Part 5

"Well, at least the lights came back on," said Kirana as she sat in a chair.

"Too bad. It was getting kind of romantic in here," said Obi-Wan as he sat in the chair across from her, gazing at her.

She felt uncomfortable, knowing that she was alone with him. She decided she would instead talk to him about something else. "So, when were you taken as a padawan?"

"I was taken about three or four months before my thirteenth birthday. It wasn't easy, you know. Master Jinn came every year looking for a padawan, but always left without one. What about you?" asked Obi-Wan.

"Master Windu accepted me as his padawan when I became tweleve. He's such a wonderful master, he's like the father I'll never have," said Kirana as a smile came to her face.

"Yeah, that's how I feel about Master Jinn," said Obi-Wan.

Kirana sighed. "I wonder when I'll be ready for the trials? Master Windu says I still have much to learn of the living force. That's why he and Master Yoda wanted me to go with you and Master Jinn to rescue Anakin's mother. I've never really been in the outside world. I mean, I have accompanyed my master on a few trips, but my life has been here. I think they want me to learn about the outside world, how it functions, good and evil. How I must recognize it, understand it."

"Don't worry Kirana, you'll understand it well. This mission will be good for you," assured Obi-Wan. "Master Jinn also says I have much to learn. Sometimes it's hard for me to understand. I know I don't see things the way he does. For instance when he picked up Anakin, I thought it was a waste of time, that he shouldn't be trained. But he thinks Anakin is the chosen one, the one who will bring balance to the force. I'm not so sure about that, but I respect his thoughts. Anyway, it's not my place to argue with him about the matter of the boy. Ever since I was young, I always wanted to be a Jedi, it was my dream. Anakin said he had a dream that he was a Jedi. I don't know what will happen in the future."

"You know, sometimes when I fight, I can't fully grasp onto the force. I try to keep my whole mind tuned in to the force but sometimes, I find it difficult," said Kirana. She then remebered her dream from the night before. She shuddered.

"What's wrong? Cold?" asked Obi-Wan, who had seen her shudder.

"Nothing. Anyway, let's change the subject," said Kirana, eager to get her mind away from her dream. "So, are you interested in anyone?" she smiled.

Obi-Wan grinned. "Well, I did like this one girl, her name was Aurora..."

"What happened?" asked Kirana.

"Well... Aurora and I just... sort of grew apart as people. There was not bitterness on either side," said Obi-Wan sheepishly as he looked past her, towards the wall.

"She left you," laughed Kirana.

Obi-Wan smiled. "No no no no no!"

Kirana raised her eyebrows.

"Yes... she left me," admited Obi-Wan.

"I bet she left you for a Hutt!" laughed Kirana as she ducked out of the way before Obi-Wan could hit her.

"No, I don't think so. I'm way too handsome. Don't you agree Kirana? Come on, admit it," teased Obi-Wan, delighting in the rosy flush that appeared in Kirana's cheeks.

"You're not as handsome as you think you are, Obi-Wan," she said coldly.

Obi-Wan just laughed. How he loved to tease her! "So, what about you, Ki? Besides me, who were you after?"

Kirana shook her head in annoyance. "No, there never was really anyone for me," she began.

"Oh come on, there had to be someone," pressed Obi-Wan as he leaned forward.

Kirana looked at him, unsure if she should tell him. What if he told? She decided to risk it.

"Well... it was a very long time ago, before I was a padawan. There was this Jedi Master who I kind of liked. I knew him because he would always give me advice after I fought, you know, like all the Masters did." she finally said.

"Do I know him?" asked Obi-Wan with curiosity.

Kirana gulped. "Will you promise not to tell him? I mean really promise, Obi," she said.

"Oh, so I do know him," he smiled. "I promise I won't tell a soul. You can trust me, Ki," he said with seriousness.

"Well... you guess," said Kirana.

"Okay... was it Master... Jinn?" he asked, certain he was correct.

"Yes, you're right. How'd you guess so fast?" she asked.

"Well, actually, I wasn't surprised at all because a lot of girls like him. Do you still?" Please say no.

"No, that was a long time ago," she smiled. "You know, it's funny. When Master Jinn finally did choose a padawan, everyone had been wondering who that lucky child was. Now I know that all along, it was you!"

"Well, what can I say?" grinned Obi-Wan.

The hatch broke open. Qui-Gon stepped inside. "I'm sorry that took so long. I had assumed you were done and left the ship, but then no one had seen you leave. I see that you have helped fix the ship. We will be leaving for Tatooine. I want both of you to pack your things and come back here."

"Yes, Master," said Obi-Wan and Kirana as they left the ship.

* * *

"Kirana," said Mace Windu as he walked into her chamber.

Kirana turned around. She had almost finished packing her things.

"Yes Master," she bowed.

"Remember everything I have taught you. This mission will be dangerous. I have a feeling Qui-Gon's attacker may return and I want you to be prepared. I know you will do fine. Use your instincts. Be careful, my young padawan. This is the first time I will not come with you, but you are in the company of Qui-Gon. He is very wise and will show you the right way. Obi-Wan is a very good apprentice. But he is still young and has much to learn as you do. Together, you will be strong. Trust yourself to the force. You are strong and a fast learner Kirana. That is why I'm proud of you. I care for you deeply." He smiled. "You are like the daughter I will never have."

"Oh Master, you are like a father. I will heed your advice. I will flow with the force. Thank you for always being there for me," said Kirana as she hugged him warmly.

"Now, you should get going. Are your things packed?" he asked.

"Yes Master, I'm ready to go," she replied.

"Good. Now go, my young padawan. May the force be with you," he said as he watched her go.

"Bye Master. Don't worry, I'll try to come back in one piece!" she laughed as she went out the door.

Mace Windu laughed but for some reason he felt that would be the last time he would ever see her again. He tried to get rid of that thought, but he knew it would stay with him until she returned.

* * *

"Master?" asked Obi-Wan as he watched his mentor search around the room.

"Yes, Obi-Wan?" said Qui-Gon.

"Do you think that the attacker will return? He still has not been destroyed. For some reason, I feel as if he will interfere with our mission," said Obi-Wan.

Qui-Gon looked up. "I don't know Obi-Wan. If he does come back, we will be prepared."

Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, hoping he was right. He didn't want his Master to fight that man again. Obi-Wan realised he feared for his master, because he was aging. Obi-Wan pushed that thought out of his mind. Right now, he had to concentrate on the mission.

"Qui-Gon?" said Anakin who walked in the room.

"Yes Annie?" he said.

"I just wanted to say, I hope you'll be able to rescue my mother. And I hope you'll be safe," Anakin ran to Qui-Gon's side, giving him a hug.

Qui-Gon put his hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Don't worry Anakin. I will not let anything happen to your mother, I promise."

Anakin smiled. "Thanks." He then moved towards Obi-Wan, who stood there watching him. "Bye Obi-Wan,"

Obi-Wan smiled. "Bye Anakin. Take care."