Title: Beyond Time
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: It all belongs to George Lucas, I just like to play in his universe once and a while.
Part Four: Time
Planet Dan`sh - 4 days 3 hours from Coruscant
While the Force storm above Dan`sh waged war on hyperspace on the planet it was a beautiful morning, the sun creeping slowly over the horizon.
Qui-Gon stood facing Seri, her small hands in his large ones. Obi-Wan stood to his Masters left, the three of them still bond by the Force proceeding with a ceremony that would separate one of them.
Luke stood before them all. "With the coming of this new day Qui-Gon and Seri pledge themselves willingly and freely to each other," he began. "From this day on you shell be one, bond together through life and the Force." He nodded to the Jedi Master, who vowed with certainty:
"I, Qui-Gon, pledge myself to you, Seri. Within life we are one. Through the Force we are one. Mind, body and soul."
Luke nodded to Seri and she vowed with just as much conviction in her voice:
"I, Seri, pledge myself to you, Qui-Gon. Within life we are one. Through the Force we are one. Mind, body and soul."
Obi-Wan could feel the Force following through them both. His Master was strong with the Force, but Seri was so much stronger so attuned and their pledge now bound them together.
"Through life they are one. Through the Force they are one. The Force brought them together and only the Force shall part them, though only of their physical bodies. Their sprites shall forever remain together, bond-mates forever." Luke concluded.
Qui-Gon drew Seri into his arms, kissing her, parting her lips for a long sensual kiss.
A white glow surrounded them with pure Force energy, blinding and entwining their life Force. Then disappeared within them, the ceremony finished.
Obi-Wan smiled. The close bond the three shared was still there but now if was different. His bond with his Master was still strong, perhaps even stronger but the tires that had bond him to their sexual feelings was now severed, evermore theirs alone.
Seri smiled at her bond-mate. I love you, Qui-Gon Jinn.
He smiled back. I love you Seri Ke`tel-Jinn.
They parted and she turned to her former Master, the man she'd had the pleasure of considering part of her family. "Thank you Master Luke."
"You're welcome, Seri," he said happily.
She felt tears well in her eyes, as happy as she was she was still losing him. "It's time to send you home,"
"Yes it is Seri," he agreed a little reluctant to leave her even though he knew she was going to be well looked after in this time. Still he was facing the unknown now as much as they were.
"It's time to go," Obi-Wan informed.
Luke nodded and they returned to where the Trancer had landed.
"I'll go and start pre-fight," Seri volunteered, patting Luke's arm. "I'll see you on board."
He nodded as she went past, knowing she was giving him the chance to say goodbye.
Qui-Gon shook his hand. "Safe journey Luke."
"Thank you Qui-Gon," he hesitated for only a second. "Look after Seri and your son."
The older man smiled. "I will."
Luke turned to Obi-Wan. Recalling how many times he'd nearly called the young man Ben by mistake. "Be careful Obi-Wan. I may need a Master in the future."
The Padawan smiled. "I'd be honored," he said. "I hope everyone is there for you when you return."
A warm smile eased onto Luke's lips. "They will be."
Behind them the Trancers engines ignited, then Seri came down the ramp. She went over to Luke. "I've plotted you a direct course into the storm," she reported. "Once you enter and are sent back, the timeline will right itself and all will be as it should be."
"Will I remember what has happened?"
"No," she shook her head, theorizing. "I'm not even sure if we will."
"Trust the Force, Princess," he whispered and hugged her.
She hugged him back. "I will Uncle Luke."
After kissing her forehead, Luke released her and boarded the ship not looking back as the hatch closed him off from them. The three Jedi moved back as the ship lifted off, they followed it for as long as they could. Then headed back to the cabin. Halfway there all three shivered unexpectedly, feeling a ripple in the Force as all went back too as it should be.
"Seri?" Qui-Gon gave her hand a squeezed. "Is there anything wrong, my love?"
"No," she smiled, shaking her head. She had all she could need, her bond-mates love and an innocent life growing within her. "We're fine."
"It's time we returned Master." Obi-Wan noted.
"It is, Padawan." Qui-Gon agreed.
"Tatooine first," Seri reminded, and saw the expression her bond-mate gave her.
Knowing he was skeptical of her accusation the Chosen One would be found there. "Trust me, my love."
"Alright," he yielded, becoming confident with her insights. "Tatooine to find the boy and then home."
She grinned. "Thank you, Qui-Gon."
Planet Tatooine - 8 hours from Coruscant (using the Corellian Run)
Anakin Skywalker looked up at the young woman who had stopped him, who had called him by name. As she hankered down, her robe fell away and he saw the lightsaber attached to her belt. His eyes widened. "You're a Jedi Knight," he exclaimed with awe.
"Yes," she answered. "And so are my friends. You can be a Jedi too Anakin Skywalker."
"I can?"
"Yes," she stood and held out her hand.
Anakin hesitated, and then took it. Trusting this young woman. "How?"
"It is the will of the Force," she answered. "My name is Seri Ke`tel-Jinn. My friends are Master Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and his Apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi."
The little boy looked at the three of them with wide-eyed innocents. "Are you going to free mum and I?"
"We already have, Anakin." Qui-Gon informed, sensing the Force was very strong in this boy.
"Wizard!" He exclaimed. Then tugged on Seri's hand. "Come on."
She laughed and allowed herself to be pulled along.
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan followed. "He is the one, isn't he Master?" The younger man asked.
"Yes, Padawan he is," the elder answered. "Now Anakin Skywalker's destiny lies in the hands of the Force and I believe it will guide him well."
"I believe so, also Master," Obi-Wan stated, then smiled. "After all, Seri believes in him."
Qui-Gon laughed. "That she does, my young Apprentice. That she does."
Concluding in then next chapter.
