Title: Broken Promises and New Beginnings
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21. I thank Cynical21 for allowing me to reference her work. If you haven't read her story you are really missing out on a wonderful story.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
****************************************************************
He wasn't sure if he had screamed in his dream or aloud. He had bolted upright in his bed his Master's name upon his lips and his hands reaching out in desperation. His throat felt raw and his face was wet. His breathing was shallow as he squeezed his eyes shut against the pain.
It had been a dream. He had been in danger and had known his Master would come for him. He had sensed Qui-Gon before he had seen him. He had moved so quickly loosening the bonds that held his young Padawan. The words that he murmured were both comforting and soothing. Staring up at his Master Obi- Wan had felt his strength return to him and knew that whatever was demanded of him that he would willingly offer it. They would survive. They would escape.
With a sudden shock the events of the past day came rushing back to him. The nightmare he had just awoken from was nothing compared to the one he found himself living in. It pressed in on him and threatened to strangle him. The dream and reality mixing together into some warped version of the truth.
He had to move. He had to get busy. Katas he would do katas. He needed to do them. Work would save him. They would force his mind to stay busy, too busy to contemplate the incredible sense of loss.
He wanted to not think, to not remember. He threw back his blanket and lowered himself to the floor. It was then that another wave of despair ripped through him again. He could no longer be brave or put on his Jedi serenity. He felt an emptiness and finality within him that shook him to his core.
Obi-Wan collapsed to the floor great sobs coming from within him. He felt it now. It was over. He was no longer Qui-Gon's Padawan. He no longer could sense the man in his mind nor would Obi-Wan ever feel the comfort of crying out to his Master knowing with complete assurance that Qui-Gon would move heaven and earth to reach him. He felt so cold and alone. He felt lost and sorrowful. He carefully shielded his grief from his new master. He didn't want Yoda feeling rejected or disappointed by his new Padawan. These feelings would pass, but in the meantime Obi-Wan knew he would have to work harder than ever to remain centered in the force.
In mere hours he and Yoda would be facing the Sith. It might even be the same one that almost bested Qui-Gon. He couldn't be distracted. One moments hesitation could mean the loss of another Master. Turning his mind back to his duty helped to ease his pain and refocus him for the moment. Swallowing his grief he vowed to deal with it once this mission was over.
He stepped into his leggings and threw his under tunic back on. He decided to start with the first kata and then decided against it. He could still feel Qui-Gon's hands on his waist guiding him as a child learning the kata for the first time. No, he would start with something more advanced. Settling on the thirty-fourth kata he moved into the starting position. Concentrating on his breathing he forced his mind to avoid the chasm where the bond with Qui-Gon had been and instead to focus on perfecting his movements. In a few hours everyone would be up and they would be entering Naboo's orbit. He had to be ready. The fate of a world depended on it.
Having turned in their data tickets to the deck officer, Qui-Gon and Anakin began making their way down the maze of passages within the belly of the Amadina in order to locate their quarters.
Anakin had never traveled on such a huge ship before. He was fascinated by all the different people traveling, the sound of the powerful engines igniting, and the strange smell of the slightly recirculated air.
"Ani, keep looking for passage YTTY." Qui-Gon commanded as he lugged their packs and continued searching. He had never felt his age as much as he was feeling it today. He had spent the better part of the night packing his meager belongings. He was amazed now at how much so little weighed as he continued to trudge down one corridor after another.
Once he had finished packing he had laid out his Jedi tunics and cloak, disassembled his light saber, and turned in his official holo recorder as well as his interplanetary diplomatic passport.
He had checked through his home three or four times while Anakin had slept in Obi-Wan's bed. He had lingered over the holos that he had decided to leave for his ex-Padawan. It had been a difficult decision. Part of him had feared that if he left them behind that the young man would just throw them away in which case it would have been better if he had taken them, but it would have been wrong to have taken all of the records of their time together. He had to hope that despite the present condition of their relationship that those memories were as precious to Obi-Wan as they were to him. Surely even if now he couldn't appreciate them in time he would.
