Whoa now, what is this? Another one so soon?

An early Happy Halloween gift of sorts.

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Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 122: Tales of the Jedi: Knights

In one of the vast training areas of Coruscant's Jedi Temple Aayla Secura and Anakin Skywalker were doing what many others were doing here.

In the present circumstance, they were undergoing lightsaber forms. Not just refinement on ones they preferred using, but everything else in general.

However, with the lost knowledge obtained from Ossus and Tython, they and many others wanted to expand their skill. The old ways of lightsaber and force saber combat quickly spread across the Order, having even the Battlemaster of the Order overwhelmed by how many wanted more lessons when he himself needed and wanted to study the old lightsaber forms himself.

He was particularly taken with the ancient Zabrak Battlemaster of the Old Republic, Kao Cen Darach. Much was already documented and archived about the ancient Jedi, but finding Tython was as if his lessons from before were enhanced tenfold.

A common occurrence for those experienced with the Forms is that they took note of the adjustments to what was used back then to the present. They questioned why such movements and positions were changed. Some oddly preferred the ones in the old formations over the present whereas others were vice versa.

To each their own, as it were.

Currently, Anakin was trying for a fusion move between Form IV Ataru and Form V Djem-so. Aayla coached him from the side, pointing out small missteps and mishandlings, and giving him adjustments when needed.

"Don't forget Anakin, your frame is broader now, not like how you were before the start of the Clone Wars. You have agility and all but you're still falling back on Form V."

"I know, I know." Anakin grumbled, wiping some sweat away.

With the memories of Vader occasionally flooding his head and body, Anakin wondered how to integrate them, refine them and exploit for when his next encounter with the Sith Lord will be more favorable.

Yet it's all so difficult as things just can't seem to fit. A feeling of conflict washed over him as a result.

"I don't know why you're so adamant about advancing this, Anakin," Aayla commented. "I mean, you already have the fundamentals of Form IV down and you've already combined it with your base Form V. What are you trying to add here?"

"Come on Aayla, there's gotta be something we can do with all this." Skywalker adamantly said, pointing at a small pile of data chits and Holocrons. "There's so much knowledge here, I know we can create a new form. There's gotta be, there just has to."

"Alright, alright," Aayla placated, amused at his attitude. "Let's just take it one step at a time and go over what we've looked at already."

Sitting down to take a break, the two Jedi went over things once again.

"Ok, ok, so look at this right here," Anakin held up a data chit, inserting it into a datapad and on it were images detailing Force Sabers and the combat styles of old. "This looks like the basis of how Form I started," He then pointed to another image of a rough sketch of Je'Daii holding a blade horizontally over his head. "I bet you this is where the foundation of Makashi came in and the one below it is Ataru. And somewhere…"

Secura raised an expectant brow, rolling her hand. "Somewhere~~?"

The younger Knight huffed, a stubborn glare directed at the datapad in his hands.

"With all these styles… old, current and reformed over the millennia… shouldn't there possibly be something else? Something new? Something simpler?"

"Well, if you're looking for something simpler, you're clearly overthinking things."

Anakin blew out a puff of air dramatically, wracking his brain for ideas.

"Maybe," He grimaced self-deprecatingly. "I mean, we gotta chance to make something new from the old."

"You think you're the only one who wants to make new Forms?" Aayla chuckled a little. "You wouldn't be the first to think of it." Her eyes moved over yonder to the padawans being instructed by the Battlemaster Cin Drallig. "Every padawan under here has played around with makeshift styles that never go anywhere. Master Tholme still has recordings of me and Master Vos."

Anakin recalled his own memories as a youngling and snorted and cringed at the same time. A memory surfaced of the time he tried some spinning Lightsaber trick reminiscent of his time during the Battle of Naboo. He landed flat on his face and broke his nose.

"Yeah, I remember those days."

The Twi'lek Jedi hummed to herself, musing in her own thoughts when a stray idea came to mind.

"Why not ask Steve or one of the other Avengers to help?" She suggested, making Anakin blink and turn to her in surprise. "They have been showing us all those fighting styles from Earth and how a lot of people mix and match the forms and such. Outside perspective could be what you're looking for."

"Huh," Anakin rubbed his chin, nodding a second later. "Yeah, you're right."

"Then go ask."

"Yeah, I will-Wait, why aren't you coming with me?" He inquired, looking at her strangely. "Don't you wanna come with? This was your idea."

Aayla waved him off politely. "I'll ask Steve to help me on my own time."

The brown-haired Jedi heard an odd lilt to her tone, seeing a mischievous glint in her eyes. He narrowed his eyes slightly and the Twi'lek found herself smirking in return.

"Yes~?" She coyly said.

Skywalker's eyes squinted even further, he opened his mouth only to close it, pointing at her and squinted again.

"We'll talk later, " He said, and Aayla only giggled in response, teasingly waving her fingers as he walked away. The man gave her a mocking pouty glare before leaving the temple.

After making a pitstop at his home with Padme, he retrieved something in particular before going to the Avengers' residence.

He arrived in a short amount of time, walking in…

… and found the HQ surprisingly empty.

"What the-?" The Jedi murmured in bemusement.

To see the Avengers HQ be empty was… it was really weird to see.

At the start, it made sense to a degree given that not all the members had been found yet. But after all scattered members across the galaxy had been accounted for and the reconnection with Earth occurred, the Avengers HQ was usually always occupied by five, six, sometimes even ten or more of Earth's Mightiest Heroes and one of their close friends and allies, even sometimes Jedi.

But to see it so empty was a slight shock to the system.

"Um…" He felt a bit stupid in doing this. "Guys? Hello? Anyone home?"

His inquiry was quickly answered as he heard the sound of a door opening and soft footsteps headed his way. From one of the corridors emerged the Scarlet Witch, dressed casually and with a surprised look on her face.

"Anakin? What are you doing here?" She asked, not impolitely.

"Hey, Wanda." He greeted in turn. "Just wanted to stop by and talk to Steve or… the others really. Never seen this place so empty. Anyone else around?"

"They are not here." Wanda replied with a shrug.

"Any idea where they are?"

The younger Maximoff shrugged. "I don't keep track of all their whereabouts. I'm not their denmother."

Skywalker had a bemused smile. "Aren't you raising two kids from Dathomir?"

The Avenger opened her mouth to respond, clamping it shut and coughing into her hand.

"Well, them yes-"

"And Pietro?"

"Pietro is old enough to take care of himself." Wanda refuted, getting a blank stare from the Jedi, making her defensive. "What?"

"I dunno, Pietro made a lot of grievances when we were still helping look for you." Anakin remarked. "How you were a fun-drain, a mom, always hovering over him-"

"If he didn't act like a doofus, I wouldn't have to step in to pull him out of the fire." Wanda childishly argued back.

The Jedi snorted at her response and the Avenger realized she had walked right into a trap. Anakin grinned cheekily before turning slightly serious.

"But seriously, where is everyone?"

"I know Pietro is with Chuchi right now." Wanda replied, holding up her hand, trying to remember who went where. "I think Peter is out on a patrol again but Matt and Sam went with him. Steve is back home, same as Nat."

"What about your girls?"

"They're on Clint's farm, actually." She revealed. "I don't know how it turned into this playdate but Scott and Hope took Scott's daughter, Merrin and Illyana, Nat went with Mara and Grogu and they're all at Clint's farm with his family. The rest are scattered to the wind for all I know."

"A farm, huh?" Anakin pondered aloud, an air of clear interest.

"An Avengers farm, to be clear." Wanda joked.

"Is there like some ultra-secret facility Barton has in his home?"

Maximoff shrugged. "Not that I'm aware of."

"Hmmm."

The Scarlet Witch then steered the conversation back to the purpose of Anakin's visit.

"Is there any particular reason why you sought out one of the others?"

He crossed his arms, ruminating on his "predicament". "I'm… having issues with my training right now. I wanted to get another's perspective."

