Callietitan: Thanks! :) Things will develop further as the story progresses.
Ellen: Thank you, I'm so happy you're enjoying it!
Chapter 29
"ENOUGH!" Qui-Gon's voice thundered in an attempt to regain his padawan's attention. The young apprentice backed away from the saber lock, his eyes staring daggers through his mentor, his lightsaber held down at an angle toward the floor ready for action at a moment's notice. His chest rose and fell as harsh breaths, due to hours of sparring, fought to fill his lungs. He swallowed hard as Qui-Gon took a threatening step forward and then stopped, his hands clenching at his sides. He's afraid. A cold smirk curved full lips.
Deep breaths filled the Jedi master's chest cavity as he fought to regain his center. He could not throttle the boy as much as he would have liked to in that instant, more to shake sense into him than any other reason. The wild fury in Obi-Wan's gaze watched as his mentor took a moment to close his eyes in an attempt to reach the serenity he would need to deal with his disobedient student.
Pacing back and forth in front of the man he considered a father, Obi-Wan took inventory. He wasn't thinking clearly, that much was certain and yet the taste of power that was pulsing through his veins was a high he had never felt before. He had almost secured the killing blow when his mentor called him down.
The force filled the room, resonating from the Jedi Master in front of him. In his current state Obi-Wan couldn't help but be startled by the peaceful and calm waves of force energy that were flowing around him, encircling him in a warmth he knew well; his master had done this very thing so many times when uncertainty threatened to claim them. Slowly the light filtered in through cracks in his shields chasing away the remnants of the deadly power that had tried to take root. He took a shuddered breath and his eyes executed an exaggerated blink as if they were trying to wake from a nightmare but couldn't quite find the strength to open.
Looking around their immediate surroundings with more clarity, Obi-Wan's blue gaze locked onto Qui-Gon's, where he saw disappointment and confusion battling for dominance.
"Do you want to tell me where you learned that particular strike?" The Jedi asked, his voice calmer but firm in its demand.
Obi-Wan shifted his stance and finally disengaged his 'saber. "No where in particular."
Qui-Gon was far from satisfied. "You do realize that particular form is frowned upon within the Jedi Order?"
Obi-Wan smirked. "Why? Is the council afraid it will turn their beloved subjects to the dark side?"
Qui-Gon took a threatening step forward, his impressive height casting a shadow over that of his apprentice. "It is performed with vengeance and malice, never in self defense."
Unperturbed with his master's displeasure, Obi-Wan answered, "There are many things that the Order does not understand. When in battle, emotions are not so easily let go of. Acting upon them can only strengthen a person's resolve to end the fight sooner."
"At the cost of an innocent's life?"
"If needed."
Qui-Gon stumbled back staring at his padawan. "I'm not asking you where you have learned this new technique," his voice was dangerously low and each word clarified.
With that reprimand, Obi-Wan suddenly backed down as if defeated and bowed his head. "Through research."
"What research? I wasn't aware you were working on anything."
"The senate has an abundant resource in their archives. They're only theories," Obi-Wan defended.
"Which at one time were put into practice," Qui-Gon snapped. Holding out his hand, he gestured toward the boy's lightsaber. "Give it to me."
Eyes widening, Obi-Wan shook his head. "No!"
Qui-Gon reached forward but Obi-Wan sidestepped his attempt to take the weapon. "You said that this weapon was my life! And now you want to take it?"
"Padawan, relinquish your weapon." When his student did nothing more than stand there, he used the force to pull it from a firm grasp. Once the weapon lay within his hand, he said, "Go to our quarters and meditate."
Obi-Wan glared defiantly at his master and repeated his earlier statement, "You said it was my life and yet you take it."
"There is no danger within these walls."
"Or so you think." turning his back, the young man walked away but instead of reporting to their quarters, he left the Temple.
X
"I don't know what to do." Qui-Gon sat in Yoda's apartment having gone over everything within his and Obi-Wan's relationship over the last year. "He's become disobedient. He has always been eager to learn. He has always been filled with nothing but light, but now it's as if I don't even know my own padawan."
