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
**********************************************************************
Anakin was amazed at the beauty of Lustar. Never in his life had he ever seen brilliant green fields or sparkling blue water falls. His eyes were wide as he tried to take in all of the brilliant colors before him.
Qui-Gon chuckled to himself watching the boy's reaction to his new surrounding. He eagerly anticipated the boy's reaction to the palace gardens which awaited them. If his memory served him correctly the palace was close now.
Suddenly as if to affirm his belief, the soft pink stone of the palace came into view. There were groves of tall minawa trees swaying in the light afternoon breeze. The grove of delicate trees framed the structure. Minawa trees were the same hue of pink as the palace itself with feather like branches that swept out at all angles.
"There's your Powder Puff." Qui-Gon teased tapping Anakin on the shoulder.
Anakin's confused look brought Qui-Gon back to the reality that it had been another padawan who had aptly renamed the palace The Powder Puff. That slightly sarcastic and mischievous padawan had mused about the difficulty of a monarchy to project a powerful image when they slept in a big fluffy pink palace. The memory played out in his mind and he found himself sitting with a smile on his face laughing softly to himself. He could still hear Obi-Wan's dry playful tone.
He then thought about trying to explain what he had meant to his new padawan, but somehow it felt odd sharing the joke with him. It had been a private joke between him and Obi-Wan. He felt his throat tighten a bit. He released his sudden sadness into the force and returned his gaze to Anakin.
"What do you think my Padawan?" He asked.
"Wow Master this place is wizard. I never saw so many colors. The palace is amazing. It's humongous!" Qui-Gon smiled at the boy's delight.
They were met by one of the King's royal attendants and ushered into a waiting area. Moments later another man entered the room and gestured for Qui-Gon to follow him into the receiving room. Anakin fell in behind his Master but was stopped by the official looking man.
"Master Jinn His Majesty has requested your presence alone for now. If your student will remain here then once I have escorted you to the receiving room I will return and take him to your quarters."
Qui-Gon felt Anakin stiffen at the request. He understood Anakin's hesitancy at being separated from him, but also knew that they were there by the good graces of King Napal and had no wish to offend him over such a slight request.
"Anakin." Qui-Gon's voice sounded calm and reassuring. "Wait here and once you are in our quarters unpack your belongings and get cleaned up. It is my hope that we will be able to continue our work on the first kata before dinner. "
Anakin nodded and returned to the other side of the room. He wasn't happy about being separated from his Master. He also didn't like the fact that he was being treated as someone less important than Qui-Gon. Sure Qui-Gon was a Jedi Master but he was the Chosen One. He put a serene look upon his face and silently feed his anger to the darkness.
Once Qui-Gon and his escort had arrived at the door to the receiving room the man motioned for Qui-Gon to wait while his presence was announced. Qui- Gon felt a brief wave of apprehension, but he centered himself quickly and released it into the force. Once the formality of the announcement was over he entered the room and was greeted by the warmth and hospitality that he had expected.
"Master Jinn." The King smiled rising from his throne and making his way to the man before him. He was a large man with dark hair and darker eyes. He was a man who emanated power but had a tender caring side that he revealed to those he trusted. He trusted Qui-Gon and had so for years.
"King Napal, you are looking very well as are your gardens. I noticed them as we arrived on our shuttle. " The men exchanged the customary Lustarian embrace.
"Thank you they are looking lovely aren't they? We have made a few additions that I believe you will enjoy. We have also had much rain this year and I am happy to report it has benefited both our economy and my gardens." He settled himself back onto his throne.
"It is obvious why your economy is so strong. Who could ever resist spending their vacation on Lustar?" The King smiled at Qui-Gon and nodded in agreement. He wondered if that were the reason that Qui-Gon was on his planet now. The message he had received from the Master had been brief at best. He had of course been happy that the man was returning to his planet but something seemed amiss.
"I witnessed your arrival from the window." The King began gesturing to the other side of the room where he had been standing as the shuttle had approached, "The boy who is with you is not Obi-Wan. Who is he and where is your beloved Padawan? I am sure Ki Lye will be anxious to catch up with him" The King had notified Ki Lye, his eldest son, that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would be visiting. Ki Lye and Obi-Wan had hit it off from their first meeting and had been inseparable on their last.
Qui-Gon struggled to maintain the smile he had pasted upon his face. This was going to be harder than he had thought. He had forgotten about Ki Lye and his friendship with Obi-Wan. He forced himself to stay focused.
"The boy is my new Padawan, Anakin Skywalker. Obi-Wan is-"
"Knighted?" The King asked enthusiastically feeling a bit slighted that he had not been notified.
Qui-Gon wondered how to proceed. How could he ever convey all that had occurred and not lose the King's favor? He had forgotten how much Obi-Wan had meant to the man as well as his family. He had that affect on most of the people who crossed his path. Somehow they felt drawn to him and instantly wanted to be in his circle of friends. He had blossomed from the shy withdrawn initiate into a warm and widely sought after Padawan. Qui- Gon shook himself from his thoughts determined to remain in the moment. The King was staring at him with a look of apprehension shadowing his eyes.
"Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan isn't.isn't.." He couldn't bring himself to say the word it stuck in his throat.
"Dead?" Qui-Gon asked watching the King nod in horror his eyes pleading for denial.
"Oh no.no. He is not dead." Qui-Gon paused feeling the still cold bond within him and sent a hopeful plea into the force that what he had just declared would be true and that the boy was indeed safe. "He is with a new Master."
The King looked relieved but still confused.
"Why would he be with another Master? I thought that Masters and Padawans were bonded until the student completed their training. " He had a suspicion that this was part if not all of what was amiss.
"They usually are but special circumstances arose and Obi-Wan was assigned to a new master so that I could take Anakin as my Padawan." Qui-Gon's tone indicated that the subject was now closed, but the King persisted.
"Who is Obi-Wan's new master and what is so special about this boy that the Council would choose to do such a thing to your Padawan?" The indignation was clear in the King's voice.
Qui-Gon was silent for a moment wondering how much he would have to divulge. He wasn't at all sure that the King would understand his great need to teach Anakin any better than the Council had. Sighing he shook his head gathering his thoughts. Years of negotiating difficult treaties had earned Qui-Gon vast reserves of patience and persuasion techniques. Staring into the protective eyes of King Napal, he realized he would need to bring all of these skills to bear if he hoped to remain on Lustar.
"King Napal the Council has done nothing to Obi-Wan in malice. I came across Anakin during a mission and after spending some time with him felt compelled to bring him to Coruscant to have him trained. There is a Jedi prophesy that speaks of a Chosen One among the Jedi that would bring balance to the force. It is my opinion that Anakin is this Chosen One and will grow to be the fulfillment of this prophesy. "
"I take it that the Council disagreed?" It was a question but Qui-Gon knew that his appearance on the planet with his new padawan in tow was answer enough, still he would humor the man with a reply anyway.
"The Council and I did not see eye to eye on this issue. It was my belief that the force led me to find Anakin and as such I must train him. Obi-Wan was ready for his knight trials and had already secured all the training that I had to offer him. He is now the Padawan of my Master, Master Yoda. Yoda is a wiser Master than I and will see that Obi-Wan's training is completed. Once he is ready Yoda will lead him into his trials. In the meantime I am here without the Council's approval attempting to train Anakin without the support or resources of the Temple."
"I thought you said Obi-Wan was ready for his trials." The King was intent on holding Qui-Gon's feet to the fire. If he was going to allow a rogue Jedi on his planet he needed to know the circumstances inside and out.
"I thought that he was." Qui-Gon rubbed his hand wearily across his face.
"Let me guess the Council also didn't agree with you on that either?" Another rhetorical question and yet Qui-Gon felt compelled to respond.
"Exactly." He glanced away for a moment and then back to the King. He met the other man's eyes and fortified his determination. "King Napal You have known me for years and have seen my devotion to the force. I realize that all of this may put you in a precarious position, but I ask that you believe the facts that you know to be true. In all the years that you have known me have I ever done anything in your sight which would have you question my motives? "
The King considered and then shook his head.
"It is my hope that as I have trusted you in faith over the years as a negotiating partner that you would choose to extend this same trust in me concerning this endeavor." Qui-Gon paused to allow his words time to sink in. Taking a deep breath he pushed on the King's expression unreadable before him. "Without your support I am not sure that I will be able to train Anakin. I have no idea what impact that turn of events would have on the universe. Quite frankly Your Highness I am at your mercy." The last was said softly as if the realization had just dawned upon the master.
"Obi-Wan was ok with this? He was ok giving you up after all that time together?" The King raised his eyebrows and leaned forward upon his throne. "He had always spoken with such fondness of you. When he spoke of the possibility of his knighting his eyes would always be upon you no matter where you were in the room. It was as if he couldn't have one thing without the other."
Qui-Gon pushed down another wave of guilt. He didn't have time to think about Obi-Wan's knighting now. He had tried to be there for him. If the Council had allowed him to take his trials immediately as he had requested then he would have been there for that moment. He would have been the one to take his braid and welcome him into the order. He felt his chest tighten. He wanted to eliminate Obi-Wan from this conversation. This wasn't about him. This was about Anakin.
"No. He wasn't ok with this-" Qui-Gon felt a stab somewhere deep within at the admission, " but he trusted me and accepted that this was what I had to do. We serve the same force." Qui-Gon heard the underlying weariness in his own voice. "I feel certain that he would also ask that you would follow his example and trust me as well. He knows that his destiny doesn't lie on the same path as mine. He realizes I am now bound to Anakin."
