Hello, everyone! If you're reading this, please take a second for me to thank you - seriously. I uploaded this story before but deleted it because I felt like no one really cared about it...but I'm trying again! *grins*

This story is loosely based on BBC's television show Merlin, but if you didn't watch it, you can still read the story. :) Now, I think this story will be harder for me to write (mainly because I've never written as Obi-wan in a major story before...) but I hope you guys will like it, anyways.

Um, just a couple of notes - Qui-Gon Jinn is still alive here and instead of all of the planets and everything, it'll just be cities. For example, the main city/kingdom in this story will be Coruscant and Naboo will be another city/kingdom and etc.

Enjoy!

No young man, no matter how great, can know his destiny. He cannot glimpse his part in the great story that is about to unfold. Like everyone, he must live and learn. And so it shall be for the young Jedi arriving at the gates of Coruscant. A boy that will in time father a legend. His name…

Chapter One. The Force Wielder's Call

Part one of chapter one.

Obi-wan Kenobi thought that he was already excited.

I was never so wrong, he realized as he stopped in front of the gates of Coruscant. People were moving in and out of the famous city, dragging carts behind them and filling the streets in progress.

Coruscant was the heart and pride of the land—with its fine castle and strict ruler, it was said that people would be considered to be lucky to ever visit such a famous place, let alone live in it.

Obi-wan placed a hand over his eyes and looked up. Sure enough, the towers of the castle loomed overhead and he felt another rush of excitement.

"Move, boy!" A man shouted and startled Obi-wan into walking quickly into the city. Almost immediately, he was overwhelmed with the loud, cheerful shouts of traders and shopkeepers, hurrying people, and guards marching past countless stalls of goods.

A small smile spread across Obi-wan's face—Coruscant was so different compared to his own small village.

Shouldering his bag, Obi-wan walked deeper into the streets. His blue-grey eyes searched his surroundings curiously, and he found himself wishing that he had eyes in the back of his head to examine what other sights he might have possibly missed.

Obi-wan put his hands in his pockets, and looked up at the sky cheerfully. Was it true that he was only a simple villager a couple of days ago?

With a great sigh, the young man continued to stroll around the streets. He never once thought that he'd be able to set foot in such a busy, exciting place such as Coruscant. Things back in his own small village of Stewjon were always quiet and simple—Coruscant was just the opposite.

Obi-wan couldn't wait to stay here.

He dug deeper into his pockets and pulled out a fairly small, worn out piece of paper. He clung onto it dearly—it was his own ticket into staying in this new place, after all. According to his mother, he was to study under court physician Qui-Gon Jinn. He couldn't wait to start.

Obi-wan was just tucking the note back into his pocket when suddenly, there were loud shouting and he was being pushed and shoved forward by a crowd of people.

Frowning, he felt himself moving along with the citizens until the crowd came to a sudden stop in front of a—

"Chopping block." Obi-wan muttered blankly.

Sure enough, there was a block of wood sitting coldly on top of a small podium.

Obi-wan's heart sank. He had never seen such an object but heard about it from his friends and other villagers. He didn't know all of the details that came along with the dreaded block, but he knew enough to realize that anyone who had his or her neck on the object was doomed.

Obi-wan looked up slowly. There was a man—in a hood, of course—standing on the podium, sharpening his axe menacingly. Obi-wan shuddered. He wouldn't ever want to be the executioner—it seemed to be a dreadful job. Behind the podium stood one of the castle's walls with a balcony jutting out daintily from the surface.

There, in the balcony, stood a middle-aged man that Obi-wan could only assume was the king of Coruscant, judging by the crown that was perched on his head.

Obi-wan frowned. When he heard the tales and rumors about the glorious and mighty Palpatine, he half-expected him to look…well…different.

However, King Palpatine was a different case. His face was haggard and age wrote itself on his papery skin. His eyes were sunken and hollow, but they were filled with bitterness and ferocity.

Obi-wan made a mental note to never get on his bad side.

The crowd of people suddenly became silent as the sound of drums filled the air. There was a sudden gasp and everyone's head—including Obi-wan's—turned to look at what the possible cause was.

A man in rags was stumbling forward, pushed by several guards. His hands were bound with chains, and he shook like the last leaf on a branch of a tree. Obi-wan watched the man with wide eyes, unsure of what to say or do.

The man looked up and for a full minute, his eyes caught onto Obi-wan's.

Blinking, Obi-wan quickly turned away.

