Chapter 7: The Naboo Celebration

The first thing that came to his senses was the feeling of somebody else being there with him. Then came a soft warmth all around him, trapping him. He didn't have the strength to push the warm thing off him. He groaned and he felt someone touch his cheek. "Obi-Wan?" He faintly heard before allowing the darkness to take him again.

Next time, there was murmuring of voices, quiet and low voices. At least two or three. He uttered a sound and the voices stopped. "Obi-Wan? It's Healer Skent. Are you…?" Then darkness overcame him once again before the good healer could finish his question.

"…been in and out…" Then darkness. "…week and a half with little…" Then darkness. "…need to rest yourself…" Darkness. "…go rest…" Darkness.


He wasn't alone in the room once again, but the other being remained silent. There was a soft sound of a breeze in the room. He didn't feel as weak as he had been. He forced his eyes open, slowly. There was a green blur in his sight. The blur was round with two pointed green spikes sticking out of the top of it. As his vision cleared, the blur became smaller and more defined. Until he was able to clearly see, the green blur was the Grand Master Yoda, sitting cross-legged on a stool by his sleeper. His cane lay cross his lap. The pointed ears on his head twitch slightly, as if hearing a sound in the distance.

"Finally awake, are you?" the green being asked.

"Y—yes, Master Yoda," he responded automatically and rather weakly. He turned his head to glance around the room. There was an open window letting a warm breeze into the room. Three wooden chairs were scattered around his sleeper. The walls were white, so were his sheets. It was a small room, kind of like the healer's ward, but he had never seen this place before. "Wh—where…?" he started to ask.

"Still on Naboo, you are, young one. In the Theed Palace. Defeated the Trade Federation was," Yoda answered. "Out for nearly two weeks, you were."

Two weeks? Qui-Gon would certainly make fun of him for putting himself in the infirmary for almost two weeks. Qui-Gon! His Master! He suddenly felt the weight of despair inside him, holding him down, almost drowning him. He was gone. "My Master…I didn't…I couldn't save him. I wasn't strong enough. He's…he's gone," Obi-Wan said in anguish. He gave Yoda a pitiful look full of pain and despair.

Yoda crocked his head to the side, as if confused. "Sense him through your bond, do you not?"

"I…" Obi-Wan paused and hesitantly, fearfully of what he wouldn't find, he reached into the bond he had with his Master. He could feel the brightness of his bond with Qui-Gon. It was bright and full of life. It didn't feel or look like it had been cracked from the near death experience. He could feel Qui-Gon's emotions, worry and concern, exhaustion. There was a soft pulsing ripple from where his wound was still bothering him, but he was overall healthy and, more importantly, alive.

He glanced up at Yoda in surprise. "He's alive? But…I…" He could have sworn he didn't save Qui-Gon, that he wasn't powerful enough or strong enough. The wound was too severe, as his Master had said. He couldn't even feel him in the Force. At least he thought he couldn't. He stared up at the ceiling, not caring he shouldn't have been strong enough. As his Master would say, it was the will of the Force. If the Force wanted Qui-Gon to live, then he would live whether or not Obi-Wan was strong enough. Somehow, he would live and Obi-Wan was pleased. He could feel the grateful tears in the back of his eyes. He turned back to Yoda. "Where…?" he started to ask, needing to see him alive and well.

"He's resting. Healer's order. At least he should be resting. He was ordered to rest," a new and familiar voice came from the doorway. Obi-Wan turned his head and saw Skent enter the room. After seeing the Mon Calamari every month since he could remember, he had started calling him by his first name. He hadn't even heard the door swish open. Skent entered the room and approached the sleeper, the door swishing shut behind him. "He would not leave your side. I had to send him away for him to get rest. Though, he would not be happy with me once he realizes you woke up without him present. He wanted to be here for when you awake." Obi-Wan wasn't surprised. Qui-Gon was usual always by his side when he found himself in the Infirmary. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Fine," Obi-Wan said automatically, it being the usual answer he gave when visiting the Healer. Skent gave him a look and he reluctantly added more. "Just a little tired, that's all."

Skent nodded. "That is not unusual. You over exhausted yourself while healing your Master. You need to regain your strength. I'm sure you'll feel tired for days to come. I suggest you get some sleep, Obi-Wan."

"Sleep later, he will. Talk to him now, I must," Yoda spoke up.

Skent opened his mouth to argue, but something in Yoda's face made him back down. He nodded grudgingly. "Don't over exhaust him, Master Yoda. He needs plenty of rest. If you need me, I'll be yelling at Qui-Gon to get some rest. I have no doubt he is pacing in the quarters temporarily assigned to him instead of doing what he was told," he said with an edge in his voice, showing his displeasure at Qui-Gon for going against Healer's orders.