Yoda's eyes were closed; his head bowed listening to his former pupil. "Talk to him have you?"
"I've tried," Qui-Gon sighed. "He's defensive and quick to accuse. His anger lies just below the surface, his patience has waned to almost nonexistent, his quick wit and kind personality are a shadow of what they once were. He reminds me of Xan just before...." Qui-Gon closed his eyes refusing to allow himself to travel that train of thought.
"Hmmm, Xanatos you compare him to."
"No." Qui-Gon shook his head. "Only his behavior as of late."
"You think he will fall?"
Qui-Gon's eyes shot up, his response was instant. "No!"
Yoda tilted his head in approval then frowned in thought. "Watch him you must. Follow him, whatever it may take, lose him we cannot."
Qui-Gon's eyes flashed. "I won't lose him."
X
Anakin awoke early, his eyes squinting in displeasure. The sun beamed through the window and shone across the bed highlighting youthful features and peaking blue eyes. He rolled over and stretched his arms and legs, his muscles welcoming the movement. Sitting up he saw Qui-Gon asleep in the corner, his body awkwardly situated on a too small chair and ottoman. Turning his head toward the windows, he saw his master reclined back in the other chair. A small smile found its way upon his lips; he took a deep breath of contentment and rose to begin the day. He walked over to the closet and took down two blankets from the top shelf. Covering his mentors, he went to the fresher to wash up and dress.
As he pulled on a tunic he became aware of the peaceful feeling that clung to him. He felt the force as it clothed him in its essence; he saw the world beyond the window as if seeing it for the first time. He could feel the others throughout the house as they rose from their slumber to ready themselves for the coming ceremony. He sat down on the end of the bed. He couldn't remember ever having felt this way in the entirety of his young life. He could remember the fear of wondering what would happen from one day to the next while he and his mother were enslaved. He could remember the joy of moving back to Tatooine and being near his mother again after his short excursion to Coruscant and Naboo, but the apprehension was always present as he worried for his mother's well being. Even after her freedom was secured he couldn't quite let go of the trepidation he held of the future; for someday, the force would ask him to complete his calling. But what that entailed he only knew as the word 'balance'.
He looked over to the man who had taken him in and raised him as if he were his own flesh and blood. Of course, he knew Obi-Wan would argue that point. He had often told Anakin that he had the situation reversed, for it was he and Shmi who had taken him in and shown him what it was to be a part of something that not even the Jedi could teach. Whatever the occurrence, Anakin was thankful that he was a part of their lives.
He no longer felt alone. He was no longer solely responsible for righting something that would someday go wrong. Anakin could feel the bond between them and unless he was mistaken it felt stronger than before, firm and unyielding.
/ It isn't your imagination, padawan /
Anakin startled before calming. The corner of his lip twitched slightly. Studying his mentor, he looked for some sort of movement indicating that his brother might wake.
/ I thought you were sleeping /he sent back.
/ I am. You were broadcasting /
Anakin flushed. / Sorry / his mind mumbled in apology.
A slight snore was his only response. He smiled fondly as he rose from his seated position on the bed and walked out the door. He would leave them to rest.
X
Qui-Gon awoke with a mild curse on his lips as he slowly straightened his stiff neck and maneuvered himself into a semi sitting position. Rubbing the back of his head to ease the tense muscles, he yawned and used his other hand to scrub away the remnants of sleep that clung to his facial features.
Stretching his long arms high over his head, he managed to pop his back as he turned this way and that, the loosening of his joints improving his mobility.
"That chair isn't the most comfortable for sleeping."
Raising his eyes to look at the figure standing near the open closet, he waved him off. "I've slept in worse."
A small laugh and then, "I remember."
Qui-Gon rose from his chair and folded his blanket before handing it to his padawan. Looking around the room he noticed the bed was made and the room straightened. "Where's Anakin?"
"…nstrss," came the muffled response from inside the closed space.
