Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or anything that has to do with it, George Lucas does (Darn it! Oh well but if he ever wants to sell it...)

Summary: AU One year after Attack of the Clones Anakin and his family are on the run from the Empire. As they try to hide on Naboo, problems begin from within as Qui-Gon's health begins to fail.

Warnings: Nothing for this chapter.

Author's Note: This was my first attempt at fanfiction that I started in 1999 and I have rewritten it several times in order for it to tie into the movies a bit better. I just tried to fix some of the spelling, grammar and typing mistakes but bear with me. My CP and dyslexia makes it hard to catch everything.

Chapter 6: Late Night Tests and Conversations.

Obi-Wan smiled as Pooja started playing with his hair as he carried her to bed. He truly loved children and couldn't wait for Anakin's twins to come so that he could spoil them and teach them all the tricks Anakin had pulled on him over the years.

"Master Obi-Wan will you tell us a story?" Pooja asked as the knight tucked her in.

Kenobi smiled and looked over at where Sola and Darred were getting Pooja's older sister to bed, "Would that be all right?" He asked.

"It's up to you Master Kenobi." Sola said with a smile while she and her husband helped Pooja into bed. "We do usually tell them a story before they go to bed."

"It would be my honor." Obi-Wan replied with a small smile.

"Thank you Master." Darred said before kissing Pooja good night and moving for Ryoo while his wife repeated the routine. "One story girls then lights out." The children settled down as their parents walked towards the door and the Jedi Knight found a chair to place between the beds. "And no playing during the story or Master Kenobi won't finish."

"Yes daddy." Came the answer in unison once the ground rules were laid.

"Good night." Sola and Darred said, giving their daughters each a smile before they left the room.

"What kinds of stories do you two like?" Kenobi asked as he used the Force to dim the lights so that the walls were bathed in a calming glow.

"Happy stories." Pooja said as she hugged her Wookiee doll close to her chest.

"Funny stories." Ryoo answered while she grabbed her own Wookiee doll from its nest of pillows.

Obi-Wan smiled funny and happy stories he could do, "Would you like me to tell you about Master Jinn's home world?"

His answer came in the form of two bright smiles…

(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)

As soon as his audience was fast asleep Obi-Wan slipped out of their room and into his own. He had enjoyed telling the children his memories of his father's home world. He had always felt more at home on Nir'duin then Coruscant and had always counted the days till Qui-Gon would take them home once a year when he was a boy.

He groaned and stifled a cough as he grabbed his cloak and wrapped it about himself as he knelt in a circle of unlit candles. Normally he wouldn't meditate with candles but the fever he was beginning to run was making his mind a little fuzzy. Kenobi lit the candles with a wave of his hand and relaxed into the Force and the Jedi Meditation Trance as he reached out to contact his twin. Christian. He sent to his brother. Can you hear me?

It only took a few moments before the knight felt a familiar presence in the back of his mind. Obi-Wan?

Obi-Wan felt like jumping for joy. Yes Christian, it's me.

Oh thank the Force. Christian sent back with a sigh of relief. Are you all right? I heard about our Temples. Were you, Father or our little brother hurt?

No we're fine. His brother said before sending a mental shrug. At least we're as fine as we were seven months ago.

Obi-Wan! The other said; his annoyance bled through their bond. You never could lie to me when we were children, so don't start now. What happened?

Obi-Wan sighed and ran a hand over his face. Anakin was wounded two weeks ago on the planet we were hiding; he'll be fine in a few days. I have him in a Healing Trance.

Has Padme had her twins yet? Christian asked happily. I got Anakin's letter right before I left Corellia; I can't believe I'm going to be an uncle!

The older Kenobi twin smiled before answering. No, she's not due for another two months. Where are you? He asked. You feel so close.

I've been on Naboo the past nine months. The other answered.

That caused Obi-Wan to open his eyes and almost lose the connection. You're on Naboo! So am I!

Really, where are you? Christian asked a little shocked himself.

The Lake Country, in a home called Verykino. Was the answer.

I'm staying at a hotel in Theed called The Republic. The blind man replied while trying to hide the guilt that he felt for his situation. The owners are hiding me.

Padme has arranged for you to stay with us. Obi-Wan said while sending love and comfort through their bond. You'll be safe here.

Christian hesitated, are you sure?

