiet sign asking if I'd take our daughter from him for just a second. I stepped forward and nodded but Ahsoka stepped in before I could.
"Please, may I?" She asked sweetly, her walls falling a little. Outstretching her arms I watched as Anakin's face lit up. He gently passed Ari across, the girl stood ring a little as she was handed over into Ahsoka's arms.
"Hey sweetie...say hello to auntie Snips." Anakin chuckled quietly as the girls blue eyes opened. Ahsoka gave him a playful punch to the arm
Then adjusted her grip as Ari slowly woke up.
"Don't push your luck Skyguy," She chuckled in response with an eye roll. She then looked down at little Ari. "Hey, it's been a while little one, I'm Ahsoka...I don't know if you remember me but-
Auntie Soka..!" The little girl cheered as her eyes lit up. For just a brief moment I saw a flash of pain flicker through Ahsoka's eyes, dimmed recollection of the name. Despite the passing look she then smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, that's right...but maybe just call me snips like your dad does actually." Ahsoka replied cradling the girl. It was obvious she didn't like the nickname being used anymore, not after what happened most likely. Ari giggled and nodded her head.
"Okie." She replied without noticing the sadness to Ahsoka's own gaze. Ari was to young to understand grief. I had to hoped she always kept ahold of her innocence. She was just excitable and keen to follow her fathers footsteps.
As the girl poked at Ahsoka's montrails and they partook in a little short conversation. The scene was so adorable even as Anakin was checking the next door room I decided to snap a quick picture. Anakin soon returned and lightly cleared his throat.
"Ahsoka, the troops are ready to see you." He then said as I stepped forward to take Ari from her arms knowing Anakin had quite the surprise lined up. Ari cooed and wrapped her arms around my neck as I picked her up. I then watched Ahsoka step forward to Anakin: side, hanging back as he smiled.
Anakin looked to the door next after sharing a glance with the young lady. He placed his hand to the panel and opened the door. As he did it slid away and beyond a battalion of the 501st stepped into a salute. They held their helmets at their sides, specially painted ones with the pattern of Ahsoka's facial markings.
Ahsoka's face lit up with surprise and for a moment she didn't move. She was in awe. Anakin smiled softly and offered for her to go in ahead of him. After I get looking to check he was she she hesitantly stepped in, walking over towards Jesse and Dice. She reached out and grazed ger fingers over one of their helmets, admiring the paintwork. Looking to Dice's helmet she noticed another little marking to the side...
She smiled softly and brushed her thumb over the small patch of purple. She then stepped back just as Red fell out of line to greet his commander. He gave her her time to process this, standing with Anakin as I hung back.
"The paint works a little crude but..,
The captain now commander trailed off with a shrug as she looked up towards him.
"It's perfect, I, I feel honoured thank you..." Ahsoka replied giving him a smile then looking to Anakin. This was the first time I'd seen my husband act so modest, he didn't boast about the bright idea. No he didn't even look smug, he just seemed happy to have one of our girls back...
"When we heard you were coming we wanted to prepare something special, the little one helped with the paintwork." Rex replied as Ahsoka looked around once more. Nodding to little Ari and smiled and kissed the little girls cheek. It was then that Ahsoka seems to notice the little white hand praying on the chin of Rex's own helmet.
"Noted." She replied with a little g laugh. Shaking her head she looked to the little one and smiled that sweet smile both myself and my husband had missed so much.
"They all look wonderful, I, I can't believe you did this, I didn't realise just how much of missed all you guys." Ahsoka replied though now the happy glint in her eyes had turned to something else. I couldn't quite describe it but the corners of her lips dipped down slightly.
Was she sad..?
Why..?
"Alright boys, go load the ship up, im sure Ahsoka wants to be on her way." Anakin chimed up seeming to sense the same thing as me. He stepped forward as the men began to disperse. Ahsoka stepped over to join him as Rex saluted before leaving.
"Thank you for doing this Anakin...it means so much to me." Ahsoka replied though wasn't making eye contact now. Anakin gestured his hand forward and offered her a smile.
