Okay, some of you have raised some interesting questions in your reviews.
I've answered some there, and others will be answered in this post or ones
to come. I'm in a hurry so I'm posting and running. Going out of town for a
week, so want to see lots of replies when I get back :)
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Qui-Gon kept his pace slow as he walked the palace corridors, heading towards the rooms he shared with his pad - - with Anakin. An entire morning of meditation had served to give him a renewed sense of purpose and peace.
Though he had argued with Yoda when the tiny master had first suggested that he would take over the boy's training - - Qui-Gon could no longer deny the will of the force. His path lies with the 'chosen one.' He had been right about that, but oh how wrong he'd been about whom that proclaimed one was.
There were other things that he was just now coming to terms with as well. It had been another in a long list of shocks when Yoda had informed him that is own midichlorian count had gradually increased as a result of his bond with Obi-Wan. He'd not had himself tested in years - - knowing what his count was, he saw no reason to. By this point, Yoda had ceased to surprise him. He had just sat silently as the little gnome told him that on numerous occasions when he'd been unconscious and under the healers care, that Yoda had secretly tested his count.
There was one thing however that continued to bother Qui-Gon and he felt compelled to ask his former master about it. Now this, he'd had a hard time with as well. To think that all of this had been set in motion by such an action. An action that was so typically Obi-Wan, that it had caused both himself and Master Yoda to shake their heads in affectionate amusement, regardless of the repercussions it had caused.
It seemed that when Qui-Gon had sent Obi-Wan the sample of Anakin's blood to test - - the apprentice in his haste to do his masters bidding, had pricked his own finger on the base device. It was quickly wiped away, but again in his haste, Obi-Wan had not reset the configurations. He ran the sample, but it was on his own blood - - not the incoming signal from Qui- Gon's remote tester.
Of course no one was aware of this until the group finally made it to the temple. It was Yoda who took the sample reading from Obi-Wan to verify Anakin's count. It didn't take the wise master long to figure out what had happened. He'd immediately reset the device and retested the Skywalker child.
He was surprised at the count. It was higher than the average count of 10, 000 for a jedi. The boy tested at 14, 500. Master Yoda himself tested at 17,000 and Qui-Gon's it seemed varied. Before the bond with Obi-Wan was closed his count was at 15,500 and now, after a quick test in the infirmary it stood at 13,000. Qui-gon was amazed. His original count had been 12,500.
And of course, it was Obi-Wan's count that was over 20,000. Surpassing even Master Yoda. This was most likely the reason that Obi-Wan had been able to save Qui-Gon after he'd been impaled by the sith Yoda had informed him. By all rights, Qui-Gon should have died. It was only the considerable power of the chosen one that had saved him, that would not let him go.
Once Yoda had finally fallen silent, Qui-Gon had asked if the little master had any other surprises. Thankfully the answer was no and Qui-Gon had excused himself to the gardens to meditate.
His meditations had been humbling to say the least. After some time he'd manage to release his guilt and shame into the force. He gave himself no quarter as he ruthlessly examined his actions and the motivations behind them.
It wasn't a pretty picture. He HAD been arrogant, he HAD been prideful, and he HAD been hurtful - - and he had known it. There was no way to change it. All he could do was try his best to make up for it.
He wasn't quite able to release all of his guilt and shame where Obi-Wan was concerned, however. Perhaps that is the way it should be. He would not be able to completely let it go until Obi-Wan forgave him. If. If Obi- Wan forgave him.
Qui-Gon knew as well as Yoda of Obi-Wan's forgiving nature - - yet there was also a stubborn side to that loving young soul.
~ Force help me if I'm on the receiving end of that. ~ He thought.
Given the gravity of the situation, he still couldn't help but smile. He had no doubt that Obi-Wan would make it hard on him, and rightly so.
He rounded the final turn to his room and could feel Yoda's presence already in attendance, along with Anakin and Shmi. Qui-Gon had released any ill feelings he may have held against the soft-spoken woman as well. He easily recognized the truth in Yoda's words. She wanted a better life for her son - - fault her for that he could not. It would do no good to play the blame game; he would have to look to himself as well. He never should have taken such thing at face value.
Still calm and serene, Qui-Gon made his way to the door. This was the right thing to do. Anakin may be upset at first, but if he looks to the force for guidance as he has been taught, he will feel it as well.