Leaving the temple had been harder than he had imagined. It had been all the life he had ever known. No one had been by to say farewell or wish him well. He had at least expected Mace to come by and wish them a good trip. They had been age mates at the temple and life long friends. He had lingered too long and caused them to miss their shuttle holding out for that visit that never came.
He hadn't expected Yoda to come. He knew that his old Master was far from the planet with Obi-Wan seeing to the situation on Naboo. He briefly allowed himself a mental image of his old master along side the beautiful young man he had spent years training. They were a good match in some ways. They both had a mischievous streak and a fierce sense of loyalty. He could see them sorting out missions as he and Obi-Wan had over the last twelve years and as he and Yoda had long ago. He realized that he was the link that joined them. It comforted him to know that they were together to protect each other and comfort one another in his absence. He wondered what his old master must think of him. By now Yoda was fully aware of the gift that Obi-Wan was to any master and must no doubt think his old student mad for walking away from such a gift. Yoda himself though had always taught him to 'worry not what the master thinks. Obey the force you must.'
Qui-Gon had decided to pretend that his leaving the Temple was temporary. He realized how childish he was being but it had been the only way he had had the strength to walk away with any semblance of serenity. He had left on hundreds of missions before, so what was one more. He hadn't looked back once he had walked down the steps. It would have been too difficult. Once more he reached out to the force to reassure himself that all he had done had been necessary. He felt it hum around him assuring him that he was indeed following its call. /I serve the force./ It had been his mantra over the years and had continued to be chanted throughout the long night following the terrible scene with Obi-Wan, the long hours waiting for farewells that never came, and the walk to the transport station. /I serve the force./ It wasn't completely comforting but it would have to do.
Anakin had awakened with the excitement of a nine year old starting a new life. His energy had helped to buoy that of the older man. After thinking about it for a long while Qui-Gon had decided that they would head for Lustar to start with anyway. It was a beautiful planet. It was also a place where Qui-Gon had been very helpful to the ruling family in settling many treaties over the years while in the service of the Jedi.
King Napal had always insisted that if he was ever in need that he would call on them. Well he was definitely in need now. He only hoped that they would honor the man who no longer wore the saber as much as they had honored him when he had.
"There." Anakin yelled jarring Qui-Gon from his thoughts.
"YTTY." Qui-Gon sighed in relief and nodded. "Good Ani. Half the battle is won. Now we are looking for cabin 4224."
Anakin sprinted down the passage seeking it out. Qui-Gon smiled as he watched the boy disappear down the passage. Had Obi-Wan been this excited on their first journey? No. He remembered now that he hadn't. He had been devastated because he had just been turned down by Qui-Gon and had been on his way to Bandomeer to the Agri Corps. Qui-Gon shuddered as he remembered the look on Obi-Wan's face then and yesterday. So similar in the despair and rejection he couldn't help but shudder as he remembered the words he had so cruelly thrown at his beloved student the day before.
"You were no mistake." He muttered under his breath not realizing that other passengers were staring in confusion at the old man talking to himself. He leaned for a moment against the bulkhead and relished a steadying breath.
"I found it." Anakin beamed racing back to him.
"How far?" Qui-Gon asked hoping it was near as his arms had begun to tire.
"Not too far." Anakin replied emphasizing the "too" and not comforting his Master in the process.
Once they had finally arrived at their quarters Qui-Gon sat heavily upon the bunk. It was a small room with two bunks, a fresher, a chair and desk. Everything had at one time been meant to be white but with use the room had a definite off-white cast to it. Anakin climbed up to the top bunk and looked down at the resting master.
"How long till we get there?" Qui-Gon gave a half hearted smile and started wondering if he was too old to take on a new Padawan.
