A/N: A section of this chapter contains explicit sexual content and may not be suitable for all readers, the section will be marked M for mature readers only and skipping said section will not affect your understanding of the story.
A new revenge!, after both suffering life threatening injuries during their mission on Kashyyyk padawans Barriss Offee and Ahsoka Tano are rushed back to Corusant by Jedi Master Rahm Kota. All the while Palpatine's secret Sith Apprentice works to finalize the last step of his Masters plan.
Chapter 21: The Ultimate Betrayal
"Ahsoka!" a cold sweat dripping from her face Barriss sat up quickly in her bed, only to feel herself forced back down by a pair of green skinned hands. Reluctantly laying back on the bed Barriss looked around at her surroundings, a row of glass windows across from her bed gave off a view of Corusant's skyscraper filled landscape, and she immediately recognized the room she was in as one of the medical treatments areas in the Jedi Temple. But it was the person setting at a chair by her bedside that confused her the most, a million questions running through her mind Barriss opened her mouth to speak.
"No Barriss, you're still too weak" with her best attempt at a compassionate smile Master Unduli placed a hand on Barriss forehead "what you need now is rest".
"What...what are you..." Barriss tried to speak, only to have her voice trail off to nothing but a light whisper.
Luminara ran a few fingers through the girls hair as she politely shushed her "you have a lot of questions". At a weak nod from Barriss Luminara smiled "as I'm sure you're well aware Grievous attacked both you and Ahsoka, I'm afraid before Master Kota was able to reach you he...well". Rather than explain Luminara pulled back lightly on the blanket covering Barriss' body. Although the arm Barriss rose in front of her face resembled her own she knew by the look on her former Masters face she was now looking at a cybernetic replacement.
When she was sure she would feel her heart jump Barriss surprised herself when instead she felt nothing, when Grievous had attacked her she was sure those would be her final moments. If she had to live with a cybernetic arm then so be it, put a glove over the hand to hide the fact that it was missing her tattoos and no one would know the difference, honestly things could have been way worse. Shaking her thoughts back into the present Barriss looked around the room, her heart skipping a few beats when she realized the remaining beds were empty.
"Ahsoka's still in surgery" Luminara explained, obviously reading the expression on Barriss' face. "Grievous shot her twice, both in the stomach. But you needn't worry, Ahsoka is very strong willed, she'll pull through". Barriss leaned her head back onto her pillow, taking a moment to absorb everything Luminara had just told her before her former Master rose from her seat. "Please try and get some rest, I'll be back in a while to check on you".
"Master wait" her words stopped Luminara inches from the door "what about Grievous?".
"Dead" Luminara stated simply, smiling as she started out the door "I'm sure Master Kota will tell you about it later, he hasn't stopped bragging since he arrived". Barriss attempted a small laugh as Luminara left the room, only succeeding in sending a small jolt of pain through her side. Now alone in the quiet room she leaned fully back on her bed, focusing on the warm sun shining in through the window as she closed her eyes.
^0^0^0^
Whether she was asleep a few minutes or half the day she didn't know, but by the time Barriss reopened her eyes the blinds had been pulled over the windows across from her, unsure of whether it was day or night she cast a curious glance around the room. Fighting the impulse to jump out of her bed when she laid eyes on Ahsoka, the young Togruta laid motionless in the bed next to her. Sitting on either side of the girls bed, oblivious to the fact Barriss was awake, Padme' and Anakin each sat in silence looking down at Ahsoka. When a slight movement caught her eye Padme' smiled over at Barriss "Ani".
Anakin turned in his seat, meeting Barriss' eyes as he rose from his seat to stand by her bedside. "We figured it'd be better to let you sleep" at a worried look from Barriss Anakin raised a hand in the air "she's gonna be fine, thankfully the shots missed anything vital".
"Your wookiee friend is okay too" Padme' added from across the room, keeping both her hands wrapped around Ahsoka's as the girl slept. From the look on her face Barriss could tell the Senator had been crying, although she decided it better not to call attention to the matter.
Instead she looked up at Anakin "and Captain Ace?".
Anakin simply met the girls eyes for a moment before setting down beside her bed. Barriss felt her heart sink as he let out a long sigh "Captain Ace...he gave his life trying to protect you two, if he hadn't done what he did I'm not sure you or Ahsoka would of made it back alive. He died a hero Barriss".
