The Heart of Destiny
Author: Laura Kenobi
Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, I don't own Star Wars. I do, however, own any original characters, planets, etcetera that I created for this story.
Archive: Please contact me first!
Comments/Reviews: You can email me through my profile, and you can always leave a review!
Author's Notes: ((italics)) represents thoughts and / italics / represents communication through the Force.
This story was first published in its original version beginning on June 21, 2001. In July 2005, I decided that since four years had passed and my skills as a writer had undoubtedly improved since this story was first written and posted, it might be refreshing to return to this story and give it a fresh look and an update. For the most part the overall story remains the same - my goal has been to improve on and expand on the original, so I hope the result will prove enjoyable to all of you who are wonderful enough to read and review. The version of this story below is the updated version. Call it the "Special Edition" version of this story.
This chapter takes place ten years after the previous chapter.
Summary: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn start out on a mission, and a lifetime of memories follow.
Chapter Nine
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----- Ten Years Later -----
"Master?" Nineteen-year-old Anakin Skywalker was anxious. They – Obi-Wan, Gwen, and himself - were on their way to Naboo. He would get to see Padmé, and the thought sent his stomach into somersault mode.
"Yes, Padawan?"
"Uh, I...
"We'll be there in about two hours, Anakin. Be patient."
"Yes, Master."
Gwen smiled. Anakin had grown much since the night she had first met him in their quarters at the Jedi Temple. His affection for the former Queen of Naboo reminded her of Obi-Wan, and she enjoyed watching the two together. Anakin had once told her he was going to marry Padmé, and she believed it. They seemed so perfect together.
Anakin stood. "Master, may I go back to work on my surprise for Padmé?"
Obi-Wan smiled. "Yes, Padawan, you may. Run along."
Anakin strode out of the room, and Gwen smiled at Obi-Wan.
He had changed much in the years he had been Anakin's Master. His hair was longer, but not long like Qui-Gon's had been, and he had grown a beard. She found it quite attractive. The one thing that had changed the most that day on Naboo when Qui-Gon had been killed was Obi-Wan's spirit. He had matured a lifetime worth that day, and was now more serious. Not overly so, Gwen had decided years ago, just more so.
"He really loves her, you know." Obi-Wan spoke softly.
"Who? Anakin? And Padmé?" She snapped out of her thoughts, "I know."
"They'll be married soon." He didn't sound surprised.
"How do you know?"
"He wants to ask her. I gave him my permission. That's the surprise – he's making her a wedding ring."
She smiled broadly. "That's so wonderful!"
Obi-Wan looked thoughtful. "I suppose..."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Never mind. It's nothing to worry about. Just an old Master worried about his Padawan Learner, that's all."
"You're not that old..." her eyes sparkled.
"Oh, really? I guess I missed out on that one. It must be the old age." His eyes twinkled, and it was his turn to smile.
Anakin came bounding back into the room. His fist was curled around something so tightly that his knuckles were white. He looked over at Gwen.
"Master Kenobi," it was his name for her, as he thought that since she was married to Obi-Wan she should have his last name, "can you do me a favor?" He grinned sheepishly.
"Of course, Anakin! How can I help you?"
He walked over to her and held out his hand. "I want you to tell me if you think Padmé will like this." Gwen opened her hand, and he dropped something small into it. She glanced down at a ring, made of the most beautiful Alderannian gold she had ever seen. The stone was a perfectly cut diamond, set off by two light blue stones – they were the color of Anakin's eyes, she surmised. Padmé had always loved Anakin's clear blue eyes.
"Oh, Ani, this is great! She'll love it, I'm sure!" She smiled up at him.
"Really?" He looked nervous.
"I promise. It's amazing! Did you really make it yourself?"
"I...yes."
"Really, Ani, she'll love it. You did a great job."
All doubt gone after her honesty, Anakin smiled. "Thanks!" He took the ring from her and scurried back into the interior of the ship.
