Hi! This is part of the Unexptected Kindness/Infinite Sadness series I've got going on! The first part is Unexpected Kindess, the second is The Beginning. If you wanted to read this to make a little more sense, you would do Unexpected Kindess, Never Alone (this fic), While We Were Apart (an upcoming fic) then The Beginning. Anyway!
This fic is all about Qui-Gon watching Obi-Wan after the Jedi Master died on Naboo. He's a force ghost and is watching his former Padawan's life. Yes. This will be angsty. Yes. It will hurt. No. You don't have to read it.
this fic will contain Rattatak which means there is torture and pain and misery. this fic will also include direct dialogue from Attack of the Clones. No, I don't own the dialogue.
This fic will be in 2 parts. This is part 1, part 2 will be up later today and will have it's own warnings/disclaimers
He thought regret was something he was not meant to feel. He thought it was against the Jedi Code. Maybe it was, but that didn't matter to him. All that mattered to Qui-Gon Jinn was that he was dead, and he left his dear Apprentice all alone, and with terrible parting words.
But now, all he could do in the darkness of this afterlife was mutter to himself.
"How stupid was I?" He berates himself harshly, knowing that he deserves the words. "I told him to train the boy." He scoffs and shakes his head. "What kind of last words were those? He was your Padawan for eleven years, and all you said to him was that he train the boy." He glances at the inky darkness that surrounds him. "And what kind of an afterlife is this!?" His yell is met with silence. There's no one else to answer him. It's just him and his thoughts.
He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath (I'm dead, I don't need to breathe) and let it out. He thought calmly about what he could do.
"I won't just sit here in this stasis." He was stubborn. He knew that of himself and he knew every life form that ever came across him knew that. He knew his Padawan knew it, though he never said anything. No, Obi-Wan would just look at him. He would raise an eyebrow and just stare at him with a deadpan look in his eyes. He never had to say anything.
Obi-Wan. The boy he raised. He thought he would see him grow into a Knight. He thought he would be there to cut his braid.
He wasn't.
Instead?
Instead, I'm dead and talking to myself. Qui-Gon scoffs as the words race against his mind. Instead, I did what I should never have done.
Their beginning had been rocky. He would admit that most of it was on him. He never wanted another Padawan. Xanatos' betrayal would be the blocks that his and Obi-Wan's relationship was built on. He cast the boy aside constantly.
At the beginning in the Temple.
On Melida/Daan and after when Obi-Wan begged to be brought back after leaving the Order.
After Tahl's death.
Tahl. His love and his friend. He missed her dearly, though he wished he could go back and fix things. He wished he could change how things occurred. If he could save Tahl, he would. If that was never to be in the cards? Well, he would handle the death of his love far better. He wouldn't have cast his Apprentice aside.
He never noticed how badly Obi-Wan had been hurting. He never noticed all the things the child had done for him. He was always there. He took care of Qui-Gon and still stayed caught up on his classwork.
Thinking back, Qui-Gon never noticed the dark circles under the boy's eyes or the way he slouched a little lower. He never realized he closed off the bond.
Qui-Gon shudders and closes his eyes.
He cast him aside for a boy on Tatooine.
He was blinded by prophecy and the desire to train the Chosen One. He was so blinded that he cast his Apprentice aside. He demanded the boy was ready for his trials, and he remembered feeling the hurt radiating from Obi-Wan.
Worst of all?
Qui-Gon was a hypocrite.
The man in question choked out a strained laugh.
"I was a hypocrite." The confession almost hurt, but he pushed through it. "I was. After years of telling Obi-Wan to focus on the present, after years of pushing aside the nightmares and visions and telling him that dreams pass, I disregarded my own words." His voice is soft and full of understanding. "Prophecies had always caught my eye. I was enamored with them, and I read them constantly. I told Obi-Wan to forget his premonitions and stay in the moment. I did the opposite. I pushed for Anakin to be trained all because of a prophecy. A prophecy that told of a future that could have possibly been a lie." He barks out a laugh and he wonders at the tears that fall from his eyes.
"Little one," His eyes close and he collapses to his knees. "I'm so sorry." His sighs out a breath. "I'm sorry I left you alone. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you."
"Anakin, listen to me please." Qui-Gon's head jerks up at the sound of a voice echoing in the darkness.
No, not just any voice.
"Obi-Wan?"
"No! You never listen to me!" Qui-Gon straightens up at the sound of another voice.
"Anakin?" The inky darkness around him shimmers. Color starts to bleed through and Qui-Gon squints at the sudden intrusion of light. He lifts a hand in front of his face as the light grows.
"I know you think that what you did was alright, but it's not." Obi-Wan's voice gets louder in Qui-Gon's ear. Another burst of light blooms before his eyes. He wrenches his eyes closed, then opens them as he gets the sense that the light dims. His breath catches in his throat as he looks around at his new surroundings.
"I'm in the Temple?" He mutters to himself, feeling awestruck at the sight.
"He started it!" Qui-Gon jerks at the loudness of the accusation. A sigh has him whipping his head around.
"Obi-Wan?" The boy looks tired. Exhaustion lines his face and his shoulders droop. The braid that spent eleven years growing and displaying all his accomplishments was gone. "He was knighted." Qui-Gon nods to himself. "After I died."
"It doesn't matter who started it Padawan," Obi-Wan droops further as he reprimands his Padawan softly. "What matters is how you handled it." Qui-Gon can only watch as the fire in Anakin's eyes only grows. "You're a Jedi now Anakin. You can't go hitting everyone who insults you."
Qui-Gon knows how Obi-Wan learned this lesson. The boy (a Knight now, no longer a boy) had his fair share of bullies as an initiate and had acted out against the younglings that spewed the harsh words and actions.
"You don't understand!" The fire doesn't die and the exhaustion grows on Obi-Wan's face. How long had it been? How long had Obi-Wan been teaching Anakin? Qui-Gon casts his gaze to the young Padawan glaring down his Master. Anakin looks the same. His braid was short. It couldn't have been longer than a month at least. And yet . . .
And yet, Obi-Wan looks to have aged a year or two already.
"How could you understand?!" Qui-Gon watches as Obi-Wan flinches. It's small and to anyone that didn't know Obi-Wan, they wouldn't have seen it.
"Obi-Wan understands better than you seem to think he does," Qui-Gon states, staring down the boy. It doesn't surprise Qui-Gon when no one reacts to the sentence.
He is dead after all.
Before Obi-Wan can open his mouth to speak, the new Knight's comm trills out. Obi-Wan flinches, though this time it's very obvious.