Qui-Gon chuckled, warm memories of similar occurrences circled his thoughts. "Want to try that again?" he asked, using the same phrase he did back when.
Obi-Wan shoved the last blanket onto the top shelf steadying the stack with the force and adjusting them so they wouldn't fall. Stepping back he closed the door and replied, "He's downstairs."
Qui-Gon's chin lifted slightly in a silent response of 'oh'. Taking a couple steps over to the door, he opened it allowing a breeze that was circling the house through opened windows to waft into the room. Looking over his shoulder, he said, "I'm famished."
Following behind his mentor, a teasing grin playing upon full lips, Obi-Wan said, "I hope you like cake, it's all there is for morning meal."
Qui-Gon stopped halfway down the stairs and turned around. "You let him eat sweets for breakfast?" His brow furrowed with mock sternness.
Gesturing to his chest with his hand, Obi-Wan shook his head. "Of course not!" The false indignation was clear. "I know the importance of a nutritious meal."
Qui-Gon shook his head and continued his trek down the stairs. "Well you didn't learn it from me. I know I taught you better," he muttered.
As they entered the kitchen area they saw Anakin and Owen sitting on stools at the kitchen counter, half eaten slices of cake on each of their plates. Qui-Gon slowed his pace and stopped at the entrance. When Obi-Wan bumped into him, he raised his hand to still his protests.
"Why are we just standing here?"
Gesturing toward the boys, Qui-Gon answered, "There's something different about him."
Obi-Wan watched Anakin for several moments before the answer exploded through their bond. "For the first time in his life, he's at peace," Obi-Wan supplied. Since last night's discovery, sensing one another's thoughts and what each was feeling from one moment to the next had only been heightened. Even shielding to give one another privacy was causing complications. It was as if the force had only waited for them to realize their destiny before opening up a whole new area for them to explore.
Anakin laughed heartily at something Owen had whispered, breaking Obi-Wan from his thoughts, before digging back into his breakfast. Talking with his mouth full, he began replying to his step-brother's comment all the while waving his fork in the air to illustrate his point. When they both burst out laughing again, Anakin lost what remained in his mouth as it shot across the counter top to land on the floor. "Ooops!" was the only response to the mess before Anakin grabbed a towel and walked over to clean it up.
Qui-Gon turned a questioning glance to Obi-Wan; one eyebrow rose daring his one time apprentice to refute this display of manners but was offset by the amused smile he wore. Obi-Wan sputtered slightly as he responded to the unspoken inquiry. "You can't possibly think he learned that from me?"
"I can remember a few times you, Garen, and Reeft got carried away in the Temple refectory."
"That was a long time ago," he answered before adding more quietly. "Besides; Siri and the others had it coming."
X
The chairs faced the open area of the lake beyond the terrace ledge. Cliegg walked up to take his place before them, smiling at his son as he did so. When he turned to face the veranda, he saw the object of his son's attention; his eyes twinkled with merriment. Some day, he thought, those two are going to find themselves in this very situation.
Owen stood beside his father completely entranced as he watched Beru ascend the aisle caring a bouquet of Naboo's finest wild flowers. Her hair was pulled back, the length of it flowing softly down onto her shoulders. Her dress, very much like her sisters, flowed gracefully to her ankles, the hem of the garment lightly touching the ground behind her as she walked to her position in front.
Obi-Wan, standing off to the side, held back a grin as he watched Owen's eyes follow every move the young girl made. When his eyes met Anakin's, the young man gestured toward the balcony doors effectively redirecting the Jedi's attention. Khloe stood silently, waiting as her sister took her place next to where Shmi would stand as she took her vows. When her time came, she walked confidently toward the front. Obi-Wan winked at her and offered an appreciative smile when she looked his way. Dipping her head in an attempt to hide the blush she could feel coming, her curled blond tresses, partly pinned in back, fell softly around her face and neck. A wreath of small flowers intricately tied together adorned the crown of her head. His eyes remained fastened to the young woman as she stepped up and took her place beside Beru. They smiled at one another and when the music changed, they turned their awareness to the house as Shmi stepped out onto the terrace.