He should not have to tell the boy what an honor it is to be chosen as Master Yoda's padawan. He would also reassure Anakin that he still cared very much for him, and that they could still be a part of each other's lives. The boy would be trained, that was the important thing. The only reason he had ever volunteered himself for the role was because no one else seemed willing. That was no longer the case.
Qui-Gon entered the room, his steps light. He was confident in the coarse of action the force had set forth. Anakin would still be trained. His Obi- Wan was going to be all right, and they would once again be a team. He had no idea that his very short-lived serenity was about to be shattered.
Master Yoda sat opposite Shmi and Anakin. Anakin rose to meet him, his expression uncertain. It was obvious the boy was unsure of how Qui-Gon was going to react to him due to his outburst of the previous evening.
Qui-Gon tried to look reassuring as he approached the youth and directed him back to his seat. He did not miss the suspicious look Anakin gave him as he seated himself next to Master Yoda. He boy obviously knew something was up. Shmi, for her part looked a little nervous as she gave Anakin a quick squeeze of support and excused herself from the room.
Yoda was the first to break the silence. Turning to Anakin, he got right to the point.
"Here to discuss important matter, we are. Hard for you to understand, it may be. Though necessary it is."
Anakin looked back and forth between Yoda and Qui-Gon uncertainly.
"Is this about my severed training bond with Master Qui-Gon?" he asked, hoping that it was this and not his outburst that was garnering all the attention. "Are we going to fix it?"
There was a pause and Qui-Gon almost stepped in, but Yoda seemed determined to handle things.
"Re-forged . . . . . . the bond will not be."
Anakin was stunned, his eyes going wide in shock. His face took on a panicked expression that he did not try to mask. His eyes sought those of his master as he surged from his seat and went to his knees before Qui-Gon.
"I'm sorry master. I really am. I didn't mean it. I'm sorry about what I said about Obi-Wan. I . . . . I just . . . . . I was . . . jealous. Please don't . . ."
Qui-Gon was a bit startled by Anakin's panicked babbling and quickly moved to reassure the boy. He reached forward and firmly grasped Anakin's upper arms and was about to speak when Anakin's next words hit him.
". . . . I'm sorry about Obi-Wan's braid. I never meant to take it. I just wanted to see what it was, the you woke up and I . . . . I panicked . . . ." Anakin's voice halted as the pressure on his arms dramatically increased and he was hauled to his feet.
Wide brown eyes met shocked blue. Qui-Gon's voice was deceptively serene and alarmingly quiet as he said, "What. Did. You. Say?" It was accentuated by a tiny shake to slim shoulders.
Anakin seemed incapable of speech. His eyes darted to Master Yoda, and back to his master. He had assumed Yoda had already exposed his little secret. Oh, force! What had he done?
Before he could say or do anything in an attempt to try to talk his way out of this one, he felt the powerful presence of Qui-Gon Jinn enter his mind with guided intent; searching for - - and finding the memory he sought.
Anakin was taken aback by the forceful intrusion, but did not fight it. In fact, he wasn't sure he could have, such was the intense focus that Qui-Gon brought to bear on him.
Qui-Gon saw himself through Anakin's eyes as he lie in the infirmary, recovering from this battle with the sith. He saw Obi-Wan enter and immediately noticed that his braid was missing. The pride he felt in Obi- Wan's knighting was bittersweet. The sorrow of not being there for the ceremony threatened to overshadow his pride, even now.
Obi-Wan stood silently over his prone form. Though he looked every bit the serene and proper jedi, Qui-Gon knew his padawan too well. The tiniest flicker of facial movement alerted him to the silent struggle that waged within.
As if to confirm his thoughts, Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan gently placed something within his hand. Obi-Wan was losing his mask of serenity, and Qui- Gon's heart clenched painfully as the 'saw' the lone tear make its way down that much loved face.
He so wanted to reach out, to comfort, to wipe away the tears. His pride in Obi-Wan surged once more. It was not Obi-Wans burden to make things right. He was the one who had been wronged. Yet there he was, silently offering his forgiveness - - to the master that had so wronged him.
A swirl of his cloak, and Obi-Wan was gone. Qui-Gon was left to watch as Anakin curiously approached his sleeping form. He had no doubt that it was a child's curiosity that led to Anakin's actions. Yet while he viewed the memory through Anakin's eyes, he also felt the remnants of residual emotions as well. Anakin had resented the knight's presence as soon as he'd entered the room. The jealousy so prevalent now, was only fleeting then.
