Amid the joyous celebration of Sabé and Fox's wedding, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padme found themselves basking in the atmosphere of happiness and love. The festivities were a welcome respite from the years of conflict and turmoil that had defined the Galactic War against the Separatists.
Padme, radiant in her elegant attire, couldn't help but beam with delight for her best friend Sabé. She watched as Sabé and Fox exchanged vows, their love evident in every glance and touch.
As the trio of friends mingled with the other guests, they found a quiet corner to reminisce and share their own memories. Anakin's gaze softened as he looked at Padme and Obi-Wan, his hand gently entwining with theirs. "Remember our wedding?" he mused, a fond smile gracing his lips.
Obi-Wan chuckled, his eyes reflecting on that day. "I remember it as if it were yesterday. Your nervousness was quite endearing, Anakin."
Anakin rolled his eyes playfully, his arm draped over Padme's shoulder, while his other arm wrapped around Obi-Wan's waist. "Well, I was about to marry the most amazing woman and man in the galaxy. Can you blame me for being a bit nervous?"
Padme laughed, leaning into Anakin's embrace. "Flatterer."
Their conversation shifted to a more heartwarming topic as they discussed Omega's fortunate adoption into Sabé and Fox's family. "It warms my heart to see Omega find a loving home," Padme remarked, her eyes glinting with emotion.
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Sabé and Fox have created a haven for those who need it."
Anakin's expression turned thoughtful as he added, "And it's incredible that Boba has found a place there too. Sabé even adopted him as well, though it was not needed. In both the Republic and the Mandalorian law."
The celebration continued long into the night, filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt conversations. The triad shared stories, laughter, and cherished memories, finding solace in each other's company. Their conversation shifted to lighter topics as they raised their glasses in a toast to Sabé and Fox's happiness.
As the wedding festivities began to wind down, Padme found herself stealing a moment alone with Anakin and Obi-Wan. She looked at them with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, her heart racing.
With a deep breath, Padme's gaze shifted from one to the other, her eyes shimmering. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you both," she began with a soft smile.
Anakin's brows furrowed with curiosity, and Obi-Wan's expression mirrored his. "What is it, Padme?" Obi-Wan inquired, his tone gentle.
A mixture of emotions danced in Padme's eyes as she took a moment to let the words sink in. "I'm pregnant," she revealed, her voice carrying a blend of joy and trepidation.
Anakin's eyes widened, and a wide grin spread across his face. "Padme, that's incredible!" he exclaimed, his joy evident in his tone- the twins were finally here!
Obi-Wan's eyes softened, his hand gently finding its way to Padme's arm. "I am soo happy my dear angel," he said warmly, with a genuine smile.
Their shared moment of happiness was to be shared with Healer Che, the Jedi Temple's resident medical expert, the following day. Upon Padme's request, they made their way to Che's chambers, where the healer conducted a thorough examination. After a few tense moments of waiting, Healer Che's expression shifted from concentration to surprise.
"You are carrying twins," Che announced.
Padme's eyes widened in astonishment, her gaze darting between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Anakin's laughter, uncontainable and filled with joy, filled the room, his mirth echoing off the walls.
"Twin... twins?" Obi-Wan repeated, his voice laced with amazement. Obi-Wan's eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and wonder. "I must admit, I never thought I'd be a father, let alone a father of twins," he remarked, his tone tinged with disbelief.
Anakin's laughter lingered, a buoyant melody that filled the room. "Well, it seems like our children have a flair for the dramatic," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. "Luckily we've had good practice with Korkie, Barris, and Ahsoka."
Padme's gaze shifted from one to the other, her heart full of love and gratitude. "They've already brought us together in so many ways," she said, her voice carrying a softness that matched the affection in her eyes.
"The thing is," Che spoke up, still looking at Padme in disbelief. "The twins have different fathers. The male force is clearly an echo from Anakin's force, while the female one is Obi-Wan's."