Wanda tilted her head. "What kind of perspective?"

"It has to do with lightsaber combat." He answered. "But now that I mention it, I actually also wanted to learn more about the Force and after seeing all that magic and sorcery done by Strange and Celeste, who knows, maybe they have something that can help me out too."

The Sokovian's interest was now piqued, her eyes having a glimmer of scarlet.

"The Force, you say?"

Anakin nodded. "Yeah, yeah, see I…" The Jedi's expression abruptly shifted in slight realization. "Hang on a sec… Wanda?"

"Hmmm? Yes?"

"You were on Dathomir for a solid year, right?"

"...Yes…" It soon clicked in her head on what he was implying. "Ah~ So you're assuming that I would have knowledge of the Dark Side because of my ties with Dathomir."

"Wouldn't say it's a wrong assumption, no?"

Wanda raised her hands, moving up and down. "You would be correct… and incorrect."

"Meaning?"

Wanda held out her hand, a red sphere of hex magic appearing with ethereal energy dancing around her fingers.

"This is a form of magic, magic the witches on Dathomir couldn't even fathom. All they knew was that this was connected to an ancient, sole-member coven of the Scarlet Witch."

"And what does that mean?"

She gave an apologetic smile in response. "I wish I could give you a more concrete answer. The best that I've been told by the witches and now the sorcerers from Earth is that this is a type of Chaos magic to sum it up. Something, that if I become stronger in using, can be far more potent than both the Light and the Dark Side."

Anakin was silent for a second, his mind flashing back to a particular world.

"A balance." The Avenger snorted in response.

"I wouldn't call 'Chaos' balance. One needs Order and discipline to maintain it." The Sokovian had a strained look. "Kinda hard to do so when dealing with Chaos."

Anakin gave her a sympathetic smile. "Yeah, it ain't fun, I know. I don't have Chaos like you do but the Force and emotions are a pain to deal with."

Wanda now had a smile of her own, one of understanding. "Yes, I know what you mean. I've learned much myself from Dathomir about the Force and all from the Witches and other mentors."

"Other mentors?" Anakin perked up, taking a step forward, the bag he had slung over his shoulder shifting slightly. "You had other mentors?"

"Yes, they were… were…" Wanda trailed off as her telepathy picked up on something. Her eyes momentarily focused on the bag Anakin brought with him, sensing something in particular. Something familiar.

"Hang on…" Wanda held up a finger, before opening her hand entirely. Her red magic appeared, shooting out to Anakin's bag and plucked out a Jedi Holocron that hovered in front of the Jedi. She released her hold on the Holocron with Anakin catching it easily.

"Hey!"

"Brought a little guidance with you, I see." Wanda tilted her head again. "But I've seen other Jedi Holocrons on Tython now and… that one feels different."

Anakin gave her a skewed look. "You can tell? How? Is it your magic?"

"Somewhat." She admitted. "But it stems more from familiarity."

With a flick of her glowing hand, a pair of objects floated out of her room of the residence and came over. They were unusual on some factors but were familiar to Skywalker. The triangular shape and glowing red energy were present for one with glowing white for the other. Overall, they were a dead giveaway as to what specific order of Force Users made these particular devices.

Anakin's jaw dropped slightly. "Th-Those are-"

"Yes, but not from Tython." Wanda quickly said. "I found these on Dathomir from a crashed ship that likely belonged to some tomb raider or some other Lara Croft try-hard."

"Huh?"

"Whoever they were, they nearly took the artifacts from the ship except for these and a few others." She held up the two Sith Holocrons and Anakin couldn't help his curiosity, going over to them and inclining his head down to get a better look at them.

"Whoa~ that's crazy." Anakin openly admitted, glancing up at Wanda. "Do the others-?"

"They do. Well, those that came to your galaxy before we found the Gate on Tython. Though I suspect Celeste and a few others know by now." Wanda shrugged. "Not that it matters. If they ask, I'd show them anyway. We're all teammates, after all."

There was something nice and also enviable about the trust the Avengers always seemed to share with each other. Anakin found that at times, trust was a hard thing to have in the Order with some of the means in which they have conducted this war and the decisions made that impacted the other Jedi.

"Rather risky in having those here."

"True. But a top-tier keeper is often one who can't be influenced or even use what they are guarding. Besides, these have their uses… one over the other."

Anakin raised a brow at that. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, one is very cryptic but I'd like to think she's become a well-meaning and wise old spirit that's more helpful than enigmatic."

"And the other?"

"A bitch." Wanda's voice was as dry as the planet of Tatooine, making Anakin exert much self-control from bursting out laughing as the facial expression she made with that delivery was almost too much.

"A stupid, annoying, conceded bitch that, if she were real, I don't know what I would do to shut her up because my imagination starts going on overtime to think of ways to annoy her."

The white Holocron seemingly pulse aggressively, the Sokovian giving her a snarky grin.

"Yeah, that's right, shut up and deal with it, you tattooed hag."

"Who's in there?" Anakin couldn't help but ask, now intensely curious.

Wanda tapped her chin with her finger, swaying back and forth slightly. "How's about a deal then? You show me who you have and I'll show mine."

"Deal." Was Anakin's immediate response.

The Jedi then held out his Holocron still in hand and concentrated on it for a few seconds, channeling the Force into the device. Soon enough it opened up to reveal the Guardian.

Wanda's eyes widened at the sight, not expecting the Sith Lord to hold such a large and intimidating frame and appearance.

The Guardian glanced down at the Avenger and moved to greet her.

"Ah, Force User. Greetings, I am Darth Marr." The Sith Lord paused. "Wait… no, not the Force… not the way I am familiar with it. Who are you?"

"Wanda Maximoff. Otherwise known as the Scarlet Witch."

"Ah, an Avenger." Marr nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, yes, my young student has already regaled me with many tales of your group. A true honor to meet one at last."

"Alright Wanda, your turn." Anakin suddenly spoke up and Wanda released a small 'oh, right' and concentrated on her Holocrons, drawing Marrs attention to them.

"Sith Holocrons?!" Marr whispered in surprise. "Where in the galaxy did you get your hands on such sacred artifacts?"

"A story for later." Wanda replied as her two Holocrons shook slightly. With a flick of her magic, the Scarlet Witch opened her Holocrons, the pair landing on the ground in front of her. Moments later, the spirits of XoXaan and Kreia appeared.

The former immediately saw her "owner" and let out the biggest, angriest and dismissive scoff Anakin had ever seen.

"What is it now, Maximoff?" XoXaan states with a glare.

The Sokovian was nonplussed by the founding Sith Lord, much to the spirit's irritation.

"Thought you two could have some new company." Wanda then gestures to the other Holocron guardian.

Kreia slowly regarded the armored Sith Spirit, a gleam of intrigue evident on her hooded features.

"Who is this?" The elderly-looking spirit inquired.

The Sith Lord bowed his head forward respectfully. "I am Darth Marr. Formerly part of the Dark Council in life."

One of the first Sith Lords gave him a slightly interested gaze. "XoXaan."

"Darth Kreia." The other introduced herself.

Marr regarded the two Sith spirits, recognition evident to sense given his body posture shifting. "I know of both of you. All Sith do. It is an honor to meet the two of you. One of the Founders of the Sith Order and the Lord of Betrayal herself."

XoXaan's expression shifted into one of hyper-smug arrogance.

"Finally~ there is still yet courtesy and respect for their betters in this era."

"You're fat and ugly and nobody loves you." Wanda deadpanned, getting Anakin to look at her in bewilderment.

XoXaan's body violently jerked, rounding on the Scarlet Witch and the two entered into a tense staredown all while this was watched by the others.

Anakin couldn't quite understand what to make of all this, same as Marr though he was more subdued all while Kreia released a haggard sigh, a hand over her eyes.

"Must they incessantly choose to act like children?"

