Chapter 20: The Wedding
Barriss's POV
Barriss was still in a state of shock when it was finally just herself, Luminara, and Obi-wan back in their Coruscant apartment.
The teen said nothing through the entire trip and neither did Luminara. Obi-wan and Ahsoka did the best they could to comfort their Mirialan companions by being near and close. Anakin was stunned by the silence as no one would have thought something so dramatic would happen so soon after their victory over the Clone Wars. Guilt gripped Barriss's throat on being so inept of handling her emotions when Anakin has received the best news he's ever received. Anakin Skywalker was going to be a father and Barriss was drowning over a vision.
Ever since the vision she had back on Mortis where she executed her Master, Barriss never wanted to have another vision again. It was one of those gifts in the Force that can be a blessing or a curse and twice now, it has been a curse. Yet, this second vision was way worse than the first in Barriss's mind. Her first vision revolved around an internal conflict, while this one seemed to tear everyone she loved apart leaving her as just a spectator.
"Barriss?" Obi-wan gently asks from the chair across from her in the living room. Luminara chose a seat next to her and held an arm around her. Barriss couldn't bear to meet Luminara's gaze. The Padawan could practically taste the anguish that was eating away at her Master. Barriss knows she'd feel the same way had the tables been turned and she was left helpless looking from the outside in. Thus, Barriss chose to meet Obi-wan's kind eyes.
"Remember when we were on Mortis and I woke up screaming from a vision I had?" Barriss begins, her voice now steady.
Obi-wan nods his head in affirmation, saying nothing so that she can continue.
Barriss then takes a breath and proceeds, "In that vision, I fell to the Dark Side and executed my Master. At the time I was feeling insecure about a lot of things within myself, my Master, and the Jedi Order. Obviously, my Master and I have talked through things and we wound up ending the war by defeating Palpatine. Things worked for the better, but that doesn't mean I don't periodically wonder if that vision would have come to fruition had we never ended up on Mortis together. I understand why Master Qui-gon went to such lengths to study propochy. Visions can be disillusioned for sure or clouded, but there's some truth to them. Skywalker is a perfect example and looks like he's going to be a father because he foresaw that happening once the Sith was out of the equation…"
Barriss takes a moment to collect herself as tears start to prickle. She was grateful Luminara and Obi-wan were so patient and empathetic. After a few deep breaths and a tissue, Barriss centers herself once more.
"But this second vision doesn't revolve around me at all. I didn't see a complete story, I only saw fragments of what may be and everyone was involved. Ahsoka was in it, you two were in it, and so was Anakin… I fear that Palpatine was only the beginning. That he may have been the Sith Lord, but there are others still out there, waiting…..watching…"
Both Luminara and Obi-wan look at each other with sheer horror at what Barriss just said. The idea of a Sith presence still out there was enough to shatter every last bit of happiness and relief they've been indulging since Palpatine's fall. Everyone was still processing what took place and now it's as if someone just cut them all open to bleed out. Even though Barriss can sense and feel the war raging within the two other adults in the room, they still managed to stay in the present with her. Barriss couldn't help but feel loved by their strength in hearing her out despite the pain her words have inflicted on them.
"Barriss…" Luminara finally speaks, "What did you see exactly and please my darling don't gloss over any details because every one of them counts."
Barriss looks at her Master and sees that her violet eyes had a tint of red in them as the older woman was fighting back her own tears. Barriss nods her head and tells the couple every image she saw in chronological order, from the first vision of Ahsoka to the end with the mysterious child. Obi-wan and Luminara looked visibly confused as Barriss was sure their logical minds were trying to make some sense of what she saw.
"Well.." Obi-wan exhales, looking deflated, "It's understandable why that has frightened you; that would have been enough to send Master Yoda and Qui-gon packing…"
"You should've had to experience this my love, but perhaps we can sort this out and see if we can get ahead of it. After everything we've been through, I refuse to accept another surprise from a Sith" Luminara adds, clenching her fists.
"Yes, it is extremely unusual to me that we would hear of any retaliation from the Sith so soon since there's always two. Yoda gave his life to defeat Dooku and then we took care of the Master…" Obi-wan ponders.
"Ventress" Luminara says coldly, her face hardening at the memory.
