Week Seven: Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. TPM centered. Written in the form of one continuous story.

XXXI: No turning back

"I have confidence in what the Force says. He is the Chosen One."

Obi-Wan heard his Master only vaguely, concentrating more on keeping his face stoic, and unrevealing of the tempest of emotions he felt stirring within.

"Surely you agree, Padawan?" Qui-Gon was looking at him, an expectant expression in his eyes.

The apprentice suddenly became aware that he couldn't lie. Sweat beaded his palms, as Obi-Wan faced the realization: He could be honest now, or forsake all of his training.

He closed his eyes and opened his mouth, knowing that after he spoke, he could not reverse his words.

XXXII: No backing down

"No."

Qui-Gon looked up, surprised at the utterance of the single syllable. "Excuse me?"

"I don't think Anakin is the Chosen One."

An astonished laugh made its way through his lips. "Padawan, what are you talking about? You know he is."
The Master stared into his apprentice's sea-green irises, and was not surprised to see the flickers of doubt within them. "You doubt your own words."

Obi-Wan closed his eyes, and when he opened them, any uncertainty was replaced with hardened determination. "Master, I cannot lie. I do not believe that Anakin's destiny is what you think it to be."

XXXIII: Nowhere to run

Obi-Wan couldn't take Qui-Gon's gaze. He turned; moved out of the small apartment they shared. He was only barely able to not run, and even so, a hint of urgency made its way into his pace as he strolled throughout the Temple.

It took him nearly an hour, an hour he spent wandering without thought, before he realized he was trapped inside the huge building.

Only with the grace of the Force was Obi-Wan able to get to the nearest meditation garden, where he immediately sank to his knees.

He was a Jedi, and he could never escape the truth.

XXXIV: No one to trust

"Problems with the Master, Kenobi?"

Obi-Wan glanced at the blond Learner who had just sat down next to him. "A minor disagreement."

Siri snorted, any knowledge of the delicate art of diplomacy concealed. "Yeah, like being put in the mines of Kessel is a 'minor' punishment. What's wrong?"

The Padawan stared at his friend, and opened his mouth to speak, when he found himself hesitating. "Nothing."

She raised an eyebrow. "You're easier to read than a datapad."

He sighed, wanting to talk to her, but not knowing if he could trust himself to say the right words. "Nothing's wrong, Siri."

XXXV: No place to hide

She left, of course, storming off. For a Padawan, Siri got very annoyed when anything was kept concealed from her.

***

It was hours before Obi-Wan fully registered his actions, and what he would do in the future.

The Jedi Temple was an enormous place. It was easily visible from above the planet. One could wander in it for days without passing the same landmark twice.

Yet to the Jedi who resided within it, it was painfully small. Escaping in it was virtually impossible; you could always be found.

Obi-Wan stood up, knowing he had to face Qui-Gon sooner or later.