Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or any of its characters. All the characters are the property of George Lucas and LucasFilm Ltd.
Feedback: Is always welcome.
Author's Notes: Here's another chapter in the time-travel journey of Anakin and Obi-Wan! Read on ahead to find out their reactions to the visit to the Jedi Temple.
Chapter XIV
He woke up in a sweat. Gasping, he looks around. He is in a familiar small room. Very familiar. It looks like his room at the—
The room's burning. The curtains on fire. His datapads on his study desk. Kriff, he had to submit that assignment next week. And all the datapads he had borrowed from the library. Master Nu will have his head.
Master! Where was his master? "Master Qui-Gon?" He wants to shout but his voice seems choked and never comes out.
He gets up in a panic. Calm. Remain calm. He is a Jedi. Where's the door?
The flames have blocked his view. He cannot find the door!
Where did all his calm go?
Oh, that's right. It vanished when he realized Anakin had turned to the Dark Side.
"From my point of view the Jedi are evil!" He hears a shout and turns around to find his grown-up apprentice with blazing yellow eyes.
His surroundings change and now he is on Mustafar. The flames keep on going higher.
He moves on autopilot and finds himself on the bank of the lava river. Anakin stops in front of him.
"How are you going to fail me this time Master?"
No. No no no no!
Wasn't he just in this nightmare?
"Go away. This is not true. This is not true." He keeps on chanting with his eyes closed.
His eyes shoot open and he scrambles to sit up trying to get rid of his blanket in jerky movements.
Too warm. It was too warm. He could still feel the flames.
It was just a nightmare.
Obi-Wan takes deep breaths. Curling up on himself, he lets out a strangled sob. It had been years! Why couldn't he just forget about it? Why did he have to dream about this cursed day every other night? Was there going to be no respite for him even in the sweet embrace of death?
That puts a stop to his movements. Oh, but he wasn't dead, was he?
He had miraculously come back just this evening. In. The. Past. He glances at the chrono and find out that it is still the wee hours of the morning.
He sighs. He isn't going to get any sleep anytime soon. Rubbing a hand over his face, he gets up and puts on his boots. Perhaps a little training will do him good.
He walks out of the room, firmly keeping any memories of the burning room out of his mind. The apartment is illuminated by the faint light of the dawn and a bit of his tension disappears.
He lingers a moment or more and then exits the quarters. The fact that he is not completely sure which path leads where does not sit well with him at all.
A moment longer and he forgoes the idea to visit the training salles but rather walk around the Temple once again.
The peace and quiet do his nerves good. It seems surreal walking these halls. Last time he had done so, the walls were stained with blood, the halls littered with dead bodies, and the stench of death pervading the very air.
These thoughts enter his mind and he walks shakily to a balcony. The sun is just about to rise, painting the sky with a beautiful shade of orange.
He takes deep breaths and sits down on the bench provided. He closes his eyes and delves into the Force. Immediately, a sense of calmness enters his body and his muscles loosen.
Trust in the Force.
He stays there for a long time, meditating calmly bathing in the rays of the morning sun. He still has no idea about what is going on but at least now he is not in the danger of losing his control on his emotions and start thinking like the Jedi Master he is.
Unwilling to come out from his meditation, he stays there well into the late morning when his Master finally comes looking for him.
"Obi-Wan."
"Master."
"What are you doing here?" He could feel the exasperation in his Master's voice.
"Meditating, Master."
"Don't you sass me, Padawan."
At the address Obi-Wan opens his eyes and his mouth crinkles with amusement. "I wouldn't dare to, Master."
His master stands behind the bench he is sitting on for a while and then orders, "Alright, get up. We are going to the training salles. Don't you think for a moment that your restlessness has escaped me Padawan. I know you had a nightmare and you have been here since dawn."
Obi-Wan barely stops himself from stiffening. Did Qui-Gon see anything through the bond? A moment later, Obi-Wan actually stiffens and squashes down a mild panic.
Mace and Master Yoda were coming this way.
This can't be good, Obi-Wan thinks to himself.
"You are right, let us go the training salles." He gets up and after a slight hesitation proceeds in their direction much to the bemusement of his old teacher.
Fifteen minutes later, Obi-wan was seriously regretting his decision. It was not the fact that he was losing in the spar against his Master. If he wanted to, he could give his Master a run for his credits with his natural style of fighting but at the beginning when the older Jedi had opened in an Ataru stance that he realized he is supposed to do so too. It had been a long time indeed when he had used those acrobatic moves and aerial flips.
