"Ahsoka, how could you not tell me you were pregnant?" Padme was still in disbelief and slightly betrayed, neither Ahsoka nor Lux had told her of Ahsoka's condition. The pregnant Togruta became defensive.

"I couldn't tell you, Padme. I couldn't tell anyone." She stood arms crossed and guarded in the Palace Gardens, darkness descending upon them. The temperature had dropped and there was a slight breeze. The Senator was not angry, just disappointed, and betrayed.

"Is this why you left the Order? Because you were pregnant."

"Of course not." Ahsoka retorted. "You know why I left; this was just a coincidence." Padme rubbed her temples, trying to piece the puzzle together.

"When did you find out?" She said with concern.

"Does it matter, Padme?" Ahsoka was slowly becoming annoyed with all the questions.

"Yes, it does." Ahsoka groaned in frustration.

"When I was on the run, I wasn't well, and I figured it out." She lied, not wanting to upset Padme anymore.

"You figured it out? You were on the run in the underworld of Coruscant and you somehow found out?" Padme was now becoming annoyed. Ahsoka was in no mood for this, she quite frankly did not have the energy to dispute with Padme.

"If you've come here to argue then I don't want to hear it." Ahsoka tried to storm past her, but Padme stood in her way.

"No, Ahsoka, that's not why I'm here." She sighed. "I came to see how you were after you left." Ahsoka felt the tension leave them both.

"I'm fine, Padme. I am glad to see you again." She admitted, the two reconciled from their disagreement and caught up from the last few months. They sat beside one another in the Gardens, not realising the time going by.

"How did Lux react to you being pregnant?"

"Well, he was surprised but happy, I guess." Padme smiled, now she had gotten passed her disappointment of not being informed and was now happy for the young couple. Ahsoka sat smoothing a hand over her bump.

"I'm sorry we never told you." She spoke. Lux and herself only told a handful of people about their baby, they wanted to conceal it as much as possible for their safety.

"It's okay, Ahsoka. I understand now." Padme assured her.

"Getting pregnant was not part of the plan, it just… helped me make the right choice for myself." Padme took on board her words, Ahsoka had chosen another path, a new purpose. She had always put others before herself and prioritised her purpose as a Jedi, but now she had put her feelings first and had made the right choice. Padme told her this and this brought a tear to Ahsoka's eye, she had always felt conflicted about her decision and hearing this only assured her.

"Padme?" The senator hummed in response. "Please, can you not tell anyone?" Padme looked at her, expression unreadable.

"Did Anakin know?" Ahsoka shook her head no. This put Padme in an impossible position, Anakin had been hysterical since Ahsoka left. He did not understand why she made the choice she did but knowing this would allow him to understand. However, she could not tell him as this would only jeopardise her relationship with her friend but, she could not hide this from her husband.

"You cannot tell him. Ever." Ahsoka pleaded, Padme still looked at her with an unreadable expression.

"Ahsoka," She began, her friend looked at her with fear in her eyes. "He would understand, he needs to know."

"No." Ahsoka hissed rather quickly.

"He's a mess, Ahsoka. Anakin… doesn't understand why you cut him off." She confessed.

"Anakin cannot know, Padme. The less people that know about this baby the safer it would be. I cannot allow my child to endure the life I had; the Jedi would only take her away if they knew." The senator knew she was right, any Force-sensitive children were being taken away to the Temple to be trained as Jedi and Anakin knowing about the baby would only make him a liability.

"I won't tell him, but I can't lie to him."

"I know." Ahsoka did not want to keep him in the dark either but, it was the best thing to do. "How is Anakin?" She finally asked, Padme sighed.

"He's didn't take it well when you left." Ahsoka lowered her head in shame, she cared for her master a great deal, but she felt like she was hurting him more. "He just wants to know if you're safe, he's been trying to find you."

"I know he has."

"Ahsoka, why did you sever your bond with him?" Ahsoka slumped.

"I had to. I had to with everyone. Obi-Wan, Rex, even Master Plo. I couldn't face any of them." Padme took her hand in hers and Ahsoka turned her head to face her.

"They all miss you." She said, brushing her thumb across the Togruta's hand.

"I didn't want to hurt anyone." Ahsoka choked as the tears began to fall, her guilt and hormones now consuming her.

"You made the right choice." Silence fell upon the pair. It was late now but neither of them wanted to retire for the night, but they were both shattered.

"It's late." Padme spoke first.

"I'll take you to our guest room." The two walked away to their quarters and decided to get some well needed rest.

