This trilogy of one-shots is in honour of the newly premiered Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Ewan McGregor, the star and face of the beloved Jedi Master, and Obi-Wan Kenobi himself; one of my top four all-time favourite Star Wars characters. May the Force be with them all.
Obi-Wan Kenobi
A New Journey Begins
"He… is the chosen one. He will… bring balance. Train him."
At that moment the last bits of his energy faded; Qui-Gon Jinn, Jedi Master, renowned for his unorthodox methods, died in the arms of his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Killed during a gruesome duel against a Sith Lord, the ancient enemy of the Jedi long thought extinct until now. While separated between ray shields inside Theed's power generator, Obi-Wan was forced to watch the Sith Lord murder his master, hero, and idol, the closest thing he ever had for a father. He saw his master's face turn from serious to shock in just an instant, and the padawan screamed as the Sith's crimson blade stabbed through Qui-Gon's chest, causing his master to collapse.
When the shield opened up, Obi-Wan rushed to face his master's killer, only to be nearly defeated himself. If not for his quick thinking, along with the powers of the Force and his master's lightsaber was Obi-Wan able to defeat the Sith Lord, cutting him in half and sending both pieces down a nearby reactor shaft.
Afterwards, Obi-Wan rushed over to his master, cradling the dying man, a flicker of life still inside him, though it was fading rapidly.
Using his last breath, Qui-Gon made Obi-Wan promise to train Anakin Skywalker, a boy the Jedi Master believed was the prophesized chosen one who would defeat the returning Sith and bring the Force back into balance.
Obi-Wan couldn't refuse this last request. Despite his doubts about the boy, he still trusted Qui-Gon's wisdom. He knew his master would never ask him to do something if he didn't believe it was right, regardless of what the Jedi Council thought. And it wasn't like he could just so no to his master's last request right when he was dying, his heart just couldn't do it.
When he arrived back at the hanger, Naboo's starfighter corps had already returned. Judging from the cheering going on from the pilots, Obi-Wan assumed that they'd been successful in taking out the droid control ship in orbit above, meaning the Trade Federation's army of battle droids were deactivated.
This was a good sign. Hopefully, this also meant that Queen Amidala was successful with her mission in capturing Viceroy Nute Gunray, leader of the Trade Federation. If he managed to escape, Obi-Wan feared he might return with another, much larger, droid army.
"Don't center on your anxieties Obi-Wan. Keep your concentrations on the hear and now where it belongs."
Remembering the words of his master from the start of the mission, Obi-Wan shook off the fears he had of another conflict that may or may not happen, returning his mind to the present, where he saw something that surprised him.
"Anakin! Anakin! Anakin!" the pilots were chanting Anakin's name, while the astromech droids, among them being R2-D2, whistled and beeped with joy. Commander Olié even held the boy on his shoulder as the whole hanger treated him like the hero of the battle. Obi-Wan figured that this must've been the case given the attention he was receiving, and how the boy had already proven himself to be quite the pilot. The Jedi padawan did recall Qui-Gon ordering Anakin to stay hidden inside one of the vacant starfighter cockpits, but he didn't remember his master telling him to join the other pilots in taking out the control ship. Either the fighter malfunctioned, or else the boy might've decided to disobey Qui-Gon's directive. Whatever the case, Anakin appeared to be enjoying the praise and attention he was receiving. That is until he noticed Obi-Wan at the hanger's main entrance, carrying the lifeless body of Qui-Gon Jinn.
"QUI-GON! Anakin cried.
Noticing the cause of the boy's sudden change of emotion, Olié began to put him down, but Anakin was already jumping down and running straight to Qui-Gon. Tears poured from his young eyes as all the joy and excitement he'd felt less than a moment ago was now shattered, replaced with a look of pain and grief.
Qui-Gon had believed in Anakin from the day they met on Tatooine. Because of him, Anakin was freed from slavery in the first place; brought onboard the queen's royal starship and taken to Coruscant. He promised him he'd become a Jedi, going so far as to beg the Jedi Council to take Anakin in, despite him being far too old to begin the training. When they refused, he claimed Anakin as his padawan learner, even though he was still training Obi-Wan.
