Part Three
Chapter 2 - The Lightsaber
Qui-Gon once again drew the sword he had carried with him for the past three months. It was beautiful in its simplicity and as deadly as the man it belonged to. The Lightsaber was not the weapon of an Emperor, nevertheless Qui-Gon refused to be without it, in case one day the Champion stood before him ready to claim it.
It had been easier becoming Naboo's Emperor than he had expected. All accepted him as their legitimate ruler and most loved him. Barely a week after he had made his vows and pledged his allegiance to the people, Qui-Gon had left the capital and began a tour of the Empire.
Three months had passed. Three months and it both seemed as yesterday and forever ago. He had forgotten which region he was visiting, all he knew was that it was a long way from home.
"He'll come back, Qui-Gon."
"You think so Mace?"
Mace Windu smiled. Since he had been freed he had joined the Emperor's guard and was Qui-Gon's personal bodyguard, along with another dear and loyal friend of the General's, Captain Panaka.
"I believe so. The Force knows much, Qui-Gon. He waited for you for many years and now you must wait."
Qui-Gon had talked long with Mace and, as with his brother, he had told him everything- of his life as a General and how love had sprang from nowhere in a Jedi cell. He had told all, all but his name. Qui-Gon refused to say it again until he could say it to the Nameless Jedi.
"Come, Qui-Gon, people are waiting."
"I know." Qui-Gon Jinn sheathed the Lightsaber, glad of its presence, and with a quick check in a nearby mirror, the Emperor stepped out of his rooms ready to meet his hosts.
*****
Battle after battle, challenge after challenge, he fought. Never losing, never showing mercy.
He was the Champion again and the crowd knew it and cheered. News spread gradually and soon even the distant parts of the Empire would know that the Nameless Jedi still fought. Other Jedi came to try and take his title. They all failed and all died. He was famous as ever before and his skill remained unrivalled. He fought in the Coliseum so close to the Emperor's palace but still the royal box remained empty.
With anger pouring from his soul and consuming his heart, the Champion fought as never before, no longer dead inside. In Theed there had been no feeling within him, nothing to lose. Now the newly regained love had bled away, leaving only anger and darkness. The Light fought for the soul of the Warrior just as furiously as the Champion did in the arena.
*****
"Your fighters look strong, Jabba."
"Thank you, Sire."
Qui-Gon once again found himself in an arena watching a Jedi match. It was the Empire's favourite sport but to Qui-Gon it was just a reminder.
"I am taking them to Theed in a month to face the Champion." A cold shiver of dread passed through Qui-Gon. He looked at Mace, his eyes beseeching him to ask the question he dare not.
"Who declared this man Champion?" Mace asked.
"It has always been so, surely you have heard of the Nameless Jedi from the North. He was sold to a slaver in Theed some months ago and recently began fighting again. I received an invitation to a match not long ago. To be honest, I am very pleased I was never able to go to Mos Espa..."
The Emperor was no longer listening. The words of the Jedi owner faded until once again all he could hear were the whispers of a single name.
"Mace, we are returning to Theed. Now!" Qui-Gon said as he leaped to his feet. With no other explanation, he left the slaver's side, his bodyguard close on his heels.
"Yes, Sir." Mace hurried off to begin preparing for Qui-Gon's departure. It would not be long before they were all on the road again, this time heading for home.
"Panaka?"
"Yes, Sir?"
"Send for my brother. Tell him we are returning home now."
"Of course."
'He was still there, he had not left, he fought still and you left him there.'
"I abandoned him." Qui-Gon hardly realised he spoke aloud.
"You could not have known." The Emperor turned to see Xanatos.
"I should have. He had been there three months, Xan. I did not look hard enough. I did not trust him. Do you think he will forgive me?"
"There is nothing to forgive. We will return to the capital and you, you will claim your love." Xanatos smiled. "Tell me about him again.
Qui-Gon chuckled. Xanatos was a born romantic who loved hearing tales of bravery and love.
"Have you finished the poem?"
"No, for the story is not yet done. When it is, all the Empire will know of your story and that of your beloved. They will rejoice because their ruler has found love. Describe him to me."