Gwen met Obi-Wan's gaze. "What?"
"I don't know... I just... he's in difficult position right now, and I'm worried."
"Anakin? What makes you say that?"
"He's more vulnerable now than he's ever been. He's so full of emotion, and his powers are incredible." He turned his back to his wife. "He has mastered some things already that many Jedi Masters can never accomplish. He enjoys the power... he is not focused."
When Gwen moved around to see his face, she saw fear in his eyes. Fear for a boy who was as close to him as a son could ever be. Their relationship reminded Gwen so much of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, years ago. She knew that Anakin meant much to Obi-Wan, and the thought that Anakin was too exposed was tearing him apart.
"He'll be fine, Love. Anakin is a strong young man."
"Yes, I can't argue with that," he agreed, "We'll just have to hope that he stays that way. I'm not going to lose him as I lost Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan's voice was soft as he spoke his former Master's name. He had overridden the guilt over his Master's death, but there were many things he felt he had left unsaid, and it still pained him to speak of it.
"You won't Obi-Wan. Don't worry." Gwen assured him, "Anakin's a Jedi, through and through."
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"Anakin!"
Obi-Wan watched as his Padawan raced into the arms of the woman he loved. Padmé was laughing, and Anakin kissed her gently. Obi-Wan couldn't help but smile. They reminded him of Gwen and himself when they were younger.
He looked over at his wife, and could tell she was having similar thoughts. He shook his head in amusement, and stepped forward to greet Padmé.
"My lady," he bowed, "it's wonderful to see you."
"Obi-Wan! You don't need to be so formal – we're all alone!" She was still laughing, and Obi-Wan grinned.
"Whatever you say, my lady."
"Is it your wife who teaches you such smart remarks? Hello, Gwen!"
"It's great to see you, Padmé." Gwen smiled.
"Now that's how it should be... listen to her, Obi-Wan."
He laughed, but the happy moment did not last. A royal guard came rushing into the hanger, out of breath. Obi-Wan frowned. Nothing happy had ever happened to him in this hanger.
"Master Jedi, there is a message for you."
Obi-Wan's frown deepened. "Who?"
"My apologies, sir, but we aren't sure. We just found the note stuck in the morning mail. It was written... in blood, sir."
Obi-Wan's eyes widened ever so slightly. "Blood?"
"That is our best guess, sir. Would you like to see it?"
"Please." Obi-Wan responded immediately, and calmly.
The young man reached into his coat, and pulled out a torn slip of paper. He handed it to Obi-Wan. Writing was scrawled on the paper – definitely in blood. Obi-Wan began to read.
Jedi Kenobi,
We killed someone you loved before. If you want your loved ones to remain alive, be extra careful. We're watching.
Obi-Wan quickly crumbled the paper into a small ball, and tucked it into his tunic. Reaching into the Force, he did a quick scan of the surrounding area. He could sense nothing. He turned away from the group, gathering his thoughts. ((What is that supposed to mean?))
"Master," Anakin's voice was troubled, "what did the note say?"
"It is nothing to worry about, my Padawan. Just a practical joke." He could feel darkness radiating from the paper in his tunic. He closed his eyes briefly. Black and red tattoos. The Sith. His eyes flew open.
He swung around to face his wife and Padawan.
"I don't want either of you out of my sight, do you understand? Not even for a moment."
Shock was evident on both of their faces, but they both nodded, knowing there was no room for argument. He could see the questions in Gwen's eyes, but she did not voice them, and he was grateful. They must be careful. Anakin was vulnerable...
"Let's get inside," Padmé's voice was tight. Obi-Wan followed the group, his mind running away with him. He needed to meditate, to focus. There was an explanation for this... there always was. He knew he needed to find the answer before someone else he loved lost their life.
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End Chapter 9.
I can't tell you how much I love that people have been reading and leaving such nice reviews! More to come soon! - Laura