*'*'

Lux had finally signed the contract to allow Onderon to trade with the Republic, much to the Trade Federation's dismay. They were almost impossible to negotiate with but, alas Lux had succeeded. Now his entry to the Senate had been completed with contracts and bills signed, with some apprehension from his colleagues. He had decided to leave for Onderon to reunite with his pregnant love, his absence made him miss her fondly. He summoned his ship to take him home, he would arrive in the wee hours of the morning, but it would be worth it to see Ahsoka again.

The journey home was short, the planet was consumed with darkness as it was extremely late. Only a handful of lights were lit, which guided his way into Iziz. He was extremely dishevelled, hair a mess and clothes scruffy, Lux knew he needed to take care of his appearance more, it would only upset Ahsoka to see him like this.

Disembarking from his ship, he tiptoed through the Palace halls to his shared wing, not wanting to wake the sleeping occupants. He arrived at his quarters to see Ahsoka sat cross legged in the dimly lit bedroom, she was meditating. He crept in, not wanting to disturb her. Feeling of relief engulfed him to see Ahsoka reconnecting with the Force, she had not meditated since she was pregnant and that filled him with content.

Ahsoka was in a deep state of mind, after the events of the day she had not forgotten her encounter with the Convor in the early evening. She had confirmed it was The Daughter from Mortis, but she did not understand why she wanted to reach out to her, and she needed answers. Obi-Wan had told her that The Daughter had saved her on Mortis by transferring her remaining life force to her, so she knew they were connected through that encounter, but she did not know why. She was hoping to find these answers through meditation but so far, she was unsuccessful.

"Ahsoka." A soft voice whispered. The Togruta was in a dream state when she heard this, she looked around and saw The Daughter, a blue hue emanating from her.

"What's going on?" She asked confused.

"You are in danger." The voice said. Ahsoka shot her a confused look. "Life as you know it is about to change."

"Why are you telling me this?" The Daughter took a step forward.

"Your dreams." The ghost hinted. The cogs began to turn in Ahsoka's mind. Was this all connected? Her dreams and the Force. "Morai has been trying to help you, your connection with the Force is strong." Morai? Was this the name of the Convor? She thought.

"But why me?" Ahsoka was now beyond confused.

"You are my life force, Ahsoka. You are the Light Side and so is your child. you can save the fate of the Universe by keeping it in balance." Ahsoka listened intently.

"How?" Was all she could ask.

"The place in your dream, it's called The World Between Worlds. Go to Lothal and all shall be revealed." With that, she disappeared. Ahsoka awoke from her meditative state, The Daughter had provided her with cryptic clues into understanding what she needed to do. She sat and thought, unbeknownst to her, Lux had returned and was sitting on their bed. Standing up, she turned to see him looking at her.

"I didn't want to disturb you." He said, Ahsoka was filled with joy to see Lux again. Hobbling over to the bed, she met him on a tight embrace. Lux pulled away and planted a kiss on her forehead, he ran his hand over her bump and smiled.

"I missed you." She whispered.

"I'm back for a while now." Ahsoka was happy to hear this, their child will be here soon, and the news soothed her. "I'm glad you've reconnected with the Force." Ahsoka's thoughts were still gnawing away at her.

"Lux, I have some answers now but, they're still not clear." With his lack of knowledge surrounding the Force, Lux struggled to understand what she meant.

"About your dreams?" She nodded.

"There are still unanswered questions I need to understand but, it's starting to make sense now." Lux was relieved to hear this, but concern was mounting as he did not want her stressing herself out.

"I promise I will help you, Ahsoka. But don't strain yourself." His pregnant love smiled at him and pulled him into a passionate kiss. His stubble tickling her face. She pulled away and cupped his cheek, Lux blushed.

"I know, I need a shave." He admitted, causing Ahsoka to chuckle.

"Don't, I like it. It makes you look handsome." With that, she pushed him down onto the bed.

*'*'

Ahsoka and Lux were cuddled in their slumber, the two exhausted lovers sleeping together. This was the first night in a while where Ahsoka was not plagued with her nightmare, but she still dreamed of her encounter with The Daughter. She now had confirmation of the place in her nightmares and the answer lied on Lothal, a planet she had never visited and knew little about. During her time in the Temple, she had studied a bit of the planet, it had a strong connection with the Force and had numerous Temples that lied dormant.

The young Togruta awoke first, feeling refreshed. She untangled herself from Lux and threw on a night gown and headed to the refresher, she had noticed that water had trickled down her leg and she started to panic. Shaking Lux awake, she knew it was time. Lux was disoriented.

"Lux, wake up it's happening." Anxiety in her tone. It did not take Lux long to realise what she was talking about.

"Are you okay? Is the baby coming?" Ahsoka nodded, Lux shot out of bed. "But you're not due for another few weeks."

"I know but, my waters have broken." She tried to stay calm, and Lux darted out of the room to fetch the Medical Droid, undressed from the waist up but he did not care. Ahsoka sat back down on their bed and Padme came rushing in.