Obi-wan's mouth dropped at the revelation, "That's right… We know Dooku betrayed her but we never knew of her fate. That could be a lead!"
Barriss shakes her head, "It didn't have a woman's voice, the evil, it sounded male"
"Then perhaps Ventress has a male companion who is knowledgeable of the dark arts" Luminara quickly replies, "If we can track her down, then we could get some answers."
Obi-wan nods in agreement, "I agree, let's arrange a meeting between us, Anakin, Depa, and Quinlan. This could be our first mission as a new order, forget the plans!"
Barriss says nothing as their plan of action still seemed small to her. There was a much larger issue going on that she couldn't quite place.
"We never ventured into the Temple on Lothal, perhaps we can relocate there to get spiritual guidance as well. Who knows? Perhaps the mystics of old may offer us some advice?" Barriss proposes.
Luminara and Obi-wan look to each other before considering it.
"I'll be honest and say that I have some reservations on it considering what you saw, but some spiritual guidance has never hurt us in the past.." Luminara thinks aloud.
"I say that those involved within the vision should stay out of tactical missions as much as we can. If this mysterious Sith presence wants to battle with us then we shouldn't spend all our energy by seeking Ventress out. I may throw the suggestion of sending Quinlan and Depa or maybe some of the other Knights we met to interrogate her. Anakin and I have had the most contact with her and you my darling have engaged her with Ahsoka in the past so having a third party is favorable. Barriss should be the one with the most protection since only the Force knows why she's received this vision" Obi-wan says, looking more confident. To Barriss, the man sounded no different than he did on Geonosis when the Masters were talking battle strategy. The resurgence and necessity of this particular trait that saddened Barriss, not the notion of the three of them finding answers.
Luminara chimes in, "Yes, I agree. See if you can contact everyone and we can come up with a fleshed out plan tomorrow? If there's one thing I've learned from the Clone Wars is that rest and timing is essential when dealing with these things. We need to keep a clear head as much as I would love to have another go at Ventress."
The woman then decides to make tea as Barriss knew that in high stress environments, her Master will go for the tea kettle or the coffee pot depending on the time of day. Obi-wan settles into his chair again, stroking his beard like he normally does when he's thinking.
"Barriss, you mentioned that you saw Lothal when you saw the child?" Obi-wan questions.
"Yes, the grassfields were the same as the ones we were meditating on" Barriss reaffirms.
"Then that means Lothal is no longer a safe option for us. In order to counter what is seen, we must avoid any potential possibilities. I know you tossed the idea of seeking spiritual guidance in the Temple there, but if you saw Lotha in the vision, then it may be likely our enemy will seek us there too."
"What about the child?" Barriss asks.
"Well that's where things are muddy for me. If it were two I would theorize that they'd likely be Anakin's children as he is anticipating twins and it would make sense for the Sith to go after the first children born from a powerful Jedi like Anakin. He was the Chosen One after all and it's unlikely any other Jedi will procreate anytime soon with nothing set in stone…" Obi-wan explains, his brows deepening with every thought.
Barriss then felt her heart sink at the possibility, but felt that given the circumstances she couldn't keep secrets, "What if it's your child Obi-wan?"
The sound of a cup shattering in the kitchen gained the two Jedi's attention as they looked to see a gobsmacked Luminara. The three of them just steeped in the deafening silence at the question. Barriss didn't want it to be true, but logically the child being theirs made sense since Luminara and Obi-wan are the only known Jedi couple. Barriss then finds the courage to speak up, "Let's not forget that her wedding ring made an appearance in the vision as well. Perhaps our enemy is aware that probably the first two Jedi in a millenia are getting married. A child between you two would overpower any of us including Anakin and his family."
Luminara cups her hand over her mouth as Obi-wan moves to clean up the ceramic shards off the floor. Barriss knew that they couldn't argue with her statements. Even now the teenager evaluates the severity of this truth. If they were regular beings, the idea of Obi-wan and Luminara having a child would be just as exciting as Anakin's announcement. In their case, it could spell danger for themselves and possibly the galaxy itself. Obi-wan guids Luminara back to the couch after disposing of the waste as her entire body was shaking. Barriss meets the couple and holds onto her Master.