That was how Qui-Gon was. He wasn't as reluctant for a healer's care as Obi-Wan. He would go when he knew he needed it, but when his own Padawan was in the infirmary…well, that was a different story. He was a stubborn man and he wouldn't leave his student's side until he knew, knew for certain his Padawan was alright. He wouldn't rest until then and, if he was injured, he would see to his Padawan before himself. He would even order the Healers to keep their attention on his Padawan and not himself, even if his injuries were more severe. Skent shook his head, no doubt wishing to argue with the Grand Master, and left the room. The door swished shut behind him.

Obi-Wan turned tiredly to Yoda. "You wanted to speak to me, Master Yoda?" He tried to think of what he wanted to speak to him about. Maybe his point of view on what happened with the Sith. However, he was sure that could have waited until he was better rested.

Yoda didn't answer right away. He stared at him with those big brown eyes, studying him. Obi-Wan knew better than to try and push Yoda for answers. He stared right back at the little green being. His stare was making him uncomfortable, but he did his best not to show it.

"Told your Master, you did, that an anchor, he was to you. Hmmm?" Yoda finally asked in his customary way. He titled his head to the right and his pointy ears twitched as he patiently waited for an answer.

Obi-Wan blinked in surprise. That was not something he was expecting. He did not see the importance of it. He then withheld a winced as a thought came to him. The Council might see that as an attachment. The act of sacrificing himself to save his Master would further make them believe he had an attachment issue with his Master. Though, why wouldn't they at least wait until he was out of the Infirmary before approaching him about it? And why was it just Yoda and not the other Council members? He glanced down at his blanket-covered lap, forlornly. The question was; could Obi-Wan deny it? He sighed in thought. He would accept whatever the consequence. If he could go back in time he would do the same thing, even if it cost him his chance of becoming a Jedi Knight. He had no regrets for saving Qui-Gon's life. He would like to be a Jedi Knight. That had been his greatest dream for a very long time, but he would forget that dream for Qui-Gon's life. His Master was that important to him. He was attached. Obi-Wan admitted to himself. He nodded. "Yes, Master. I did say that and…" He glanced at the wise Jedi. "…and I meant it, Master Yoda."

Yoda nodded. "Glad to hear this, I am," he said with a smile, much to Obi-Wan's surprise.

"Master?" he asked, confused. "I basically admitted to having an attachment. That is against the Codes," he pointed out, confused why Yoda would be happy about it. Did he want Obi-Wan to be kicked out of the Order? No, no, Yoda wasn't like that. Yoda was one of the very few beings that Obi-Wan trusted unconditionally. Always had. Obi-Wan shouldn't even have thought of Yoda wanting to kick him out.

"An attachment, you need, to flourish and thrive."

Obi-Wan blinked as he thought about the Codes. "If one needs an attachment to flourish and thrive, then why is it against the Codes?" he asked even more confused.

Yoda perked up at the question and narrowed his eyes at him. "Told you everyone needs it, I did not. Said you needed it, I did." He jabbed Obi-Wan's side with his cane, emphasizing his point.

Obi-Wan winced and held back a groan of pain. He rubbed his side. "Me? Master, with all due respect, I do not understand. Why would I need it and nobody else? That does not make any sense. I am not any different than the others, Master."

"Did you not listen to your Master's last words, hummm, before he was stabbed?"

Obi-Wan looked down at his lap again in thought. "He told me something…" he said hesitantly. He looked at Yoda. "But…" He shook his head. "…it doesn't make sense, Master Yoda. He thought I was somebody else. It had nothing to do with me."

Yoda shook his head disappointingly, as if he expected Obi-Wan to say that, but hoped he wouldn't. He hopped off of the stool. "Talk to your Master, you should. Explain he will," he said as he walked towards the door. "Rest now," he ordered before he left the room.


There was someone sitting on the edge of his sleeper. He could feel the person's body heat through his blanket and his body was slightly tilted towards the person because of his or her weight. The being must not have been too heavy. Yoda again?

Obi-Wan opened his eyes and saw Anakin Skywalker sitting at the edge of the sleeper, looking at a datapad. His feet were swinging off the side of the sleeper. His eyes were narrowed in concentration at the screen and he was biting the bottom of his lip. Obi-Wan noticed the small braid off the side of his head, the beginning of a padawan braid. So, Yoda did accept him as his padawan. Qui-Gon would be pleased. He didn't seem to notice Obi-Wan was awake. No one else was in the room. Once again, Obi-Wan wondered where Qui-Gon was. "An—Anakin?" he said in a hoarse voice, grabbing the boy's attention.