There was still a strong chance that the Council would again deny Anakin permission to become a Jedi, regardless of whether or not it was Qui-Gon's dying wish. Even if they did approve it, there was no way the Council would allow Obi-Wan to take the boy on as his padawan learner when he was still an apprentice; one who they'd yet deemed ready to face the final trials of knighthood. With his master dead, they'd most likely resign him to a new mentor to complete his training. Leaving the fate of Anakin…
Obi-Wan stopped himself before he could go any further. He was thinking too deep into the future again, one that had no certainties. As Qui-Gon always said, the future was always in motion, you could not guarantee exactly what would happen.
"But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future," Obi-Wan remembered saying to his master not too long ago. Qui-Gon had responded to this by simply saying, "But not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force."
This was what he needed to do. While the chances were still slim of him being able to take on Anakin as an apprentice, he swore that when the time came he'd do everything in his power to make sure his master's wish was carried out. For now, the boy was in a state of emotional pain over the loss of someone very important in his life, something Obi-Wan felt as well.
Leaning downward, Obi-Wan allowed Anakin to grab hold of Qui-Gon's hand as the boy grieved. All the while Obi-Wan used the Force to send warm feelings of assurance to Anakin in an attempt to give him comfort and acceptance over their shared mentor's passing.
"It's alright Anakin," he whispered. "It's alright."
It was over: not only was the droid army deactivated, but Queen Amidala and her security force were successful in capturing Viceroy Nute Gunray. Many gungans died during the battle, though the casualties weren't as high as Obi-Wan feared they would be. Not only this but thanks to the efforts of Queen Amidala and the former Gungan outcast, Jar-Jar Binks, both their two races, Gungans and the Naboo were now united together. No longer would Naboo be divided as it had been before the Trade Federation's invasion. It was truly the dawning of a new era for the world, one that Obi-Wan sensed would have a bright future ahead; which was further proven with talks already underway between the Queen and Boss Nass, leader of the Gungans, as well as their top advisors' over rebuilding the damage done by the Federation's droid army, together. There were also discussions for a ceremony to officially declare the unification of their two races.
During those conversations, Obi-Wan learned that he'd been right about Anakin's involvement in the Trade Federation's defeat in space. Using his commandeered starfighter, and with the assistance of R2, the boy managed to successfully destroy the Trade Federation Control ship by hitting the main reactor from the inside. The boy confessed it had been an accident after he'd deactivated the ship's autopilot and ended up flying into the massive ship; though as Qui-Gon used to say, nothing ever happened by accident. It was the will of the Force that caused everything to happen as it did.
When Obi-Wan told Anakin this the boy seemed to understand, saying Qui-Gon had said the same thing about finding him on Tatooine.
This impressed Obi-Wan. After the fighting had ended, he'd begun to realize what exactly Qui-Gon saw in this boy. True there was a great danger within Anakin, his future was still clouded, yet there was also strong potential as well. He'd lived a harsh life as a slave under a cruel owner, growing up on a wretched planet run by criminals, but somehow Anakin managed to develop a kind personality, a determination to help others, and the courage that motivated him to stand up against the greatest of dangers. Combined with how he'd left his mother behind, his only family, for the chance to become a better person and free others, already assisting in the liberation of Naboo further impressed Obi-Wan greatly. From his perspective, Anakin had more than earned a chance to become a Jedi, no matter how old he was.
While Obi-Wan didn't want to go against the Council, as he suspected would be the case, he was fully prepared to do so if it meant fulfilling his promise to Qui-Gon. He remembered how the masters had proven they weren't always right at times, something Qui-Gon had constantly emphasized throughout Obi-Wan's apprenticeship. If they were wrong about how the Sith couldn't have returned, then perhaps the fate they sense from Anakin might also be wrong. At the very least, training in the Jedi arts could help shed light on his future.
This would be Obi-Wan's goal. He'd swore it to himself. To the Force. To his master. He'd find a way to train Anakin and make him the Jedi of legends.
Within no time, delegates from the Republic's Galactic Senate had arrived, including the newly elected Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Naboo's representative, as well as the entire Jedi Council. It was rare for all twelve masters to leave Coruscant for a single event, however, due to the recent events revolving around Naboo, particularly the alleged Sith Lord involved with the Trade Federation's invasion, an exception was deemed necessary.
"Masters," Obi-Wan bowed to the masters upon their arrival in the capital city of Theed.