The King sat for a moment studying the man before him. He looked older with fatigue heavy in his eyes. He couldn't help but feel sorrow for Obi- Wan. He had seen how loyal the boy was to his Master. He would have walked through fire if his Master had told him to. It wasn't any wonder that he accepted this as well. It was truly a shame though. He had noticed the boy's loyalty but also the older man's adoration for the boy. He had always enjoyed watching the mutual affection the two Jedi held for each other. He had longed to have such a repartee with his own son.
He really didn't like being caught in the middle of this situation, but felt an obligation to Qui-Gon. He had never given him any reason to doubt him in the past and he had been at Jinn's mercy on more than one occasion. He truly owed this man the benefit of the doubt.
"Very well Master Jinn. I accept what you say." He smiled at the man. Once the decision had been made to stand with the Master all suspicion was banished from his mind. You are welcome here in my palace with your new Padawan." Qui-Gon bowed relief evident in his demeanor.
" I do ask that I be able to call upon you from time to time for advice on various interplanetary policies. Would that be acceptable to you?"
The Master smiled and nodded. He had expected that he would be required to serve as an advisor in exchange for the King's hospitality.
"What will you require in order to assist you with your task?" The King asked gesturing to an assistant who was standing near by. The assistant stepped forward with a datapad in hand.
"Actually King Napal at this time I need merely a room large enough to work on beginning katas. You remember the katas you watched Obi-Wan and I work through on our last mission to your planet?"
The King nodded and Qui-Gon continued, "And I will need access to your library in order to begin his formal studies in the Jedi tradition."
"Very well." The King nodded once to his assistant, "You may consider the hall that you and Obi-Wan used previously to be your private training arena and as always my library is at your complete disposal. As your needs change, please don't hesitate to let me know what you require. It is Lustar's desire to aid you in any way you deem necessary to fulfill your Jedi prophesy."
"As always King Napal your generosity is overwhelming. My Padawan and I thank you for your support and trust." Qui-Gon bowed to the King as the assistant began leading him from the chambers.
"I look forward to meeting your new Padawan at my table tonight." A brief smile and the Master disappeared behind the door.
***********
Obi-Wan heard the hum of the saber drawing close to his right ear. He could smell the faint scent of his hair burning as his azure blade sliced through the braid culminating his knighting ceremony.
"Arise young Knight Kenobi and take your place among your fellow Jedi." Yoda's voice was thick with emotion as Obi-Wan lifted his gaze from the floor and met the old Master's eyes.
There was pride there in Yoda's eyes but also a sadness that both men felt. This joyous occasion that Obi-Wan had been working towards for years was marred. There was something missing. No not something, but someone. Obi- Wan smiled faintly as he pushed up until he was standing.
"Let me be the first to congratulate you on your achievement Knight Kenobi." Mace Windu extended his hand and drew the young man into an embrace which caught the new knight by surprise. While being held close he felt the warmth of Mace's breath on his ear as the Master whispered softly, "Do not dwell on him. He has chosen his path and you must choose yours. A good master he might have been, but a greater knight you will be. No longer anyone's padawan."
Obi-Wan pulled back gratitude shining from his eyes. Somehow Mace's verbal acknowledgement of Qui-Gon's absence had made that lacking easier to bear.
"Thank you Master Windu. It is my privilege to serve the galaxy as the force leads me. I extend my gratitude to the Council for their patience and guidance. To Yoda for his confidence and willingness to take on an over-the-hill Padawan," this brought forth the expected soft laughter, "and Master Jinn for the years of training he bestowed upon me. I stand before you a man made not of my own ability but molded by the hands of many."
He bowed his head after briefly meeting the eyes of each council member. The room remained hushed. Each member of the council once again marveled at Obi-Wan's humility and strength as well as Qui-Gon's stupidity. The lights in the Council Chamber were brightened as the solemn portion of the ceremony was now completed.
"Now it is tradition that the Knight's Master honor his newly knighted charge with a gathering in his quarters, but due to the fact that none of us want to spend the rest of the evening stooped over the party will be in my quarters." Mace was rewarded with a playful whack from a small green master and a wave of laughter, "We will convene immediately following this ceremony."
Mace finished his announcement then turned once more to the new knight before him. "Obi-Wan we have all watched you grow. From the time you were a babe in the creche to the day you became an initiate, from uneasy and hesitant Padawan to a brilliant and competent knight. I feel the Order glows brighter today as your light is added to our number."
Yoda stepped forward. Obi-Wan lowered himself to his Master's level.
"Seek the force you must. Always anchored to the light you will be. Trust in yourself you must. The Force will be with you always." Obi-Wan smiled and dodged the playful whack aimed at his shin. Even though the mood was light it was obvious to all the observers that something special existed between the new knight and his new Master. They remained silent not intruding on the moment.
Mace finally broke the silence as he turned to the crowd of gathered friends and guests and proclaimed, "You may all come forward and receive this knight."