It was obvious that those feelings were what led the boy to keep his prize. For if Anakin had come to him at any time, once he'd regained consciousness - - and possibly even for months afterwards, he could have forgiven the boy. He had allowed him so much as it was. But this - - this was . . . unforgivable.
Qui-Gon concentrated on his breathing, keeping it slow and steady. In through the nose, out through the mouth. He did not open his eyes; he did not want to see the face before him. His hands still gripped Anakin's upper arms and he became aware of the pressure he was exerting. Slowly, with each exhalation he eased up on his grip.
His epiphany from last night came back to haunt him. Blind you can be to your padawans. Oh, force. He had been so wrong. So, so wrong. How had he never seen the darkness lurking within this innocent looking boy? And therein lie the paradox. Innocent looking, indeed. He had done the same thing with Anakin that he had done with Xanatos.
He saw only the smiling confident countenance that they meant him to see. They amazed and dazzled him with their talents and carefully concealed arrogance. He could see it as arrogance now. He had mistaken it for confidence, and he had never looked beyond - - until it was too late.
He was angry, and releasing that anger into the force was proving to be very trying. The anger was mostly at himself, but a small part belonged to the boy he still held. He felt the urge to grip tighter and shake with all his might, as if that would dispel the darkness within the boy. It would not. He wasn't sure if anything could.
He remembered his earlier discussion with Master Yoda. Powerful the boy was. Needed to be trained he did. Qui-Gon believed that even more so now. Kept to the light he must be, or pawn he will become. If anyone could accomplish that task it would be Master Yoda. He did his best to release his anger at the boy. What was left, was only sadness.
Qui-Gon finally opened his eyes, and saw Anakin flinch slightly. Any affection he had held for the boy was replaced with pity, and it showed. He could have loved the boy. He wanted to love the boy. He had done his best by Anakin, but it wasn't enough. He could do no more.
"I can no longer continue your training." Qui-Gon's voice was surprisingly steady, even to himself. He saw Anakin's face drop, but he held no sympathy for the boy. He thought to say more, then decided against it. Instead he released the boy, stood and walked away from him. He did not look back.
Anakin stood staring at the door that closed behind Qui-Gon. He was so lost in his emotions that he had forgotten that Master Yoda was still present in the room. His anger and his misery warred with each other. He wanted to scream for Qui-Gon to come back to forgive him, that he was sorry. On the other hand he wanted to lash out at him and make him pay for hurting him.
"Your problem that is, slave to your emotions you are." Yoda finally spoke, startling Anakin from his thoughts.
Anakin turned to the master respectfully, yet his posture still radiated his misery.
"What will happen to me now?" he asked.
"Want to be a jedi, you do?" Yoda asked in return.
Anakin's answer was sincere yet void of hope. He believed his chance lost. "With all my heart."
"Then take you as my padawan learner, I will. Accept this, you will?" Yoda watched as hope returned to the boy's eyes, yet it was mingled with uncertainty. Anakin was obviously unsure what he was getting himself into. Hope would win out however.
"I accept." Anakin said formally as he straightened his posture. He was still upset about what had transpired with his mas- - with Qui-Gon, but he would still be jedi. He hadn't lost his chance.
"Very good at hiding things you have become. Lucky for you, good at finding things I am." Yoda said. He did not miss the tiny flash of fear that flared in his new padawan's eyes. Like Obi-Wan he sensed the struggle for dominance between darkness and light within the boy. But the light now had an ally. A powerful ally.
Yoda felt the darkness recede slightly as he called the boy forward to initiate the training bond. It took only moments, and when he was done his 27th padawan stood before him. Young enough was the boy, a chance he still had. Drive the darkness out he would.
"Meditate you will. Examine your dark thoughts you will." As Yoda spoke he used the force to simultaneously pull down the shades; effectively blocking out any trace of sunlight, and to light various candles scattered about the room.
"But I spent all last night meditating . . ." Anakin stopped at the disapproving look his new master directed at him.
"Enlightenment meditation you will perform. Breakfast, I hope you ate. Leave this room for three days, you will not." Yoda said seriously. He completely ignored Anakin's incredulous stare. "Learn to release your emotions to the force you will, or true jedi you will never be. Start you on this journey, I will. Talk we will, when you are done."
As Qui-Gon entered the infirmary he could feel the change in emotions of those present. He approached Knight Muln and Queen Amidala in hopes of some good news regarding Obi-Wan's condition.
"Knight Muln, your highness" he nodded to each respectively as he spoke.