"Obi-Wan," Master Yoda responded. "Pained to hear of your master's death we were ."
"Despite our differences with him, he was a good man," Master Windu stated.
"He will be missed deeply," Master Plo agreed.
"He died a true Jedi," Obi-Wan said. "Did everything in his power to save Naboo and fought to the end. Even after that, it was only through his training that I was able to defeat the Sith Lord."
The council members all looked around at each other nervously. Qui-Gon suspected the involvement of the Sith but given how the ancient dark practitioners were believed to have been extinct for a thousand years, many if not most members had their doubts.
"Are you sure?" Master Windu asked.
"From everything I've studied of the Sith, and from what I saw of him during our duel, I fully support my master's previous conclusion. The Sith have indeed returned."
Again, the masters looked at each other with concern covering their faces. "Let's discuss this matter more privately," Master Windu suggested.
The twelve masters along with the padawan went inside the palace, into a private suite offered to them by the queen to use during their stay on Naboo. There Obi-Wan went on to retell the duel between him and his master against the Sith Lord, going into great detail about every part of the fight, including how the Sith Lord managed to defeat Qui-Gon. It hurt him a great deal having to relieve the memory in his mind, but he knew it was necessary nonetheless so that the Council could better understand what they were dealing with.
When he finished his recap, ending with how he'd been forced to cut the Sith in half before sending him down the reactor shaft, the Council began blasting the padawan with questions.
"And this Sith you encountered, was he….?"
"The same assassin who attacked Qui-Gon on Tatooine?" Obi-Wan said, finishing Master Ki-Adi-Mundi's thought. "I only saw him from inside the Queen's starship, and he was covered in a black cloak at the time, but according to what Qui-Gon told me of his duel, he did manage to get a good look at his face. He said he saw a face unforgettable, covered in black and red tattoos, with the fiery yellow eyes only found in those consumed by the dark side. The monster we faced on Naboo matched everything Qui-Gon had described to me. My master also had a knowing glance on his face the moment the Sith appeared inside the palace hanger. He knew it was the same warrior without a doubt."
"And you're sure he was a Sith Lord?" Master Tiin questioned.
"Everything about him that I saw confirmed it, masters. The crimson blades, his skills in the Jedi arts, and the immense amount of dark side power flowing throughout him... He is… was, living proof that our ancient enemies had returned."
"Hmmm…. most disturbing this revelation is," Yoda stated
"Agreed," Master Windu concurred. "What else did you learn about our Sith before his death? Are there any others that he mentioned?"
"I regret I was unable to learn whether or not there are others of his kind masters. He didn't talk at all during our fight and circumstances prevented me from questioning him afterwards. Perhaps the Viceroy and his Federation cohorts will be able to provide some light."
"Possibly, but highly unlikely," Master Plo said. "If the Sith have returned, and there are more out there, it's a safe assumption that they've already set up contingencies to prevent their allies from revealing anything that could be used to jeopardize themselves to their us."
"Regardless we will of course investigate this matter further," Master Koth stated. "The return of the Sith can only mean catastrophe for us all."
This was met with further agreement from the rest of the council.
Further questioning went on, questions focused not just on the Sith Lord, but on Obi-Wan personally and how he handled himself throughout the duel leading up to witnessing Qui-Gon's murder to fighting the Sith Lord alone, and then afterwards when his master died in his arms. During this time, Obi-Wan took the opportunity to reveal Qui-Gon Jinn's dying wish that he take Anakin on as his apprentice.
Though not surprised, the Council was still disturbed by this final request, but even more so by the fact that Obi-Wan was now fully prepared to take on the burden of training this boy, especially since he'd supported their previous decision to decline Anakin's acceptance into the order. Now not only was he in full favour of training the boy but with the death of his master, wished to do it himself.
After hearing everything Obi-Wan had to say, the Council let the padawan go so that they could talk in private.
Later Obi-Wan returned to find Yoda alone inside the suite. It was then that the Grand Master revealed that after much consideration the entire Jedi Council agreed that Obi-Wan's success in defeating the Sith Lord, something not done by any Jedi in the last thousand years, and while still being an apprentice himself had more than proven himself worthy of becoming a Jedi Knight; his duel thus counting as his final trials.
"Confer on you the level of Jedi Knight, the Council does," Yoda dubbed.