"She's right Ben… what if who she saw was our child?" Luminara asks shakily.
Obi-wan holds his face in his hands for a moment before answering, "Well… are you pregnant?"
Luminara shrugs her shoulders "I don't think so, but it's possible…"
Barriss cradles her Master's head on her lap and attempts to comfort her by stroking her hair. With Barriss's healing powers, she knows she could give the couple an answer without any medical testing. The teen wasn't naive of the fact the couple have consummate their relationship unlike she has with Ahsoka.
"I can give you both an answer… right now" Barriss declares looking into Luminara's eyes.
"You can?" Obi-wan says, sounding hopeful.
Barriss nods her head, "I could tap into the Force and focus my attention on her and if the texts are true, I should be able to sense the child if there is one."
Luminara shoots back up and turns into a darker shade of green, "Give me a moment, I think I'm going to be sick."
Barriss knows that her Master's sudden illness wouldn't be a clear sign of her possible pregnancy given how stressful the conversation has gotten. Obi-wan waits outside the bathroom door as Luminara relieves herself. Barriss could only imagine how frightened Luminara could be right now. If she was pregnant, their worst fears will be realized instead of happiness and if she wasn't she may try to distance herself from Obi-wan which creates a whole new level of heartbreak for both parties. The teenager wanted nothing more than to hide in some deserted world somewhere and never return. Clearly, the universe wasn't done with them yet. Barriss then remembers Anakin being involved in the vision looking just as disheveled as Obi-wan did. Perhaps his family did face danger too or more specifically Padme and her unborn babies.
"This would affect Anakin to Obi-wan. Both of you were in the vision together.." Barriss reminds Obi-wan as he begins to look paler than usual.
"I'll… have to warn Anakin then…" Obi-wan replies weakly.
After what felt like hours, Luminara re-emerges still looking off, but well enough to place herself in front of Barriss. Obi-wan kneels beside her, holding her hand in doing so. With a straight face, Luminara commands Barriss to "do what she must" to know whether there was a baby at stake.
Barriss places a hand on Luminara's abdomen and closes her eyes. She then bends the Force to her will by focusing it all on her Master. Within seconds of doing so, Barriss begins to hear a tiny heartbeat. Luminara was pregnant and she was about a month into it. Barriss opened her eyes and the expression on her face told the couple everything they needed to know. The three of them need to begin to sob, realizing that what was supposed to be a beautiful moment has been taken away from the threat of the Sith.
Barriss was beyond scared and devastated for her Master. Now the truth has been revealed, her vision became clearer. Luminara and Padme were the next targets. Whatever darkness is out there is aware of these children and will stop at nothing to get to them.
Anakin's POV
Anakin, along with Ahsoka and Padme came running to Luminara's apartment upon hearing Obi-wan's distress call. The sight of the three Jedi weeping scared Skywalkers and the Padawan enough to send them on their knees as they approached their friends. Anakin held onto Obi-wan. Padme held Luminara. Ahsoka held Barriss. Neither of them moved or spoke until the other three wept every possible tear in their bodies. At one point Obi-wan screamed towards the sky in agony which was a sight Anakin had burned into his memory. Whatever was plaguing their friends broke his heart and once he knew what had happened, Anakin would stop at nothing to restore peace. Padme begins to succumb to emotion and begins to cry also, leaving a paralyzed Snips cradling her beloved, looking more lost than Anakin has ever seen her.
It wasn't until dawn was starting to break through that Barriss informed them of the truth. Anakin punched a fist into the ground with his mechanical hand upon hearing that the returning Sith were after his children and Obi-wan's child. The fire that burned in his soul was enough to bring back the hatred he felt when Anakin thought Padme was gone by Palpatine's hand. It wasn't over. Their victory was short-lived. It was beyond Anakin's comprehension. Dark forces have taken the young man's mother and have once threatened to take him, killing everything he loved down with him including the entire Jedi Order. Now the Sith wants the family he fought for and Obi-wan's budding family. Enough was enough. Burning like a thousand suns, Anakin accidentally releases Force lightning shattering the glass window that overlooks the city.
Everyone around him gasped as the incident occurred only in a matter of seconds. Anakin looks at his hand as he winces at the amount of pain he felt doing so. Force lightning was a common power the Sith used and at the moment Anakin was disgusted that he just emulated the weapon of his enemy's choice.
