PART TWO: A LITTLE TENSE
A long silence came over them as they approached the main hall that housed giant gold statues of historical Jedi Masters. They were greeted and congratulated by many Jedi for their courageous deed. Obi-Wan felt a little anxiety, as they continued on their way down another corridor.
"You seem a little tense." Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's anxiety.
"Not at all. Why? Does it seem like I show it?"
Qui-Gon gave him a reassuring look. "How long have I known you now, Obi- Wan? Twelve? Thirteen years?"
"You've been my master for 12 years now." Obi-Wan said, quietly.
"What's troubling you?"
Obi-Wan's eyes gazed on his boots. He rocked on the heels a little unsure. "I'm not sure what to think, but I feel that there is something wrong with this." He gazed up to see the other Jedi take interest, then turned his gaze back to the ground. "Was it wise for the Council to permit two Jedi to train Anakin? It's just not right. It doesn't feel right. It's the first time in Jedi history. He doesn't feel right. You said it yourself, he was the Chosen One. But how can we be so sure? What if he isn't?"
"Are you doubting him, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon voice grew obedient.
"No, Master. I never said I did. But the Council's decision-- it's just-- "
Qui-Gon raised a hand to silence his old apprentice. "You're having your doubts about Anakin, again. I guess I don't blame you. It's all this stress. I understand. I could always tell the Council to reassign you..." He paused.
Obi-Wan looked down again. He felt guilty for the comment. He didn't want to doubt the boy, but he was just so much more different than most of the other Jedi. He grew attached to his mother. Obi-Wan never really knew his, only the warm feeling she brought, calling him by his actual name of 'Ben' rather than his formal name of 'Obi-Wan.' But that was it. He was too young to remember his mother, taken away at three months old. And there was something about Anakin, he just didn't know what. There was something that was far too different, even from his own mysterious past.
"Don't do that, Qui-Gon. I'm sorry." He apologized. "I am grateful to becoming his master."
"He will learn, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, sincerely. "You just have to believe he will. It will take time."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I just don't understand, how can one boy take out an entire droid ship on his own?"
"It still stands as a mystery, Obi-Wan. But Anakin is strong in the Force. He is the Chosen One and hewill bring balance to the Force."
Obi-Wan surrendered another nod. He still felt like he still had much to learn, but he had faced the trials. The Council granted him the position to move up in rank and he passed the test, a ceremony would be held in his honor. Not that it was the only thing he was going to be recognized in, but the conflict on Naboo had received some feedback from Coruscant and had Queen Amidala list them as official Jedi guards to Naboo.
The older Jedi met the sad look in Obi-Wan's eye. He showed no emotion except that he felt sorry that Obi-Wan just couldn't see what he saw. It was a good thing to see a Master and Apprentice argue, it's where their bond grew. But this was indeed an odd choice of the Council to make two Masters train one Apprentice, even if Qui-Gon had convinced them to.
"He is strong in the Force, Obi-Wan..."
The younger one cut the other short, mocking his master with some respect. "'He has the highest concentration of midi-chlorian than any living thing. Even higher than Master Yoda.' I know, Qui-Gon. But that isn't the least of my worries." Again he noted the interested look in Qui-Gon's eye. Obi- Wan sighed and continued down the hall, dragging his feet quietly. "If he is the Chosen One, will he be able to fulfill the notion of the ancient Jedi prophecy?"
Qui-Gon reassured the question. He could tell that Obi-Wan was hiding something from him, whether it be about the boy or something else. "I sense something is indeed troubling you, Obi-Wan. I'm not so sure what, but...something. Perhaps, it isn't about the boy, but something else."
Obi-Wan looked down again and hesitated until he was a few inches behind Qui-Gon, and followed. Qui-Gon felt like his old apprentice somehow was deceiving him in a way that made him feel like a fool to the Council. But it was Qui-Gon who had convinced the Council long and hard to allow the boy to be trained, and not by just him, but Obi-Wan as well. Perhaps he needed the guide of two Jedi, if in fact, he was the One who would bring balance to the Force.
