6,062Yeah, another shorter one but it's for a good reason that'll be expanded upon at the end note.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.
Avengers Infinite Wars Chapter 123: Tales of the Jedi: Padawans
Barriss Offee stood before the swirling mass of energy, reminiscent of Hyperspace, the Infinity Gate of Tython.
Or rather, it's the newest one.
Shocking really with how quickly this was developed.
The geniuses of the Avengers along with the sharpest minds of the Jedi Order had created a brand new Infinity Gate, utilizing knowledge and collected data from Tython, Ossus, Lothal and Earth to build a new gate.
The first one found was brought to Coruscant, stationed at the Avengers HQ, which directly links them to their base on Earth.
A third one was underway, being stationed in the Jedi Temple.
And this one…
Taking a breath, Barriss took one step forward, her leg entering the swirling energy mass. A brief tingling sensation ran up from her foot to her head. She felt solid ground from her foot on the other side, and she moved forward. The environment around her shifted in the literal blink of an eye.
"Ah, Barriss Offee, perfect timing." A deep male voice greeted her, the Mirialans eyes gazing over to the librarian and protector of the Hong Kong Sanctum, Wong.
"Master Wong." Barriss softly greeted with a small smile and the elder Sorcerer nodded in turn, going over to her and gesturing her to follow.
"Welcome back to Kamar-Taj, Barriss. Come, the others have gathered as well." He kindly said.
Barriss felt a thrill of anticipation as she took in everything around her.
Being attuned with the Force as she was, the young Padawan was quick to pick up on the energy that permeated the air, seeping into her pores, making her nerves tingle in excitement. When she first came here, she was almost overwhelmed by the sensation, feeling all her senses elevate to the point where she actually stumbled.
Thankfully, Celeste had been there to alleviate the sensation, noting that Barriss' reaction indicated a potential latent talent she might hold in the Mystic Arts.
That was certainly something that excited the young Mirialan.
Guided by Wong, Barriss' eyes darted all over the place, taking in the temple's architecture, feeling the ancient energy radiating from the walls, pillars and floor. She had been here before but still, she loved taking in the sight of this temple.
It radiated with magic and the sensation was exhilarating.
After several minutes of walking, Wong and Barriss arrived at an open area where multiple individuals were already present, many of which wore matching garments and robes.
"Commander." Said a voice the Padawan was all too familiar with, making the Jedi smile.
"Gree, you do know that such formalities here are unnecessary." Barriss kindly told the Clone trooper. "Besides, you and I share the same rank, no need for such titles."
"Apologies, Commander." Gree said, somewhat earnestly. "Old habits and principles can be hard to break."
Barriss could only smile, shaking her head good-naturedly, knowing that the Commander of the 41st Legion would likely never "honor" her request. His training and respect for her ran too deep for him to break protocol.
Still, it was nice to be able to be amongst the Clones in a setting that didn't require the constant need for rank-and-file commands and battle.
Outside of such rankings, the padawan found it oddly refreshing. Training with the clones was quite the change-up. Compared to her training with the Force, she was relatively on equal footing with them being here.
Nearby the two, Barriss spotted Echo of the 501st conversing with Waxer of the 212th.
Both had a mixture of clothing, some being the robes and such of the Sorcerers blended in with armor pieces, predominantly their legs and arms.
"Alright everyone, we're just about to start."
All turned to see Master Karl Mordo standing atop the steps leading out of the training area.
Everyone quieted as the Master Sorcerer walked down, moving amongst them as he addressed the group, using a pinch of magic to amplify his voice.
"Now, picking up from last time, as you begin to grasp the fundamentals of magic, as time goes on, there is the chance that some of you would start to develop particular skills, niches and talents towards specific avenues of the Mystic Arts. This is not unlike the Jedi Order where some Jedi are gifted in certain fields within the Force that other Jedi do not."
There was a feeling of anticipation and excitement from the gathered Clones and Jedi as Mordo went on.
"Today, we shall be continuing the basics while implementing new methods and scenarios that you will all be facing. Since you have all experienced combat by this point in time, this will be beneficial in further developing your skills and understanding of the mystic arts. Study and practice can only do so much but in the heat of battle or a situation that demands decisive action, that is where you will truly begin to bloom. So something you're all quite used to by now."
The group all had varying reactions of amusement and agreement.
"Now, group up, we'll be conducting combat scenarios today." Mordo instructed. "You'll be taken by the Masters and undergoing your introductory to the more aggressive and defensive spells."
The large group began to separate, their names being called out by the Masters of the Mystic Arts. Gree bade his Commander farewell for the time being, leaving the Mirialan to stand alone, making her frown slightly.
Nobody had called her name and-
"You'll be with me, young one."
The Padawan turned to see the familiar sight of a young woman with long hair and a blue cape approaching her.
"Barriss." Celeste Morne greeted her with a broad smile. "Good to see you again."
"Master Celeste." The padawan greets in turn, an inquisitive look appearing. "You will be instructing me alone?"
"That is correct." Morne stated. "I had requested it. Come, I have the place where we shall train."
Offee made a somewhat uncomfortable face. "Isn't that… a bit unfair to the others?"