"Again?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Again."
And Qui-Gon did. He told the tale again and again and Xanatos listened. The brother of the Emperor was a clever man, in making his brother talk about his love Qui-Gon forgot to worry. They were already well on their way to the capital when Qui-Gon was done and night fell, and for them both it was time to sleep. And they did.
*****
"Ben!"
The Champion looked up. He did not get to his feet immediately but, when he did finally rise from where he had been meditating, he did it in an unhurried fashion.
"You're up next," the speaker told him.
The Nameless Jedi did not need to be led though the labyrinths of halls to the entrance tunnel to the sands. He'd done it enough times to walk there with his eyes closed. The Champion allowed the escort because their fear amused him.
The weather had turned cold since his arrival in Theed and the sky had become cloudy. The Jedi shivered as the cool open air of the arena touched his skin. His ritual remained the same as it was in Mos Espa, before he had a partner at his side. He did not look at the cheering audinance or the challengers as they made their way towards him. He remained still and as he had spent his life doing, he waited.
*****
The Emperor leapt out of his carriage as it pulled up to the Coliseum. Mace and Xanatos hurried out behind him. It had taken weeks to reach the capital. But finally they were home and Qui-Gon would not wait a second longer to see his Champion. They swiftly made their way into the dark tunnels and to the Emperor's box. Waiting at its entrance was Panaka.
"A duel has already began," he told them. "You can not stop it, it must be fought and finished. That is the rule of the arena."
"Very well," Qui-Gon said, pushing past his guard. "But I shall watch it."
With a more dignified step the Emperor walked into the box and calmly took his seat. He did not look down onto the sands until he was peaceful in mind. When he did look, that hard won peace was lost instantly. Great fear seized him. The Champion fought not one Jedi, but five. He had no help; he battled alone.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon whispered, the name slipping from his lips at the sight of the beautiful warrior. He could see the Nameless Jedi clearly and he could see the cold, hard eyes of a man devoid of hope. "I am here."
*****
He wasn't winning. It was not because he could not, but rather because he cared not. His end as a Jedi Warrior had come. After his fall there would be no champion because no one man had been able to defeat him. He was sad about that, he would have liked someone to have taken his place, someone who loved to be a Jedi, just like the men who attacked him now. They loved to fight; they gloried in the beauty of battle and victory. But they were not equals. Alone, they would not have stood a chance.
'Obi-Wan.'
The whisper of his own name distracted the Champion and before he could recover, one of his challengers sank his sword deep within his leg. The Nameless Jedi let out a tremendous cry of pain and on instinct struck out with his own weapon, catching the aggressor on the side of his head.
'I am here.'
As it had before, time slowed and the Force swirled around the Jedi Champion and as he had done in times gone by, he looked up into the crystal clear eyes of royal blue. From seemingly nowhere, a wave of love crashed into the Champion. Instead of knocking him down, it made him stronger.
Obi-Wan Kenobi laughed.
The four remaining challengers felt fear to hear such a laugh; it was one of victory. Momentarily shocked, they were unprepared for the Champion's renewed efforts.
To watch the Jedi Champion fight had always been a thrill, yet to watch him as he fought his final battle, as a Jedi, was something to behold. He leapt into the air and stunned the crowd with his agility. He parried and wielded his swords with such mastery, that he left the onlookers breathless.
With only three remaining, he fought on.
Two left, and he paused to once again look up at Qui-Gon, who looked back with admiration, excitement, impatience and above all else, love. Two left and then there would be an eternity of peace. He dodged each blow and struck back with scarcely contained ferocity. Another went down, not dead, just badly hurt, however, he would not get up again for this match.
One left, and unexpectedly, the fight seemed impossible.
"I do not want to do this," the Champion said as he backed away from his final opponent.
"It is not an option. We are already here." The other Jedi seemed almost understanding.
"You wish to die then?"
"Sometimes, yes. I want to die in the Coliseum at the hands of a truly great Jedi."
"You seek fame?"
"I seek honour."