He had, by no means, forgotten the fighting style but he was sorely out of practice- on using Ataru and fighting against his Master. Obi-Wan remembers their duels, it used to be a sight to behold with both of them anticipating the other's moves. It was something like he and Anakin had; except that this coordination with his teacher was at a slightly lower level. Now, they are like a rickety old machine. He can only hope that they can get back to the standard they once were at.
Five minutes more and Obi-Wan stops himself from cringing when he notices and marks the numerous flaws in the fighting style of his master which would have gotten him killed in the battlefield. Obi-Wan is tempted, he really is, to take advantage of the openings Qui-Gon is unknowingly providing him but understands this is not the right time for the student to surpass the teacher and just to get it over it decides to provide a wide enough opening for his master to end the spar.
The decision reminds him of another decision he took for a much more important reason aboard a space-station capable enough to destroy planets.
He is so lost in the memory that it is only when Qui-Gon waves a hand in front of his face that he snaps out of a daze. Tiredly, he looks up to see the concerned eyes of his mentor from the floor where the final blow had left him. He swallows trying to get rid of the sudden dryness in his throat and lets out a tired, "Solah. Good match. Should we go back now?"
He had hoped that Qui-Gon would notice his exhaustion and let him go but much to Obi-Wan's distress, his mentor's eyes took a determined look.
"No."
And even though Obi-Wan was expecting it, he cannot help but let out a little, "Pardon?"
"No, Obi-Wan we aren't going anywhere yet. The nightmare has clearly affected your fighting style as well. You are restless, I can feel it. You need to work it out. It is better to do it here rather than you burying yourself with anxiety."
Obi-Wan's eyes narrow almost imperceptibly. Yes, Qui-Gon, he thinks, I am restless not only because of the kriffing nightmare but because this entire situation makes no sense at all!
Nevertheless, he acquiesces to his Master's order and takes the hand offered to him. He faces the older man once more but to his surprise, Qui-Gon extinguishes his lightsaber and steps back. He raises a questioning brow.
"Fight the droids Obi-Wan. I believe it will be more beneficial right now."
Obi-Wan nods. It is not like he doesn't realise what Qui-Gon is trying to do. He wishes to observe Obi-Wan fighting. Nightmare or not, Obi-Wan had learned long back not to let it affect his focus and consequently his fighting style. One never knew the situation one would wake up to.
The fact that Obi-Wan has not practised Form IV in decades is not taken into consideration and he knows his master will come to either of the two decisions: either his apprentice needs more practice or the nightmare he had was more disturbing than he had initially thought.
Obi-Wan finishes off the droids in record time even though he had restrained himself from fully unleashing his skills and strength. After the final droid hits the floor, Obi-Wan turns to look at his master with a raised eyebrow saying 'Was that good enough for you?'
Qui-Gon, for his part, actually looks a bit surprised. "Good job, Obi-Wan. How are you feeling now?"
Obi-Wan is about to respond that it didn't help him at all when he actually stops to think about it. His thoughts have left the morbid future he has come from and focusing on the here and now. Typical, Obi-wan thinks with a slight quirk of his lips.
"Better, thank you for this Master." He genuinely admits.
"No problem, Obi-Wan. However, I want you to practice your katas for an hour. I couldn't help but notice that your moves were getting sloppy."
Obi-Wan barely stops himself from groaning because he is not a teenager anymore but a well-respected Jedi Master.
"Oh, come on Master," a bit of whining entering his voice anyways, "I had a nightmare!"
"So, you do admit it? You know that should not be an excuse my Padawan. But I understand. Do you wish to talk about it?"
Obi-Wan discards the idea immediately but puts on a bit of a show of thinking about it, "Not now Master. It's too early."
Qui-Gon briefly looks like he wishes to argue but ultimately heaves a sigh and keeps a hand on his shoulder, "I am here for you, Obi-Wan. Do not let this nightmare cloud your mind. Remember, the future is always in motion and dreams pass in time. Focus on the here and now."
Obi-wan gratefully nods while wondering whether this conversation had a bit of deeper meaning.
Later in the day, Obi-Wan had come again to refamiliarize himself with Ataru before retiring to the Room of Thousand Fountains. The day was almost over and Obi-Wan had only been from his rooms to the training salles. Living in the here and now was good and all but he had some planning to do and make sense of a blasted time-line.
