**Chapter 522**
**Threads of the Future**
**Ahsoka POV**
**Jedi Temple – Training Fields**
The late afternoon sun bathed the Jedi Temple's training fields in a warm, golden light. Ahsoka Tano stood with the rest of the girls near the edge of one of the larger open arenas, watching an spectacle that would have scandalized half the Jedi Order just a few months ago.
Dagon raced across the field like a living storm, crimson lightning crackling around his body as he moved with unnatural speed. Zule chased him from the left, light blue lightning dancing along her arms and lekku, while Erictia pursued from the right, her bright pink lightning flashing wildly as she laughed with pure delight.
"Come on, girls! If you want to catch me, you've got to do better than that!" Dagon called out, voice full of teasing challenge as he vaulted over a low training barrier, lightning arcing behind him like a comet tail.
The gathered Knights and Masters watching from the sidelines had mixed reactions. Some looked outright scandalized that Sith lightning — or any dark side technique — was being used for what amounted to a game. Others watched with reluctant fascination, whispering among themselves about the sheer control Dagon displayed.
Ahsoka couldn't help but smile. It was chaotic, irreverent, and so very *them*.
"Ah, little Soka," a familiar deep voice called out. "How much you have grown."
Ahsoka turned, her face lighting up as she saw Master Plo Koon approaching. She ran forward and hugged him tightly, the Kel Dor's presence bringing back a flood of warm memories from her early days in the Temple.
"Master Plo! It's been so long," she said, stepping back with a bright smile.
Plo Koon regarded her with kind eyes behind his mask. "Indeed it has. I must say, I've heard some… interesting reports about your activities. And I'm surprised to see you wearing jewelry now. I thought you said you didn't like it."
Ahsoka touched the elegant ring on her finger — one of Dagon's emergency shield devices disguised as simple jewelry. "It's not really jewelry," she said carefully. "Dagon gave them to us as emergency shields in case we're ever in danger. The beskar parts… well, he said we need to protect ourselves."
She didn't like lying to Plo Koon, but her relationship with Dagon — and the others — wasn't something she was ready to reveal yet. At least not fully.
Plo Koon studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I see. Practical gifts. That sounds like him."
Ahsoka hesitated, then decided to ask the question that had been weighing on her mind ever since Dagon had brought it up.
"Master Plo… I've been meaning to ask you something. Something Dagon asked me about. If this war hadn't happened… what exactly would I have been doing? Was I just supposed to stay at the Temple forever? Return to my village as its protector? Or start serving the Republic on endless diplomatic negotiations?"
Plo Koon was quiet for a long moment, his gaze drifting toward the training fields where Dagon and the girls continued their lightning game.
"You know… it's the same question I often asked myself," he admitted softly. "I wondered if this war hadn't occurred, whether I should have returned home to join the monastery… or perhaps even start a family."
Ahsoka's eyes widened in shock. "But… I thought Jedi weren't supposed to have attachments."
"Ah, yes. The Temple doesn't allow it while you are here," Plo Koon explained gently. "But each race and culture varies depending on where you go. Rules differ from Twi'leks to humans to even Kel Dors like me. The Order's strictest interpretations are mainly for those who remain in the main branch."
Ahsoka looked down, processing. "Dagon explained that various other sects of the Jedi Order have different rules. It's mainly those who stay with the main branch who follow the strictest codes."
Plo Koon placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "If you wish to return to your village after the war and eventually marry, I see no problem with that. I will even put in a word with the Council for you, should you need it."
Ahsoka stared at him, stunned. "What…? Why…? I mean… thank you, Master."
"Think nothing of it, little Soka," Plo Koon said warmly. "The war is harsh, but all of us Jedi are connected. We must support each other's paths, even if they lead beyond these walls."
He gave her one last nod before turning toward the Temple hangar. "May the Force be with you, Ahsoka."
Ahsoka watched him go, heart full and mind swirling with possibilities she had never dared to consider before.
**End Chapter**