AN: Many of you commented (and rightly so) that my last chapter was a bit to similar to a chapter in shadowqueen's "Shadows from the Future". I would like to issue a formal apology at that. I am doing the NaNoWriMo and was out of ideas so yes it would seem that, unintentionally I have been influenced by her story. I am one of the biggest fans of that fic and would recommend to anyone to read it.

Just so you know, after the end of November (the end of the challenge) I will be re-reading the whole fic and fix any mistakes in the language as well as correct any mistakes in the plot. So don't you guys worry, I will be changing a lot of things in the previous chapter and will strive to not repeat this mistake again. Please tell me of I do since I won't be seeing it right away (apart if I'm re-reading the whole thing).

Hope this new chapter will be better. ^^'


Chapter 6: Memory gained, Lunch and New Fan.

The next couple of days were spent in a semi-routine the Force-Sensitive occupants of the starship. Every morning, Qui-Gon would grab a cup of coffee from the Mess and go to droid room turn to spare, in order to be treated to the surprising sight of Obi-Wan meditating with Anakin.

The young slave had to be an early riser and would wake Obi-Wan up as soon as possible to meditate together. The crux of the matter was that they were up an hour before Qui-Gon himself, and that was saying something. However, Obi-Wan did not complain and openly agreed to do what Anakin wanted.

Even if it was un-Jedi like, Qui-Gon was extremely happy. His friend and fellow Master Jedi, Mace Windu, will have to take crèche duties for a whole month! The two friends were having a running bet about Obi-Wan. The terms of the bet were that before said Padawan became a Knight, he would rise early for two weeks straight without grumbling or being persuade before Qui-Gon or around the same time, meditate without prompting and taking care of a life form like Qui-Gon was known to do. Qui-Gon had betted that Obi-Wan would do that before his knighting while Jedi Master Windu could not believe it.

Already five days have passed and it would seem that Obi-Wan would not be stopping. If he kept that up for the next week and two days, then Qui-Gon would help the Younglings of the crèche plan hell for Mace. The Korun Master will rue the day he decided to bet with Qui-Gon. The best part was that they both filmed the terms so that the other Jedi wouldn't escape from fulfilling the looser's part of the bargain.

After morning meditation, the two boys, with the older man, would go to the Mess Hall to eat. The pilots off-duty always had two seats reserved for Anakin, who wouldn't stop pestering them with questions that they took in good humor, and Obi-Wan, who would be the one to reign in the younger boy when he was getting to annoying. Qui-Gon would sit down on another table not far from them, reading the reports he received during the brief lull when the ship was out of hyperspace.

After breakfast, Qui-Gon would go to the queen to advise her or would work on his paperwork that had piled up a bit during the past week. Meanwhile, Anakin would go and explore the ship with Obi-Wan explaining everything that the boy couldn't understand. The crew was getting use to seeing one or the other crawling out of the ventilation shaft or from under a machinery, covered in grime and dust, with the other not far behind.

Anakin was worshipping Obi-Wan. The man would answer every and any questions he could think of, would take the time to explain something and when Anakin couldn't understand the first time, would try to explain it in better terms. Obi-Wan would never be impatient, always standing there calm and serene like the stories he heard about the Jedis.

Another bonus point was that somehow, Anakin still didn't know why, Obi-Wan had knew that he was behind in reading and writing in basic. After lunch, they would spend at least two hours where Anakin would learn. He took it like a duck to the water. Nine years of wanting to learn helped was still behind in his education, but not hampered by the reading and writing. Needless to say that the blonde-haired boy wasn't a prodigy like in his skills for mechanics, but it wasn't a handicap either.

Just before dinner, Qui-Gon would come around so that he and Obi-Wan would train. Anakin would fiddle with a droid while the two others did their work-out. Sometimes, he would abandon the droid to watch the graceful dance that he would someday, hopefully, learn.

During the night, Obi-Wan would dive into the Force so that he could see the small details that had changed compared to what he knew. Xanatos may had kept to the major details, but not all of them. Myriam was quite helpful by immersing Obi-Wan in any memories he choose, but he had to find them first.