Honour. Yes that was something the Champion had grown to understand.
"As you wish." The Nameless Jedi stood tall and saluted his opponent who saluted in return. They plunged into the fight knowing the outcome but continuing anyway. The Champion was becoming light-headed from the wound on his leg, however, he fought on determined to allow the other Jedi to die with dignity.
He took to the air as he often did and landed without difficulty behind the other man. The challenger did not lift his sword quick enough to defend against the blow aimed at his chest. Great relief flooded through the defeated Jedi, and seeing the regret in the Champion's eye, spoke words of comfort with his dying breath.
"There is no death, only the Force."
Tears slipped past green eyes as the man on the sands died. He had never cried for those he had killed; now he cried for them all. Unsteady on his feet he fell to his knees no longer able to stand through the pain of his grief. He could not even look up to the Emperor's box.
Blood and been spilt on the sands for years and now tears fell on them as well.
*****
Qui-Gon had watched the battle with great anticipation. When Obi-Wan felled all but one of his attackers, he felt great regret flowing from the younger man, so when the two Jedi in the arena saluted each other, he was not surprised.
He smiled and whispered an explanation to Xanatos, who had turned to him in puzzlement. When at last the fight was over, the Emperor watched the Champion fall to his knees and weep.
"Mace, I am going onto the sands."
"Of course, Qui-Gon." Leading the way, Mace walked down the flight of stiars and through the tunnels until the Emperor and his guard stepped out into the sunlight and the smell of death met them. The spectators watched as their beloved Emperor made his way over to the kneeling Champion. No one stirred and all listened as one spoke to the other.
"Ben?" There was no answer. Qui-Gon crouched before the Jedi and touched the Champion's hand with his own. "Ben?"
"Dead. All dead because of me." The Nameless Jedi looked up. Qui-Gon saw no recognition in his eyes. With another mournful cry, the Champion grabbed his sword and leapt at the man in front of him. Qui-Gon only just escaped injury as he was attacked by the man he had come to free. He quickly backed away while holding up a hand to his guards, singnaling them to wait. The Emperor of Naboo drew the Lightsaber he carried and stood ready to fight the man it rightfully belonged to.
The fans of the Jedi fights had greatly looked forward to the day when the two best fighters, the Nameless Jedi and the General, would meet in combat instead of fighting side by side. Now they looked on in horror to see them duel. It seemed a dream, or perhaps a nightmare, to see their swords meet, knowing the next hit could be the one that killed their Emperor. The Champion seemed in a different world, his years of pain pouring out to create a scene that would be forever remembered by Naboo.
There seemed no end, although in truth they had not fought long. Many had speculated on the out come, of the match and now it seemed all too clear. The General fought as brutally as he would fight any foe, not giving an inch or holding back. But it was painfully clear to all that even with his injury, there was something about the Nameless Champion, something in the way he fought, in the way he moved and in the way he preyed upon his opponents that the General's defeat was inevitable.
On knees, Qui-Gon looked up at the Champion who had bested even him, his closest rival. There was no one else out there to replace the Champion, but he could be freed another way, with the gift of a Lightsaber. The Nameless Jedi approached still, it seemed, in the throws of a dream. What could break its hold? Qui-Gon had only one idea and had barely enough time to utter one word before the killing blow was struck.
"Obi-Wan."
The use of his true name startled the Champion. He paused in his move and cocked his head as if listening to something only he could hear. His sword came down, however it did not strike Qui-Gon; instead it clattered to the sands, useless.
"Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, I am here."
'It had been a draw.'
"I've been waiting for you my whole life."
"I know." Qui-Gon smiled. "We can go home now, if you like."
"How did you know?" A look of confusion passed over the Champion's face.
"Know what?"
"My name?"
"I heard it," Qui-Gon answered. "A whisper in the Force. I love you, Obi-Wan, come home with me."
"Say it again."
"Obi-Wan."
The Champion of the arena held out is hand, which the Emperor gladly took, and got to his feet.
"I'd like to go with you, Qui-Gon."