The man slowly mounted the podium and stood, his eyes wide with obvious fear. Obi-wan focused his eyes back on King Palpatine, who had lifted a hand to stop the drums.

"Let this serve as a lesson to all." He said, his voice laced with evident disproval and contempt. "This man, Henry James Smith," the king pointed to the victim, "is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use the Force and pursuant of the laws of Coruscant, I, Acacius Palpatine, have decreed that such practices are banned by the penalty of death." He paused and Obi-wan felt a chill running up his spine. He was liking this king less and less.

Henry Smith was pushed down to his knees, his head forced down on the chopping block.

Obi-wan shivered—it much colder now.

"I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of using the Force, there is but one sentence I can pass." With that, King Palpatine lifted his hand and the crowd gasped in unison as the axe came down on Smith's head. Obi-wan drew back sharply, his own eyes wide with shock.

"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired with chaos. But, with the help of the people, those who used the Force for evil were driven from the realm." King Palpatine straightened himself and lifted both of his hands. "Therefore, I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the great Force Wielder was captured and Coruscant free of the Force." The king paused and he put down his hands. "Let the celebrations begin!" He announced.

After a dazed silence, the crowd slowly began to disperse. Obi-wan shook his head violently, trying to erase the image of Smith. The fact that Smith's beheaded body was sitting less than five feet didn't help much.

Queasy, Obi-wan backed away a couple of steps. The moment he turned away, however, a loud wail forced himself to look back.

An elderly, filthy woman was standing behind the podium, her shaky hands outstretched, her eyes wide with horror. "There is only one evil in this land and it is not the Force, it is you! You with your hatred and ignorance!" She cried, pointing an angry finger at the king.

Obi-wan looked up at King Palpatine. His face was as cold and hard as stone.

"You took my son," the woman gasped, pointing at the podium with her other hand. "But I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears." She glared up at the king, the sorrow in her eyes replaced with anger and hate. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth…a son for a son!"

At the mention of a son, Palpatine yelled, "Guards, seize her!"

The woman looked around angrily and Obi-wan watched as guards stormed towards her from all sides.

Obi-wan stared at her sadly. The woman would be taken away, he just knew it. The frail elderly didn't stand a chance.

Then, the impossible happened.

Everything appeared to be in slow motion—Obi-wan watched as the woman suddenly vanished from her spot and the guards crashed into each other.

Obi-wan blinked, bewildered. Where did that woman go? He could have sworn that she was just standing there a second ago!

He looked up at the king. Palpatine's face was expressionless. Without a word, he ducked back into the castle.

Obi-wan frowned and re-shouldered his bag. He hurried away before he could see any more trouble.

His mind was spinning with the entire concept of it all—how could the king execute someone in cold blood?

Obi-wan shuddered and stopped in front of a guard. "Where would I find Qui-Gon Jinn, the court physician?" He asked.

The guard made a small grunting noise and jerked his thumb into the archway behind him.

"Thank you," Obi-wan replied and hurried along. He made his way into the castle and after several minutes of searching, he managed to find a stairwell that lead to the physician's study and chambers.

Obi-wan reached the top of the stairs and found himself standing before an oak door with nameplate that indicated that it was indeed Qui-Gon Jinn's study.

Taking a deep breath, Obi-wan adjusted his bag over his shoulders and knocked on the door. When no answer came, Obi-wan slowly opened the door, poking his head into the room.

"Hello?" He called out softly. His eyes ventured around the room and he opened the door a bit wider. All around him were tables filled with countless papers, herbs, and concoctions bubbling in glass vials. Careful not to break anything, Obi-wan walked slowly into the room.

"Hello?" He repeated a bit louder.

Obi-wan made his way around a couple of tables and then looked up. An older man was standing on top of a wooden staircase, appearing to be shifting around some dusty books on a shelf.

"Qui-Gon?" Obi-wan asked awkwardly.

The older man didn't respond.

Obi-wan tapped clasped his hands in front of himself and cleared his throat nervously.

The man—Qui-Gon—turned around and almost immediately fell down the stairs.

Obi-wan's eyes widened and without walking even a single step, a chair was pushed in front of Qui-Gon from across the room.

Qui-Gon blinked, obviously confused, and quickly stood up. "What...what did you just do?" He asked, astonished.

Obi-wan automatically looked down at the floor. "Um…"

"Tell me." Qui-Gon said urgently.