Padme' nodded solemnly from her seat across the room "because of his sacrifice Master Kota was able to finish off Grievous once and for all, and the war is that much closer to an end".
"I know...I just wish their would have been another way, I've watched too many people die over the years" leaving both Anakin and Padme' at a loss for words Barriss laid back in her bed, her world once again fading to black as she closed her eyes.
^0^0^0^
Barriss awoke the next morning with Master Unduli setting by her side, with her former Master keeping a hand ready to help she sat up on the bed and let her legs hang over the side. After a few deep breaths Barriss stood to her feet, immediately walking across the room and to Ahsoka's side. The rise and fall of the girls chest telling her Ahsoka was fast asleep Barriss simply leaned down and gently kissed her friends cheek. Well aware of Luminara standing silent behind her Barriss kept her gaze forward "there's still one more question".
"Yes...I know" Luminara moved around Ahsoka's bed and took a seat at the opposite side as Barriss did the same on her end. A few minutes of silence passed as both stared down at Ahsoka's sleeping form, after it was clear the girl would not wake from their voices Luminara looked across the bed. "First of all I wish to apologize for what I said at the council meeting, I let my personal feelings get the better of me and said some things that have haunted me ever since that day". Barriss simply sat in silence as she continued "there's something I've wanted to tell you for some time, something I should have told you from the very beginning".
"Master?" Barriss raised an eyebrow, the look on Luminara's face was not one she had ever seen her former Master make before, a look of sadness.
"When I first started my Jedi training I was not the person I am today, I was reckless, overconfident, I was everything a Jedi shouldn't be. But that all changed when I met her". As she looked to the floor Luminara reached inside a pocket on her robe, pulling out a small square piece of paper and handing it across the bed.
Still confused Barriss took the paper and unfolded it to reveal a picture of a blue skinned girl no older than herself, with bright yellow eyes and the unmistakable clothing of a Jedi Knight. Barriss studied the picture for a moment before the point Luminara was trying to get across finally sunk in. "Wait, you and this girl...".
"We did everything together, she taught me more about being a Jedi than my actual Master. Over time things just sort of...escalated". Looking at Ahsoka Luminara laughed to herself "neither of us had any idea what we were doing, we knew of course it was going against the code, but as timed passed that seemed to matter less and less. We lived in secret for years, hiding our relationship from everyone at the temple".
Something in her gut told Barriss she knew where this story was headed but she forced herself to speak anyway "what happened to her Master?".
Luminara sat in silence for a moment before answering, her voice barely audible "We got sent on separate missions not long after I earned my Knighthood...something happened and...well you know".
Barriss looked back to the picture in her hand "you loved her?".
"I still do" Luminara stretched an arm across the bed as Barriss handed her the picture, quickly refolding it and putting it back in her pocket. "I almost left the order when she died, I packed up everything I had with full intention of leaving the temple and never coming back".
"What changed your mind?".
"I got as far as the main entrance when I realized I couldn't leave, not because I'd be leaving the order, but because I'd be leaving the very thing that had given me the one person I truly loved. Most Jedi go through their day to day putting blind faith in the order, constantly asking themselves what the code would dictate they do next. Ever since that fateful day, I ask myself not what the code would have me do". Trying unsuccessfully to hide the strain in her voice Luminara placed a hand over her pocket "but what would she have done in my situation".
A million questions entered Barriss mind, but one look at her former Master told her now was not the time. Without any words of comfort coming to mind she simply sat still as Luminara rose from her seat, stopping just short of the door. "If you'll still have me, I'd be honored to be there during your Knighting ceremony". Before Barriss had the chance to answer Master Unduli left the room, closing the door behind her and leaving the girl with nothing but her thoughts as she sat by Ahsoka's side.
^0^0^0^
Once again Barriss lost complete track of time as the day went by, determined never to leave her friends side until she woke up. The sun slowly setting outside the window a soft moan almost caused Barriss to fall from her seat, regaining her balance just as Ahsoka's eyes began to open. Ahsoka eyes scanned the room the second they were open, quickly settling on the girl staring down at her. Although the color was still drained from her face Barriss had never seen Ahsoka look more beautiful than in that moment, when a thin smile crossed her lips "hey there".
Barriss couldn't help but laugh "hey, how are you feeling?".
Even as she spoke Ahsoka's eyes seemed somewhat distant, as if it was taking all her strength just to concentrate on the moment at hand. "Grievous shot me, how am I still alive?".