Qui-Gon watches as Anakin's face softens slightly. He hopes the boy can see the exhaustion on Obi-Wan's body as he does.
Obi-Wan reaches for the comm and activates it. A small holo of one Mace Windu appears before the man.
"Master Windu," Qui-Gon's heart (does he even have one if he's dead?) aches as he watches the young man straighten up and piece together a mask. "What can we do for you?" Mace Windu's ever stern face seems to shift imperceptibly. Qui-Gon huffs in surprise.
Is that worry I see? Is that worry for my former Padawan on his face?
"Knight Kenobi, the council would like to speak with you." A slight twitch of trepidation flicks across Obi-Wan's features before he nods, smoothing his face into his mask once more.
"Of course Master. When would you like to see us?" Mace (because he's always been Mace to Qui-Gon) shakes his head and relaxes his stance just slightly. The corner of Qui-Gon's mouth flicks upwards as he takes in the image of his friend.
"Not both of you." Obi-Wan's face falls a little and even Anakin looks confused at the words that leave the councilor's mouth. "Just you, Knight Kenobi." Qui-Gon watches Obi-Wan shift.
"Certainly Master Windu. When should I be expected?" His voice doesn't shake, but Qui-Gon knows Obi-Wan. He knows the new teacher is holding back the need to cower under the immense power that is Master Mace Windu.
"10 minutes." Obi-Wan nods. "If that works for you." Obi-Wan jolts, and so does Qui-Gon. Though Qui-Gon goes a step further and raises an eyebrow.
Did Mace Windu, Master of the Order, just ask if 10 minutes would work for Obi-Wan? Is he-
"He's concerned." Qui-Gon muses. "He's worried about Obi-Wan." Obi-Wan sputters slightly before regaining his composure.
"Of course Master Windu." Obi-Wan bows and Qui-Gon can see the way his hand shakes. "That would work perfectly Master." Another bow and Qui-Gon can't help but laugh. Obi-Wan's nervous and confused. Qui-Gon glances at the Master of the Order and notices a faint smile gracing his usually stoic face.
He notices it too.
Obi-Wan and Anakin rise from their bows and the amused look vanishes quickly.
"Don't be late." The transmission blinks out and Obi-Wan swallows.
"Wouldn't dream of it." The words are dazed and Obi-Wan slowly allows himself to fall to the floor. The dead Master is pleased to note that Anakin rushes to his Master's side.
"Are you alright?" The genuine concern in the boy's words surprises Qui-Gon. Minutes ago, he was filled with anger at his Master. Now he's pouring out concern. Obi-Wan winces at the onslaught and Qui-Gon can only wince in sympathy. "Right, sorry," Anakin utters out the apology. "I forgot." Obi-Wan shakes his head and Qui-Gon's face creases.
"Forgot what?"
"It's alright Anakin." He reassures the boy even as a strain graces his face. Qui-Gon wishes he could smooth out the sign of an impending headache. "We'll work on your shielding as soon as I'm able." He shits on his knees on the floor and rests his hands upon Anakin's small shoulders. Anakin offers him a small smile and hugs his Master lightly.
"Shouldn't you be going?" Anakin asks as his eyes flick to the chrono. Obi-Wan jerks in the small grip before wincing and faltering in his attempt to stand. "On second thought, maybe you should tell them you can't go to the meeting." Obi-Wan shakes his head softly and pushes himself up once more.
Qui-Gon's hands flutter around his former Padawan as he wavers on his feet.
"I can't very well do that." He sends a smile to Anakin before straightening out his tunics. "You'll be alright while I'm gone?" Anakin nods, eyes bright. "You'll do your homework?" Anakin falters a little. "Do what you're able. I'll be back soon and we can work on whatever you can't quite get to, alright?" Anakin chews on his bottom lip and Qui-Gon knows it's from worry and embarrassment. "There's nothing wrong with wanting help." Qui-Gon snorts at the sentence.
How often did I tell you that, little one? How often did you not listen to me?
"I know Master." A smile returns to Anakin's face before he starts to usher his Master out the door of their quarters. Obi-Wan grasps at his robe and boots as little hands gently push him out the door. "I'll be good and I'll do what I can." Obi-Wan smiles and nods.
"That's all I ask dear one."
The feeling of being pulled to a different place rather abruptly has Qui-Gon reeling. A few seconds ago, he was watching Obi-Wan be rushed out the door to a council meeting and the next?
He's in the council meeting.
"It's only been a few moments." He muses softly to himself as he eyes his former Padawan standing in the middle of the council chambers.
He doesn't look well.
"Do you know why we've called you here?" Mace's voice is soft and Qui-Gon's surprised to find that the whole room seems to be silent. The thoughts of the Master's sitting in their chairs are quiet. There's no feeling in the Force that alerts their signatures.
They know something's wrong.
"I'm afraid I don't, Master Windu." The bags under Obi-Wan's eyes seem more pronounced now and even Master Yoda shows signs of worry. The tiny Master's ears droop as he leans on his gimer stick.
"A fight your Padawan initiated." Obi-Wan's shoulders droop before righting themselves.
"Yes, Master."
"Anything to say about the incident?" Master Mundi's voice rings softly in the council chambers. Obi-Wan nods, wincing as he does. The Knight misses the falling of faces that the council members show, but Qui-Gon fills with warmth at the sight.
"Yes, Master. My Padawan initiated the fight because of the insults thrown at him." Obi-Wan shifts slightly. "I've tried telling him that it's not the Jedi way." Qui-Gon can see the amusement on some of the councilor's faces. "It's my fault, Masters." The room stills. "I should be teaching him far better than I have been." His eyes drop to the floor beneath his feet and Qui-Gon drifts closer to the young Knight. "Perhaps you were right." He mutters. "I don't know what to do."
Mace exchanges glances with a few of the other Masters in the room.
"A shame it is not, to ask for help." Obi-Wan's head whips up, but his breathing catches and he stumbles where he stands. Mace is up off of his seat in an instant and catches the Knight before he falls where he stands. Obi-Wan's face is creased in pain and his hand is pressed against his forehead.
"Breathe Obi-Wan," Mace mutters the command and Obi-Wan struggles to obey. Mace presses a hand against the copper-haired Knights head. "Still no shields?" Obi-Wan groans at the question.
"I can't." The words are pushed out and accompanied by a whimper. A clawed hand rests on Obi-Wan's shoulder and Qui-Gon follows the arm. Master Plo Koon stands behind Obi-Wan as he offers support.