"He is different than most Jedi his age, Obi-Wan, I realized that. He still bares the scars of a slave. But I remember a hopeful young boy who also felt he never fit in. He always was a rather headstrong, rebellious one, but someone finally took him under his sleeve a few weeks after he was reassigned to the Agricultural Corps. And now he stands at getting promoted to the ranks of a Jedi Knight. His lifelong dream....." Qui-Gon stopped to see if Obi-Wan was catching on.
Obi-Wan tried to hide his embarrassed face. He knew Qui-Gon was talking about him, but he still held guilt. "Please, Master, don't put me in this position."
"Why not, Obi-Wan?" he grew curious.
"I don't think it's right to compare me to the boy. I mean, I under---"
"Say no more, Obi-Wan. You've only been too busy to realize how much you two are so alike. So much the same."
Obi-Wan stopped, giving him a shocking gaze. Qui-Gon hid a sly grin. Obi- Wan rushed to him. "I can't believe I'm hearing this! Are you saying I act like him!?"
"And sometimes I see it right away."
"What do you mean?!" Obi-Wan's face grew with curiosity, whining in his voice.
He knew how much the two of them would joke about the worst situations, to the best to the odd. They were like old friends who couldn't seem to grow away from each other, but can easily get annoyed of each other. But it was all in good fun and that's what made their relationship so pure. It was one the Temple came to recognize quickly after Obi-Wan was first assigned to Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon didn't reply.
"Master?" Obi-Wan grew even more inquisitive.
Qui-Gon held back a chuckle and looked at his old apprentice. "Well, I'm not so sure, but you've gotten into your spots of trouble. Like I remember that one time you ended up losing a bet and had to dance in front of---"
"That was only once and you were there to witness that bet," Obi-Wan shot back, cutting him short. He didn't need to be reminded of that embarrassing day. He lost a bet involving the typical sport of podracing and had to go around in a big Wookie suit at a picnic the Jedi had all day, dancing around like an idiot.
"But you lost the bet."
"That's the last time I listen to you about placing a bet," Obi-Wan pushed the Jedi aside.
"No, I don't think it was. I also remember that time you actually took the bet I placed to see if you could get Master Windu to let you run a Council meeting."
"And I was a fool to think that could even be possible. Man, but Master Windu can be such a hard-head sometimes..don't tell him I said that, Master."
Qui-Gon zipped up his lips and acted like he threw away a key. "My lips are sealed, Ben."
Obi-Wan's eyes bored down on his Master. "I'm not sure...." He trailed on the word. "Last time you had to tell and I had to do double time training. Long hours straight with no break besides a few 'fresher break. That was it. No food. Barely no water--"
"Water is for cowards," the serious Jedi spoke. But it lightened quickly. "And you didn't like that?"
"No. I never got any sleep. You know how I am about not getting my sleep, Kai. I hate it."
"You meditated, didn't you? You know, Jedi don't usually sleep much, not when they meditate."
Obi-Wan scoffed. "Yeah. But even I need some sleep. I was only 17 – "
Qui-Gon cut him off. "And your point? Quite frankly, you needed those sleepless nights."
"I'm still a growing boy."
"You're 25, Obi-Wan."
"Yeah, standard years. But if you were looking at like – oh, I don't know – Gamorrean years I'd be like 17. Or I'd be – never mind."
Qui-Gon shook his head, chuckling.
"Now you laugh?" Obi-Wan gave him a disgusted look.
After a slight pause, Qui-Gon answered. "You remind me so much of Anakin, Ben."
"Wha--? I do not." Obi-Wan looked at him. "I do, don't I?"
Qui-Gon nodded.
Obi-Wan groaned. "I hate it when you do that."
"Do what?"
"Prove your point and trick me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you're doing right now, Kai. Stop it. It's not fair."
"Now, who said life had to be fair?" Qui-Gon always had to put a lesson into each conversation they shared. "Life is never fair and even if it was, we'd all be getting exactly what we want and be able to do anything we thought was never possible. Life would suck for us because there would be no Jedi to protect the galaxy. There would be no need for us, Obi-Wan. We'd be out of a job."
"But then we'd get to do what we want."
"And everyone would possess the power to use the Force to their advantage. That would not be good."