"From what Anakin said the laser shots passed right through you, missing anything they didn't have the technology to replace".
"Huh" Ahsoka said, already closing her eyes "tell Skyguy not to spend all his time worrying about me, you know how he gets".
Barriss nodded as she leaned down, gently kissing the girls forehead "I'll tell him, get some rest". As Ahsoka laid her head back and fell asleep almost instantly Barriss finally rose from her chair and headed for the door, giving her friend one last look before leaving her to rest.
^0^0^0^
Barriss stepped out into the hall only to be met with the leaning form of her Master, Anakin stood directly across the hall with his eyes stone set on the door in front of him. A warm smile spreading on her face Barriss moved to stand beside her Master "Ahsoka woke up, only for a minute but she seemed to be fine, I'm supposed to tell you to stop worrying about her".
Although it was clear by the look on his face Anakin had been at this very spot most of the day he did manage a solid grin "she knows me too well, she really seemed alright?".
"She's still very much herself, trust me Master" leaning against the wall beside Anakin Barriss felt her heart drop, after all this time she knew there was still one more difficult conversation to be had. With a soft sigh she turned to face her Master "Master, I must say this time under your tutelage has been some of the most memorable time in my life, it's truly been...".
Anakin raised a hand for her to stop "you wish for Master Unduli to cut your braid should you pass the trials?".
"Yes Master".
"I suspected as much" Anakin fell to his knee to meet Barriss' eyes "its been...ha...well its been one hell of a wild ride, but you deserve to be Knighted by the one who trained you all these years, I'll tell her tomorrow Raven". Barriss found herself at a loss for words, she had expected to at least explain her reasoning for the decision before Anakin gave in. But, as she had learned so many times in the past, the man she know looked at was not the same Jedi she had heard stories about growing up in the temple. It had taken some time for her to comes to grip with it but simply put the man in those stories did not exist, in his place was a man more kindhearted than any she'd ever had the good fortune to meet.
She understood fully know why the force would chose this soul to fulfill the prophecy, whether he believed it or not Barriss knew she was now looking at the man who would bring balance to the force. Without any other way to thank him Barriss quickly hugged her Master before starting down the hall, rounding the first corner as Anakin disappeared into the door leading into the medical bay. Her spirits strangely high Barriss started to walk the marble floor halls of the Jedi temple as she had done for most of her life, no real destination in mind as she stretched her bedsore legs. As she rounded the corner to the Council chamber, the one place she knew would empty this time of night, a strange presence in the force caused her steps to quicken.
Opening the large doors with a wave of her hand she stepped inside the moonlit chamber, her eyes immediately drawn to a lone figure standing by the windows at the back of the room. Rather than surprise the poor boy Barriss stooped halfway into the room "James?, I didn't expect you to be at the temple this late". James never turned his gaze, leaving his back to Barriss as he looked out at the night sky ahead of him. The boy wore a dark robe almost resembling those worn by the Jedi, although the burn mark going up the length of his right arm was still clearly visible as his hands were held clasped behind his back.
His voice noticeably calm James finally spoke "Barriss, good to see you up, sorry I haven't been to see you these past few days, how's Ahsoka doing?".
"Jedi are notorious for their resilience, she'll be back on her feet in no time". Taking a few steps closer something about the feel in the room forced Barriss to stop just short of James' side, the strange force presence grew stronger with each passing second but she still found herself unable to place it. "So what are you doing up here this late?, is your mother not doing well?".
"No actually she's doing quite well, despite everything she still thinks what happened was not my fault, and lately I've begun to see that she's right".
"Really, well that's great James" shaking the foolish fears from her mind Barriss moved forward and placed her hand on the boys shoulder "there was no way you could of prevented what happened".
"The universe is a dangerous place" James agreed "you'd think having an entire temple full of peacekeepers would help".
Despite herself Barriss was taken by surprise at the tone in James' voice "you surely don't blame the Jedi for what happened?".
Shoving her hand away with surprising force James kept his gaze out the window "I'm simply putting the facts together Barriss. The Jedi say they're here to protect the galaxy but nothing I've seen leads me to believe that, I mean how many criminals still run loose all over the galaxy?, how many gangs still terrorize the streets of Corusant?, what are the Jedi doing to stop them Barriss?".
