Young Writers Society

Trigger Warning: Funeral

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1,253 Words

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Ahsoka had created a makeshift sling using some old clothes that Obi-Wan had found for her. On her back, Leia lay sleeping, cooing every now and again. Across her chest, Luke suckled on a bottle that Ahsoka was feeding him, his bright blue eyes smiling up at the Togruta. His tiny hands were gently wrapped around hers, as though the baby were pretending to hold the bottle on his own.

"So precious," she quietly breathed to herself. "It'll be okay, little Luke. I promise."

She lifted her head and watched as the funeral procession began. Padmé's casket was being pulled by several large creatures called Gualarr, quadrupeds with white fur, black eyes, and one large, curled horn. Ahsoka recognized Jar Jar Binks, a member of the Republic Senate, leading the large group. The Naboo Queen followed, alongside her guard and several other politicians.

"These are the people you would've met if things had been different," Ahsoka said to Luke. "These are the people your mother would've wanted you to grow up knowing..." The little blue-eyed baby cooed at her in reply, pushing the bottle away from his mouth in a firm yet gentle motion. "Full already?" The Togruta grinned at the child and gently began to bounce him. "You'll grow up to be big and strong one day, just like your father... I promise."

Ahsoka turned her attention back to the funeral procession. Bail Organa and other members of the Senate were following the casket towards the Naboo capital, Theed. The skies were dark and heavy with rain. The air felt cool and dry against Ahsoka's skin. She had come close to the procession despite warnings from Obi-Wan and Master Yoda; for some reason, it felt important to have Padmé's children at the funeral.

"How am I supposed to make myself something I'm not?" she asked the babe across her chest. "Do you think I can really do this, Luke?" The child smiled up at her and tugged at her lekku, eyes bright and cheery. "You look so much like Anakin... And your sister looks like Padmé..." Ahsoka closed her eyes and pictured them both in her head, alive and well... together. "I wish that you would be able to know them as I did, little one. But that's no an option, is it? No, not an option at all..."

Ahsoka turned back towards Organa's ship, which had been hidden in the mountains, Leia gently bouncing on her back while she swayed Luke in her arms. The hill wasn't too steep, but nonetheless she was careful with every step, fearful that one wrong move would result in disaster. As she passed over the crown of the hill, Ahsoka turned back to look down upon the funeral procession one final time.

"Rest in peace, Padmé. May the Force be with you."

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Ahsoka walked up the ramp and into the ship. Obi-Wan and Yoda both stood inside, along with a third person, hooded and cloaked.

"Found us here, Quinlan Vos has," Yoda announced.

"Not undamaged," the hooded Jedi grunted. "I've lost a finger."

"What happened?" Ahsoka asked, wrapping an arm around Luke.

"I escaped with help from the Wookies," the Kiffar replied, removing his hood. Bruises covered his face and one of his eyes were blackened. His black hair was greased over, and his tan skin was rougher. "I failed to save Luminara Unduli. She was surrounded and told me to find Master Yoda--" He tore his face away from all of them, eyes clenched shut as his voice faltered.

"There was nothing to be done." Obi-Wan's gaze fell on the Kiffar as he reached out a hand of comfort.

Ahsoka looked down at the ground and closed her eyes. First it was Anakin, then Plo Koon's death was confirmed, Shaak Ti, and now Luminara? Were any other Jedi still out there? No-- they had to be; after all, three stood here before her. "We'll find a way," the Togruta said firmly. "One way or another, we'll make it through to the other side of this. None of them will have died in vain, and this will not have been for naught."

"Wise words, Ahsoka Tano," Master Yoda concurred. The Jedi Master turned towards Vos, green eyes full of both grief and hope. "Much she can teach us, and much to learn, this young one does. Remember her words, you should."

"Of course, Master," Vos said quietly as he cradled his damaged hand. His mysterious dark brown eyes were seemingly empty and yet seemed full and satisfied. He released his injury, letting it stand out like a lone weed in a field of dirt. "Whose children are those?"

"Padmé Amidala's, they are," Yoda answered. "Died in childbirth she did."

"Who was their father? Do we know?" The Koffar shook his head. "Don't answer that, I'm being needlessly nosy..."

"Answer you, I cannot." Yoda turned to Ahsoka and dipped his head. "Up to young Tano, that is."

Ahsoka held Luke closer to her chest, keeping her eyes on Vos. "I don't want to tell you, not because I don't know, but because it is my mission to keep them safe. I can't do that if more and more people know about them."

"Understood," the Jedi grunted. "I hope your mission does not fail, then, for their sake."

Ahsoka offered him a smile, but faltered. She turned her head towards Obi-Wan, looking up to the Jedi Knight. "I must be going, Masters."

"Not yet." Obi-Wan smirked, reached behind his back, and revealed a small bag. He opened the top of it and handed it to her to look at. A lightsaber sat on top of a pile of clothes and there was another bag on top. "10,000 credits in both cash and in credit chips. And that is Anakin's lightsaber, seeming that you're missing yours."

Ahsoka reached for the lightsaber, feeling its metallic hilt against her fingers. "I-- thank you, Master Kenobi."

"He would've wanted you to have it." Obi-Wan placed a hand gently on her shoulder, eyes bright. "There's a blaster in there, too. There's a ship for you that Bail wants you to take a little further up the hill. Once again, do not hesitate to contact me. "I'll be staying here on Alderaan with the Organas."

Ahsoka turned her head to Master Yoda. "Where will you go?"

"Mmm... To Dagobah, I will go. Strong with the Force, that planet is. Come to visit me, will you?" the green creature chuckled, a small smile spread over his wrinkled face.

Ahsoka smiled back, eyes watering a little. "I will, Master. One day, I'll bring the children to see you. I think they'd like that."

"Until we meet again, Ahsoka Tano. May the Force be with you."

"May the Force be with you, Masters."

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Ahsoka nestled Luke and Leia next to one another in the crib that was bolted to the floor of the ship Organa had donated to her. The crib was in a small sectioned off room next to the bridge. The small starship was a G9 Rigger-class light freighter with the name "Redeemer" painted on one wall in the room. Ahsoka's bed was on the other side of the room with plain gray sheets. Ahsoka turned and left the room, leaving the doors open as she moved into the bridge.

The Togruta sat down in the bridge and reached for the navigation computer, pausing before moving on. "Little ones, I know exactly where we're going... let's go see some friends on Pantora."