Chapter Nine~

Padme and Obi-Wan stopped to rest. They had been traveling for nearly two hours, and the sun was just beginning to rise. They drank some water, and Obi-Wan vainly attempted to persuade Padme not to fuss over him. The weight of worry hung over them despite their best attempts to ignore it.

As they climbed back into their seats, Padme's arms wrapped around Obi-Wan's waist for warmth and support. Her eyes closed, and she pressed her cheek into his back. She felt him speak before she heard him, his voice reverberating in his chest.

Padme, tell me again about your childhood– on Naboo.

She recounted stories about growing up on her parent's farm, riding in the beautiful mountains and swimming in the pristine lakes, weaving crowns of flowers, pretending to be a princess while blissfully unaware of the future and responsibility that actually awaited her. Obi-Wan smiled thinking of her so young and carefree, dancing with flowers in her hair. He told of his own experiences, training in the temple with Master Yoda, then his first meeting with Qui-Gon. He told stories of their adventures. Their laughter faded into silence as the doubts and fears settled back on their shoulders.

The sun glinted off an object in the distance. By the tree line, they spotted the transport. Neither could speak. They locked eyes as they rode toward the oasis. Light was just beginning to penetrate the dark woods as they slowly wound their way around the old trees. As they entered the clearing, an involuntary sound escaped Obi-Wan's lips. It was an anguished cry of one unused to such emotion– a visceral heaving sob. All other pain left his perception as everything but this man, his teacher, his friend, faded into the black around them. He sank to his knees beside Qui-Gon's lifeless body.

Padme watched wordlessly, her hand pressed to her lips, as Obi-Wan lifted his master's head and placed it on his lap. For a long while, he just held him close, looking into his peaceful face, trying to comprehend it– the grief and anger dueling in his heart and mind. He looked around for answers. How? Why? What had happened here? Then, he saw it.

"Anakin."

His fingers closed around the Padawan braid that lay next to his fallen hero. He closed his eyes against it, seeking peace from the Force. He attempted to release his need for answers, for revenge. He allowed himself, at least momentarily, to let go, to appreciate the life that had been lost. He gently lowered Qui-Gon's head to the ground. Obi-Wan removed his cloak and covered the body, letting his hand rest on this master's head a moment and stood with determination. Padme's timid voice broke the silence.

"Shouldn't we take him somewhere? The temple?"

"It's too dangerous. There is nothing left for him. We leave him."

She walked to him, reaching out a hand. He dared not meet her eyes. Not wanting to hurt her but desperately needing space and solitude to find his balance, he squeezed her arm began to walk alone back out of the forest– back into the light.

She didn't know how much time had passed, wanting to allow Obi-Wan time to deal with events as he needed to. She had stayed in the clearing, feeling the need to watch over him– the man who had watched over all of them. Somehow, even now, being near him made her feel at peace. She had gone to Qui-Gon after Obi-Wan left her standing there– trying to comprehend his grief while facing her own.

She sat down next to Qui-Gon and took his cold hand between hers, wanting somehow to warm him, to care for him. She felt young and helpless. She hated feeling weak like this, but her emotions would no longer be contained. Was it possible that Anakin was really responsible for this? She thought back to the hatred she'd seen burning in his eyes earlier that day, and she knew it was. He had done this. He had killed this beautiful soul—this man that had loved him until his dying breath. Anakin.

She hated him! Qui-Gon had been like a father to all of them, but especially to Anakin. How could he do this?! Her sadness gave way to rage, and she stood and paced, saying nothing but screaming inside. She turned her anger on a nearby tree, kicking it and beating with her small fists until they were red and raw. She clung to it then and slid down its length until she was huddled in a mass of angry tears at its base.

He found her there, curled up in her cloak, her face still streaked with tears.

"Padme."

Obi-Wan brushed her hair back from her face. She opened her eyes and sat up, self-consciously wiping her cheeks. It was getting dark once more.

"We must go."

He offered her his hand. She took it and followed him back to the transports.

As they came to the edge of the woods, he stopped. He turned to her with warning in his eyes. He placed a finger over his lips and guided her to a hollowed tree, squeezing her shoulders as he ushered her inside. She looked at him as he turned, reaching for his lightsaber. Quickly, she reached out for his hand, willing him not to go. He turned and smiled tenderly. Leaning down to look her in the eyes, he placed a hand on each side of her face. They couldn't risk speaking aloud, but her gaze spoke of her desire to stay at his side whatever may come. He knew she was ready and willing to die with him, but he couldn't tell her why he couldn't allow that. Wanting to say so much, but unable to say anything at all, he let out a heavy sigh and kissed her on the lips. He closed his eyes– lingering only for a moment. Then he was gone.

It felt like hours before she finally heard footsteps approaching. Her heart raced. She cautiously peered out from the hollow, but although the face that greeted her was familiar, it was NOT expected, and it was anything but welcome.

Emperor Palpatine!