"This is one of the founders of the great Sith Empire?" Marr couldn't help but ask, now seeing them growl at each other. "How often does this happen?"

Kreia let loose a withering, exhausted sigh. "Constantly."

"...Doesn't seem as bad as some issues my fellow Councilors had with each other."

The Chosen One was met with the seemingly impossible sight of Wanda and XoXaan somehow butting heads with each other, pushing up against one another for dominance.

'Ok, so now they can interact with ghosts and spirits.' Was Anakin's internal checklist going off.

"She can't seem that bad… right?" He lamely asked.

Honestly, him being in the presence of a Dark Side practitioner was one thing while a Sith Holocron guardian was another. However he doesn't realize the fuller concept of things of how this was really possible with the bound spirit.

XoXaan breaks her focus from Wanda to regard Skywalker.

"Silence," She hissed, pointing at him. "You have only an idea of the pain and anguish this pathetic excuse of a living being has brought upon me. When I manage to become corporeal once more, this disrespectful fool shall be awash with the darkest aspects of the Force, driving her as mad as possible, only to repair her mind so I can shatter it again."

The Chosen One had a tiny bug-eyed look to him for a solid few seconds until he turned and…

"You have my sympathies." Anakin earnestly says to Wanda, once gauging XoXaan.

This only seemed to further infuriate the founding Sith Lord, who Anakin was now starting to realize that annoying her was entertaining. It honestly reminded him of the times he egged Ventress on in their past encounters so he could get the upper hand. He was so absorbed in his thoughts, that he didn't realize the other Sith Spirit that wasn't his had now turned her attention onto him.

"You…" Kreia murmured, her blind eyes managing to see the Force emanating from Anakin and it… it was… "You remind me of an old student of mine. You… you are exceptionally strong in the Force."

Hearing all this, rather than put on his usual faux-smugness or dismissal altogether with this compliment, Anakin felt slightly different with this praise.

"Ah, you sense it as well." Came Marr's comment.

"Hard not to." Kreia idly remarked. "Wanda's foray through the temple when she first came here exposed me to many Jedi and while there are those powerful in Force, it's not what I once witnessed in my time. This one here is the first one that I would liken to the Sith and Jedi of old. Of true, raw, unrestrained power."

Wanda was quick to add on to her teacher's assessment. "He's apparently the Jedi's Chosen One."

"Chosen One?" Kreia and XoXaan parroted.

"Like that of the Sith'ari?" The latter inquired, having recalled such a prophecy when she and the banished Jedi first came to Korriban.

"Sith'ari?" Wanda now parroted. "Wait, like… the Sith Chosen One?"

Anakin rubbed his chin in intrigue. "Given the root words, I'm guessing it's the Sith equivalent to what I am."

"You would be correct on that matter." Kreia confirmed. "But what of the Chosen One that Wanda claims you to be?"

Marr gave a brief explanation. "There was a prophecy that the Jedi came after our time. One which spoke of someone bringing balance to the Force."

"It was a prophecy told a thousand and hundred years ago." Anakin further clarified. "During the thousand-year war with the Sith. The galaxy and Order were barely being held together at that time."

Processing this bit of information, Kreia spoke her mind. "Quite the desperate measure for the Jedi."

"My thoughts as well when Skywalker first told me of this. He wanted my perspective on the matter."

"And what did you tell him?"

"Prophecy is a fickle thing. Whilst the Force has a plan and a will of its own, the choices you make in life are that of your own. And whether or not he embraces the Prophecy at the end lies within his hands."

"And you never brought up the Sith'ari, why?"

"You never asked." XoXaan snarked.

Skywalker pinched the bridge of his nose on Maximoff walking in on that fundamental response.

Wanda -of course- had the flattest and most annoyed stare she ever mustered at the Sith Founder.

XoXaan held a smug grin until she released a yelp, being sucked back into her Holocron, courtesy of Wanda and the pyramid-like device rattled about angrily.

"Huh…" Was Anakin's response. "I didn't know you could do that."

"Took a lot of practice." Wanda admitted with a satisfied grin, enjoying the sight of the Holocron thrashing about, the spirit inside raging once again.

The Lord of Betrayal shakes her head with a sigh. "Happens rather often, much to my annoyance as I'd hear her rants for some time."

Darth Marr was momentarily intrigued by Wanda's action but his mind wandered back to what they were discussing a moment ago.

"With all this future talk, I am curious as to the depictions of both of these supposed revelations. The two prophecies could be depicting two different individuals entirely or be one and the same but were told by the different Orders during times of strife or upheaval."

"We could wax and wane on this poetic interpretation and get nowhere," Kreia said somewhat dismissively. "I am of the belief that even with Prophecy, choice and individuation will always persevere above all else."

Anakin gazed at the elderly visage of Kreia, unsure of what to make of her. Her name was well known throughout the Order though he could only know so much based on second or third-hand accounts. The Jedi Archives spoke of how she was once a Jedi and then a Sith and then… it just felt incomplete.

He had seen Meetra Surik's Holocron, actually, and the way she portrayed Kreia was one who was an extreme individualist who rejected both teachings of the Jedi and Sith. And here she was, confirming it with her dismissal of prophecy.

"Ya know," He spoke up, facing Wanda. "I came here to speak with Steve and the others but this could work too. How about we trade mentors for a bit, Wanda, whaddya say?"

Pondering a little, Wanda shrugs. "I don't see why not. Will give me a break from XoXaan of all people."

At the mention of this, Anakin soon cringes a little on the prospect of having the one particular Sith spirit in his home.

"I can't help but agree." Marr stated. "Much as Skywalker here has been an enjoyable challenge in training, one outside the Force; now that will make for a true challenge."

"Can ya keep XoXaan here?" Anakin quickly said. "I'd rather Padme not run into her and then chuck her Holocron into the nearest trash compactor."

The Holocron containing the Sith Spirit rattled about, appearing to have heard that last tidbit.

"Can she hear what we're saying?" Skywalker inquired, pointing at the container of XoXaan's spirit.

"Yeah, somehow." Wanda answered, scratching her head. "I honestly don't know how and kinda gave up on figuring it out."

"...Now I'm worried."

She gave an amused smile, levitating the Holocron of XoXaan into her hand. "Don't worry, I'll hold onto her. Just make sure you take care of Kreia, alright?"

"I'm a spirit, Wanda," Kreia idly said.

"And yet," Wanda threw her hands up and they fell, clapping her legs. "I've grown to care for you. XoXaan, I tolerate. Barely."

"Don't I feel special." Was the sarcastic remark. "I swear Meetra was better respectful."

After all that exchange was done, Wanda and Anakin traded Holocrons and the latter departed after several hours of speaking and learning from Kreia, taking her with him.

Returning to his home with Padme, Anakin pondered on a whole lot of things.

While not obtaining training as he initially planned, he got a unique insight into the Dark Side. Marr gave him a decent start with Vader's indirect experiences were a harsh push. However, his interaction with XoXaan and Kreia gave him more understanding. After all, one derived from the founding root of the Sith while another focused on not just the great aspect of Betrayal but much more. If not now, then most certainly later.

In a way, Skywalker felt a bit more prepared in fending against the Dark.

With him alone, Anakin meditates.

With the prophecy of the Sith'ari wafting in his mind, he became a bit troubled.

How it was the Sith's interpretation of the Chosen One and with Marr's commentary, he indeed wondered if both prophecies were one and the same… yet not at the same time.

Many indeed believed he was the Chosen One to help bring balance to the Force. But earlier was the very first time he learned the Sith had their own telling of the prophecy.

Thinking on it further, in a sad and somewhat terrified manner, Anakin believed Vader was the Sith'ari. How he indeed brought balance to the Force… or rather unsettled it with the Dark Side prevailing. How it occurred with the lynchpin of his betrayal of the Jedi Order with their mass slaughter and genocide. Being instrumental in the subjugation of the galaxy with the Empire.