Obi-wan looked back up. "Well, uh…I have no idea what happened." He managed to stammer.

Qui-Gon stared at the young man incredulously. He shot a glance at the stairs and looked back at Obi-wan. "If anyone had seen that…" He warned, but Obi-wan shook his head frantically.

"It had nothing to do with me." Obi-wan quickly said.

"I know. I want to know where you learned it." Qui-Gon continued to stare hard at Obi-wan.

The young man blinked. "Nowhere." He replied.

"How do you know the Force?"

"I don't."

"Where did you study?"

Obi-wan paused, unsure of what to say next. He pressed his lips tightly together.

"Answer me!" Qui-Gon said in the same urgent, panicked tone.

"I've never studied or been taught." Obi-wan replied frantically.

"Are you lying?" Qui-Gon asked, taking a step closer.

Obi-wan clasped and unclasped his hands anxiously. "What do you want me to say?" He asked.

"The truth!" Qui-Gon replied.

"I was born like this." Obi-wan swallowed, gesturing at himself helplessly.

"That's impossible." Qui-Gon shook his head. He continued to look at Obi-wan up and down and after several moments of tense silence, he asked, "Who are you?"

Obi-wan startled and he quickly shoved his hand in his pocket. "Oh, um…I have this letter…" He murmured and yanked it out with his hands trembling ever so slightly.

"I…" Qui-Gon frowned, taking the letter. "I don't have my glasses."

Obi-wan inwardly groaned. "I'm Obi-wan," he said with a tight smile.

Qui-Gon looked back at Obi-wan, realization dawning on his face. "You're Clara's son?" He asked.

"Yes!" Obi-wan replied, relieved, bobbing his head hurriedly.

"You're not meant to be here 'till Wednesday!" The physician said, surprised.

Obi-wan frowned. "It is Wednesday…" He mumbled awkwardly.

Qui-Gon's eyes widened and there was another uncomfortable silence between them. "Ah." He murmured. "Er…right, then."

Obi-wan inwardly winced as Qui-Gon turned around, pointing to a door. "You'd better put your bags in there," he said.

Obi-wan nodded and made his way towards the door. As he put a hand over the doorknob, he turned and mumbled, "Look, you won't be say anything about…" He gestured to the staircase and the chair.

"No," Qui-Gon replied solemnly, shaking his head. Obi-wan nodded thankfully and he pushed open the door.

"Though, Obi-wan," Qui-Gon called after him. The young man turned around quickly.

"I should say thank you." The physician finished. Obi-wan managed a weak smile and hurriedly walked into his new room without a word.

His new bedroom was small, but not much smaller than his old bedroom back home. This one contained a bed, a wooden nightstand, a window, and a cabinet on the wall. Obi-wan slowly walked over to the bed and threw his bags down on the floor. He sighed and then stretched out his arms.

Obi-wan rubbed his eyes and made his way to the window. He fought open the shutters and the second they were released, a cool wind greeted him.

Obi-wan smiled as he looked over Coruscant from his window. He could see the city lights and the royal flags flying majestically on the tops of houses. He rested his arms on the windowsill and sighed again, only this time with content and hope.

•◊•

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon was sitting in his study, looking over the letter that Obi-wan had given him. His eyes scanned the paper, reading over the words thoughtfully.

My dear Qui-Gon,

I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and I don't know who to trust. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special. Yet I would give my life that Obi-wan were not so. Ours is a small village and he is so clearly at odds with people here that if he were to remain, I fear what will become of him.

He needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might that might help him find the purpose for his gifts.

I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her son, keep him safe.

And may God save you both.

Clara

Qui-Gon folded up the letter neatly and cast a look at the boy's closed door. He would, of course, do as Clara asked. Obi-wan was young—if the king was to find out about his 'gift', he would have his head chopped off.

Qui-Gon shuddered lightly. He doubted that King Palpatine would spare the boy.

•◊•

Ahsoka Tano was staring at the chopping block outside from her window. She drew in a shaky breath, recalling the events that happened earlier today. She had seen the poor man being executed before from her bedroom window and had also seen King Palpatine give the order to do so.

She hated the king for doing such an act—what had the man ever done that could possibly harm Coruscant?

The door suddenly opened and Ahsoka tightened her grip on the window sill, already sensing who it was.

"Ahsoka," the king said, walking briskly over to his ward.

"Yes?" Ahsoka turned around to face her king.

"What is this? Why are you not joining us at the feast?" Palpatine asked with a frown.