The first crucial change was that the Rogue Jedi never attacked the Temple or plan the beginning of an attack. That meant that Bruck Chun, a fellow age-mate of Obi-Wan and long term rival had stayed at the Temple and not defected. Which brought to the slight variation that was their rival-friendship.

Somehow, Obi-Wan greatly suspected the collective Masters of the Council, his Master and Master Sabla-Mandibu — Bruck's Master — , he and Bruck were sent on a diplomatic mission just the two of them on a relatively safe planet. Of course, everything had to go wrong and they were left stranded in the thick Jungle of Rishi due to kidnapping and hasty escapes. How they had survived the encounter just the two of them was something Obi-Wan couldn't understand. Even by living the encounter, it was force-boggling.

When the two weary padawans returned to the Temple three weeks later, they had form a tentative truce between them. Bruck and Obi-Wan would never be best friends, their was to much angry history that separated that, but the boys grew into a sort-of friendship. One still filled with rivalry but a more playful sort.

The second great change that Obi-Wan found was that he had acquired a good non-Jedi friend and past boyfriend. He had met Ran at the Halo Moon during one of his night out. The boy was two years his junior but that didn't stop them from sleeping together. Knowing that he was a Jedi in training while Ran told him he will have a company to run, they separated in a friendly way, keeping in contact via a secure two-way datapad and frequent meetings at the Halo Moon. The problem was that Obi-Wan's heart still belonged to Ran, even if he didn't want to be it so.

Other changes were made but not that alarming. Mainly his friendship with Siri Tachi was a bit more strained than he had remembered. During the mission where his master, Master Tahl, Siri and him had crashed into the planet Quadrant Seven, she had confessed her attraction to Obi-Wan. Instead of telling his own attraction to the padawan — as the previous time —, he had gently let her down.

His friendship with Bant and Gavin were as strong as ever. That, he thanked Myriam and Myr profusely, had not changed.

Another peculiar fact was that he was one of the leading member of the Jedi Mechanical Club. He had been roped into it by Gavin. Since Obi-Wan hated flying, he was the one who taught mechanics to the Initiates and Younglings that were interested.

A day before arriving at the city-planet named Coruscant, the two Jedis were summoned by the queen. She had wanted to thank them for rescuing her and wanted to know what would happen with the young boy. Qui-Gon answered that since Anakin could have a possibility to train as a Jedi, he would come with them to the Temple.

Obi-Wan still had a bit of trouble to know whether it was Padmé or Sabé that was on the throne. He could see Eirtaé on the side, her blond hair escaping slightly from her handmaiden hood and Rabé was easy enough to recognize as well. He had to admit that Captain Panaka had done an excellent job for the young queen's security.

Arriving at the platform, Obi-Wan was getting prepared for the encounter between Senator Palpatine when said Senator didn't show up. Supreme Chancellor Finis Valorum had come express his sorrow that the diplomatic mission didn't go as plan as to explain why the Senator from Naboo was absent. Apparently, he had caught the flu just last night.

This made Obi-Wan snigger mentally while trying to keep the calm Jedi facade in front of the Chancellor. Imagine that, a simple flu to temporarily defeat a Sith Lord. He would have to ask Xanatos if that was true or if something else came up concerning Sidious' nefarious plans.

While going to the Temple in the Speeder, Obi-Wan noticed that Anakin was getting paler and paler as they approached the looming five towers that were part of the Temple. "Anakin, what's wrong?" He asked.

"I'm scared that nobody at the Temple will like me. That I will be sent back to Tatooine because the Council doesn't let me train." Whispered the boy quietly to Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon pretended to concentrate on the steering of the Speeder.

"First of all, I very much doubt that the Council will be against your training. Sure, their is the age factor that is against you, there is nothing you can change about that, but you also have a secret weapon."

"Really? I do?"

"Yup. My master is known for butting heads with the Council. One way or another, he will convince them to train you. The Council would be foolish to try and stand against Master Qui-Gon's way once he made of his mind about it."

"Wizard!" exclaimed Anakin. Then he sobered up immediately. "But what about the other children? The wouldn't want to be friends with me."

"I wouldn't be to sure about that. Do you remember that I mentioned that I dabbled in mechanics?"