"Master Jinn." Garen spoke respectfully as was required, but the underlying frost in his tone was apparent.
"Any change?" Qui-Gon asked, not taking offense. Obi-Wan's friends were loyal, he could not fault them for that.
"He's being removed from the tank as we speak," Amidala was too excited and relieved to bother with her grudge against the master. "We'll be able to see him soon."
Qui-Gon could not and would not stop the smile that broke free. He was so relieved, and he could not wait to see his Obi-Wan again. Any lingering thoughts of Anakin were chased away by this happy news.
It was close to an hour before Healer Okara finally appeared and ushered a delighted few into the knight's room. Qui-Gon, Master Yoda - who had just arrived, Garen and Amidala were the first visitors. They had been apprised of the knight's condition and told their visit would be short.
The knight's injuries had been healed, though he would be weak for some time. He had not yet regained consciousness. He would require physical therapy as well as the services of a soul healer. It was an unpleasant reminder that the damage done had been much more than just physical.
Qui-Gon was oblivious to anyone else's reaction as he saw Obi-Wan for the first time. The room itself was almost entirely white, as was the soft comfortable attire Obi-Wan had been dressed in. It served to accentuate the paleness of smooth flawless skin. The ginger hair looked shiny and soft, and could have doubled as a halo due the harshness of the lighting. Obi- Wan's head was turned slightly to one side, facing his visitors, his lips slightly parted. He was beautiful.
To Qui-Gon he looked like a beautiful sleeping angel. He had stopped just inside the entryway, and couldn't seem to make himself progress any further. He watched as Amidala went straight to the knight's side, Garen right behind her. Both reached out to touch the knight. Garen to smooth back the ginger hair, and Amidala to caress that strong jaw line.
Master Yoda had made his way to the other side of the knight's bed, lifting himself into the chair sitting adjacent to it. Slowly, Qui-Gon moved forward. He could not help but feel out of place, like he did not belong here among those who had not betrayed the precious soul before him. Whether he deserved it or not, he could not help himself. He too was drawn to the light that was Obi-Wan.
Chancellor Palpatine made his way through the growing mass of people that littered the waiting area of the infirmary. He graciously shook hands and exchanged quick pleasantries as he edged his way towards the private rooms.
The healer on duty was only to happy to bend the rule that stated the number of visitors a patient could have, it was the supreme chancellor after all. He easily made his way to the knight's room, stifling his disgust when he encountered the surprised Master Jinn.
"I hope I'm not intruding." He looked to the queen as he spoke. "I'll be heading back to Coruscant this evening your highness, and I did not want to leave with out seeing how the young lad here made out."
Palpatine turned his attention to Master Yoda. "What a terrifying turn of events this is. You can rest assured Master Yoda, the jedi have my full support. Any services you need will be at your disposal."
"Thank you for that, we do, chancellor. Come to that it may." Yoda said diplomatically, yet Palpatine did not miss the subtle probe the little gnome sent his way. He easily deflected it as he turned to Master Jinn.
"You have my sympathies, Master Jinn. He was your apprentice, was he not?"
"Yes," Qui-Gon's answer was distracted. It seemed he could not keep his eyes from the young man on the bed. "Yes, he was. Thank you, chancellor."
Palpatine made his way to the knight, and was delighted as the other visitors moved to accommodate him. He gazed down at the young knight, outwardly compassionate. Inside he was raging. He had been arrogant, so arrogant. Because of this, he had lost his prize . . . . and almost his life. The knight before him was more powerful than he had ever imagined. He had been so smug when the knight finally submitted to him, that he hadn't even questioned the sudden change.
The knight had turned on him in the tunnel. It had only been the young man's lack of experience and control in his new power that had allowed Sideous defeat him. He'd had to retaliate to save his own life. If he'd had the strength, he would have killed the young man then and there. Yes, Kenobi would have to die. It was apparent that he would never turn. It was a pity really, to kill something so pure and beautiful.
Seemingly without thought to those around him, or perhaps it was his arrogance again, the chancellor brought one hand to the knight's face. A gentle good-bye caress, it wasn't too much to ask for, was it?
He had good cause to question his action as his world suddenly turned upside down. One second he stood above the peaceful visage of the slumbering knight - - the next he was flat on his back, straddled by a wild eyed version of said knight. The heat of an activated light saber tingling the flesh of his throat. He barely registered the surprised gasps of the rooms other occupants.
