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The twins had caught on that they were adopted from an early age, what with being a different species from their mother. Little Leia, aged around five years old, had once tried to replicate Ahsoka's lekku in an attempt to resemble her and that had brought joyful tears to the Togruta's eyes. Ever since she had taken them in her life had taken a turn for the better. They gave her a purpose that she had previously had trouble finding. Those who survived Order 66 were all battling their demons in their own ways, and she found that she had one of the best outcomes all things considered.
''Can you tell us about our parents, mommy?'' Luke had asked her around the same time. ''I know you're my mom, but we don't look alike like other moms with their children.''
Ahsoka had smiled fondly. Luke was very perceptive for his age, and he never stopped questioning everything. He reminded her of Padmé, and lying to him was all the more difficult because of it. Guilt twisted inside of her as she found herself answering:
''You know the story, Luke, and you know you're not old enough to hear it till the end.''
She enveloped him in a tight hug.
''It doesn't matter where you come from, only where you'll be going...'' she said, not entirely believing her words. She felt like Luke didn't either, but for the time being he stayed silent and hugged her tighter.
*
On their fourteenth birthday, Ahsoka decides that they're mature enough to hear the full story behind their adoption and their parentage. They're at an age where she has taught them about her years at the Temple, though she always carefully omits some crucial details as to the reason why she left and what became of her Master. She has taught them everything she knows about the Force and the combat styles she learned. She fully skips the more cult-like teachings the Jedi bestowed upon her, reminding herself that repression can lead to the Dark side far more easily than freedom ever could.
She starts with unwrapping a lightsaber from an old cloth, putting in on the table in front of them. It's the only thing she has left from Anakin, and her heart sinks in her chest. She remembers their last exchange on the temple.
I won't leave you, not this time, she had said, determined, willing to latch onto the last shred of hope she felt.
Then you will die, he had replied, cementing the fact that there was no trace left of her old Master.
''This belonged to your father, Anakin Skywalker,'' she says, her voice almost shaky. ''He was my Master a long time ago, but most of all he used to be my best friend.''
This has definitely captured their attention. The twins always listen eagerly when it comes to stories relating to their lineage. Luke makes eye contact with Leia and the both of them then stare at the lightsaber in front of them. Leia extends her hand to reach for it, and Ahsoka lets her. She wonders if she should've shown it to them earlier, explained it to them earlier. Every time she speaks of Anakin, she feels the ghost of whom he used to be invade her thoughts. It hurts more than she'd like to admit, reopening old wounds that she didn't know were still healing.
Leia closes her eyes and grips the handle of the lightsaber tightly. It ignites with a characteristic sound, filling the dimly-lit room with a blue light.
''It's blue, just like mine!'' she exclaims, and Ahsoka senses a hint of pride in her voice. That's when she realizes she regrets never at least showing it to them earlier.
''Like I've always told you, your father fell in love with a queen and despite being a Jedi and taking a vow of celibacy, he married her and you were born from their union.''
''Her name was Padmé,'' Luke says, and his voice is barely above a whisper. ''I think I would've loved to know her.''
Ahsoka feels a pang in her chest at the words.
''I'm sure she would've loved to get to know you both. Luke, you remind me of her sometimes. And Leia, you remind me of Anakin, before...'' Ahsoka trails off, suddenly unsure of if she should continue.
''Before what?'' Leia asks urgently. ''Please, mom, we need to know.''
''We're old enough,'' Luke supplies.
Ahsoka takes a deep breath.
''Before he turned to the Dark side,'' she finishes, her gaze dropping to the ground.
''But you said- you said he died!'' Leia says, her voice faltering. She looks like she's on the verge of tears, and Ahsoka puts a reassuring hand on her shoulder to steady her.
''I know. In a way, Anakin Skywalker died the night he turned to the Dark side, but I wasn't completely honest with you. I lied, but it was to protect you. I didn't want you to know this until you were old enough, brave enough to handle the truth.''
Ahsoka takes a deep breath, her blue orbs filling with tears. She wipes them and continues:
''I may have had a part to play in it since I left the Jedi Order when he needed me most. I left because I was wrongly accused of a crime, and the Order cast me aside without a proper investigation.''
Talking about the Order still left a bad taste in her mouth. They certainly had their part to play in the making of Darth Vader, she thought bitterly.
''If he turned to the Dark side, he had his reasons mom. That's on him, not you,'' Leia says.
Luke nods and adds: ''Maybe he can eventually return to the Light side... but you'll always be our mom.''
Ahsoka smiles, suddenly overwhelmed by love for the twins.
''I have an idea. Why don't we go pay a visit to Uncle Obi-Wan, and we can both tell you stories about your parents back in the old days? And I'll give you your presents.''
Luke and Leia share a brief look, before both of them respond enthusiastically. Luke loves going to Tatooine, and Leia can never get enough of Uncle Obi-Wan's stories about his missions during the Clone Wars.
''Come here,'' Ahsoka says, opening her arms in a warm invitation.
She hugs them both tightly, placing a kiss on top of their heads.
''I'm so proud of you both!'' she exclaims, and she can't help but think that wherever Padmé is, she's smiling down upon them and giving her her blessing.