Anakin jumped and turned. His eyes widened happily. "Obi-Wan! You're awake! You just missed Qui-Gon. Yoda, I mean Master Yoda, wanted to speak to him. Are you going to be able to get up today? You wouldn't want to miss the celebration, would you?" He set the datapad down on the sleeper and shifted his body to better face Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan coughed to clear his voice. "Celebration? What celebration?" he asked, his voice less hoarse and clearer. He pushed himself up to a seated position and, painstakingly and slowly, shifted his pillows against the headboard of the sleeper so he can comfortably lean against them. Just that movement alone had him breathing more heavily than usual. His arms lay at his side, weak from the movements. He didn't say anything about it to Anakin, having no reason to mention his weakness to the boy.

"Right, you wouldn't know, sorry," Anakin blurted out quickly. "The Naboo and Gungans are celebrating their victory and their new friendship later today. Everybody is going to be there! It's going to be like a party. I get to stand up front with Yoda, I mean Master Yoda, and Master Qui-Gon and Padmé. Only I should call her Queen Amidala, huh. Is it alright that I still think of her as Padmé?" Obi-Wan had only the chance to nod before Anakin started talking again. "Oh, and, Master Yoda accepted me as his padawan. See!" he said excitedly, pointing to his little padawan braid. "I thought I would only dream of becoming a Jedi, but now I am!" Anakin eyed him. "Are you okay, Obi-Wan? Are you feeling better? You were out for a very long time."

Obi-Wan nodded. "I'm just a little tired, Anakin. That is all." He was amazed at the young boy's endless energy. He could talk continuously for hours it seemed. Obi-Wan was never like that…well, maybe on very rarely occasions with his Master or one of his friends. "When does the celebration start?" he asked cautiously, unsure if he liked Anakin's bursting energy at that moment, but curious to the answer.

"It starts in a few hours. Master Qui-Gon doesn't want to go. He wants to remain here with you, but I think Master Yoda is going to make him go. He says that you needed lots of rest and Qui-Gon should calm down and relax. And Qui-Gon is one of Naboo's heroes and should attend. It would be respectful. Healer Usling doesn't seem to think you would be able to go. 'Too weak', he said. Are you feeling weak, Obi-Wan?"

He shook his head. "Just tired." Though he knew if he tried to stand, his legs might not hold him after being in disuse for almost two weeks.

Anakin perked up at his answer. "So, you might be able to go! If you're just tired. Did you know that I destroyed the droid control ship?" he asked, suddenly shifting the conversation away from the celebration.

Obi-Wan blinked and shook his head. "No, I didn't know that." How the Force did Anakin managed to do that? He was sure to find out, though. By the excited look on the boy's face, he knew Anakin was happy to tell someone about his 'amazing' and daring adventure.

"It was awesome! I hit the wrong buttons on the ship and went straight into space. I was just trying to find the blasters to shot down some droids blocking Padmé," he added offhandedly. "It was a good thing I had Artoo with me! It was set on autopilot, the ship that is, and…" Anakin went on to explain his heroic deed that saved many lives. "…but…" he said near the end of it with a downcast face. "…as soon as Master Yoda accepted me as a padawan he gave me a big lecture and taught me to mediate and made me mediate for an hour for being reckless. Though, he did congratulate me for saving many people's lives, but he didn't like how I did it." He got an excited look back on his face. "Guess what, Obi-Wan? Guess what he promised me!"

Obi-Wan was much too tired for Anakin's energy and consent subject changes, but he was stuck with it and didn't want to appear rude. Besides, Anakin was obviously dying to tell him all this. "What, Anakin?" he said tiredly.

"Master Yoda said that my fear for my mother might cloud me too much and said he promised to send someone over to Tatooine to release her from slavery! Isn't that great? I still won't be able to contact her until I am Knighted, at the very least, but now she will be free and I have to worry less about her. Master Yoda said he will make sure she started her new free life on the right track before declaring the mission completed! He said it might ease my fear. Do you know anything about your family?" Anakin asked.

Obi-Wan shook his head. "I don't know much. My home planet, the circumstances around my birth, and my mother's name. That is really all that I know."

"Oh?" Anakin gave him a curious look, wanting to know more.