Yes! His brother shouted.

Oh, Obi-Wan. His younger twin sent with a laugh. Don't shout; I'm blind not deaf. I'll come but it'll have to be tomorrow.

I'll come get you. Obi-Wan told him.

No Obi, you're sick and in pain. I can feel it; your back still hasn't healed yet has it? Christian asked concerned.

No. His brother answered and hissed in pain as his back flared up as he thought about it. But please don't tell our father. He is already worried about Ani and you. He shouldn't be worrying about me on top of that.

He's sick Obi. It wasn't a question. I've been feeling things from him the past few months and everything has been telling me he hasn't been well.

Obi-Wan winced when he remembered that one of his brother's gifts included being able to read slight changes in a person's Force Signature. He's dying Christian; he has Asacalare's disease.

Which is another reason you need to stay at Verykino. Christian stated. Go now, get some rest and we'll be together soon. Come what may Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan smiled at the way he and his brother had always said 'I love you', come what may Christian, until tomorrow. He said before coming out of the meditation trance.

Kenobi then stood and stretched his aching back, before using the Force to extinguish the candles. He quietly placed the candles back in their box and returned them to the hall closet before proceeding to join his father.

Obi-Wan allowed himself a small smile as he walked silently down the hall toward Anakin's room and turned when he felt a presence behind him. Ryoo and Pooja were standing behind him, each clutching their stuffed Wookiee dolls, "Hello you two." He said walking over to them and kneeling with difficulty. "Isn't it a little late for you two to be out of bed?"

"We wanted to check on Uncle Ani and Master Qui-Gon was there." Pooja told him.

"Yes, he's making sure your uncle is comfortable." Obi-Wan said with a smile. "But what are you two still doing up?"

"Master Qui-Gon asked us to bring him this." Ryoo said holding up a medium sized black bag.

Kenobi recognized it as the bag holding Qui-Gon's medication and swallowed hard, "Thank you little ones." He said while somehow keeping a straight face as he took the bag from Ryoo. "I'll take this to Master Qui-Gon. Why don't you two get back to bed now; I will take you into visit your uncle first thing tomorrow morning."

Both girls nodded happily and turned back for their room, "Good night Master Obi-Wan." Pooja whispered, turning her head and waving at him.

The young knight smiled and waved back as he stood, "Good night Pooja." He called back before watching the two children walk down the hall and turn for their room. Obi-Wan sighed and smiled sadly as he continued toward the room where his wounded brother/apprentice lay. Kenobi went into the room quietly and knelt by his father's side. "Father, are you all right?" He asked in Nir'duinain as he placed a hand on the other man's arm.

Qui-Gon looked from the book he was reading and gave the young man a tired smile, "I'm fine Obi-Wan, I see you intercepted my little messengers." He said in the same language, indicating the bag in Kenobi's hand.

"Yes father, I sent them back to bed." Obi-Wan told him with a sigh.

"Were you able to contact Christian?" Jinn asked while giving the knight a hopeful look.

Kenobi smiled widely, "Yes, he's safe. He's been here, on Naboo for the past few months. A couple has been hiding him in their hotel in Theed and he said that he would come tomorrow."

"Thank The Lady." Qui-Gon said glancing skyward in thanks to the main Nir'duinain Deity. "Although I won't be able to take a deep breath until I see him."

"Me either." His son said handing Jinn the bag. "Do you need any help with this?"

The Jedi Master gave the other a tired sigh "No I just need to take my evening dose of medication. He explained before looking at Anakin. "Tell your brother the good news while I do it."

Obi-Wan smiled again as he stood and went over to the Padawan's side. The knight exhaled and took a deep breath before placing a hand on the wounded man's forehead. Ani? He sent through the Force.

Obi-Wan! Came the excited reply. You found Christian?

Yes. Kenobi sent back. He's been hiding in Theed for the past nine months.

Thank the Lady. Skywalker said. But leave it to him to hide right under our noses.

Both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon laughed at Anakin's response. I agree little one. Jinn said with an amused smile.

I'm going to try and sleep now. The Padawan said.

Good night Ani. Obi-Wan sent as he ran a hand through the young man's short hair.

Good night my son. Qui-Gon said in his Nir'duinain dialect as he stood and went over to stand next to Kenobi. He leaned over and gently planted a kiss on Skywalker's forehead. May the light of the first-born fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night.

