CHAPTER 58

Obi-Wan always knew he would be re-united with Qui-Gon one day through the force, but he never thought it would happen before he became one with the force. They spend hours talking, Obi-Wan telling Qui-Gon about Anakin's training, his fall to darkness, and how he felt responsible for all of it.

"The fault does not lie with you Obi-Wan, Anakin chose his fate."

"I thought I could train him as well as you or master Yoda, I was wrong."

"You did the best job anyone could do, you and Padme believed in Anakin when no one else did."

Padme. He still had not brought up what happened between the two of them. He wasn't sure how to explain his feelings to his former master.

"Are you afraid to bring up the subject of your marriage to the former Queen?"

"Yes, she was also……"

"Anakin's wife I know, I saw and felt everything that happened Obi-Wan."

"Then you know the guilt I feel."

"You were a good friend to Padme, deep friendship can often turn into something more. You did not intentionally pursue Padme to hurt Anakin, though I did sense your resentment towards him."

"For lying, not only to me, but the entire Jedi Order."

"Is that the reason you continued the affair? To get even?"

"No…..yes…..I don't know. My decision to continue to be with Padme was because she needed me, but the selfish side of me wanted her, that too was a factor in my decision."

"You are human Obi-Wan, it's in our nature to love and want to be loved."

"But it goes against the Jedi code!"

"It does, but you know I never cared for the code."

Obi-Wan smiled remembering his old master's defiance when it came to the code.

"Obi-Wan, I have been nothing but proud of you and all that you have done. You trained Anakin, you were there for Padme when she needed someone most, you fought the Sith. Padme lived and now you are a father to two wonderful girls. I can't be anything but proud."

"I still feel responsible."

"You shouldn't, you did the best anyone could do. You have to let go, let go Obi-Wan."

He knew Qui-Gon was right, ever since his death on Naboo he had felt nothing but guilt, and that guilt continued to grow. He knew he needed to let go, perhaps with his master's help he could finally be free of the past. He could do something he hadn't done in a long time, look towards the future.