"Yes?"

"Was that a question or an answer, Anakin?"

"An answer. Not tell me what you were going to say, please." Stubbornness would always be part of Anakin, no matter how many times Obi-Wan wished it wasn't.

"Well, a friend and I founded a club. A mechanical and flying club to be more precise. I'm sure that you will find a couple of people who you will share something in common. Don't you think so?"

"You have a mechanic club? That is so cool. Can you show it to me when we arrive at the Temple?"

"After you and I go to see Bant for a check-up. We wouldn't want you to be sick."

At the mention of a check-up, Anakin paled slightly. "Do we really have to go?" He whined.

Wishing that his Master would intervene, Obi-Wan replied. "I'll be there with you. And after, we can go to see the club if you behave well. Deal?"

Thinking carefully, Anakin finally relented. "Deal."

"Look Anakin, there is the Jedi Temple." Qui-Gon cut in.

So now his Master decides to intervene thought Obi-Wan sarcastically. Sending a mini-glare, he gazed at the Temple. His last image that was scorched in his mind was the black soot towers, the pile of bodies everywhere, the flames that were not taken off, and the blaster marks. Not to forget that horrid, horrible holovideo of Anakin killing all the Younglings.

"Obi-Wan?" The quiet question pierced the shocking images. "Are you alright?" The young voice of his future Padawan was so full of light and innocence. He would not let it be tainted by the Dark Side.

"I'm fine Anakin. Just a couple of stray thoughts." Ob-Wan reassured the boy.

The Speeder was parked into the garage. The trio got out and set off to Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's small apartment.

Once inside, Anakin was in awe at the cool furniture and spacious space. They even had a balcony with the most awesome view.

"Obi-Wan, can you take Anakin to go and get lunch from Dex? I have to report to the Council."

"Aren't we going to debrief in full?"

"No. The Council told me that they only wanted a preliminary report first on the Naboo situation. We will be giving a full debriefing tomorrow morning."

"Understood, Master. Then I'll be taking Anakin to see Bant this afternoon for a check-up. Force knows when he had his last shots." Turning to look for said boy, Obi-Wan asked. "Is there anything in particular that you would like from Dex?"

"If Dex has his cheesecake today, I wouldn't mind a big slice. Other wise, choose what you want."

"As you wish." Using the Force, Obi-Wan tracked down Anakin in the living room, bouncing up and down on the sofa.

"Padawan?" Came Qui-Gon's sharp tone. "Please go see Master Yoda as quickly as possible on these visions. I am afraid what they may have done to you. It would sooth my mind if you talked with him."

Ah! So Qui-Gon hadn't forgotten about those so-called visions. It would be difficult to fool Master Yoda on the subject, but Obi-Wan was willing to try. "Of course Master. I'll give him a call once you return from your meeting." Turning around, he went towards Anakin.

Using the Force, he stopped the boy in mid-jump so that he floated. "Cool!" Exclaimed Anakin. Obi-Wan gently set the boy down on the sofa.

"I'm going to get lunch at our favorite dinner. Would you like to come with me?"

"Yes please. This is going to be so sweet." Bouncing energy could be seen meaning from Anakin.

"Then I will go get some credits. Wait here for a couple of seconds and don't bounce on the sofa."

Qui-Gon left the apartment chuckling slightly. Obi-Wan sounded so much like a Master at the moment. At least it was something amusing before he had to face the Council.

He couldn't wait until after the meeting though. A little chat between Mace and him were in order. Then he was off to the crèche in order to start his recruitment. With Anakin still with them, Qui-Gon was sure to win the bet. Not to mention, many of the Younglings would be very excited to prank the composed Jedi Master.

On their way towards Dex, Obi-Wan and Anakin were stopped by a shout of "Obi-Wan Kenobi! Since when did you arrive?"

Turning around, Obi-Wan face the very much alive Bruck Chun. For just a microsecond, he remembered the terrified face of a younger Bruck falling down the side of the Temple, plummeting to his death. He regained composure as he slammed the memory into the back of his mind. With a smile, he answered. "Bruck. I had just arrived at the Temple a couple of minutes ago. How was your mission?"