"Bonds are not meant to be broken as yours was." Qui-Gon jerks at the words that leave Plo.
Why didn't he realize that?
"Our bond broke when I died." Qui-Gon stumbled and sank to his knees. "They're not meant to break like that. They're meant to be closed." He mumbles and shuts his eyes before bowing his head. "Little one, how much pain have you been in?"
"Why do I still feel like this?"The question is choked as Obi-Wan asks it. "It's been a month. Shouldn't I be able to build shields yet?"
"A painful experience it is, to have a bond break," Yoda adds his thoughts into the conversation. Qui-Gon lifts his head to look at his former Padawan again. His face seems to have smoothed out but his eyes are still shut.
What about the mind healers? Why haven't they done anything?
He gets no answer from the Jedi in the chambers.
Obi-Wan slumps in the grips on Mace and Plo. His legs give out and his head lolls back. Adi Gallia brushes a hand through the slowly growing hair of Qui-Gon's former Padawan.
"He took on a difficult task." She muses as she continues her soft movements. "What can we do?" She poses the question and the council is silent.
"Offer help, we must." Mace nods his agreement as he drops his hand from Obi-Wan's head and faces the small Master.
"He thinks he can't ask for help with teaching Padawan Skywalker." Qui-Gon snorts a the obvious statement.
"Of course he doesn't. The council has never been one to offer such assistance. Why would you change now?" The question almost comes out as a growl, but Qui-Gon manages to hold back slightly.
The world starts to fizzle again and Qui-Gon groans at the knowledge of the disorienting feeling he'll receive.
The last sight in his eyes before the council chambers flicker from his sight is of Obi-Wan gently being lowered to the ground with his head pillowed softly on Master Gallia's legs as her hands keep moving.
Qui-Gon smiles and thinks to himself, Maybe they will change. Maybe things will not be as bad as I fear.
The world blinks out of view.
When the world fizzles from darkness into the shared quarters of Masters and Padawan's, Qui-Gon feels he should not be surprised that he hears yelling. He sighs at the thought.
All I've witnessed between the two are intense bouts of anger and a small amount of kindness. He shakes his head wanders closer to the two.
The crease in Obi-Wan's forehead that signals a headache isn't nearly as pronounced as the first time he saw his former Padawan. It was still there though, and Qui-Gon had to wonder how long it had been.
It's had to be a month or two at least. Qui-Gon muses as he takes in the sight of the Knight. His hair has grown out and has started to flop onto his forehead.
"You aren't teaching me!" Anakin yells at the flustered Knight. Qui-Gon notices the braid has grown a fair amount and there are a few new markers there as well.
"What do you mean? Anakin, I am teaching you." Obi-Wan's voice doesn't raise and his stance is calm if a bit wilted. "Why do you think I'm not teaching you?"
"You're always off somewhere else! You don't teach me the things other Padawans are learning!" Obi-Wan sighs and closes his eyes for a moment.
"I've told you before, Padawan. You're not learning the same things as your peers because you are not on the same level as them." Qui-Gon grows concerned for the young Padawan as his face grows redder. "That's not a bad thing." Obi-Wan rushes to reassure his learner. His hands are raised in a surrendering manner and he shifts on his feet. "You'll get there if you work for it. You're not the only one who struggles to keep up. Anakin, you aren't going to succeed in your goals of becoming a Jedi if you get frustrated and angry every time you get a bad score on a test or when you don't understand something." Obi-Wan takes a careful step forward, his long robe brushing against his legs and the floor. "That's why you need to come to me. I don't know what you're struggling with. You have to tell me."
"Qui-Gon would know how to help me!" Both dead and alive Masters flinch back at the accusation. "He would see what's wrong and teach me!" Anakin breathes heavily and his fists are clenched at his sides. "I wish Qui-Gon was my Master." The words are growled out and Obi-Wan crumples a little further. He opens his mouth to speak, but Anakin beats him to it with far harsher words than anyone should ever speak. "I wish you died in his place." Obi-Wan falters and his face pales.
As if he wasn't pale to begin with. Qui-Gon thinks as he flutters around his former Padawan.
He vaguely registers the sound of the door to their quarters opening and closing.
His eyes are on Obi-Wan as the quarters fall silent. No sound rings in the living space. Obi-Wan makes no noise as his face crumples and his legs lose the strength to hold his body up. Somehow his former Padawan manages to make it a graceful fall. His robe flutters around him and puffs up as air pockets form before they deflate and the fabric rests against the ground. Obi-Wan's hands shake in his lap where they rest. They aren't clasping each other, neither are they clenching fabric tightly. They just sit limply on his legs.
His body shakes and his ocean eyes shimmer as tears fill them.
Qui-Gon has seen his Padawan cry before. It was nothing new to the dead man. What was new was being unable to help him. He could offer no soothing words, nor offer a comforting touch.
Sobs wrack Obi-Wan's body as he crumbles further in on himself. His eyes clench shut and he brings his hands to wrap around his body. His forehead nearly touches his knees as he weeps.
Qui-Gon raises a hand and presses it against the Knights shoulder, only to watch in dismay as it falls through.
He's helpless to watch his little one break down.
"Obi-Wan?" Qui-Gon's head whips around at the new voice. A Mirialan woman stands in the doorway. Obi-Wan didn't seem to hear the soft call of his name through the sobs wracking his body. Qui-Gon can see the woman flinch a little and the thought of Obi-Wan's shields passes through the ghost's mind.
Did he ever get them fixed? Has he gotten help with them? How long has it been since the last time I saw him?
The door swishes closed as the black-clad Jedi walks the distance between the door and distraught Knight on the floor. She kneels softly in front of him before raising her green hand and resting it on Obi-Wan's shaking shoulder.
The young Knight flinches at the touch before forcing his shoulders to still. He lifts his head and Qui-Gon's heart breaks at the sight of red-rimmed eyes and cheeks stained with tears.
Obi-Wan sniffles and brushes a hand against his eyes, trying to force the tears to stop and leave.
"I saw Anakin." The woman starts, watching as Obi-Wan shrinks once more into himself. Qui-Gon watches the woman with curiosity as she handles the man with care. "I can only guess what occurred between you two." Qui-Gon's mouth twitches into a half-smile.
She's trying to get him to tell her what happened. He muses as he watches the two. Good luck.
"Luminara, I don't know what to do." Obi-Wan's voice cracks and he chokes on a sob. The woman (Luminara, his mind corrects) just lifts her hand from Obi-Wan's shoulder to rest gently on his cheek.