Celeste gave her another smile in return, patting her shoulder comfortingly.
"Worry not, this isn't uncommon." She assured. "Should any of them ask for one-on-one lessons, it is more than encouraged here. The group lessons are more for the basics of sorcery but to really help one progress, study and practice by yourself with the addition of mentorship from the masters here are what really helps one advance further. Stephen can attest to that."
Nodding in understanding, the padawan followed the Jedi Shadow.
"I would've thought you wouldn't have time for such things."
"We've been rather busy with the influx of students, but we've managed." Celeste admitted. "This respite we're experiencing is a boon we are taking advantage of because we know that such peace is fleeting. Despite Ultron being defeated, there is always a perpetual sense of conflict that will always spring back up. Here on Earth, when the New Avengers had formed, our repelling Dormammu did not mean the world was safe. Karness Muur was still at large and not long after, our conflict with the Ten Rings occurred. Much like in my era of the Jedi Order, peace wasn't always assured."
Barriss could only nod, well aware now of Celeste's era from 4000 years ago during the time of the Old Sith Wars and Mandalorian conflicts. Even with the Clone Wars perhaps coming to an end very soon and the defeat of Ultron, there are bound to be other conflicts on the horizon.
As the saying goes 'if you want peace, prepare for war'.
"We must take what we can to make the most of our time of calm." Celeste continued on, the pair going down a small hallway that led to a circular garden. "Here we are."
Barriss' mouth opened slightly, eyes widening and dilated.
"What… is this place?" She whispered in awe, her entire body tingling now.
"The Ancient One's personal garden." Celeste answered, inhaling deeply, closing her eyes and holding out her hands, a breeze wafting between her fingers. "She cared and nurtured this place for centuries and when she brought me here, it reminded me of my old home on Ossus and the jungles of Tython. It helped a great deal in deepening my connection with the Mystic Arts and the Force."
"It's incredible." Barriss breathlessly said, feeling goosebumps appearing on her arms. "How… why…"
"Like the Force, magic exists in all aspects of reality in many shapes and forms." Celeste said, detecting many of the questions the Mirialan had as these were the same as she had when she was first brought here. "You recall how the most predominant form of magic used here comes from siphoning energy and magic from other universes, yes?"
Offee wordlessly nodded.
"Well, this place is an accumulation of what you would call magic derived from nature itself." The Jedi Sorceress elaborated. "Nature, like the Force, is connected to all living beings. And in that connection comes life that holds a deeper relation with the Mystic Arts. I do not know if T'Challa or Shuri told you of this but they have a special plant that allows them to enter a realm known as the Astral Plain and speak with their ancestors directly. While Vibranium did play a part in how the Heart-Shaped Herb is used to enhance a being and bestow upon them a power they know not."
"Truly?"
"Indeed." Celeste nodded, gesturing ahead to a large tree in the center of the garden with two cushions situated beneath it. "Come, sit."
Doing as she was asked, Barriss sat down on one cushion with Celeste occupying the other, the two sitting cross-legged on the ground.
"Now, for today, we shall be using a more free-form type of training using this garden's "natural" environment, so to speak." Morne stated. "As you would with the Force, letting yourself go and allowing the unseen energy guide your actions and thoughts, here we shall do the same. Allow yourself, your spirit, your mind and your body to open yourself up to the area around you and whatever comes your way, be it a thought or action, allow yourself to flow down that path with no resistance."
As she was saying this, Celeste had been waving her hands in intricate patterns, the normally orange, eldritch symbols of magic turning into a deep green that shifted into ethereal tendrils that began floating around them. There was a hum that emanated from the plant life, the green energy radiating brightly, appearing to be amplified by the magical garden.
Wisps of varying colors began floating off some of the leaves and Barriss could only watch on in astonishment.
"It's beautiful," She whispered, holding out her hand as one of the wisps floated down into her palm. The Padawan felt a shiver of awe run up her arm when the wisp made contact with her skin, vanishing a moment later.
"This is just a taste of what's to come now that you've begun harnessing the basics of Sorcery."
"I don't know how you were able to grasp the fundamentals so easily." Barriss found herself commenting, recalling the first set of lessons she learned from the Jedi Shadow and how she apparently mastered them considerably fast. "It is so foreign to me."
"I somewhat think it was based on many lessons from what I've learned from being a Jedi. Then again, most exceed better than others." Celeste admitted. "Stephen, for example. He was a stubborn man, still is really, but once he let go of all his preconceived notions of what he once knew, Strange began to exceed at an exponential rate. Mordo and Wong stated that he was born for the Mystic Arts."
"Then how come not all the Jedi were tapped to join?"
Celeste hummed to herself, momentarily pondering the question. "Frankly, all the Jedi can learn. Their connection with the Force is a strong conduit and gateway to the Mystic Arts. It's just that some are better at it than others. Like you, for example. You are a unique Jedi already, having been born with the most gracious gift from the Force. The ability to heal. It speaks to your kind nature and soul. It is actually why I brought you here specifically."
Barriss blinked upon hearing that, tilting her head slightly. "What do you mean?"
