Here and Now
Chapter 8: a knight's tale
** Well this will be the last chapter of the story! Maybe I will write a sequel in a while. Do you want to have a sequel? You were a great audience! And I'll be back**
Obi-Wan was glad, that he could leave the healer's ward only after a few days. His recovery processed nicely, though his arm still hurt. The healer said, that there would be a scar, that would mark his arm forever. But he didn't care, through the years it would faint. It was just the visible mark of his adventure. But the invisible mark would coin his heart forever. Never would he forget the things that happened to him on this special planet.
Today there would be a celebration of the victory. A big parade that consisted of Gungans and Humans would march through the streets, Obi-Wan was honoured to be a guest of the Queen. Chancellor Palpatine, who arrived yesterday with the Jedi-Council, would assist Queen Amidala during the Celebration. Together they would honour the fallen warriors. The Jedi-Council was on Naboo to look into the matter of the Sith. Never had someone seen Master Yoda more worried…
Today would also be the day of Obi-Wan's knighting. How long had he dreamed of this day? And now that it came he was afraid. Afraid to leave his past behind, afraid of the changes, that brought his knighting with him, afraid to lose his father. It was a strange feeling that rose inside of him. At the same time he was unbelievable proud and sad.
~ It will be a hard Life. A path will be placed before you. One without reward and without regret ~
Now he understood the wise words of his master so well.
"Obi-Wan, are you ready?", Qui-Gon said, when he came into the young man's room. His eyes were full of pride and love and sparkled like diamonds. He put a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
"I told you that you were ready to face the trials, didn't I? I didn't say out of a mood.", he said with a sincere voice.
"Now "Padawan" let's go, I am sure you don't want to be late for your own knighting ceremony!", Qui-Gon said with affection and a stress on the word "Padawan". This was the last time, that he would call Obi-Wan officially like that. Though he was sure, that the word "Padawan" would stay an endearment. Their road came to an end and the master regretted it.
"No, "Master" I don't want to let the Council wait for us! Though… Will it ever be the same after my knighting? I mean you will take Anakin as your new Padawan and I am sure, that there is just room for one "Apprentice" in your Life." Obi-Wan stated sorrowful.
"Only in my apartment, there is just room for one student! Do you understand? It means that I won't forget you, just because you are a knight. You always can come around,…son!"
"Though Anakin will cause problems for two, Dad!", Obi-Wan shot back, relief flooding his senses.
"Be careful, what you say, Padawan, you are not knighted yet", Qui-Gon answered menacingly.
"Tough I must add, that the Council changed its' opinion rather quickly."
True after the fateful battle, the boy's destiny wasn't unreadable to the Masters anymore, something happened in between…As if there had been a clearing thunder-storm. Obi-Wan grinned at his Master's words because he knew what happened! But he wasn't ready to speak about it, not now, maybe never.
Slowly they went out of the room and hurried to the wonderful green garden, where the 12 Masters waited for the Master-Apprentice team.
"Padawan Kenobi a knight you will be, guidance you no longer need! Accept this you do?" a certain little green troll asked cheerfully. Obi-Wan's mouth was dry and the words almost died on his trembling lips.
"I do, my master!" With this Mace Windu gave a dagger to Qui-Gon, who took Obi-Wan's braid in his hands. The ginger hair felt so soft.
"Obi-Wan with your acceptance of knighthood, I will cut the physical reminder of our bond. The Master, the Padawan and the force." And he cut the three thin strands one by one. "Congratulations, Knight Kenobi!" He pulled Obi-Wan into a long hug.
"Thank you Mas… Qui-Gon!" When the last of the Council members congratulated the Knight, Obi-Wan's arm felt somehow wobbly and he was sure that he would have sore muscles the next day. This was his dream, that he was living.
"Now Knight Obi-Wan would you honour me and go with me to the celebrations?" the Master asked with a hint of a smile.
"Of course Qui-Gon." He couldn't miss the possibility to watch Jar-Jar riding on something.
The Queen and Anakin were already expecting them. Amidala nodded and the parade marched its' way through the city. A choir sang in the back round. It was a calming melody. The parade was uneventful until Jar-Jar arrived. He fell from the Kaadu he was riding on.
Then a thought struck him. The Lifedebt! He would be returning with them to the Temple!
The door of Obi-Wan's Padawan days closed and a new one opened, but he was sure that he could count on Qui-Gon. There were times when he would look back with regret and there were times when he would be glad not to be Qui-Gon's Padawan anymore, because of Jar-Jar
To put it in German words: ENDE
**Enjoyed the final chapter? Want to have a sequel? E-mail me: sandrapergens@compuserve.de , but nevertheless write a nice review**