A/N: Thank you guys for the reviews! I appreciate it so much! It encouraged me to update and felt joyous the rest of the day! I do not like this chapter because its at a difficult scene. Its hard to boost Padme and Obi-Wan's relationship when they aren't even around each other.

Chapter 2

He couldn't see anything, he could hear people talking, but their voices were mumbles to him. He felt unbelievable pain in his stomach, knowing that there was a hole there. He couldn't breath well…and it scared him. He wondered what had happened to Qui-Gon and Padme. He had failed them both, and needed to know if they were okay. He tried to focus on the voices, trying to match them with their owner. He couldn't, the voices were too distant.

"Help me remove his tunic." Qui-Gon motioned inspecting it. There was a small, vertical hole in the middle of his tunic, exposing the burnt flesh. Padme and Panaka assisted with the removing, both careful not to hurt the younger Jedi. Padme lifted it from his lower stomach, holding it up as they lifted it over his head.

She scanned his body seeing that indeed he was not scrawny but the opposite. He had a muscular six-pack, though some of the muscle was burned. Every Jedi she had met was tall and muscular…Jedi seemed to be very attractive…which made them irresistible…which made it hard to accept that they couldn't love.

Padme scanned the room, finding a tube of ointment lying on a tray near by. She picked up, scanning the information written on the side. It simply stated it sped up the process of skin healing. Perfect! Usually a wound as big as Obi-Wan's would take a month or two to heal, but with this ointment, it only took a few hours. She jogged over to Qui-Gon, tapping his shoulder.

"Yes?" He turned around facing her.

"Here." Padme handed over the ointment. "It should speed up his healing process."

"Thank you." He turned and began to apply it over the burned flesh. He was careful, knowing that Obi-Wan was in a great amount of pain. He applied some to the cut on Obi-Wan's upper arm as well. He turned searching for something to cover the wound. He looked around, before laying eyes on some bandages in the far corner.

"Hand me those bandages." Qui-Gon motioned Panaka to do so. The captain nodded, going to retrieve the bandages. "Padme, hand me that oxygen mask." Padme nodded, picking up the oxygen mask from the tray. She checked to make sure it was working before handing it to the Jedi Master.

Qui-Gon leaned over the bed, watching his Padawan gasp for breath. "Obi-Wan."

No response.

"Obi-Wan." He tried again.

A weak groan erupted from the injured Jedi's chest.

Qui-Gon gave a small smile; it was good to know his apprentice could hear him. "I'm going to place an oxygen mask on. So don't move or panic."

Qui-Gon strapped the oxygen mask onto Obi-Wan's head. "Take a deep breath now, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan breathed in a ragged shaky breath, and let it out, wheezing a bit.

Panaka had stood behind Qui-Gon the entire time, bandage in hand.

"Padme. Will you wrap his stomach and arm up?" Qui-Gon glanced up at her.

"Yes, Sir." She walked over, taking the bandage from Panaka. She leaned over and began to work.

Qui-Gon stepped back, taking a deep breath. "I hate to leave, but I must go back."

"I will stay here. To watch over Obi-Wan." Panaka reassured him. "You have a brave Padawan, willing to take on a Sith."

"I know. He'll make a fine Jedi Knight." He smiled before exiting through the door.

Padme finished her job and turned. "I don't want to leave, but I never did see the planet as the Queen intended for me to do."

Panaka nodded. "Go ahead. Obi-Wan won't be awake for a few hours anyway."

Padme nodded. "Thank you, Captain." She turned and ran towards the exit ramp calling out Qui-Gon's name.

Qui-Gon reluctantly agreed. "Stay close to me."

Padme looked around, wondering where Qui-Gon's companions were. "Where is Artoo and Jar-Jar?"

"In Mos Espa. We didn't get very far before I felt a disturbance in Obi-Wan's connection. I told them to go on ahead, and to find a good junk dealer. They'll meet me at the entrance." He turned scanning the desert, just as Obi-Wan had.

"Connection?" She was curious of the ways of the Force as well as Jedi.

"Yes, me and Obi-Wan share a bond, created by the Force. When one of us is in pain or suffering, we can feel it." Qui-Gon sighed. "It's a connection not easily broken, but it weaken quite a bit today."

"What does that mean?" Padme asked, not liking the tone Qui-Gon had.

