DISCLAIMERS

1. This is a fan fiction based on characters owned by Disney/Lucasfilm. I DO NOT OWN THEM. This is just for fun.

2. This is a quite different version of the final Clone Wars episodes, "Shattered" and "Victory and Death".


PART 1

It had been a wonderful evening. The newlyweds were not expecting visitors, but they were very welcome. The time was spent laughing, sharing old stories and discussing the future.

Commander Rex and his squadron defeated another Separatist army earlier that day, and as they were in the area, the clone decided to visit his former comrades and close friends. The newlywed ex-Jedis were overjoyed to see their old friend, and they quickly insisted on a light meal. One of Rex's lieutenants was present also, ostensibly to keep guard, despite the commander's insistence of the location's safety.

The four of them were sitting at the table with finished plates and nearly-empty drinks. The two women were as always impressed with their former comrade's bravery, and Ahsoka in particular was in awe. "Just when I think you can't get any better, Rex, you take out a Droid army in less than an hour."

"What I do, I do for the Republic," Rex said modestly, before smirking knowingly. "Besides, I wouldn't heap too much praise on me, or someone might get jealous."

Barriss chuckled and took a sip from her soft drink. "Rex, if I thought you could steal my new bride away from me, all I'd have to do is use a Jedi mind trick."

Ahsoka leaned close to the Mirialan and gave her a peck on the cheek. "Relax, sweetheart. He's only kidding." However, she blinked when Barriss went to stand up and take the plates. "Love, let me do that."

"Stay. I'm not an invalid." Barriss managed to carry the three plates despite the obvious difficulty, which was understandable: she was heavily pregnant. "There'll be plenty of time for you to dote on me when the baby arrives. You two carry on."

Ahsoka frowned at Barriss' stubbornness, and it only deepened when olive green hands went for the empty glasses too. Barriss was an adept Force user, but even she could not handle three plates and at least one glass - not in her current condition.

Before the Togruta could make a move, Rex's lieutenant came to the rescue: "Ma'am, let me help you," the clone trooper said. He took two of the plates and the glass before Barriss could refuse. Instead, the Mirialan simply rolled her eyes and led him to the kitchen, leaving Ahsoka and Rex at the table.

"She just won't be told," sighed Ahsoka.

"I think the only person she ever took orders from was Luminara," Rex said.

Ahsoka nodded with a smile. "Fortunately, I have the rest of our lives to reeducate her."

"Be sure you're not too successful," Rex grinned, "or you'll be waiting on her for the rest of your lives."

"I think I can live with that," replied Ahsoka. The two shared a light laugh, before being cut off by a beeping.

Rex sighed. "Can you excuse me for a moment? I'm getting an urgent communications. I trust you fully, but… "

"Don't be silly, Rex," said Ahsoka. "Technically Barriss and I are civilians now, so you do what you've got to do."

"I'll be right back," said Rex. "Hopefully it's word on Maul's capture."

"Carry on, Commander," Ahsoka said, saluting him with another grin. With that, Rex left the living room.

Ahsoka would go help Barriss with the dishes, but took a quick moment to look out their large living room window at the night sky. They did not live in the most luxurious part of Coruscant, but to the former Jedi it was glorious - it was home. The place the two women were building a new life for themselves, together.

When the two Padawans fell in love, they knew they had to leave the Order: romance was forbidden by the Jedi Code, and hiding a relationship would be impossible; Ahsoka knew no Jedi could accomplish such a feat, especially if they were in love like she and Barriss were. So to their Masters' shock, the pair left the Jedi temple, probably never to return.

Fortunately, being Jedi - even ex-Jedi - had some perks. They did not have to start again in the lower levels or even underworld of the planet: Ahsoka and Barriss bought a modest but perfect house from people only too eager for the prestige of being able to say they sold to former fighters in the Clone Wars. Yes, they were near an underworld portal, but that did not matter: their new home was perfect, both for themselves… and their imminent arrival.

If ever there was proof Ahsoka Tano and Barriss Offee's love was meant to be, it was the fact the Force blessed them with a child. Though obviously both young women were concerned and even scared at first, they quickly fell in love with the idea and could not wait for their baby to arrive. An affirmation of their commitment to each other, above and beyond any antiquated code or rule.

Having a baby meant Ahsoka had to do the decent thing, of course. Though honestly, she thought about marrying Barriss within a week of them acting on their love. Their engagement came as a further surprise to their friends and acquaintances, but then again, nothing about their lives together was conventional.

Their wedding was a beautiful if curious event. There were only three in attendance: Anakin, Luminara and Rex, and all had varying reactions. Rex was the most supportive, fully onboard with seeing Ahsoka and Barriss cement their relationship. Luminara was happy for them, though clearly disappointed the Jedi lost two padawans who would have made amazing Knights and later Masters.

Anakin was… well, distracted during the ceremony. Ahsoka knew her now-former Master had a lot on his mind, but he almost seemed troubled. Deep down, the Togruta cursed herself for not offering more support, but she was going through big life changes. Perhaps once the baby was settled…

Despite those oddities, life was good. Very good. Ahsoka gave up everything she thought she lived for, until she found her true calling in life - or rather, the love of her life. She, her new wife and their baby would be happy and safe. Indeed, the Togruta knew the Clone Wars were coming to an end. It was just a matter of weeks, if not days until hostilities ended. The child would grow up in a peaceful galaxy.

Everything was settling into place. Everything was…

Don't listen to him, Anakin!

Ahsoka frowned.

It's not the Jedi way. He must live!

She closed her eyes.

He's too dangerous…

What was… ?

I need him!

Ahsoka doubled over in pain as screams filled her mind.

Noooooooo!

She held her head and struggled to keep her footing.

What have I done?!

The voices faded, and Ahsoka's blood froze. "Anakin… "

TO BE CONTINUED