Ahsoka crossed her arms, staring defiantly at her guardian. "I don't think chopping someone's head off is a cause for celebration." She replied coolly.

She watched as Palpatine sighed heavily but paid no attention. Ahsoka looked out the window again with sad eyes. "That poor mother." She whispered sorrowfully.

"Simple justice for what he'd done." The king replied swiftly, already turning around.

"To whom?" Ahsoka snapped indignantly. "He used the Force! He didn't hurt anyone!"

"You were not here twenty years ago." Palpatine replied dismissively. "You have no idea."

Ahsoka shook her head. "How long will you punish people for what happened back then?" She asked tiredly.

"Until they realize that there is no room for the Force in my kingdom!" Palpatine replied angrily. He turned away. "You will be with me when I greet Lady Glyyn."

Ahsoka glared at the king's retreating back. "I want no part of this!" She yelled stubbornly.

Palpatine faced Ahsoka sharply. "I am your guardian," he hissed. "I expect you to do as I ask. If you show me no respect, at least respect our finest singer."

Ahsoka simply stared at the king and watched as he started to leave the room. "You know, the more brutal you are, the more enemies you'll create!"

The king did not respond. The door slammed loudly and Ahsoka turned back to the window with a sigh.

•◊•

Things were always spooky in the middle of the night, especially for Lady Glyyn. She hummed lightly under her breath, brushing her hair lightly. Soon, she would be singing for King Palpatine and the entire royal court. She smiled to herself at the thought.

Suddenly, a rather loud snapping sound caught Glyyn's attention. She froze and turned around with a gasp.

An elderly woman held a finger to her lips and the Lady felt her senses numbing. She sank into darkness.

•◊•

"Obi-wan…"

Obi-wan vaguely heard a deep voice vibrating around his skull and he shifted in his bed, his body heavy with sleep.

"Obi-wan…"

The voice came again and Obi-wan's eyes flickered open. Sunlight was pouring through the window and for a minute, he thought he was back at his village.

Obi-wan's eyes ventured the room and he smiled sleepily to himself. No, he was still in Coruscant.

With a yawn, Obi-wan sat up and stretched. He rolled out of his bed and excited to get through the day, quickly tossed on a new change of clothes before greeting Qui-Gon in the study.

"I got you water," Qui-Gon said with a nod, putting a bowl of food on the table. "You didn't wash last night."

"Sorry." Obi-wan murmured sheepishly.

Qui-Gon shrugged and gestured to the table. "Help yourself to breakfast," he said.

Obi-wan nodded thankfully and sat down. He picked up the spoon and stared at the bowl. He wasn't quite sure what was in the bowl, but it didn't exactly smell or look appealing. Though, wishing not to look rude, Obi-wan shoved a spoonful of the stuff into his mouth.

He regretted it an instant later. It really did taste awful.

Obi-wan hid his wince the best he could, forcing himself to eat another spoonful.

Then, he heard something sliding off the table. Obi-wan turned to find the water bucket falling off and quickly standing up, extended a hand to keep the bucket afloat.

"Oh!" Qui-Gon's eyes widened and Obi-wan, realizing what he did, quickly letting the water spill out of the bucket.

"How did you do that? Did you do it in your mind?" Qui-Gon asked incredulously.

"I don't know how to," Obi-wan shook his head quickly.

"So what did you do? There must be something." Qui-Gon frowned, gesturing to the puddle of water on the floor.

Obi-wan winced and rubbed his brow. "It just…happened." He said helplessly. He turned away quickly, looking for a mop of some sort to clean up the mess.

"Well, we'd better keep you out of trouble." Qui-Gon muttered under his breath. "You can help me until I find some paid work for you."

A/N: Well, I got carried away and made this chapter a bit longer than I had hoped...I'm sorry if I made Qui-Gon out of character...it's my first time ever writing with him. XD Oh, and if you hadn't figured it out already, Obi-wan is a bit...younger in this story.

Anakin: *snorts* What?

Ahsoka: What are YOU doing here? You didn't even appear in this chapter!

Anakin: Well...you didn't, either!

Ahsoka: I actually DID. *sticks out tongue*

Anakin: ...for five seconds!

Ahsoka: Still longer than you!

Me: Hey, hey, calm down...Anakin, since you didn't appear (yet,) why don't you do the review notice?

Anakin: *grumbles* Review, give constructive criticism...no flames...

Me: OH AND WATCH MERLIN! XD Bye!