Morne smiled slightly, slightly twirling her hand around, the green ethereal magic swirling about her fingers.
"This goes back to my time when I was a Jedi," Her expression shifted slightly, one of reminiscent longing. "See, during my travels, there was a species within the galaxy that was quite revered. The Ithorians. Their species were ones that were always met with celebration and rejoicing as their kind were those who held a fundamental understanding of Force and the greater universe. The need for codependency in the face of devastation. The Force, as we are taught, binds life together. It makes it grow, strengthens it and allows for all to flourish. I've come to see that Sorcery can do the same. The galaxy has been devastated by war, be it before and after Ultrons entry into it. With what you and many others are learning, you can gain the power to not only expand your understanding of yourself and the forces of the Universe but more importantly, the power to truly help, truly heal, and truly do more than is limited to ourselves."
As she finished saying this, Celeste had called together several wisps into a singular sphere that she sent towards the Padawan.
Barriss held out both her hands and the sphere floated between her palms before it dispelled, the particles touching her fingertips and seeping into her body. The Mirialan closed her eyes, shuddering as she felt the energy course through her, touching her very soul.
"Wow." She whispered, opening her eyes to see Celeste looking on approvingly.
"The galaxy is going to need people like you, Barriss." Morne softly said. "People like you, with your gifts, the power bestowed upon you can help people rebuild and recover from the horrors that have devastated so many lives. But I will not force this upon you. I cannot and shall not insist that you do this. I will only offer you the choice to do so. Your training shall continue, should you choose it but I will not push you to do something that you feel unqualified for or not prepared in that aspect. Much as you have been taught that the Force has a Will of its own, the power of choice and free will remains in your hands as well."
Barriss gazed at the Jedi Shadow for a few seconds, tilting her head down as she closed her eyes again.
Briefly, her mind flashed a litany of memories since the start of the war, the devastation and death that has been plaguing the galaxy for two years now. She recalls all the pain and suffering that was inflicted upon the innocent and how the Jedi could have done more to prevent such loss while fighting for their lives to prevent more from happening.
All that soon parted when she saw the faces of her two loves.
Peter's dorky smile and unspoken confidence with Ahsoka's outgoing nature and warm aura. How she felt safe within their arms.
How at her lowest points, they were always there for her, to lift her back up, to make her stronger even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Others came to mind a moment later.
Grandmaster Yoda, encouraging her pursuit of knowledge and history.
The Avengers, Sam Wilson in particular, helping her deal with a great amount of trauma that had accumulated during the war.
The men of the 41st, following her into battle, sacrificing their lives for her and she in turn using her power of Force Healing to save them in turn.
And… her Master.
Despite what had happened recently, she still held Master Luminara in the highest regard and it was through her teachings and guidance did Barriss became the Jedi she was always meant to be.
And that Jedi lived by a creed that was instilled in her by one of the loves of her life.
"I have this power," Offee spoke up after several seconds of prolonged silence. "And it is in that power that I have a responsibility to use it for the sake of others. To show them a better path forward and to help them up when all around them seems dire. And whatever consequences may come, I'll be prepared to face them."
Celeste now held a broad grin, holding out her hand.
"Good answer." She approvingly said. "It's time for your next lesson."
-Scene Cut-
Having returned from Kamar-Taj, the Mirialan Padawan made her way back to Coruscant, her mind awhirl with everything she had learned today.
Her mind had been so absorbed in her thoughts that she hadn't even realized that she was already back at Coruscant, flying through the atmosphere toward the Jedi Temple. Upon landing her starfighter, the Mirialan had one destination in mind.
Heading over to the medical wing of the temple, Barriss takes a few breaths before entering.
She stepped in and her eyes were quick to spot the reason as to why she was here.
Without missing a beat, the Padawan walked right over to a young teen close to her age, the bedridden girl perking up at the sight of the Mirialan.
"Barriss." The teen softly croaked with a weak smile.
"How are we today, Aubrie?" Offee warmly greeted, sitting at the foot of Aubrie Wyn's bed.
"Much better seeing you again." Aubrie kindly said.
Barriss smiled at that, placing a hand on her leg. "Are you feeling better?"
"Better as I can be," Aubrie admitted, flinching slightly at her simply raising her hand. Much of it was flesh but parts were metallic with several dark bruises that once had metal tendrils pumping liquid metal into her veins. "Though…"
She found herself losing her trail of thought, her eyes focusing on her metal fingers, her entire body beginning to shake.
Barriss saw this and quickly moved to take her hand into her own and gave her fellow Padawan a meaningful gaze.
"It's alright, Aubrie," She softly assured. "I'm here to help."
Wyn gazed at her questioningly. "Not that I don't appreciate the sentiment, Barriss, but how can you do more? Haven't you already done enough as is? I told you, you need not stress yourself over me."
The Mirialan shook her head, taking one of Aubrie's hands into hers.
"All I am to you is a burden." Aubrie whispered.
Barriss shook her head in response. "You are not a burden Aubrie. I promised to help you as much as possible and intend to keep that promise."