Obi-Wan felt a burst of triumph; his knighting was something he'd been dreaming of for years, as all Jedi padawans did. Though it wasn't as grand and glorious as he once thought it would be. Aside from how Qui-Gon wasn't there standing by his side, he now felt more confused than ever before. He thought that by becoming a Jedi Knight he'd have learned everything he needed to know. That the answers to all the questions he had would come to light as the road before he would become straight and clear. Now that path was far more twisted and confusing than ever before; while the answers he desired weren't there, instead, only more questions arose. Among them, the one that stood above all else was whether or not the Council would allow him to train Anakin now that he was a knight?
"But agree with your taking this boy as your Padawan learner, I do not," Yoda said, answering Obi-Wan's unsaid question.
He expected this to happen. Even after the boy's actions helped Naboo from a life of slavery under the Trade Federation, the Council still sensed great darkness within Anakin that made him too dangerous to train. However, now with Qui-Gon gone, and his dying wish passed onto Obi-Wan, the newly knighted Jedi would not back down.
"Qui-Gon believed in him," Obi-Wan protested, which irritated Yoda.
"Hmmph... the chosen one, the boy may be. Nevertheless, great danger I fear in his training."
"But Master Yoda, I gave Qui-Gon my word. I will train Anakin," Obi-Wan proclaimed, receiving an annoyed grunt from the Grand Master. "Without the approval of the Council if I must," he added.
"Qui-Gon's defiance I sense in you," Yoda remarked. "Need that you do not."
There was a long pause, before the pointed eared master spoke again, not hiding the reluctance in his voice, "Agree with you the Council does. Your apprentice, Skywalker will be."
With Obi-Wan and Anakin's fates decided, the two of them, along with Yoda, several other council members, Chancellor Palpatine, and a small gathering of delegates and those who'd worked alongside Qui-Gon during the Naboo crisis gathered in Theed's Funeral Temple to give their final farewells to the deceased Jedi Master as his body was set ablaze, becoming one with the Force.
Throughout the funeral Obi-Wan stood beside Anakin, taking glances at the boy as he looked deep into the flames that were consuming their deceased mentor. He could feel the boy's confusion, his fear. With Qui-Gon dead, the only Jedi who supported his recruitment into the order, many thoughts dwelled inside the young but powerful child. Fears of whether or not he'd become a Jedi after this; or would he be forced to return to Tatooine, perhaps become a slave once again. Obi-Wan regretted not saying anything to him sooner about his master's final request to train him, but at the time he was still hesitant about whether or not he could convince the Council to go along with it, or whether he'd be able to go against them if they refused. Now though the matter was resolved, and it was time to begin Anakin's training.
"What will happen to me now?" the boy asked, as the two simultaneously turned to face one another.
"The Council has granted me permission to train you," Obi-Wan revealed. "You will be a Jedi, I promise."
Obi-Wan felt a spark of hope ignite inside the boy when he heard this. For the first time since learning of Qui-Gon's death, the boy smiled and he even moved closer to his new master, who in turn, wrapped an arm around his new apprentice. Both then returned their attention to Qui-Gon Jinn; a wise mentor, a good man, the one who, like the Force itself, had brought them together.
The next day was filled with joy and excitement as a grand celebration was held in Theed to signify the union between Gungans and the Naboo. In the centre of it all, Obi-Wan and his new padawan learner Anakin, stood by Queen Amidala, Boss Nass, and their fellow heroes of Naboo as the people, both humans and gungans alike celebrated the drawing of a new era.
Following the ceremony, things began to die down fast on Naboo. Chancellor Palpatine, along with the Jedi Council, had already returned for Coruscant. With Gunray in custody, the return of the Sith, and Palpatine's term as the newest leader of the Republic beginning, a great deal was about to unfold in the galactic capital that would most likely have a major impact on the rest of the galaxy.
Obi-Wan and Anakin also needed to return to the capital as well. Skywalker's training had just started, and given how he was at a much older age than most Jedi recruits, Anakin had a great deal of catching up to do; the responsibility of which fell onto the newly knighted Obi-Wan Kenobi. It was going to be a challenge, but one Obi-Wan was determined to overcome it. He gave his word to his master, and he refused to break it.
As they readied to depart, all their friends they'd made on Naboo came to the royal hanger to bid the Jedi farewell.