"You can ask for help." Obi-Wan bites his lip and Qui-Gon grumbles. He had tried to get the boy to drop that habit long ago, but alas, it never happened. "I know you don't think you can. I know you think you have to do this yourself." She sighs as he sags a little into her kind touch. "I have not seen you smile once since you took Anakin as your Padawan 3 months ago."
"I'm sorry." Qui-Gon sighs and his face falls at the apology that falls from Obi-Wan's mouth.
"You shouldn't apologize for that," Luminara tells him, echoing the thought that circled Qui-Gon's thoughts. "When will enough be enough?" She asks the man in front of her. Her blue eyes are soft with concern. "How many times are you going to let that boy cast his anger at you? How many times are you going to take it before it breaks you?"
"He wants Qui-Gon to be his teacher so badly." Obi-Wan's voice is hoarse from his crying and tears begin to trickle down his red face. "Today he told me I'm not teaching him. He's behind in his classes and he says it's because I'm not teaching him. He doesn't come to me for help anymore. He doesn't tell me when he needs help with classes or training or meditation." Obi-Wan shakes his head. "I know when he's worried or sad or angry, but I can't tell when he needs help. That would mean going further into his mind and-"
"And that's not something you'll do." Luminara finishes for him. She knows him well and Qui-Gon wonders when the two met.
"He told me I'm never here to teach him. I'm always off somewhere else." Obi-Wan shudders and the sigh that leaves his body is shaky. "I can't help that I'm always with the mind healers. My shields are growing but they're still weak. I still get headaches, though there's nothing to do about those." Qui-Gon dropped his head.
Obi-Wan would suffer the after-effects of having their bond broken like that for the rest of his life. His shields will get stronger and he'll be able to help Anakin soon, but the pain and headaches will persist.
"He told me he wished I had died instead of Qui-Gon." Obi-Wan mumbles the words and Qui-Gon almost has to strain to hear them. Luminara flinches and Obi-Wan's face breaks into a hurt smile. "I know."
"You know what you need to do." Obi-Wan nods and Qui-Gon can see he's reluctant to do whatever Luminara is hinting at.
"He won't like it." Luminara shrugs.
"Doesn't matter. This will help both of you. I think it could speed up your healing as well." Obi-Wan nods, wincing a little at the motion. Luminara brushes a hand through the hair falling nearly into his eyes. Obi-Wan closes his eyes and leans into the touch.
Qui-Gon recalls moments in the past when the boy would do the same with him. Times when nightmares or visions became too much. Times, when fevers ravaged his body and headaches tore his mind apart. Obi-Wan would lean into Qui-Gon's cool hand as it was placed on his forehead. He would sigh and his posture would slouch.
Few things had changed since Obi-Wan was his Padawan, it seems.
"I'll call the healers," Luminara informs him before doing just that.
Qui-Gon tunes out the call as he focuses back on Obi-Wan. He seemed more at ease in the presence of his friend. His shoulders had drooped and his face had smoothed out.
He was happy to know that the young, copper-haired Knight had people looking out for him.
It was odd, not appearing in the shared quarters of Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker. The past times that Qui-Gon had been able to watch his former Padawan's life play out, he had only been in their quarters and the council room. Showing up in a dark cave was different, though not unfamiliar.
Qui-Gon could recall many missions with his past Padawan's that had landed them in caves. They were cold, dark, and foreboding. The feeling of rocks jabbing into your back as you tried to sleep and the cold that seeped through tunics forever stayed with the dead Jedi Master.
A small smile graced Qui-Gon's features at what it meant to be appearing here. It meant Obi-Wan and Anakin were finally cleared for missions.
Then again, Qui-Gon thought, I have no idea how much time has passed. And that bothered him. He hated not knowing how long had passed. He hated that he couldn't see every day that passed for Obi-Wan. Why am I only being shown certain things?
A throat tearing cough yanked him out of his musings. He whirled around and his gaze landed on his former Padawan. The man was curled up on the ground. He was covered with his robe and Anakin's, but he shivered harshly in the coldness of the cave. Qui-Gon could see the sweat dripping down his face.
"It's ok Master." Anakin's soft voice guided Qui-Gon's eyes to the boy's figure.
Anakin had Obi-Wan's head in his lap and his small hand was carding through the sweat-soaked hair. Obi-Wan's hair was longer now. His hair hung in his eyes and brushed the tips of his ears. The back seemed to be growing longer as well, though Qui-Gon hoped the man wouldn't let it get too long.
Another cough tore through the cave and echoed along the rock walls. Qui-Gon winced at the sound and made his way to the sickly Knight. He didn't look much better up close.
His face was pale and his eyes feverishly moved back and forth under closed eyelids. His breathing was raspy as though something was blocking his airway. Though, what startled Qui-Gon the most was the black lines that seemed spread across his face as though they were cracks on a porcelain cup.
Poison.
"'nakin." Obi-Wan's voice was soft and Qui-Gon had to bend close to hear him. He was startled when his head passed through Anakin's. The boy had also bent down to hear his Master. Qui-Gon's heart softened as he noticed Anakin's hand had never stopped moving. "Alright?" The question startled a laugh out of both the living and dead.
Trust you to worry for others even when you're in the worst condition. That little bit of Obi-Wan had always worried Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon constantly worried about Obi-Wan when they were Master and Padawan. The boy had always skipped out on visits to the Healers and would only end up in the Halls after he had collapsed from whatever ailed him.
Qui-Gon shook his head at the young man lying on the cold ground.
"Of course I'm alright." Anakin's voice was soft and Obi-Wan's mouth shifted into a smile, before quickly vanishing into a grimace. Shudders wracked his frame and his arms wrapped around his middles. Groans left Obi-Wan's mouth as he curled in towards himself. Anakin ran soothing hands up and down his arms as his body spasmed with pain. Finally, the pain seemed to stop and Obi-Wan wilted. His breathing seemed to be even more labored and Qui-Gon watched limp arms fall from where they were grasping at his middle. "It's ok Master. It'll be over soon." Though Anakin's voice was soft and calm, his face told another story.
He was worried about his Master, and Qui-Gon couldn't help but feel the same.
He's a very brave boy. Qui-Gon mused to himself as he took in the braid that had grown since the last time Qui-Gon saw him. More markers line the hair as well, and Qui-Gon smiled at the sight.
Qui-Gon shifted onto his knees and put a ghostly blue hand over Obi-Wan's head. He didn't try to touch the hair; he knew what would happen if he tried. He did try to convey as much comfort and safety as he could.
