Chain Reaction

~ Five - A Happy Moment Dimmed - Anakin ~

It has been several months since joining the Grey Jedi, and I can say that I do not regret it. Ahsoka certainly has grown, in height, her lekku and montrals have lengthened, the blue patterns becoming a bit more detailed. She looks older, making my inner parent a little sad that my snippy former student, and sister, is growing up. 

Padme is coming today, visiting the Cavern for our monthly meeting in person. Although we talk via holopad daily, there is nothing like seeing my Angel physically. she has been able to keep us updated on her efforts within the Senate and the war, which seems to be drawing closer to ending. Because of her needed voice, we haven't seen each other in some time, nearly four months.

Killing Grevious was an absolute pleasure, even if it was unexpected. Snips and I had been on our way to a mercy mission on Shilli when he and his droids attacked, attempting to enslave the torgruta civilians. A long duel later, Ahsoka had decapitated him and all that was left were clanker parts scattered around the vicinity. The visit had also brought another surprise, a much more welcome one.

That was also the day we found Ahsoka's biological parents. Accidental of course, we hadn't meant for our cloaks to be discarded during the battle, but they had recognized her. 

Nak-il and Pav-Ti Tano, who had been thrilled to meet their daughter for the first time in years, even if it was brief. We needed to get rid of any evidence regarding the battle, so that Shilli wouldn't be targeting for further war. Count Dooku didn't need any more places to plunder. Sightings of Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, who were believed to be dead thanks to our disappearance, would've definitely put the peaceful planet on his radar.  

However, the couple were given a comm connected with our frequency, so that they could keep in touch, and Ahsoka seems more at ease, free and fuller of life than I have seen her since Christophsis, back when she was young and innocent. The best moment of that day was not only their reunion, but when Snips introduced me as her older brother. Padme was in tears when I told her about it. 

She's gotten along with her clan too. One of the girls, Natsa I believe is her name, had noticed how Ahsoka was uncomfortable in her old clothes, and made her some new ones to go along with her now purified sabers. There are some aspects that Snips kept, mainly her choker, but also her old padawan braid, which now is worn on her belt with her katanna style sabers. When asked, all she said was it was sentimental, meaning a remembrance to all the good memories of the past. 

Joining the Fire Warriors worked out better than I thought it would. Force users that understand me, don't treat me differently despite being the Chosen One. My powers have grown exponentially, and the always growing rage and darkness that had plagued me since my mom's death has become controlled, less destructive. I've finally been able to make peace with it. My lightsaber crystal has even changed from its normal sapphire blue to a dark indigo, a blend of balance and light. I've even recently been granted the rank of Elder and am now one of the leading members of the Fire Warriors. 

"Skyguy! You better hurry up your lazy bones or your wife will think you've forgotten her!" Rolling my eyes at my sister's antics, I get up, grabbing my lightsaber and cloak, and opening the door, a smirk on my face. "You done loth-cat?" The grumpy look on her face transforms the smirk to a grin. Too easy.

"One time. One time! Or do I need to remind you mousey-boy?" I scowl at her triumphant smirk. That kriffing little-

"Are you finished? Or...should I wait longer?" There's the voice I could recognize even in the heat of battle. My heart leaps at the sight of her. She's wearing a simple dress and cloak, not normally her attire, but an undercover appearance. A way to blend in. With a light veil, she reminds me of when we were much younger, her a newly elected senator, myself still a padawan. The most obvious adornment is the carved necklace I gave her all those years ago after Qui-Gon found me. All tension relaxing, I embrace her, lightly kissing her soft lips. 

"And just like that, I am the third wheel." Padme breaks the kiss, laughing lightly, but something is different about her presence. Her light is glowing brightly as always, but there is a shadow, trembling, threatening to dim that aura. "Are you alright? You're trembling. What's going on?" She backs up a little, her dark eyes probbing my own, glancing at Ahsoka a few times, trying to gather her words. 

"Something wonderful has happened. Ani... I'm pregnant." My eyes widen, the shock of the news preventing me from speaking, comprehending what she just said. Then, happiness, overwhelming bliss floods every ounce of me. A bright grin spreads without warning, and a light, breathy laugh escapes. "That's wonderful." 

"The war Anakin. What are we going to do?" My heart sinks at her worry, the trembling now understandable. This isn't the end of her news, but for the moment, I couldn't care less. "Don't worry about that now alright? This is a happy moment. The happiest moment of my life."

"Congratulations Padme, Skyguy! I'm so happy for you!" Even if she's grown up, matured since we left, she's bouncing up and down, her grin wide enough to show her fangs. She looks like the innocent fourteen year old who hadn't been exposed to the grim reality of war. Her expression seems to ease some of Padme's worries, which is relieving. 

Smirking, I speak up. "Just wait Auntie 'Soka." The tease only brightens her, grinning form lekku to montral. "I'm going to have a niece or nephew!"

A father. 

I'm going to be a father. 

Oh, if only mom could be here to see this. She would have loved a grandchild. Padme takes off her cloak, now exposing her slightly rounded stomach. It must have been from the last time we were together. Most likely at least Bail and maybe her are on the radar for suspicion...

Oh. 

Palpatine, Sidious. I glance over at Padme, now understanding her concern. She and our other allies within the Republic must have uncovered something about the Sith Lord. She isn't safe, the baby isn't safe on Coruscant. The familiar drive to protect my wife is now coupled with the drive to protect our unborn child. With her being an influential voice in the politics... Ahsoka seems to come to the same conclusion because her excitement lessens. 

"What did you find out Padme?" Her breath is shallow and shuddering, spiking my worry. It must have been bad. 

"The Council, we need to discuss it with the Council. I don't want to explain it twice, it's a lot to talk about." Nodding, I reach out with the Force, grasping with the presences of the Council Elders, who thankfully, are all present. Many of my fellow Fire Warriors are out, the need for mercy missions have risen because of the close ending to the war. Opening my eyes, I breathe, allowing the Force to calm my inner flame to a manageable amount before I take an action I'll regret later. 

Something dark has been uncovered. The Clone Wars may be coming to a close... But something, something that is much darker is on the horizon. At least, unless we take action. 

I just hope we aren't too late...