Disclaimer: We don't own Star Wars.
Full summary: Sequel to Sooner or Later. At last Anakin has a proper Master one he loves and trusts, QuiGon Jinn. In the midst of their complicated romance, they're put to their first test as a team when there's a sudden slew of attacks on the Temple. QuiAni
Warnings: Slash, future shota, JA reference.
Pairing(s): Eventual Qui-GonxAnakin (subdued GarenxObi)
Fic type: AU, romance
Bizarre speaks: I almost forgot to update...But uhm, in regards to the journal entries...Actually look at the dates? Year wise at least, they aren't all occuring during Volume Two, some are going on in the time lapse between Two and Three. They're just there to give you some idea of what's going down with Obi-Wan.
Chosen
Volume Two
The Heir
Chapter I: The Rock
Personal journal of Obi-Wan Kenobi-Knight of the Jedi Order:
02/22/05-29 BBY-2:00
Transport shuttle HOLLY TRANCER
I haven't been back to the Temple in months. Don't really want to. If I must return, then it will only be for a day or so. Master Yoda can give me another assignment them I'm out of there.
Garen will want me to spend the night. He'll want to call Bant and Reeft but that will only tempt me to stay longer and I just can't do that. I can't change that fast.
Gossip moves swiftly in the Jedi Temple, swifter even than in the Senate. How this is…no one is entirely certain. All that matters is Anakin Skywalker heard a whisper. A soft, bothersome whisper, about a dear friend who had been missing from his life for nearly half a year.
"Just horrible. I wonder if he will even be able to hold a lightsaber again?"
"Oh I saw it! It was absolutely festering and…"
"Aw, he will be fine. Kenobi is a tough one."
"Mistress Bant is attending to Obi-Wan personally. I think he'll pull through." And so on and so on.
The first thing Anakin felt was concern, soon followed by something just sort of glee. Then concern for Obi-Wan again. He took off for the Healer's wing at a sprint. Tossing apologizes over his shoulder to those he bumped into. He was sure Qui-Gon would forgive him for being late to practice.
A crowd of Jedi was gathered around the Med wing. Anakin assumed Obi-Wan was still there. He managed to wriggle his way through the mass of people just to scan the patient beds. No Obi-Wan. He could smell Mistress Bant's salty scent nearby.
"Kn…Knight Bant," he panted heavily. "Obi-Wan…is he here?"
"No," the Mistress frowned, her large, wet, silver eyes brimming with tears. "He left. Even though I told him he was in no condition."
Looking disappointed, Anakin merely shrugged. "Oh, alright then, Thank you." He'd been hoping to see his friend again! Waiting for Obi-Wan to return to the Temple.
"Bye, Ani," the Mon Calamari Mistress called after Anakin.07/12/07-29 BBY-6:00
Dardence-Muunilist
I'd forgotten about this journal. Tossed it into an old duffel. The bag smells horrible! Don't know if washing will help. Might have to get a new one.
I've a new scar, nasty vibroblade slice across my back. Wonder what Garen will say?
"Is there a reason you are so late?" Master Qui-Gon wondered of his Padawan's tardiness.
"I heard Obi-Wan was back," the boy admitted, disappointment still evident on his face. "I wanted to go see…I'm sorry, Master."
"I heard he was injured," Qui-Gon murmured.
"That's where I was, the medical wing. Mistress Bant said he'd already left, though," Anakin concluded.
"That's good," Master Jinn nodded. "You can not let an injury keep you down."
Raising an eyebrow Anakin wrapped his arms about his mentor. "You kept me in bed for a week with a cold," he reminded the man.
"You are a Padawan, Obi-Wan is a Knight, with responsibilities," Qui-Gon explained patiently.
"But if he's really hurt, he should rest and be healed."
"Obi-Wan can take care of himself," the Master said firmly.
"Not according to Bant," Anakin replied with a grim smile. But, he did stop arguing. Dear friend or no, Qui-Gon was his Master. He must respect the old man.
01/30/09-29 BBY-14:00
Safe House on Arbra
I have been here far too long. It is lovely. But I am not doing anything really useful. Just guarding young royalty. The princesses keep braiding things, beads, into my hair. I wish, never mind. I am a Jedi, damn it…
All thoughts of Obi-Wan Kenobi were forgotten over the next six months. The missing Jedi Knight was neither seen nor heard of. By then, however, Anakin was feeling a stab of sadness. He'd shared all his birthdays with Obi-Wan since arriving at the Temple. This would be the first without him.