Anakin hummed softly as Obi-Wan shook lightly on the ground. Qui-Gon let out a content sigh and relaxed. It had seemed the two had started to grow on each other. Qui-Gon closed his eyes and dared to reach out to the Force. To his surprise, it responded.
The bond between Master and Apprentice is important to a team. They need it to help each other grow. When Qui-Gon died, the bond between him and Obi-Wan had snapped, leaving Obi-Wan with chronic headaches and the inability to build shields around his mind or even form a bond with his own Padawan.
Qui-Gon brightens at the sight of the bond flowing strongly between the two bright souls next to him. It was warm and bright, and Qui-Gon was just happy that Obi-Wan was finally able to form that bond and build up his shields.
But, Qui-Gon knows his former Padawan well enough to know that Obi-Wan must have been terrified at the thought of having to build another bond. Really, Qui-Gon couldn't blame him. He understood if the man was worried this bond would end up the same as his last, but something told him that wouldn't be the case.
"Look, Master." Anakin's voice shakes Qui-Gon out of his thoughts and he looks at the young boy. His face is bright and it takes Qui-Gon a minute to realize that it's from something natural. The dead Master shifts and turns. The sun streams in through the cave opening and illuminates the dark cave. A shifting of fabric brings his attention back to the duo.
Obi-Wan's eyes are open and hazy, but he smiles at the sight. The tired smile seems to bring relief to Anakin as his own smile wobbles a bit.
"-obi! Padawan Skywalker!" Qui-Gon jolts at the new voice and turns his attention back towards the cave entrance.
"We're here!" Obi-Wan grunts and slams his eyes shut. Anakin falters in his yelling at the sound and quickly apologizes to his Master. Obi-Wan carefully shakes his head.
"Go." Anakin freezes at the command. "They can't hear you." His voice is soft with fatigue. "Go yell for them." Anakin thinks longer than he should and Qui-Gon wants to shake the boy a little. "I'll be alright. See what you can find. Go outside but don't stray too far." The task of speaking drains what little strength Obi-Wan has as he wilts a little more with each passing second. Anakin finally obeys and he carefully lifts Obi-Wan's head off his lap and onto a pack that lay a few inches away from them.
"I'll be back." Anakin rushes out of the cave without a second glance back. Qui-Gon can hear him yelling back to the voices, trying to get their attention, but Qui-Gon is focused on Obi-Wan.
The man's hand shifts weakly against the ground and he tries to move his head for a more comfortable position. He barely manages and is exhausted by the end of it. Qui-Gon's hand falls above Obi-Wan's head. The Knight hums and seems to push himself towards the hand. Qui-Gon lets his hand fall further and is surprised to find that his hand doesn't fall through the sweat-soaked head, but stays firmly on the soft hair. Qui-Gon's eyes water at the feeling.
"It's alright, little one. I'm here and I'm never leaving you."
"Master Kenobi!" Obi-Wan's brow furrows and Qui-Gon wants to slap the face of the man that enters the cave. Mace Windu breathes heavily as he rushes through the cave and lands next to the sick Knight. More steps follow those these are lighter. "You're going to be alright." Mace's voice is soft as a familiar hand starts assessing Obi-Wan.
"Bant." Obi-Wan smiles softly and dares to let his eyes crack open a little. "Hello there." The Mon Calamari Healer shakes her head but smiles back.
"We've got you. Just rest."
"Anakin?" Qui-Gon looks behind him to find the boy at the mouth of the cave speaking with another Jedi.
"He's alright. He's right there." She shifts and Obi-Wan hums at the sight of his Padawan.
"'m gonna sleep now."
And sleep he does.
It was a rare sight for Qui-Gon Jinn to witness his former Padawan looking as calm and happy as he did now. Though, the Room of a Thousand Fountains tended to place Obi-Wan in that area of happiness.
Qui-Gon settled next to Obi-Wan on the grass and it was strange that he could slightly feel the softness of it. He ran his hands over it and noted that it didn't move with him.
"This is very odd." He mutters to himself. He hadn't heard much of Jedi being silent onlookers of their former Padawans after joining the Force. He must be special. Or the Force had a hand in this all. Qui-Gon snorted softly to himself. Of course, the Force had a hand in this. He wouldn't be here if it wasn't. So, why me?
A shuffle of clothes catches Qui-Gon's attention and he glances at his former Padawan. The man is on his back with his blue eyes hidden behind his eyelids. He looked younger in his sleep. The lines of stress that marred his face were cast away and it seemed as though a small smile graced his lips as he slumbered on.
Qui-Gon ran a hand through the red hair that had grown longer on his Padawan. The beard made him look older, but Qui-Gon didn't know how to feel about the length of his hair. He felt it was much too long for the young man, but Qui-Gon couldn't express his feelings (he would be a hypocrite in that view, at any rate).
It was an odd sight, seeing his Padawan like this after all the things he had previously seen that were filled with pain.
Qui-Gon had to guess that this was just a stopping point. Maybe this was the last bit of comfort and safety the Knight would feel.
He didn't want to think about that. He didn't want to think that Obi-Wan's life was just going to get worse, but he left it in the hands of the Force.
"I'm so proud of you." He whispered to the sleeping man as he brushed a gentle hand over his head. "Look at who you've become. You'll continue to grow, and I know you'll be a great Jedi. Just you wait."
Qui-Gon sat in the inky darkness once more. He hadn't yet been pulled anywhere, and he was anxious to see what the Force would show him next. For now, though, he sat and waited in thought over what he had seen so far.
"I shouldn't have made him promise me to train Anakin," Qui-Gon speaks into the darkness as he waits. "He should have been given time as a Knight to be by himself for a while. I made him promise and Obi-Wan is a loyal Jedi. Of course, he would have kept his promise. I wouldn't be surprised if he went against the Council to take Anakin as his Padawan." That makes Qui-Gon laugh a little.
"He tried so hard to make sure I stayed true. He never liked it when I defied the Council." Qui-Gon thinks back to times when Obi-Wan would pace nervously after a Council meeting. He would mutter to himself with eyes wide as he tried to think of some way to make up for his Master's actions. Now, it seemed that Obi-Wan took on that trait himself. "Or, maybe it was just that one time." Qui-Gon didn't know, but he was curious.
"He has had a much harder time raising his Padawan than I did raising him." He didn't think about the rocky start to their relationship. He didn't think about how he constantly pushed Obi-Wan away. He knew what he had done, and he had thought it over before.