All this did was make him more firm on his dedication to not become Darth Vader.

"Dammit Kreia," He grumbled to himself, dragging his hand over his face. "Why'd ya have to focus on that?"

His training with her was… interesting, to say the least.

He was explaining to her all that he had found on Tython and that Vader tidbit was a slip-up that she zeroed in on. She all but demanded to know if it was merely a Force projection, only to reveal he exactly wasn't. How Vader is a possible variant from another timeline brought into this one, courtesy of the Son. When asked if he was a "possible" variant, Anakin further elaborated on Vader's lack of knowledge of the Avengers yet at the same time, he always just vanished and there was no explanation as to why.

Vader usually appeared in places where the Force was particularly powerful, such as Mortis and Tython. But he still felt his presence at times and the last time he clashed with him, he began to receive his memories.

Bits and pieces, here and there. Some were clear as day, others were a foggy, incoherent mess that he couldn't make heads or tails of. Voices being familiar, while others are muffled. One of which was one who Vader referred to as "his master".

Anakin shook his head and concentrated.

That Master… who was his dark future's master?

He always was a blur but when Kreia made him concentrate on his memories he got from Vader, there was something there.

Something more clear.

That Master he spoke of was garbed in a dark cloak and his face obscured.

Was there a block Vader was purposefully setting up? Was there a way to bring it down to reveal that big, dark secret?

There had to be something that he-

"Master Skywalker,"

Anakin was broken out of his thoughts, looking up to see 3P0 with R2, the former holding a tray of food with the latter have a tray of drinks balanced on his dome head.

"Dinner is ready." The droid happily said, R2 beeping in confirmation. "Mistress Padme is calling for you."

Anakin grunted, rubbing his temples. "I'll be right there."

"Is something troubling you, Master Skywalker?" 3P0 says out of concern.

"What isn't troubling me lately." Came the muttered response.

Regardless, he got up and went into the dining room where the dinner table was just getting set with Padme placing down the utensils.

She sensed him coming in and turned and smiled lovingly at him, that smile he always loved to see.

"Ani," The Naboo Senator sweetly said, going up to embrace him, the Jedi returning the gesture, kissing the top of her head.

"How was your day, Paddy?"

"The Senate today is being a bit easier, surprisingly." She revealed, her expression conveying her statement. "You?"

Anakin exhaled dramatically, leaning his head atop hers. "My day was… insightful."

"Oh? Do tell."

As the couple sat down, Anakin regaled her with his latest "training session", if he could call it that and promised he'd introduce her to Kreia later on.

For now, he just wanted to have dinner with his wife.

The two ate in relative silence, occasionally trading stories and jokes but as the night went on, a myriad of thoughts went through the Jedi's mind.

One of which was how beautiful his wife seemed to get every time he saw her.

And the other was just how many people now knew about his marriage to her.

Really, the most important people in his life knew by this point.

He told Ahsoka and Obi-Wan. The Avengers already knew.

Rex somehow as well and it turned out to be some ridiculous circumstance between Padme, Rex and Deliah that he didn't even know how that turned out.

But that was beside the point.

All of them helped keep him grounded, in a fashion. An anchor from drifting to the dark. To keep him from straying from the light.

And Padme…

"Is there something on your mind?" Her voice broke through his thoughts and he hummed momentarily.

Once chewing and swallowing his food, Anakin indeed voiced it.

"Wanna get married?"

The sudden question threw Padme off, smiling in bemusement. "Aren't we already married?"

Anakin chuckled, his head moving side to side. "Well, yes, we are. Sorry, I meant to say wanna get married properly?"

Padme was befuddled until slowly she realized what he was actually inferring.

"Really?" She said in surprise.

"Yeah. More people than just R2 and 3P0 as witnesses. Even including your family… especially since I still recall your parents weren't exactly thrilled they weren't there the first time."

The Senator didn't say anything, only giving an awkward sip from her glass given her husband was rather correct about that.

"But this time, we can make it… proper." Anakin said with a kind smile, reaching out to take her hand into his. "The Avengers, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, Rex, your family, my family."

She gave him a look. "Your family?"

"Well yeah, Owen and Beru."

Padme blinked, smiling brightly, resting her chin in her other hand. She momentarily forgot about them, much to her dismay. Yet she was happy Anakin wanted to include them on such a special occasion.

"And where would it happen? I doubt we can do one anywhere accessible-"

"We could perhaps take a trip to Earth and do it there." Anakin said straight away.

With this brought up, Padme perked up a little. No one would really know either of them… outside of the Avengers. No one on Earth would really bat an eye about them unlike anywhere here in this galaxy.

"And where would the wedding happen?" She was getting excited at the thought of it.

"Maybe the Barton farm. Remote and relatively secluded." Anakin mused. "Or someplace kinda like Naboo."

Padme smiled at the prospect, making a sense of giddiness swell up from her very being.

"Sounds like a wonderful idea."

"Is something wrong, Mistress Padme, Master Skywalker?"

Turning over to 3P0 and R2 who just came into the dining room from the latest commotion, Padme spoke. "We're getting married."

"...Again?"

"Again." The couple declared.

If the protocol droid could blink, C-3P0 would be doing so right now. Once processing this bit of information came a rather enthusiastic response. "Oh how wonderful. I must tell everyone!"

"3P0, no!"

Witnessing the display, R2 wished it was capable of facepalming on his friend's response to all of this, quickly moving to stop him.

-Scene Cut-

Anakin was back in the temple, seated in a small set of bleachers with other Masters and Knights, all observing in silence as Padawans and Younglings displayed their current progress in training. Only this time, much of this display was emulated from the many Holocrons and instructions retrieved from Tython.

So it was training for both the masters and proteges as they all grew accustomed to these new/old styles of lightsaber combat and Force application.

The Jedi Masters had to watch and learn as they had been practicing these new techniques as well.

Anakin watched as Ahsoka jumped in the air, doing another corkscrew when a hit landed right on her stomach and she comically flopped down to the ground.

"Ahsoka!" Barriss worriedly said, immediately by her side, helping her up.

"Urgh," The Togruta moaned, clutching her stomach. "That was unpleasant."

"It'll take time to get that right." Offee said, a quick wave of her hands over Ahsoka's stomach and whatever pain she felt disappeared.

"You're getting really good at that."

The duo glanced up to see Anakin standing before them now.

"You alright there, Snips?"

She gave him a thumbs up. "All better now thanks to Barriss."

Her master gave an appreciative smile directed at the Mirialan and she held the same expression when it faltered slightly. Raising a brow at her sudden mood shift, he noticed her eyes were directed at someone behind him.

Looking back, he saw Luminara standing there, her expression hard to discern yet turmoil was evident in her eyes.

'What's wrong with her?' Came his passing thought.

Turning back to the Padawans, Anakin saw Ahsoka was now giving Barriss a sympathetic look, lightly bumping her forehead against her cheek. The Mirialan weakly smiled at her friend and moved to walk away.

"I'll see you both later." Barriss quietly said, going in the opposite direction from her master.

Anakin blinked at this and he glanced back at Luminara, seeing her calm visage break, a look of uncertainty and pain appearing as she reached out with her hand, mouth open only for her to stop, her hand dropping and she looked disappointed, more at herself than Barriss.

'Did something happen between them?' He thought with concern.

"Master?" Ahsoka's voice brought him back to the present, him coughing into his hand.

"Sorry bout that." He said, nudging his chin in Barriss' direction. "Take it something happened, yeah?"

"It's complicated." Ahsoka admitted, a sad frown marring her face.

"Seems like you know." He noted.

"Yeah, and I'll tell you all about it when they have it all sorted."

"Fair." Anakin said with a nod, clapping her shoulder. "Come on. We've been at this for hours and I'm starved. Dex is servin' breakfast food all day today and one of them is that brightish stuff."

