53.

Obi-Wan meets an old friend.

He receives advice for his travels.

He gives advise to a young man.

.

Obi-Wan covered his eyes as the light consumed him. When the light disappointed in a gust of wind, he saw that he was in a new place. He found himself on a strange planet with purple trees. Bewildered, he looked around and noticed it was a peaceful and natural environment.

He searched for any signs of civilization but he saw none. He then heard voices. Cautiously, he hide behind one of the purple trees. He slowly got closer and was surprised at what he saw.

It was Master Qui-Gon. He was alive. He was slightly older with more grey in his hair. Standing behind him was Anakin. He looked younger then his Anakin. This version of Anakin was a teenager. He was still a Padawan with a braid.

Obi-Wan concluded that this was Master Qui-Gon if he hadn't died during his fight with Maul. It meant that he lived and took Anakin as his apprentice.

However, Obi-Wan was puzzled when he saw that Qui-Gon was speaking to Thea. Obi-Wan shook his head. He realized he was wrong. The woman speaking with Qui-Gon wasn't Thea. Judging by her attire, she was no Mandalorian guard. She looked more like the woman on Mortis. She looked like Jinn's mother who wore a long embroidered robe and had long pinned up hair. She was a clan warrior.

Standing behind her was a young man. Obi-Wan was stunned to see a younger versionof himself. Though, under closer inspection, he noticed that he had gold color eyes. The teen was instead a younger version of Jinn.

"The boy should be with his people."

"He is with his people."

Qui-Gon placed his hands on his hips and said, "No, he is a Jedi. You cloned my former apprentice by stealing his DNA from his Padawan braid. What you've done is an atrocity. "

Thrice said, "Magus is no clone. He is my blood."

Qui-Gon lowered his arms and glanced passed her and over at Magus and said, "Are you saying you manipulated his DNA?"

Thrice replied, "Magus is a product of my blood and your former apprentice. He is my child."

Qui-Gon was taken back by her words. He had cross swords with the warrior only a few months ago. If her people created Magus in a lab then their technology was far more superior then any he had ever seen. Qui-Gon wondered just how self aware and Force sensitive the boy was.

"I want a word with the boy."

Thrice smiled knowingly at Qui-Gon said, "As you please, Jedi."

Magus stepped forward. He saw that Lady Thrice had wondered back to the trees and had given them space to speak. Qui-Gon's face softened as the boy approached him.

"I am Qui-Gon Jinn."

"I am Magus of Blackswan."

"Tell me, can you use the Force?"

Magus wrinkled his nose and said, "The what?"

Qui-Gon smiled when he heard how similar Magus's puzzled voice sounded to Obi-Wan's. He bent down and picked up a rock and said, "This is the Force."

The Jedi Master used the Force to float the rock in his hand. Magus watched in wonder.

"Incredible. How did you do that?"

Anakin stepped forward and said to his master, "It would be easier to run a blood test, Master."

Qui-Gon said, "It would. If I have your permission, I could test your blood to see if you have the ability to use the Force?"

Magus shook his head and replied, "No, I can't give you permission without asking Lady Thrice first. Is there some other way to know if I can use the Force?"

Qui-Gon said, "Yes, can you guess what's in my right pocket?"

Magus was confused at first, but decided to play along. He rubbed his chin for a moment and replied, "A stone."

The Jedi nodded his head. It was a stone. He reached into his pocket and showed it to him. He rubbed his thumb over the surface. It was a gift he had given to Obi-Wan as a boy. He usually kept it at his quarters in the Temple but he brought it with him impulsively. Perhaps the Force had anticipated this meeting.

"Very prospective."

"Are these the sort of tricks you taught my father?"

Qui-Gon smirked and shook his head. He would never in his wildest dreams think he would be talking to a person who considered Obi-Wan their father.

Anakin frowned and said, "These aren't tricks. Only with training can you master the Force."

Magus said, "Ah, well forgive my rudeness, Jedi apprentice. However, I have no wish to leave the Clan for your Order."

Anakin said, "Master Qui-Gon is offering you a great opportunity. The Jedi can teach you more than your mother can."

Magus frowned and said, "My mother is a far better warrior than your master can ever be."