Before Aubrie had a chance to rebuke or say anything else, Barriss reached into her robes and pulled out a large green leaf that caught Wyn's attention.
"Wh-What is that?" Aubrie whispered, sensing the innate power radiating from the single leaf.
Offee only gave her a vague smile, placing the leaf over her right arm over several spots of bruises and metal. "Something I've been learning as of late. Now, hold still."
Wyn could only wordlessly nod, feeling a ripple run through her body upon the leaf touching her skin. Barriss placed her hand atop the leaf, a green ethereal glow emanating around the edges of the leaf with her other hand placed underneath Aubrie's arm.
Barriss began muttering to herself, closing her eyes in concentration. Aubrie watched in rapt silence as Barriss continued her incantation when there was a brief flash that made the recipient flinch.
Her sight recovered quickly and it was then that Aubrie's eyes widened in awe as the leaf began to melt into her skin. She felt no pain, no discomfort, nothing but this momentary out-of-body experience that ended as quickly as it began.
The leaf phased through her arm and fell out the other side, significantly changed now.
But that's not what Aubrie was focusing on. She was staring at her arm in complete wonderment and disbelief. The metal and bruising in her arm were gone!
"What is… how did you… Barriss…" Aubrie breathlessly said, tears appearing out of the corners of her eyes. She then saw the Mirialan slumping down slightly, very much exhausted with her breathing heavily.
"Barriss!" Aubrie worriedly said, scooting closer to her. "Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes, I'm fine, just fine." She quietly said. "Just… tired."
It was taxing, especially with her being a novice in this avenue of the healing arts.
"What was that?"
"My training." Was her tired response yet smiled all the same. "How is it?"
Aubrie laughed quietly, looking at her arm again. "I can't believe it."
"I'm glad."
"Oh, Barriss, were you here long?"
The pair turned to see Ahsoka approaching them with Mak Lotor and Kass Tod in tow.
"Ahsoka," Barriss said with a wide smile. "Mak, Kass, what are you doing here?"
"Same reason you are, it seems." Kass answered. "Hey Aubrie, how are you?"
The bedridden Padawan held up her arm. "Much better."
Mak Lotor blinked, tilting his head forward. "Wait a moment… wasn't that arm-"
"I was just finishing up on my treatment with Aubrie." Barriss spoke up, a satisfied look for all to see. "My training from the Masters of the Mystic Arts has been paying off."
"Well done, Barriss." Ahsoka praised, a beaming smile that made her lover bashfully look away.
"This is incredible." Kass complimented. "How are you feeling now, Aubrie?"
"Like I said, much better." Aubrie was flexing her hand, the feeling of the metal that had been injected into her body no longer there. "I just got a bit of my old self back."
Sure Barriss wouldn't be able to replace limbs, but at least healing what's there makes things well in the long run.
"I wonder if we can learn such abilities." Lotor murmured in wonder.
"You can, actually." Barriss remarked. "Master Celeste believes that anyone in the Order can learn Sorcery. It's just some will have an easier time than others. Plus, the commitment to both would be demanding."
Thinking it over, the idea is rather appealing.
"We'll no doubt have to talk to our current Masters to see if we can attend." Kass stated. "I know my master has held an interest in the Mystic Arts after seeing what it can do. After seeing this, even more if I tell him."
"A lot to consider, really." Mak mused aloud. "My current master has concerns though."
Ahsoka glanced at him questioningly. "What kind?"
"After Ultron and Jabiim and… well, it's too long a list to name but he believes that while a lot of the change that is happening is a good thing, he worries about the unseen negative aspects to come."
Barriss nodded. "Understandable. But it helps to at least be open with questions with them."
The Zabrak Padawan gave her boyfriend a particular look. "There's something specific to your master's concerns, isn't there?"
Mak nodded. "He's worried that we are looking at the Jedi of the past with… what was that Earth expression? Rose-tinted glasses? Yes, that one. We're seeing the past through that lens and not seeing the pitfalls and mistakes of the past."
Barriss hummed, making her fellow Padawans look at her. "On the contrary, my friend, Master Celeste made it clear that the first thing we must look at are the mistakes. They do wish to not repeat such issues, especially with what occurred recently with one named Master Kaecilius and his followers."
Ahsoka rubbed her chin in deep thought, recalling a conversation she had with Anakin earlier.
"I know this might sound arrogant or conceited but Master Skywalker told me that as much as the Order is learning and rediscovering from the past, he knows that at the end of the day, much of the future of the Order will fall upon our shoulders directly."
Mak nodded in agreement. "We are the future, after all. What lies for the next generations is on our hands to mold and create a better tomorrow."
"Let's just hope we make less mistakes than those of the past." Barriss warned. "I have come to see how often the same missteps had occurred when the Jedi allowed their own ignorance or even pride at times to prevent them from stemming the spread of darkness and suffering."
"Less mistakes?" Kass parroted in slightly bewildered amusement.
"Well, we have to learn somehow, no? Regardless, at times, mistakes are often the only way we truly learn. What we must hope for is that the mistakes that do occur can be corrected and resolved and not left to fester. Lest we bring about the architects of our own demise."
