The Unchronicled Adventures of Ahsoka Tano, Book Eight

Chapter Seventy-Two: Never Underestimate A Bonteri

LUX BONTERI 

Lux lay on the floor, his entire body as unmoving as a predator waiting for the chance to strike. He hardly even dared to breathe.

He thanked his lucky stars that he had listened to Ahsoka when she had told him about her dream – it was true, after all, that her foresight was often extremely accurate. When he had left Ahsoka's room that morning, he had put on some extra protection that he had bought on Tatooine for way more than it was worth.

The Sith assassin – Ventress, as Ahsoka had called her – advanced to the bed on silent feet, twin lightsabers swinging at her hip. Lux was certain that she knew the name Ventress from somewhere, but he didn't know exactly...

Suddenly, it hit him. As he lay on the floor, faking being dead, a memory that he had tried so many times to erase, came back to him.

Lux had been younger then, probably a few months short of seventeen. Even now, he could still remember every single detail. His mother was enjoying a rare weeklong pause from her duties in the Separatist Parliament, and he was happy to spend time with her.

However, he didn't often show it. Despite it having been over a year since his father's death – or, at least, the man that he had thought was his father at the time, Zakhan Bonteri – he was still reeling from the blow. His emotions had been in turmoil, and, not knowing how to deal with them, he retreated inside himself. He had become quiet, aloof, and oftentimes unable to properly express how he was feeling.

But even so, he appreciated his mother's company. Mina, he knew, was in the process of grooming him to be the next Senator for Onderon, their homeworld, and took advantage of breaks like these to teach him about politics. But he didn't mind. He had always found their talks and debates stimulating and educational.

Late one night, a day or two after his mother's allotted vacation time had begun, Lux had been sneaking downstairs. It had been well past his usual bedtime – not that Mina was very strict about such things – but, unable to sleep, he crept down the grand staircase in search of a midnight snack. Sometimes eating something and a walk, whether stealthy or not, helped him get back to sleep.

He reached the bend in the stairs, and was about to slip off in the direction of the kitchens when he heard someone ring the chime on the door. Knowing that if he answered it, he would be caught, he remained crouched on the floor where he was, peeping out from behind the railing.

A moment later, Mina hurried over to answer it. Someone – a woman, by the looks of them – was at the door. "Ventress!" his mother exclaimed in greeting, a hint of fear in her voice. This made little sense to Lux. Mina Bonteri had always been as fearless as a gundark.

They spoke for a moment, but so quietly that Lux was unable to pick up on anything that would give him an idea as to what the conversation was about. His mother also didn't seem to be inclined to invite this 'Ventress' person inside.

But then, his mother gasped, clutching at her neck. She was chocking. Her feet rose a few inches above the floor, and Lux covered his mouth to avoid making any sound. His eyes were wide in fear, and if his father hadn't told him anything about the nature of the Force, he wouldn't have known what was going on.

A few moments later, his mother collapsed to the ground. Although he was desperate to believe otherwise, Lux knew that his beloved mother was dead.

This time, he was unable to contain himself. "NO!" he shouted, jumping up.

Ventress smiled malevolently, her evil silvery eyes locking onto his. "Let this be a lesson to you, boy," she hissed. "Never come between the Separatists and their goal."

He had never forgotten that night.

-----

As Lux came back to the present, he allowed himself to move enough to glance up at Ventress. One look at her face, and, despite having short hair with a stiff part, it was definitely the same woman who had been talking to his mother moments before her death back on Raxus.

Ventress had killed his mother.

Mina Bonteri's killer now stood a few feet ahead of him, right next to Ahsoka's bed. Amni stood stoically on the other side, giving Ventress a cold stare.

But that gave Lux an idea. Careful not to make a sound, he inched into position. Then, as quick as lightening, he leapt out, kicking the unprotected underside of her leg. Her stance weakened, he jumped up, bowling her clean over.

He punched her once or twice for good measure, then kicked the one spot on her neck that he knew would always knock someone out. The Sith apprentice slumped, unconscious, and he stood up, blowing his fist as if hitting Ventress had gotten it dirty.

"Let this be a lesson to you, Sith," he said, looking at the still form beside him. "You never underestimate a Bonteri."

"Lux!" Ahsoka cried out. "Are you o...okay?"

"It's okay, sweetheart. I was wearing a laser-proof vest. I'm not hurt". He walked over to kneel beside her again. "Don't worry. Until you can protect yourself again, I'll make sure no one hurts you."

Suddenly, Amni ran to the bottom end of the cot. "Lux, Ahsoka, brace yourselves. I think it's time!"

*With one crisis averted, another one begins. With Ventress's plot for revenge foiled, will Ahsoka be safe to give birth to her baby? Can Lux learn to forgive and forget, or will the Sith assassin's actions all those years ago stay with him forever? And better yet: is the baby a boy or a girl? You'll find out in the next thrilling chapter of The Unchronicled Adventures Of Ahsoka Tano!

Sooooo... Did everyone like the flashback? I did. It was pretty fun to explain how Lux's mother died, and to tie it in with UAAT. I don't really have much else to say, but I'm sure you all do, so please comment and tell me what you thought!

Next chapter will be up in the next twenty-four standard hours, so until then...

Find a crystal on Ilum to construct your own lightsaber and may the Force be with you,

Sharron