Barriss took a few steps back "James we can't be everywhere at once, in case you forgot there is a war going on".
"A war the Jedi started!" James shot back, raising his voice enough to echo through the chamber. "And it's not just this war!, every major conflict in the last thousand years has involved the Jedi in some way!, did you know that Barriss?".
"Yes James I did!" realizing she had raised her own voice Barriss took a few deep breaths before speaking again. "The Jedi risk their lives a million times over to see that as many conflicts as possible come to a peaceful solution, the work we do may not always be pretty, but I don't see anyone else in the galaxy raising their hands to help us".
James kept his back turned, simply shrugging off Barriss' words quick as she could say them. "But that's just it Barriss, what if I told you someone in the galaxy did have a solution?, a way to ensure peace is kept across the galaxy at all times".
"James, why won't you look at me?" her words gaining no response she took a few more steps forward. James?, look at me". Before the boy could react Barriss gripped the side of his robe, pulling his body around to face her. Barriss felt her heart drop as she stepped backward, almost falling to the ground as the strength was ripped from her legs. Under the dark robe James was clad completely in a dark red shirt and pants, the outfit covered by jet black armor plates on the boys chest and shoulders.
But worst of all were the two weapons strapped to the boys waist, although she recognized each as the silver hilts of a lightsaber the saber on the boys left side was unmistakable in design, bearing the curved hilt design only used by Count Dooku. Quickly jumping back Barriss pulled her sabers from her belt, igniting both blue blades as she fought to accept the new situation she was in. "No, no James please not you, it can't be you".
James simply smiled at the girls actions, keeping an oddly calm demeanor with Barriss' sabers only inches from his body. "Why not me Barriss?, honestly I can't believe none of you sensed it all this time, although I guess the pretty ones are never that smart".
"James how could you?, you'd turn your back on the Republic!, on your friends!".
Chuckling softly to himself James switched his gaze back to the view outside "put your weapons away Barriss, I'm not going to fight you, and we both know your code prevents you from simply killing me".
Barriss took a minute to consider her options before reluctantly deactivating her sabers, a small grin on his face James nodded his head. "Good girl, now I was never one for overly climatic speeches so I'll make a long story short. After my mom was put in the hospital I went looking for someone, anyone who could help, well I found someone, not someone who could help right that second mind you, but someone who's long term goal would finally provide everyone I cared about with the safe galaxy they deserved".
"The Sith Lord" Barriss guessed, her heart hollow as she looked at her former friend.
"So easy to find when you're not looking for him, he's been setting right under your nose for years now, but yeah that's who it was. Unlike you and your clueless Jedi council he saw the power sitting idle within me, and offered to help me bring that power to life, how do say no to an offer like that?".
Shaking his head James turned to Barriss, slowly running his eyes up and down the girls body. "I really did enjoy your friendship Barriss, a shame it has to end before anything...meaningful...could come from it". Sending a cold shiver down the girls body James placed a single hand on the glass behind him, shattering it to pieces and allowing the crisp night air to pour into the room.
Still facing Barriss the boy took a few steps backward towards the open area, reaching an arm forward and pulling the surprised girl in close before she could blink. Pushing their lips together Barriss fought back the bile in her throat as James forced his tongue into her mouth, quickly pulling back and throwing the girl to the floor as he wiped his mouth with a small grin. "Funny, not what I expected you'd taste like". By the time Barriss pulled herself back to her feet James was already falling backward, his feet leaving the chamber floor as he disappeared into Corusant's night sky. Barriss ran to the floors edge, clenching her fists as a mix of emotions stronger than any she'd felt before filled her body.
Feeling the night air blow her bangs into her face Barriss wiped a few stray tears from her eyes before spitting on the floor beside her, pulling herself together long enough to raise her com-link to her mouth "Master, gather the council. We've got a problem".
^0^0^0^
The sun had just started to rise in the distance when the entire council finally assembled in the chamber, consisting of not only the usual assortment of Jedi Masters but the hologrammed forms of those who were currently away on a mission. For the first time in her life Barriss felt nothing when the many pairs of eyes focused solely on her, after a short bow to the many Masters she moved into the middle of the room. "For years many of us have fought to see the Separatist leader Count Dooku brought to justice, sadly it seems that day will never come". Her words only drawing a confused look from the council Barriss decided for a more direct approach "Count Dooku is dead, I don't know how, and I don't why, but I know for a fact he no longer lives".
