Two weeks ticked by, and Obi-Wan found himself finishing all the Force mind healing sessions with Kinan. While he's sure he will miss the man who helped him through his crisis, he is more than happy to finally be healthy again, to finally reach into the Force and find stability instead of uncertainty, find peace instead of more chaos. It feels like a part of him has been returned, like a long lost friend greeting him after years.

Obi-Wan had quickly realised that his trauma ruined some of his connection to the Force. Somehow, along the way of wars, misery and pain, he had slowly started to move further away from the Force, attempting to dull his powers, attempting to dull the pain that accompanies it. And he has failed quite drastically.

A Jedi doesn't run from the Force, a Jedi embraces the Force. Embraces the emotions that accompany the Force.

But the more Obi-Wan spent time on Serenno, the more he felt less like a Jedi.

His mind healing sessions are going well, he still isn't really feeling content much, he still feels on edge. And he is just so tired.

Obi-Wan never knew that talking about the things which bothered for so long could just exhaust you. It doesn't help he has a never ending list of trauma, a list full of deaths, full of horrifying memories and pained screams, and he still struggles to accept the help he's offered, to let himself be taken care of. It's painful, exhausting and he has about 2 breakdowns a day.

Thankfully, he didn't have a panic attack in the last two weeks, so all is good.

The ending of his sessions with Kinan mean something; he's finally ready to form a bond between Anakin!

Obi-Wan waited for a month and a half now, and he refuses to wait longer. With a determined face, he left his room to have lunch with his family, thoughts clear and head held high. Yan no longer has an excuse for not letting Obi-Wan and Anakin bond.

Obi-Wan arrived at the Dinning Hall sat on T.T.D, watching as everyone came in and sat themselves near the table. Should he tell them now or after they finish eating? Perhaps while they're eating? Maybe later at dinner. How is he supposed to tell them? What does he say? How can he start the subject? Force, he's lost.

Feeling courageous, Obi-Wan clears his throat, gaining everyone's attention.

It's now or never.

"I officially finished my Force mind healing sessions with Kinan, and he said I'm very much stable and healthy in the Force now.", Obi-Wan says firmly. "Therefore, Grandfather, I am fit to bond and communicate with Anakin through the Force."

His family is now all smiles.

Anakin's and Shmi's smile is similar, and if one would look closer, Obi-Wan could see the same similarity in the Dooku siblings' smile.

It hits him at that moment that he's the only one with no biological relation to any of them. But the thought doesn't fill him with envy, or makes him feel out of place, he's reassured that his new family sees him as one of their own. Love him like he's their own.

"Next week.", Yan promises. "It will be best for you both to talk about it with your mind healers before creating the bond."

Obi-Wan wants to protest but when he thinks of it now, he's incredibly nervous to be the Master now, he's worried he might do something wrong and hurt Anakin or maybe not being able to shield enough from him. That mind healing session will be much needed.

"But then we will be bonded!", Anakin exclaims, standing up. "Right Grandpa?", Anakin turns to Yan.

"Of course, Ani.", Yan smiles.

Anakin smiles, Force signature radiating happiness and excitement. Obi-Wan can feel it without the bond and briefly wonders what it would be like to feel it through their bond, how amazing it would be to feel such strong, positive emotions. He can barely wait to be connected to Anakin.

"I have a request", the Count says, sounding hesitant. Uncertain. "I would like to form a bond with both of you, if you are willing."

To anyone, the Count is simply requesting with his usual monotone, but both his grandsons know better. They can hear and feel his uncertainty at his own request, as if he's afraid of rejection, as if Anakin and Obi-Wan would ever reject him.

"I wanna bond with you too Grandpa!", Anakin jumps to hug the Count, who returned it fiercely.

"And I will be overjoyed, Grandfather.", Obi-Wan says softly. He was later surprised when Yan extends a hand, Obi-Wan holds it, puzzled, but then he yelps in surprise as he's pulled into the hug as well.

He chuckles, savouring the moment.

Obi-Wan can't wait for next week.


"You worry that you will be causing Anakin pain through your bond while you're struggling?", Lady Kenda didn't raise an eyebrow or even say something that hints Obi-Wan's fear is ridiculous, but the tone she spoke with is enough.

Obi-Wan doesn't understand how she doesn't understand his point of view. It's a total normal fear is it not? He has so many baggage to unlock and so much healing to do, and reopening old wounds is a slow painful process which leaves Obi-Wan a mess more often than not. So it's understandable that he fears he will accidentally be causing Anakin pain.