"I guess it wouldn't."
They finally made it to the room, but wavered about, waiting to enter at the right time. A training session was in progress. Obi-Wan's face grew more serious and it didn't take long for Qui-Gon to notice it.
"Now, I know it's going to be hard to accept Anakin as our new apprentice, Obi-Wan, but he isn't that far off from where you started when you were his age."
"Master, he's nine. I was twelve when you accepted me as an apprentice," Obi-Wan huffed. "I was nearly 13, the standard for finding a Master."
"It will take time, but I know he is a quick learner, just like you."
"Maybe too quick," Obi-Wan looked away again, mumbling. He knew Qui-Gon was going to drill it in his head over and over again. He hated to admit how much Anakin was like him, but there was something he just felt was giving Anakin such weird karma. "I'm worried though," Obi-Wan managed to say. "Something just doesn't feel right. I just don't know what it really is."
"About the boy?" Qui-Gon grew curious.
"I'm not so sure. He is different, I realize that, Qui-Gon, but suddenly I feel afraid."
"Afraid of change?"
"If that's it, yes. But also the future. His future. Our future. And the Order. This isn't the last we'll see of the Sith or the schemes of the Trade Federation. And if it isn't then we could all be in danger here. I'm really worried about him, Kai."
Qui-Gon touched the younger Jedi's shoulder. "The future is always in motion, Obi-Wan. The future changes over time. But I have no doubt that this won't be the last time we have seen the Sith or the Trade Federation."
"It will be hard," Obi-Wan nodded.
"A Jedi's life isn't easy. It will take time to adjust for the boy, but even for you, Obi-Wan. You are no longer an apprentice. You are a Jedi Knight. You have bigger responsibilities. And more to attend to, on your own, especially. But still, you made it. You must be happy."
A smile passed Obi-Wan's mouth. "You have no idea, Master. But do you think he's ready? He's ready to make the commitment?"
"It will not be easy, but his dream to become a Jedi will finally come true."
To be continued...
A long silence came over them as they approached the main hall that housed giant gold statues of historical Jedi Masters. They were greeted and congratulated by many Jedi for their courageous deed. Obi-Wan felt a little anxiety, as they continued on their way down another corridor.
"You seem a little tense." Qui-Gon sensed Obi-Wan's anxiety.
"Not at all. Why? Does it seem like I show it?"
Qui-Gon gave him a reassuring look. "How long have I known you now, Obi- Wan? Twelve? Thirteen years?"
"You've been my master for 12 years now." Obi-Wan said, quietly.
"What's troubling you?"
Obi-Wan's eyes gazed on his boots. He rocked on the heels a little unsure. "I'm not sure what to think, but I feel that there is something wrong with this." He gazed up to see the other Jedi take interest, then turned his gaze back to the ground. "Was it wise for the Council to permit two Jedi to train Anakin? It's just not right. It doesn't feel right. It's the first time in Jedi history. He doesn't feel right. You said it yourself, he was the Chosen One. But how can we be so sure? What if he isn't?"
"Are you doubting him, Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon voice grew obedient.
"No, Master. I never said I did. But the Council's decision-- it's just-- "
Qui-Gon raised a hand to silence his old apprentice. "You're having your doubts about Anakin, again. I guess I don't blame you. It's all this stress. I understand. I could always tell the Council to reassign you..." He paused.
Obi-Wan looked down again. He felt guilty for the comment. He didn't want to doubt the boy, but he was just so much more different than most of the other Jedi. He grew attached to his mother. Obi-Wan never really knew his, only the warm feeling she brought, calling him by his actual name of 'Ben' rather than his formal name of 'Obi-Wan.' But that was it. He was too young to remember his mother, taken away at three months old. And there was something about Anakin, he just didn't know what. There was something that was far too different, even from his own mysterious past.
"Don't do that, Qui-Gon. I'm sorry." He apologized. "I am grateful to becoming his master."
"He will learn, Obi-Wan," Qui-Gon said, sincerely. "You just have to believe he will. It will take time."
Obi-Wan nodded. "I just don't understand, how can one boy take out an entire droid ship on his own?"