"Anakin we will get there when we get there. You must learn to be patient. " His voice was calm and overlaid with a bit of sleep suggestion.
He heard Anakin yawn. Just a nap Qui-Gon told himself. A short nap and then they would explore the ship. He had promised Ani that they would do so this morning when they had first spotted the huge transport. The man lowered himself further onto the bunk and lay with his eyes staring above. He could hear the steady breathing of his sleeping padawan.
Anakin was a good boy. He was eager to please and tried to be positive. Qui-Gon could still sense the grief and longing the boy felt at leaving his mother. He shook his head admonishing himself.
// Nice job Qui-Gon two miserable padawans and now you are not even a master.// He finally closed his eyes and surrendered his thoughts to the force. Sleep came easily but his dreams kept it from being peaceful.
Qui-Gon woke with a start hours later. He was already desperately searching for something before he even came fully awake. He tried to sort out what it was that his mind was so frantically searching for when he suddenly realized that his bond with Obi-Wan had been severed. Anakin was still sleeping in the bunk above. Qui-Gon rose on shaking legs and managed to get to the fresher locking the door behind him. Grasping the counter to hold himself steady, he tried once more to feel along the bond which now hung cold and dead within him. Nothing, he felt nothing. His breathing was becoming haggard and rapid. He fought the panic closing in around him. Was it just the bond that was gone? Would he know if his beloved student had passed into the force?
He suddenly saw the image of his green eyed Padawan on the day that he had given him the force stone. He had worried that Obi-Wan would not understand the significance of the gift, but from the moment Obi-Wan had touched the stone he had known that the boy loved it. He had also known that he had loved the boy.
"Please understand Obi-Wan. Please understand." He whispered knowing his words were too little too late.
The memory of the stone was his undoing. He felt the cold ends of the bond whipping within his mind and gave into his grief. He felt himself slide down the wall as tears gave way to sobs.
He wasn't sure if the question was to him or to the force but somewhere in the midst of his mourning Qui-Gon had begun whispering over and over again, "What have I done? What have I done? What have I done? " Mumbling his voice barely audible it became instantly obvious that neither he nor the force had the strength to answer.
The battle plan which had been conceived of by the Queen had been risky but impressively ingenious. Obi-Wan had caught himself seeing the Queen more as a peer than a pampered princess. The return of the Sith warrior had not been a part of the scheme but Yoda had had a vision of it and they had been well prepared. He had been amazed at the little green Master's maneuverability. He would never look at that walking stick in the same light again. Yoda didn't use it to get around. He used it for whacking and thumping thick headed Masters and Padawans.
They had functioned like a well oiled machine. It had amazed even him. He had seen that Yoda's superior saber techniques and his own acrobatics would mean the end of the Sith warrior. They had gotten separated once when Obi- Wan had been kicked from the cat walk. Yoda had been patient and allowed him time to catch up before they both finished the attack in the pit room. Obi-Wan had been as shocked as the Sith had been when his saber had cut the being in two. He would never forget the look on the being's face or the sight of him falling down into nothingness.
Turning to his Master he noticed a slight smugness on the green wrinkled face.
/Protect me you will?/ There was both humor and gratitude in his tone. Obi-Wan knew that Yoda was teasing him so he merely smiled shyly and cocked his head to the side. There was affection there in his Master's gaze. He was touched that Obi-Wan would want to protect him.
They stood in silence giving the other a chance to regain their center and comprehend all that had occurred. It had been a terrifying and exhilarating battle. They both stood reliving particular moments in their minds. While still lost in thought, Yoda began tapping his stick on the flooring.
Smiling with a glint of mischief Obi-Wan gestured to the gnarled piece of wood in the other's hand. "Master Yoda I find your use of that walking stick-" He paused searching for the appropriate terms, "deceptive and unfair." Yoda regarded his stick and then his Padawan.