His mind ran in circles as he thought about the newest thing he was shown.
Thousands of clones filling the halls of a facility on Kamino. For what? A war? They were the Jedi's, but war wasn't imminent, right?
"That is the last thing Obi-Wan needs." The words are harsh as he grinds them out. The Force wouldn't listen to him though, that much he knew. "A war will come, and it will destroy him. I know it will. Don't do this to him." He pleads with the Force, but he knows the Force will not listen. "An army. A war. What role will the Jedi play?" He found himself searching for answers he didn't want to know, but they would be given to him whether he wanted them or not.
"Don't focus on your anxieties Qui-Gon." He mutters with a smile as the words ring in his mind in his Padawan's voice. Obi-Wan had a habit of parroting things back to his Master. Qui-Gon never minded. He would just roll his eyes playfully and give his Padawan's braid a tug.
"I'm worried about him. I shouldn't be, but I am." This was attachment. His mind supplied that thought and he groaned at it. "I'm aware, but I'm dead." He states matter of factly to himself. "I don't think being attached to my former Padawan is going to have any repercussions on my end." He slumps a little and sighs to himself.
"A war. And my former Padawan will be crushed by it."
Qui-Gon knew his former Master had always planned on leaving the Order. It was just something that came up once Qui-Gon became a knight. Corruption was the main problem and eventually, Dooku left the Order, but Qui-Gon's death had been the final straw.
It's these thoughts that circle his mind as he watches his former Master circle his former Padawan.
Obi-Wan was in a containment field and his body spun slowly in circles as Dooku spoke to him. Qui-Gon had missed the first few words spoken between Obi-Wan and Dooku, but Qui-Gon managed to catch everything else.
"May I ask why a Jedi Knight is all the way out here on Geonosis?" His former Master's voice washes over Qui-Gon and the dead Master shudders slightly at the familiarity of the questioning tone.
"I've been tracking a Bounty Hunter named Jango Fett. Do you know him?" Obi-Wan's voice is calm as he answers and asks a question back. Qui-Gon vaguely registered Dooku telling Obi-Wan that there were no Bounty Hunters on the planet. Geonosians don't trust them.
"-he is here, I can assure you." Qui-Gon latches on to the last few words that leave his former Padawan's mouth as his body continues to spin where it's suspended. Dooku as stopped circling the Knight and has given Obi-Wan his full attention.
"It's a great pity that our paths have never crossed before, Obi-Wan." A pause. "Qui-Gon always spoke very highly of you." The only noise that passes through the room is the hum of the containment field suspending Obi-Wan. Dooku shifts in place and lowers his eyes. "I wish he were still alive." Dooku's voice dropped in volume and Qui-Gon wanted to reach out to the man, but he stopped himself. He stayed by Obi-Wan and waited. He wouldn't interfere with faint touches or thoughts during the exchange. He needed to know everything. "I could use his help right now." Qui-Gon scoffs at the idea.
I would never join you. I would never help you. You're not the man I used to know.
"Qui-Gon Jinn would never join you." Obi-Wan's voice is sharp and the words pierce Qui-Gon's soul. The Knight knew him too well.
"Don't be so sure my young Jedi." Dooku moves again, walking away from the spinning Knight before continuing his slow circuit around Obi-Wan once more. "You forget that he was once my Apprentice just as you were once his." Qui-Gon flinches a little at the thought of once being this man's Padawan. Yes, he told Dooku about Obi-Wan and did praise the man during his Apprenticeship, Qui-Gon shudders to think of what would have happened had the two met before now.
True, things could have ended up for the better, but they could have ended up worse than they are now.
"What if I told you that the Republic was now under the control of a Dark Lord of the Sith?" Qui-Gon must have missed a few things because hearing that inquiry jolted him out of his musings. He felt Obi-Wan's anxieties flare up at the idea, but he refused to believe it. He thought the Jedi would know if there was a Sith holding the Republic under their control.
Qui-Gon hated to admit it, but maybe they wouldn't have. Darkness had been on Coruscant for a long time and clouded the Jedi that lived there. He never voiced his concerns, but those were his thoughts, and it seemed that Dooku had agreed with him.
Thoughts flew through his head as the two spoke. Qui-Gon only caught bits and pieces of the conversation, but he didn't like what he heard.
Thousands of senators under the control of a Sith Lord? One called Sidious? Qui-Gon shivered as the name ran through his head.
"You must join me, Obi-Wan. And together, we will destroy the Sith." Qui-Gon sucks in a harsh breath at the strength behind the words. He was sure that if Obi-Wan could have, he would've flinched just a little at the words.
"I will never join you, Dooku." Obi-Wan's voice is low but he spits the words out and Qui-Gon can see the resolve in his eyes. Dooku steps back and makes his way towards an exit before stopping just inside.
"It may be difficult to secure your release," Qui-Gon growls at Dooku's parting and turns his eyes once more to his former Padawan. Obi-Wan's head falls and his hair slips into his face. He breathes heavily, but calmly and Qui-Gon allows himself a moment of happiness at the sight.
"What now?" Obi-Wan whispers to himself before Geonosians flutter into the holding cell. They deactivate the containment field and with nothing to hold him up, Obi-Wan falls from his suspended position. His body meets the bottom of the containment field then rolls onto the floor below it. He groans at the abuse his body is given. The Geonosians pay his moans of pain no mind as they grasp his arms and pull him out of the holding cell.
The last thing Qui-Gon sees is Obi-Wan being shackled to a long chain against a pole, and Qui-Gon wonders distantly where Anakin is.
War had broken out, that much was clear to Qui-Gon. It was odd to appear somewhere with knowledge of things he hadn't seen. What Qui-Gon knew was that War had broken out and the Republic made use of the Army of Clones. Qui-Gon's heart pounded as he recalled one detail he never wished to know.
Obi-Wan was made a General of a battalion. His former Padawan who had seen War far too often was now in charge of a group of men. Qui-Gon knew Obi-Wan well enough that he would end up forming some sort of attachment to his men which would also break him as lives were lost during the War.
When Qui-Gon slipped through the darkness and into a new place, he immediately understood that this was not a good place to be.
It was cold and Qui-Gon felt ill just being there as a ghost. He swallowed thickly and wondered where he was and why he was there. He knew it had to do with Obi-Wan, but he dared not think about why. Qui-Gon finally turned from his position and his heart dropped to his stomach.
There, suspended in chains with a mask over his head was Obi-Wan. He hung limply in the chains and Qui-Gon was shocked to find he could not feel him in the Force.