As revelations usually did when presented to the council her words drew only silence, the feel in the room shifting dramatically as the Masters took in this new information. Before anyone could speak Barriss cleared her throat "I'm afraid there's more, it appears whoever Dooku's Master was has taken on a new apprentice, in James Clever".
As the room once again fell into silence Anakin moved forward from his spot by the door, placing a comforting hand on the girls shoulder. It was Master Yoda who finally broke the silence "disturbing, this news is. Worked for us for some time, this boy has".
"There's no telling what kind of information he got his hands on" Master Windu added "you're sure about this Padawan Offee?, for this boy to be so close for this long and none of us to sense his intentions, he must be incredibly powerful in the force".
"I'm sure Master" still shivering a bit Barriss fought the desire to spit once again "although he did let slip that his Master has been living directly under us for some time".
Master Unduli leaned forward in her seat "you mean a Sith Lord could be living right here on Corusant, surely we would of sensed such a disturbance?".
"Clouded by the dark side, the force, has been" Yoda answered "easy it would be, for a Sith to mask his force presence from us".
"Masters, if I may?" as she was quickly met with the patient gaze of every Master on the council Barriss took a moment to consider her words. "We need to get on James' trail before it goes cold, if he's still on Corusant he may lead us right to his Master".
"Sounds like you'll need some help" turning every head in the room Ahsoka walked gracefully into the chamber, taking her place at Barriss' side with a slight bow to the council. "We're the reason James was even allowed in the temple, this is our problem, not the councils, we'll take care of it".
Master Yoda nodded from his seat "proven your loyalty to the council many times over, both of you have. But order two padawans to hunt down a Sith, the council can not. Please young ones, kneel".
Barriss took a quick step backwards, surely she had misinterpreted Master Yoda's words. "Wait...just like that?, what about the day of meditation?, the trials?".
Master Kota cleared his throat from his spot at the back of the room "Barriss, I believe Master Yoda asked you to kneel".
^0^0^0^
Both Barriss and Ahsoka fell to one knee in the middle of the chamber, hiding the mix of emotions going through them in a somber expression. One by one the Masters formed a circle around the two girls, with Master Unduli and Anakin taking their respective places behind their padawans. Barriss kept her eyes focused solely on the floor, as did Ahsoka, both girls using the force to make sure they never moved an inch from their position. And yet, even during her own Knighthood, Barriss found it impossible to focus on herself.
James had been the first person, beside Ahsoka of course, she had the pleasure of calling a friend. Had all that been a lie?, the pick up attempt, the fact that it was his speeder she had fallen into that night, thinking back it all did seem a bit convenient. But even though she never would of guessed the true nature of the boys actions, she had sensedthe emotions inside James the many times they were together, the way his heart skipped when she hugged him, the color draining from his face when she and Ahsoka had kissed in front of him, surely all of it couldn't have been a lie. Not to mention the kiss, James had always been a rather perverted individual, but to physically force himself on her was not something she had ever thought the boy of doing, certainly not the same boy that spoke in her and Ahsoka's defense at the trial only a few days ago.
'No' she thought to herself, the boy she had befriended was not the same person she spoke to last night. The James she knew was long gone, twisted by the power of the dark side into something...something she had to stop. Her thoughts forced back into the present Barriss kept her gaze low as the circle of Jedi Masters around her began to speak in perfect unison. "There is no emotion...there is peace. There is no ignorance...there is knowledge. There is no passion...there is serenity. There is no chaos...there is harmony. There is no death...there is the force".
Barriss held her breath as she felt the warm blade of Master Unduli's lightsaber pass by the back of her neck, singing the padawan braid from her hair as Anakin did the same to the silver chain hanging from Ahsoka's lekku. Both Luminara and Anakin took a step back as Master Yoda moved from his spot in the circle to stand in front of both girls, switching his gaze first to Barriss. "Rise, Jedi Knight Barriss Offee" the smile no longer held back on her face Barriss did what was asked of her, bowing to Master Yoda as he turned to Ahsoka. "Rise, Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano" Ahsoka stood to her full height, unable to hide the brightened color of her lekku.
^0^0^0^
Jedi Knights Barriss Offee and Ahsoka Tano stepped side by side into their quarters, although it resembled Anakin's quarters to the smallest detail, the small living room/kitchen leading to a short hallway that housed two bedrooms and a refresher could not have felt more different. Shrugging the thought away Barriss moved to the couch and sat down "this will take some getting used to, having our own private quarters I mean".