"I think you mean Breetish." Ahsoka corrected.

"Was it that?" Her Master muttered in uncertainty.

The Padawan merely shrugged in response. "Meh, we'll find out when we get there."

"Agreed."

With that, the pair left the temple, making it to Dex's Diner, or rather his restaurant given how much expansion it has had in the past few months.

And despite the expansion, that lovable Besalisk always had tables ready for the two leaders of the clone Legion that rebuilt his establishment.

They soon got their meals, dug in and conversed from there.

"Wait, wait, wait," Ahsoka spoke through stuffed cheeks, looking at her master with slight incredulity.

"What? Chew your food, Snips, don't want you chokin' on me."

Ahsoka took two large chomps and practically inhaled her food before looking at Anakin again.

"Wanda has Sith Holocrons?"

"Yeah?"

"And you didn't tell the others?"

Anakin made a slightly cringed face, giving an iffy hand motion. "Well~ it is kinda her secret to tell. And most of the Avengers know as well."

"But… shouldn't she at least tell the Council?"

Anakin gave her a dry look in response. "You remember how she acted towards them? She's not exactly the biggest fan of them."

"I mean… I know but still."

"Soka, trust me. And her. She's an Avenger, plus she operates outside the Force. Besides, you've already met Marr, not like Wanda's the only one learning from the Sith."

"Yeah, but Marr is nice and became one with the Force naturally." Ahsoka rebuked.

"Don't you trust the Avengers?"

"Of course I do-"

"Well, trust Wanda. And me. And if anything happens, Wanda would go straight to the Jedi. She promised. Besides, she told me she's waiting for the Order to be a bit more open-minded in due time."

"Open minded?" Ahsoka repeated, a bit uncertain.

"Snips, come on," Anakin expectantly said. "You know how the Council can be sometimes. I think learning everything they can from Tython might help get the sticks lodged up their ass' out. Pietro's words, not mine. And Sam's. And Rhodey… and a good half-"

"I get it." She cut him off, her master chuckling at her face which broke and the pair laughed together.

They fell into a comfortable silence, casually eating until Anakin's demeanor shifted into a more serious look.

"There was something else I learned recently when…" His voice was distant, making Ahsoka look at her master, frowning at his change in mood. "Conversing with those Holocrons. Something troubling."

Tano propped her arms on the table, leaning forward. "That being…"

"Another side to the apparent prophecy centered around me." This drew a concerned look from Ahsoka, having him explain. "With the Sith, they have their own interpretation. How the Sith'ari will unsettle the balance and have the Dark prevail."

Anakin could see a reaction from his padawan. Her gaze was briefly distant with her hands curling in momentary anger. He even felt through their connection a very swift instance of a Force fluctuation.

'Does she know something?' Anakin narrowed his eyes when doing his best to recall the Force signature he felt and realized something. 'No… not Ahsoka… the Daughter.'

He's had the occasional suspicion of what occurred with Ahsoka since Mortis. The Bendu merely confirmed it, yet Anakin never knew what kind of bond she had with the one Celestial if something else was there.

"What else did it say?" She says, her voice sounding subtly distant.

"That the Sith'ari would destroy the Order and rebuild and remake it stronger than ever before."

Ahsoka was uncertain as to what to make of this as she was just hearing about it now yet at the same time, there was an unusual familiarity to this. A foreign familiarity.

"And what do you think this means?" She softly asked.

"I don't exactly know. There could be a lot left out or lost to even them of all people. But when thinking about it further, I think the prophecy could in fact happen if I fall and become Vader." Skywalker appeared distraught. "I end the Jedi and the Sith and… and… is that even balance? All that death just for a balance that may not even hold out? What kind of prophecy would that be?"

Ahsoka was silent for a few moments, evidently worried for her Master given his troubled expression.

"What do you think it all means?" She quietly asked after a few moments.

"I don't know." He responded straight away. "All this talk of the Chosen One this, Chosen One that, it's all just getting annoying now. Like I have to be perfect or something."

Hearing this, his Padawan scoffed good-naturedly.

"No one's perfect, Anakin. Perfection is an illusion as there will always be flaws. All we can do is do our best and you are most certainly doing so." Ahsoka smiled brightly at her master. "I may give you flak but I'm proud to call you my master. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. All that I am right now, I owe a lot of it to you."

A sense of relief washes over him.

"Yeah, you were pretty hopeless without me." He said a moment later, laughing as he raised two fingers to stop a wad of food his Padawan flung at him. "Gonna have to do better than tha-MRPH."

Ahsoka moved fast, shoving mashed potatoes in her Master's mouth and then wiping her hand on his face.

She chuckled smugly when some of Anakin's omelet was dropped on her head. Her expression changed into a deadpan, one matched by her master until they devolved into laughter, wiping themselves clean.

Afterward, the pair paid their bill and left, opting to explore Coruscant together. They chose a direction at random rather than heading back to the temple.

They got into some shenanigans here and there, even helped stop a crime or two, Ahsoka mentioning how she and Peter do this together sometimes.

All the while, Anakin was reflecting on their earlier conversation and most importantly, his time as Ahsoka's Master. It had been over a year now since she was assigned to him, an assignment that he rejected initially. Hell, it was Obi-Wan who was the one who requested a Padawan only for him to get relegated with her.

And in all honesty… it had been one of the best moments of his life, looking back on it.

Having a Padawan, having someone truly look up to him, trying to emulate him and… to become better.

That drove Anakin to be better, not just as a Jedi but as a man.

In a short amount of time, he viewed Ahsoka as his little sister, and the pride he felt seeing her every step, no matter how many times she faltered, Snips held strong and pushed herself to new heights.

He may not have been a perfect teacher, but he's indeed done his best in instructing Ahsoka. He's seen the results of his actions and it greatly shows.

It'll be a big learning experience in preparation for the future when Ahsoka is no longer his padawan and he takes another. And then one day, she will be a Master with her own Padawan.

And all he hoped for was she taught whoever that was as well as he did.

Maybe less with the death-defying stunts but meh, to him, it builds character.

-Scene Cut-

"Aayla, you don't need to fidget so much, you look fine."

Aayla Secura shot an apologetic smile at Steve Rogers, a hand anxiously running through her hair.

Yes, her hair.

How is it that Aayla has hair?

And not just hair. Her skin pigmentation was no longer than intense blue but a more fair complexion similar to Steve's, if not slightly tanned. Her eyes were a piercing blue and she wore garments that were common on Earth.

"I know, I know," The Twi'lek said, somewhat nervously. "I guess it's such a strange thing. To be in your skin yet not at the same time. This glamor charm is way more effective than Celeste told me it would be. I never thought running my hand through my hair could be so… so… weird."

Steve chuckled at that, holding out his hand for her.

"Just relax." He assured her. "You look beautiful."

Hearing this made her heart flutter, smiling lovingly at the Super Soldier, placing her hand into his own.

Currently, the couple were at a fancy restaurant in Manhattan, one Tony had suggested and by suggested, he more or less booked a whole movie-type romantic night experience, much to the chagrin of the Super Soldier and the bewilderment of the Jedi. She had never experienced something like this so it was a bit overwhelming to be waited on and served as much as she was tonight and Steve was both amused, annoyed and grateful to Tony all the same.

Apparently, Steve had been wanting to take Aayla out for a while now and when the opportunity arose, he had been talking with his team about options and ideas… and then Stark bull-rushed in, Nat in tow and the two essentially took all of Steve's decisions into their hands.

A suit there, an extravagant dress meant to highlight all of Aayla's assets here touched up with a Glamor pendant charm around her neck and viola, the picture-perfect image of a couple in love.

"Did Natasha have to choose something like this?" Aayla remarked, glancing down at her sapphire blue dress. "I mean, I know my old suit may have revealed much but this is… excessive."