"It still stands as a mystery, Obi-Wan. But Anakin is strong in the Force. He is the Chosen One and hewill bring balance to the Force."
Obi-Wan surrendered another nod. He still felt like he still had much to learn, but he had faced the trials. The Council granted him the position to move up in rank and he passed the test, a ceremony would be held in his honor. Not that it was the only thing he was going to be recognized in, but the conflict on Naboo had received some feedback from Coruscant and had Queen Amidala list them as official Jedi guards to Naboo.
The older Jedi met the sad look in Obi-Wan's eye. He showed no emotion except that he felt sorry that Obi-Wan just couldn't see what he saw. It was a good thing to see a Master and Apprentice argue, it's where their bond grew. But this was indeed an odd choice of the Council to make two Masters train one Apprentice, even if Qui-Gon had convinced them to.
"He is strong in the Force, Obi-Wan..."
The younger one cut the other short, mocking his master with some respect. "'He has the highest concentration of midi-chlorian than any living thing. Even higher than Master Yoda.' I know, Qui-Gon. But that isn't the least of my worries." Again he noted the interested look in Qui-Gon's eye. Obi- Wan sighed and continued down the hall, dragging his feet quietly. "If he is the Chosen One, will he be able to fulfill the notion of the ancient Jedi prophecy?"
Qui-Gon reassured the question. He could tell that Obi-Wan was hiding something from him, whether it be about the boy or something else. "I sense something is indeed troubling you, Obi-Wan. I'm not so sure what, but...something. Perhaps, it isn't about the boy, but something else."
Obi-Wan looked down again and hesitated until he was a few inches behind Qui-Gon, and followed. Qui-Gon felt like his old apprentice somehow was deceiving him in a way that made him feel like a fool to the Council. But it was Qui-Gon who had convinced the Council long and hard to allow the boy to be trained, and not by just him, but Obi-Wan as well. Perhaps he needed the guide of two Jedi, if in fact, he was the One who would bring balance to the Force.
"He is different than most Jedi his age, Obi-Wan, I realized that. He still bares the scars of a slave. But I remember a hopeful young boy who also felt he never fit in. He always was a rather headstrong, rebellious one, but someone finally took him under his sleeve a few weeks after he was reassigned to the Agricultural Corps. And now he stands at getting promoted to the ranks of a Jedi Knight. His lifelong dream....." Qui-Gon stopped to see if Obi-Wan was catching on.
Obi-Wan tried to hide his embarrassed face. He knew Qui-Gon was talking about him, but he still held guilt. "Please, Master, don't put me in this position."
"Why not, Obi-Wan?" he grew curious.
"I don't think it's right to compare me to the boy. I mean, I under---"
"Say no more, Obi-Wan. You've only been too busy to realize how much you two are so alike. So much the same."
Obi-Wan stopped, giving him a shocking gaze. Qui-Gon hid a sly grin. Obi- Wan rushed to him. "I can't believe I'm hearing this! Are you saying I act like him!?"
"And sometimes I see it right away."
"What do you mean?!" Obi-Wan's face grew with curiosity, whining in his voice.
He knew how much the two of them would joke about the worst situations, to the best to the odd. They were like old friends who couldn't seem to grow away from each other, but can easily get annoyed of each other. But it was all in good fun and that's what made their relationship so pure. It was one the Temple came to recognize quickly after Obi-Wan was first assigned to Qui-Gon.
Qui-Gon didn't reply.
"Master?" Obi-Wan grew even more inquisitive.
Qui-Gon held back a chuckle and looked at his old apprentice. "Well, I'm not so sure, but you've gotten into your spots of trouble. Like I remember that one time you ended up losing a bet and had to dance in front of---"
"That was only once and you were there to witness that bet," Obi-Wan shot back, cutting him short. He didn't need to be reminded of that embarrassing day. He lost a bet involving the typical sport of podracing and had to go around in a big Wookie suit at a picnic the Jedi had all day, dancing around like an idiot.
"But you lost the bet."
"That's the last time I listen to you about placing a bet," Obi-Wan pushed the Jedi aside.