May the light of the first-born fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night Father. Anakin said as he responded to the traditional Nir'duinain prayer. May the light of the first-born fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night Obi-Wan.

May the light of the first-born fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night Anakin. Obi-Wan said with a smile before allowing the connection to fade off.

Qui-Gon sighed and moved to sit down again while Obi-Wan watched and fidgeted. The tired Jedi Master was oblivious to it for a few moments until he glanced in Kenobi's direction, "What is it Obi-Wan?" He asked before raising an eyebrow.

"Father, would you mind if I took a look at you." The knight asked as the medical side of him kicked in again. "Just so I know how best to help you if something happens."

Jinn sighed and thought for a moment, "All right little one but I'm telling you right now. I am fine."

Obi-Wan smiled and left the room for a few minutes, returning with the light pack of compact medical equipment that was standard for a Jedi Healer to carry while on missions. He again knelt in front of the older Jedi Master, wincing slightly as pain shot down his back and through his chest. All this kneeling his killing my back. He thought dryly as he pulled out a small scanner.

Kenobi made notes about Qui-Gon's heart rate, respiration and blood pressure in a small notebook that he always carried with his Medical Equipment. All of Jinn's vitals were normal, except for some chest congestion. But that didn't really surprise him considering Asacalare's disease affected the respiratory system but Obi-Wan knew the biggest change would most likely be in Jinn's blood tests.

"Well?" Qui-Gon asked giving his worried son a warm smile.

"Everything looks fine, except a little chest congestion." Kenobi told him. "But I want to do a blood test."

"Naturally." Jinn said already rolling up his sleeve.

Obi-Wan smiled at his father's faith in his abilities, "How are you feeling?" He asked, as he pulled out what he would need for a full blood work up.

"Truthfully, my energy level is not what it used to be." The Jedi Master admitted as Obi-Wan drew some blood.

The Medic looked up and swallowed hard before speaking, "But you're not coughing up any blood are you?"

Qui-Gon sighed before shaking his head, "No."

Obi-Wan sent a silent prayer of thanks to the heavens. Now he could ask about the things he already knew, "How has the pain been tonight?"

"Not bad, I'm a little uncomfortable but so far I don't need feel like I need to take anything." Jinn said as the eldest of his twins read the results of the tests and tried to hide the worried look on his face. "What is it Obi-Wan?"

"No wonder you're feeling weaker." Kenobi said after taking a breath. "Your red blood cell count is way below normal, which means you have less oxygen traveling through your body."

"The healer told me this would happen." The older man said before running a hand through his hair but didn't tell me what I could do about it."

"A blood transfusion is the best way to go but the effects would only be temporary." Obi-Wan explained. "I have the equipment needed for transfusions and I've done them on my own before but we would need to do it about once a week. Depending on how you're feeling and what your blood tests say."

Jinn shook his head sadly, "Obi-Wan I have a rare blood type."

"What's wrong?" Questioned a voice behind them.

Obi-Wan turned to see Padme standing in the doorway with a worried look on her face, "Padme, what are you doing up." He asked switching easily back to Basic as he stood and went over to her. "Are you all right?"

"I needed to go to the Refresher and I wanted to check on Anakin before I went back to bed." She explained as she came into the room. "Is everything all right?"

"Qui-Gon needs a blood transfusion." Kenobi said softly before glancing at the floor. "He is extremely anemic."

"Which is why he's so tired all the time?" Padme asked before both Jedi nodded.

"But he has a rare blood type." The knight told her sadly.

"What type is he?" The young woman asked worried for her husband's father. Obi-Wan showed her the Datapad and she immediately brightened up. "Paddy Accu, the groundskeeper and my brother-in-law that's their blood type too. Can they donate?"

"I'll have to run some tests on both of them." Obi-Wan replied before sighing quietly. "But if they and Qui-Gon are a match yes they can."

"Padme, I don't want to be a problem for you and your family. They're already risking enough just by hiding us here." Qui-Gon said as he got to his feet.

"Master Jinn you're hardly a problem, I'll talk to Paddy in the morning." Padme went over and the older man and drew him into a hug. "Please Qui-Gon; you're like a second father to me and I don't want to lose you like this."