"Ahsoka!" She exclaimed. "Are you in pain?" Ahsoka shook her head. Other than the panic of her labour starting, she was fine. Lux and the Medical Droid burst back into the room with all the necessary equipment they needed. Padme eased Ahsoka into a comfortable position so the droid could take her vitals. It prodded her and checked her over, it pushed the medical equipment into the back of her hand.

"Your vitals are stable and so are the child's, and I can confirm you are in active labour. You are currently one centimetre dilated." The two senators watched over them anxiously, Ahsoka thanked the droid and prepared herself for the delivery. Lux was biting his nails nervously, not ready for this at all. Padme nudged Lux so he could take his place beside Ahsoka. She could not help but chuckle at his state.

"Make yourself comfortable, your labour should progress within the next few hours." Ahsoka nodded. Panicking was futile, she knew this baby would be here sooner than she thought, and it would only distress the baby. Padme stood quietly as Lux adjusted Ahsoka's position and plumped up her pillows.

"She's not due for another few weeks, how is she in labour now?" Lux asked, clearly distressed.

"There is no reason for concern. Several things can induce labour, physical activity is usually something that can move things along." Confirmed the droid. Lux and Ahsoka both turned red, knowing how her labour had begun. Padme giggled at the pair.

"I'm guessing last night may have had something to do with it." Ahsoka snickered, Lux turned a deeper shade of red. The young Togruta inhaled sharply as her contractions started, she snatched Lux's hand and squeezed it while she exhaled. Her lover caressed her lekku in admiration and support. Lux had read a minority of articles about pregnancy and birth in preparation for this day, although he was still underprepared.

As Ahsoka's labour progressed, Lux never left her side other than to give her water. He held her hand, wiped her forehead and ensured Ahsoka's breathing was regulated, he helped ground her. The pain was consuming Ahsoka, her contractions were coming more regularly, and it was nearly time for her to push. Ahsoka was grateful for Lux being by her side, if it wasn't for him, this whole process would have overwhelmed her. Padme stayed by her side too. Her friend ensured her labour was a smooth as it could be, she kept the medical droid in check, she understood Ahsoka's struggle. The mother-to-be groaned in pain, becoming increasingly overwhelmed.

"It's time for you to push, Miss." The droid affirmed, checking her over once more.

"Okay, Darling. Are you ready?" Lux asked squeezing her hand, Ahsoka nodded weakly. Padme grabbed her free hand and squeezed too. With her next contraction, Ahsoka felt the pressure in her pelvis, she took in a deep breath and pushed. Her contractions were seconds apart now, and with each one she had the same urge. She was moaning and becoming delirious. In her state, she found herself reaching out to the Force to help guide her through, focusing her mind she reached out.

Be with me.

Anakin felt his bond with Ahsoka for the first time in months. It shifted. She needed his help, and her plea was not left unanswered. Her master was in the hangar of the Temple, working on his speeder when he felt her desperation. Obi-Wan was overlooking him, experiencing the same shift in the Force. Ahsoka needed their strength and guidance, urgently. The two Jedi reached out to their bond with Ahsoka.

We're here. The Force is with you, Ahsoka. You can do this, you're strong.

Their message and support guided Ahsoka through her final stages of labour. She mustered her dwindling strength and pushed one last time and with that, a new sound filled the room. A baby crying, her baby was here.

"It's a girl!" The droid announced, he took the baby girl away and cleaned her before handing her to Ahsoka, her mother. Lux kissed the dip in Ahsoka's lekku, he was overjoyed, a tear spilling from his eye. Padme was gleeful. Ahsoka was exhausted but delighted, she cradled her baby in her blanket, and she was beautiful. Her skin a few shades lighter than her mother's, traces of facial markings on her cheeks and forehead. She was the image of her mother. A few tufts of light brown hair growing over her small head. Lux carefully brushed the blanket from her face, admiring his daughter. She was finally here, and she was healthy.

Padme congratulated the new parents and excused herself. The droid ensured Ahsoka, and the baby were healthy before leaving itself. It was just Ahsoka, Lux and their baby girl left in their room.

"Well done, Ahsoka. She's perfect." Lux said planting another kiss on her forehead. Ahsoka smiled as she admired her new-born daughter. Her labour lasted nearly sixteen hours and it was the most draining experience of her life, but it was worth it to have their little bundle of joy.

"Have you thought of any names?" Ahsoka croaked, her voice hoarse from the labour. Lux pursed his lips, he had not thought of any names for a girl, only a boy.

"No, Darling. Have you?" Ahsoka peered up to him and nodded.

"I want to name her after your mother, Lux." He grinned at the mother of his child, humbled by her choice.

Mina Tano-Bonteri. Their daughter was named.