Qui-Gon studied his padawan carefully, noting each and every facial expression. But what confirmed what he already suspected, was the change in Obi-Wan's eyes. The young man was smitten whether he chose to admit it or not. He only hoped that he didn't pursue anything until he resolved his feelings concerning another young woman. A soft melody of music brought his attention back to the moment.
Shmi walked slowly down the aisle, smiling at their guests as she passed them on her way to a new life. Beru and Khloe's parents had been very happy when they had received word of this union. Jaik Whitesun and Cliegg Lars had been good friends for many years, the former having watched as his closest friend struggled in raising his son without a woman to influence them both or to help give their homestead the warmth that only a female could provide; nor did they have someone to brighten their lives with laughter and love. Turning toward the front as the bride moved past, he looked at Cliegg. Upon seeing the adoration that shown within Cliegg's eyes as he watched his future walk toward him, he nodded in affirmation. Yes, he couldn't have been happier for his friend than he was at this moment.
Padmé sat near the front. She watched the woman she had come to call friend take one of the most important walks a woman could ever take. Shmi was at peace and it showed. Her soon to be husband, her three sons, and friends were all gathered to wish them well. When Shmi stepped up beside her future husband, Padmé turned to face them and in the process caught Anakin's gaze. She squirmed slightly as his intense focus seemed to stare right through her. Seeing that he was caught, he smiled shyly and turned his attentions to his mother and soon to be step-father.
The ceremony had not taken long. Shmi and Cliegg exchanged personal handwritten vows as they promised their love to one another and also to their children, Obi-Wan included without hesitation. The holy man pronounced them man and wife and as their lips met in a soft and subtle kiss, the applause around them caused their hearts to swell with gratitude and love. Each and every person in attendance came to offer their congratulations. With each hug and handshake, the one thought going through each of their minds was how truly blessed they really were.
Obi-Wan and Anakin stilled suddenly, each tilting his head as if listening for something only he could hear. Qui-Gon came up behind the two and placed a hand upon each of their upper arms. Leaning down he whispered, "The force is in agreement with this union. Listen closely and you'll hear it sing." Gently squeezing the bicep beneath each hand, he stepped away and followed the newly married couple to the tables set up across the balcony that held the celebratory confections.
X
Khloe stood in a quiet corner of the veranda looking up at the stars, her mind wandering from one to another. She had often wondered what lay beyond Tatooine but decided long ago that those thoughts would evolve into dreams and nothing more. And now she stood on a lush green water laden planet far away from the barren desert she had grown up on. The appreciation she felt for this world was something she had never felt before.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Startled, she turned to find Obi-Wan standing beside her. She was glad the sun had finally descended as her cheeks always seemed to flush when he was near. She nodded her agreement and turned her gaze back to the sky above.
"How many have you been to?" she asked, her voice quiet as she admired the twinkling of each light that pinpricked the black space above.
Placing his hands on the duracrete banister, he leaned against it. "Too many to count, I think."
"You must have some wonderful memories."
Looking up, he scanned the horizon. "Some better than others."
She looked at him then. "Was it a hard life?"
He glanced at her with a half smile. "Sometimes...and yet very rewarding in its own way."
"Until now, I have never traveled away from Tatooine."
"Having grown up there, Anakin doesn't seem to understand why I find it peaceful."
"Where's your home planet?"
Obi-Wan looked down and then met her eye to eye. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
When she merely tilted her head in askance, he smirked. "Tatooine. Or so it says in my file at the Temple."
She shook her head. "You have no memories?"
"No. I was very young when I was taken to Coruscant."
"Does Anakin know?"
He shook his head. "The subject never came up."
She smiled then, a genuine smile full of happiness and contentment. His heart almost skipped a beat and he berated himself. She's a good friend, nothing more. He stepped back mentally and took a deep breath. "Have you been swimming yet?"
