MOVING ON UP (PG)
Author: Flip-Wan
Author's Email: jediflip1fanforce.net
Summary: Young Anakin Skywalker is permitted to undergo training with not one, but two Masters, a first in the Jedi Order. His masters, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, discuss the future of the Order as well as their apprentice's on their way to meet him, knowing that he is different in their eyes as opposed to the High Council's. But can this boy really be the one spoken about in the prophecy?
Disclaimer: All recognizable Star Wars names, places and resources aren't owned by me, but by the great Jedi Master himself, George Lucas, and Lucasfilm Ltd. To the many other writers and authors who have come up with their own ideals to the Star Wars genre, without any of us, the dream of a galaxy far, far away, would never have gotten this far along through the years. Nothing was settled for me to get paid to write this story out of his characters, but I only wanted to write it because the Force was telling me to. And I cannot run away from what the Force requests of me – it's not in my nature to ignore the call of it. Flip is one of my own creation, (I guess you can say it's me, sorta, if you know how I am) under my production company, Flypsyde Production – which of course, doesn't exist. But it will, I can assure you of that.
Key Characters: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin Sywalker, Bant Eerin, Siri Tachi, Flip
Spoilers: NONE – I don't think so – well, TPM. (Sorta)
Time Frame/Genre: Two weeks after TPM. AU
A/N: You know the deal. Another Star Wars story was completed, but of course this is if Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn did survive the killer blow from the Sith Lord. Oh yeah, with the strong bond between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon they grew into calling each other by their "given" names from their parents. Qui-Gon calls Obi-Wan by the name of 'Ben' and Obi-Wan calls Qui- Gon by the name of "Kai" – every now and then, especially when they truly mean something. And of course, the ideal of calling Qui-Gon by his actually name is my idea. Unfortunately, the name of Obi-Wan isn't my own, but from Jedi Master Lucas – EP. 4: ANH – if you've seen it. If not, then you've been deprived of true art. The fight is slightly altered, but not really. And again, things in indicate bonds between Master and Apprentice. Things in italicized and color () indicate thoughts from that certain person.
PART ONE: I DON'T UNDERSTAND
Two Jedi walked out of the High Council room, quietly.
Obi-Wan Kenobi was a young man, 25 standard years old, on the verge of moving up into ranks to become a Jedi Knight. His hair was cropped short in the fashion of a human Padawan, aside from the braid that showed his progress and training status, and a ponytail located on the back of his head. His mesmerizing blue eyes were always on alert, even when they didn't need to be. His face was clean-shaven and still embarked on making him look young. He was a built man, despite the loose-fitted Jedi uniform. Though, he was very headstrong and serious, he was very much a rebel when he wanted to be. Something even his master still had much to learn about.
The taller man to Obi-Wan's left, Qui-Gon Jinn, split by more than three decades from his apprentice, at the age of 60 standard years, had come to age as time permitted. Though just as built as his apprentice, the man's face seemed to weather and harden as old age consumed him. Though he was old, he was still considered one of the best sword masters in the Temple in over 500 years. He, too, had darting blue eyes that seemed to read through a person unlike any other. He was much of a maverick, defying the Council in every mission he and his apprentice was assigned to. He was one of the only Jedi who fully understood the Living Force, as opposed to the Unifying Force. Something he never gave up trying to teach Obi-Wan. He kept his mind on the present, never resulting to the past or future unless it was truly necessary.
Today, though, the bond was going to be broken from Master and Apprentice and a new one was going to be created. This time, there was going to be a unique bond in the Jedi Temple. Both Jedi were assigned to one apprentice, a first in the Jedi Temple. Something, the Jedi Council wavered over greatly, but surrendered to the request. A request that was made by the maverick Jedi the Council could truly no longer argue with.
After they reached the turbolift, Obi-Wan was the first to speak. "Hey, how are you feeling, Master? Are you feeling better?"
Qui-Gon looked at the bandage wrapped tightly around his waist. He smiled at his old apprentice. "I'm feeling much better, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon had been going through serious treatment, both on Naboo and Coruscant, for two weeks now. He was just released today from extensive care, but still had to go through treatment until he would fully heal. It stood as a mystery on how he survived the attack from the Sith Lord on Naboo. Even a Jedi with such stature as Qui-Gon was taken down by a Sith. But the Sith were extinct for nearly a millennium, until that very day. A day that would shed painful memories on Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan both.
Two Weeks Ago
Qui-Gon blocked the first blow, but somehow the second one ran right past his defenses and a red blade met cloth, flesh and air all in one blow.
"Noooooo!" Obi-Wan cried from behind the wall of energy.
The Sith Lord quickly dispatched his blade from the elder Jedi and turned to face the younger one. Evil met the anguish and tension in Obi-Wan's eyes. Then the wall fell and their lightsabers clashed in one simple blow. The Sith was ready for the Jedi's attack, knew exactly where he was going to go.