Giving a handshake, recently knighted Bruck Chun answered with a small smile. "As well as a mission on Alderaan could be expected. In other words, boring." Noticing Anakin for the first time, he said. "And who is this little fellow?"

The blond boy bristled at the word little. Just because he hadn't hit a growth spurt yet didn't mean that he would accept the fact that he was short.

Putting a hand on the top Anakin's head while sending calming waves, Obi-Wan answered. "This is Anakin Skywalker. It's thanks to him that Master Jinn and I could come back from Naboo. Anakin, this is Knight Bruck Chun, my so-called rival"

"May I remind you that we are rivals." Turning to face Anakin, Bruck said. "Thank you for helping them Anakin. If I may, what did you do?"

Bruck was so polite! If he didn't had his memories as to why it was the case, Obi-Wan would have easily believed that the man in front of him was an impostor.

"I won them the hyperdrive that they needed in a Podrace." Voiced Anakin.

"Podrace? You're are a Podracer? Now that is a story to tell later." Turning to dace Obi-Wan, he said. "You and Master Jinn sure know how to pick them. But anyway, will you be coming tonight, Obi-Wan?"

Counting mentally in his head, Obi-Wan realized that tonight was the bi-monthly gathering that Siri, Gavin, Brant and now Bruck, had so that they could keep up with each others lives. "It depends on where it will be held."

"Brant has an operation tomorrow, so the gathering is at her place. You can ask her if you can bring Anakin."

"Since I will be seeing her later today, I will." A big growl was heard. Smiling at Anakin's sheepish look, Obi-Wan started to finish the conversation. "Looks like someone is hungry. See you later Bruck."

"See you later Oafy-Wan." The name was said with a small dose of humor. Knight Bruck then left to return to his original destination before he spotted his rival.

"Shall we go, Anakin?" Obi-Wan said with a small smile.

The blond boy burst at the question. "Oafy-Wan? Why is that man insulting you Obi-Wan? And why did you let him do it?"

Chuckling, while guiding Anakin to the Taxi, the Senior Padawan replied. "Because it's a nickname. Up until eleven years ago, Bruck and I were enemies. Master Qui-Gon, Master Sabla-Mandibu and the Council sent us on a mission together. Everything that could go wrong went wrong and more so."

"Meaning?" Anakin did not like the cryptic comment.

"Meaning that Bruck and I found ourselves kidnapped by pirates, escaped on a jungle planet filled with monsters and were stranded for three weeks there before the rescue team could find us. During those three weeks, we started a temporary truce which continued until the friendship we have today. I know that if Bruck and I are on a mission, he will have my back just as he knows that I will have his."

They boarded a red speeder. After giving the address of Dex's Dinner, Obi-Wan changed the subject. "So, once we finish your medical check-up. Don't give me that look Anakin." He said as Anakin made a face. "What do you want to do first at the club? Fly a ship or help them modify one?"

Anakin was still hesitant. "Are you sure that they will like me?" He never learned how to make friends. Even with Watto being one of the better masters, he had few friends to play with. "Won't they think that I am to different?" The taint as a former slave made him feel inferior to others. Underserving to be in presence such as the legendary Jedis. He may put on a false bravado in front of Qui-Gon when they first met, he may have felt excited at the possibility of becoming a Jedi, but as time passed, he started to feel doubt color every supposedly perceptions he had before.

Sensing the doubt that was starting to be released from is younger companion, Obi-Wan sent calming waves. "Anakin, answer me this. How good are you at repairing droids?"

At that, the boy sat up straighter. "I'm the best in the city."

"Alright, did you or did you not try to create a droid from scratch to help your mother?"

"I did." Anakin was starting to feel prouder.

"Did you or did you not win the Boonta Eve Classic to help us? Did you or did you not try to race other podraces and survived? And did you or did you not build your podrace from scratch as well?"

"Yes to all of the questions. But what does that have to do with everything?"

"You are afraid that the other children won't accept you. But that is something you should not worry about. Your talents is the same as theirs, you have something in common with them. I am certain that you will fine something in common with the others."

"Are you sure?"

"I am certain."