"Obi-Wan was suffering. Suffering always weakens it a bit. His anger and fear also weakened our connection. But I don't worry for him."

"How can you not worry for him!? He's dying!" She stopped outraged at the Jedi Master's attitude.

"He is not dying. I did not mean to sound cruel and uncaring when I said I did not worry for him. I do care for him; he is a loyal friend of mine. I love him like a son; so do not question my caring for him. I do not worry for him because I trust him. He is a strong; he will not die without a fight. He's been in far worse situations and has survived them all." He continued walking, and she soon caught up.

"I thought you were forbidden to love, even if you loved them like family?" Padme said, sounding a little snotty.

"The only reason we are forbidden to love is because of fear and distraction. I'm not afraid to lose Obi-Wan, nor is he a distraction. I care for him and I hate seeing him in pain. Its complicated, something you wouldn't understand."

Padme huffed but pointed up ahead. "Is that Mos Espa?"

"That would be it. There's Jar-Jar and Artoo."

They arrived in front of the entrance, and Jar-Jar, who had been sitting on the ground, jumped to his feet. "Mesa found a good place...Mesa show you!"

"Better be affordable." Qui-Gon mumbled, before following Jar-Jar through the streets.

Padme looked around, scanning the buildings. Children laughed and played, shops and houses lined the streets. It looked like a happy place.

Jar-Jar led them into a small building, where they weren't given the friendliest welcome.

A pudgy blue alien with small wings came in. He looked at them with a scowl before mumbling off in the local language. "Hi chuba da naga?"

Qui-Gon understood a little, the language had been spoken in other planets. "I need parts for a J-type 327 Nubian."

"Ah yes, ah yes. Nubian. We have lots of that. What kinda junk?" Before Qui-Gon could reply, the alien yelled out in his language. "Peedenkel! Naba dee unko!"

The alien turned his attention back to the Jedi. "My droid here has a readout of what I need."

At the moment, a small boy ran in from the junkyard. Hs face was dirty and he was dressed in rags. The alien turned raised a hand, making the little boy flinch.

"Coona tee-tocky malia?"

The boy let out a defensive tone. "Mel tassa cho-passa..."

"Chut-Chut! Ganda doe wallya! Me dwana no bata!" The creature turned to Qui-Gon perking up. "Soooo let me take- a thee out back. Ni you'll find what you need."

Qui-Gon nodded and followed the alien. Jar-Jar was touching some gizmo trying to figure out its purpose. Qui-Gon grabbed it, setting it back in its place.

"Don't touch anything." He moved past the Gungan, who stuck his long tongue out and made a face.

The young boy sat on the counter, cleaning a part.

"Are you an angel?" He spoke up, his eyes meeting hers.

"What?" She turned to him, letting an amused smile appear on her face.

"An angel. I've heard the deep space pilots talk about them. They live on the moons of Iego I think. They are the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They are good and kind and so pretty they make even the most hardened space pirate cry."

She smiled, a little flattered. "I've never heard of angels."

He smiled, before replying. "You must be one…maybe you just don't know it."

"You're a funny little boy…How do you know so much?"

"Since I was very little, three, I think. My mom and I were sold to Gardulla the Hutt, but she lost us, betting on the Podraces, to Watto, who's a lot better master than Gardulla, I think.

"You're a…slave?" She asked quietly not wanting to make the boy uncomfortable. She couldn't believe there were still slaves…

"I am a person! My name is Anakin!" He said, being offended that she had referred to him as if he was an animal.

"I'm sorry. I don't fully understand." She looked around the shop, scanning the way they were made. "This is a strange world to me."

Anakin watched her intently and was about to say something when a loud crash came from the corner. Jar-Jar had somehow activated a small droid, which was clumsily walking around, Jar-Jar followed close behind. He finally grabbed it by its neck, but the droid kept fighting to get free.

"Hit the nose!" Anakin said with a little annoyance in his voice. Jar-Jar did so and it dropped into its original state.

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon and the alien, who had introduced himself to be Watto, were walking through the junkyard. Soon enough Watto stopped in front of a large part.

"...Here it is...a T-14 hyperdrive generator!! Thee in luck, I'm the only one hereabouts who has one…but thee might as well buy a new ship. It would be cheaper, I think…Saying of which, how's going to pay for all this?"

"I have 20,000 Republic dataries." Qui-Gon fished through his pockets.