A/N Where did the light saber come from?? Well, if you know how resourceful our Obi is you'll figure it out. If you need a little help, then proceed immediately to the next chapter :)
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Qui-Gon kept his pace slow as he walked the palace corridors, heading towards the rooms he shared with his pad - - with Anakin. An entire morning of meditation had served to give him a renewed sense of purpose and peace.
Though he had argued with Yoda when the tiny master had first suggested that he would take over the boy's training - - Qui-Gon could no longer deny the will of the force. His path lies with the 'chosen one.' He had been right about that, but oh how wrong he'd been about whom that proclaimed one was.
There were other things that he was just now coming to terms with as well. It had been another in a long list of shocks when Yoda had informed him that is own midichlorian count had gradually increased as a result of his bond with Obi-Wan. He'd not had himself tested in years - - knowing what his count was, he saw no reason to. By this point, Yoda had ceased to surprise him. He had just sat silently as the little gnome told him that on numerous occasions when he'd been unconscious and under the healers care, that Yoda had secretly tested his count.
There was one thing however that continued to bother Qui-Gon and he felt compelled to ask his former master about it. Now this, he'd had a hard time with as well. To think that all of this had been set in motion by such an action. An action that was so typically Obi-Wan, that it had caused both himself and Master Yoda to shake their heads in affectionate amusement, regardless of the repercussions it had caused.
It seemed that when Qui-Gon had sent Obi-Wan the sample of Anakin's blood to test - - the apprentice in his haste to do his masters bidding, had pricked his own finger on the base device. It was quickly wiped away, but again in his haste, Obi-Wan had not reset the configurations. He ran the sample, but it was on his own blood - - not the incoming signal from Qui- Gon's remote tester.
Of course no one was aware of this until the group finally made it to the temple. It was Yoda who took the sample reading from Obi-Wan to verify Anakin's count. It didn't take the wise master long to figure out what had happened. He'd immediately reset the device and retested the Skywalker child.
He was surprised at the count. It was higher than the average count of 10, 000 for a jedi. The boy tested at 14, 500. Master Yoda himself tested at 17,000 and Qui-Gon's it seemed varied. Before the bond with Obi-Wan was closed his count was at 15,500 and now, after a quick test in the infirmary it stood at 13,000. Qui-gon was amazed. His original count had been 12,500.
And of course, it was Obi-Wan's count that was over 20,000. Surpassing even Master Yoda. This was most likely the reason that Obi-Wan had been able to save Qui-Gon after he'd been impaled by the sith Yoda had informed him. By all rights, Qui-Gon should have died. It was only the considerable power of the chosen one that had saved him, that would not let him go.
Once Yoda had finally fallen silent, Qui-Gon had asked if the little master had any other surprises. Thankfully the answer was no and Qui-Gon had excused himself to the gardens to meditate.
His meditations had been humbling to say the least. After some time he'd manage to release his guilt and shame into the force. He gave himself no quarter as he ruthlessly examined his actions and the motivations behind them.
It wasn't a pretty picture. He HAD been arrogant, he HAD been prideful, and he HAD been hurtful - - and he had known it. There was no way to change it. All he could do was try his best to make up for it.
He wasn't quite able to release all of his guilt and shame where Obi-Wan was concerned, however. Perhaps that is the way it should be. He would not be able to completely let it go until Obi-Wan forgave him. If. If Obi- Wan forgave him.
Qui-Gon knew as well as Yoda of Obi-Wan's forgiving nature - - yet there was also a stubborn side to that loving young soul.
~ Force help me if I'm on the receiving end of that. ~ He thought.
Given the gravity of the situation, he still couldn't help but smile. He had no doubt that Obi-Wan would make it hard on him, and rightly so.
He rounded the final turn to his room and could feel Yoda's presence already in attendance, along with Anakin and Shmi. Qui-Gon had released any ill feelings he may have held against the soft-spoken woman as well. He easily recognized the truth in Yoda's words. She wanted a better life for her son - - fault her for that he could not. It would do no good to play the blame game; he would have to look to himself as well. He never should have taken such thing at face value.
Still calm and serene, Qui-Gon made his way to the door. This was the right thing to do. Anakin may be upset at first, but if he looks to the force for guidance as he has been taught, he will feel it as well.
He should not have to tell the boy what an honor it is to be chosen as Master Yoda's padawan. He would also reassure Anakin that he still cared very much for him, and that they could still be a part of each other's lives. The boy would be trained, that was the important thing. The only reason he had ever volunteered himself for the role was because no one else seemed willing. That was no longer the case.