At that there was a wave of applause then Obi-Wan found himself surrounded by friends both old and new. He recognized many of the faces. There were Creche Masters, Teaching Masters from the Temple, Knights he and Qui-Gon had serve with on various missions, Padawans his age and younger as well as a few Senators and planetary Ambassadors. He was amazed at the size of the crowd and also relieved that he had not been aware of their presence during the ceremony. He would have been a nervous wreck had he known all those eyes had been upon him.
Of course the face he sought the most he knew would not be there. The dead cannot attend the ceremonies of the living. He forced the thought aside as Bant's arm threaded itself around his narrow waist and tickled his ribs. He laughed aloud and threatened to squirm away had she not stopped immediately.
"Wow Obi aren't you the popular one?" She reached up kissing him lightly on the cheek. He blushed and met her gaze.
"Stay here ok?" He emphasized his words by snaking his arm around her waist and pressing her to his side. His voice had been soft but insistent.
"That was the plan." She smiled resting her head briefly upon his shoulder. She had known Obi-Wan long enough to understand why he would want her so close. She released her renewed anger and frustration at Master Dumb Dumb one more time and squeezed her precious friend tighter. She was rewarded by a faint smile and an equally comforting squeeze to her waist.
"I said the party is in my quarters!" Mace's exasperated voice rose above the buzz of the crowd.
Laughter followed the announcement as the Council Chamber immediately began emptying. Bant stepped forward leading the way to the door but Obi-Wan pulled her back to his side again. She looked up questioningly.
"Let's wait." He said softly still smiling, but she saw the struggle he was losing at remaining composed. She cursed Qui-Gon for the millionth time as she gentle stroked his back trying to comfort and reassure. Once the last of the audience had exited she turned to him. There were tears in his eyes as he lowered his head to her shoulder and softly sobbed.
"Shhhhh it's ok..really it is." She whispered carding her hands lovingly through his hair.
They had been best friends forever it seemed. He had been older. At first she had been madly in love with him, but that had passed quickly as she realized how much more she needed his friendship and how desperately he needed hers. After a few moments he pulled back wiping his eyes impatiently.
"Sorry." He apologized sniffing.
"Don't be. He should be the one who is sorry." His eyes met hers and he nodded solemnly.
"It's so hard all the looks." He gestured his head to indicate the crowd which had just departed. " I get so many that are full of pity and then some full of curiosity. Poor Obi-Wan his Master threw him away. Wonder what Obi-Wan did this time to have been reassigned a new Master? He is so odd." Obi-Wan shook his head slowly looking down at his feet.
"Really is that what you see?" Bant lovingly began, "I saw admiration and affection in their gazes. I saw trust and hope in the knight you will be." Bant reached up and touched the spot where the braid had been. Obi-Wan swallowed hard and shook his head slightly.
"I have dreamed of today for as long as I can remember, but never in any of my dreams did it ever look or feel like this." He gestured out to where the group had been. He walked away from her a few steps and then turned back to face her. "He should have been here. I would have liked to have seen the pride in his eyes and heard his voice proclaim me as a knight. We had such a rough beginning, but I thought we had overcome it." He stopped and searched her eyes for answers that she knew he would never find. She reached out and took his hands in hers pulling him closer.
"Obi what Master Jinn did said nothing about you and everything about him." Her own tears choking her voice and making it difficult to continue, "It should have been him here with you today. You did overcome it. He didn't. You didn't fail. He did. He was selfish in the beginning and through to the end. You deserved better"
"No-" His voice barely above a whisper as he lifted his finger to her lips in order to silence them. "You mustn't say such things about him. He may have acted disinterested in the beginning and in the end, but I am what I am because of the time and wisdom he invested in me. I can't discount that. He is a servant of the force. He always insisted that I be mindful of it. He always was. I have to believe that he is still serving it. Even if in serving it he had to abandon me. I have to trust and believe. It is the only way that I will survive this."
" You are amazing," Bant began her voice rising new anger building within her, "if you defend him after the way he has conducted himself I am going to force you down to the Healers. You are obviously insane."
He smiled and shook his head.
"Why not just be my personal healer tonight and keep yourself by my side." He placed his arm around her waist once more and pulled her close again.
"People might talk?" She teased as they started towards the door.
"About me? How novel." His wry smile matched hers. They started towards the door allowing their laughter to carrying them the rest of the way.
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Hey this one was a long one huh? I did some tweaking and before I knew what had happened it was 10 pages long. I am in midst of a debate right now about where I am going with this. I already had it mapped out but now I am thinking I want to insert a bit more. Please be patient. I will try to figure this out quickly and get another post up ASAP. I know how hard it is to wait when you are involved in the plot. I just want this to be the best it can be. Thanks again for all the praise and advice. I am trying to learn all that I can and your comments are helping me grow. I really appreciate each and every one of you who is taking the time to let me know what you think. Thanks!!!!!