"Yeah, well, that's more my fault, if anything." Rogers commented in exasperated fondness. "Should have kept my mouth shut and waited to talk to the others when Tony and Nat weren't around."

Aayla hummed sympathetically, moving to interlace her fingers with his.

"Well, I would say it could be worse but this is a first for me." Secura admitted, chuckling lightly. "So I guess we'll have to judge in the future for perspective."

Steve raised a brow. "What, all our battle dates don't count?"

Aayla threw her head back with a boisterous laugh, wiping her eye slightly, seeing Rogers chuckling at his own joke.

"They were unconventional," She humored. "Though I think our relationship is anything but conventional."

Steve 'hmphed', a small smile now as he raised her hand and placed his lips upon hers, enjoying the tingling sensation that shot down her arm.

"Perhaps a "battle date" under more controlled circumstances could be made." Aayla jokingly mused.

Her lover made a thoughtful frown, tilting his head to the side. "Well, the Jedi are always training, same as the Avengers. We can always try a simulation until all our clothes are off at the end of it."

Aayla gaped in astonished shock. "S-Steve!"

The Brooklyn born Avenger blushed sheepishly, holding a wincing smile, turning his head away.

"Yeah, the others are becoming a really bad influence on me."

The Twi'lek shook with laughter, holding out her other hand for Steve to take.

"I could say the same for myself." Aayla freely admitted. "Whenever we're alone now," There was a glint in her eyes that ignited a primal fire in her lover. "I thought I had the control and discipline of a Jedi… but it gets thrown out when we have the chance to be alone and a bed isn't far off."

The look in the eyes of Steve sent delightful shivers down her spine and she held a seductive smirk that made him close his eyes to look away.

"Careful, Aayla," His voice was low, causing further goosebumps to appear. "Your words might have consequences."

She gazed at him with half-lidded eyes, a sensual air coming over her.

"What if I want those consequences?" Her voice was barely above a whisper and it got the desired response with the fire she so loved to see in his eyes coming alive.

"Alright, you wanna play this game, Miss Secura?" Steve's tone was humorously dark. "I'll have you know, I'm the world's leading authority on waiting too long. And I can make it go both ways."

Their dinner date ended not long after and despite the owner of the restaurant insisting that Steve did not need to pay, being the gentleman that he was, left the place a generous tip that was close to the amount Tony covered for them when he booked this place.

Steve was never one to throw around money all willy nilly and he had saved up a substantial sum on his own part. Coupled with the decades of residual checks involving everything revolving around him in terms of all things media that Tony had also secured somehow, the Earth's First Avenger was quite financially secure.

The couple was soon strolling around the city, Steve taking his girl to some of the famous spots of Manhattan.

Much of Earth was much like Coruscant, but at a fraction of what Aayla can comprehend. It was honestly strange how it is. How limited it is in so many ways and yet in other ways, advanced in the most unique circumstances.

They had spent the entire day together and eventually made it back to Steve's old residence which had been refurbished and rebuilt with some small portions recreating 1940s America.

Aayla watched as he flipped a vinyl out from its sleeve and gently lowered it down to his record player. There was a scratching sound that came first until old school music played after, a pleasant melody and smooth playing of instruments.

She watched as he turned to her and found herself getting lost in his eyes when he coughed into his hand awkwardly, going up to her.

"I… um…" He gently took her hands into his own, briefly looking down at her neck.

He frowned slightly, moving to gently remove the glamor charm pendant around her neck, reverting her back to her true form.

"What? Missed my old self already?" She teased.

The Avenger shrugged good-naturedly, kissing her forehead. "I fell in love with this look, not the other. And I believe that my first proper dance should be with you as I know you best."

"Smooth talker." Secura whispered, feeling her face heat up at his words, pulling him closer and simply letting her body react to the music as the pair gently began to sway back and forth together.

"Sorry if I step on your toes." He murmured, his Jedi Lover shushing him calmly, resting her head on his chest, loving the sound of his heartbeat.

"It's alright, my love," She whispered, rubbing her head against his chest, soaking in his scent that was turning on every cell in her body. "Just let go. Let your heart guide you."

He only hummed in response, the pair staying like this until Aayla lifted her head up to look at him and the man said nothing as he lowered his head for a chaste kiss. The kiss soon morphed into a deeper, more needy one that ended up intensifying until…

Not hard to guess where this ended up.

…

…

…

Aayla released a small moan, the feeling of light touching her face as she slowly opened her eyes. She was in bed, resting her head atop Steve's muscular chest, her lover's arms keeping her secure in his grasp with the rest of her body draped over his.

There was a tingly soreness in her body that made her feel a kind of loopy, happy exhaustion that made her really glad that she wasn't planning on going anywhere at this moment.

She hummed to herself, snuggling up against her love, the man shifting slightly to turn and face her.

"Had a good night?" His voice softly rumbled and she giggled in response, poking her nose against his.

"Best one yet." She whispered, now nuzzling him. "It's nice to sleep with you and not worry about having to leave."

"Mmmm, something to get used to, maybe." He quietly said and Aayla gave him a look.

"Maybe?"

Steve shrugged slightly, his hand gently stroking her arm with the back of his fingers until they settled on her cheek. He gazed at her silently, taking in her beauty before speaking again.

"Nearly two years ago, I spoke with Tony about the man who went down with the ice and came out into a world he did and didn't recognize," Rogers felt strange when recounting the memory. It was so close yet with all that's transpired since then, it felt like an entirely different lifetime. "He told me about getting a farm for himself and Pepper and in turn, about having that… that quiet life. Wife, kids, a place to call home, settle down. And I told him that the man he was describing went down into the ice and someone else came out instead."

Aayla placed her hand over his, loving the feel of his hand on her, gently kissing his palm.

"And now?"

"Now?" Steve chuckled slightly. "Now that life maybe ain't such a bad idea. But knowing us, would that really fit us? The quiet life, being all peaceful? Away from all the action and not helping people?"

His Twi'lek lover was silent, gazing at him, her own mind now processing the idea of…

"What would that be like?" Aayla voiced after a few seconds of silence.

Steve looked a bit sheepish. "Considering the time I'm from, I'm what you call old-fashioned. Meaning I'm one woman type man for the rest of my life."

Aayla's eyes widened upon hearing this, quickly picking up on the implication.

"Truly?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"But I know that it wouldn't be so simple," Steve tacked on with a heavy sigh. "Even with all that's happening with the Jedi and all, I won't force a decision like that on you so suddenly."

"Be he ever the gentleman." Aayla sweetly said, moving to lightly shove him back to rest her head on his chest. "Let's just stay like this for a while, mmm?"

Steve kissed the top of her head, wrapping his arms back around her once more, taking in her scent.

"As my lady commands."

They had stayed in Steve's bed for a few more hours with some additional "activities" before the pair had a late breakfast. It was strange for the pair to have such a mundane, unexciting day yet it was all fun at the same time.

Something new the pair experienced together.

Of course, it had to end but luckily for Aayla, Steve accompanied her back to her galaxy before they parted ways for the time being.

Having returned from Earth, a lot was weighing on Aayla's mind. Her time with Steve was far more enlightening than she realized.

She knows she deeply loved Steve Rogers and he in turn loved her. And ever since Tython had been discovered, there was this… unspoken, almost spiritual revelation within the Jedi Order that gave them a more profound connection through the Force.

With that came a realization to the Twi'lek.

For a while now, though it was hard to detect, she knew that she and Steve had been bonding since their first meeting. After their first expression of love came, that bond became far deeper and more intimate.

To the point that whenever Aayla heard Steve state his love for her, she felt it.

Through the Force.

This naturally confused her as Steve was still a void in the Force.

So how was this possible?

She needed guidance.

And she knew the perfect duo to ask from. Who knows, if she was lucky, the other person who came to mind might be present as well.

Going to the Room of a Thousand Fountains, Aayla navigated her way to a particular area where she knew one of them was located.