"No, I don't think it was. I also remember that time you actually took the bet I placed to see if you could get Master Windu to let you run a Council meeting."
"And I was a fool to think that could even be possible. Man, but Master Windu can be such a hard-head sometimes..don't tell him I said that, Master."
Qui-Gon zipped up his lips and acted like he threw away a key. "My lips are sealed, Ben."
Obi-Wan's eyes bored down on his Master. "I'm not sure...." He trailed on the word. "Last time you had to tell and I had to do double time training. Long hours straight with no break besides a few 'fresher break. That was it. No food. Barely no water--"
"Water is for cowards," the serious Jedi spoke. But it lightened quickly. "And you didn't like that?"
"No. I never got any sleep. You know how I am about not getting my sleep, Kai. I hate it."
"You meditated, didn't you? You know, Jedi don't usually sleep much, not when they meditate."
Obi-Wan scoffed. "Yeah. But even I need some sleep. I was only 17 – "
Qui-Gon cut him off. "And your point? Quite frankly, you needed those sleepless nights."
"I'm still a growing boy."
"You're 25, Obi-Wan."
"Yeah, standard years. But if you were looking at like – oh, I don't know – Gamorrean years I'd be like 17. Or I'd be – never mind."
Qui-Gon shook his head, chuckling.
"Now you laugh?" Obi-Wan gave him a disgusted look.
After a slight pause, Qui-Gon answered. "You remind me so much of Anakin, Ben."
"Wha--? I do not." Obi-Wan looked at him. "I do, don't I?"
Qui-Gon nodded.
Obi-Wan groaned. "I hate it when you do that."
"Do what?"
"Prove your point and trick me like that."
"Like what?"
"Like you're doing right now, Kai. Stop it. It's not fair."
"Now, who said life had to be fair?" Qui-Gon always had to put a lesson into each conversation they shared. "Life is never fair and even if it was, we'd all be getting exactly what we want and be able to do anything we thought was never possible. Life would suck for us because there would be no Jedi to protect the galaxy. There would be no need for us, Obi-Wan. We'd be out of a job."
"But then we'd get to do what we want."
"And everyone would possess the power to use the Force to their advantage. That would not be good."
"I guess it wouldn't."
They finally made it to the room, but wavered about, waiting to enter at the right time. A training session was in progress. Obi-Wan's face grew more serious and it didn't take long for Qui-Gon to notice it.
"Now, I know it's going to be hard to accept Anakin as our new apprentice, Obi-Wan, but he isn't that far off from where you started when you were his age."
"Master, he's nine. I was twelve when you accepted me as an apprentice," Obi-Wan huffed. "I was nearly 13, the standard for finding a Master."
"It will take time, but I know he is a quick learner, just like you."
"Maybe too quick," Obi-Wan looked away again, mumbling. He knew Qui-Gon was going to drill it in his head over and over again. He hated to admit how much Anakin was like him, but there was something he just felt was giving Anakin such weird karma. "I'm worried though," Obi-Wan managed to say. "Something just doesn't feel right. I just don't know what it really is."
"About the boy?" Qui-Gon grew curious.
"I'm not so sure. He is different, I realize that, Qui-Gon, but suddenly I feel afraid."
"Afraid of change?"
"If that's it, yes. But also the future. His future. Our future. And the Order. This isn't the last we'll see of the Sith or the schemes of the Trade Federation. And if it isn't then we could all be in danger here. I'm really worried about him, Kai."
Qui-Gon touched the younger Jedi's shoulder. "The future is always in motion, Obi-Wan. The future changes over time. But I have no doubt that this won't be the last time we have seen the Sith or the Trade Federation."
"It will be hard," Obi-Wan nodded.
"A Jedi's life isn't easy. It will take time to adjust for the boy, but even for you, Obi-Wan. You are no longer an apprentice. You are a Jedi Knight. You have bigger responsibilities. And more to attend to, on your own, especially. But still, you made it. You must be happy."
A smile passed Obi-Wan's mouth. "You have no idea, Master. But do you think he's ready? He's ready to make the commitment?"
"It will not be easy, but his dream to become a Jedi will finally come true."
To be continued...