"Unfair you say? Deceptive you think?" The Master paused in thought, "Size matters not, but matters less when this stick I carry." They both laughed aloud at the joke and out of relief. They had met the Sith and defeated him. They had survived to fight another day. Both Yoda and Obi-Wan leaned over and stared down into the pit where the strangely tattooed body had disappeared moments before. The realization washed over them. They had won.
"Somewhere else your mind is?" Yoda gazed over at Obi-Wan.
"Actually Master I was just remembering the way you looked fighting with your saber. I can't decide if you are faster with it or your stick." Obi- Wan's voice was filled with the awe of a young child meeting his hero for the first time. There was a reason Yoda was the most respected of all the Jedi and Obi-Wan suspected that the master's fighting ability that he had just witnessed was just a mere hint of the skills within the Jedi standing before him. Smiling he moved away from the pit and started towards the door to the chamber.
He could sense many things that had been occurring while he and his Master had been fighting the Sith. He had felt the deaths of many Gungans. He had also felt their elation when the droid army had somehow been deactivated. He had to guess that Amidala must have captured the Viceroy and ordered the complete shut down of the droid army. Obi-Wan smiled. He could see the young Queen ordering the Viceroy, blaster in hand and more than willing to use it. She wasn't one to bluff that was for sure. He smiled at the thought of her and how badly he had misjudged her in the beginning.
Coming from behind him, Yoda's voice stopped him. He realized that he was leading instead of following. He couldn't remember ever doing that before. He stopped suddenly and turned to his Master blushing in embarrassment.
"Master forgive me. I don't know what came over me. I guess it was all the excitement. I didn't mean any disrespect." He stood still allowing the Master to pull up even with him. Yoda gently tapped his stick bringing the man to his knee. Once they were eye to eye he cleared his throat.
"Nothing to forgive. Natural it is for you to lead now. Good sign this is my padawan. Felt you during the battle I did. Never giving into your fear. Never giving over to anger or hate. Proud of you I am. Recommend you for knighthood I will." Yoda raised his hand and pull at the braid. It was something that Qui-Gon had always done as a sign of affection. Obi- Wan realized suddenly that it had been a gesture that Qui-gon had adopted from Yoda. Tears welled in Obi-Wan's eyes. It was all too much.
"Thank you my Master." Obi-Wan humbly whispered not trusting his voice for more. Yoda took the lead and they made their way out of the chamber.
"Was he the Master or the Apprentice?" Obi-Wan asked once he found his voice again.
"Hard to tell it is. Revealed in time it will be. Darkness I sense. Not the only Sith you will fight my young one. Ready you must be. Always the force will be with you."
The thought of battling more Siths caused an involuntary shudder to seize the young man. He couldn't think about that now. The battle had been long fought and difficult. He felt a deep weariness but it was over powered by pure joy. Joy derived from ridding the galaxy of a Sith, as well as the people of Naboo earning their hard fought freedom, and on a personal note he had achieved his goal and was soon to be a declared a Knight of the Jedi Order.
His heart was light and his steps reflected it. He felt a moment of sadness drift over this countenance as he realized that Qui-Gon would not share in this moment as he had always visualized he would. Obi-Wan swallowed the sadness and decided to honor his former Master by following the advice so often taught to him by Qui-Gon. He would live in the moment.
*************************************************************
I am not talented enough to have actually captured the saber battle so I just decided to leave that up to your imagination. I hope it wasn't disappointing but trust me if I had tried to capture it you would have been more disappointed. Thanks again for all the tips and support. I can't tell you how happy it makes me that so many of you are enjoying this story. I am having a blast writing it. The next post might take a day or two because I decided today to add something to the next post. It might take me a little time to get it the way I want it. Patience my padawans we will get there before you know it.
Rating: I wish I knew. I am putting it at PG-13 just because I don't know any better and would rather err on the safe side.