The Jedi Master sighed in contentment as he returned the embrace and smiled as he held his daughter-in-law away from him, "I'm not planning on going anywhere yet Padme. I'm honored that you love me the way you do because you are the daughter I never had." He pressed her close again when she began crying. "It's all right Padme."

"I'm sorry Master." Padme said through her tears before she buried her face into the soft material of his tunic. "I'm sorry."

Jinn smiled softly and motioned for his son to join them before he began rubbing her back and shoulders, "You have nothing to be sorry for Padme, just let it all out child."

At that the young woman began sobbing and held nothing back, "Why did he do it!" She cried. "Why did he destroy everything we both worked so hard for?"

"Palpatine is a Sith Lord Padme." Obi-Wan said as he embraced her from behind. "They feel nothing but hate and lust after nothing but power."

"This is all my fault." She said. "I put forward the motion that put that monster in power of the senate."

"No." Qui-Gon said before lifting her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. "None of this is your fault nor is it Anakin's or the Jedi Order's. The only one who is at fault for Palpatine's actions is Palpatine himself." The Jedi Master smiled softly and ran a hand trough the young woman's dark hair. "Do you understand me?"

"Yes." Padme said as she laid her head against his chest. The room was quite for a few moments before the young woman and the Jedi Master began to laugh softly.

"What?" Obi-Wan asked as he lifted his head to look over his sister-in-law's shoulder.

"One of the twins just kicked me in the stomach." Qui-Gon said before raised an eyebrow when it happened again. "Are they always this active this late at night?"

"Why do you think I had to use the Refresher?" Padme said as she let go of the Jedi Master.

Jinn smiled and shook his head gently as he crossed his arms, "You've been around Christian too much you poor girl."

Padme smiled back and turned to face Obi-Wan after Qui-Gon mentioned the other Kenobi twin, "Were you able to contact your brother Obi-Wan?"

Obi-Wan smiled and nodded, "He's safe and has been here, on Naboo. A couple has been hiding him in their hotel in Theed."

The young woman smiled and thanked the Gods at the happy news; "My father has to run some errands in Theed tomorrow." She said. "He would be more then willing to give him a ride."

"Thank you Padme and thank your father." Said Obi-Wan. "He just took a load off my mind." The knight flinched when he remembered an important detail about his brother. "Your family doesn't mind animals do they?"

Padme tilted her head and smiled. "No my family loves animals, why?" Then she remembered. "Casey isn't a problem. I'll just have to explain to Ryoo and Pooja that the four legged guest is off limits when she has her harness on."

"Thank you." Obi-Wan said before remembering that Casey had retired about a month before the Temple on Coruscant fell. "Casey is no longer with us and I haven't met her successor yet but apparently it is one of the pups from her last litter."

"Awww." The mother-to-be said at the thought of one of Casey's puppies from that litter, which were born the day before she and Anakin got married. "I can't wait to meet him or her." The young woman turned her attention to her husband. "How is Ani doing?"

Kenobi smiled a little and led Padme over to his younger brother, "He's doing well." Obi-Wan said untying the Padawan's bandages. "See his wounds are already starting to heal." The young woman looked and breathed a sigh of relief. The infection was already gone and both wounds were starting to close. "Anakin is putting all of his energy into healing, that's why he's healing so fast. He'll be up and around in a few days."

"Thank the Force." Padme said as her brother-in-law retied the bandages around Anakin's chest and abdomen. "I was worried that his fever would start going up again."

Obi-Wan shrugged, "Qui-Gon and…oh I'm sorry." He said after he had to cover his mouth when he started to yawn. "Qui-Gon and I are keeping an eye on that. There is still a risk of it going up again but if it stays down over the next twenty-four hours then we won't have a problem."

"When was the last time you slept Obi-Wan?" Jinn asked when the younger man yawned again. The knight looked blank. "Go to bed." The Jedi Master held up his hand when it looked like Kenobi was going to argue. "If you insist on giving me a blood transfusion tomorrow, I need you awake enough to know where you are going with that needle."

Padme couldn't help the smile that crept up onto her face at the sight of the defeated look on Obi-Wan's face, "Come on Obi-Wan." She said before grabbing his arm in order to drag him from the room. "It's been a long day and I don't think you want to push your father's buttons the wrong way."

"I heard that." Qui-Gon said as the two left the room.