By Lady Kenda's now raised brow, she doesn't seem to agree.

"Obi-Wan", she says slowly. "You aren't the first patient that both Kinan and I worked with together. I have known him for years and he is a professional, wonderful, Force sensitive mind healer. If he thinks your shields are weak or unbecoming, he wouldn't be giving you his official permission to bond with Anakin."

"I know but-"

"No buts Obi-Wan. This is something you waited for for almost two months now, I'm sure you don't want to back down from it. You're doing amazingly well and while it's completely normal to feel nervous and scared, don't let it overrule you."

Obi-Wan opens his mouth then closes it.

"But what if I accidentally slip through my shields and he feels my pain?", he asks quietly. Almost whispering. He can feel Lady Kenda's Force signature softening a bit.

"Then it's an accident. Accident you had no control of, accident you must not blame yourself for. It won't be your fault, and you should never ever blame yourself for it. And Anakin grew up in an environment full of pain, he will know how to treat you.", Obi-Wan winces at the last part. "I know. I don't like his past either, but it's the truth. He may be a child but he was born into a place where he wasn't allowed to be one. He can handle himself when it comes to these things if necessary, and necessary only."

Obi-Wan was silent for a few moments, thinking about what Lady Kenda said. What she said is true, and it doesn't help that the Force is also telling him she's right, he has no other way to argue back, to say something in return, because she's right. Obi-Wan sighs fondly, his lips turning up in a smile.

"I assume I won't be able to change your mind, Lady Kenda.", he says smiling.

"No. And you better bond with Anakin and allow yourself to be taken care of, Obi-Wan.", she returns the smile though her words a sharp contrast to her smile.

Obi-Wan laughed. "I wouldn't dream of not doing it. Thank you, Lady Kenda."

"You're most welcome, Obi-Wan."

The Force curled around him warmly, surrounding him with anticipation and peace.

Obi-Wan is ready.


So the day finally arrived. Obi-Wan never felt very nervous and very excited at the same time, but the anticipation ate at him alive, he woke up with his stomach churning from happiness and anxiety, breakfast had been a joyous event, Anakin chattering away about his obvious excitement to bond with Obi-Wan and start his training to be a Jedi, Jenza and Shmi also talking about how happy they are to be able to see such thing, and Yan was as calm and collected as ever. Obi-Wan looked like he has everything together, but from the inside, he felt like a walking drunk bantha.

Ever the drama queen, Yan chose the fanciest room there is in the Castle. Dark walls, one of them is purely made out of glass which makes it show the now white mountains and almost frozen sea outside, golden curtains decorating it, black pillars with golden lines twirling around each other adorning it, the floor is made out of dark rich brown wood. The room is large enough to house over 800 people.

Obi-Wan and Anakin sat on the plush soft pillows brought by the servants, facing each other. Yan sat a few feet back in the middle, his back to the glorious landscape. The ladies in the family chose to sit on the elegant black armchairs which were also brought by the servants.

With a hint of amusement, Obi-Wan notes that they're all dressed up for today. Even Anakin. Jenza - the fashion icon she is - is over overdressed in a long-sleeved, furry and dark brown dress, her hair braided six simple but beautiful braids at the crown of her head, leaving the rest of her hair down, she's wearing white gloves, matching with her white earrings, white necklace and white heels. Long story short, the Countess looks stunning.

Shmi is dressed with something far more regal than what she always wears. Jenza helped her pick the outfit herself, brown hair tied in an elegant bun with two braids tied from the sides of her head to it, wide white dress with a silver thick belt tied to her waist, she wore a silver fur cloak to protect her from the cold. Jenza had insisted on making new jewelry for Shmi, one of them is the silver flower shaped necklace on her neck, Shmi refused to wear anything more.

Obi-Wan can understand that for a woman who lived a life long in slavery would find such luxury overwhelming, if not unreal, Shmi herself confessed that sometimes, she felt as if this whole thing is a dream, or a hallucination made by her brain to escape the horror she knew her whole life. Jenza didn't push her to wear anything more, and expressed how proud she is of Shmi to make it this far, and worked through things at her own pace.

There is Yan being Yan, ever so dramatic. He wore a beautiful fitted robes, surprisingly, they're not black, the colour of it is grey, embodied with the symbols of House Serenno, a velvet green cloak tied with metal at his collarbone, and his hair combed and trimmed as always. Obi-Wan can see the grey hairs blend in with the colour of the suit, they didn't appear noticeably as they did before.