"Then stand before me Obi-Wan Kenobi and be a free man." He held the Lightsaber out to Obi-Wan and proclaimed for all to hear, "I present you, honourable Jedi, with this Lightsaber. Champion Obi-Wan Kenobi, Nameless no more."
The crowd gathered in the stalls of the great Coliseum of Theed erupted into cheers. Obi-Wan smiled and marvelled at all he now possessed. He took the Lightsaber firmly in his hand. As he took the weapon, he leaned forward and said close to Qui-Gon's ear, "I love you too."
Hands overlapping on the hilt of the sword, the two men leaned in and shared their first kiss. The Emperor kissed his chosen one before his people, who could do nothing but be glad for their ruler. Obi-Wan's knees finally gave out from underneath him. Qui-Gon did not let him fall. Without missing a beat, he swept Obi-Wan up into his arms and carried the Champion out of the arena. As he left the sands for the last time, Obi-Wan snuggled closer to his love, knowing they would never be apart and that love would blossom as it had never been able to in Mos Espa.
Xanatos turned to Mace, grinning.
"A perfect ending to my story."
"Indeed," replied the bodyguard. "And a story greatly anticipated by the people, no doubt."
*****
Through out the Empire of Naboo, the story of Qui-Gon's imprisonment and of how love grew between him and the Nameless Champion spread. The people rejoiced to hear their Emperor was happy and in love. The tale was told and retold, with children begging their parents to tell it again. The copies of Xanatos' poem were treated like gold dust.
Naboo was finally at peace and its people content. Qui-Gon Jinn was a great and just ruler, and ever present at his side, was Obi-Wan Kenobi, the greatest warrior the Empire had ever seen. He was also a good man and never led Qui-Gon astray. They ruled together fairly and happily, until the end of their days. When Qui-Gon died, Obi-Wan lay down at his side and he, too, gently drifted away. Xanatos' son became ruler after his uncle and he, too, was great, but none were ever seen again like Qui-Gon Jinn. Why? Because no other man had seen the things he had lived through and no other man had loved and had at his side a man like Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Chapter 2 - The Lightsaber
Qui-Gon once again drew the sword he had carried with him for the past three months. It was beautiful in its simplicity and as deadly as the man it belonged to. The Lightsaber was not the weapon of an Emperor, nevertheless Qui-Gon refused to be without it, in case one day the Champion stood before him ready to claim it.
It had been easier becoming Naboo's Emperor than he had expected. All accepted him as their legitimate ruler and most loved him. Barely a week after he had made his vows and pledged his allegiance to the people, Qui-Gon had left the capital and began a tour of the Empire.
Three months had passed. Three months and it both seemed as yesterday and forever ago. He had forgotten which region he was visiting, all he knew was that it was a long way from home.
"He'll come back, Qui-Gon."
"You think so Mace?"
Mace Windu smiled. Since he had been freed he had joined the Emperor's guard and was Qui-Gon's personal bodyguard, along with another dear and loyal friend of the General's, Captain Panaka.
"I believe so. The Force knows much, Qui-Gon. He waited for you for many years and now you must wait."
Qui-Gon had talked long with Mace and, as with his brother, he had told him everything- of his life as a General and how love had sprang from nowhere in a Jedi cell. He had told all, all but his name. Qui-Gon refused to say it again until he could say it to the Nameless Jedi.
"Come, Qui-Gon, people are waiting."
"I know." Qui-Gon Jinn sheathed the Lightsaber, glad of its presence, and with a quick check in a nearby mirror, the Emperor stepped out of his rooms ready to meet his hosts.
*****
Battle after battle, challenge after challenge, he fought. Never losing, never showing mercy.
He was the Champion again and the crowd knew it and cheered. News spread gradually and soon even the distant parts of the Empire would know that the Nameless Jedi still fought. Other Jedi came to try and take his title. They all failed and all died. He was famous as ever before and his skill remained unrivalled. He fought in the Coliseum so close to the Emperor's palace but still the royal box remained empty.