Ahsoka stepped forward with the same smile that she'd worn since they had exited the chamber, taking her friend by surprise as she jumped towards the couch, landing almost directly on Barriss' lap and erupting into a fit of laughter more suitable for someone half her age. Barriss could help but share in her friends laughter "someone feelings better".
"I'm a fast healer" Ahsoka's laughter quickly died down as she climbed off her friends lap "so...did you want to talk about James?".
The smile faded from Barriss' face "while I was waiting for the council to assemble I had quite a while to think, I know for a fact James was sincere in his friendship with us, but at this point that really doesn't matter".
"Doesn't it, I mean people have come back from the dark side before, maybe we could...".
Barriss quickly shook her head "don't Ahsoka, you weren't there, you didn't see the look in eyes when he mentioned the Jedi, you weren't there when he...". Barriss took a moment to meet Ahsoka's eyes "the James we knew is dead Ahsoka". Before either girl could say anything more the door leading into their quarters swished open, Barriss and Ahsoka both stood to their feet as Anakin and Luminara entered.
Anakin took a quick look around his surroundings "wouldn't kill them to make each Jedi's quarters a little different".
Master Unduli simply rolled her eyes, pushing past Anakin and respectively bowing to both Barriss and Ahsoka. "We came to see if you had a plan regarding this new Sith?".
Barriss nodded "before he left the temple last night I sensed...something, anyway I can still feel it, as long as James doesn't leave the planet I should be able to track him down".
Master Unduli bowed once more, elbowing Anakin to make him do the same before turning for the door. "We won't keep you, just let us know if there's anything we can do to help, we're ready to act at a moments notice".
With a polite nod Barriss smiled as the two Jedi walked back out the door, turning to face Ahsoka only to have the girl walk passed her, stopping by the door and turning the lock the young Togruta met her friends confused eyes. Ahsoka took a few quick steps forward and grabbed Barriss' hand, pulling the girl back the hall without a word to explain her actions.
^0^0^0^
Section Rating: M
Her heart racing like never before Barriss felt her back hit the door of the bedroom, a small shiver forcing her pores to stand on end as Ahsoka rushed forward, grabbing Barriss' face with both hands and pushing their lips together. Barriss clenched her fists for a moment, quickly shaking the sensation away and reminding herself of the reality of the situation as a warm tongue met her own, the two tongues wrapping around one another for a split second before Ahsoka pulled back. The young Togruta shared a short smile with her friend before leaning back in, gently kissing Barriss' neck and sending another strong sensation down the girls body. Before she could stop herself Barriss let her hand raise from its spot on Ahsoka's waist, cupping the girls left breast as her free hand began to untie the back of her robes.
Ahsoka's robes floated to the floor, swiftly kicked to the side of the room as Ahsoka wrapped both hands around Barriss' waist and guided her to the bed. Barriss closed her eyes as her back hit the bed, doing a honorable job of holding back a wide smile as Ahsoka climbed on top of her. Endless ripples of pleasure snaking their way down her body Barriss gripped the blanket under her firmly, a small laugh escaping her when Ahsoka unzipped the black robe behind her back and, a bit roughly, ripped the clothing from her body. Barriss' mind quickly raced back to the first moment she had disrobed in front of Ahsoka, back then the young Togruta had not only hidden her gaze from the sight, but had held back a slightly embarrassed expression from her face when all was said and done.
This moment though was entirely different, the girl now lying on top of her was simply not the same one she had first met on Geonosis. It had taken all their adventures together, this entire journey to discover their true feelings for one another, but now Barriss looked up to the half naked girl on top of her with no hint of embarrassment, not a single trace of unease, or even a tremble at her touch. Even the familiar chill that she had grown used to over the past weeks ceased to exist, replaced instead by a warm sensation that spread over every inch of her body, one that seemed to increase the heat in the room itself and only intensified with each passing second. After all this time Barriss knew without a doubt she would never feel any hint of remorse over her relationship with Ahsoka, looking up at the girls smiling face was enough for her to finally realize they had at last become completely comfortable with each other, enough so that even this moment between them felt entirely natural, and more right than any other moment in their lives.