Obi-Wan sighed, not in the mood to talk. However, he did so anyway. "My mother, Shela Kenobi, was from the planet Stewjon. She came to the Jedi Temple with high hope that I was Force sensitive. Some mothers of poor lifestyles come to the Temple to give birth in order for their child to have a better life, if their child is Force sensitive, that is," Obi-Wan explained when he saw the confused look on Anakin's face. "My mother died after giving birth to me, naming me before she died. That is all that I know. Many Jedi know even less then I and some know more. You are lucky that you had a chance to know your mother. Not many remember theirs. You must not gloat to them that you have firsthand knowledge of what your mother is like. It is not the Jedi way."

Anakin nodded. "That's sad. I'm not going to take it for granted that I know my mother. I promise and I promise not to gloat. I don't want to be mean. I want to become a Jedi."

Obi-Wan nodded. "That's good, Anakin."

The door swished opened and Skent entered. "Ha, there you are, Anakin. Your Master is looking for you. He said something about helping the Queen with something for the celebration later."

Anakin perked up at the last sentence. "Okay. Goodbye, Obi-Wan. Get better!" he said before running out of the room, his datapad clinched in his hands.

"Now…" Skent said, turning his attention to him. "…let's get you doing some leg exercises," he said coming forward. "If the Force is on our side, then you will be able to walk around the room without tiring by the end of the day."


Qui-Gon stood anxiously beside Anakin, blocking out all the cheers from the crowds as the Gungans entered the city of Theed and marched ceremonially to the main square in front of the Palace. He didn't have time for this. He needed to be at Obi-Wan's side. Twice now, Obi-Wan had woken up and he wasn't there to greet him. He needed to see those bright eyes of his boy. He needed to embrace him, something he had never dared to do in Obi-Wan's eight, almost nine, years under his tutelage. He needed to make Obi-Wan do hours of mediation for scaring him like he did. He needed to feel his presence, his Force signature pulsing with the soothing Force.

A nudge from his side shook him out of his thoughts and he looked down at Anakin. The boy looked over at his side and Qui-Gon followed his gaze. Yoda stood on Anakin's other side. The Grand Master gave him a look and used his cane to point to Queen Amidala, wearing all white in a symbol of purity, brightness, and freedom. Yoda's message was clear; pay attention. Qui-Gon reluctantly turned back to the celebration.

Boss Nass was just making his way up the steps towards the Queen of Naboo, ready to accept her gift, a purple glowing orb. The crowd grew silent in anticipation of the moment. Queen Amidala handed the orb over to Boss Nass and the Gungan leader turned to face his people and the awaiting Naboo people. He held the orb in the air and shouted in a loud voice, "Peace!" The crowd went wild and started to intermingle, Naboo becoming friends with Gungans and Gungans becoming friends with the Naboo people. Music was playing and colorfully confetti was thrown into the air. It was a historical event and Qui-Gon couldn't help but feel glad the two races of the planet were able to discover this peace.

The Force shifted around him and he snapped his head up. Despite the fact Skent told him Obi-Wan was not coming, Qui-Gon could suddenly feel his presence. No doubt Obi-Wan had escaped the Healer's watchful eye. It would not have been the first time. He looked around for his student, but couldn't see him in the crowd. He looked up at the many balconies scattered around the buildings facing the main square. He caught sight of a lone figure on one of the balconies to the left of him. The figure was leaning against the building and holding to the railing of the balcony for support. He was still weak and shouldn't be walking about. Qui-Gon looked around him and realized he would be able to sneak away. There was no one paying him any attention. He stepped back and disappeared into the Palace.


Obi-Wan knew he shouldn't have left the Infirmary, but he hated the place more than the average padawan who hated mediating. He hadn't seen or talked to Qui-Gon yet and it was gnawing at his insides. Sensing he was alive was not the same thing as seeing him alive. He needed to see his broad, intimidatingly tall Master. He knew Qui-Gon would be at the celebration. He would be able to see him there. He had snuck out of the Infirmary when Skent was otherwise occupied. However, the walk to the nearest, empty balcony was tiresome and he was breathing heavily by the time he reached one. His eyes were heavy and there was the slightest hint of a headache forming just above his eye. Unfortunately, even with his Master's tall figure, he couldn't see him in the crowds. He looked at the loud mix of Gungans and Nabooians, then at the front where he saw Master Yoda and Anakin, but no Qui-Gon. He sighed in disappointment. The walk back to the Infirmary seemed too long. He didn't think he could make it without falling over.

The Force around him shifted slightly, the ever familiar sign that his Master had approached him. His eyes snapped up, but he didn't turn. His heart pounded in his chest in anticipation and a little bit of fear. He didn't know why he was so afraid. Was it because he was worried Qui-Gon was angry at him for disobeying him? Did he fear that Qui-Gon was disappointed Obi-Wan wasn't fighting at his side during, possibly, the last moments of his life? Was he terrified that Qui-Gon wasn't really behind him, that it was just a fragment of his imagination?

