The two Padawans crept back through the dimly lit hallway of the Jedi Temple back to their rooms. Obi-Wan was felt more accepting of Anakin, considering the fact that he was willing to sneak out on his first night. Obi-Wan called it "the test." For the past few years, whenever a new Padawan was brought in, Obi-Wan would proposition them with sneaking out on the first night. Almost all declined the offer. And up until this night, only one other had accepted. But Obi-Wan didn't like to think about that…
"It's a little late for a walk, don't you think?"
He turned around. Qui-Gon had followed him to the door of his room.
"Perhaps so."
"You don't use big words like that unless you've done something bad," laughed Qui-Gon. "Did Anakin pass the test?"
Obi-Wan blinked in pretend astonishment. "I beg your pardon?"
"You're not as clever as you think you are. Can I have a word with you in private?"
They entered Obi-Wan's bedroom. "You might want to tone down the antics a bit. I don't have a problem with you getting into mischief every now and then, but Master Windu certainly does."
Obi-wan rolled his eyes.
"And aside from that, I'm not really supposed to tell you these kinds of things but you won't listen unless I spell it out for you. They're thinking of promoting you to Master on your 18th birthday."
Obi-Wan gasped. "But I've never even been on a mission before. Not that I'm complaining, just making sure this isn't a trick."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. We need more Jedi Masters in our ranks. Plus you can't take on a Padawan if you haven't reached the rank of Master."
"You want me to take on Anakin as a Padawan don't you?" smirked Obi-Wan.
"Yes. I know it's not how the process normally works. But there's another reason why I want you to take him on and train him."
"Probably something about teaching me responsibility right?"
"No. It was a premonition. The next mission I take on will be my last."
"What are you retiring or something? You're only 42."
"No jokes please, this is serious. I don't know what the circumstances will be or why it will be my last. But I can't take on Anakin and give him incomplete training. I can help you train him, but he is your responsibility. I hope you can keep each other on the right path for my sake, and restore the Jedi Order."
Obi-Wan was slightly shaken. Gloomy speeches were rare from Qui-Gon, as were premonitions. He hoped they were false- Qui-Gon was the closest thing he had to a father and didn't know what he would do without him.
"One more question before you head off to bed Master Qui-Gon: Did you bring Anakin here just to be my Padawan?"
Qui-Gon chuckled. "The Force is stronger in him than anyone I have ever encountered- perhaps even more than Yoda. For someone that promising to fall into the wrong hands would be devastating. And I can forsee that may be a possibility if we don't take precautions with him."
"Wrong hands? Whose hands are we talking about- the droids, the Hutts, Viceroy Nute Gunray?"
"The Sith."
"But they…"
"Were supposedly destroyed centuries ago. But in my premonition, they're in hiding, and ready to unleash horror upon the galaxy like we've never seen before. But you can prevent it Obi-Wan… if you begin Anakin's training at 7 AM tomorrow!"
"Hey you said no jokes!"
"It's not a joke- he has a lot to learn and you must start as soon as possible. Goodnight!"
