Author's Replies: Sorry this has taken me awhile to get out. We've been out of town and had out-of-town visitors and things were/are crazy! Jedi Master Arie Skywalker - I'm so glad you liked the fight between Anakin and Sidious - it took me forever to get it 'right.' Eriks leadinglady - Aw, I appreciate your continued support so, so much! And your sense of humor is priceless. Thanks for everything! Jedi X-man Serena Kenobi - I agree; a dinner between the four of them would be nice but this one digs even deeper than that. Hope you enjoy! elmthesmartypants - One epilogue coming right up! Padme's Sister - Thank you! I'm so glad that you liked the story so much. It was tough killing off Jarrick, but it had to be done. Jessica -Angel- Skywalker - Read on to find out what happens next - thanks for leaving such a nice review! Hellish Red Devil - You have been a delight from your very first comment - thanks for your continuous enthusiasm - of this story and of Jarrick, who was my very first OC. It means a lot! RavenRulzRF - Yeah, I think I'm going to have to go ahead with a little extra fic-let. Otherwise, I'll miss you guys too much! Miss-Jedi - I'm so glad you joined us on this crazy adventure - it's been great having you along for the ride! Hopeless4Life - I have to say, this Trilogy could really use a soundtrack! If only! ;-) ObiUberJedi - Next chapter is here and ready to go! Woohoo! Thanks! Anonomous - I'm glad you liked the storyline - it was so much fun to dream up. Stanfield Skywalker - Hope I managed to tie everything together - thanks for your ever-present support. Your reviews are always insightful! Meandmysharpie - Welcome back! I was wondering how your trip went - sounds beyond wonderful! Thanks for sticking with me throughout this entire ordeal. I always love hearing what you have to say!
ALL - And now, it is my pleasure to bring you the conclusion of my Reality Series Trilogy, Skating with the Star Wars! Enjoy!
FIVE MONTHS LATER - JEDI TEMPLE
The two Jedi walked through the silent corridors, keeping their voices down and their steps silent. The day ahead was already promising to be one of the busiest they would ever see - they didn't need to start it any earlier than necessary by waking up half the Temple.
"So, Siri still refused to see you?" Anakin murmured. "Not even for a second?"
"Not even for a second," Obi-wan confirmed, obviously frustrated. "This time, I promised that she didn't have to say a word, but that didn't work. So I tried another option, suggesting that she keep her eyes closed so she technically wouldn't 'see' me."
"And?"
"And that's when Padme kicked me out. Your wife can be quite protective, you know."
"She's going to be a mother in a couple months. She's in training." His grin was wide and proud.
"Well, it appears she's settling right into it," he mumbled, rubbing his head where she had popped him with a slipper. "I don't suppose I'll ever understand women."
"You're better than you used to be, Master," Anakin soothed.
"Ah, I appreciate the reluctant compliment," Obi-wan retorted. He smirked mischievously. "Speaking of being better, I suppose it is only fair that I tell you of my intention to defeat you in this morning's sparring session. And today of all days, please call me Obi-wan."
"Fine, Obi-wan. Consider yourself fortunate if I don't call you anything else given the horrendous hour you dragged me out here."
"Getting up early is good for the soul. It keeps you young."
"I may be a Master now, but doesn't automatically make me old," Anakin insisted. "Besides, soon I'll have my twins to keep me young. As will you, Grandfather Kenobi."
"It's not my fault you and Padme decided to age me by getting a head start into the world of familial bliss. You always were an impatient one."
Entering the spacious confines of the training room, Anakin cued the lights and picked up a practice saber. "Impatient, you say?"
He leapt forward, playfully jabbing his former Master in the ribs. "Well, it appears such a trait works to my advantage because in my book, you're already down 1-0."
Shaking his head at Anakin's reasoning, Obi-wan summoned a saber and leapt into the duel...
...but not before silently thanking the Force for guiding this extraordinary young man into his life.
EARLY AFTERNOON - APARTMENT OF SENATOR AMIDALA
"Ugh," Padme groaned, smoothing the folds of her purple gown over her bulging belly. "I feel like a bantha in this dress. I swear, I don't know how I could possibly get any bigger but my chief med droid insists that is exactly what will happen. It's simply nature's way, it says. Well, I'm here to tell you that nature is crazy!"
Siri laughed, giving the ribbon in the Senator's hair a final tug. "You look beautiful."
"Thanks. For a Jedi, you're a pretty great liar."
"I won't comment on your lying skills, given your profession. I wouldn't want to accidentally impugn your good name."
Padme rolled her eyes, the action causing her to spot the chrono on a nearby mantle. "Oh, we've got to get to the Temple! The Council will never forgive us if we're late."