"Obi-Wan…"

Obi-Wan closed his eyes. It was his voice, the same baritone smoothing voice that comforted him constantly throughout each day. He opened his eyes when he felt the weight of a warm hand on his shoulders. He looked over his shoulder, tears threatening to fall. "Master," he murmured his voice full of emotion. Qui-Gon stood behind him, still looking strong and immovable. His shield, his protector, his mentor, his father. Alive and there…just there. There with him. Breathing and warm. Tall and broad. Comforting. Obi-Wan's strength.

Qui-Gon tightened his grip on Obi-Wan's shoulder, himself full of emotion. "You had me so worried, little one," he said, almost to himself. He quickly pulled the smaller younger man into his embrace. His arms wrapped around him, his cheek resting on top of Obi-Wan's head. "Obi-Wan. My Obi-Wan," he whispered into Obi-Wan's hair.

Though surprised Qui-Gon was hugging him, Obi-Wan was not complaining. Qui-Gon's mere presence comforted him; his arms wrapped protectively around him just overwhelmed him with comfort and care. It was the best feeling he had ever felt. It gave him strength he didn't know he had and such warmth. Oh, the warmth it gave him both physically and mentally. Qui-Gon had never shown him such intimate affection like that of a hug before. It was something Obi-Wan knew not to expect, even from the eccentric Jedi Master that would sometimes go against the Council and Codes. The most intimate he ever gotten with his Master was crawling into his sleeper after a strong late night vision and those were few and far in between.

Obi-Wan clinched onto the front of his Master's robes and buried his head into his strong chest. He could hear the comforting thump, thump of Qui-Gon's heartbeat. Steady and strong. He sighed in emotional relief at hearing the sound. His Master was alive. He was alive and there with Obi-Wan. The tears that he had tried to hold back, slipped from his grasp and rolled down his cheeks. Qui-Gon's Jedi tunic soaked up the tears like a sponge, leaving a circular darken wet spot on it. Neither of them cared nor noticed. "Master, I thought I lost you," he whispered emotionally.

To his disappointment, Qui-Gon pushed him back, gently. His cheeks grew cold at the loss of the contact. Qui-Gon placed his hands on either side of Obi-Wan's cheeks, warming them once again with his body heat. He used his thumb to wipe away the tears. He stared straight into his eyes, seriously. "And I thought I had lost you."

"What do you mean, Master?" Obi-Wan asked. "I am fine. You were the one that was…" He looked down at the spot where the Sith had stabbed his Master, unable to say it. Unwilling to say it. There was no need to. His Master was fine, alive, breathing, with a heartbeat. Steadfast and firm. He was there with him, not with the Force. He didn't want to even think about what could have happened, what did happen.

"Didn't Skent tell you? Didn't anyone?" Qui-Gon asked. Obi-Wan moved his gaze back to his Master. He gave him a confused look, not sure what he was talking about. "Obi-Wan, we almost lost you twice. Skent had to place you in the bacta tank three times and there was a brief moment when you were declared legally dead. You did a little bit more than just Force heal me, Obi-Wan; you gave me some of your life essence. It nearly killed you."

"I…I did? How? How was that possible?"

Qui-Gon shook his head. "I do not know. It stumped even Skent and Yoda." His hands moved to Obi-Wan's shoulders. "You are more powerful then you give yourself credit for, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No, Master, I'm not. I…I should have been at your side. If only I was stronger and…and faster. I wasn't…I wasn't where I needed to be, where I should have been. I almost failed you," he choked out.

"Obi-Wan, everything is as it should be," Qui-Gon interrupted. "I did not die and you did not fail me. If I had died, it would not have been your fault, little one. Never yours." He gave Obi-Wan a searching look, catching sight of the tiredness in his eyes and the heavy breathing. "You need rest. We will talk more once you are more rested," he spoke with a command that told Obi-Wan that there was no arguing against him.

Obi-Wan sighed. "Please not the infirmary, Master," he begged. Obi-Wan hadn't changed a bit after his near death experience. He still hated the infirmary. Nothing will get him to like that horrid place of white walls and over-controlling Healers.

Qui-Gon chuckled, obviously finding Obi-Wan's dislike for the place amusing. He shook his head. "You just need rest, Obi-Wan. I don't believe I need to send you back there just to sleep. We'll go to the room the Queen graciously gave me for the length of our stay here."

"How much longer are we going to remain here, Master?" Obi-Wan asked, wanting to return home to the Temple, but also glad for a break, however small it might be. Naboo was a beautiful planet full of trees, flowers, fresh green grass, and life. A perfect vacation spot, his Master would say.