And last but not least, Obi-Wan and Anakin, who were matching. Anakin insisted he and Obi-Wan wear the same articles of clothing because it's their 'special day', Obi-Wan - who has a soft Anakin-shaped spot in his heart - didn't refuse and complied with the tailor, who designed for them their white and blue robes, making Anakin's pieces heavier since he gets cold easily. They're both wearing brown tunics underneath their white cloaks.

Anakin looks absolutely lost in his new clothes, even if they were made for his size, he looks so tiny and Obi-Wan can't help himself when he reached squeezed Anakin's cheeks because he is just so adorable. Anakin gave a half-hearted protest, making everyone laugh in the room.

Obi-Wan stared at his new Padawan - Force, he had been his Padawan since two months ago - and felt a fresh wave of fondness and adoration rush through him. They've already said their Master-Padawan vows but this here, their bond, it will be the very thing that makes them a Master and Padawan, it will be the very thing that ties them together and get them through thick and thin.

It will be a bond of family, a bond of love.

Because no matter how much the Jedi try to deny it, Masters will always love their Padawans. Obi-Wan is sure the rule of attachment exists because of Padawans, and it's the same rule that each Master bends for their Padawan.

Each one but Qui-Gon, it seems.

But oh well, Obi-Wan isn't going to allow his late Master to ruin this moment. This precious moment where he and Anakin will finally be recognised by the Force as Master and Padawan. Obi-Wan takes one last look at Anakin, and he knows immediately that yes, he is attached, and there is absolutely nothing he wouldn't be doing for the child and absolutely no one will compare to him.

Because try as he might to stick to the Code, Obi-Wan already finds himself loving the child in his care, and he is getting attached so very quickly.

"Ready?", Obi-Wan asks Anakin with a small grin.

"Are you?", Anakin quips back, and Obi-Wan's smile widens.

No more words were exchanged between them. Both closed their eyes, reached for each other in the Force and Obi-Wan feels Anakin's ridiculously bright signature clumsily reach for his own, unguarded, unshielded, but determined to find Obi-Wan. Internally, Obi-Wan chuckled, closing the bridge between them and allowing his Force signature to twirl around Anakin's for a moment, allowing the boy to adjust to having someone new in his mind before wrapping him up in a protective circle. Shielding his mind, shielding him, from anyone and anything else.

Something snapped between them, but it wasn't the bad kind of snap, not like the snap he heard and felt when Qui-Gon died. It was the good kind of snap, the kind that you hear when the pieces move together, when everything comes aligned perfectly.

Their Force bond came to life.

Anakin let out a happy gasp, and Obi-Wan can feel his emotions as if they were his own; excitement, love, happiness...

Anakin's joy is contiguous and Obi-Wan finds himself laughing outloud, making them both open their eyes. Anakin quickly rushed to Obi-Wan's already open arms, as if on instinct. Anakin's giggles are now in his ear, but his happiness shines in Obi-Wan's mind, and Obi-Wan never felt so complete before.

Breathing in Anakin's hair, Obi-Wan held him closer, one hand in his hair and the other wrapped tightly around his small frame. Anakin's small arms around his neck tightened, his contentment shinning in the Force.

Pulling back, Obi-Wan grinned at Anakin, kisses his forehead, then turned towards Yan with Anakin still in his arms. "We are ready", he said. Yan nodded and gave a small smile when he heard Anakin's happy giggle.

Yan reached for them both, their newfound Force bond making it easier for him to bond with them both. When all is said and done, Anakin ran to hug Yan - Obi-Wan very reluctantly let him go - followed by Obi-Wan who went in the hug willingly and happily. Seconds later, he felt Jenza and Shmi join them, engulfing him and making him feel so unbelievably safe and sound.

This is... nice. Obi-Wan likes being hugged, he actually loves hugs, he loves the feeling of safety and happiness that accompanied hugs, it's something he never knew how much he needed it until now, how much he wanted it. When they all pulled away several moments later, Obi-Wan felt a pang of disappointment at letting go.

Suddenly, Anakin crawled in his space and clung to his neck like a human limpet. Obi-Wan chuckled, remembering Anakin can feel his emotions now, but hugged him back all the same. "I love you Obi!", Anakin chirped happily, clinging to Obi-Wan tightly.

Obi-Wan swallowed a lump in his throat, squeezing Anakin tighter. "I love you too Ani", he kissed his child's head. "More than you know."

No one interrupted the moment, the same way no one commented when Obi-Wan stood up with Anakin still in his arms.