"She's right," Aubrie softly said. "The responsibility is far more than it once was."
"No pressure." Kass wryly said, getting a collective chuckle from what was left of the Padawan Pack of Jabiim.
Their small interaction was soon cut short as the head healer of the Temple came in and shooed them all away, insisting on Aubrie resting more despite the recent healing of her arm.
Not to argue with a Jedi healer of all people, the other Padawans vacated the vicinity with many thoughts in their minds.
As for Aubrie, as she rested, she looked forward to the upcoming healing treatments so she could hopefully move forward from the horrors Ultron placed upon her.
-Scene Cut-
-The Next Day-
"Thanks again for today, Mr. Leiber. You really made it the best."
"Aw shucks, think nothing of it Peter." Mr. Leiber boisterously waved off. "I was just glad to know you were alright. Good seein' you again, kiddo. Next time, don't make your Aunt worry so much."
The Queens teen sheepishly smiled, shrugging apologetically. "I try not to, but she always will, Mr. Lieber. You know how it is."
"Ah come on, Pete, it's always just Stan for ya."
Peter laughed, giving him a small wave before exiting the diner, coming out to see Ahsoka and Barriss waiting for him.
"Well?" He expectantly said. "How was it?"
"Delicious." Ahsoka immediately answered. "But still, are you sure we couldn't have eaten inside?"
Parker shook his head. "I've done so with Aunt May, given she likes the place. Me, however, can't stand it."
"Is there something wrong with the place?" Barriss inquired, looking back at the diner.
Her boyfriend gave an iffy hand motion. "Just the employees being… very flirty."
"Flirty?" Ahsoka repeated with a mischievous smirk. "What, afraid of us getting swept away by someone else?"
"Yes," Peter said in mock seriousness, pulling the Togruta close and hugging her head to his chest. "Mine."
Ahsoka laughed at her boyfriend's actions, Barriss giggling slightly when her expression fell slightly.
Her lovers stopped what they were doing, both looking at the Mirialan suspiciously now.
"What?" Was Barriss' defensive inquiry.
Peter let Ahsoka go and took a step toward her, a piercing and concerned look in his eyes.
"Barriss… what's wrong?" Peter slowly said.
The Mirialan looked away from the pair, making Ahsoka step forward, placing a hand on her shoulder, and turning her back to them.
"Barriss," Tano spoke calmly, placing her hand under her girlfriend's chin and tilting her head up to look her in the eyes. "Hun, you can tell us. You know we tell each other everything."
"Hun?" Offee weakly laughed. "Where do you come up with these names, love?"
"Hey, hey, now's not the time to pull a me." Peter interjected, now standing next to them. "But seriously… Come on, Barriss, talk to us."
The Mirialan was silent for a few moments, looking between the two, feeling her heart swell with deep love and appreciation for them both before speaking again.
"Master Luminara has been… avoiding me lately." She quietly revealed. "Or rather, we both have. She interacts with me for publicity sakes, but… she's been very distant and doesn't talk. And in turn, it's hard for me to try and converse with her like we used to."
Ahsoka frowned upon hearing this, looking away momentarily in thought.
"I thought I was seeing things at first but now that you mentioned it…"
"Is there a reason why?" Peter asked and Barriss winced.
"...I don't know if telling her the truth of us being together was the best idea." She said after several seconds.
Both Ahsoka and Peter shared a look and realized the reason behind it now. For the latter, a look of realization dawned.
"Wait… when I saw you at the temple that day, I saw Ms. Unduli walking away and you-"
"Yes, it was then that I told her." Offee's voice cracked slightly. "And ever since then, we haven't spoken like we used to. We just… we don't even talk properly."
"Oh, Barriss, sweetie, you couldn't have known," Ahsoka pulled her in for a hug, the Mirialan now clinging to her girlfriend. "Having to prolong it may have done more harm than good. I myself know I'm going to have this talk with Master Skywalker."
"And us with everyone else, really." Peter dryly tacked on.
Barriss shook her head, her lip quivering with her eyes becoming glossy. "I understand that but… what if… what if she-"
Ahsoka cupped her face and made her look back at her, silencing the stressed Jedi with a loving kiss. She pulled back after a few seconds, hugging Barriss close.
"Shhh, it's ok Barriss, it's ok. Everything will turn out for the better, trust me." Ahsoka gently assured, running her hand through her hair.
Seeing the state his Mirialan girlfriend was in, with a determined look on his face, Peter decided to kick up their date to eleven.
Mentally communicating with Simby, the black suit formed around him. The two Padawans heard his costume come on and they looked at their boyfriend inquisitively.
Not giving either of them a chance to ask what he was doing, he snagged the two Padawans, enjoying their surprised yelps and jumped into the air, swinging about.
"Peter!" Ahsoka yelped out.
"What are you doing?!" Barriss yells in turn.
"Just hold on tight girls," Peter replied with a laugh. "Or rather, trust Simby not to let go, right boy?"
The Symbiote warbled happily, his hold on the two girls being like that of a hug.
Spider-Man performed an acrobatic flip through the air, chuckling at the slight shrieks from his girls as they clung to him now.