"We can't thank you enough Obi-Wan," Queen Amidala said. "Both you and Anakin were crucial in saving my people."
"You of all people deserve the credit, your majesty," Obi-Wan bowed. He was then nearly thrown off his feet when Jar-Jar came over to hug the Jedi, almost knocking both to the ground in the process.
"Messa am gonna missa yosa Obi," the gungan said.
To his surprise, Obi-Wan hugged the Gungan back. "I will miss you too Jar-Jar. It's been quite an adventure. Thank you for your assistance. We couldn't have done it without you. And congratulations on being unbanished by your people. I'm glad to see things have turned around for you for the better."
"Messa am oh mooie mooie happy assa well," Jar-Jar replied as he released Obi-Wan, allowing the Jedi Knight to regain his balance. When he did so, the Jedi knight noticed Anakin staring at Queen Amidala dreamily while the two bid their farewells to each other.
Anakin had a crush on the queen, Obi-Wan could sense it. He'd felt it whenever the boy was around her. It would be something he'd need to keep an eye on throughout his apprentices' training; otherwise, it could lead to an unnecessary attachment. Something very dangerous, especially given Anakin's immense powers and lack of training.
Reaching over to grip his apprentice by the shoulder, an act that caused the boy to snap out of his dream state, Obi-Wan gave Anakin a glace that told him 'focus.'
"It's time to go Padawan," he instructed.
With a final bow to their friends, the two began to head up the boarding ramp of their ship the Radiant VIII. Though halfway up the ramp, Anakin turned back around, calling out to the queen.
"Goodbye Padmé. I will miss you. You're the most incredible woman I've ever met. I hope to see you again someday."
Even with the ceremonial white makeup that she wore as queen covering up her skin, Obi-Wan noticed a blush form on Queen Amidala's face in response to Anakin's strong, emotional words. "As do I Annie," she replied. "Perhaps a time will come when you and your master may return to Naboo, or maybe our paths will cross again on another world."
"If the Force wills it, your highness," Obi-Wan said before redirecting his apprentice onto the ship.
Once inside, they headed up to the Radiant VIII's cockpit where the ship's crew had already begun to take off. The two Jedi sat down in seats behind the captain and co-pilot, who were guiding the ship out of Theed's hanger, up into the sky above the lush green and blue of Naboo towards the endless black, star-covered abyes that was space.
"Nervous?" Obi-Wan asked his apprentice when he noticed him fidget in his seat.
"A little," Anakin confessed.
"You have nothing to fear my young padawan," Obi-Wan assured. "I was scared too when I first began my apprenticeship under Qui-Gon. But that soon turned to excitement when he reminded me that my path as a Jedi was truly beginning like yours is now. I admit the road is long and there will be challenges along the way, but for each one you face you gain knowledge, experience, and strengths as the Force guides you towards your destiny. While the Council only saw darkness I sense, as Qui-Gon did, a strong light waiting to be lit by you in a time where the dark side threatens us all. It will be my job to guide and prepare you for this, just as it'll be your job, for now, to listen and learn what I pass on to you."
There was a long silence as Anakin contemplated his master's words, the only sounds coming from the ship's instruments as one of the crew members set coordinates for Coruscant into the navigation computer.
"I understand Master Kenobi," Anakin finally said. "And thank you, for taking me in and being my guide on this journey."
This caused Obi-Wan to smile. "Thank you, Anakin," he said, placing a warm hand on the boy's shoulder. "For showing me my path, and bringing hope to the future."
At that moment the crew was all set to make the jump. "Coarse set," the captain announced as the republic cruiser was sent into hyperspace. The two Jedi watched the view outside change from the star-spotted black abyss to a swirling blue and white; during which, Obi-Wan felt Anakin's nervousness fade away, replaced with excitement from both the thrill of witnessing the ship enter hyperspace and the future that lay ahead for him. Obi-Wan felt the same way. Qui-Gon was gone, but he was one with Force now. In his place, Obi-Wan had a new apprentice to look after, to train in the ways of the Force, and, in turn, to give him purpose.
Together, their journey as master and apprentice had truly begun.
Stay tuned. Two more will be joining this trilogy.
FYI The idea for this came when I was playing Battlefront II while I was trying to think of an idea for an Obi-Wan one-shot to write.