As the news of the twins settled in, Anakin's heart swelled with a mixture of joy and uncertainty. He couldn't help but feel a pang of bittersweetness beneath the surface of his elation. While he was overjoyed at the prospect of becoming a father again, a quiet voice within him whispered a truth he had long grappled with.
As he watched Padme's eyes light up with happiness and saw Obi-Wan's gentle smile, a part of him couldn't shake the feeling that one of the twins she carried wouldn't be his blood in this timeline. Anakin had come to terms with the intricate twists of fate that had brought them all together, but the specter of his own doubts lingered.
It seems that you've finally gotten your wish daughter. You are no longer my daughter… Anakin thought self-deprecatingly. Not that I blame you, I wouldn't want to be my child either. Oh, poor Luke, you are sstuck with me as a father again. But this time I promise you I'll do better.
His laughter, so boisterous just moments ago, had quieted. Anakin's gaze turned inward, his mind a swirl of conflicted emotions. He knew that their love was profound and unbreakable, transcending the boundaries of blood. He had seen firsthand the power of their connection and the strength of their bond, which had defied time itself.
Yet, there were moments when doubt crept in, when he questioned if he truly deserved this happiness. His past mistakes, his choices, and his tumultuous journey through time had left scars on his soul. And even though he had embraced this new life and forged deep connections, a part of him feared that his past would continue to cast its shadow on the present.
Anakin's gaze shifted to Padme, who was sharing a warm conversation with Obi-Wan. She radiated an inner strength and grace that had always captivated him. He admired her ability to see the beauty and potential in every moment, to find hope even in the midst of darkness. And yet, he couldn't help but wonder if his own insecurities would taint the purity of the love they shared.
As the minutes passed, Anakin's inner turmoil battled against his desire to fully embrace the joy of the moment. He felt a sense of urgency to cast aside his doubts and fears, to believe in the love that had brought them all together. But he also knew that healing was a journey, one that required time, patience, and a willingness to confront his inner demons.
His eyes met Obi-Wan's, and for a brief moment, their souls connected. In his gaze, he saw understanding, compassion, and an unwavering belief in their love. It was a silent reminder that they had faced challenges together and emerged stronger each time.
Anakin took a deep breath, allowing the warmth of their shared connection to envelop him. He vowed to himself that he would confront his doubts head-on, to work through his inner struggles and find a way to fully embrace the love that surrounded him.
As Padme's laughter echoed through the room and Obi-Wan's lighthearted banter filled the air, Anakin found solace in their presence. He knew that the road ahead wouldn't be without its challenges, but he was determined to confront them with an open heart and a renewed sense of purpose. And in that moment, as they stood together, united by their shared journey, Anakin felt a glimmer of hope that transcended the doubts that had once held him captive.
In the serene surroundings of the Halls of Healing within the Jedi Temple, Anakin and Obi-Wan found a quiet moment to reflect and converse. The soft hum of healing instruments filled the air, creating a backdrop of tranquility as they sat together.
Obi-Wan looked at Anakin with a thoughtful expression. "You know, Anakin, I've been pondering over what you said about the Gray Jedi Order."
Anakin leaned back against the wall, his gaze fixed on the gentle play of light filtering through the room. "It's something that's been on my mind as well, Obi-Wan. The war, the mistakes we made... the rigid dogma of the Jedi Order played a part in our downfall. Now that things have calmed down, I believe it is time for us to act."
Obi-Wan nodded in agreement. "You're right. The lines we drew between light and dark, the absolutes we adhered to, they blinded us to the nuances of the Force. We lost sight of the fact that the Force is a spectrum, and that balance can be found in embracing its entirety."
Anakin's eyes lit up with delight, Obi-Wan was finally fully invested in this plan. He was no longer just going with it because of Padme and Anakin, Obi-Wan believed that this was the new and true path. "Exactly, Obi-Wan. The Gray Jedi Order seeks that balance. To acknowledge both the light and the dark within us, and to wield the Force without being consumed by either extreme."