"I'm sorry!" Anakin wailed as Padme rushed to her husband's side.
Nobody said anything for a minute. Everyone seemed to be collecting themselves after expelling so much sadness. Ahsoka was the first to speak, "What are we going to do?", her dark lips trembling and her eyes rapidly darting between families.
Padme bravely answers, "We're going to fight back… we're not going to let the Sith take what's rightfully ours. Luminara and I are mothers now and we will not let them take our babies!"
Luminara looks down at her stomach, putting a hand to it for the first time since discovering the truth, whispering, "She's right…"
Anakin curls his hands into fists once more, "We slaughtered the Sith once before, we can do it again… as family. Those sons of bitches will rue the very day they're born trying to take our family away. I fought for this! And damn it Obi-wan you should do the same! Fight for your child! We're Jedi! We can put an end to this!"
Obi-wan looks at his former apprentice with a look unreadable to the young man. Anakin rises from the floor and walks to Obi-wan and stares at him eye to eye, "You know I'm right. Fight beside me as brothers, as fathers."
Anakin extends an arm to his old friend, his eyes never leaving his Masters. "When I told you about Palpatine, you didn't hesitate to fight back."
Obi-wan then extends his arm to meet Anakin's in the middle, "You're right. We are fathers now and I will fight for our families."
"As do I!" Ahsoka proclaims putting her hand in the middle.
"Me too!" Barriss says right after, assisting both Luminara and Padme off the floor.
Anakin smiles at the Padawans and the mothers before looking back at Obi-wan and saying, "Let's talk strategy."
2 months later
Luminara's POV
The planet of Mirial couldn't look more perfect on the evening of her wedding. Luminara looks outside the stained glass windows of the bridal suite she was currently in to see the sun slowly begin to set, painting the sky with a rainbow of color that reflected off the snow on the planet's surface. It was cold and dry as usual, thus why the wedding and reception would take place indoors however Luminara was happy to be married in her home world. It was the dream of any Mirialan woman to marry her true love with a backdrop of a sunset you can only find on Mirial.
After the news of Barriss's vision, Padme insisted that Luminara and Obi-wan still went forward with the wedding. Luminara remembered laughing at the Senator's unwavering courage for finding the silver lining in all things now matter dark it may seem. Nonetheless, the couple allowed her to plan a ceremony and dinner after hearing Luminara's request to be married to Mirial. Given the news of the pregnancy on top of the prophecy foretold in Barriss's mind, Obi-wan was willing to do whatever Luminara asked.
The bride would be lying if she said she wasn't initially depressed at the news of a baby. Fear of the Sith alone was enough to send Luminara running for Lothals endless mountain valleys no less the idea of the Sith wanting to take her child away and Force only knows what he/she would do to the child. Motherhood never once crossed Luminara's mind given the life she was raised into. Even when Obi-wan professessed his love to her and when they consummate their relationship for the first time, pregnancy was never on the radar. Jedi women have regarded their menstrual cycles as nothing more than a monthly nuisance, nothing more, nothing less. So it's no wonder Luminara never found it odd that a period never came or that Obi-wan should have worn any protection. Yet, that didn't mean Luminara wasn't ecstatic over the fact she was carrying Obi-wan's baby. A physical manifestation of their love was growing inside her womb and with each passing day, Luminara became more in love with the infant.
Looking at herself once more in the full length mirror in the room, a stranger would never suspect that the bride was expecting. Luminara was only three months along same as Padme with their confirmed twins, thus her stomach was still relatively flat. Luminara was dressed in another A-line, backless all white gown with a layered, flowing, shimmering white skirt that sparkled in the sunlight. The bodice shimmered like her skirt. In essence Luminara looked like she embodied the beauty of the snowy weather outside. The neckline was a sweetheart style with short sleeves that sat off her shoulders. Mirilans were accustomed to cold weather, therefore Luminara was not worried about showing too much skin. It was the humans that needed the warmth of the indoors. Padme also had Luminara fitted for the perfect pair of white high heels to go along with her dress and both women agreed to have Luminara's hair in a half up, half down elegant knot with a few wavy trellis of her ebony hair framing her face.