"And we will be seated with the other Senators, in a private viewing area?" Siri asked suspiciously.
"Yes. Will you stop your worrying? Obi-wan won't see you."
"I know this is upsetting him, but he has to understand-"
Padme waved off the excuse. She had heard the argument from both sides many times and knew there was no resolution in sight. Besides, this was not the time to resume the debate either - each moment they delayed put them even further behind an already-tight schedule. "Let's go!"
OUTSIDE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
"Ah, I see you have already donned your formal robes," Obi-wan observed, watching Anakin approach. "You must really be taking this seriously, given that they are... How do you put it? 'Truly a curse upon the Order.'"
"Nah, they're not so bad."
The elder Jedi's mouth dropped open in surprise. Normally his former Padawan was leading the charge when it came to complaining about wearing anything other than normal Jedi attire. To hear such acceptance, well - this was proving to be a memorable day indeed!
He was just getting ready to comment as such when Padme rounded the corner, beaming at the sight of her husband.
"Hello Anakin, Obi-wan," she greeted, kissing them both on the cheek - though Anakin's was followed by a rather lengthy one on the lips. "I just wanted to wish you well before you entered the Council Chambers. This is an important day for both the Republic and the Jedi Order. The Senators are all very proud to be here."
"Siri is here as well."
What Obi-wan intended as a query came out as a statement; he had sensed her presence the second she entered the Temple. Despite their string of disagreements, their connection continued to blaze between them... a beacon welcoming him home.
"Of course she is," Padme exclaimed. She started to say something else, but was distracted by Anakin's attire. "Love, why are you all bundled up like that?"
"No reason, just fulfilling my end of a certain bargain."
Her eyes grew large and she grabbed his arm, pulling him aside. Obi-wan watched them curiously as they squabbled before apparently reaching an impasse as Padme trundled off, shaking her head in resignation.
"What was that all about?" he asked.
Before Anakin could respond, the door to the Council chambers slid open and Mace Windu emerged, his arms spread wide in confusion. "I thought I heard you two out here. What are you waiting for? Come in, come in. We are about to start."
The threesome hurried inside where Yoda was explaining the upcoming process. "Take the final vote now, we shall; unanimous it must be. If consensus we have, to the Gardens we will walk and an announcement we will make."
Mace took his seat and finished the instructions. "After many long months of lively debate, it is hereby declared that the official vote has begun. As always, Master Yoda shall have the privilege of going first and Master Skywalker, as our newest member, you shall bring the voting to a close."
Anakin smiled and nodded, amazed at how far his relationship with Windu had come. Just a couple of years ago, the Jedi Master had reacted to him with distrust and scorn, but now they had developed a deep respect and... friendship. He just hoped the stoic Jedi would understand his behavior at the ceremony later that afternoon.
After all, a deal was a deal.
He snapped back to attention as a steady chorus of "Yes" votes rang through the room, each one more assuredly confident than the last. Finally, his turn came and he proudly strode for the center of the room. This was it.
He smiled. "I'm sure it comes as no surprise that my vote is yes."
"Decided then it is," Yoda announced firmly. Looking around the room at each other, the Jedi Masters nodded their understanding.
A new day had dawned.
JEDI PUBLIC GARDENS - MOMENTS LATER
"Are they coming yet?" Siri asked nervously, fidgeting with her cloak.
"I don't know, let me check." Padme craned her neck, her eyes landing on the line of dark robes just as the crowd cheered wildly. "Oh, yes! There they are!"
Siri grimaced, her ears ringing from the racket. "I had guessed as much."
The two women watched the Jedi Masters file in, smoothly taking the chairs that had been reserved for them. Yoda, however, bypassed the seating area completely and took his place before a carved wooden podium. Someone had thoughtfully provided him with a box to stand on so his gaze easily cleared the surface.
He had to wait a moment for the audience to quiet, his wispy hair waving in the light breeze.
"Members of the Republic, pleased I am to make this announcement. A vote, the Jedi Council has taken and unanimous it is. Officially repealed the Jedi ban on attachments has been. A few final words from Master Windu we will now hear."
Mace nodded, taking Yoda's place at the elegant podium.
"It is indeed the start of a new time for the Jedi Order and one that we feel will make us even more strongly united. The tyranny and mistrust that befell the Republic under Chancellor Palpatine will not return, not under our watch. A valuable lesson has been learned and I can assure you, it is not one that will be forgotten."
"Never again will the Jedi turn their backs on the powers that granted us this second chance. Love. Friendship. Family. These are the gifts that make lives complete throughout the Galaxy, that make things worth fighting for. And now I am pleased to report they are the same gifts that we will gladly allow our Order to embrace for the benefit of all."