"Peter Parker!" Ahsoka yelled.
"Come on, Ahsoka, this is nothing compared to what we usually do." Peter laughed at her face. "But if you want…"
"I'm gonna kill you!" She says, tightening her hold on him.
Barriss, however, was merely yelping to and from as she was distracted by the sudden flips and turns. In turn, she too tightened her hold on him for dear life.
"Time to speed up!"
"Speed up?!" The two Padawans shrieked.
"Hold tight!"
"Peteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer!" Both girls yelled at the top of their lungs as he sling-shot himself high into the air.
Yet, despite their protests and bemoaning of the situation, they began to have small smiles that morphed into full-blown laughter at their boyfriend's wild antics.
He then took it up a notch, having Simby detach himself and move to Ahsoka.
The Togruta suddenly felt a rush of adrenaline course through her body as now she found herself web-swinging, Simby providing her with the skills needed to move just like Spider-Man. With her own athleticism from her Jedi training, Ahsoka adapted quickly and was now swinging side-by-side with her lovers with Peter releasing a wolf whistle.
"I always forget how form-fitting you look with Simby." Peter commented. "But Damn, Ahsoka."
The Togruta felt a tingle, laughing now. She spotted the gaze Barriss directed at her and winked, getting a needy blush from her girlfriend.
"Try to keep up, Ahsoka." Peter called out to her. "This is my arena."
He increased his speed, getting far ahead of her.
"Hey!" Ahsoka laughed, quickly moving to catch up.
The trio remained in the skies above, swinging about through the Manhattan skyline.
Eventually, it was the Mirialans turn to web-swinging once Simby transferred over to her. She was far less competitive, opting for a more graceful means of web-swinging, loving the thrill she was experiencing.
This went on for over an hour until the trio made their way to Avengers Tower.
Peter had asked Karen to see if anyone was there and the AI mentioned that it was relatively empty with Matt having left there a few moments ago.
Thanking her, they soon entered Peter's own room through the window that was quick to open for the web-head.
Practically all the Avengers had personalized rooms in all three bases that the team had in Manhattan, upstate New York and Coruscant.
"Ah~ ok, that was fun." Was Ahsoka's immediate words, flopping down onto Peter's bed with a satisfied sigh.
"Yes, it was." Barriss murmured, still holding Peter close, leaning her head on his chest. "This was great. I… I really needed it."
"You're welcome." Peter whispered. "Feel better?"
"A lot more, yes." Offee assured yet the webhead wasn't convinced.
Arching a brow at the Mirialan, he glanced over at Ahsoka, catching her eye and giving her a look that the Togruta was quick to catch onto.
Reaching their hands, Peter and Ahsoka connected without Barriss' notice. With Simby's presence, the two practically had a silent conversation with what essentially came to quite the agreement.
Ahsoka silently stood up while Peter tilted Barriss' head up and kissed her fiercely. The Mirialan let out a sound of surprise before she melted into the kiss. Her eyes fluttered close when they shot open upon feeling Ahsoka's arms snake around her waist. When the Mirialan pulled away to catch her breath, it was stolen by the Togruta.
Being sandwiched in between her two lovers, Barriss soon feels their lips on her neck and shoulder regions once they focused away from her own lips.
She flinches momentarily before moaning in pleasure and discomfort. It wasn't just the kisses of affection she was feeling, but their hands were starting to roam over her body. Barriss even squeaks upon feeling one set of hands on her thighs while another agonizingly goes near her breasts.
"Wh-What are you do-doing?" Barriss stammered out.
"Distracting you." Ahsoka quietly said, pecking her cheek.
"Is it working?" Peter added on, giving her an intense look that caused Barriss to shudder in anticipation. Her breath became shallow as the tantalizing movements her boyfriend and girlfriend gave her was slowly pushing her more and more to the edge.
"Y-Ye-Y-Yes." She now desperately answered.
"Good." Peter pushed them both towards the bed.
-Several hours later-
Barriss was breathing heavily, her hair a wild mess that somehow remained contained despite what she had just endured.
"Nngh! Ah! AH!"
And right next to her, Ahsoka collapsed in a heap, a dazed smile on her face with Peter helping adjust her to be more comfortable.
Sweat glistened their forms with the moonlight shined through the window.
"Well? Sufficiently distracted?" Peter teased breathlessly.
She intended to answer but he hugged her close and bit her ear and she felt her fire reigniting in her soul. Even when feeling her Togruta lover reaching over, pulling her close and biting her shoulder.
"S-Stop~~ I can't… Take anymore~~"
"Boo~~" Peter playful tsks out. "You weren't saying that a few seconds ago."
"If we don't stop, we won't be leaving here all night." Offee managed out. "Or worse, all week."
"Is that really a bad thing?" Ahsoka snuggled up to her lovers, positively glowing. "I wouldn't mind that."
"We might not get a chance like this for a long time." Peter mused, loving the blush that Barriss already had increased somehow as she buried her face into his chest.
"It's our first time." Her voice was muffled. "You… were rather… rough…"
"You asked for it, literally." He retorted.
Barriss blushed even further, burying her face even further.