Genre: Drama/Mild Angst
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. They are, were and will always belong to Mr. George Lucas creator of an amazing universe. Not only does this story contain elements of the universe that Mr. Lucas created but also the Alternate Universe (AU) found in a wonderful story called An Untimely Frost by CYNICAL21. I thank Cynical21 for allowing me to reference her work. If you haven't read her story you are really missing out on a wonderful story.
Just to a little guide as to what things mean:
/-/ Bond thought //-// Private thought "-" Speaking aloud
****************************************************************
He wasn't sure if he had screamed in his dream or aloud. He had bolted upright in his bed his Master's name upon his lips and his hands reaching out in desperation. His throat felt raw and his face was wet. His breathing was shallow as he squeezed his eyes shut against the pain.
It had been a dream. He had been in danger and had known his Master would come for him. He had sensed Qui-Gon before he had seen him. He had moved so quickly loosening the bonds that held his young Padawan. The words that he murmured were both comforting and soothing. Staring up at his Master Obi- Wan had felt his strength return to him and knew that whatever was demanded of him that he would willingly offer it. They would survive. They would escape.
With a sudden shock the events of the past day came rushing back to him. The nightmare he had just awoken from was nothing compared to the one he found himself living in. It pressed in on him and threatened to strangle him. The dream and reality mixing together into some warped version of the truth.
He had to move. He had to get busy. Katas he would do katas. He needed to do them. Work would save him. They would force his mind to stay busy, too busy to contemplate the incredible sense of loss.
He wanted to not think, to not remember. He threw back his blanket and lowered himself to the floor. It was then that another wave of despair ripped through him again. He could no longer be brave or put on his Jedi serenity. He felt an emptiness and finality within him that shook him to his core.
Obi-Wan collapsed to the floor great sobs coming from within him. He felt it now. It was over. He was no longer Qui-Gon's Padawan. He no longer could sense the man in his mind nor would Obi-Wan ever feel the comfort of crying out to his Master knowing with complete assurance that Qui-Gon would move heaven and earth to reach him. He felt so cold and alone. He felt lost and sorrowful. He carefully shielded his grief from his new master. He didn't want Yoda feeling rejected or disappointed by his new Padawan. These feelings would pass, but in the meantime Obi-Wan knew he would have to work harder than ever to remain centered in the force.
In mere hours he and Yoda would be facing the Sith. It might even be the same one that almost bested Qui-Gon. He couldn't be distracted. One moments hesitation could mean the loss of another Master. Turning his mind back to his duty helped to ease his pain and refocus him for the moment. Swallowing his grief he vowed to deal with it once this mission was over.
He stepped into his leggings and threw his under tunic back on. He decided to start with the first kata and then decided against it. He could still feel Qui-Gon's hands on his waist guiding him as a child learning the kata for the first time. No, he would start with something more advanced. Settling on the thirty-fourth kata he moved into the starting position. Concentrating on his breathing he forced his mind to avoid the chasm where the bond with Qui-Gon had been and instead to focus on perfecting his movements. In a few hours everyone would be up and they would be entering Naboo's orbit. He had to be ready. The fate of a world depended on it.
Having turned in their data tickets to the deck officer, Qui-Gon and Anakin began making their way down the maze of passages within the belly of the Amadina in order to locate their quarters.
Anakin had never traveled on such a huge ship before. He was fascinated by all the different people traveling, the sound of the powerful engines igniting, and the strange smell of the slightly recirculated air.
"Ani, keep looking for passage YTTY." Qui-Gon commanded as he lugged their packs and continued searching. He had never felt his age as much as he was feeling it today. He had spent the better part of the night packing his meager belongings. He was amazed now at how much so little weighed as he continued to trudge down one corridor after another.
Once he had finished packing he had laid out his Jedi tunics and cloak, disassembled his light saber, and turned in his official holo recorder as well as his interplanetary diplomatic passport.