"Chancellor Organa, esteemed Senators, citizens of the Republic... The Jedi humbly but proudly look forward to continuing our service to you all. May the Force be with us."
The crowd lurched into motion, pleased with the announcement and anxious to talk it over with the nearest Jedi. Still ensconced in her private box, Padme remained motionless.
"They did it!" she whispered. "I mean, I know the Senate approved the proposal, but... Wow. I never thought this day would come."
"When Anakin and Obi-wan set their minds to something, it usually ends up happening," Siri noted. "Now follow me, Senator, we have another event to attend."
ROOM OF A THOUSAND FOUNTAINS, ONE HOUR LATER
"Was this your brilliant idea?" Padme hissed.
"Was what my idea?" Siri replied, looking innocent.
"Making a pregnant woman come into a room filled with running water. I hope you know how happy I am to be here, but please tell me your part is going to be quick."
"Don't worry, it will be. You know us – short and to the point."
Padme nudged her playfully. "Yes, but after how many years apart? I can't quite remember."
"Shut up and lead the way, will you?" Siri retorted.
Grinning, Padme raised a flower in an imaginary toast. "It will be my pleasure. And we'd better hurry because if we don't get down there soon, Obi-wan will have my head. For someone who seems so mild-mannered, he is surprisingly opposed to your tradition."
Siri snorted as she adjusted the simple skirts of her gown one last time. "Tell me about it! It's not my fault someone came up with the idea for brides to not see the groom before the wedding. I mean, we've been through enough already – why tempt the Force any more than we have to, right?"
Padme giggled delightedly. "Come on. Let's get you married, my friend."
The first steps down the aisle had Padme blushing in delight as she recalled her own wedding day. Everything had been so perfect, a moment of peaceful bliss in a life that had quickly become entrenched in chaos. But despite all that had transpired, she knew she wouldn't change a single thing. And, judging by the huge grin he was wearing - neither would Anakin.
Behind her, Siri's eyes had locked with Obi-wan's, excitement filling the air with an unhindered exuberance. They had been waiting so long for this day, had even had times where they doubted it would ever come to pass...
...but their hearts hadn't allowed them to give up. And now here they were.
The two couples reunited before a grand fountain, taking a moment to greet the people that had come to witness the first Jedi binding rite in a countless number of years. Hundreds of Jedi were in attendance, along with the entire extended Naberrie clan and three very dutiful droids. Rounding out the group was Chancellor Organa, Mon Mothma and several other Senators - Jar-Jar Binks included.
Mace graciously began the ceremony by accepting the existing Skywalker-Amidala marriage into the bonds of the Order. After a chaste but loving kiss, the young couple stepped aside to allow Obi-wan and Siri the opportunity to exchange vows.
"Just one moment, please," Anakin suddenly piped up. "I do apologize for the interruption, but the best man is not appropriately attired for this momentous occasion."
"Ani, you don't have to do this," Padme pleaded. "I release you from the bet."
"No, I promised you that I would do this if they got together, didn't I?" he responded sweetly. "And it certainly seems that is the case, so…" He let his formal robes fall, revealing the flamboyant feathered costume he had worn during Skating with the Star Wars. Padme covered her eyes while Obi-wan and Siri's mouths dropped open in shock.
Mace Windu, meanwhile, practically had steam coming out of his ears.
"What in the-" he growled. "Skywalker! We may have voted to repeal our stance on attachments, but we have NOT changed the dress code!"
"Sorry, Master," Anakin replied sincerely.
The shocked silence was quickly replaced with the riotous sound of laughter – a sound that would be repeated again and again throughout the rest of their lives... all thanks to a series of undercover assignments that reminded the Jedi and a Senator of the most powerful Force of all:
Love.
-FIN-
Author's Note: Aw, you guys! I can't believe this is it! What started out as a silly little idea last summer turned into an all-out roller coaster of an epic. And I enjoyed every single moment of it - along with your wonderfully inspiring comments. I hope you feel the same.
I don't think this will be the last we see of this saga though - I do in fact have a little fic-let in mind. Remember that trip that "Dake and Tarv" and "Liri and Kaide" won during "Racing Through the Stars?" Well, in my universe, they haven't taken it yet (been too busy tracking down Jarrick and Sidious, you know)... So what kinds of crazy antics will result? Stay tuned to find out. :-)
Besides that, I also have a few vignettes in the works and am considering writing my own "Revenge of the Sith" AU. Perhaps some of you will join me for that adventure as well? I would love to have you along for the ride.
Thanks again for all your patience. We've become a bit of a family through this adventure and I couldn't be more grateful for your support. It has truly been an amazing honor.