Khloe shook her head. "No. I've never been; I'm afraid I don't know how."
Taking her hand in his he gently pulled her toward the house. "C'mon. I'll teach you."
She shook her head as panic rose within. "No, I couldn't! Water isn't meant to be played in."
He laughed and the sound of it warmed her heart. "You sound like Anakin the first time he went swimming. I promise, I'll hold onto you."
She looked down at the lake and then back to the young man standing before her. Nodding reluctantly, she allowed him to pull her into the house. "Go change and I'll meet you on the beach."
Entering her room, she went to her closet and pulled out a tunic and loose pair of pants. She had never had a need for a suit and therefore had never purchased one. Going back to the party, she sought out Padmé. When the Senator looked up Khloe explained the situation, her eyes pleading for some sort of compromise. Padmé smiled and took her by the hand pulling her down the hall. "I have an extra swimsuit I've never worn, it's yours."
Having changed , Khloe stepped out of the fresher with a robe wrapped securely around her frame. "I don't know about this."
Padmé tried to soothe her anxiety. "Don't worry. It's dark outside and once you're in the water you won't be worried about it."
"There isn't enough to this, Padmé! I can't possibly go out doors like this!" Khloe began to panic. She had never worn anything less than her sleep shirt and even that fell gently to her knees. Besides, her parents and sister were the only ones to ever see her in it. She was modest by nature and this very piece of clothing went against her personality.
Padmé's lips quirked up at the corner. "I'll be right back."
Khloe hugged the two edges of the robe tightly together. I must have been out of my mind to agree to this. The door opened then and Khloe's mother stepped in, Padmé following closely behind. She watched her daughter briefly before going over and sitting next to her. "Stand up, let me see."
Swallowing nervously, she stood and opened the front of the only protective covering she had. Khloe's mother smiled and then shook her head. "What do you find wrong with it, dear?"
"Hello?! There isn't enough of it!"
"I think it will be fine, besides, what did you think a suit meant for swimming would entail."
Khloe snapped the edges closed and sat back down.
"It's a one piece suit, it covers you well. The skirt at the bottom is a perfect addition."
While mother and daughter were speaking, Padmé left the room. Returning a few minutes later she stepped in and motioned for Khloe's mother to follow her out. After they had departed, the door opened slowly and Obi-Wan stepped in.
Khloe's eyes widened when she saw that all he was wearing was a pair of swim shorts and a towel around his neck. "What are you doing in here?"
Trying hard to hide his smile but only succeeding in keeping it half under control, he walked over and squatted down in front of her. "Are you ready?"
She shook her head. "I don't think this is such a good idea." She purposely kept her gaze on the floor so not to gawk at the site in front of her.
He gently took her hand and stood. "The lake is waiting." She shook her head. He sighed silently and tried again. "I promise I won't look."
When her eyes met his he smiled. Pulling her up, he leaned forward and whispered before walking them to the door. "Don't be afraid, you're safe with me."
X
Qui-Gon leaned on the railing and watched his padawan and Khloe. It had taken a lot of coaxing on Obi-Wan's behalf to get her very far into the water once they had reached the shore. If he had just come upon them he would have thought the young lady had been swimming her entire life, it hadn't taken long for her to get the hang of things. The two were now playing and laughing, splashing and dunking, pausing in awkward moments before pushing away, and talking when thoughts arose they wished to share. He couldn't hear their words per say, but he could hear the murmurs and the laughter.
"Spying?"
Qui-Gon shook his head. "No, observing."
Anakin grinned. "He'd be mortified if he knew you were so studiously watching him."
"Well that, young one, is something he need never know."
"He likes her." Anakin turned around and leaned back, his elbows resting on the banister.
Qui-Gon nodded. "He'd never admit it." When Anakin smiled in agreement, the Jedi continued, "I don't think he's completely over Siri yet."
"He believes he is."
"And what do you think?" Qui-Gon turned his full attention to the young man beside him.