He had checked through his home three or four times while Anakin had slept in Obi-Wan's bed. He had lingered over the holos that he had decided to leave for his ex-Padawan. It had been a difficult decision. Part of him had feared that if he left them behind that the young man would just throw them away in which case it would have been better if he had taken them, but it would have been wrong to have taken all of the records of their time together. He had to hope that despite the present condition of their relationship that those memories were as precious to Obi-Wan as they were to him. Surely even if now he couldn't appreciate them in time he would.
Leaving the temple had been harder than he had imagined. It had been all the life he had ever known. No one had been by to say farewell or wish him well. He had at least expected Mace to come by and wish them a good trip. They had been age mates at the temple and life long friends. He had lingered too long and caused them to miss their shuttle holding out for that visit that never came.
He hadn't expected Yoda to come. He knew that his old Master was far from the planet with Obi-Wan seeing to the situation on Naboo. He briefly allowed himself a mental image of his old master along side the beautiful young man he had spent years training. They were a good match in some ways. They both had a mischievous streak and a fierce sense of loyalty. He could see them sorting out missions as he and Obi-Wan had over the last twelve years and as he and Yoda had long ago. He realized that he was the link that joined them. It comforted him to know that they were together to protect each other and comfort one another in his absence. He wondered what his old master must think of him. By now Yoda was fully aware of the gift that Obi-Wan was to any master and must no doubt think his old student mad for walking away from such a gift. Yoda himself though had always taught him to 'worry not what the master thinks. Obey the force you must.'
Qui-Gon had decided to pretend that his leaving the Temple was temporary. He realized how childish he was being but it had been the only way he had had the strength to walk away with any semblance of serenity. He had left on hundreds of missions before, so what was one more. He hadn't looked back once he had walked down the steps. It would have been too difficult. Once more he reached out to the force to reassure himself that all he had done had been necessary. He felt it hum around him assuring him that he was indeed following its call. /I serve the force./ It had been his mantra over the years and had continued to be chanted throughout the long night following the terrible scene with Obi-Wan, the long hours waiting for farewells that never came, and the walk to the transport station. /I serve the force./ It wasn't completely comforting but it would have to do.
Anakin had awakened with the excitement of a nine year old starting a new life. His energy had helped to buoy that of the older man. After thinking about it for a long while Qui-Gon had decided that they would head for Lustar to start with anyway. It was a beautiful planet. It was also a place where Qui-Gon had been very helpful to the ruling family in settling many treaties over the years while in the service of the Jedi.
King Napal had always insisted that if he was ever in need that he would call on them. Well he was definitely in need now. He only hoped that they would honor the man who no longer wore the saber as much as they had honored him when he had.
"There." Anakin yelled jarring Qui-Gon from his thoughts.
"YTTY." Qui-Gon sighed in relief and nodded. "Good Ani. Half the battle is won. Now we are looking for cabin 4224."
Anakin sprinted down the passage seeking it out. Qui-Gon smiled as he watched the boy disappear down the passage. Had Obi-Wan been this excited on their first journey? No. He remembered now that he hadn't. He had been devastated because he had just been turned down by Qui-Gon and had been on his way to Bandomeer to the Agri Corps. Qui-Gon shuddered as he remembered the look on Obi-Wan's face then and yesterday. So similar in the despair and rejection he couldn't help but shudder as he remembered the words he had so cruelly thrown at his beloved student the day before.
"You were no mistake." He muttered under his breath not realizing that other passengers were staring in confusion at the old man talking to himself. He leaned for a moment against the bulkhead and relished a steadying breath.
"I found it." Anakin beamed racing back to him.
"How far?" Qui-Gon asked hoping it was near as his arms had begun to tire.
"Not too far." Anakin replied emphasizing the "too" and not comforting his Master in the process.
Once they had finally arrived at their quarters Qui-Gon sat heavily upon the bunk. It was a small room with two bunks, a fresher, a chair and desk. Everything had at one time been meant to be white but with use the room had a definite off-white cast to it. Anakin climbed up to the top bunk and looked down at the resting master.