"So,", Jenza starts, her eyes gleaming mischievously. "I didn't cancel all of my appointments for the day for a few moments, the same way I didn't dress up for a few moments. We are having lunch outside today, after we take a stroll in the Capital."

Everyone laughed at her words, even Jenza herself. "I agree", Yan says. "It's a beautiful day today, we should be going out before it gets colder.", his eyes fly to look at the glistening landscape behind him, eyeing the quickly freezing sea.

Obi-Wan would love to get out for a change, and by the rush of excitement from Anakin's side of the bond, he's not the only one looking forwards to see Carannia. Shmi's Force signature hums with approval and Obi-Wan can already feel everyone in the room picturing their outing.

Obi-Wan smiles, already knowing it's the start of a beautiful, happy day.


Carannia is buzzing with life and flourishing with lights. Obi-Wan has a feeling he will always be amazed by the city's beauty, no matter how much time he spends in it or how many times he visited the city - or even Serenno, the planet itself - he will never be able to get over it's beauty. People move on with their lives, their Force signatures bright and warm.

Today, the sun isn't warm at all. There is no sunshine filtering through white clouds, instead, the clouds are grey and dark, the wind is blowing, and even though he cannot feel the cold, Obi-Wan still shivers. Still, it's a beautiful day.

Obi-Wan looks down at Anakin, who's holding his mother's hand and practically springing. He doesn't seem to be cold, Madame Tee - their caretaker, she's a middle aged woman with a pinched expression, and so very maternal - dressed him in the fluffier coat the Castle owns, she even attempted to add another layer before Anakin squirmed away. The coat must be very warm because Anakin isn't shivering at all.

Obi-Wan can feel Anakin's emotions more clearly now, his awe and eagerness. He's struck again by the fact that he's a Master, and he has his own Padawan.

A Padawan who now let go of his mother's hand to hold Obi-Wan's.

Instinctively, Obi-Wan held Anakin's hand tightly, squeezing it briefly. Anakin squeezed back, sending a clumsy message of loveyou-you'resowizard-greatestjediever through their newborn bond.

Obi-Wan felt his own love and apprehension rise in return. Obi-Wan looked down at his youngling and smiled upon seeing Anakin already looking at him. His small smile with him literally drowning in his fluffy coat, making only his face and the tuft of his hair show made him look even more adorable.

"We should go to the park!", Jenza piped in all of a sudden, making Obi-Wan startle. She didn't have the audacity to look apologetic, Obi-Wan should really get used to her doing that. And to be frank, he kind of likes it. Of course not him being startled but Jenza's ever so bright and so cheerful nature, the way she does or says anything makes you love her immediately.

"Which one?", Yan asks, not even bothering to look back at her.

"The most famous one, the most beautiful! My parents used to take me there every weekend!", Jenza says excitedly, stopping to hop for a few moments before continuing her way. "It's so beautiful! I'll show it to you! It's this way! Come on!"

She doesn't even wait for them when she almost bolts off. They had to sprint a bit to be able to keep up with her. Anakin seemed to be the only one to enjoy it, because he ran to follow Jenza almost immediately, giggling all the while.

They arrive to a black gate, metal flowers decorating it. Once they spot Jenza, the guards immediately open it, allowing the group of five to get in. Apparently, being royal has it's advantages, they didn't even have to pay or wait in line. An advantage Obi-Wan guesses he will have now.

"So! Take a general look at the beauty of Cara's Park!", Jenza stopped to turn around, opening her eyes wide to gesture to the park around her. "Then I'll give you a tour!", she beamed at them, before turning back and admiring the park herself.

The park is breathtaking. At the top of a hill, there are four waterfalls aligned together, resembling a bow, the water fell into a pool, then later fell from there into smaller rocks then sneaking into small ways where it can spread to the trees and greenery there. There are trees surrounding the waterfalls, giving them a majestic look.

There are several metal, elegant benches with their back to the glorious view, and several others facing it. There are also few statues and structures here and there, there is a path in the middle of the grass made out of white rocks, few trees trimmed in a way to make them look like statues, and several other paths of white rocks. Obi-Wan is still in awe of the view in front of him.

He can hear the water falling down, can feel the way it's moving, the motion of it. It's calming, peaceful even.

"I can feel the fish in there!", Anakin piped up, pointing at the small pool. Obi-Wan looked at him, seeing him taking everything in with hungry eyes and a curious Force signature. He put a hand on his shoulder, smiling.