"Republic credits?!? Republic credits are no good out here. I need something more real..." The alien's wings flinched.

Qui-Gon raised his hand, using a force mind trick. "Credits will do fine."

"No they won'ta."

Qui-Gon tried again. "Credits will do fine."

"No, they won'ta. What you think you're some kinda Jedi, waving your hand around like that? I'm a Toydarian. Mind tricks don'ta work on me-only money. No money, no parts! No deal!"

"...wouldn't have lasted long if I weren't so good at fixing things. I'm making my own droid..." Anakin rambled off to Padme, oblivious to Jar-Jar wrecking the shop.

Qui-Gon came down from the junkyard, Artoo behind him. "We're leaving."

"It was nice to meet you, Anakin." Padme smiled, before following Qui-Gon, Artoo and Jar-Jar.

"What's our next move?" Padme asked, staying close behind Qui-Gon.

"Try to reach Obi-Wan…its been quite awhile…he should at least be conscious." Qui-Gon pulled out a communicator, then hid in the shade. Jar-Jar wondered off to the food area, Artoo stayed with Padme and Qui-Gon.

"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon spoke into the communicator. Padme stood by his shoulder, listening.

No response came.

"Obi-Wan?"

"Yes, Master." A weak voice came from the other end. Padme breathed a sigh of relief.

"How are you?"

"In pain, Master." A wheezing sound was heard.

"Don't be moving too much…"

"Yes, Master."

"Listen, we are in a bit of situation." Qui-Gon then proceeded to tell him of Watto and the money issue.

"...Obi-Wan, you're sure there isn't anything of value left on board?"

"A few containers of supplies, the Queen's wardrobe, maybe. Not enough for you to barter with. Not in the amounts you're talking about." The young Padawan seem to be gaining strength by the minute.

Reassured, she walked over towards Jar-Jar, who had gotten in trouble with a Dug. Luckily, Anakin had saved him.

Qui-Gon took a deep breath. "All right. Another solution will present itself. I'll check back."

Before Qui-Gon put it in his pocket, Obi-Wan spoke. "Master?"

"Yes?"

There was a pause before he spoke again. "How's Padme?" He didn't want to give Qui-Gon the idea that he felt something for her. He just wanted to make sure that she was safe and the Sith hadn't hurt her.

"She's fine. She's worried for you though."

Obi-Wan sighed. "What happen to the Sith?"

"He vanished…I don't know how…he was well trained in the Jedi arts though."

"I know…I failed you, Master and I'm sorry."

Qui-Gon took a deep breath. "You did not fail us, Obi-Wan. If you hadn't been there, Padme could have been killed."

"Thank you, Master." Obi-Wan felt at ease with himself again.

"Get some rest." He put the communicator in his pocket, and walked over to Jar-Jar.

"Hi! Your buddy here was about to be turned into orange goo. He picked a fight with a Dug. An especially dangerous Dug called Sebulba.

"Nosir, nosir. Mesa hate crunchen. Dat's da last ting mesa wanten." Jar-Jar jumped to defend himself.

"Nevertheless, the boy is right...you were heading for trouble. Thank you, my young friend." Qui-Gon smiled at the young boy, before turning to leave, the boy followed.

Back at the ship, Obi-Wan had found himself growing extremely restless. He had moved outside and now stood looking over the desert. His stomach hurt but it was bearable, and he could move if he was cautious. He stood arms crossed, the wind whipping at his robe. A handmaiden had sewed his tunic back together. You could barely tell there had been a hole there.

Captain Panaka soon joined him. "You shouldn't be out here, Obi-Wan."

"I'm fine…my strength is returning to me." He sighed, letting his arms drop. "This storm's going to slow them down."

"It looks pretty bad. We'd better seal the ship." Panaka looked towards Obi-Wan.

"I agree." They remained for a moment, glancing over the desert one last time.

Panaka's comlink went off, catching their attention. "Yes?" Panaka listened for a minute before turning to Obi-Wan. "We'll be right there."

They both turned to walk into the ship, Obi-Wan's cloak flowing in the wind. They jogged up the ramp, sealing the ramp.

Obi-Wan seated himself in the cockpit, studying the star charts. He lost track of time as he compared the star charts, trying to figure the fastest way to Coruscant.

"Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan turned noticing it was Ric Olie. "Yes?"

"The Queen received a message from Bibble…we are to view it at once."