"How long till we get there?" Qui-Gon gave a half hearted smile and started wondering if he was too old to take on a new Padawan.
"Anakin we will get there when we get there. You must learn to be patient. " His voice was calm and overlaid with a bit of sleep suggestion.
He heard Anakin yawn. Just a nap Qui-Gon told himself. A short nap and then they would explore the ship. He had promised Ani that they would do so this morning when they had first spotted the huge transport. The man lowered himself further onto the bunk and lay with his eyes staring above. He could hear the steady breathing of his sleeping padawan.
Anakin was a good boy. He was eager to please and tried to be positive. Qui-Gon could still sense the grief and longing the boy felt at leaving his mother. He shook his head admonishing himself.
// Nice job Qui-Gon two miserable padawans and now you are not even a master.// He finally closed his eyes and surrendered his thoughts to the force. Sleep came easily but his dreams kept it from being peaceful.
Qui-Gon woke with a start hours later. He was already desperately searching for something before he even came fully awake. He tried to sort out what it was that his mind was so frantically searching for when he suddenly realized that his bond with Obi-Wan had been severed. Anakin was still sleeping in the bunk above. Qui-Gon rose on shaking legs and managed to get to the fresher locking the door behind him. Grasping the counter to hold himself steady, he tried once more to feel along the bond which now hung cold and dead within him. Nothing, he felt nothing. His breathing was becoming haggard and rapid. He fought the panic closing in around him. Was it just the bond that was gone? Would he know if his beloved student had passed into the force?
He suddenly saw the image of his green eyed Padawan on the day that he had given him the force stone. He had worried that Obi-Wan would not understand the significance of the gift, but from the moment Obi-Wan had touched the stone he had known that the boy loved it. He had also known that he had loved the boy.
"Please understand Obi-Wan. Please understand." He whispered knowing his words were too little too late.
The memory of the stone was his undoing. He felt the cold ends of the bond whipping within his mind and gave into his grief. He felt himself slide down the wall as tears gave way to sobs.
He wasn't sure if the question was to him or to the force but somewhere in the midst of his mourning Qui-Gon had begun whispering over and over again, "What have I done? What have I done? What have I done? " Mumbling his voice barely audible it became instantly obvious that neither he nor the force had the strength to answer.
The battle plan which had been conceived of by the Queen had been risky but impressively ingenious. Obi-Wan had caught himself seeing the Queen more as a peer than a pampered princess. The return of the Sith warrior had not been a part of the scheme but Yoda had had a vision of it and they had been well prepared. He had been amazed at the little green Master's maneuverability. He would never look at that walking stick in the same light again. Yoda didn't use it to get around. He used it for whacking and thumping thick headed Masters and Padawans.
They had functioned like a well oiled machine. It had amazed even him. He had seen that Yoda's superior saber techniques and his own acrobatics would mean the end of the Sith warrior. They had gotten separated once when Obi- Wan had been kicked from the cat walk. Yoda had been patient and allowed him time to catch up before they both finished the attack in the pit room. Obi-Wan had been as shocked as the Sith had been when his saber had cut the being in two. He would never forget the look on the being's face or the sight of him falling down into nothingness.
Turning to his Master he noticed a slight smugness on the green wrinkled face.
/Protect me you will?/ There was both humor and gratitude in his tone. Obi-Wan knew that Yoda was teasing him so he merely smiled shyly and cocked his head to the side. There was affection there in his Master's gaze. He was touched that Obi-Wan would want to protect him.
They stood in silence giving the other a chance to regain their center and comprehend all that had occurred. It had been a terrifying and exhilarating battle. They both stood reliving particular moments in their minds. While still lost in thought, Yoda began tapping his stick on the flooring.