The fight raged on until Obi-Wan was hopeless and weaponless, hanging desperately to a rung at the lip of the melting pit. He calmed his senses quickly, as the Sith taunted him with sparks from the burning floor he struck with his lightsaber. He wasn't out of this yet. Both of them knew what would happen if Obi-Wan lost his grip. And Obi-Wan refused to give up. He wasn't about to give up. He fought past his anger and fear, calling on the Force for guidance and strength. He took control of the Force and launched himself out of the pit and over the Sith, with Qui-Gon's lightsaber in hand.
Before the Sith had time to react, Obi-Wan sent a deadly assault past the Sith's midsection. The Sith gasped and backed away, plummeting into the pit split in two. Obi-Wan didn't hesitate to watch the Sith disappear deeper into the pit, but rushed over to his Master's side, cradling the older Jedi in his arms.
Qui-Gon gasped at the sudden movement, but managed to ease away the pain. "Obi-Wan?"
"No." Obi-Wan blinked away his tears.
"It's too late for me."
"No. It isn't. Remember, about making a fist," he clenched his Master's hand. "If you could still make a fist, you're going to be fine. You told me that all those years ago, and I'm not about ready to give up on you. Not now, Master. Please, don't go. I don't think I can go on without you."
Their eyes met for a second. Obi-Wan could see his Master's life slip away. Qui-Gon saw the fear in his apprentice's eyes.
"Obi-Wan, promise me you will train the boy. Train him. He needs guidance, like I have guided you." Qui-Gon staggered to say.
"Yes, Master. But I can't do it alone."
"You can, Obi-Wan. You are the master now. Anakin will bring balance to the Force because he is the chosen one. Train him."
Obi-Wan nodded.
Qui-Gon gasped for breath again and settled into the comfort of his apprentice's arms. Their eyes met again, and it was more than just a Master meeting his apprentice in the eye. They were friends, dear friends. Obi-Wan had treated Qui-Gon more as a father-figure than a master. Qui- Gon treated Obi-Wan as the son he wished he had. Their bond was unlike any in the Temple, and they had gotten much respect for it.
"Master," Obi-Wan cradled the elder man's body in his arms. "Master, I'm so sorry."
For a long time, there was a silence, except for Obi-Wan's crying. Obi- Wan's tears ran down like rivers onto his tunic and Master's face.
"Don't be. You're crying an entire river, Obi-Wan. I thought I trained you better," Obi-Wan heard his master's voice. But it wasn't in his head. It was clear as day, but a little drowsy.
Obi-Wan caught his breath and looked at the man he called a father in his arms. "Master?"
Qui-Gon opened his eyes, again and looked at his apprentice. A small smile ran past his face.
Obi-Wan managed to chuckle softly. "You're alive?"
"I guess I am, Obi-Wan."
"But the--. I saw it pierce through--" he stuttered, confused.
Qui-Gon shook his head. "The eyes can be deceiving to the untrained eye, my young Padawan."
Obi-Wan helped him to his feet, calling on the Force to ease the pain in Qui-Gon's midsection. It did indeed pierce through flesh, but it was a few centimeters off from his spine. Any closer and he'd be dead, be one with the Force. Though, it did rupture some of his organs, Qui-Gon seemed fine for the most part, thanks to the Force.
He was placed into care under the Queen's request until the Jedi arrived with several Healers. Once they were back on Coruscant, he continued to stay in extensive care until he was well enough to be released. Though, he still felt dizzy, Qui-Gon ignored it. He was just glad to be up and about.
It was no fun to have Healers watching you 24/7. It was like a prison when all you did was lay in a bed with monitors of all kinds around reading this or doing that. And with the many visits of sympathetic Jedi, it was kind of getting annoying. Though, it was good to get some attention other than the mayhem I seemed to cause with the Council. But the questions about Anakin were driving me insane. He thought to himself.
The two Jedi met eye to eye.
"So, what happened? I saw that blade cut right through you. But I just don't understand." Obi-Wan protested.
"Maybe the Force was stronger than I thought," Qui-Gon shrugged. "It guided me to go the right way at the last second."
Obi-Wan looked down and nodded. His braid fell free from the comfort of his chest.
"Just be glad that I'm alive, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon stated, sensing his apprentice's wariness.
"I am, Master."
Qui-Gon couldn't help but smile. "You're now a Jedi Knight. One who should be very proud of himself."
"I know." Obi-Wan said, shyly. "I am. And you know that better than anyone else."
Though he still had his braid, Obi-Wan did face the trials and passed into Knighthood. The ceremony was to be held that night.
"You will become a great Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon touched his fellow Jedi's shoulders.
"Thank you, Mas--." Obi-Wan stopped and looked at his former Master. "I mean, thank you, Qui-Gon."
Again Qui-Gon's face widened with a smile. He knew he had taught Obi-Wan well and he would become a memorable Jedi Knight. He knew he didn't fail his 'son' and he wasn't about to fail Anakin, his new 'son'.
To be continued....