Qui-Gon entered the room, his steps light. He was confident in the coarse of action the force had set forth. Anakin would still be trained. His Obi- Wan was going to be all right, and they would once again be a team. He had no idea that his very short-lived serenity was about to be shattered.
Master Yoda sat opposite Shmi and Anakin. Anakin rose to meet him, his expression uncertain. It was obvious the boy was unsure of how Qui-Gon was going to react to him due to his outburst of the previous evening.
Qui-Gon tried to look reassuring as he approached the youth and directed him back to his seat. He did not miss the suspicious look Anakin gave him as he seated himself next to Master Yoda. He boy obviously knew something was up. Shmi, for her part looked a little nervous as she gave Anakin a quick squeeze of support and excused herself from the room.
Yoda was the first to break the silence. Turning to Anakin, he got right to the point.
"Here to discuss important matter, we are. Hard for you to understand, it may be. Though necessary it is."
Anakin looked back and forth between Yoda and Qui-Gon uncertainly.
"Is this about my severed training bond with Master Qui-Gon?" he asked, hoping that it was this and not his outburst that was garnering all the attention. "Are we going to fix it?"
There was a pause and Qui-Gon almost stepped in, but Yoda seemed determined to handle things.
"Re-forged . . . . . . the bond will not be."
Anakin was stunned, his eyes going wide in shock. His face took on a panicked expression that he did not try to mask. His eyes sought those of his master as he surged from his seat and went to his knees before Qui-Gon.
"I'm sorry master. I really am. I didn't mean it. I'm sorry about what I said about Obi-Wan. I . . . . I just . . . . . I was . . . jealous. Please don't . . ."
Qui-Gon was a bit startled by Anakin's panicked babbling and quickly moved to reassure the boy. He reached forward and firmly grasped Anakin's upper arms and was about to speak when Anakin's next words hit him.
". . . . I'm sorry about Obi-Wan's braid. I never meant to take it. I just wanted to see what it was, the you woke up and I . . . . I panicked . . . ." Anakin's voice halted as the pressure on his arms dramatically increased and he was hauled to his feet.
Wide brown eyes met shocked blue. Qui-Gon's voice was deceptively serene and alarmingly quiet as he said, "What. Did. You. Say?" It was accentuated by a tiny shake to slim shoulders.
Anakin seemed incapable of speech. His eyes darted to Master Yoda, and back to his master. He had assumed Yoda had already exposed his little secret. Oh, force! What had he done?
Before he could say or do anything in an attempt to try to talk his way out of this one, he felt the powerful presence of Qui-Gon Jinn enter his mind with guided intent; searching for - - and finding the memory he sought.
Anakin was taken aback by the forceful intrusion, but did not fight it. In fact, he wasn't sure he could have, such was the intense focus that Qui-Gon brought to bear on him.
Qui-Gon saw himself through Anakin's eyes as he lie in the infirmary, recovering from this battle with the sith. He saw Obi-Wan enter and immediately noticed that his braid was missing. The pride he felt in Obi- Wan's knighting was bittersweet. The sorrow of not being there for the ceremony threatened to overshadow his pride, even now.
Obi-Wan stood silently over his prone form. Though he looked every bit the serene and proper jedi, Qui-Gon knew his padawan too well. The tiniest flicker of facial movement alerted him to the silent struggle that waged within.
As if to confirm his thoughts, Qui-Gon watched as Obi-Wan gently placed something within his hand. Obi-Wan was losing his mask of serenity, and Qui- Gon's heart clenched painfully as the 'saw' the lone tear make its way down that much loved face.
He so wanted to reach out, to comfort, to wipe away the tears. His pride in Obi-Wan surged once more. It was not Obi-Wans burden to make things right. He was the one who had been wronged. Yet there he was, silently offering his forgiveness - - to the master that had so wronged him.
A swirl of his cloak, and Obi-Wan was gone. Qui-Gon was left to watch as Anakin curiously approached his sleeping form. He had no doubt that it was a child's curiosity that led to Anakin's actions. Yet while he viewed the memory through Anakin's eyes, he also felt the remnants of residual emotions as well. Anakin had resented the knight's presence as soon as he'd entered the room. The jealousy so prevalent now, was only fleeting then.
It was obvious that those feelings were what led the boy to keep his prize. For if Anakin had come to him at any time, once he'd regained consciousness - - and possibly even for months afterwards, he could have forgiven the boy. He had allowed him so much as it was. But this - - this was . . . unforgivable.