Qui-Gon sensed the tension in the air and said, "Jedi aren't warriors. We are keepers of the peace."

Magus huffed and said, "Semantics. If you live by the sword then you're a warrior. The only difference is that I've got a different master. Your mysterious powers aren't enough to convince me to leave my family."

Qui-Gon narrowed his brow and asked, "Family? You think the people who created you are your family? I doubt their intentions are honorable."

"I'm not convinced that your Order is either. Do your people make a habit of taking children from their parents?"

Anakin lowered his gaze at Magus'swords. He rememberedhow he had left his own mother for the Order. He worried that Master Qui-Gon would put him aside to train Magus like he had done to Obi-Wan.

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon at first was suspicious if Magus was a fully formed being given how little time it took to create him, but Magus was both infuriating and intelligent. He knew why Lady Thrice had no problem letting him speak to Magus alone.

However, he noticed that she had wondered into the forest.

"Where is Lady Thrice?"

Magus replied, "Probably hunting that spy in the woods."

Qui-Gon said, "Spy? What spy?"

Magus gave him a curious look and said, "Wait, are you telling me you didn't sense the man watching us from the woods?"

Obi-Wan knew that was his cue to leave. He should have known he would be found out. Jinn had excellent skills sensing a person's Force presence and concealing his own. It made sense that his double would too.

He turned to go, but saw that Lady Thrice was standing behind him.

"Hello, Jedi."

Obi-Wan hated timeline travel. He stepped out from his hiding spot and approached Lady Thrice. She eyed him up and down.

"Hello, Lady Thrice."

She smiled mischievously at him and said, "Come, let's say hello to your friends."

Obi-Wan sighed. He didn't want a fight so he followed her to the clearing. Qui-Gon stared at Obi-Wan like he'd seen a ghost.

"Obi-Wan?"

Anakin frowned and said, "I don't understand. You're dead. I saw your body. I was at your funeral."

He felt guilty and replied, "I am Obi-Wan. Just not your Obi-Wan. I'm from a different timeline."

Thrice said, "What wonders! So, this is your former apprentice. I can see now why Magus pulls at your heart, Jedi. He was made in his image."

Obi-Wan knew his best hope to getting back to his friends was through Lady Thrice. Back on Mortis, she had knowledge of traveling between worlds.

"My Lady, I need to return to my friends. Can you help me?"

"Well, this is even more unexpected. First tell me how you came to be here."

"It's a long story. However, I need to reunite with my friends in order to defeat a Sith."

"I'll need more of an explanation of an explanation then that."

"Then, you'll help me?"

"That remains to be seen, Jedi." She then turned to Qui-Gon and said, "I hope your concerns for Magus are laid to rest, Jedi Jinn."

He gave her an annoyed look and said, "For now. However, I'd like to hear what Obi-Wan has to say."

Obi-Wan wished to speak with his former master more, but his visit wasn't a social call. He focused on the warrior instead.

"A Sith took a clan sword and used it to open a portal to another world. My friends were lost during the opening of the portal. I need to find them and find a way to defeat the Sith. Do you know of a way for me to locate my friends and confront the Sith."

Thrice pondered the question. She placed her hand on the hilt of her sword and began to pace. Obi-Wan realized Jinn had picked up the habit from his mother.

"My old mentor was a world walker. However, opening a portal with a clan sword is a skill I don't posses."

Anakin said, "Why don't you ask your old mentor?"

"We parted ways many years ago and he is a wonderer. Locating him would be difficult. Tell me, are you bonded to any of your friends?"

"Yes. I am."

"They you can find your friend through your bond."

Obi-Wan realized that the bond he created with Jinn was very useful. He rubbed his beard and said, "What about my other friends who I don't share a bond with?"

She shook her head and replied, "That is something I do not know. Searching the world for one soul among countless others is beyond my ability."

Obi-Wan nodded his head and said, "How do I open a portal to my friend once I find them?"

"You must find a nexus point and open it there. You could create your own without the aid of a nexus point but it is highly dangerous and can result in madness or death."

He asked, "Do you happen to know where I can find a nexus point?"

She smiled and said, "As it happens, you are standing in one."