Obi-Wan lets out a shuddering breath. He had thought that the second time seeing the Temple would be a better experience. Apparently, it is still too soon if the barrage of flashbacks and memories is anything to go by.
Nevertheless, he takes in a deep breath and slowly releases his distress to the Force.
"Well, here we are. That would be forty credits."
"Thank you. Here's your payment."
"Have a good day, Master Jedi."
Obi-Wan smiles at the driver as he joins the traffic again having dropped them off at the entrance of the Temple. He stays there a little longer not yet wanting to gaze up at his majestic home.
It is the anguished cry of a particular nine-year old boy that makes him turn to face the rest of the group. Anakin had his eyes closed and tears were pouring down his face.
Before he registered his movements, he was beside Anakin ready to pull him in his arms to soothe the crying boy but Shmi beat him to it. She had knelt and hugged Anakin rubbing comforting circles in his back.
It was only then he realized what he had been about to do. Get a grip, Kenobi. But as he even now saw the sobs turning to sniffles, he resisted the urge to simple grab the boy and shield him from the entire world.
However, he had learned his lesson with attachments the last time and thus satisfied himself with merely standing beside Shmi as she comforted her son.
A hand on his shoulder distracted him. He turned his head, "Master?"
"The events of the past few days might be catching up to him." His Master replied before going to crouch behind Shmi.
Obi-Wan observed Anakin. He had his eyes shut tight and a tremble in his hands. He decided to probe the boy's emotions through the bond but was met with resistance.
He couldn't help but smile sadly a little at that. Even in his previous life, Anakin had been able to throw natural barriers quite efficiently when in distress. He wondered whether that was a hint he should have paid attention to. Not wanting to invade the privacy of Anakin, he retreated but Obi-Wan knew from the signs and Anakin's behavior, he had had a vision.
He only hoped that it hadn't been too extreme. As much as it would help him, Obi-Wan couldn't see his heartbroken face when he would realise what he would become.
-x—x—
"Shush, Ani, shush. It's going to be okay, now. We are going to be alright. Shush. Look, it's the Jedi Temple. Didn't you always want to visit?"
Anakin nods from his place in his mother's arms. He sniffles and extracts himself from the hug, "Yeah, I am sorry. I don't know what came over me."
He hadn't meant to cry. He had a better control on his emotion than that. It was this child's body that made him feel emotions much more than what he was used to.
His mother gives him a smile and wipes his tears, "It's okay, Ani. I understand." He returns the smile and then glances over at their companions. Qui-Gon is crouched a bit behind his mother looking at him with kindness in the face of his outburst in front of the Temple where the air taxi had dropped them off. Obi-Wan, however, is standing beside the crouched form of his mother, an understanding look reflected in his eyes and his fingers are twitching like he wishes to hold Anakin but is refraining.
Anakin frowns up at him because honestly Obi-Wan's reactions make no sense. The sheer amount of understanding Obi-wan's face showcases right now, it is strange. It feels like Obi-Wan knows exactly what happened. But that wasn't possible, was it? Anakin had thrown up a shield as soon as he felt the encroaching memories come up. Obi-Wan should be having confusion not understanding. But Anakin knew how to read Obi-wan and he was sure he saw the look one gives someone when they know exactly what the other is going through.
Wait, what if Obi-Wan had seen something as well? Not from him but from the Force? If so, what had he seen? Had he seen Anakin become a monster?
Because that is what he had seen- him becoming a monster as he stormed his home and murdered without any guilt all those who stood in his way; it hadn't mattered that these people were his family, his brothers and sisters, his mentors or the future generation.
The Jedi Temple should have been a safe-place, a place where everyone could let down their guard a little because they thought they could trust everyone who had been trained there. Well, Anakin had thrown all of it in their face.
As soon as they had disembarked from the taxi in front of the majestic Jedi Temple- a symbol of peace and hope for everyone across the galaxy, Anakin saw the place of his alter-ego's first massacre. He saw the broken entrance and the corpses of the Temple Guards who tried in a doomed effort to stop him and his battalion. He saw the clear sky darken with smoke as his second home burned. He heard the screams and remembered the delight he felt that it was him they were scared of. He saw the hope on seeing him turn to outright horror as they realized his treachery. He—
The point being that he does not deserve the kindness and understanding that the people surrounding him are providing. And if Obi-Wan had actually seen what he himself had then there should be horror and disgust written all over his face. So, had Obi-Wan—
"You saw something didn't you?" Obi-Wan enquires softly having perhaps noticed the frown the nine-year old seemed to direct at him. Anakin stiffens but nods. "Something you believe is the future?"