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
**********************************************************************
Anakin was amazed at the beauty of Lustar. Never in his life had he ever seen brilliant green fields or sparkling blue water falls. His eyes were wide as he tried to take in all of the brilliant colors before him.
Qui-Gon chuckled to himself watching the boy's reaction to his new surrounding. He eagerly anticipated the boy's reaction to the palace gardens which awaited them. If his memory served him correctly the palace was close now.
Suddenly as if to affirm his belief, the soft pink stone of the palace came into view. There were groves of tall minawa trees swaying in the light afternoon breeze. The grove of delicate trees framed the structure. Minawa trees were the same hue of pink as the palace itself with feather like branches that swept out at all angles.
"There's your Powder Puff." Qui-Gon teased tapping Anakin on the shoulder.
Anakin's confused look brought Qui-Gon back to the reality that it had been another padawan who had aptly renamed the palace The Powder Puff. That slightly sarcastic and mischievous padawan had mused about the difficulty of a monarchy to project a powerful image when they slept in a big fluffy pink palace. The memory played out in his mind and he found himself sitting with a smile on his face laughing softly to himself. He could still hear Obi-Wan's dry playful tone.
He then thought about trying to explain what he had meant to his new padawan, but somehow it felt odd sharing the joke with him. It had been a private joke between him and Obi-Wan. He felt his throat tighten a bit. He released his sudden sadness into the force and returned his gaze to Anakin.
"What do you think my Padawan?" He asked.
"Wow Master this place is wizard. I never saw so many colors. The palace is amazing. It's humongous!" Qui-Gon smiled at the boy's delight.
They were met by one of the King's royal attendants and ushered into a waiting area. Moments later another man entered the room and gestured for Qui-Gon to follow him into the receiving room. Anakin fell in behind his Master but was stopped by the official looking man.
"Master Jinn His Majesty has requested your presence alone for now. If your student will remain here then once I have escorted you to the receiving room I will return and take him to your quarters."
Qui-Gon felt Anakin stiffen at the request. He understood Anakin's hesitancy at being separated from him, but also knew that they were there by the good graces of King Napal and had no wish to offend him over such a slight request.
"Anakin." Qui-Gon's voice sounded calm and reassuring. "Wait here and once you are in our quarters unpack your belongings and get cleaned up. It is my hope that we will be able to continue our work on the first kata before dinner. "
Anakin nodded and returned to the other side of the room. He wasn't happy about being separated from his Master. He also didn't like the fact that he was being treated as someone less important than Qui-Gon. Sure Qui-Gon was a Jedi Master but he was the Chosen One. He put a serene look upon his face and silently feed his anger to the darkness.
Once Qui-Gon and his escort had arrived at the door to the receiving room the man motioned for Qui-Gon to wait while his presence was announced. Qui- Gon felt a brief wave of apprehension, but he centered himself quickly and released it into the force. Once the formality of the announcement was over he entered the room and was greeted by the warmth and hospitality that he had expected.
"Master Jinn." The King smiled rising from his throne and making his way to the man before him. He was a large man with dark hair and darker eyes. He was a man who emanated power but had a tender caring side that he revealed to those he trusted. He trusted Qui-Gon and had so for years.
"King Napal, you are looking very well as are your gardens. I noticed them as we arrived on our shuttle. " The men exchanged the customary Lustarian embrace.
"Thank you they are looking lovely aren't they? We have made a few additions that I believe you will enjoy. We have also had much rain this year and I am happy to report it has benefited both our economy and my gardens." He settled himself back onto his throne.
"It is obvious why your economy is so strong. Who could ever resist spending their vacation on Lustar?" The King smiled at Qui-Gon and nodded in agreement. He wondered if that were the reason that Qui-Gon was on his planet now. The message he had received from the Master had been brief at best. He had of course been happy that the man was returning to his planet but something seemed amiss.
"I witnessed your arrival from the window." The King began gesturing to the other side of the room where he had been standing as the shuttle had approached, "The boy who is with you is not Obi-Wan. Who is he and where is your beloved Padawan? I am sure Ki Lye will be anxious to catch up with him" The King had notified Ki Lye, his eldest son, that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan would be visiting. Ki Lye and Obi-Wan had hit it off from their first meeting and had been inseparable on their last.
Qui-Gon struggled to maintain the smile he had pasted upon his face. This was going to be harder than he had thought. He had forgotten about Ki Lye and his friendship with Obi-Wan. He forced himself to stay focused.
"The boy is my new Padawan, Anakin Skywalker. Obi-Wan is-"
"Knighted?" The King asked enthusiastically feeling a bit slighted that he had not been notified.
Qui-Gon wondered how to proceed. How could he ever convey all that had occurred and not lose the King's favor? He had forgotten how much Obi-Wan had meant to the man as well as his family. He had that affect on most of the people who crossed his path. Somehow they felt drawn to him and instantly wanted to be in his circle of friends. He had blossomed from the shy withdrawn initiate into a warm and widely sought after Padawan. Qui- Gon shook himself from his thoughts determined to remain in the moment. The King was staring at him with a look of apprehension shadowing his eyes.
"Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan isn't.isn't.." He couldn't bring himself to say the word it stuck in his throat.
"Dead?" Qui-Gon asked watching the King nod in horror his eyes pleading for denial.
"Oh no.no. He is not dead." Qui-Gon paused feeling the still cold bond within him and sent a hopeful plea into the force that what he had just declared would be true and that the boy was indeed safe. "He is with a new Master."
The King looked relieved but still confused.
"Why would he be with another Master? I thought that Masters and Padawans were bonded until the student completed their training. " He had a suspicion that this was part if not all of what was amiss.
"They usually are but special circumstances arose and Obi-Wan was assigned to a new master so that I could take Anakin as my Padawan." Qui-Gon's tone indicated that the subject was now closed, but the King persisted.
"Who is Obi-Wan's new master and what is so special about this boy that the Council would choose to do such a thing to your Padawan?" The indignation was clear in the King's voice.
Qui-Gon was silent for a moment wondering how much he would have to divulge. He wasn't at all sure that the King would understand his great need to teach Anakin any better than the Council had. Sighing he shook his head gathering his thoughts. Years of negotiating difficult treaties had earned Qui-Gon vast reserves of patience and persuasion techniques. Staring into the protective eyes of King Napal, he realized he would need to bring all of these skills to bear if he hoped to remain on Lustar.
"King Napal the Council has done nothing to Obi-Wan in malice. I came across Anakin during a mission and after spending some time with him felt compelled to bring him to Coruscant to have him trained. There is a Jedi prophesy that speaks of a Chosen One among the Jedi that would bring balance to the force. It is my opinion that Anakin is this Chosen One and will grow to be the fulfillment of this prophesy. "
"I take it that the Council disagreed?" It was a question but Qui-Gon knew that his appearance on the planet with his new padawan in tow was answer enough, still he would humor the man with a reply anyway.
"The Council and I did not see eye to eye on this issue. It was my belief that the force led me to find Anakin and as such I must train him. Obi-Wan was ready for his knight trials and had already secured all the training that I had to offer him. He is now the Padawan of my Master, Master Yoda. Yoda is a wiser Master than I and will see that Obi-Wan's training is completed. Once he is ready Yoda will lead him into his trials. In the meantime I am here without the Council's approval attempting to train Anakin without the support or resources of the Temple."
"I thought you said Obi-Wan was ready for his trials." The King was intent on holding Qui-Gon's feet to the fire. If he was going to allow a rogue Jedi on his planet he needed to know the circumstances inside and out.
"I thought that he was." Qui-Gon rubbed his hand wearily across his face.
"Let me guess the Council also didn't agree with you on that either?" Another rhetorical question and yet Qui-Gon felt compelled to respond.
"Exactly." He glanced away for a moment and then back to the King. He met the other man's eyes and fortified his determination. "King Napal You have known me for years and have seen my devotion to the force. I realize that all of this may put you in a precarious position, but I ask that you believe the facts that you know to be true. In all the years that you have known me have I ever done anything in your sight which would have you question my motives? "
The King considered and then shook his head.
"It is my hope that as I have trusted you in faith over the years as a negotiating partner that you would choose to extend this same trust in me concerning this endeavor." Qui-Gon paused to allow his words time to sink in. Taking a deep breath he pushed on the King's expression unreadable before him. "Without your support I am not sure that I will be able to train Anakin. I have no idea what impact that turn of events would have on the universe. Quite frankly Your Highness I am at your mercy." The last was said softly as if the realization had just dawned upon the master.
"Obi-Wan was ok with this? He was ok giving you up after all that time together?" The King raised his eyebrows and leaned forward upon his throne. "He had always spoken with such fondness of you. When he spoke of the possibility of his knighting his eyes would always be upon you no matter where you were in the room. It was as if he couldn't have one thing without the other."
Qui-Gon pushed down another wave of guilt. He didn't have time to think about Obi-Wan's knighting now. He had tried to be there for him. If the Council had allowed him to take his trials immediately as he had requested then he would have been there for that moment. He would have been the one to take his braid and welcome him into the order. He felt his chest tighten. He wanted to eliminate Obi-Wan from this conversation. This wasn't about him. This was about Anakin.
"No. He wasn't ok with this-" Qui-Gon felt a stab somewhere deep within at the admission, " but he trusted me and accepted that this was what I had to do. We serve the same force." Qui-Gon heard the underlying weariness in his own voice. "I feel certain that he would also ask that you would follow his example and trust me as well. He knows that his destiny doesn't lie on the same path as mine. He realizes I am now bound to Anakin."
