The air trembled with trepidation, Jupiter could sense it as she stood at one of the balconies of the Jedi Temple where she could see the Clone Army in the distance, readying to leave. She leaned back against the wall, her hood hanging down her back as she massaged the scars of her left arm. War was now inevitable, in fact it had already begun. She could sense it and it troubled her greatly. So preoccupied with her worry that she did not notice Obi-Wan had joined her until he had placed a soft hand on her shoulder, awakening her from her thoughts. "You are troubled."
"Everyone is troubled, Obi, dark times are ahead of us." She murmured, glancing his way before looking back towards the Senate. "I can foresee many deaths to come and great pain to be inflicted on so many innocent people of all races. The Separatists have called for war and now, we have answered."
"Do not be afraid. We'll get through this, together." Jupiter felt only a little appeased by his words, turning back to look at him with pained eyes so he slid an arm around her back and allowed her to lean against him as he laced his fingers together, enshrouding her with his presence. "Hopefully we can end this war quickly and then the threat will be over."
"I thought you were more intelligent than that, Obi-Wan." Jupiter murmured with a sigh, closing her eyes. "Have you spoken to Master Windu and Master Yoda?"
"Yes, I've just come from the council room. Master Yoda shares your sentiments and unfortunately, I know you both to be far too wise to be wrong." He head meant it lightly however Jupiter's mood did not improve at his jest. She turned and gazed out towards the beautiful sunset, deciding that if this was to be her last night of peace before a lifetime of war, she would enjoy it to its full capacity. She could think of no better way to receive such beauty as the vibrant red, orange and golden hues than to have Obi-Wan embracing her. Her heart fluttered slightly and she slowly began to smile into the sensation, relaxing against him.
"I wish the Force could freeze time. I would quite gladly remain in this moment forever with you." She murmured and behind her she felt Obi-Wan's chuckle vibrate against her back.
"If you were able to freeze time, my dear, then you would quite possibly be the most powerful Jedi to ever exist." He mused thoughtfully and Jupiter gave a quiet laugh, her mood lightening as she smiled.
"You know that just sounds like a challenge to me, don't you?" She reasoned and Obi-Wan nodded his head, knowing her all too well. Jupiter was never one to back down from a challenge, in fact she lived for them. They had once argued over the existence of a certain species of plant on a planet and to prove Obi-Wan wrong, Jupiter had flown out and found it, even though it had never been discovered there before. She was as resilient, obstinate and indomitable as they came.
"Of course, my dear." He answered, lowering his head slightly to relish in her closeness, wanting to never let her go. She had such a gentle fragrance. It was not floral or overpowering like most scents he knew women to wear, it was very simple and endearing to him. A mixture of her natural scent as well as the soap she used to wash, fresh and cleansing to his strained mind. "Jupiter…"
"Yes?" He blinked, not realising he had actually spoken her name so he hurriedly thought of something to say whilst fighting to hide his mistake.
"I just…promise me that you will be careful from now on." He requested, gripping her shoulders and turning her around so that they were eye to eye. "It may be a long time before we see one another again, however it is equally likely that we will both be thrown onto several battlefields. Ensure that you always take care of yourself and try not to be so reckless." Jupiter only chuckled, reaching up a hand to lovingly touch his face, brushing her thumb over his beard as she smiled reassuringly.
"So long as I have you to come home to, sweeting, then I shall always have a reason to come back." Leaning forwards she rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes to listening to his steady heartbeat. "Both you and Anakin. We shall always be close to one another, not even death will separate us. That much I can sense with absolute certainty." However even as she spoke, Jupiter felt a slight doubt in her mind but she concealed it from Obi-Wan, not wanting him to worry. Pulling back she gave another broader smile before taking his hand and quietly drew him to the balcony edge where they turned to watch the final moments of the sunset together, both of them thinking of the poignancy of its reflection on their lives. Tomorrow at dawn, a new life will start for them and everything will change.
When the sunsets on that era also, Jupiter knew with all her heart that nothing will be the same again. By what way, however, she could not yet tell. The future was clouded from her and even as she tried to reach for it, it fell away from her before she could grasp her hold. Sensing her wandering thoughts, Obi-Wan reached out and rested his hand over that of his closest and most precious friend, giving her a heartening smile before together, they both watching the last rays of the golden sun as it sank below the city line before them.