Ahsoka released a small 'mmm', kissing Barriss' back, loving the sensation of her shivering from her lips.
"Don't hold back, Hun." Ahsoka whispered. "We're past that threshold now."
Barriss let out an uncharacteristic squeak, getting the two she loved more than anyone in the universe to laugh.
Underneath all that embarrassment, Barriss was practically beaming with joy.
They had finally done the deed. They practically consummate their relationship.
The senses they shared, courtesy of Simby, elated things further beyond what they could ever imagine.
It felt beautiful.
It was more than just physical, it had been growing for a time now. And to Barriss, it felt more connected to Ahsoka and Peter than ever before.
She felt as though their souls were connected, akin to the deepest Force bond.
"You two… are incorrigible." Barriss managed out. "Force, I love you both. So much."
"And we love you too."
"Always and forever."
-Scene Cut-
Grandmaster Yoda sat alone in the council chambers, deep in thought and meditation.
Before him was a Holocron, one that dates back to over 7000 years.
It was the retelling of the tale of Ajunta Pall, what many from both the Sith and Jedi call the very first official Dark Lord of the Sith.
Yoda had been studying many Holocrons of history for the past few weeks, delving deep into many tales and stories of the Jedi Order and of the Sith Order as well. Ever since Tython was rediscovered, Yoda has been burying himself in research and meditation.
The Grandmaster had always believed that while wisdom and knowledge were one of the greatest assets a Jedi should have, the wisest and truly knowledgeable Jedi should be those who continually learned. And to the centuries-old Grandmaster, it was clear he was failing in that department.
So here he was, allowing this time to meditate to be his time to process what the Holocron had informed him of the Jedi.
It was a matter of decisiveness and perhaps, regret, within the Order. Those of the past who had kept this history intact spoke of whether sparing Ajunta Pall and his followers was the right course of action given of what the descendants of their teachings brought upon the galaxy.
The Sith were always present, a species unto themselves for thousands of years.
But it was the actions or perhaps even the inactions of the Jedi that always led to their rise throughout galactic history.
Ajunta Pall and his followers' banishment was perhaps the greatest catalyst to the birth of the eternal adversaries of the Jedi Order.
What if they didn't banish them but kill them?
No, that was not the Jedi way.
They needed to rehabilitate them, show them a better path.
Killing should have been the absolute last resort.
Or perhaps, with one's point of view, proving a point in showing Pall and his followers were right while the others were wrong.
Yet Pall and his followers still waged war upon the Jedi and the Republic, having their legacy still felt all these millennia later.
Such contradictory thoughts plagued the Grandmaster's mind. He felt as though there was truly no right answer.
Much of this information was giving him quite the amount of stress. One which he hadn't felt since he was a youngling and a padawan.
Thinking back on it, Yoda recalled Vision speaking of a phrase that seemed to fit his -and everyone else's- predicament.
Knowledge is a paradox. The more one understands the more one realizes the vastness of his ignorance.
Despite being so deep into his thoughts, that did not mean his senses were dulled. His ears perked up at the sound of footsteps just outside the council chamber and the leader of the Order opened his eyes just as the door opened and in walked the Dark Woman.
"Master Kuro." Yoda greeted.
"Grandmaster." An'ya said in turn, going down to one knee.
"A reason for your presence, yes?"
"Quite," She replied, her gaze intense and focused. "I have been doing as you have asked, Master and after everything I have gathered in this amount of time, I believe I now know what we need to do next."
Yoda said nothing, instead raising an expectant brow as he awaited her next sentence.
"We have been doing much on our own time, by ourselves, learning and rediscovering lost practices and ideals." Kuro stated, now getting back to her feet to pace around. "But as much as we can do alone, our strength has always come in our unity. It's what distinguishes us from the Sith."
Yoda slowly caught on, beginning to understand what she was insinuating.
"We have this time, this shot and we need to take it." An'ya insisted. "But if we do this, we cannot have it done as we once had it before. If we're doing it, it has to be done in a new method, one I've been working on from the knowledge I have gathered."
"Confident, are you, in this new method?"
"Not entirely." Kuro freely admitted. "Which is why outside help will be needed. Though I figure the ones I'll ask will be more than willing to go along with my request."
With the setbacks of the war and the conflicts of Ultron now behind them, Yoda knew what had to be done now.
"For the Gathering, it's time is now."
AN
Ok, short and simple really, like the last one.
Frankly, originally, this chapter was supposed to be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay longer cuz we actually had more Padawans to work with like Nuru, Maris and the survivors of the Padawan pack.
But then we realized that we had something far greater in mind and now you guys know.
The Gathering.
It's essentially the whole point of this arc, to a degree. This arc, if you remember, was initially gonna be called the Jedi Reformation arc but as I said, reformation takes time, it's meant to be an ongoing process.
The culmination of this arc is to take place in the next chapter and the chapter after that, as two of the big steps in the changing and transformation of the Jedi Order.
While this and the last chapter were short, the next one is gonna be considerably long. All the stuff we didn't use for Masters, Knights and Padawans will be found in the next chapter.
Jebest4781: Things with Marvel media are mixed once more.