The King sat for a moment studying the man before him. He looked older with fatigue heavy in his eyes. He couldn't help but feel sorrow for Obi- Wan. He had seen how loyal the boy was to his Master. He would have walked through fire if his Master had told him to. It wasn't any wonder that he accepted this as well. It was truly a shame though. He had noticed the boy's loyalty but also the older man's adoration for the boy. He had always enjoyed watching the mutual affection the two Jedi held for each other. He had longed to have such a repartee with his own son.
He really didn't like being caught in the middle of this situation, but felt an obligation to Qui-Gon. He had never given him any reason to doubt him in the past and he had been at Jinn's mercy on more than one occasion. He truly owed this man the benefit of the doubt.
"Very well Master Jinn. I accept what you say." He smiled at the man. Once the decision had been made to stand with the Master all suspicion was banished from his mind. You are welcome here in my palace with your new Padawan." Qui-Gon bowed relief evident in his demeanor.
" I do ask that I be able to call upon you from time to time for advice on various interplanetary policies. Would that be acceptable to you?"
The Master smiled and nodded. He had expected that he would be required to serve as an advisor in exchange for the King's hospitality.
"What will you require in order to assist you with your task?" The King asked gesturing to an assistant who was standing near by. The assistant stepped forward with a datapad in hand.
"Actually King Napal at this time I need merely a room large enough to work on beginning katas. You remember the katas you watched Obi-Wan and I work through on our last mission to your planet?"
The King nodded and Qui-Gon continued, "And I will need access to your library in order to begin his formal studies in the Jedi tradition."
"Very well." The King nodded once to his assistant, "You may consider the hall that you and Obi-Wan used previously to be your private training arena and as always my library is at your complete disposal. As your needs change, please don't hesitate to let me know what you require. It is Lustar's desire to aid you in any way you deem necessary to fulfill your Jedi prophesy."
"As always King Napal your generosity is overwhelming. My Padawan and I thank you for your support and trust." Qui-Gon bowed to the King as the assistant began leading him from the chambers.
"I look forward to meeting your new Padawan at my table tonight." A brief smile and the Master disappeared behind the door.
***********
Obi-Wan heard the hum of the saber drawing close to his right ear. He could smell the faint scent of his hair burning as his azure blade sliced through the braid culminating his knighting ceremony.
"Arise young Knight Kenobi and take your place among your fellow Jedi." Yoda's voice was thick with emotion as Obi-Wan lifted his gaze from the floor and met the old Master's eyes.
There was pride there in Yoda's eyes but also a sadness that both men felt. This joyous occasion that Obi-Wan had been working towards for years was marred. There was something missing. No not something, but someone. Obi- Wan smiled faintly as he pushed up until he was standing.
"Let me be the first to congratulate you on your achievement Knight Kenobi." Mace Windu extended his hand and drew the young man into an embrace which caught the new knight by surprise. While being held close he felt the warmth of Mace's breath on his ear as the Master whispered softly, "Do not dwell on him. He has chosen his path and you must choose yours. A good master he might have been, but a greater knight you will be. No longer anyone's padawan."
Obi-Wan pulled back gratitude shining from his eyes. Somehow Mace's verbal acknowledgement of Qui-Gon's absence had made that lacking easier to bear.
"Thank you Master Windu. It is my privilege to serve the galaxy as the force leads me. I extend my gratitude to the Council for their patience and guidance. To Yoda for his confidence and willingness to take on an over-the-hill Padawan," this brought forth the expected soft laughter, "and Master Jinn for the years of training he bestowed upon me. I stand before you a man made not of my own ability but molded by the hands of many."
He bowed his head after briefly meeting the eyes of each council member. The room remained hushed. Each member of the council once again marveled at Obi-Wan's humility and strength as well as Qui-Gon's stupidity. The lights in the Council Chamber were brightened as the solemn portion of the ceremony was now completed.
"Now it is tradition that the Knight's Master honor his newly knighted charge with a gathering in his quarters, but due to the fact that none of us want to spend the rest of the evening stooped over the party will be in my quarters." Mace was rewarded with a playful whack from a small green master and a wave of laughter, "We will convene immediately following this ceremony."
Mace finished his announcement then turned once more to the new knight before him. "Obi-Wan we have all watched you grow. From the time you were a babe in the creche to the day you became an initiate, from uneasy and hesitant Padawan to a brilliant and competent knight. I feel the Order glows brighter today as your light is added to our number."
Yoda stepped forward. Obi-Wan lowered himself to his Master's level.
"Seek the force you must. Always anchored to the light you will be. Trust in yourself you must. The Force will be with you always." Obi-Wan smiled and dodged the playful whack aimed at his shin. Even though the mood was light it was obvious to all the observers that something special existed between the new knight and his new Master. They remained silent not intruding on the moment.
Mace finally broke the silence as he turned to the crowd of gathered friends and guests and proclaimed, "You may all come forward and receive this knight."