With anger pouring from his soul and consuming his heart, the Champion fought as never before, no longer dead inside. In Theed there had been no feeling within him, nothing to lose. Now the newly regained love had bled away, leaving only anger and darkness. The Light fought for the soul of the Warrior just as furiously as the Champion did in the arena.
*****
"Your fighters look strong, Jabba."
"Thank you, Sire."
Qui-Gon once again found himself in an arena watching a Jedi match. It was the Empire's favourite sport but to Qui-Gon it was just a reminder.
"I am taking them to Theed in a month to face the Champion." A cold shiver of dread passed through Qui-Gon. He looked at Mace, his eyes beseeching him to ask the question he dare not.
"Who declared this man Champion?" Mace asked.
"It has always been so, surely you have heard of the Nameless Jedi from the North. He was sold to a slaver in Theed some months ago and recently began fighting again. I received an invitation to a match not long ago. To be honest, I am very pleased I was never able to go to Mos Espa..."
The Emperor was no longer listening. The words of the Jedi owner faded until once again all he could hear were the whispers of a single name.
"Mace, we are returning to Theed. Now!" Qui-Gon said as he leaped to his feet. With no other explanation, he left the slaver's side, his bodyguard close on his heels.
"Yes, Sir." Mace hurried off to begin preparing for Qui-Gon's departure. It would not be long before they were all on the road again, this time heading for home.
"Panaka?"
"Yes, Sir?"
"Send for my brother. Tell him we are returning home now."
"Of course."
'He was still there, he had not left, he fought still and you left him there.'
"I abandoned him." Qui-Gon hardly realised he spoke aloud.
"You could not have known." The Emperor turned to see Xanatos.
"I should have. He had been there three months, Xan. I did not look hard enough. I did not trust him. Do you think he will forgive me?"
"There is nothing to forgive. We will return to the capital and you, you will claim your love." Xanatos smiled. "Tell me about him again.
Qui-Gon chuckled. Xanatos was a born romantic who loved hearing tales of bravery and love.
"Have you finished the poem?"
"No, for the story is not yet done. When it is, all the Empire will know of your story and that of your beloved. They will rejoice because their ruler has found love. Describe him to me."
"Again?" Qui-Gon asked.
"Again."
And Qui-Gon did. He told the tale again and again and Xanatos listened. The brother of the Emperor was a clever man, in making his brother talk about his love Qui-Gon forgot to worry. They were already well on their way to the capital when Qui-Gon was done and night fell, and for them both it was time to sleep. And they did.
*****
"Ben!"
The Champion looked up. He did not get to his feet immediately but, when he did finally rise from where he had been meditating, he did it in an unhurried fashion.
"You're up next," the speaker told him.
The Nameless Jedi did not need to be led though the labyrinths of halls to the entrance tunnel to the sands. He'd done it enough times to walk there with his eyes closed. The Champion allowed the escort because their fear amused him.
The weather had turned cold since his arrival in Theed and the sky had become cloudy. The Jedi shivered as the cool open air of the arena touched his skin. His ritual remained the same as it was in Mos Espa, before he had a partner at his side. He did not look at the cheering audinance or the challengers as they made their way towards him. He remained still and as he had spent his life doing, he waited.
*****
The Emperor leapt out of his carriage as it pulled up to the Coliseum. Mace and Xanatos hurried out behind him. It had taken weeks to reach the capital. But finally they were home and Qui-Gon would not wait a second longer to see his Champion. They swiftly made their way into the dark tunnels and to the Emperor's box. Waiting at its entrance was Panaka.
"A duel has already began," he told them. "You can not stop it, it must be fought and finished. That is the rule of the arena."
"Very well," Qui-Gon said, pushing past his guard. "But I shall watch it."
With a more dignified step the Emperor walked into the box and calmly took his seat. He did not look down onto the sands until he was peaceful in mind. When he did look, that hard won peace was lost instantly. Great fear seized him. The Champion fought not one Jedi, but five. He had no help; he battled alone.
"Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon whispered, the name slipping from his lips at the sight of the beautiful warrior. He could see the Nameless Jedi clearly and he could see the cold, hard eyes of a man devoid of hope. "I am here."