Obi-Wan sighed softly, his gaze distant. "I've seen the potential dangers of blind obedience to the Council's mandates. We pushed so many talented Jedi away, labeling them as 'dangerous' or 'unorthodox.' It's a mistake we can't afford to repeat."
Anakin's expression grew serious. "And it's a mistake we must rectify for the next generation. The Council, they've realized the errors of our ways. They've learned from the war, from our struggles. They've seen the wisdom in reevaluating the way the Order operates."
Obi-Wan's gaze returned to Anakin's, a spark of hope in his eyes. "Yes, they have. They understand that the Force isn't confined to a single path. They're willing to embrace change, to welcome those who seek balance into our ranks."
"It's a step in the right direction, Obi-Wan. A step towards acknowledging that there's more to being a Jedi than black and white." Anakin's lips curved into a small smile. "And I truly hope they do change the Jedi Order… but our place is no longer in Curoscant, but in the Freedom Rebel Alliance Space."
Obi-Wan chuckled softly. "It seems we've come full circle, dear heart. We were once the rebels, the rule-breakers. And now we find ourselves advocating for a new perspective within the Order."
Anakin's smile widened. "Maybe we're finally learning to listen to the Force, to truly understand its whispers. And maybe, just maybe, we can guide the next generation towards a more harmonious path."
I truly hope we do, Anakin sighed internally. The Galaxy can't handle yet another Galatic War. I've seen what it did in my dream during the previous timeline… there was no coming back from that. Maybe that is why the Force had decided to send me back to change it all. To stop the Galaxy from hurting that much, to aid it heal.
So, with the decision firmly settled in their hearts, Obi-Wan and Anakin stood before the Jedi Council, ready to share their vision for the future. The Council members regarded them with a mixture of curiosity, concern, and understanding.
Yoda's eyes held a hint of sadness as he gazed at his former Padawan and the Chosen One. "Chosen a difficult path you have. Difficult the ways of the Gray Jedi are."
Obi-Wan nodded respectfully. "Grandmaster Yoda, we understand the complexities and challenges this path brings. But we believe that the Force is guiding us toward it. The Gray Jedi Order won't be a departure from the Jedi teachings, but rather an expansion—a way to acknowledge the true nature of the Force."
Mace Windu's stern expression softened. "You've both grown wise beyond your years. And while your decision pains me, I can't deny that the Jedi Order itself needs to evolve."
Anakin's determination shone in his eyes. "We've seen the consequences of dogma and absolutes, Master Windu. The war taught us that the Force isn't bound by such limitations. We must adapt and learn from our mistakes."
Plo Koon, the gentle Kel Dor Jedi Master, spoke next. "Anakin, you were my Padawan. You've grown into a remarkable Jedi and a true force of change. I believe in your vision and your ability to guide those who seek balance."
Anakin's heart swelled with gratitude. "Master Plo, your faith means the world to us."
"I am also your father… I won't leave you to this path on your own," Plo cotninued. "I will be joining you too."
The Jedi Counsil chamber was silent in shock, though many had expected that answer from Plo. Yoda sighed softly, they will be losing two Jedi Counsilers and the Chosen One. "Parting with you is hard, the will of the Force it is. Go, you must, and may balance your path bring."
As they left the Council chamber, Anakin turned to Obi-Wan with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. "I'll miss this place, Obi-Wan. But I know in my heart that the Gray Jedi Order is our true calling." Anakin glanced at the stars beyond the Temple windows.
Obi-Wan rested a hand on Anakin's shoulder. "And as long as we follow the Force, we'll find our way. Besides, we're not leaving the Order behind completely. Windu and Yoda will ensure it walks a better path."
Anakin nodded, his gaze focused on the horizon. "And we'll be there to guide those who seek balance within the Force. Just like Plo and Qui-Gon guided us."