Qui-Gon said, "Is that why the Force feels strong here?"

Thrice said, "Yes, you must prepare an alter with three points with strong aura. Then stand at the center of the nexus point and open it with your power. A doorway should open to another nexus point. You should be able to direct your destination by focusing on your bond with your friend."

Obi-Wan nodded his head and said, "I see. Thank you, Lady Thrice. You have been most helpful."

With gratitude, he closed the distance between them and bowed his head to kiss the back of her hand.

"Oh! My pleasure, sir Jedi."

Magus glared at Obi-Wan and took her arm and said, "Let's be on our way, my Lady. We've wasted enough time on these Jedi."

"Yes, of course."

XXX

Obi-Wan watched them go while feeling more at ease. She had given him invaluable information. He was thankful she wasn't a Sith in this universe.

Qui-Gon broken his train of thought and said, "I see in your timeline that you have become a great Jedi, my friend."

Obi-Wan turned to him and said, "I had a great teacher, Master."

Qui-Gon tentatively approached him and placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed it. "I've missed you, my friend. "

"As do I, Master."

"I'd liked to learn more about traveling through timelines. If you will permit it, I'd like to help you."

Anakin interrupted and said, "Master, we're supposed to report back to the High Council."

Qui-Gon dismissedively waved his hand and said, "The High Council can wait. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

"He's not the real Obi-Wan. "

Qui-Gon said, "I am aware of that fact, Ani."

"Really? I'm not so sure that you do."

Obi-Wan turned to Qui-Gon and said, "Anakin's right. This situation isn't fair to him. You left Magus to his mother. The least you can do is help Anakin keep his mother safe."

Qui-Gon was shocked by Obi-Wan's comment. "Attachments aren't permitted in our timeline, Obi-Wan."

"They aren't in mine either, but Anakin's attchment can't be ignored. It has always been a deep regret of mine for not addressing his fears."

Qui-Gon rubbed his beard. "Perhaps, but it would go against the will of the High Council."

Obi-Wan said, "The Council isn't always right."

Qui-Gon raised his brow and said, "You don't sound much like the obedient Padawan I once knew."

He replied, "Well, my prospective changed once I become a member of the High Council."

Qui-Gon had been following Obi-Wan deeper into the woods, but paused when he heard this revelation. He took a few quick strides and stood in front of him.

"Wait a moment, you're a member of the High Council?"

"Yes. In my timeline, you lost your duel with Darth Maul and I was granted the rank of Jedi Master. I took Anakin as my apprentice. It was your dying wish. It wasn't long after that I was granted a seat on the High Council."

"What happened to your Darth Maul?"

"I defeated him, or so I thought. He's very persistent. However, we have a similar objective now so he is currently an ally. Or should I say, Jinn's ally."

Anakin was following behind them and asked, "Who's Jinn?"

"Jinn is Magus from a different timeline. Expect, he's named after Master Qui-Gon. He's a very unusual Jedi."

Anakin frowned and asked, "What makes him so unusal?"

"He had parents."

Suddenly, Obi-Wan stopped walking and said, "This is it. The center of the nexus."

Qui-Gon saw that they were standing at the base of a large ancient tree. The purple leaves shimmered as dusk began to settle over the forest.

"Yes, the Force is strong here. Tell me, Obi-Wan, how do you plan to create three points with a strong aura?"

"I suppose I'll have to figure it out on my own. There's an opening at the base of the tree. Let's go inside. "

As Obi-Wan lead the way. Qui-Gon fell back into step with Anakin.

"Are you alright, Anakin?"

"Yes, Master."

Anakin couldn't stop thinking about what Obi-Wan said about helping his mother. He never stopped thinking about her and wondered how she was doing without him. It was weird to hear him talk about her when he thought nobody cared.

"Master?"

"Yes, Padawan?"

"About what Obi-Wan said. Am I allowed to go help my mother? If the High Council finds out then will I no longer be allowed to become a Jedi?"

Qui-Gon sighed and said, "Obi-Wan is right. The High Council doesn't always know what is best. I must admit, I have sensed your concerns for your mother and I have ignored them. I thought your feelings would pass over time. However, Obi-Wan has given me insight into a possible future. I think we should heed his words and go check in on your mother. Perhaps, after seeing her, you will have more peace of mind."