"Very good, Anakin. What else do you feel?", Obi-Wan asked curiously. He didn't feel the fish first, it was the water that demanded his very attention. Anakin titled his head to the side, closing his eyes, after a while, he snapped them open with an excited grin on his face. "The trees! And the birds on the trees! Also, I can feel all the animals in here! And people too!", his eyes looked at Obi-Wan, looking for validation.

The vulnerable look in Anakin's eyes made Obi-Wan's heart clench. How many times did he look at his own Master with this look before realising he is looking for something that isn't there? Something that won't be there because his Master wouldn't give it to him, something he very much needed but never got. Something he will never ever deprive Anakin of. Ever.

"That's great, Ani! You're doing a wonderful job!", Obi-Wan knelt down cup his child's cheek. Anakin beamed at him and looked down shyly, muttering a small thank you under his breath. Adorable.

"Come on now!", Jenza turned to the right, walking gracefully. Thankfully, she's not running anymore, Obi-Wan doesn't think he can spend his whole day sprinting after her, he doesn't even understand how she does it with heels. She is truly something else. "I'll give you a tour of this place!"

Obi-Wan held Anakin's hand when he followed her because younglings don't go anywhere without holding their parent's hand, dear one, I just want you to be safe. Anakin pouted at first, but quickly brightened up when Jenza showed them a new place in the park, making Obi-Wan chuckle.

He's going to be fine.


Jenza's memories of this park are bittersweet. Her parents used to bring her and her older brother here every weekend, she remembers chasing her brother around the park, climbing the trees, swimming in the many lakes and pools here, it's not a small park, it's big enough to be a city. It's easily the most gorgeous sight in Carannia.

And while she's fond of the park, very much so, she can't help the feeling of pain that accompanies her whenever she even thinks about it or visit it. Jenza haven't visited Cara's Park since her older brother died and her nephew and his mother left to Alderaan. Once again, after thinking she has a family, she found herself all alone.

But not now, Jenza will make sure her family stays safe and sound now.

Jenza took Anakin to the fields of meadows, enjoying his genuine awed reaction at seeing it for the first time. His childish innocence never failed to make her happy, and she enjoys spending time with him and spoiling him as much as she can, give him as much love as she can because she knows how difficult his childhood had been so far, how much he suffered. She only wants him to be happy.

Then Anakin botled, high pitched giggles can be heard as he ran right into the field.

Jenza stared at him for a moment, before shrugging and running after him, chasing him just as she did when she was a child and chased another dark haired boy. When she was a small girl without the weight of a planet on her shoulders, when she was playing hide-and-seek with Ramil.

Anakin brought out a part of her she thought was long gone, a childish part. One she missed so dearly and didn't know she needed so bad.

And as she ran after Anakin, her own giggles mixing with his, she couldn't help the feeling of freedom that came with it.

She can forget about her being a Countess today, she can forget about her dead family, she can forget about the growing tension with the Republic and Serenno.

She can forget and be free. If only for a day.


"I have no idea how she can run in a field with heels on.", Obi-Wan said looking at Jenza with an incredulous look in his eyes. "I mean, on normal floor, I get. I truly do! But in a field?!"

Yan looked at his sister who finally caught up to Anakin, tagged him, and then run as fast as she could, not even minding the fact that she's running from a nine years old. But oh well, that's Jenza. It's just something she does, like the running in heels.

"I'm not that surprised.", Yan said watching the pair with amusement. They were all sitting on the grass - Yan removed his cloak for the time being so it can be clean for later - and watched the pair play in the fields of meadows contentedly.

Yan felt his sister's sadness and fondness for this place. He saw a few images come to his head, ones with a boy with dark hair and brown eyes, playing and swimming in this very park, a man and a woman - his own parents -, who looked elegant, always, sitting in the same spot they're sitting in and watching their children play. He feels the longing and grief with the images of said people.

Yan himself doesn't share the pain or feel longing for these people, people who he was supposed to grow up with. But the more he thought of them, the more he felt like he won't fit in with them even if he grew up with them.

When his father, Gora Dooku, knew of his Force sensitivity, he threw him in the forest, either to die or to be found by the Jedi. Yan can never forgive his father for that, can never forgive him for letting go of him and leaving him to die after contacting the Jedi Temple because of his abilities. He doesn't know much of his late older brother Ramil, so he doesn't know much of him and his thoughts about the Force.

When he first met Jenza, he expected her to be stuck up and cold, to sneer in his face in disgust because of his Force sensitivity. He didn't expect her to hug him and welcome him with literal open arms. He didn't expect her warm welcome.