"Barriss did an incredible job on the makeup…" Luminara thought to herself as she admired the subtle black eye makeup and the glossy lipstick that accumulated her dark lips. Tonight Luminara was going to forget about the Sith and the possible dangers that await their child. Tonight, we was to officially become Mrs. Luminara Kenobi and she was going to have the best night of her life with her new husband. The door to the suite then opened to reveal a very mature and beautiful Barriss.
Luminara has asked Barriss to walk her down the aisle as it was customary for the most important figure in the bride's family to give the bride to her new lifelong partner. Barriss's brunette bob has been curled and her makeup rivaled Luminara's only with the color palette being more violet toned on Barriss (who was wearing a violet strapless dress and black 4 inch heels). "You are a breathtaking Master, truly," Barriss says before pecking Luminara on the cheek.
"Thank you my love. I bet Ahsoka can't keep her eyes off of you" Luminara winked as the girls have gotten much closer in the last few months wedding planning with Padme.
"Good" Barriss fires back, laughing as she hands Luminara her bridal bouquet which showcases an assortment of lilies, violets, and pink roses with a touch of baby's breath.
"How are you feeling?"
Luminara thinks for a moment before replying, "I'm okay, baby is doing good too."
Barriss smiles once more, "That's wonderful Master…."
The two women share a moment of silence, each looking deep into the other's eye.
"Master I…" Barriss begins to say, but tears were already welling up, "Damn it, this makeup better be tear-proof. I just can't believe you're getting married and you're having a baby! It feels like only yesterday, you were showing me to my bedroom for the first time and now here we are…"
Luminara wipes a tear away, touched by Barriss's words, "No matter what happens, no matter how old you get, I will forever see that little baby I held in my arms all those years ago. You are my first child Barriss, you are my daughter regardless of blood. I love you no more than I do for this baby."
Barriss laughs as she cries over her Master's words, "I love you so much Master, more than you'll ever know and I will protect you and our family!"
Luminara then kisses Barriss on the forehead, letting it linger for the sake of memory, "I know you will, I love you too my sweet Barriss."
Ahsoka then peeks her head in, "It's time you two!"
Obi-wan's POV
"Hey old man, you're looking just fine!" Anakin says to Obi-wan slapping him in the back as the two men stood at the altar of the Mirialan cathedral.
"Thank you, Anakin '' Obi-wan shudders as he sees Ahsoka taking a seat next to Padme, which means the bride was about to make her appearance.
"How did we get here?" Obi-wan thought to himself as he waited for Luminara and Barriss to walk through the door. It felt like only yesterday, the Jedi Master was crying out for her back on Geonosis when her transmission cut out. Obi-wan still recalls the day he met his soon to be wife/mother of his child. Little Ben Kenobi remembers storing extra snack cakes for her because he thought she was the prettiest girl the boy has seen. From there their friendship grew as they sat together in every class, ate every meal together, etc. until they were separated into their Padawan training. Obi-wan can remember every single conversation he's had with his beloved and all the events that have lead him down this path have been the best in his life, especially when he shook hands with Anakin, who now stood beside him in his best formal robes, promising to fight alongside him for their children. The groom can even feel his Master's presence all around him as he now sees his blushing bride.
Much like he was when Obi-wan first saw her in Padme's estates months ago, the man was rendered speechless. Luminara was radiant, the sunset reflecting off her beautiful dress glittered like the snow outside, she was perfect in every way. Not to mention the glow that came with being pregnant, Obi-wan couldn't stop the tears leaving his eyes as Barriss placed his hand on hers.
The priest spoke, but to Obi-wan, his words were muted as he continued to marvel at his bride. This woman in front of him was not only the love of his life, but she was carrying their child. Even though he cursed the Sith when he found out, a whole new kind of love was born within him as it sunk in that he and Luminara had every right to be parents. What they created was beautiful and it was a gift bestowed to them by the Force he believed. If anyone deserved to have all the happiness that came with having a family that was long shunned by the Jedi of old, it was them and Obi-wan will fight until his last breath for it. Luminara was everything and now she's no longer the little youngling with cute black pigtails, she's about to become Mrs. Ben Kenobi in the guise of a goddess.