*****
He wasn't winning. It was not because he could not, but rather because he cared not. His end as a Jedi Warrior had come. After his fall there would be no champion because no one man had been able to defeat him. He was sad about that, he would have liked someone to have taken his place, someone who loved to be a Jedi, just like the men who attacked him now. They loved to fight; they gloried in the beauty of battle and victory. But they were not equals. Alone, they would not have stood a chance.
'Obi-Wan.'
The whisper of his own name distracted the Champion and before he could recover, one of his challengers sank his sword deep within his leg. The Nameless Jedi let out a tremendous cry of pain and on instinct struck out with his own weapon, catching the aggressor on the side of his head.
'I am here.'
As it had before, time slowed and the Force swirled around the Jedi Champion and as he had done in times gone by, he looked up into the crystal clear eyes of royal blue. From seemingly nowhere, a wave of love crashed into the Champion. Instead of knocking him down, it made him stronger.
Obi-Wan Kenobi laughed.
The four remaining challengers felt fear to hear such a laugh; it was one of victory. Momentarily shocked, they were unprepared for the Champion's renewed efforts.
To watch the Jedi Champion fight had always been a thrill, yet to watch him as he fought his final battle, as a Jedi, was something to behold. He leapt into the air and stunned the crowd with his agility. He parried and wielded his swords with such mastery, that he left the onlookers breathless.
With only three remaining, he fought on.
Two left, and he paused to once again look up at Qui-Gon, who looked back with admiration, excitement, impatience and above all else, love. Two left and then there would be an eternity of peace. He dodged each blow and struck back with scarcely contained ferocity. Another went down, not dead, just badly hurt, however, he would not get up again for this match.
One left, and unexpectedly, the fight seemed impossible.
"I do not want to do this," the Champion said as he backed away from his final opponent.
"It is not an option. We are already here." The other Jedi seemed almost understanding.
"You wish to die then?"
"Sometimes, yes. I want to die in the Coliseum at the hands of a truly great Jedi."
"You seek fame?"
"I seek honour."
Honour. Yes that was something the Champion had grown to understand.
"As you wish." The Nameless Jedi stood tall and saluted his opponent who saluted in return. They plunged into the fight knowing the outcome but continuing anyway. The Champion was becoming light-headed from the wound on his leg, however, he fought on determined to allow the other Jedi to die with dignity.
He took to the air as he often did and landed without difficulty behind the other man. The challenger did not lift his sword quick enough to defend against the blow aimed at his chest. Great relief flooded through the defeated Jedi, and seeing the regret in the Champion's eye, spoke words of comfort with his dying breath.
"There is no death, only the Force."
Tears slipped past green eyes as the man on the sands died. He had never cried for those he had killed; now he cried for them all. Unsteady on his feet he fell to his knees no longer able to stand through the pain of his grief. He could not even look up to the Emperor's box.
Blood and been spilt on the sands for years and now tears fell on them as well.
*****
Qui-Gon had watched the battle with great anticipation. When Obi-Wan felled all but one of his attackers, he felt great regret flowing from the younger man, so when the two Jedi in the arena saluted each other, he was not surprised.
He smiled and whispered an explanation to Xanatos, who had turned to him in puzzlement. When at last the fight was over, the Emperor watched the Champion fall to his knees and weep.
"Mace, I am going onto the sands."
"Of course, Qui-Gon." Leading the way, Mace walked down the flight of stiars and through the tunnels until the Emperor and his guard stepped out into the sunlight and the smell of death met them. The spectators watched as their beloved Emperor made his way over to the kneeling Champion. No one stirred and all listened as one spoke to the other.
"Ben?" There was no answer. Qui-Gon crouched before the Jedi and touched the Champion's hand with his own. "Ben?"
"Dead. All dead because of me." The Nameless Jedi looked up. Qui-Gon saw no recognition in his eyes. With another mournful cry, the Champion grabbed his sword and leapt at the man in front of him. Qui-Gon only just escaped injury as he was attacked by the man he had come to free. He quickly backed away while holding up a hand to his guards, singnaling them to wait. The Emperor of Naboo drew the Lightsaber he carried and stood ready to fight the man it rightfully belonged to.