Obi-Wan's body shook faintly and Qui-Gon reached out to him. He didn't want to know where he was or what had happened, but he would not leave Obi-Wan to face this alone.
"Kenobi," Qui-Gon's head whips around to face the newcomer. His eyes narrow as the woman enters the prison. Her bald head and markings ring in Qui-Gon's mind. "How nice to see you." She purrs the words as she waltzes further into the room and closer the swaying Jedi. The woman lifts a hand and grips Obi-Wan's fingers on his left hand tightly. The man makes no noise, though Qui-Gon wonders if he can with that mask on his head.
The woman grips one finger tightly and yanks it back. A sickening crack echoed through the cell and Obi-Wan's body shakes as pain rushes through him. The Knight's heavy breathing is muffled, but Qui-Gon knows how it sounds. He's heard it before.
"Tell me what I need to know." The demand is met with silence and the woman rolls her eyes before snapping another of Obi-Wan's fingers. "You're worthless." She sneers at him as she tightens her grip on the broken fingers. Any sound Obi-Wan makes is muffled and Qui-Gon's heart breaks a little more. The woman releases his fingers and Obi-Wan sags a little further. Qui-Gon winces as he looks at Obi-Wan's wrists. Dislocation could and might happen. Then what?
Qui-Gon hadn't noticed the woman walking away until she came back. A thick rod was in her grasp and Qui-Gon forced himself to stay hear his former Apprentice as the piping meets Obi-Wan's body. Grunts are forced from the Knights mouth as each strike hits somewhere different.
The woman seems to get frustrated with the fact that no other noise or reaction is slipping from the man. Her hits double in strength and Qui-Gon distantly hears something else crack. A muffled cry stops the woman and she smiles up at the heavily breathing man. She reaches a hand up and pats his covered cheek gently.
"I'll see you soon, dear one." She turns and leaves and Obi-Wan's body slumps. His head rolls and Qui-Gon places himself in front of Obi-Wan.
"Oh, little one." He whispers the words and brushes a hand against the mask. His hand withdraws quickly as darkness touches him. Obi-Wan's eyes are slipping shut. The brightness of the lights increased as if the woman knew Obi-Wan was trying to rest. His former Padawan lets out a muffled sob and he tries to curl into himself. "Shh, dear one," Qui-Gon shudders as he uses the same endearment as the woman. "I've got you. You're alright."
It seems as if hours had passed since the woman was last in the room. During that time the warmth of the room dropped and the lights brightened. Obi-Wan shivered and struggled to keep his eyes open.
"Still here, I see." The woman's voice rings with joy as she enters once more. She's got another object in her hands and Qui-Gon makes it out to be an electro-prod. "Let's try this again, shall we?" She receives no answer. The prod crackles to life before slamming into Obi-Wan's side. His body jolts with the force of the currents flowing through him. He makes no noise of pain, though Qui-Gon can see that his eyes are squeezed shut.
The woman withdraws the prod and Obi-Wan sags, breathing heavily. The prod lights up again and meets his other side. This goes on for a while as the electricity rockets through Obi-Wan's abused body. He shakes and jolts and even lets a scream be ripped from his throat.
That seems to bring even more joy to the woman as she releases the prod from his body. A choked sob escaped Obi-Wan and she laughed in joy before moving away and towards the door.
"Always a pleasure my dear." Qui-Gon let out his own sob as he gazed at his former Padawan hanging there in chains. He could do nothing. He couldn't touch him, he couldn't make Obi-Wan hear him. There was nothing.
He knew his Padawan. He would survive this, no matter what came next.
Of course, things did get worse.
Beatings continued and Obi-Wan stopped crying out, stopped gasping in pain. He just hung there in his shackles as his body rocked with every hit it received.
Though, the maggots were the worst thing.
That didn't happen until someone was thrown in the cell with the Jedi. Qui-Gon was too numb to realize who it was and it took a moment for his soul to focus. It was a clone.
"General Kenobi." Obi-Wan jerked lightly in his bonds and he lifted his head up and gazed blearily at the clone.
"Alpha-"
"I decided an audience would be a good idea." The clone (Alpha-17, the Force supplied) growled at the woman and strained against his own bonds.
"Leave him alone, Ventress." Ventress tsked and brushed a hand down Alpha-17's face. He jerked it back and Ventress's face fell into a frown. She turned to Obi-Wan after grabbing a bucket from the floor.
There was a slit on the mask covering Obi-Wan's head and Ventress opened it. She smiled unkindly at the Jedi before reaching into the bucket and forcing whatever she had in her hand down Obi-Wan's throat. She sealed the mask again and Obi-Wan shuddered fiercely. Qui-Gon made soothing noises as he stayed by Obi-Wan.
"Muscle Maggots aren't very nutritious, but I'm sure you'll love them." Obi-Wan convulsed as electricity raced through his body from the prod Ventress held in her hand.
Muscle Maggots were not something to be trifled with. They scourged the body and destroyed it from the inside. Qui-Gon choked out a sob as tears seemed to fall from Obi-Wan's eyes.
"I hope you boys have a lovely time together. Make it last, it could be the last time you see each other." Ventress leaves with a laugh echoing loudly.
Qui-Gon is forced from the scene into inky darkness once more.
He sat with his thoughts. His body (rather his soul) still numb from what he witnessed. His little one was beaten in front of him. He was tormented by the mask over his head.
"Why are you doing this?" The question sticks in his throat. "Why would you do this to me? I can do nothing as I watch him suffer. I thought the Force would be kinder than this." His quiet voice rings into the darkness. "I don't understand. I can't hold him or keep him safe. What did I do during my life that would grant me this torment?"
No answer comes, though he expects that much.
He's alone.
He can do nothing but watch.
This is a fate worse than death.
"I don't know why you're so worried." Anakin's voice brings Qui-Gon out of his misery. He opens his eyes to find himself outside of the Council Chamber in the Temple. Qui-Gon's heavy heart lightens just a bit as he takes in the scene.
Anakin's braid is gone and his hair has started to grow out a bit. Quite some time had passed since I last saw him.
"It's an emergency meeting, Anakin. They only asked for me." A few feet away from Anakin, Obi-Wan paced. He too looked different.
He had finally cut his hair and Qui-Gon sighed at the sight. It made him look a little older than the last haircut he had. Maybe that's why he did it. There was no outward sign of any damage done by Ventress, but it must have been months since then, possibly even a year or so.