Before the man knew it, vows were recited and rings were placed, followed by a "You may kiss the bride" which Obi-wan happily did swinging his wife and child into the air before doing so as their fellow Jedi and friendly senators cheered.
"I love you Mrs. Luminara Kenobi and Baby Kenobi" Obi-wan whispers, still holding her.
"And we love you Mr. Kenobi" Luminara smiled at her new husband.
Ahsoka's POV
Ahsoka smiles at the newlywed couples dancing together in the moonlight, having their first dance as husband and wife. The Padawan couldn't deny that the ceremony was beautiful as well as the reception. Padme did an amazing job making this one day perfect for the Kenobi's before they go right back to Sith hunting. Ahsoka then looks at her girlfriend, who was currently talking to Isadora at the bar.
"Oh hell no…" Ahsoka thought as she wedges herself in between the Mirialan women.
"Care to join me for a dance Miss Offee?"
Barriss blinks in surprise before accepting "Of course!", leaving Isadora alone with the rest of the Jedi present.
Once they get settled into step, Ahsoka leans in to kiss Barriss, which she reciprocates.
"You look ravishing tonight Barriss" Ahsoka whispers as she puts her head on her girlfriend's shoulder.
"Ravishing huh? That's a new word for you my love!" Barriss replies with a laugh.
Ahsoka jerks her head back up and laughs back, "Shut up, can't you see I'm trying to impress you!"
"Why would you need to impress me? You're my girlfriend, I'm already impressed with Ahsoka, not to mention how good you are in bed.." Barriss says quietly with another quick peck in the cheek.
Ahsoka blushes at the memory of their first time being intimate, "Yeah… I guess trauma brings people together like that sometimes."
"Only we don't have to worry about making babies" Barriss jokingly points out.
"True..., but I think you'd be a good mother don't you think?"
Barriss looks surprised by the question, "You think so?"
"Of course, you're so nurturing, it's one of the many qualities I love about you! We're going to have our hands full with three Force-sensitive babies on the way!"
Barriss nods, looking at her Master from afar, "Yeah…"
Ahsoka brings Barriss's chin up to meet her eyes, "Hey, we can do this, you and I are growing more powerful by the day. We'll protect them both and we'll spoil the hell out of them, you'll see"
Barriss gives a small smile, "As long as I have you by my side, I suppose anything is possible"
Ahsoka gives Barriss a twirl before saying, "I love you Barriss… so much… I never would have guessed that we'd be ballroom dancing after blowing up a factory together but here we are."
Barriss goes in for another kiss and deepens it, "I love you too Ahsoka, I'm in a much better place because of you. Who knows what would have become of me without your grace…"
"Again… we don't have to worry about it because I'm here to stay, I promise."
The couple stayed swaying in each other's embrace until the reception was over. Neither girl notices their respective Masters smiling at them from afar.
Location: Malachor
Beneath the bar black ground of what's left of Malachor's surface, were two hooded figures. One of the two pacing himself faster as it clawed its way to a Sith temple. Within moments of entering the ancient pyramid, an ultraviolet beam of light shot from the center of the pyramid to the clouded gray sky above. A Sith holocron has just been taken, bringing the temple down to ruins after thousands of years.
The hooded figures narrowly escaped being trapped forever in the catacombs by jumping upward to their small ship. One of the figures, reveal themselves to be Savage Opress, a yellow skinned Zabrak male who looked to his still hooded companion.
"Brother?" Savage asked.
The second figure swings his hood back, showing his horned head, as he begins to laugh at the Sith holocron in his hands. Using the Force, Darth Maul, begins to open the holocron that would allegedly give him the answers he required for vengeance.
"This my apprentice will show us the way to Kenobi! At long last… my revenge will come and it will be Kenobi who suffers, not me!"
Maul continues to laugh as the holocron speaks to him in a female voice, "To who is seeking power?"
"Maul" the horned Sith snickered.
"And what would you like to know Maul?" The holocron calls out.
"Show me how to defeat Kenobi…"
Maul begins to laugh hysterically as an image of a Mirilan woman dressed in white underneath a pink/purple sunset comes to focus as well as the sound of an infant crying faintly in the background.
Somewhere, unaware of the two Zabrak brothers, Barriss Offee has fainted to the sound of laughter in her head.