Vigilante

Chapter Two

Seventeen years ago in the Ehosiq sector, on the planet of Shili . . .

"Ahsoka Tano. You will make us so proud."

A young Togruta girl smiled at the crowd around her. Hovering over her head was a Tooka doll, one the girl always carried with her. The audience smiled and let out a series of oohs and ahhs, followed by a unison of clapping. She laughed and let the doll fall into her arms, giving it a squeeze. The crowd dispersed, leaving only one Togruta beaming at her.

"My dear, Ahsoka. Come with me," he said, offering his hand out to her. She took it and followed the elder to his home.

"Sit down."

He himself settled on the ground next to the exquisite pottery he was making. Ahsoka carefully placed her doll down before sitting.

"I'm going to tell you a story, young one. A story about Jedi."

"Jedi?" she whispered. She had never heard word before. It sounded funny. She giggled.

The elder smiled before continuing.

"Yes, Jedi. They serve and protect the Republic. They are honored throughout the galaxy, and especially among our people. Jedi are strong in the Force. They can do many things regular people cannot. And you, Ahsoka, are very strong in the Force. Someday, you will be a Jedi."

The elder patted her head affectionately. Ahsoka's eyes were wide with awe. She could become a Jedi? She could protect the galaxy! How wonderful an opportunity it was for the little girl. It was almost an impossible dream, but to know she could achieve it was an amazing feeling.

"Do you know what the best part is?" The elder tilted his head.

"What?" Ahsoka couldn't wait to hear more.

"You get a light sword," the elder informed her. He waved his hands as if he were holding a lightsaber, completing the effect by making humming noises. Ahsoka laughed.

They were interrupted when loud shouts sounded from outside.

"Jedi!"

"They have come!"

"Ahsoka, they are here!"

"Come quick, old Ra'ama, and bring the girl," a woman stopped by the door to tell him and gestured towards the center of the town.

Ra'ama took Ahsoka's hand once again and led her towards the commotion. Everyone in the village was gathered in a circle, seemingly around . They made a path for the man and child. In the center of the clearing stood a tall slender figure, clad in umber robes.

"Greetings, citizens of Shili. I am Jedi Master Latrans," a voice spoke. The figure unhooded themself, revealing a woman of an alien species the Togruta had never encountered before. Her face slightly resembled that of a coyote's and her hair was long and graceful. Everything about this stranger enchanted the crowd, especially Ahsoka Tano.

"We Jedi have received your transmission. I am here to see the girl. Ahsoka, is that her name?" The mysterious woman smiled sweetly before catching sight of the mentioned girl.

"Come forward," she called out.

"Go on." Ra'ama nudged Ahsoka towards the Jedi.

Latrans lowered herself to the girl's height, arms wide open. Ahsoka made her way to the woman, her little heart beating. This moment was going to be life-changing! As excited as she was, every step she took towards the Jedi caused a peculiar feeling to grow more and more inside her. It was like . . a thick fog. Something was amiss. Ahsoka stopped in her tracks.

"Don't be afraid! Come with me and you will become an honorable Jedi. Your town will be so proud of you!" Latrans said soothingly. The other Togrutas cheered.

"Hurry up, Ahsoka! Before - "

Ra'ama ceased speaking and lifted one hand to point at the horizon. A hooded figure appeared in the distance, coming closer and closer.

"Quick," Latrans nearly shouted, looking back at the silhouette. "We- we don't have all day!"

Ahsoka looked at Latrans, then at the figure. She shook her head.

"No," the girl simply stated.

Then, without warning, Latrans rushed towards her and picked her up. Ahsoka screamed. The woman ran through the crowd of confused Togrutas, who were now focused on the unknown person running towards them.

"Keep her safe, Jedi! We will take care of- of whoever this is," someone called after them.

The figure was now yards away from the crowd, but their intent was not to attack the Togrutas. They were chasing after Latrans. Ahsoka yelled once again, arms flailing, reaching out to the figure.

'Do not be afraid. Take deep breaths, it will calm you down.' a low voice spoke in her mind.

Ahsoka did so and relaxed. The voice, she knew, belonged to the true Jedi. The stranger who was coming to save her. She trusted him significantly more than Latrans. Through the Force, she could sense Latrans was evil. The stranger was light and kind.

The stranger had gained on Latrans, and the false Jedi was beginning to feel weak. She stopped and turned around to find a lightsaber pointed at her throat.

"Put her down," the unknown man demanded. "You are no Jedi, bounty hunter."

Latrans dropped Ahsoka onto the ground and the girl hid behind the stranger for safety.

"Now go."

Latrans sped away with what energy she had left, leaving Ahsoka with the man and angry Togrutas closing in on them.

Ahsoka turned to face her people, holding out a hand telling them to stop.

"Who are you?" Ra'ada asked the Jedi.

The stranger removed his hood.

"I am Jedi Master Plo Koon. A member of the Jedi Order and a General serving the Republic," the Kel Dor said.

"Then, who was she?"

"Latrans is a well-known bounty hunter in this sector. As Force-sensitive children appear more frequently, bounty hunters such as her will come for them," Master Plo stated.

The crowd gasped.

"Fortunately, my mission led me here to Shili. I felt you in the force, young one. It wasn't a coincidence that I came to save you." Plo kneeled down to a beaming Ahsoka.

"What is your name?" Plo held out a hand. She placed hers in his.

"Ahsoka Tano," she replied.

"Well then, Little 'Soka. It is time for you to come with me."

Together, they waved goodbye to the members of her town. Ahsoka's new family was ready to welcome her home.