It was then a feeling began to wash over Barriss, one more intense, frightening, and unbearably comforting than any she had experienced before. Any words she could of thought of saying were ripped from her throat, her mind a blank as the world began to fade around her, much as it had on the Senates roof so long ago. Biting down hard on her bottom lip Barriss once again closed her eyes, she had no idea what Ahsoka was doing, frankly she didn't care, as long she didn't quit anytime soon. The strange feeling doubled in intensity as she felt the panties pulled from her legs, tearing a few rips in the blanket under her as her body arched back on contact with a new presence.
As the minutes rolled by Barriss was sure she'd let out a few loud moans, equally in pleasure and pain as she lost all control of her body to the strange feeling. Her limbs now basically acting on instinct Barriss moved her somewhat stiff arms downward on the girl on top of her, gracefully placing a hand under Ahsoka's panties and gaining an ear splitting moan from the young Togruta at her next action. At the exact same moment both girls had the air stolen from their lungs, arching back in one final simultaneous thrust before collapsing side by side on the bed. Barriss shared a smile with Ahsoka, leaning in for a quick kiss before the lack of energy put both girls to sleep almost instantly.
^0^0^0^
Barriss woke up the next morning to Ahsoka's body shifting beside her in the bed, smiling as she kissed the girls cheek she rose from the bed as quietly as she could. After floating both her Jedi robes and a hairbrush to her hand she exited the bedroom and made her way down the hall and into their living room, running the brush through her hair with some help from the force as she slipped on her robe. Walking to the end of the small room she stared silently out the window, her eyes scanning the sun filled view of Corusant before a glare from the kitchen table caught her eye. Barriss raised an eyebrow as she walked to the table, picking up a small holo-pad setting on top of a black box she began to read the contents of the holo-pad.
Barriss, unfortunately a distress call on Christophsis has prevented me from giving you this in person, but seeing as it's customary for a Master to pass something on to their padawan after they're Knighted I figured it was time to finally let go of a memory I've kept to myself for years now. The choice is yours of what to do with it, but if you do chose to use it for its intended purpose I only ask you do so with the respect it deserves. You've grown into the Jedi I've always known you would Barriss, my only regret is that it's taken me this long to be entirely truthful with you. There's no doubt in my mind you'll sit beside me on the council one day, until then please accept this offering, it's all I have left of her. Luminara.
Setting the holo-pad down Barriss pulled the top off the box underneath, a short gasp escaping her lips as she pulled the contents from the box and held them in front of her. "I may never be the Jedi she was Master, but I'll try my best".
A Few Minutes Later
Taking a minute examine herself in the mirror Barriss took one last look at her old Jedi robes before tossing them in the trash beside her. In their place was a pair of golden metallic boots leading half way up her legs, the surprisingly light boots ended just short of her ankles. Covering the remaining length of her legs was a light grey pair of pants, complete with a gold colored belt and matching stripe going up the side of both legs. Connected to the pants was a long sleeved shirt, the same pure grey as the girls pants and leading to the last new item of her outfit.
Flowing freely from the girls back was a golden cape around the same size as her old one, with the unmistakable icon of the Republic stitched in dark red at the capes base. As she was just about to exit the spare bedroom in her quarters Barriss felt a slight weight in the pocket of her new robe, stopping just inches from the door she pulled two sparkling saber crystals from her pocket "these must of belonged to her too". Knowing full well Ahsoka would wake up any minute now she moved to the middle of the bedrooms floor and sat down, quickly floating both of her paired sabers in front of her and mentally stripping both weapons. In a matter of seconds she placed her old saber crystals in her pocket and rose to her feet, fighting back more than a bit of anticipation as she ignited both her sabers.
Barriss let a small grin cross her face as a green blade sprung forth from both of her sabers, the bright blades illuminating the already lit room and forcing the girl to strain her eyes as they adjusted to the harsh light. A slight swish from the hallway telling her Ahsoka was up Barriss gave her new robes one last look in the mirror and exited the door with a wave of her hand. Finding the young Togruta studying the black box on their table with a suspicious stare Barriss cleared her throat in the middle of the hallway, a smile growing wide on her face at the look she got from an awestruck Ahsoka. As she stepped passed Ahsoka and into the living room Barriss sat down on the couch, taking utter delight in the fact that the young Togruta found herself at a loss for words.
Finally pulling herself together Ahsoka took a few steps into the living room "Barriss, you look amazing!. Where did you...".