Qui-Gon kept a supporting hand on Obi-Wan's arm in case he needed it as he slowly led him back inside the Palace. "Whenever Skent deems you well enough for space travel, Obi-Wan, but I do believe Yoda and Anakin will be leaving once the celebration is over. Unless, of course, Yoda gets called back to the Temple early." Being the Grand Jedi Master, there was a high chance of that happening.


Qui-Gon sat at the edge of the sleeper and stared down at his sleeping Padawan. He looked so peaceful and young, innocent. How could someone with such a dark future ahead of him be so innocent? He didn't want the innocence to leave his boy, but it might after all his trials and experiences in life. It made his heart ache, but it made him proud as well. He knew, without a doubt, that Obi-Wan would get by his dark future and become a much stronger and wiser Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan would not succumb to it. He knew he wouldn't, or he wouldn't be Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Qui-Gon reached out and touched the braid. It would have not been there if the Force took him. Obi-Wan would have been Knighted right away. Qui-Gon would not have physically been there to do the honors of cutting it off. He would not have been there for Obi-Wan to hand it to him, if he so wished. He gave a woeful smile as he fingered the braid. It needed to be redone, again, he noticed. He thought back to the morning of the Theed Palace attack, the day they faced the Sith, and how Obi-Wan said that would be the last time Qui-Gon would ever do his braid again. Because of Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon was now able to continue to do it. That day would not be their last.

The Force wanted to take him. He had felt it pulling at him, telling him to come, to stop Obi-Wan, but not even the Force could deny its son for long. It allowed him to come back with the promise to watch, care, and love its, and his, son until the Force called for him again. A promise Qui-Gon was going to do anyways and was fully willing to consent to. He had felt the Force swirl and pulse around him, changing the paths of many with its sudden decision to let Qui-Gon live. It was that feeling that brought Yoda here without question, having had felt it and knowing what it meant. Every Force sensitive being would have felt it, but all would not know the meaning of the feeling. Which meant, even the Sith. For two there always were and only one had been killed. Qui-Gon had no doubt that the Sith they had faced was but an apprentice. The Master Sith Lord would still be alive and the Master would be more powerful and knowledgeable then that of his or her apprentice. He or she might be able to figure out that paths of many had changed. Whether that was a good thing or a bad thing was a totally different matter.

He lowered the braid back down at Obi-Wan's side and made the promise again to never leave him. He wondered briefly if he should tell Obi-Wan about Shaman of the Whills. Maybe it would give peace to him, knowing Qui-Gon would still be there for him when he needed him. It may allow Obi-Wan to accept his death someday. He shook the thought from his mind. Someday, he would tell Obi-Wan and train him in its arts. Now was not the time to do so.

Qui-Gon heard a knock on his door and, after giving one last look at his boy, he stood. The room that was given to him was about the same size as his sitting room in the Temple. It was one room that only included a sleeper, an empty dresser, and a desk with a smile wooden chair as its furniture. It had a hardwood floor, but had a dark blue oval rug that covered most of the walking area between the balcony doors and the door to the hallway. The balcony over looked the gardens, made Qui-Gon wonder if the Queen somehow knew of his love for gardens. It was the Palace personal garden, blocked from outside eyes as it was surrounded by all four sides of the Palace walls. The doors to the balcony were closed with the heavy white curtains pulled over them to block the late afternoon sunlight. Usually he would leave the doors and curtains opened to allow the warm breeze and sunlight into the room, however, he wanted Obi-Wan to sleep peacefully, without any distractions. With the celebration going on, they were able to hear the music and the crowds outside with the door opened. He had to close it for Obi-Wan. He was still able to faintly hear the drums, horns, and the murmur of laughter, but it was low enough not to disturb his boy. He walked over the rug and opened the door. He held back a groan when he saw who it was.

Skent Usling did not look happy. His big eyes were narrow and his arms were crossed. "Do you happen to know where Obi-Wan is, Qui-Gon? He seems to have escaped me…again!"

"Calm yourself, Skent. Obi-Wan is resting." He moved aside so Skent could peek into the room.

Skent took the opportunity to slip into the room. Qui-Gon stopped himself from rolling his eyes as he followed the Healer to the side of the sleeper, leaving the door open in hopes that the Healer was not going to remain long. Skent closed his eyes and reached into the Force, assessing Obi-Wan's health. Qui-Gon waited patiently at his side. His eyes were drawn to Obi-Wan when he shifted in his sleep. The young man buried his head into the pillow. He looked relaxed. Rest was doing him good. Skent opened his eyes and Qui-Gon gaze left Obi-Wan. The Healer gave an indignant retort in frustration. "Your padawan over exhausted his self. No surprise. He really shouldn't have walked off like that."