At that there was a wave of applause then Obi-Wan found himself surrounded by friends both old and new. He recognized many of the faces. There were Creche Masters, Teaching Masters from the Temple, Knights he and Qui-Gon had serve with on various missions, Padawans his age and younger as well as a few Senators and planetary Ambassadors. He was amazed at the size of the crowd and also relieved that he had not been aware of their presence during the ceremony. He would have been a nervous wreck had he known all those eyes had been upon him.
Of course the face he sought the most he knew would not be there. The dead cannot attend the ceremonies of the living. He forced the thought aside as Bant's arm threaded itself around his narrow waist and tickled his ribs. He laughed aloud and threatened to squirm away had she not stopped immediately.
"Wow Obi aren't you the popular one?" She reached up kissing him lightly on the cheek. He blushed and met her gaze.
"Stay here ok?" He emphasized his words by snaking his arm around her waist and pressing her to his side. His voice had been soft but insistent.
"That was the plan." She smiled resting her head briefly upon his shoulder. She had known Obi-Wan long enough to understand why he would want her so close. She released her renewed anger and frustration at Master Dumb Dumb one more time and squeezed her precious friend tighter. She was rewarded by a faint smile and an equally comforting squeeze to her waist.
"I said the party is in my quarters!" Mace's exasperated voice rose above the buzz of the crowd.
Laughter followed the announcement as the Council Chamber immediately began emptying. Bant stepped forward leading the way to the door but Obi-Wan pulled her back to his side again. She looked up questioningly.
"Let's wait." He said softly still smiling, but she saw the struggle he was losing at remaining composed. She cursed Qui-Gon for the millionth time as she gentle stroked his back trying to comfort and reassure. Once the last of the audience had exited she turned to him. There were tears in his eyes as he lowered his head to her shoulder and softly sobbed.
"Shhhhh it's ok..really it is." She whispered carding her hands lovingly through his hair.
They had been best friends forever it seemed. He had been older. At first she had been madly in love with him, but that had passed quickly as she realized how much more she needed his friendship and how desperately he needed hers. After a few moments he pulled back wiping his eyes impatiently.
"Sorry." He apologized sniffing.
"Don't be. He should be the one who is sorry." His eyes met hers and he nodded solemnly.
"It's so hard all the looks." He gestured his head to indicate the crowd which had just departed. " I get so many that are full of pity and then some full of curiosity. Poor Obi-Wan his Master threw him away. Wonder what Obi-Wan did this time to have been reassigned a new Master? He is so odd." Obi-Wan shook his head slowly looking down at his feet.
"Really is that what you see?" Bant lovingly began, "I saw admiration and affection in their gazes. I saw trust and hope in the knight you will be." Bant reached up and touched the spot where the braid had been. Obi-Wan swallowed hard and shook his head slightly.
"I have dreamed of today for as long as I can remember, but never in any of my dreams did it ever look or feel like this." He gestured out to where the group had been. He walked away from her a few steps and then turned back to face her. "He should have been here. I would have liked to have seen the pride in his eyes and heard his voice proclaim me as a knight. We had such a rough beginning, but I thought we had overcome it." He stopped and searched her eyes for answers that she knew he would never find. She reached out and took his hands in hers pulling him closer.
"Obi what Master Jinn did said nothing about you and everything about him." Her own tears choking her voice and making it difficult to continue, "It should have been him here with you today. You did overcome it. He didn't. You didn't fail. He did. He was selfish in the beginning and through to the end. You deserved better"
"No-" His voice barely above a whisper as he lifted his finger to her lips in order to silence them. "You mustn't say such things about him. He may have acted disinterested in the beginning and in the end, but I am what I am because of the time and wisdom he invested in me. I can't discount that. He is a servant of the force. He always insisted that I be mindful of it. He always was. I have to believe that he is still serving it. Even if in serving it he had to abandon me. I have to trust and believe. It is the only way that I will survive this."
" You are amazing," Bant began her voice rising new anger building within her, "if you defend him after the way he has conducted himself I am going to force you down to the Healers. You are obviously insane."
He smiled and shook his head.
"Why not just be my personal healer tonight and keep yourself by my side." He placed his arm around her waist once more and pulled her close again.
"People might talk?" She teased as they started towards the door.
"About me? How novel." His wry smile matched hers. They started towards the door allowing their laughter to carrying them the rest of the way.
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Hey this one was a long one huh? I did some tweaking and before I knew what had happened it was 10 pages long. I am in midst of a debate right now about where I am going with this. I already had it mapped out but now I am thinking I want to insert a bit more. Please be patient. I will try to figure this out quickly and get another post up ASAP. I know how hard it is to wait when you are involved in the plot. I just want this to be the best it can be. Thanks again for all the praise and advice. I am trying to learn all that I can and your comments are helping me grow. I really appreciate each and every one of you who is taking the time to let me know what you think. Thanks!!!!!