"A gift from Master Unduli" Barriss explained "they belonged to someone very close to her".
Ahsoka joined her friend on the couch, running a hand up the golden fabric of her cape and playfully pulling the capes hood over Barriss' head. With a light laugh she met her friends eyes "what do you mean by that?".
"Lets just say I had more in common with my former Master than I thought, what we really need to be focusing on is tracking down our old friend. James is just as smart as any Jedi and he's got half a days lead on us, he won't be easy to find".
"Then we should probably get going" Ahsoka rose from her seat, giving Barriss one last look before she started to the door waving for her friend to follow.
^0^0^0^
As the two Jedi Knights neared the large open entrance to the temple the faint sound of footsteps hitting the marble floor behind them forced both girls to turn. Anakin came to a stop in front of them, taking a moment to catch his breath before raising an eyebrow in Barriss' direction. "Barriss, not that you don't look great but those are Master Sira's robes, how did you get them?".
Barriss took a quick step back "Master Sira!, I...I had no idea, these were a gift from Master Unduli".
"Whoa, slow down you two, who's Master Sira?" Ahsoka asked.
Anakin simply pointed to the side wall of the temples entrance where a row of bronze statues lined the wall, each depicting one of the many influential Jedi who had helped shaped the order into what it was today. As all three Jedi took a few steps closer Barriss instantly recognized the pattern of her robes on the statue closest to the temples entrance, worn by the same Pantoran woman in the picture Luminara had shown her. As both Barriss and Ahsoka looked up at the statue Anakin read the engraving on its base "Master Yeni Sira, the savior of Pantora, may her sacrifice never be forgotten".
Ahsoka looked to her former Master "savior of Pantora, what exactly did she do?".
Before Anakin could answer Barriss spoke up "Pantora was in the middle of a devastating civil war, she planned to make a speech at the planets capital, try and convince both sides to consider a peaceful solution, but she was killed before ever reaching the planet. The death of a Jedi Master was enough to shock both sides into meeting, a treaty was signed two days after her death". Gaining a blank look from both her friends Barriss looked back to the statue "Master Unduli must of told me that story a hundred times, I can't believe I didn't recognize her in the picture".
The words slipping out before she could stop them Barriss held her breath for a few seconds, letting out a sigh of relief as Ahsoka stepped forward before Anakin could put the pieces together. "So Skyguy, was their a reason you were looking for us?".
"Oh...oh yeah" Anakin put a hand on Ahsoka's shoulder, leading the girl to the opposite side of the room as Barriss continued to stare at Master Sira's statue. "Ahsoka...there's something I want you to have" before the confused girl could say anything Anakin put a hand in his robes pocket, pulling out a gold ring and wrapping it in his fist. "When my mother was taken from me...her husband gave this to me to remember her. This ring has been with me every second of my life since that day, it took a while but I think I'm ready to let it go, we want you to have it".
"We?".
Anakin shook his head "sorry, I want to have it".
Before the young Togruta could offer any words of protest Anakin dropped the ring in the girls hand. Ahsoka eyes quickly went wide "this is an engagement ring".
"You never know what the future holds Snips, look I can't tell you what to do with it but just promise me you'll take good care of it".
Ahsoka met Anakin's eyes and bowed to her former Master "of course Skyguy, and thank you, not just for the ring either, for everything".
"Well, true most of your skills are just stolen from me" Anakin said with a sly grin "but all this, the fact that this...". Anakin pointed to the silver padawan braid hanging from belt, gaining a wide smile from Ahsoka as he continued. "No longer hangs from your head, that's all because of you, not me". Ahsoka looked at the ring in her hand, clasping her hands around it and sharing a respectful bow with her Master before Anakin turned and headed back into the temple.
Finally pulling herself away from the statue Barriss walked across the room to her friend "so what did Anakin want?".
Ahsoka almost jumped to the ceiling as she stuffed the ring in her pocket "what?...uh nothing really, so we should get started don't ya think?". Barriss simply shrugged as Ahsoka rushed passed her, running to catch up as they started down the steps leading away from the temple. Once they stepped onto the first walkway Ahsoka turned to her friend "we do have have a plan right?".
Barriss nodded as she looked down the crowded walkway "I can still sense James so he hasn't left the planet, all we have to do is track him down, capture him, and find a way to make him tell us who his Master is. After that we find this Sith Lord, and put an end to the war once and for all".