Anakin nods. Maybe his conjecture is true and Obi-Wan was gifted with a vision of his own.
"What do you mean by that?" "A vision?" His mother and Qui-Gon ask at the same time. But Anakin turns to face his would-be mentor fully because this was important. If Obi-Wan actually saw the future then maybe he could be persuaded to set aside his hatred for Anakin long enough to defeat Palpatine.
"How do you know that? Did… did you see something as well?" Obi-wan gives him an amused yet sad smile at his enquiry making Anakin feel like he is missing something.
"No, Anakin." And Anakin cannot help but feel his heart fall a little at that admittance, "But I have experienced a lot of visions and know how it looks."
"Oh." Of course, that was the reason. It had a much more logical reasoning than the one he had come up with. Why did he even think of it as the first reason? Perhaps it was his desire to have someone with him on this quest that made him jump directly to that conclusion.
From the corner of his eye, he sees Qui-Gon open his mouth no doubt to tell him to keep his focus on the here and now but Obi-Wan beats him to it.
"I know images like these can make you feel helpless Anakin but remember what I told you on the ship. You need to accept that you feel frustrated or confused and then share it with the Force. It will clear your mind and then you can think about what to do next. Besides, all of us are willing to help you so share your worries with us and we will do what we can about it."
Anakin quirks an eyebrow at Obi-Wan's way of telling him to let go of his negative emotions but smiles nonetheless. He is already feeling much better. Qui-Gon blinks up at Obi-Wan before collecting himself and standing helping his mother along.
He is about to say something before his apprentice beats him to it again, "Come now Anakin. You will love the Jedi Temple. I can show you my quarters and we will have lots of fun. Just one last thing, to quote a very wise Jedi 'always in motion the future is,' so don't worry about it, okay?" Obi-Wan gives him a big smile and putting a hand on his shoulder guides him towards the stairs leading to the main entrance of the Temple right behind Qui-Gon and his mom.
Anakin sobers at the thought of Yoda and the only thing warding off the panic attack of meeting everyone he had killed is the hand on his shoulder. He is beyond grateful for it.
-x—x—
It was beautiful. It was grand. It was everything Shmi had ever heard and hoped for from the stories.
As they ascend the steps, the Temple Guards glance at her and Anakin but otherwise do not say a word. She follows her saviors to the front desk where she assumes a Padawan is manning the desk.
"Hello, Padawan Drew this is Shmi and Anakin Skywalker and they will be my guests for the time being."
"Very well, Master Qui-Gon."
As they proceed further, Shmi spares a sidelong glance to Padawan Kenobi whose hand was resting on his son's shoulder. She could not help but feel a bit suspicious about him. The incident at the spaceship where there had been an intense energy surge which even she could feel as a non-force-sensitive, the way Anakin always looked at the padawan as if he was scared that the latter would find out something but at the same time, she also saw respect, stopping them from going with the Queen, and now the incident right in front of the Temple where he had claimed his son had seen a vision all contributed to a mix of feelings inside her.
Anakin had always more often than not been able to sense a person's intentions. If he seemed wary of the padawan then she needed to be on alert around him. But… and then she glances at Qui-Gon in front of her, he would not let his Padawan hurt Ani, would he?
Whatever the case, Shmi has seen enough of the world to not let her guard down anytime soon even if it was among the Jedi. She had already spent her journey to Coruscant giving herself the luxury to truly relax and the fact that after years of slavery, she was finally free truly sink in. However, it was a luxury she could not afford further. She had to think about her future plans. How was she going to make ends meet? Actually, for that matter, where was she going to stay? Coruscant? Naboo? Alderaan?
She wasn't stupid. She knew Anakin was special and Qui-Gon wanted to get him trained in the ways of the Jedi. However, for all they boasted of kindness and equality, she had to see it for herself to be sure. She and Anakin were finally free and she will not allow her son to be somewhere where he would be miserable. She knew it seemed hypocritical as it were the Jedi who freed them but that was just one among many. It would be only after careful research would she allow Anakin to join their ranks. But if he did join the Jedi, she may take up residence here in Coruscant but otherwise…
Naboo was a good option. There was a war going on and that would open up a lot of opportunities for work. She knew next to nothing about Alderaan except the fact that it was a peaceful and prosperous planet.