"It did not cause any damage, Skent. I will make sure he gets the rest he needs," Qui-Gon said confidently.

"I'm sure you will," Skent said. "Well, if you need me, I shall be in the infirmary."

"Thank you, Skent," Qui-Gon said as he followed the Healer back to the open door.

Qui-Gon had just returned to Obi-Wan's side when he was interrupted by another knock on his door. "If that is Skent…" he muttered tiredly. He groaned as he stood back up and walked to the door, feeling much too old for such movements. His wound sent a single, soft wave of pain from his stomach stretching, a consent reminder of what could have been lost. He walked to the door, rubbing the wound as he went, and opened the door. It was the first worst individual he wanted to see right now, Skent being the second worst. Yoda.

"Master Yoda," Qui-Gon greeted, moving aside to let him in before the little green Jedi demanded it and hit him with his cane. No matter how old you are, you are never too old to be wacked with Yoda's wicked cane; even Mace would get that cane to his ankle at times and, if he wasn't safe from it, then nobody was. Qui-Gon preferred not to let that cane anywhere near his ankle. He wouldn't be surprised if he was hit with that more times than anyone in the Order, no doubt because he was the maverick Jedi of the Order and arguing against Yoda would surely mean getting wacked with his cane.

Yoda sauntered passed him. "Disappeared from the celebration, you did, Qui-Gon. Worried young Skywalker was. Hmmm hm," he said nodding his head. He made his way to the desk chair across the sleeper and crawled on. He sat cross legged and stared at him, seemingly not seeing Obi-Wan sleeping on the sleeper. However, Qui-Gon knew he knew Obi-Wan was there. There was no way he didn't know.

"I'll have to apologize to him," Qui-Gon said. He nodded his head in Obi-Wan's direction. "Obi-Wan needed me," he explained, knowing it was true.

For the first time, Yoda glanced at the sleeping Padawan. His eyes seemed to have softened as he gazed at him. Qui-Gon knew Yoda had quite the soft spot for him and younglings in general. It was no surprise such an innocence scene would softened his harden look. He turned back to Qui-Gon. "Needed him too, did you?" Though a question, it sounded more like a statement, like he knew Qui-Gon needed to see him awake and well and was just letting him confirm it.

Qui-Gon nodded as he gazed at Obi-Wan. He looked so small with the pile of white pillows cushioning his head and the thick dark blue quilt covering him from neck to feet. He watched as Obi-Wan turned on his side, his back to them, and buried his head, once again, into one of the pillows. He made a faint noise in his sleep before settling down. He always looked so young when he slept; it reminded Qui-Gon of a little child every time. His little child. He thought fondly. "Yes, Master Yoda," he agreed. He pulled his gaze away from his Padawan.

Yoda pointed to sleeper with his cane. "Sit, you may, Qui-Gon."

Qui-Gon nodded and made his way to the sleeper. He carefully sat at the edge, mindful of his Padawan's form behind him. As soon as he sat down, Obi-Wan shifted again in his sleep. Turning himself to face them and shifting closer to Qui-Gon's body, like he sensed his Master was there and wanted to be as close as possible to him. The two conscious Jedi Masters watched with softened eyes.

"Knighted, he could be. Passed a Trial, he did. Defeating a Sith and overcoming his anger, hmmmm hmm," Yoda said softly, like he knew it was a delicate topic for Qui-Gon.

Qui-Gon shook his head. He was not letting Obi-Wan out of his sight, not when he almost lost him a few weeks ago. "You're not going to take him from me so soon, Master Yoda. I almost lost him, he almost lost me. As you said, we need each other."

"Said yourself, you did, that Obi-Wan was ready," Yoda pointed out.

Qui-Gon was now cursing his words, but he couldn't take it back. Nor the belief that, when he said it, he believed Obi-Wan was ready. Now…? He looked back at Obi-Wan with troubled eyes. He cupped Obi-Wan's cheek. His boy moved his face towards the warmth of his hand. He rubbed his cheek with his thumb. Obi-Wan sighed in contentment in his sleep. Qui-Gon's hand slipped from the younger Jedi's cheek and he turned back to Yoda. "I know," he said heavily. "He is…was, but now he needs me. I'm his strength right now, Master Yoda. He has been through something no one else has been through in a very long time."