On his name day Anakin felt a sudden burst of energy in the Force. Beckoning.
Crawling carefully out of bed he gathered some clothes and crept silently out into the 'fresher. The only noise of his brief escape was the 'whoosh' that signaled the door opening and closing.
He wasn't sure where he was going, but found himself in the Temple hangar. Then he saw Obi-Wan…looking different after a year. Kenobi was growing a beard and…what were those, beads, in his hair? Anakin was too excited to dwell on that. Here was his friend!
"Obi-Wan!" the jubilant teen cried, a bright smile on his face. Anakin was mature enough now to resist hugging Obi-Wan no matter how pleased he was to see the Knight.
"Happy Birthday," the older Jedi murmured.
"I was worried you'd still be gone," Anakin admitted, bouncing nervously on the balls of his feet. "Are you here for the whole day?"
"No," Obi-Wan shook his head. "I just wanted to give you something. You know, for your birthday."
"You came back to the Temple just to give me a present?" Anakin's eyes sparkled with amusement. He crossed his arms over his chest. "Thank you, Obi-Wan. That really means a lot to me."
Obi-Wan reached into his pocket and withdrew…the rock. He spoke as he pressed it into Anakin's hand. "I know it just looks like a rock," he said flatly. "But…it's what Master Jinn gave me, on my birthday. So, it kind of means something to me."
Anakin gave him a look of pure adoration. "Qui…Master gave this to you?"
"Yeah," Obi-Wan shrugged, already turning for the nearest ship.
"If it's important to you, I'll treasure it forever, Obi-Wan," the apprentice promised, waving farewell. "Thank you. G-good luck on your mission!"
03/05/02-28 BBY-7:00
Coruscant, the Jedi temple
Back at the Temple again, huh. It's Anakin's birthday. His thirteenth if I remember right. I hope he is happy as Qui-Gon's apprentice. I'm going to give the kid a present. That damned river stone! It's been holding me down all this time.
I bet Qui-Gon won't even recognize it.
-19:00
Transport ship VERASCIOUS
I feel free! Without the rock, that last reminder, I really feel free!
Called Bant and talked. She was so excited to hear from me. It was so good to speak with her. When I get back I'll make plans to spend time with her. And Reeft. The three of us, and Garen, it'll be like old times.
Once again Obi-Wan was gone. Anakin left the dark hangar, the little stone still held idly in one hand. The longer he held it the less thrilled he felt. It was inexplicable. When Obi-Wan had held the rock it was warm. In Anakin's hands it was frigid.
A hail from Qui-Gon broke through his brooding. Anakin hurried back to their rooms. He would keep his promise to treasure the shiny rock. If for no other reason, because it was a present. Presents were still a novelty to him.
Qui-Gon was waiting on the couch. Upon Ani's return he inquired as to what the Padawan was holding.
"Obi-Wan gave it to me," the lad explained, holding the object out to show it to his mentor.
Qui-Gon's throat constricted emotionally and quite against his will. "Did he."
"Uh-huh," Anakin nodded, "He said you gave it to him for his birthday."
"Yes," the old man confirmed, "I did."
"Qui…can I ask a question?"
"Yes, Anakin."
"Why'd you give your Padawan a…rock for his birthday?"
Qui-Gon had a reason. At the time he really hadn't wanted Obi-Wan as his Padawan learner. So, had not put any thought into a gift for the kid. When the birthday had rolled around, he'd felt guilty and, well, the smooth rock had been handy. He wasn't explaining that to Anakin, though.
"It is Force sensitive," he said. This was not a lie. But he hadn't known that when he gave it to Obi-Wan. At the time he told Obi-Wan that it was just a pretty pebble.
"Really?" It didn't feel Force sensitive to Ani, but he believed the Master.
"Yes," Qui-Gon took a cautious breath. "Is Obi-Wan still here?"
" No, Master," Anakin shook his head. "I think he had another mission. He left right away."
Suddenly Qui-Gon felt the guilt.
While elsewhere, Obi-Wan celebrated his release.
To Be Continued...