They sat there, watching the landscape passed by. Anakin was in wonderment all the tall buildings that covered the planet. At Mos Espley, he had seen very few buildings that did not exceed the maximum hight of three floors. Only Jabba's Palace was immense in hight, in Anakin's opinion. He had only a brief glance of the outside of the planet when they landed, thanks to the pilot, Ric Olié, that he was allowed in the cockpit when they first started their descent.

"Here we are." Obi-Wan pierced the youth's thoughts. "Welcome to Dex's Dinner, the best dinner in the galaxy that a lot of Jedis, whom I might are unable to cook, come to eat and enjoy a nice meal. For those who don't want to eat at the refectory, they come here."

They stepped out of the speeder. "Wait here for our return." Obi-Wan told the droid driver.

"Yes sir." The mechanical voice was heard.

"Come on Anakin." The two boys went in the Dinner.

The Dinner in itself wasn't of great interest. In fact, it was downright ugly with dust, old-fashioned seats and booths, in Anakin's personal opinion. Shouldn't a great Dinner that could attract a great number of Jedis be more … grandiose than this?

"It's because we Jedis prefer something simpler. Besides, Dex is a great cook. I think that you will like him." Obi-Wan said absently.

Before Anakin could ask how Obi-Wan knew what he was thinking, a booming voice was heard from across the dinner. "Obi-Wan. This is a nice surprise." One of the biggest, largest and ugliest alien Anakin had ever seen strode towards them.

Obi-Wan went towards it. "Dex. It's been awhile." He was engulfed into a hug that Anakin was sure that must have hurt a lot.

"What can I do for ya'?" Looking around, Dex found Anakin who was slightly hiding behind Obi-Wan. Not that he would admit it. "Who is this young man?"

Putting a hand on Anakin's shoulder, Obi-Wan replied. "This young man helped Qui-Gon and me. His name is Anakin Skywalker."

Stroking his chin with one of his enormous hand, Dex thought out-loud. "Skywalker, … Skywalker now where have I heard that name." Turning towards the counter he shouted to a lone Jaffa. "Hey Klit, does Anakin Skywalker ring any bells to you."

The Jaffa twirled around from his seat. "Anakin Skywalker? He is the winner of the last Boonta Eve Classic. Why do you asked?" His high squeaked voice pierced the eardrums of Anakin. For a Jaffa, he spoke in a relatively good Basic.

Dex ushered the duo towards the Jaffa. "'Cause this here is the winner, Klit."

Klit jumped down from his seat, coming towards the boy. "You are Anakin Skywalker?" Once the youth physically acknowledged it, he took Anakin's hand with his own gloved one. "This is such an honor to meet you. I just started to discover in podracing myself. You are the first pilot that has won a big race that I know."

Anakin seemed a bit flustered at the attention. Obi-Wan, seeing that his charge state of mind, cut in. "May we sit down, Klit was it?"

"Yes. Who are you?" The Jaffa squealed. He sat back on his chair while Anakin and Obi-Wan took the others next to him. Dex was behind the counter and brought the menus.

"My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi. I am a Jedi-in-training. Anakin is living at the Temple at the moment." He opened the menu at the right page that he gave it to Anakin. "Pick the ones that seem interesting and I'll tell you what is in it."

"Ok. Thanks."

"The usual for Qui-Gon and I, Dex. To go, please." On an after thought, he added. "If you have your cheesecake, Qui-Gon would like

"Ok, I'll start cooking it. And yes, I do have a cheesecake today. Extra large double slice will do?"

Once Obi-Wan helped Anakin choose what he wanted. He turned to the Jaffa. "Perfect. I'm sorry for making you wait, Klit. We need to bring lunch for my master and us. While waiting for Dex to cook the meal, you may ask Anakin any questions you want provided that he agrees."

"Of course. Do you you agree Anakin — may I call you Anakin?"

"Of course." The boy said happily. The two of them started to talk about podracing and podracers in general. Obi-Wan was listening in quite amused. Klit here had somehow made Anakin regain a lot of his confidence with that simple conversation.

When the two of them left Dex, Anakin was skipping slightly up to the speeder. He had exchanged comm numbers with Klit. The ride back towards the Temple was much better than the one from.