Yoda nodded. "Agree with you, I do. Soon, though, soon he will be Knighted." Too soon in Qui-Gon's opinion. What he wouldn't give for another eight or nine years with Obi-Wan under his protective eyes. Qui-Gon looked back at his boy once again, trying not to think of the day when Obi-Wan would go on with life without him. Obi-Wan was so close of doing just that a few weeks ago. Qui-Gon was sure his Padawan would have been able to do it, becoming a strong, wise Jedi Master, but he was also sure it wouldn't have been easy for him, especially in the beginning.

"Tell him, you will need to," Yoda said in a low voice, changing the topic of the conversation.

Qui-Gon turned his gaze away from Obi-Wan to fully face the Grand Master. Yoda didn't need to tell him what he was talking about, he knew. "I know. I was going to wait until he was better rested." There was a flicker through the bond he shared with Obi-Wan, a moment of awareness from the younger Jedi's end, but then it smoothed back into the usual soft vibe of sleep. He lowered his voice, realizing they had temporary awoken Obi-Wan with their voices and did not want to do that again, not with this being the topic of their conversation. "Telling him now would do him no good at this point. He might strain himself too much arguing against us."

"Started to tell him too soon, I believe you did. Too soon, hmmm hmm," Yoda said as he nodded his head.

"I didn't have much of a choice, Master. I felt, through the Force, that I needed to be the one to tell him, but I had sensed my end was near. I was supposed to have died when the Sith stabbed me. It was my only chance to bring up the topic. Besides…" he said, glancing behind him at his boy. "…this is not something I would want to keep from him. I should be glad you had decided not tell me this earlier. I would not have been able to keep something so big from Obi-Wan. I would have told him much sooner. He would have sensed I was keeping it from him if I had tried to hide it," he said gently as he touched Obi-Wan's braid affectionately. A thought, one he had been wondering since finding out about Obi-Wan, once again entered his mind. He let go of the braid and turned back to Yoda. "Why was I the one meant to train him, Master Yoda? I am not complaining, but I would have thought the Force would have wanted someone wiser and more knowledgeable to do it then me. Like you or Mace."

Yoda closed his eyes and leaned against his cane. He opened them a moment later. "Know the answer to that, you do. Told you long ago your Padawan did." Qui-Gon gave him a confused look, unsure what the green being was talking about. "The second time you met him, he told you. Hmmm hmm." He nodded.

Qui-Gon thought back to that day, years ago, when Obi-Wan had approached him before the dinner rush. He remembered Obi-Wan told him what happened to Xanatos wasn't his fault, that no one blamed him but himself. It wasn't like Obi-Wan had known he was talking about Xanatos then, but Qui-Gon had known. He remembered being angry and believing someone had told the young initiate to approach him, like Yoda or Mace. He couldn't remember what else Obi-Wan had told him. Obi-Wan had said something about the Force not blaming him…what else about the Force did he say? Qui-Gon could faintly remember there was more, but couldn't remember what it was. "I cannot remember all that Obi-Wan said, Master Yoda," he admitted.

"Hmmm, you don't, do you? You will." He nodded his head confidently. "In time, you will." Yoda glanced at Obi-Wan with his big brown eyes before turning them to him. "Meant for each other, you two were. Trained Xanatos, you should not have." Qui-Gon couldn't help but flinch at the causal usage of his former padawan's name. One of his biggest and most harsh failures. "Needed your love and care, he did not. Needed your love and care, he did," Yoda said, using his cane to point at the sleeping body behind him. "Saw that, neither of us did, before it was too late."

He climbed off the chair and Qui-Gon quickly stood up, respectfully. "Go now, I will," Yoda said, heading towards the door. Qui-Gon followed right behind him, as any respectful host would do. "Tell him," Yoda ordered once he got to the door. "Wait, you should not, to tell him." He shook his head.

"You are telling me to inform Obi-Wan of this when he is not fully recovered?" He did not think that was wise. Obi-Wan would deny and argue against such a loaded title placed upon him. He could tire himself out doing so. It would place much stress on his still recovering body. It would not be healthy for him and Qui-Gon was sure Skent would agree with him. He did not understand why Yoda wanted him to tell Obi-Wan right away when he was the one saying Qui-Gon had started to tell him much too soon.

As if reading his thoughts, Yoda spoke, "Told him too soon, you did. Started to tell him, now finish you should. Better now, then later. Back, the Sith are. Prepare your Padawan, you should. Dislike this, I do." Yoda glanced back at the sleeper and his ears lowered sadly. "Young, he still is." Qui-Gon couldn't help but agree. Hadn't he been thinking that since he was told Obi-Wan was the Chosen One? Yoda turned back around. "Attend to my Padawan now, I will." They said their goodbyes and Qui-Gon was once again left alone in the room with a sleeping Padawan.