The fans of the Jedi fights had greatly looked forward to the day when the two best fighters, the Nameless Jedi and the General, would meet in combat instead of fighting side by side. Now they looked on in horror to see them duel. It seemed a dream, or perhaps a nightmare, to see their swords meet, knowing the next hit could be the one that killed their Emperor. The Champion seemed in a different world, his years of pain pouring out to create a scene that would be forever remembered by Naboo.
There seemed no end, although in truth they had not fought long. Many had speculated on the out come, of the match and now it seemed all too clear. The General fought as brutally as he would fight any foe, not giving an inch or holding back. But it was painfully clear to all that even with his injury, there was something about the Nameless Champion, something in the way he fought, in the way he moved and in the way he preyed upon his opponents that the General's defeat was inevitable.
On knees, Qui-Gon looked up at the Champion who had bested even him, his closest rival. There was no one else out there to replace the Champion, but he could be freed another way, with the gift of a Lightsaber. The Nameless Jedi approached still, it seemed, in the throws of a dream. What could break its hold? Qui-Gon had only one idea and had barely enough time to utter one word before the killing blow was struck.
"Obi-Wan."
The use of his true name startled the Champion. He paused in his move and cocked his head as if listening to something only he could hear. His sword came down, however it did not strike Qui-Gon; instead it clattered to the sands, useless.
"Qui-Gon?"
"Yes, I am here."
'It had been a draw.'
"I've been waiting for you my whole life."
"I know." Qui-Gon smiled. "We can go home now, if you like."
"How did you know?" A look of confusion passed over the Champion's face.
"Know what?"
"My name?"
"I heard it," Qui-Gon answered. "A whisper in the Force. I love you, Obi-Wan, come home with me."
"Say it again."
"Obi-Wan."
The Champion of the arena held out is hand, which the Emperor gladly took, and got to his feet.
"I'd like to go with you, Qui-Gon."
"Then stand before me Obi-Wan Kenobi and be a free man." He held the Lightsaber out to Obi-Wan and proclaimed for all to hear, "I present you, honourable Jedi, with this Lightsaber. Champion Obi-Wan Kenobi, Nameless no more."
The crowd gathered in the stalls of the great Coliseum of Theed erupted into cheers. Obi-Wan smiled and marvelled at all he now possessed. He took the Lightsaber firmly in his hand. As he took the weapon, he leaned forward and said close to Qui-Gon's ear, "I love you too."
Hands overlapping on the hilt of the sword, the two men leaned in and shared their first kiss. The Emperor kissed his chosen one before his people, who could do nothing but be glad for their ruler. Obi-Wan's knees finally gave out from underneath him. Qui-Gon did not let him fall. Without missing a beat, he swept Obi-Wan up into his arms and carried the Champion out of the arena. As he left the sands for the last time, Obi-Wan snuggled closer to his love, knowing they would never be apart and that love would blossom as it had never been able to in Mos Espa.
Xanatos turned to Mace, grinning.
"A perfect ending to my story."
"Indeed," replied the bodyguard. "And a story greatly anticipated by the people, no doubt."
*****
Through out the Empire of Naboo, the story of Qui-Gon's imprisonment and of how love grew between him and the Nameless Champion spread. The people rejoiced to hear their Emperor was happy and in love. The tale was told and retold, with children begging their parents to tell it again. The copies of Xanatos' poem were treated like gold dust.
Naboo was finally at peace and its people content. Qui-Gon Jinn was a great and just ruler, and ever present at his side, was Obi-Wan Kenobi, the greatest warrior the Empire had ever seen. He was also a good man and never led Qui-Gon astray. They ruled together fairly and happily, until the end of their days. When Qui-Gon died, Obi-Wan lay down at his side and he, too, gently drifted away. Xanatos' son became ruler after his uncle and he, too, was great, but none were ever seen again like Qui-Gon Jinn. Why? Because no other man had seen the things he had lived through and no other man had loved and had at his side a man like Obi-Wan Kenobi.