Obi-Wan stood, wincing at the sudden movement, but followed the pilot towards the Queen's dwelling. He seated himself beside Rabe, on of the handmaidens, turning his attention towards the hologram of Bibble.

"...cut off all food supplies until you return... the death toll is catastrophic... we must bow to their wishes, Your Highness...Please tell us what to do! If you can hear us, Your Highness, you must contact me..."

It was trap! Obi-Wan was sure of it! He had to contact Qui-Gon immediately! He stood to his feet, quite quickly. He turned to the nervous Queen, looking her in the eye.

"It's a trick. Send no reply... Send no transmission of any kind." Obi-Wan rushed from the room. He had to get Qui-Gon's opinion!

Qui-Gon stood outside on the stone balcony, watching the sunset in the horizon. The wind had dyed down quite a bit, and only a faint breeze ran through Qui-Gon's hair. He held the comlink near him, listening to his apprentice.

"...the Queen is upset... but absolutely no reply was sent." Obi-Wan informed him of the hologram sent by Bibble and the way he had warned them not to reply..

"It sounds like bait to establish a connection trace."

"What if it is true and the people are dying?" Obi-Wan couldn't help but wonder if Bibble was telling the truth...and if the people were really suffering.

"Either way, we're running out of time…" Qui-Gon lowered his hand and stared out into the darkening sky. He ran through all the information that Obi-Wan had given him. It sounded suspicious but at the same time, it could be true.

"Was that Obi-Wan?"

Qui-Gon turned seeing Padme standing in the doorway. She was fumbling with a piece of her, twisting it around her finger.

"Yes it was."

She walked towards him, stopping a couple of feet away, worry passed over her features. "Is he okay?"

"He's recovering well." He smiled but noticed that did not take away the concern on her face. He turned the comlink over in his hand, debating whether or not he should disturb Obi-Wan agian. "You can talk to him if you want."

She nodded gratefully as he handed her the comlink. "I don't know how to work this though." She flipped it around in her hands, searching for some sort of fancy button.

"Just press that button to talk and let go to listen." He turned and walked into the small house. The little boy, Anakin, had been kind enough to offer them a place for the night.

"Obi-Wan?" She let go of the button, holding the comlink to her ear.

Obi-Wan had returned to studying the charts when he heard the gentle voice. He pushed the charters aside before picking up his comlink, pressing the button.

"Yes?"

"It's Padme. How are you?" Her voice was shaking a little bit and Obi-Wan took notice of this.

"I'm fine. What's the matter?" Obi-Wan leaned back in his chair, focusing on what Padme had to say.

"I heard you talking to Qui-Gon…is it true? Are they dying?" She walked over and sat on the stone ledge that acted as a rail to the balcony.

"We are unsure at this moment. You must not worry; it will only make you jump to conclusions."

After a long pause, Padme spoke up agian. "How are your wounds?"

"I already told you I was fine…they're healing nicely…" Obi-Wan muttered, but he had heard her voice waver.

"Padme, what's wrong?" Concern was in his voice.

"I…you…" She began to tear and her voice cracked. "You and the people of Naboo are in…pain…I feel helpless…like I can't do anything about it."

"Padme…" He tried to comfort her.

She began to sob…the pressure of everything was bottling up inside her. She felt weak...and small.

"Padme…" He took a deep breath. "Everything will turn out fine. I promise you."

She found his voice soothing and felt her nerves calm. "I'm sorry to break down like that."

"Its fine. Everyone has a breaking point."

Suddenly she felt a tug at her sleeve, and looked down to see Anakin. She smiled at him politely.

"Dinner is ready!" Anakin announced, standing beside Padme, waiting for her to finish.

"Obi-Wan, I have to go…I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Padme."

"Night." She tucked the comlink into her pocket, reminding herself to give it to Qui-Gon, before heading into dinner.

Obi-Wan pushed the comlink away, taking in deep breaths. His heart was beating a thousand miles per hour. He closed his eyes, repeating the same line over and over in his head.

There is no passion; there is serenity

A/N: I do like the ending to this chapter, it shows Obi-Wan is beginning to feel something but he's not allowing himself to feel such things. However, I feel this chapter brings down the rest of the story, it was rushed and skipped a couple of events. I also felt that I didn't display emotion effectivly nor did I spend much time correcting the dialouge. Overall this chapter is a disappointment to me. Let me know...give me suggestions.