Then they talked, and Yan realised his sister is by far the weirdest politician he ever met. She was warm and kind, and she told him about how she changed the views on Force sensitives on Serenno for him, for the brother she didn't know about most of her life, the brother her parents pretended never existed. Ramil had told her briefly about him and that's all she knows.

She told him back then how happy she was to see him, and asked to keep contact if possible. Yan - who back then had his doubts about the Jedi - agreed and kept in touch with her for a long time before leaving to his home planet and serving as an ambassador for it. Jenza was more than happy to have him around and he quickly found out that despite her kind nature, she is a good politician.

Yan watched as she and Anakin now came close, still laughing and panting. Jenza flopped on the grass with a dramatic yet graceful swoop, Anakin fell atop her, his small body heaving with pants, though a tad dramatic while doing that. Shmi and Obi-Wan chuckled at them while Yan just gave a small smile.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his knee. Yan stiffened slightly, still unused to physical affection before he recognised the touch, he looked at Jenza questionably, making her give a sly smile in return. "You look good when you smile, my dear brother", Yan raised an eye brow, feeling the Force hum with warning.

He didn't even have the chance to ask what she's planning to do before she threw actual dirt at him. Yan stayed still in shock for few moments, hearing the others laugh at him before he recovered and threw dirt back at her, cringing at the feeling of it in his hand.

How unsanitary.

Jenza only laughed, not minding the fact that her elegant dress is now tainted with dirt. She grabbed another handful and threw it at him, this time, he deflected it with the Force. "Not fair!", Jenza whined while pouting, throwing another handful at him, huffing in frustration when he deflected it again, and this time, hurled it back at her.

"I believe it's completely fair, my dear sister.", Yan tuts. "What is not fair is you using the element of surprise and treachery against your own brother."

"Oh shut up, you are using the Forcie thingie to stop me."

"It's called the Force not the Forcie thingie and I'm only using one of my powers as an advantage."

"I will have you know I will call it whatever I want and you are cheating!", Jenza hurled another handful at him as she said the last word, then immediately threw another. The second one took Yan by surprise and he chided himself for letting her win.

"Force, you are impossible.", he said in disbelief.

"I know.", Jenza said grinning.

"It wasn't a compliment."

"I know, it's a fact. That's why I said I know and not thank you."

Yan glared at her grinning face, continued to do so for a few moments. He heard Obi-Wan laugh in the background and immediately turned to face him, making the Jedi Knight instantly shut up. A bunch of traitors.

"Are you supporting her?!", Yan said frustration colouring his voice, watching Obi-Wan like a hawk, daring to see a move that hints Yan is right. Obi-Wan stammered and looked to the sides for a few times, trying to come up with an excuse.

"Oh grow up!", a handful of dirt hit his back and yes, that's it. He's going to make her pay.

Jenza saw the look on his face, her eyes widened comically and then ran, Yan hot at her heels. The trio behind laughing at the siblings.


They didn't go to one of the fancy restaurants because Yan refused to go in there covered in dirt. Jenza had rolled her eyes but ordered food from one of the takeaways and thanked them for it when it arrived. They spent the day eating lunch in the Castle's garden, where Anakin and Jenza played hide-and-seek, and Obi-Wan, the stoic Jedi he is, meditated.

Yan himself haven't meditated in a while, and frankly, he doesn't know why. Qui-Gon's death had hit him hard, he didn't expect himself to outlive his former Padawan, the same way he didn't expect the Sith to return, and their first victim had to be his Padawan. And though Qui-Gon made so many mistakes, Yan still loved him.

Still does.

The grief he felt hadn't left him yet, and he doubts it ever will. He thinks there will forever he a hole in his chest in the shape of Qui-Gon, Qui-Gon who brought strays and plants to their apartment, Qui-Gon who had great fondness for tea, who he raised and trained and fathered. And now he's gone, gone like he never existed.

If only the blasted Jedi Council had listened, if only they weren't so stuck up and arrogant, Qui-Gon would be alive.

Qui-Gon would be alive and then Yan will be scolding him for the mess he made, for not telling anyone of Anakin's slave background or the fact his mother was left behind. He would scold him for the way he treated Obi-Wan and make him fix everything he did.

But he can't.

Qui-Gon is gone, and he cannot do any of that.

There is no death, there is the Force.

What an absurd, foolish saying. Death exists, whether the Jedi like it or not, death exists and it takes lives away without asking, without waiting, without telling why. Death is cruel and sudden, no one can truly be prepared for it.

Yan learned that the hard way.

And he has a feeling he will continue to learn that, he will continue to see deaths happening around him, to the people he loves.