And luckily for her, she saw two when getting to the spot that was a certain Netti's favorite.

"Master Tholme. Master Saa." Aayla spoke up, getting the attention of her two mentors.

"Aayla," T'ra Saa warmly greeted.

"Hey~ perfect timing." Said a familiar voice and all three turned to see Quinlan Vos approaching them.

"Vos." Tholme said, the Kiffar Jedi coming right up to his old master and surprising him with a bear hug.

"Whoa there." The Elder Jedi Master remarked in surprise, getting set down and a moment later, T'ra Saa was the recipient of her own bear hug.

"What's all this about?" T'ra inquired in calm amusement.

"Well-"

"Wah!"

Vos then scooped up her own student in a surprise hug which Aayla couldn't help but laugh at.

"What's gotten into you, Master?" Secura asked, bemused by his jovial attitude.

He gave her a look that shifted into a skewed gaze. Her old Master leaned in, his face inches from hers as he rubbed his chin in thought.

"Strange," He mused aloud. "I feel like I should be asking you that instead. Something on your mind, my old student?"

"What now?" Aayla shook her head, placing her hand on his face and shoving him back. "You're the one coming in here hugging us all the way you did. So spill it. I'm not talking unless you talk first."

"Yes, I must concur with Aayla." Tholme spoke up, giving his previous Padawan a piercing gaze. "Well? Are you going to tell us why you're in such a mood?"

Quinlan's mood returned in full and after a brief look around to confirm that they were isolated/alone enough, he turned back to the three.

"Khaleen is pregnant."

The three Jedi gasped in disbelief with T'ra Saa adopting a beaming, warm and motherly smile upon hearing this.

"Oh Vos, that is wonderful." The Netti Jedi happily said, going over to hug Vos tightly. "A joyous day indeed."

Tholme grunted a laugh, his good eye getting glossy that he wiped away. "I'll be damned. Never thought I'd see the day."

"Khaleen is pregnant?" Aayla muttered, still in stunned disbelief. "B-But Master-"

"You're gonna be her Godmother, right?" Quinlan cut her off, placing his hands on her shoulder and looking her directly in the eye.

"I-Wha-" Aayla stammered, her mind momentarily going on the fritz, the Jedi Knight dumbly pointing to herself. "Me?"

Vos snorted, nudging her forehead with his finger. "Yes, you. Who else? Tholme and Saa got the Grandpa and Grandma department covered. So my kid needs an aunt/godmother. It can't be anyone else but you."

Aayla felt an entire hurricane of emotions which only compounded what she was already experiencing earlier.

At that moment, Secura felt some of her old ways surface. "But… But this is…"

"I understand how… problematic this is."

"That's merely skimming the surface, Vos." Aayla said. "I mean… I'm happy for you, truly, I am. But the Order. It may be going through changes and all that but you still might get in trouble for this. It's still a big deal."

"Yeah, I know, I know," Quinlan sighed, holding a sheepish smile. "But come on, Aayla, I'd rather not focus on that right now. When the time comes to deal with that, we'll deal. For now, just be a good friend and give me a proper hug this time."

The Twi'lek rolled her eyes but now held a kinder smile and hugged her Master all the same.

"Congratulations, Quinlan." She earnestly said. "I know you'll be a wonderful father. When the occasion calls for it."

"Oi, the hell is that supposed to mean?" He indignantly asked.

Tholme and Saa chuckled at the interaction, the latter going over to the Twi'lek, placing a delicate hand on her shoulder.

"Now then, what's on your mind, my dear?" The Neti softly inquired. "You seldom come to this place lest you are looking for us."

Aayla couldn't help but shake her head, always amazed at her mother figure's intuition. No matter how many years have passed by, T'ra Saa always seemed to pick up on whatever internal issues plagued the minds of her pseudo-Jedi family.

"I… have much on my mind, Master Saa." She muttered, looking up at the elder Jedi.

"Like what?"

"About the future," Was her answer. "The Orders future, the galaxies… my future."

"Oh?" Tholme's tone was curious. "Your future, you say?"

Aayla felt a bit awkward now as she cleared her throat, feeling her face heating up as her mind flashed to yesterday.

"I… It's just… urgh, I'm such a hypocrite now," She bemoaned, palming the side of her head, all while her old mentors looked on in amusement. "Steve and I spent the day together yesterday and this morning, we had a bit of a talk and…"

Vos placed his hands on his hips, a mischievous grin appearing as he teasingly leaned in with his right ear directed at her.

"And~~~?"

Secura held a grumpy glare now. "Do not make me say it."

This only had her former master smile even wider, which made her cover her face in embarrassment.

"Now, now, Vos," Tholme chided, yet he had an entertained smirk of his own. "No need to bully the girl. Come on, Aayla, we always taught you to be straightforward. Out with it."

The Twi'lek released a long sigh, her hands falling from her face.

"Steve talked about the whole Jedi Order and how it's changing and all and… and that," Aayla felt slightly jittery as she said this. "About him being a one-woman type of man that doesn't involve all the war and battle. Something outside of it all."

"Oh ho~~~" Vos' grin now looked positively dangerous in the eyes of his old student. "Is he suggesting what I think he is?"

"Vos," T'ra now chided the Kiffar Jedi, pulling him back slightly. "There's no need for such theatrics."

"I beg to differ." Quinlan retorted, his expression though changed into a more serious look. "From the sound of it, Aayla, seems to me that you're not the only one looking ahead in life. Steve's lookin' far and he sees his future is with you."

"I… Master…" Aayla shifted about uncomfortably. "What do I do? I'm still a Jedi, at the end of the day. And we're meant to be protectors of the galaxy."

Instead of Vos answering, it was Tholme. "Life is but a storm, my friend. One can bask in the sunlight in one moment, shadowed on a rocky shore the next. What one does makes the difference from being a child to an adult. One needs to look towards that storm and say "do your worst, for I will do mine". It will only be then will the Force know you as others do."

"You mustn't concern yourself with what will be, my dear." T'ra added on. "Remember, we always taught you to embrace your emotions, not neglect or ignore them. It is through your emotions and bonds that you can reach greater heights within the Force and more importantly, with who you are as an individual."

"Then what do I do?" Aayla asked, feeling like a child in this instance.

"Do what feels natural, for starters."

Tholme walked over to her, draping his arm around her shoulders.

"You must ask yourself this one question. Do you love him?"

"I… yes, of course I do." She said, the admittance seemed to bolster her spirits.

"Well, for me, that's all I need to hear." He proudly said. "What matters now Aayla is for you to stay strong. We're entering a time of great change and uncertainty, both in the Order and the galaxy. Who knows what's coming in these next few days, let alone weeks and months. Stay strong, Aayla, for your sake, our sake and for those whom you have forged bonds with. Damn the current ways of the Jedi, forbidding attachments and all. We are not like the Sith that shun connections and severe ties. We are Jedi and as Jedi, our strength comes in our bonds, our friendships and our loved ones. We have to be selfless, yes but at the same time, one cannot deny that when you have those connections and bonds, a strength greater than what you know can give you the power to do wonders. To save, to protect and to show a better path forward."

Aayla absorbed all his words and her face scrunched in determination.

"Yes," She said, her tone resolute. "I understand."

"Good." Vos praised. "Now, since Khaleen is having kids, when should we expect some from you?"

The Twi'lek choked on her own spit when this came up. "WHAT?!"

"Hmmm, I do wonder what their children would turn out like?" T'ra mused to herself. "They both make such a lovely couple. Their children would turn out beautiful."

"M-Ma-mas-m-master!" Aayla squeaked, hands over her face as her own mind turned against her.

"After all, you having kids is the closest thing the two of us will have to having grandchildren."

"Master Tholme!"

"Perhaps a Padawan is in Order then. Some good foundational practice for their formative years for when you have children of your own."

"Saa!"