Anakin smiled brightly and exclaimed, "Thank you, Master!"

XXX

Inside the tree, glowing green moss lined the walls. They sprouted out small white flowers that scented the air with a gentle sweetness.

They saw at the center was a large flat stone that was slightly raised out of the ground.

Obi-Wan said, "I think we found our alter. Now all we need are three points with strong aura."

Anakin asked, "What does that mean?"

A voice spoke to them from the dark entrance and said, "I'll be your third."

Obi-Wan turned and saw a pair of yellow eyes from the shadows. It was Magus.

"Magus? Where is Lady Thrice?"

Magus replied, "Don't worry. She knows where I am. She's waiting for me at our ship. However, I want a word with you first."

Obi-Wan replied, "Of course."

Magus looked around and said, "In private?"

Obi-Wan nodded his head and followed Magus back towards the entrance of the tree.

Once they were alone, Magus said, "Tell me how you came to be a Jedi."

Obi-Wan lowered his brow. He didn't expect Magus to ask him that. He assumed Magus knew his story.

"I was found by the Jedi when I was an infant. I was brought to the Temple to be trained. I later became a Padawan when I met Master Qui-Gon."

Magus nodded his head and said, "I see. You didn't have a choice."

"I could leave the Order at any time if I wanted to."

Magus looked out into the glowing purple forest and said, "Do you think I could learn something from the Order? Is there anything to Jedi Qui-Gon's offer?"

Obi-Wan thought this line of questioning was odd. He thought Magus had already made up his mind. He frowned and said, "If you don't mind my asking, how old are you, Magus?"

He turned to him and replied, "3 months."

Obi-Wan was shocked. Magus was basically an infant. He wasn't a seasoned warrior like Jinn. Suddenly his lack of confidence made sense. He realized what Magus wanted from him was guidance.

He gently placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "I'm not your father, Magus but I've met another version of you and he is a good man. He is both a great warrior and a great Jedi. I can't be here to help guide you, but you have the potential to be great as well."

Magus lowered his gaze. "Thank you. Can you tell me, what was his purpose?"

"His purpose?

"Yes. What does he live for?"

This time Obi-Wan looked out into the forest and said, "He lives for his family. A place that accepts him for who and what he is. I envy him."

"Why?"

"I don't have those sort of attachments. Jedi are taught to put aside all attchments because we believe it may lead us to the Dark Side of the Force."

"Is he dark?"

"Sometimes."

"What is the Dark Side?"

"Hatred."

"I see. You can't hate, if you don't love." Magus turned to Obi-Wan and said, "You must be lonely. I'll help you get back to your friends for your sake."

Obi-Wan was appalled by Magus's conculsion and exclaimed, "I'm not lonely!"

Magus smiled and said, "Don't worry. Like I said, I'll be your third strong aura to open the portal."

Obi-Wan placed his hand over his face as Magus ran back inside the tree. Though, he appreciated Magus eagerness to help, he didn't like being pitied for being lonely. He wasn't. He had friends. He considered his former apprentice and his grand apprentice his family. He decided to ignore Magus's comment as part of his innocence. It was a trait he never thought he'd associate with any version of the rebellious Jedi.

XXX

The ritual was relatively simple. Magus explained that a strong aura can be a person or a Force infused object. Since Magus returned to be Obi-Wan's third in the ritual, no Force objects were needed. Obi-Wan stood at the center within the tree. Qui-Gon, Anakin and Magus took there places around him.

Magus said, "Now, Obi-Wan. You must activate the portal and use your bond to find your friend."

"Sounds simple enough."

He then closed his eyes and concerted on his connection to Jinn. He was surprised to see that the thread between was intact. It shimmered in the dark space of the Beyond. He reached out and grabbed it. He followed the thread to the other end. There he found Jinn's fiery aura. It burned bright and warm.

He let the Force guide him. He saw an opening emerge from the darkness. Wind and light appeared beneath his feet as the portal opened and in a flash, he was gone.

XXX

TBC

XXX