When Qui-Gon returned from a very satisfying conversation with Mace Windu, he was treated to a bouncy blond boy. Lunch was an entertaining since Anakin wouldn't stop talking.

"Did you give him sugar, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon asked after lunch.

"He may have been treated to a small slice of Dex's triple-layered chocolate cake." Came the sheepish response.

"Define small." There was the raised eyebrow that use to make Obi-Wan squirm every time he saw it. It worked well on Anakin during his training.

"Small." The cheeky answer came back. "Not that I want to continue this fascinating conversation but I have a small meeting with the Healing Hall. If I am correct, Bant should be free at the very moment."

"Go. When should I expect you back home?"

"Around dinner. After the check-up, we will be going straight to the club. I think that Anakin should have some friends around his age during his stay. It will be easier if he had something in common."

"Understood. Will you be seeing your friends tonight?"

"If Bant says that Anakin can come than yes. Otherwise, I won't be going. My friends will understand."

"You are becoming worse than a mother-hen to the boy. And you accuse me of giving to much attention to the life forms that come my way."

"Master! I'm shocked at what you are saying!" Obi-Wan mocked gasp.

"Go, go, my unruly padawan." Shooing his Padawan towards the door.

"Anakin, are you coming?" Obi-Wan shouted from the doorway.

The boy ran from the living room. "Do we really have to go Obi-Wan?" He whined slightly.

Crouching to be at the same eye-level, Obi-Wan said gravely. "Yes we do. I know that you don't trust doctors or healers in general because of what you have seen on Tatooine. But the Healer we are going to see is a personal friend of mine. You can trust her as I do."

"Really?"

"Really. Now stop stalling and let's go."

They went to the direction of the Healer's Hall. As he had suspected, Bant was on-duty and free to take Anakin. But not before scolding Obi-Wan for not telling her right away when he had arrived at the Temple.

"Stop snickering Anakin. It's not funny!"

"Yes it is." Came the double comeback from both Anakin and Bant.

After finishing her scanning, Bant told Anakin that he had only a couple of shots that would be needed. The boy didn't protest, even if he wasn't very happy. But the reward for being well-behaved was nearly in his grasp.

While doing her scans, Bant and Obi-Wan started to do some small talk. Anakin would be included from time to time. The Senior Padawan got the latest Temple gossip from the past month he was absent.

Just before they left, Bant asked her friend. "Will you come tonight at the gathering?"

"It depends if Anakin is allowed to come or not."

"Of course. Anakin can come and any friends who would like to be with him."

"Great. Then I'll se you tonight then."

"Yes, you will. Until then Bant."

"Until then Obi-Wan."

Anakin and Obi-Wan left the room. As they strolled down the corridor to get of the Healer's Hall, Anakin stopped at a sign in front of one of the rooms. Reading it, he rubbed his eyes and then re-read the plaque.

"Obi-Wan?" He called out.

"Yes Anakin?" The padawan returned next to the boy's side. "What is the matter?"

"I know that my Basic is a bit rusty in reading, but I'm sure that the sign says that this room is your personal one. Why is that?"

A passing Healer Jedi laughed quietly. He was a male Twi'leck with purple skin. "That's because this is Obi-Wan's personal room. It's common knowledge in the Healer's Hall that every apprentice that was trained by Master Jinn, his master, the master before that, etc, etc, is always in trouble. We will re-name this room with Obi-Wan's Padawan's name when he will get him or her."

"Really Obi-Wan?" Asked Anakin wide-eyed.

"No, it is not." Obi-Wan vehemently denied.

"Don't believe him. Obi-Wan here has the greatest record of injuries excluding the minor ones for this generation of future knights. Master Jinn held the previous one for his generation. They are the only line of Jedis that we are sure to know who trained who without looking up in the Archive."

"Let's go Anakin." Obi-Wan did a graceful retreat from potential blackmail. "What do you want to start on first: flying or fiddling?"

Mind properly distracted, Anakin followed Obi-Wan to the Hangar's Bay where the club was set up. Eagerly anticipating what he would be allowed to do.