Title: Don't Look Back (Oblivious Master Remix)
Author: Xehra (xehra1hotmail.com)
Summary: Qui-Gon and Anakin make their farewells
Rating: G
Fandom: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Warnings: None
Spoilers: If you haven't seen TPM by now, why are you reading this?
Written for the RemixRedux livejournal challenge: remix.illuminatedtext.com
Original story: 'Don't Look Back' by Lady Angel
I keep walking. Anakin will follow me soon enough, but first there are tears to be shed, farewells to make, a life to leave behind. Admiration for Shmi and her sacrifice burns in my heart and I almost regret tearing her only child from her. Almost.
I know this is the will of the Force, but the momentary twinge of my conscience causes me to stop, to look back. She is kneeling in the sand before him, his face in her hands. I can feel his reluctance, a tangible sensation that radiates from Anakin like heat waves across the desert.
They embrace, and the pain in her face reminds me of the way she cried two nights ago, when we were together and our urgent desire had faded. I had left her bed, knowing that nothing I could say would ease her loneliness. I think even then she knew I was a catalyst, the one she had hoped and feared these past nine years. The one that would take her son from her, give him a better life among the stars. The one that would leave her alone. Again.
Anakin finally pulls back from her embrace and runs towards me. As she stands, I look briefly into her eyes. There is resolve there, and resentment. I know she will make good use of the money I left on her nightstand, as much as it will pain her to accept it.
Something in her proud, stiff-backed bearing - a memory flares briefly, and is gone before I can place it. A dark cantina, a slave girl and far too many drinks. But there have been many nights like that, and I dismiss the idea. I would remember, if it had been her.
END