Qui-Gon concentrated on his breathing, keeping it slow and steady. In through the nose, out through the mouth. He did not open his eyes; he did not want to see the face before him. His hands still gripped Anakin's upper arms and he became aware of the pressure he was exerting. Slowly, with each exhalation he eased up on his grip.
His epiphany from last night came back to haunt him. Blind you can be to your padawans. Oh, force. He had been so wrong. So, so wrong. How had he never seen the darkness lurking within this innocent looking boy? And therein lie the paradox. Innocent looking, indeed. He had done the same thing with Anakin that he had done with Xanatos.
He saw only the smiling confident countenance that they meant him to see. They amazed and dazzled him with their talents and carefully concealed arrogance. He could see it as arrogance now. He had mistaken it for confidence, and he had never looked beyond - - until it was too late.
He was angry, and releasing that anger into the force was proving to be very trying. The anger was mostly at himself, but a small part belonged to the boy he still held. He felt the urge to grip tighter and shake with all his might, as if that would dispel the darkness within the boy. It would not. He wasn't sure if anything could.
He remembered his earlier discussion with Master Yoda. Powerful the boy was. Needed to be trained he did. Qui-Gon believed that even more so now. Kept to the light he must be, or pawn he will become. If anyone could accomplish that task it would be Master Yoda. He did his best to release his anger at the boy. What was left, was only sadness.
Qui-Gon finally opened his eyes, and saw Anakin flinch slightly. Any affection he had held for the boy was replaced with pity, and it showed. He could have loved the boy. He wanted to love the boy. He had done his best by Anakin, but it wasn't enough. He could do no more.
"I can no longer continue your training." Qui-Gon's voice was surprisingly steady, even to himself. He saw Anakin's face drop, but he held no sympathy for the boy. He thought to say more, then decided against it. Instead he released the boy, stood and walked away from him. He did not look back.
Anakin stood staring at the door that closed behind Qui-Gon. He was so lost in his emotions that he had forgotten that Master Yoda was still present in the room. His anger and his misery warred with each other. He wanted to scream for Qui-Gon to come back to forgive him, that he was sorry. On the other hand he wanted to lash out at him and make him pay for hurting him.
"Your problem that is, slave to your emotions you are." Yoda finally spoke, startling Anakin from his thoughts.
Anakin turned to the master respectfully, yet his posture still radiated his misery.
"What will happen to me now?" he asked.
"Want to be a jedi, you do?" Yoda asked in return.
Anakin's answer was sincere yet void of hope. He believed his chance lost. "With all my heart."
"Then take you as my padawan learner, I will. Accept this, you will?" Yoda watched as hope returned to the boy's eyes, yet it was mingled with uncertainty. Anakin was obviously unsure what he was getting himself into. Hope would win out however.
"I accept." Anakin said formally as he straightened his posture. He was still upset about what had transpired with his mas- - with Qui-Gon, but he would still be jedi. He hadn't lost his chance.
"Very good at hiding things you have become. Lucky for you, good at finding things I am." Yoda said. He did not miss the tiny flash of fear that flared in his new padawan's eyes. Like Obi-Wan he sensed the struggle for dominance between darkness and light within the boy. But the light now had an ally. A powerful ally.
Yoda felt the darkness recede slightly as he called the boy forward to initiate the training bond. It took only moments, and when he was done his 27th padawan stood before him. Young enough was the boy, a chance he still had. Drive the darkness out he would.
"Meditate you will. Examine your dark thoughts you will." As Yoda spoke he used the force to simultaneously pull down the shades; effectively blocking out any trace of sunlight, and to light various candles scattered about the room.
"But I spent all last night meditating . . ." Anakin stopped at the disapproving look his new master directed at him.
"Enlightenment meditation you will perform. Breakfast, I hope you ate. Leave this room for three days, you will not." Yoda said seriously. He completely ignored Anakin's incredulous stare. "Learn to release your emotions to the force you will, or true jedi you will never be. Start you on this journey, I will. Talk we will, when you are done."
As Qui-Gon entered the infirmary he could feel the change in emotions of those present. He approached Knight Muln and Queen Amidala in hopes of some good news regarding Obi-Wan's condition.
"Knight Muln, your highness" he nodded to each respectively as he spoke.
"Master Jinn." Garen spoke respectfully as was required, but the underlying frost in his tone was apparent.