"What are friends for?" He replied nonchalantly with a shrug. Finally looking up Ahsoka met his gaze and smiled ever so slightly more. Anakin then glanced to me before smiling, reaching back and picking up a box.
"I actually have one other surprise for you.,," Anakin went on to say, offering her the box. Ahsoka's expression faltered again but she soon reached out. Her hand clasped the lip and pulled it back, revealing both her lightsaber hilts. Reaching in she picked them up with a nostalgic look and turned them over.
"I kept them in good condition for you," Anakin went on to say when she said nothing. "I even made a couple of improvements..." He then trailed off saying as she ignited the blade, revealing it now to be a classic blue much alike to his. I chuckled a little at the comment and shook my head lightly.
"What he means to say is he got you a pair of new kybers, your others are in the box though if you want to change them back." I chimed in while combing down Ari's hair. Ahsoka smiled and turned the blades off again placing them back in the box.
"No, these are perfect thank-
Just as she was speaking an alarm
Began to blade and the red emergency light cycled. We all looked around and I instinctively clung a little tighter to Ari. Out the corner of my eye I saw Ahsoka's face fall and assumed it was to do with being cut off just when we were getting a little closer and nice more. Suddenly Obi wan came through the door wearing an expression of extreme concern.
"The chancellors been kidnapped, we need to go back to Coruscant immediately." He informed and I watched Anakins expression drop to one of dread. My stomach fell as I heard the news - not at all concerned for the traitor but instead rather what he was up to. Everything was suddenly so tense and yet Ahsoka seemed the most uncomfortable of us all.
"Ahsoka I'm so sorry but-
"It's okay Anakin, I understand," Ahsoka chimed in before he could apologise. She then smiled softly, stepped forward and hugging his side in a way I couldn't describe. "You do what you have to do...I'll see you again soon I know it." She spoke sweetly with the kindest of smiles.
"Anakin come on...I'm sorry but we have to leave, now." Obi wan spoke up as my husband gently wrapped one arm around the teen. I Ahsoka pulled back then looked to me, smiling sadly and giving Ari a way. She stepped back.
"Good luck you lot...May the force be with you." She spoke giving us all a smile this time. She looked all grown up once more, stood there in a smart salute as the troopers ran by. Anakin smiled and gave her a quick snappy salute back. It was sweet to see...even if we had to be going.
"May the force be with you to snips." Anakin replied as Obi wan placed a hand on his shoulder and nodded to Ahsoka. Despite the terrible circumstances and dilemma taking place all around us we still had time for this one heartfelt goodbye. Who knew when we'd next meet...
"Yes, have a safe trip Ahsoka - contact us whenever you can, I speak for us all when I say we want to hear how you mission to Mandolore goes." I added, her eyes flickering to meet mine. Again she smiled, nodding once.
"I will master, don't worry," she replied and then waved to us all. "Safe trip, I know you'll do amazing." She added before disappearing out the door in the direction of the hanger. I could t describe it to you, but their was a look to her eyes as she left, one of hurt and regret. Who would've known saying goodbye to an old friend could hurt so much, it was terrible. However we would meet again, I'd make sure of it...
Anakin stood watching after her for a while so I walked over and took his hand in mine. I gave it a little squeeze as Obi wan was handing out instructions to the troops all around.
"...she'll be alright Anakin, and when we're done we'll go help her I promise." I whispered. He nodded without averting his gaze from the doorway, that knowing smile creeping back up at the corners of his lips.
"...I know she will, she's my student, she'll do amazing." He replied with assurance and certainty to his voice. It made me smile in turn, he had so much faith in her, it was wonderful. Ahsoka really was family.
And some day...our family would go back home. ..
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I know this chapters a little shorter but I thought this was a perfect place to end. I also know this is a different conversation to the one in clone wars but there's a reason for that you'll find out later. This marks the end of clone wars involvement in this book (there will be mentions of Ahsoka's battle in Chasing Speers however, my up-coming Arisoka spin off from this series set between now and book two)
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