Title: Memories

Author: Kali T'hara

Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance

Rating: PG-13 (possibly R later…)

Summary: Ben Kenobi reflects on his life as a Jedi Knight during the age of the Old Republic…and remembers a secret love.

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Obi-Wan…Nor do I own any other Star Wars character that may be mentioned. George owns it all…we just obsess over it.

AN: Thanks for the reviews! It is greatly appreciated! …Shoutout out to chaoslightning13! PS: I edited the beginning of chapter 1 just a bit. A friend brought up an interesting fact about the whereabouts of Ben's lightsaber while roaming the desert. Oops…! Reread it if you want, it's a short chapter.

Chapter 3: The Calm Before the Storm

"Master, when will the transport be coming back?" Obi-Wan asked as he walked.

"Soon enough, my young Padawan," Qui-Gon Jinn answered. His Master remained a few meters ahead of him, leading the way as he always did. His long hair waved in the breeze as he walked.

Obi-Wan surpassed Qui-Gon's shoulders now, his seventeen years showing in his height. His braid drooped down his chest, where it always fell. His hood remained down, allowing his young, masculine features to be seen.

They walked briskly down the crowded streets of Tynna, casually passing the locals' laid back speed. Between himself and Qui-Gon, Kali walked in step with them.

Kali was fifteen now, and her beauty was growing with her age. Her hair had grown out longer. The length now reached past the end of his hood, to the small of her back. The sun accented her red highlights, bringing a slight shimmer. It was pulled back part way, much like Qui-Gon's, with a single blue Synocc feather bound into the tie. She would occasionally look back at him and smile, her green eyes sparkling in the light.

He watched her closely, but not too close.

A silent breeze swept its way through the streets. Kali's hair blew gently to the side and over her left shoulder. Obi-Wan's eyes were drawn to her neck. The one feature that made her stand out from all other humans – her T'Najian tattoos. The black tribal markings were etched in strips of characters, one on top of the other, read top to bottom. They started just below her ears, and made their way down each side of her neck, over her shoulders and ended midway between her elbows. All T'Najians had them, and everyone's were different. When a baby is born, he or she is tattooed after only a few days. The parents would write what they wished for their child's life. All included their last name and clan name; the rest would be filled in by their parents. Some inscribed tales of warrior-hood, or wishes of strength and wisdom. It was said that if a child grew into their tattoos properly, they would achieve all their parents' wishes. Kali's were perfect.

Later on in life, married couples were given matching tattoos, starting at the back of their neck and traveling down to the small of their backs. Every T'Najian was unique. Not a single one had the same tattoos, even family members.

Obi-Wan blinked. He realized he was staring. Something about Kali was mesmerizing to him. He always felt so close to her, and he found that troubling. Was he forming an attachment? That was against the Jedi Code – he hoped he wasn't subconsciously breaking the rules. But she was his best friend. He trusted her with everything… and felt peaceful around her.

He ran his hand through his short brown hair. Something was changing in him. He felt it in his stomach, and in his head. Something was changing. And every time he laid eyes on Kali, the same feeling tugged at him. It was almost like a nudge from the Force…maybe it was. He wasn't quite sure though.

Obi-Wan smiled to himself. Their mission was almost over; they'd be back on the transport to Coruscant before this sun began to set. They had been on Tynna for six standard days now, negotiating peace agreements between the Tynnaians and the inhabitants of their small moon, Tronna.

He and Qui-Gon were often paired with Kali and her Master, A'saa Sintura, for important missions. The Council agreed that they worked very well together, and were a winning match if any hostilities broke out. A'saa was an excellent negotiator, a very valuable skill to possess. She was a very calm, peaceful Bothan, wise beyond her years. She and Qui-Gon had known each other since their days as Younglings at the Temple. They also had a powerful friendship; not quite like Obi-Wan's and Kali's, however.

A'saa had chosen Kali as her Padawan when she was eleven. Heartbroken, Obi-Wan remained at the Temple, waiting to be chosen as well. He had thought their lifetime friendship was over. Fortunately, the will of the Force brought Obi-Wan to Qui-Gon, and his journey was to continue. Only three years went by before Obi-Wan saw Kali again, but it seemed like a lifetime. Through the Force, they managed to remain in touch. Their friendship persisted, and they were both ecstatic when they were paired up for their first joint mission.

Here, on Tynna, they participated in their fourth mission together. This one served as an important example of diplomatic negotiation skills, something Kali was not excelling in. She wasn't a talker; she was a fighter. A lightsaber in her hand was an automatic death wish to whoever crossed her line. But there was more than that to becoming a strong Jedi.

A'saa remained at the Palace, finalizing the last details. If everything went as planned, they would be able to leave within a few hours. The negotiations earlier in the week had gone surprisingly well, considering the hostile nature of the Tronnians. Qui-Gon suggested leaving the finishing touches to A'saa, considering it was her specialty, and took the Padawans on an "educational" tour of the city.

"You know he just wanted to get out of that palace," Obi-Wan whispered to Kali behind her shoulder.

She smiled, "As did I," she returned quietly.

"I heard that," Qui-Gon's voice came without a turn of the head.

Kali began to laugh, but stopped suddenly, "Master," she said in a worrisome tone.

Qui-Gon stopped in midstride, "Something is wrong here," he said, "We must return to the palace,"

"What happened?" Obi-Wan asked.

"I'm not sure," Qui-Gon was now running back the way they had come from, the two Padawans on his heels.

Obi-Wan turned his head towards Kali. Her face was grim, yet her Force aura was strong and bright. Her Master was in trouble, she could feel it.

They ran faster than humanly possible through the crowds. Qui-Gon attempted to contact A'saa several times with his comlink, but received no answer. They could see the palace now. It sat upon a hill, surrounded by thick vegetation. The only visible parts were the tall spires that jutted out from the top. They raced into the trees and up the winding path leading to the main gates; they were almost there.

Kali had a rock solid grip on her lightsaber. Master, can you hear me? She attempted to contact A'saa through the Force. No answer.

Guards poured out of either side of the entrance. With one swift move of his hand, Qui-Gon pulled every blaster from their hands and threw them into the trees. They ran effortlessly past the guards and into the palace. Qui-Gon kicked open the main door, lightsaber drawn.

All Obi-Wan felt was red hot pain as a blaster bolt struck him.

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Ben nearly jumped out of his sleep-couch. He rubbed his eyes as he caught his breath. Every morning he woke like this. Every morning it was another dream, another vision of the past – every morning since he lost her. This was all he had left.

He closed his eyes again. Another day was before him. He should get dressed.