His family.

Dread gripped him as he stared at them, every one of them content. Anakin and Jenza moving around, Shmi quietly watching them, and Obi-Wan sitting on the grass with his eyes closed. Oh Force, he cannot afford to lose them, Yan will bring the galaxy to it's knees before he does.

With a determined feeling in his gut, Yan vowed to always do what is best for his family. Even at the sake of the galaxy.


"Guess who's now bonded!", Obi-Wan said as soon as his friends appeared in the hologram. All five of them gasped excitedly, and he laughed, excited as well.

"Obes! Where is the squirt?! I wanna see him!", Quinlan basically yelled, making Siri who's next to him huff.

"What Quin means, is that we are happy to know you finished all of your Force mind healing sessions and that you're bonded to Anakin now. We just want to see him.", Siri says, glaring at Quinlan who only grinned at her.

"Oh he's taking a shower, he had quite an adventure today...", Obi-Wan continued telling his friends of his day, of his happiness over here, and how much he loves this place.

By the time he's finishes, his friends all glance each other while smiling hesitantly. Obi-Wan frowned immediately, he knows this look, this looks says they want to ask a difficult question but they don't know how, so they're trying to make one of them do it or start asking. With a heavy sigh, Obi-Wan spoke;

"Alright on with it. What is it?", he asked annoyed.

"Yousaidyouwillbebackintwomonths!", Garen spit out quickly. He spoke so fast Obi-Wan didn't even understand him.

Siri face palmed and Reeft just put his head into his hands. Quinlan pushed Bant towards him, and their poor sweet friend looked at the others helplessly, trying to make one of them say it but found no help.

Usually, Obi-Wan would be the one to pity her and put himself in her place. But now, there is no Obi-Wan.

Oh.

"Obi-Wan, we are happy you are having fun in Serenno but..", Bant trailed off, her eyes looking from side to side.

Obi-Wan already knew the unsaid. "You want me to come back to the Temple.", he said, voice devoid of emotion.

Bant winced and immediately hid back, probably admonishing herself for being the one to say it. Quinlan huffed and moved forwards, almost taking all of the holo with his frame.

"It's been two standard months Obes! And you're done with the Force healing so everything is fine! Come back home already!", Quinlan crossed his arms but quickly uncrossed them when Siri hit the back of his head.

"What!?"

"Seriously?!"

"Someone had to say it!"

"Yes but not like this!"

"Sorry for missing my friend!"

"It's not about missing him you dumb stupid as-"

"Two more months.", Obi-Wan said finally, finding his voice back.

The hologram of his friends went silent for a few moments before they all voiced their agreement and quickly silenced Quinlan who looked like he was about to complain more.

After wrapping up the call, Obi-Wan leaned back into the couch with a heavy sigh. He misses the Jedi Temple, but it doesn't feel like home anymore, home is now here, in the Castle of Serenno and his family, home is where he created happy memories with the people he loves. It's scary how quickly he came to think of this place home, a place he only spent two months in, and forgot about the place that housed him since he was a toddler.

Even if he goes back, Obi-Wan needs guidance. He doesn't know how to start Anakin's training, what to do first, how to take care of him if he's having a bad day, if he's crying, if he's sad, if he's having a hard time adjusting. Obi-Wan is a new Knight himself who has absolutely no idea what to do.

Here, he can ask Yan for help. Yan would be able to give him help and tips on how to train Anakin, how to raise him and how to deal with him. He has an opportunity for guidance now.

Yes two more months. Two more months where he gets enough help to be able to raise Anakin on his own.

Two months is enough time right?


Anakin hummed to himself as he moved towards Obi-Wan's room. Tonight, he is going to have a sleepover with Obi-Wan! If you're wondering if Anakin made sure the day he and Obi-Wan bond align with the day they have their sleepover, then you're absolutely right. They can have lots of fun together tonight! Obi-Wan can teach Anakin about the Force more!

However, when he opened the door, he saw his new teacher sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. Anakin instantly frowned and ran to him, doing his best to send calm, soothing feelings in the Force, getting frustrated when it didn't work. Suddenly, he felt hands grab him and drag him into Obi-Wan's lap.

"Close your eyes and focus on the emotions you want to give", Obi-Wan said softly, his hand coming up to stroke Anakin's hair. Anakin closed his eyes, focusing on the feelings of safety and calmness. "Very good. Now, send them slowly towards the person you want them to reach.", Obi-Wan's gentle voice guided Anakin through the Force.