"Any change?" Qui-Gon asked, not taking offense. Obi-Wan's friends were loyal, he could not fault them for that.
"He's being removed from the tank as we speak," Amidala was too excited and relieved to bother with her grudge against the master. "We'll be able to see him soon."
Qui-Gon could not and would not stop the smile that broke free. He was so relieved, and he could not wait to see his Obi-Wan again. Any lingering thoughts of Anakin were chased away by this happy news.
It was close to an hour before Healer Okara finally appeared and ushered a delighted few into the knight's room. Qui-Gon, Master Yoda - who had just arrived, Garen and Amidala were the first visitors. They had been apprised of the knight's condition and told their visit would be short.
The knight's injuries had been healed, though he would be weak for some time. He had not yet regained consciousness. He would require physical therapy as well as the services of a soul healer. It was an unpleasant reminder that the damage done had been much more than just physical.
Qui-Gon was oblivious to anyone else's reaction as he saw Obi-Wan for the first time. The room itself was almost entirely white, as was the soft comfortable attire Obi-Wan had been dressed in. It served to accentuate the paleness of smooth flawless skin. The ginger hair looked shiny and soft, and could have doubled as a halo due the harshness of the lighting. Obi- Wan's head was turned slightly to one side, facing his visitors, his lips slightly parted. He was beautiful.
To Qui-Gon he looked like a beautiful sleeping angel. He had stopped just inside the entryway, and couldn't seem to make himself progress any further. He watched as Amidala went straight to the knight's side, Garen right behind her. Both reached out to touch the knight. Garen to smooth back the ginger hair, and Amidala to caress that strong jaw line.
Master Yoda had made his way to the other side of the knight's bed, lifting himself into the chair sitting adjacent to it. Slowly, Qui-Gon moved forward. He could not help but feel out of place, like he did not belong here among those who had not betrayed the precious soul before him. Whether he deserved it or not, he could not help himself. He too was drawn to the light that was Obi-Wan.
Chancellor Palpatine made his way through the growing mass of people that littered the waiting area of the infirmary. He graciously shook hands and exchanged quick pleasantries as he edged his way towards the private rooms.
The healer on duty was only to happy to bend the rule that stated the number of visitors a patient could have, it was the supreme chancellor after all. He easily made his way to the knight's room, stifling his disgust when he encountered the surprised Master Jinn.
"I hope I'm not intruding." He looked to the queen as he spoke. "I'll be heading back to Coruscant this evening your highness, and I did not want to leave with out seeing how the young lad here made out."
Palpatine turned his attention to Master Yoda. "What a terrifying turn of events this is. You can rest assured Master Yoda, the jedi have my full support. Any services you need will be at your disposal."
"Thank you for that, we do, chancellor. Come to that it may." Yoda said diplomatically, yet Palpatine did not miss the subtle probe the little gnome sent his way. He easily deflected it as he turned to Master Jinn.
"You have my sympathies, Master Jinn. He was your apprentice, was he not?"
"Yes," Qui-Gon's answer was distracted. It seemed he could not keep his eyes from the young man on the bed. "Yes, he was. Thank you, chancellor."
Palpatine made his way to the knight, and was delighted as the other visitors moved to accommodate him. He gazed down at the young knight, outwardly compassionate. Inside he was raging. He had been arrogant, so arrogant. Because of this, he had lost his prize . . . . and almost his life. The knight before him was more powerful than he had ever imagined. He had been so smug when the knight finally submitted to him, that he hadn't even questioned the sudden change.
The knight had turned on him in the tunnel. It had only been the young man's lack of experience and control in his new power that had allowed Sideous defeat him. He'd had to retaliate to save his own life. If he'd had the strength, he would have killed the young man then and there. Yes, Kenobi would have to die. It was apparent that he would never turn. It was a pity really, to kill something so pure and beautiful.
Seemingly without thought to those around him, or perhaps it was his arrogance again, the chancellor brought one hand to the knight's face. A gentle good-bye caress, it wasn't too much to ask for, was it?
He had good cause to question his action as his world suddenly turned upside down. One second he stood above the peaceful visage of the slumbering knight - - the next he was flat on his back, straddled by a wild eyed version of said knight. The heat of an activated light saber tingling the flesh of his throat. He barely registered the surprised gasps of the rooms other occupants.
A/N Where did the light saber come from?? Well, if you know how resourceful our Obi is you'll figure it out. If you need a little help, then proceed immediately to the next chapter :)