Smiling with a glint of mischief Obi-Wan gestured to the gnarled piece of wood in the other's hand. "Master Yoda I find your use of that walking stick-" He paused searching for the appropriate terms, "deceptive and unfair." Yoda regarded his stick and then his Padawan.
"Unfair you say? Deceptive you think?" The Master paused in thought, "Size matters not, but matters less when this stick I carry." They both laughed aloud at the joke and out of relief. They had met the Sith and defeated him. They had survived to fight another day. Both Yoda and Obi-Wan leaned over and stared down into the pit where the strangely tattooed body had disappeared moments before. The realization washed over them. They had won.
"Somewhere else your mind is?" Yoda gazed over at Obi-Wan.
"Actually Master I was just remembering the way you looked fighting with your saber. I can't decide if you are faster with it or your stick." Obi- Wan's voice was filled with the awe of a young child meeting his hero for the first time. There was a reason Yoda was the most respected of all the Jedi and Obi-Wan suspected that the master's fighting ability that he had just witnessed was just a mere hint of the skills within the Jedi standing before him. Smiling he moved away from the pit and started towards the door to the chamber.
He could sense many things that had been occurring while he and his Master had been fighting the Sith. He had felt the deaths of many Gungans. He had also felt their elation when the droid army had somehow been deactivated. He had to guess that Amidala must have captured the Viceroy and ordered the complete shut down of the droid army. Obi-Wan smiled. He could see the young Queen ordering the Viceroy, blaster in hand and more than willing to use it. She wasn't one to bluff that was for sure. He smiled at the thought of her and how badly he had misjudged her in the beginning.
Coming from behind him, Yoda's voice stopped him. He realized that he was leading instead of following. He couldn't remember ever doing that before. He stopped suddenly and turned to his Master blushing in embarrassment.
"Master forgive me. I don't know what came over me. I guess it was all the excitement. I didn't mean any disrespect." He stood still allowing the Master to pull up even with him. Yoda gently tapped his stick bringing the man to his knee. Once they were eye to eye he cleared his throat.
"Nothing to forgive. Natural it is for you to lead now. Good sign this is my padawan. Felt you during the battle I did. Never giving into your fear. Never giving over to anger or hate. Proud of you I am. Recommend you for knighthood I will." Yoda raised his hand and pull at the braid. It was something that Qui-Gon had always done as a sign of affection. Obi- Wan realized suddenly that it had been a gesture that Qui-gon had adopted from Yoda. Tears welled in Obi-Wan's eyes. It was all too much.
"Thank you my Master." Obi-Wan humbly whispered not trusting his voice for more. Yoda took the lead and they made their way out of the chamber.
"Was he the Master or the Apprentice?" Obi-Wan asked once he found his voice again.
"Hard to tell it is. Revealed in time it will be. Darkness I sense. Not the only Sith you will fight my young one. Ready you must be. Always the force will be with you."
The thought of battling more Siths caused an involuntary shudder to seize the young man. He couldn't think about that now. The battle had been long fought and difficult. He felt a deep weariness but it was over powered by pure joy. Joy derived from ridding the galaxy of a Sith, as well as the people of Naboo earning their hard fought freedom, and on a personal note he had achieved his goal and was soon to be a declared a Knight of the Jedi Order.
His heart was light and his steps reflected it. He felt a moment of sadness drift over this countenance as he realized that Qui-Gon would not share in this moment as he had always visualized he would. Obi-Wan swallowed the sadness and decided to honor his former Master by following the advice so often taught to him by Qui-Gon. He would live in the moment.
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I am not talented enough to have actually captured the saber battle so I just decided to leave that up to your imagination. I hope it wasn't disappointing but trust me if I had tried to capture it you would have been more disappointed. Thanks again for all the tips and support. I can't tell you how happy it makes me that so many of you are enjoying this story. I am having a blast writing it. The next post might take a day or two because I decided today to add something to the next post. It might take me a little time to get it the way I want it. Patience my padawans we will get there before you know it.