"I think he wants to be happy and with Khloe that possibility is there. With Siri he isn't sure. She's a Jedi and lives by their Code, besides, her chosen profession keeps her in harms way."
Qui-Gon took Anakin's words into consideration. "It is hard to watch someone you love pass into the force."
"He knows that all too well."
Qui-Gon's eyes jerked up to find Anakin looking at him, the boy's features appearing far older than he was. "If I could have made contact sooner, Anakin, I would have."
Anakin gazed upon the older man gauging his sincerity; he then sighed and looked away. "I know. But I still remember his grief." The sound of laughter floated up to the pair and they turned simultaneously to the source. "He hasn't laughed this much in years. Each time he did, and it was pure in its origin and not tainted, it became something my mother and I treasured because they were few and far between."
Not knowing what to say or how to respond, silence stretched between them until Anakin disrupted it. "I know that Obi-Wan wants to wait until we return to Tatooine to discuss this further, but could you explain a bit more?
Qui-Gon clasped his hands together and leaned on his forearms as he thought of what to say. "The two of you are in this together, Anakin. Obi-Wan has experienced bouts of the dark side and knows how it feels. I know that you may not understand, but you will have to trust his judgment concerning the Chancellor. I too have been witness to the façade he wears to conceal his true self. He is a dangerous man and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. I believe he now knows that Obi-Wan is firmly grounded in his path and will not be swayed, that is, unless he can get to you. The Chancellor knows that you are one of his weaknesses as is the rest of the family you two have created. Trust is very important, Anakin," here Qui-Gon paused, thinking of the long talk that he and Obi-Wan had had concerning love and attachment. "As is the brotherly connection the two of you share."
Anakin was quiet, thinking of all his grandmaster had said. He watched Obi-Wan step out onto the dry sand and pick up a towel before wading back into the water a bit. Holding the towel up with both hands, Obi-Wan turned his head to the side so not to look as Khloe stood and walked toward the material grasping it firmly around her with both hands. When she was covered, they walked back to a dry area of the beach and sat down. Anakin reached for the bond and felt happiness and contentment bleeding through; a slight smile found its way to his lips. A thought crossed his mind and he addressed the Jedi beside him. "What does the Council plan to do with the Chancellor?"
"When we first addressed them on the issue, they stated that they needed more than just our word. Yoda has been keeping watch over Palpatine's career and has also helped in keeping him from Obi-Wan but until the Chancellor slips and makes a mistake there isn't much we can do."
"Why?" Anakin couldn't believe that they weren't doing more.
"Their reasoning made sense, if little. If the Jedi stormed into the Senate trying to arrest him on charges that have no evidence to back them up, it would mean political suicide for the Order, tainting the Jedi in the Republic and Senate's eyes. Until he does something to show his hand, the game will go on."
Anakin pondered this. He had found that he was very good at the more active portions of a simulated war situation with Obi-Wan's skills being highly attuned to strategy. Not that his master wasn't also good in combat, he had more than proven that time and again. He had learned much from his mentor in their simulated war theories during his training in diplomacy and such. As these thoughts circled his mind, he began to formulate an idea. Wanting to bounce it off someone else, he cleared his throat.
"Master Jinn?" he began hesitantly. "May I speak with you about something without Obi-Wan finding out?"
Qui-Gon shifted his position against the banister to look fully upon the young man. He wasn't sure he liked the idea of hiding something from his padawan; too much had been kept from him as it was, and yet depending on what the boy had in mind he couldn't allow Anakin to put himself at risk. He decided to answer with caution, "It depends on what you are going to tell me, young one."
Anakin stepped back and nodded acceptance of Qui-Gon's terms. "Then perhaps it would be best to be silent. I'm tired; I think I'll go to bed. We've got a ship to catch tomorrow."
Qui-Gon watched with a frown upon his face as Anakin walked into the house. He didn't like the look the boy had in his eyes but when he probed for an answer shields slammed into place effectively keeping him out. Now the question was should he tell Obi-Wan that his apprentice was up to something, something that they both may not like.