Daredevil Born Again is rather anticipated after so long but hesitant given issues that happened leading up to this. Yet there were a lot of fixes done during that time, which many appreciate.
Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman… another Spiderman animated show… honestly way too tired of so many renditions in these past years. I get it, he's a big favorite. But I and so many others would like other animated shows made that isn't focused on Spiderman. For instance the next season of X-Men 97' or even a continuation of the 97' universe like with the 90's Spider-Man cartoon. That I can be fine with.
Ironheart… I honestly hoped the show was scrapped after what happened in Black Panther Wakanda Forever with how poorly received the aforementioned character was. Sadly Marvel is wanting to waste money on this one project.
"What If…" Season 3… hesitant to a degree given what happened in season 2 on the fumble. Though it seems we'll also get a continuation of the Marvel Zombies story we saw in season 1, so that'll be something to look forward to. Not to mention… the Avenger Megazord… god that sounds badass when seeing it in the recent trailer.
Wonder man… this was a bit of a surprise. Initial character was rather lowkey and rightfully so. Honestly the last time I recall Wonder man was years ago back in the 90's where he was in a relationship with Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch before she got together with Vision.
Eyes of Wakanda will be telling various stories on the Wakandan people over the years, which I'm rather okay with to at least expand them. Because, honestly, I don't know much on the Black Panther comics past a certain point.
Deadpool and Wolverine recently came out on Disney and boy I am pumped!
Of course with the one film, after hearing so many stories that happened revolving around it… man, thinking back on it I really wonder how things could've gone. The actresses for She-Hulk and Captain Marvel were supposed to show up in it, but those scenes were scrapped after test screenings and as a result, there were a number of arguments and allegations. However, it's mostly due to certain character writings and actor behaviors.
Then the news that came out not so long ago about Blade… damn… I feel bad. The film was greatly anticipated but now it's permanently shelved given what was revealed in apparent script leaks where the main lead will only show up in the film for like a third of the run time while the majority being focused on the "protege". Yeah, I can imagine why Mahershala Ali decided to leave, just like many other actors in past projects when all they'd become are essentially "cameo" slots with how little of a runtime they'd be in when filming for a show/film. I mean, he's the leading character, yet bumped down to such a state is utterly appalling in this situation.
FMW: Yeah, as MCU fans, there's parts where we're like Awesome! And then there are parts where we go "Meh, who cares?" which is a crying shame considering how at one point, for ten whole fucking years, every announcement made us all pumped and shit and now it's like swing and a miss most of the time. A sad state to be sure. I hope, at the very least, please for the love of God, deliver on Daredevil.
And Ali, sorry man, you deserve to be a headliner but the current way the MCU is being run only further degenerates so many promises and concepts.
Jebest: Agatha All Along finally wrapped up two weeks ago and the show is heavily mixed.
Premise for it was decent at the beginning with Agatha getting out of Wanda's spell and remembering who she is but then it began to get rather rocky as the episodes went on. I began to not like things on the "spirit trial" episode when we got to see Agetha's mother, which we briefly saw on WandaVision and momentarily anticipated on seeing why she hated her daughter a lot in which would've led to the burning. However… HOWEVER… it was a very stupid excuse of the "because she was born evil" trope… How bloody lame is that!? I would've thought there was something else to explain why the rest of the Salem coven sought to kill Agatha back then with the connection towards the magic/essence drain ability she had. Like perhaps awakening her magical talent and accidentally killing another coven member with her powers or something. But nope!
And of course the reveal done at the show finale of the Witch's Road was -in fact- originally a long con for Agatha to "feast" off of desperate and naive witches for their power. Yet the lead up to that was complicated of the origin with the Witch's Road concept was even mixed as well as it was merely a song Nicholas Scratch (Agatha's son) made which many ended up misinterpreting as something legitimate.
We then got the not-too-surprise reveal of Teen was in fact Billy Maximoff. Though I do give the show credit with the one episode to explain Billy's origins with how he survived the end of WandaVision with various moments that occurred after that finale to the lead up of Agatha show beginning. And I don't really fault the one actor portraying Billy as I thought he was rather good given he was giving it his all. So props to him.
O' Death… Ohhh~~ Death… Your reveal and presence were mixed. I found it funny her portrayal was acted out by Aubrey Plaza of all people as I thought it fit her well. Of course, it would've been better if the show script was better to make better use of Death… along with perhaps Death introduced years ago during the Golden Age of the MCU.
FMW: Which is why I didn't care to watch it nor will I ever in the future, not even to use as concepts like in Age of Remnant. We pick the good shit, not the bland and if an idea and concept is good enough, we'll rework it to make it better. But Agatha All Along, I personally watched episode one and it bored the fuck outta me. Jeb has a stronger constitution than me.
At the very least, the Penguin Show is fucking grade A quality entertainment. There is that, thankfully. Especially after that utter shitshow disaster called Joker 2… just… fuck that film.
So, with that longwinded AN out of the way, we got our work cut out for us in the next chapter and BELIEVE ME it's gonna be a fucking doozy.
Rate Read and Review and as Always Have Nice Day.