However, the cost of living in these planets was quite high. Maybe she needed to look at other mid-rim planets where she could secure a footing before making the move to one of the core planets.
A chuckle brings her out of her thoughts. It was the padawan, "…that is the reaction of almost everyone who first sees this place." He seems to be telling his son who looks on ahead with a gobsmacked expression. She allows herself a smile and when she faces ahead, she can feel her expression matching that of her son.
She notices Qui-Gon looking at her with amusement crinkling in his eyes but she ignores him.
After all, the Jedi Temple was truly majestic.
Tbc…
Well, I hope you liked it. I included Obi-Wan's first morning in the Temple as well after coming back to the past as I thought it would affect him at least as much as it did Anakin and that requires a mention.
Rilme Caatl: Thank you :) Hope you liked it! Much more intrigue to follow.
RyuuShadow: Thanks :) The part where I make both of them justify each other's actions is my favourite part of writing this story. In fact, many times when I think that at this point of the story the secret should be revealed, I start to think how much fun it would be when they justify to themselves why the other did something a certain way and postpone it xD
Forthwith16: Yeah, I guess Anakin can be really introspective when he needs to be. Guess that is the thing, right—how can he bring all the people he cares about under one roof or should he even attempt that or let them all be? Guess we will see! Hope you liked the chapter?
Siderae12: Thanks a lot :D. I won't abandon it although updates may be slow due to hectic college schedule. Thank you so much for your compliments :). You made my day! Rest assured there will be angst and hurt/comfort in the coming chapters. Thanks for reviewing. Hope you liked this chapter?
Eyilin: Anakin really needs all the good luck he can get. Facing off Palpatine won't be easy. Shmi will add a new and hopefully better dimension to all this. Speaking of that, did you like Shmi's part in this chapter? Always a pleasure to read your review :)
MMM73181: I always love reading your reviews. You give me food for thought and new ideas. So many questions and so many possible answers to that, which I will be sure to answer in the future chapters. Do keep giving pointers as it helps me improve a lot! Hope you liked this chapter?
Grammarosprey: Obi-Wan was meant to be a teacher and Anakin, I guess, just likes sitting carefree listening to Obi-Wan's teachings again (although how much of it he actually listens to, is a question :P). I am sorry, I will be sure to spell it right in the future :). That would be hilarious if that happened. Although, I think Qui-Gon would just look at them with his mouth hanging open.
Guest: Thanks :). I believe Anakin was the one who murdered Tuskens while the Jedi massacre was Darth Vader's first massacre. And yeah, I know they are the same person but I like to kind of believe them as alter egos. So… hope that clears it up.
Star Wars and Skillet: Thanks a lot :D. Haha, don't worry Anakin seems to forget that too sometimes! Hope you liked this chapter?
yiggdrasill: Thanks a lot :). It wouldn't have been possible without your feedback, so thanks once again :D.
Nightshade's sydneylover150: Thank you :). I love keeping them clueless. I agree! :D
IthilwenofIthilien: Of course, I love reading your reviews! Thanks a lot! One would think that, yes, but I just love making them cover up their actions. Thank you. At first, it was going in a different direction but I scrapped it and I am glad you liked it. Thanks again, I really need all the luck I can get. The only reason this chapter got delayed was because they put my exams, assignment submissions and presentations all together! Good luck to your sister! Thanks again for reviewing! I look forward to them :D
momoxrosax: Thanks so much for all of your reviews! You really made my day :D. What do you feel about Obi-Wan's first reaction to the Temple in this chapter? Thank you. Qui Gon really should. He will become more confused as time goes on. Anakin really has got a tough choice in front of him. I am glad you liked Watto's perspective. I wanted to save Qui-Gon's POV till later. I have decided the 'how' of their meeting but the when and where is quite undecided yet. And I bet their reactions will be funny xD. Hope you liked this chapter?
masterkenobi25: Well, here is the next chapter! Hope you liked it? :)
The Jingo: Thanks a lot :D
Guest: Here it is! Sorry for the delay. Got like super busy.
Whowantsout: I am excited too! This story is pretty much writing itself. Hope you liked this chapter?
brookeyy14: It will be a while still. I have decided the how but the when and where is still undecided. Well till then, I hope you enjoy their attempts at covering up after themselves. :)
Well, that's it. I hope all of you enjoyed their visit to the Temple? Did you like Shmi's thoughts? Do let me know :)
As always, please read and review!