Anakin slowly sent the feelings towards Obi-Wan, all while his eyes are closed. When he felt Obi-Wan feeling much calmer and happier, he opened his eyes and grinned at him, proud of himself for accomplishing something with the Force. Like a real Jedi.

"Thank you, Anakin.", Obi-Wan said with a small smile. Anakin beamed at him.

"You're welcome, Obi-Wan!", he said leaning in to give Obi-Wan a hug.

Obi-Wan wrapped his own arms around him in return. Through the Force, Anakin can feel how tired Obi-Wan truly is, can feel how sad and lost he feels at the moment, with a frown, Anakin pulled back to look at him. Obi-Wan gave him a puzzled look.

"We should sleep now.", Anakin demanded, Obi-Wan stared at him in surprise. "You're tired, we should sleep now."

Obi-Wan chuckled and moved towards the bed with Anakin following him. Anakin determinedly tucked Obi-Wan under the covers, his small nose scrunching up in concentration, his small hands working to make sure Obi-Wan is fully covered before bringing his own blankets. They quickly discovered that Anakin has a tendency to steal all the blankets, so they made sure to give him his own.

He laid on the bed, facing Obi-Wan. Anakin lifted a small hand to land in Obi-Wan's own big hand. Obi-Wan held it tightly, making Anakin squeeze it, earning a squeeze back in return, Anakin started humming one of Leia's songs, knowing how calming they made him feel when his mother sang them to him. Obi-Wan seemed to relax through the song, and it wasn't long before he fell asleep.

Anakin felt himself drifting off not long after, the day's activities taking his energy away. With a small yawn, he closed his eyes contentedly.

His hand is still in Obi-Wan's when he fell asleep, and when he wakes up next morning, it will be there as well.


"The construction crew has told me that the Galaxy will take about 6 years to be completely finished.", Yan told Jenza with a grimace, his eyes shinning with disdain.

"6 years is an acceptable time. Don't forget the project is not a regular one. It's a huge one.", Jenza reminded him as she fixed her hair for sleep.

They were both in her chambers, specifically where she gets her hair and makeup done. She's preparing for bed but she and her brother are both discussing work, even though there were no duties for them today, they still have to discuss the fate of their people. Or their planet.

"Yes but who knows how corrupted the senate will be by then.", Yan argued, his lips twitching.

"We have to keep our appearances anyway. Plus, we have a way of fending to ourselves after those 6 years. Don't worry about it much.", Jenza offers as a reassurance, hoping to calm her brother down.

"After these 6 years, but with this new Chancellor, I don't believe it will be a good place", Yan says the word Chancellor with disgust. "The senate should be ashamed for allowing a queen to vote against the Chancellor they chose at first. And now they've chosen her own senator! Doesn't it seem suspicious to you!?"

Jenza's lips tightened with thought. "It does. And I do believe there is something bigger going on, but we can't just go and demand answers from Queen Amidala, this will raise suspicious."

Yan looked to the side for a long while before his eyes shone with a promise of an idea. "Obi-Wan and Anakin worked with her, we can ask them about her in a non suspicious way-" Jenza snorted. "Plus, we can make Theodar get close to the new senator. They will be new and naive, the more information we gather about Queen Amidala, the better."

"You believe she planned a scheme?", Jenza asked, looking at her brother with a heavy look. Yan nodded after a long while, making Jenza sigh heavily. "The whole thing is suspicious. I have a very bad feeling about it, and I want to get to the bottom of it."

Jenza pondered about her brother's words for a while, letting all the possibilities come to her mind. She thinks of the whole thing as suspicious and weird as well, and not to mention it feels like a literal planned scandal, but they both can't go to Queen Amidala of the Naboo or the Chancellor of the Republic and demand answers, this will ring alarm bells. Their only chances are Obi-Wan and Anakin and Theodar.

"Then we will ask Obi-Wan and Anakin about Queen Amidala of the Naboo tomorrow", Jenza said finally. "And we will ask to see Theodar before he goes to Coruscant again. It's best not to talk about this on comms.",

Yan nodded in agreement, Jenza can see happiness in his eyes. "That we will do. Goodnight dear sister."

"Goodnight Yan."

With a heavy heart, Jenza stared at the smallest of the two moons, where her family is buried. Montero, the lush beautiful planet, where the royal family is buried.

"I will protect the planet", Jenza said to her ancestors, who are watching over her and her people. "I will do what I must and do all I can."

With that final promise, Jenza goes to bed.


A/N : I hope you enjoyed this, also it took me so long cuz I had a few exams.

I hope you guys enjoyed it!