Seriously, was it picking on Aayla Day or what?

-Scene Cut-

Entering the star system, a small starfighter makes its way to Coruscant after so long.

The man piloting the ship landed on an open platform and jumped out of the starfighter, taking in a deep breath.

"Ah~ it's good to be back."

"Good to see you once more, old friend."

The newly returned Jedi turned to see a Wiphid approaching him.

"Master K'Kruhk." He greeted the Master jovially.

"Barel, it's been a while." The Jedi Wiphid said in turn.

"That it has."

"Where have you been, old friend?" K'Kruhk inquired. "Off on another harrowing expedition? Your old student could only say so much." The Jedi then got a proper look at Ovair and frowned at his damaged look. "What happened to you?"

"It has to do with my prolonged absence. I had lost contact with the Order. I've been in a rather difficult position."

K'Kruhk's head tilted up. "Really? How so?"

Barel released an exhausted sigh. "The ruins I was investigating caved in. My equipment was damaged. Didn't help that the place was heavily concentrated with the Dark Side. It took some time to navigate and not lose myself."

The Jedi Master nodded, his frown deepening. "That is troubling. And where were these ruins exactly?"

"On the edge of the unknown regions. I wager it was once home to a sect of Sith studying the planet thousands of years ago." Ovair soon gave out a strained laugh. "But I'm back, at the very least. And long overdue for a proper rest in bed."

"Given the particular ordeal you've gone through, most definitely."

"Be that as it may, I undoubtedly missed much. Tell me, what happened when I was gone?"

"Quite the number of things. Ultron's defeat with peace talks on the rise."

Barel blinked, grinning at this revelation. "Truly? That mad AI is no more?"

"Indeed. Granted said talks are… strained given circumstances."

The Jedi infiltrator released an exasperated groan, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Nothing is ever easy."

"Oh, and most of all, perhaps the greatest bit of news for the Order in generations: we found Tython."

Barel fell short. "You… You found Tython?"

"Our original home." K'Kruhk said with a joyful smile.

"I… I don't believe it." Ovair murmured. "I have only read about Tython in rumors and old texts."

To Barel, he knew of Tython's resurgence from the odd beacon from the Force, especially with the Son's confirmation. Yet he just didn't know the ancient homeworld of the Sith and Jedi, which was indeed rediscovered.

This… this changes many things.

"I'll have to thank those who made the discovery of a lifetime."

"You and many others for some time now. No doubt in the near future, you'll be sent over to Tython to help uncover other mysteries left behind."

Barel laughed heartily yet a sinister undertone went unnoticed by the Wiphid Master.

"But I must know, who was it that found Tython? I would at least like to know that."

"Hmmm, hmmm, it was Master Obi-Wan and Plo with Anakin Skywalker, his Padawan Ahsoka Tano, Master Luminara's Padawan Barriss Offee and the Avengers Spider-Man and Vision."

"Quite the group." Ovair remarked in amusement, shaking his head. "Ah, I feel a great debt to the Avengers. Without them, it feels like all these changes and revelations may not have happened."

"That's one way to look at it." K'Kruhk thoughtfully said.

"Much as I wish to discuss more, my friend, my body is really starting to scream at me to get some rest." Barel quipped, getting the Wiphid Jedi to chuckle heartily.

"Yes, yes, get some rest, my friend."

Barel walked away from the Jedi Master, a sinister, malevolent grin forming as he headed for his chambers within the Temple.

After a day's rest, Barel received the coordinates for the birthplace of the Jedi Order, he rushed off at full speed, his arms shaking in anticipation.

And when he arrived, the sight of the world took his breath away.

The Force permeated in and around it so potently, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck and his arms stand up.

He almost couldn't believe it.

Making his way down to the Planet's surface, Barel inhaled sharply as he was immersed in the radiancy of the Force, the sensation almost like a drug. It took all his discipline and years of training to push down all the darker aspects of himself lest he becomes a beacon to all the Jedi here.

And there were many.

Getting out of his starfighter, Barel was almost overwhelmed by his thoughts, his mind like a hurricane with everything he could learn here.

Everything he could take back to his true allegiance.

But he needed to be calm and act intelligently and tactfully.

He first made his way to Grandmaster Yoda, having been informed that he had been present on this planet.

It was a quick catch up with the little green master that turned into a tour of the current temple that had been undergoing reconstruction. Ovair saw Jedi diligently restoring the weathered and ruined temple, basing it off of the schematics and outlines found within the archives of this structure.

The Jedi were also assisted by Clones and he saw several enhanced individuals assisting them.

Some he recognized as the Avengers, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, Ant-Man and Wasp. The others, however, were new to him.

One was a young girl in a suit very similar to that of the Black Panthers and a few features even reminded him of that Avenger. Barel surmised this to be a relative, perhaps even a sibling.

Another was a dark-skinned man in a yellow shirt and black pants, lugging some stones around, appearing to turn into a workout at the same time as helping put the stones in the places the Jedi directed them to be.

Not far from that man was a younger human, garbed in a green and yellow jumpsuit and he was discussing something with Master Kit Fisto… and his hands were glowing!

Truly, these Avengers continued to be oddities and wonders.

And threats that he needed to be prepared for.

He held confidence in the power of the Sith but he wasn't stupid.

These Avengers are voids in the Force, anomalies that can't be countered so easily and they have displayed power beyond what Ovair has witnessed. He knew that among the first to be taken out, it had to be the Avengers.

But for now, this was a mission of reconnaissance and…

Barel halted in his tracks, looking over at something that caught his eye.

In the center of the courtyard of the temple was an elevated platform and on said platform was a circular structure with a center of swirling blue energy, akin to that of Hyperspace.

"What… what is that?" Barel whispered.

"This is the Infinity Gate." Spoke a voice familiar to the man.

He turned to see Black Widow approaching him.

"Hey Ovair, been a while."

"It has yes but," He pointed at the elevated platform "Is that truly an Infinity Gate?" Barel's eyes widen. "From the Kwa?"

Nat nodded. "Yup, we found it here, in some ravine or cave and brought it up once we connected it back to our homeworld."

"I… what?!" Barel was astonished. "This Infinity Gate leads to your home planet? What was it called again? Dirt?"

Natasha snorted, seeing the teasing look on the scholars face.

"Earth." She sarcastically corrected.

Barel chuckled good-naturedly, turning back to the Infinity Gate, unable to hide his awe.

"So many tombs, texts, Holocrons and all… these were an elusive mystery." The adventurer/infiltrator whispered reverently, briefly glancing at Nat. "From what I had gathered, there was a belief that these were a supposed myth. The Kwa was one facet but the gates? It's as if they were intentionally scrubbed from existence."

"Makes ya wonder, hmmm?" Widow conversationally said.

"More than wonder, my friend." He was staring at the Infinity Gate, smiling widely and briefly, for a split second, his visage broke.

A sinister glint and intent washed over his face yet vanished just as quickly.

But for the trained eye, a second was all that was needed.

Distracted from what was before him, he missed the look coming off from the Black Widow. She saw that sudden flicker and…

Her eyes narrowed briefly before she schooled her features and gave an amicable smile as Barel turned back to her again, striking up a conversation.

AN

Ok, that was fucking easy.

Now, some of you might think this to be short but uh… I know we have other Jedi Knights and all but really, only Anakin and Aayla are the most fully-fledged characters. So much easier to work on this chapter.

Alright, as a whole, when going over the outline of this chapter, originally there was supposed to be WAAAAAY more for Anakin and Aayla to do BUT I soon realized that doing so would detract from the further development of these two in the future.

Anakin and Aayla have a lot to do in Season 4 so I need to space out the development because I don't wanna have something big in this arc cuz that's for some of the more intense moments in the future arcs. Really goes for every character.

And uh oh, a certain spy has discovered the Infinity Gate. Oh my, oh my, how the plot thickens.

Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.