"You're worrying too much." Anakin tried to calm his former Master, but Obi-Wan was not always an easy soul to calm. "What would Master Qui-Gon say?" Qui-Gon jolts at the sound of his name and looks between the two youngest members of his Lineage. Obi-Wan finally stops pacing and the frantic energy surrounding him slowly dissipates.
"He would tell me not to focus on my anxieties." He sighs and lets his body slump a little as the air leaves him. Anakin walks over to him with a soft smile on his face. He rests a hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder. Obi-Wan returns the smile, then the doors open and Obi-Wan shakes himself. "I'll be out here the whole time." Obi-Wan nods and makes his way to the center of the room.
Qui-Gon isn't yanked into the room as he was the last time he visited the Council Chamber. This time, he was able to follow behind Obi-Wan as the man moved into the room with as much confidence as he could muster.
He arrived in the center of the room and bowed with arms inside the sleeves of his voluminous robe.
"Masters," He greeted with a soft smile on his face. "What seems to be the problem?" Glances are exchanged between the Councilor's and Qui-Gon is surprised to note that they're all smiling at each other. Obi-Wan seems to see the same thing because confusion graces his features.
"How long has this war been going on Knight Kenobi?" Obi-Wan's brain seemed to stop working for a moment as he processes the question Mace asked him. Obi-Wan shifted and Qui-Gon was amused at the nervous tick.
"5 months." Qui-Gon's eyes widened at the answer. The war had only been going on for 5 months. How soon after the start of the war was Obi-Wan tortured?
"2 months ago you faced a great trial." Obi-Wan flinches and so does Qui-Gon. That was too soon after the start of the war. Far too soon.
"Yes, Master Windu." The Council members smiled once again and Qui-Gon found it odd to see.
"Obi-Wan, you've been a Knight for some time." Obi-Wan nods with confusion still on his face. "You've been loyal and brave. You're one of the best Jedi this Order has seen in a long time." Qui-Gon felt as if the world dropped from beneath him. Were they really going to- "Obi-Wan Kenobi, we confer upon you the title of Master, and offer you a seat on the Jedi High Council." The breath leaves Qui-Gon's body in a great exhale. A wide smile breaks his face and he turns to his former Padawan.
Obi-Wan remains rooted to the spot and his face pales at the words ringing in the room.
"Y-you want me to-" Obi-Wan stutters on his words as he processes Mace's offer.
"I think you broke him." Adi Gallia observes from her seat.
"Are you certain you've thought this through?" Qui-Gon rolls his eyes and Mace sighs at Obi-Wan's persistent low self-esteem. Obi-Wan blushes and bows quickly in apology. "I mean, surely there aren't other Jedi that would be a better fit here?" Mace stands from his chair and makes his way to Obi-Wan. The younger man still seems shaken by the offer.
"We've wanted you on this Council for a long time." Mace's voice is soft and reassuring. Obi-Wan melts under the kindness of them. "There is no one we trust more to be with us. The Force wills it."
"Question the will of the Force, do you?" Master Yoda's voice shakes Qui-Gon and he casts his gaze onto the small Master. "Taught you better, Qui-Gon did." Obi-Wan ducks his head and blushes at the words.
"I know your thoughts on this matter," Mace tells the dumbstruck Master in front of him. "We understand your worry over this. We do need an answer though." A few chuckles sound off and Obi-Wan lets his own sheepish one join in. "What do you say?"
"I accept." He whispers before clearing his throat. "I accept your most gracious offer Masters." Mace claps Obi-Wan on the back and the new Master stumbles a bit from the force. A collective sigh of relief seems to leave the Councilor's and Qui-Gon thinks he can hear the Force release one as well.
"Normally, we'd have you join us for your first meeting." Mace continues as he keeps Obi-Wan in his sights. "However, I can feel Knight Skywalker's concern and you still need time to rest before you meet your new battalion." Obi-Wan smiles a shaky smile and nods.
"Then with your permission, I'll take my leave." Mace nods to him and Obi-Wan bows once more before exiting the chamber.
The doors shut as soon as he exits and Anakin rises from his seat before rushing to Obi-Wan. His hands run up and down Obi-Wan's arms and the shorter man smiles at his nervous fluttering.
"What did they want?" Obi-Wan swallows and laughs just a little.
"Anakin," Obi-Wan begins as he tries to order his thoughts. "The Council has given me the rank of Master." Anakin's face breaks into a smile.
"That's amazing! We have to-" Obi-Wan stops him with a hand on Anakin's arm.
"They've also made me a Council member." Anakin's excitement is contagious and the taller man lifts his former Master and swings him around in joy.
"That's amazing! I told you there was nothing to worry about!" Obi-Wan laughs at the antics of his former Padawan.
"So you did, dear one."
For once, Qui-Gon isn't right next to Obi-Wan. Instead, he's a fair distance away as he takes in the scene before him. He smiles softly at his Lineage and relaxes.
I always knew you were destined for something great, little one. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.
Happy moments were rare for Qui-Gon to witness as of late. Obi-Wan's life was filled with sadness and pain as if the Force had it out for him.
Qui-Gon was grateful to see that the next moment in Obi-Wan's life was another happy one. After being promoted to the rank of Master and being granted a seat on the Jedi High Council, Obi-Wan was in command of the Third Systems Army and was now a High General in the GAR. His own battalion seemed to have grown and new clones were added into the mix.
"CC-2224 reporting for duty, Sir!" Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow at the almost mechanical response that slipped from the clones helmet and he noticed a slight wince grace Obi-Wan's features. He knew his former Padawan was struggling to ask the question he truly wanted to know. Qui-Gon set his ghostly hand on the new Council member's shoulder as though giving him the strength to ask the question.
Obi-Wan nodded and cleared his throat before relaxing his stance slightly.
"I . . . Well, I was wondering if perhaps you had . . . a name I could use?" Qui-Gon chuckles at the faint blush that starts spreading across Obi-Wan's face. The clone seems to be taken back by the question but brushes it off.
"Yes, Sir. You can call me Cody. Sir." Qui-Gon rolled his eyes at the display before him. Obi-Wan and Cody will make quite the pair.
"Commander Cody, then." Obi-Wan relaxed a little more before smiling. "I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi, your new General."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, General." Qui-Gon could feel the awkwardness seep into the very being of his soul. It was almost sweet if not very embarrassing. For someone that flirts so effortlessly with the enemy, Obi-Wan sure does have issues talking to his Commander.
"Likewise, Commander."
For the first time since this odd adventure, Qui-Gon was grateful for the tug back into the darkness as he waited for another moment in time that would pull him in.