Author's Note: Thank you again for all the reviews! I was really notexpecting so much interest in this story. Please let me know if I forgot to respond to your review, but I believe I've gotten everyone. I was planning to add one more section to this chapter, but I wanted to leave what happens for the next chapter. In this chapter, we have Obi-Wan waking up, the reactions of his family to Mace's dreams, and a little bit of background on their relationships with him. . .including a little bit of fluff between Obi-Wan and Asajj. At this time, I'm also posting the prologue and first two chapters of my other Star Wars story, and. . .well, it's kinda hard to explain. To all of my fellow Americans, happy Thanksgiving! And without further ado, here's the next chapter!
Chapter Two
Beautiful Dreamer
He groaned softly, pain pounding through his skull and most of his body. What happened to him? He thought in the embrace of the Force, the only pain he could feel was the anguish of watching the galaxy implode again. The last thing he remembered was. . .what? He tried to focus on his last clear memory, but that was harder than he anticipated. Images of Jacen Solo's turn to the Dark Side were intermingled with images of a beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and a tender smile.
Entirely too confusing. Focus on the clearer image. Anakin screaming in grief and rage as his grandson fell to the Dark Side, starting the entire horrifying cycle all over again. But the blonde girl returned to the forefront of his mind, smiling. . .and there was such love in that smile. So much love, it could break one's heart. Through the steady ache in his head, he wondered at whom she was smiling. And then he wondered again how his head could be hurting if he was one with the Force. None of this made any sense.
It made even less sense when he opened his eyes and found himself staring at somewhat familiar surroundings. This. . .couldn't be happening. It. . .it looked like the Healer's Ward in the Jedi Temple, where he spent far too much time. However, that wasn't the only strange thing. There was an odd heaviness on his abdomen. No, not even a heaviness. . . His brows knit as he tried to focus on the sensation. No, it was more like. . .more like a pressure. As if that wasn't strange enough, he could feel what seemed to be hair brushing against his hand. He managed to lift his head, just enough to look down toward the source of the sensation. And that provided a second shock (or was it third? He had lost count by now).
What seemed to be a padawan (complete with the braid he remembered from the decades before the fall of the Old Republic) with sandy hair was lying there. But. . . He shook his head, and must have made a noise of some kind, for the head belonging to the padawan came up, his face visible for the first time. . .Anakin? A very sleepy-looking Anakin, whose eyes brightened. He breathed, "Master. . .Master, you're awake!" With those surprising words, the boy straightened up, then threw his arms around the befuddled man in a fierce embrace that drove the air from his lungs.
Now hopelessly confused, Obi-Wan Kenobi wrapped his arms around his apprentice, and blinked at the sight of his smooth skin. What happened? Was he thrown back in time, to before everything went so completely wrong? But no, that didn't make any sense. In the first place, if the Force wanted to do that, it would have sent him back to the beginning, to the palace in Theed. . .and he would have ensured that he died, rather than Master Qui-Gon. In the second place, that assumed the Force would do anything of that nature.
Still, he held onto Anakin, who was chanting, "We never gave up on you, Master, not for a minute! It's been so hard, but Master Yoda and Master Mace refused to let anyone else train me." Master Mace? Obi-Wan felt even more confused. He couldn't remember ever hearing such affection in Anakin's voice when he spoke of the Council member and unofficial second in command of the Jedi Order. And speaking of which. . . What would they do to his padawan when they saw Anakin hugging him like this? Well, yes, this was Anakin, and part of his nature, but. . .
His worries about that were interrupted when one of the Jedi in question entered the room, gently teasing, "Planning to keep your Master all to yourself, Anakin? I thought you promised to tell us as soon as Obi-Wan woke up." Obi-Wan looked from his excited padawan to Mace Windu and back again. Much to Obi-Wan's horror, Anakin stuck his tongue out at Mace. . .and much to his astonishment, the older Jedi laughed heartily, replying, "Save your flirting for the padawans, brat. Obi-Wan, it's good to see your eyes open. We've all been worried about you."
"I. . .thank you. How long. . .how long have I been unconscious?" Obi-Wan asked. And did I hit my head?Maybe that was the better question. Everything was familiar, but so strange at the same time. From Anakin, whose eyes held only love and joy; to Mace, who never really smiled after Qui-Gon died and yet now exuded such warmth. More than that, he was experiencing a very un-Jedi-like feeling: namely, the fear that this was a wonderful dream, and the sick feeling that he knew he would experience when he woke up. Woke up to find himself once more in the Force, watching in horror as everything fell apart yet again.
"We aren't really sure, Master. You've definitely been unconscious for a day or so, ever since we brought you back from Rattarak. But you were missing for six months, so it's anyone's guess how long you've actually been unconscious. On the ship coming back, Asajj did a preliminary exam and discovered that you'd been beaten badly in the early days and weeks of your captivity," Anakin replied, finally releasing Obi-Wan and settling him carefully against the pillows once more. There were so many shocks in Anakin's statements, but one of them in particular stood out to the stunned man.
"Asajj? Asajj Ventress? She's a Jedi?" Obi-Wan choked out. Now he was certain that he was dreaming. Just like Anakin, he failed the young Force-adept, only reaching her as she lay dying. In the Force, she approached him once, sobbing for his forgiveness and embraced him fiercely when he gave it willingly. Was it possible he was being given a second chance to save both Anakin and Asajj? Was the Force truly so merciful that it would give him the chance to make his two greatest failures. . .make things right? It almost seemed like it was too much to ask, and yet, that seemed to be happening.
Mace and Anakin exchanged a look, Anakin looking both worried and confused, but it was Mace who replied gently, "She's been a Jedi Knight for a little under two years, Obi-Wan. She's a Knight, thanks to you and to Yan." Yan? Dooku? Now Obi-Wan felt dizzy. He closed his eyes, willing himself to focus, to concentrate. A gentle hand touched his hair, and Mace said softly, "Anakin, perhaps you should tell Master Dooku and Asajj that Obi-Wan has awakened. I know they'll both want to see him."
"Oh. . .of course! I'm so glad you're awake, Master," Anakin said, impulsively hugging Obi-Wan again. He whispered, "I love you so much, Master, and I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you ever again." Obi-Wan heard that before. . .but not said quite like that. Anakin released him, and then bounced (yes, bounced) out of the room. Obi-Wan closed his eyes again, the thoroughly non-Jedi-like thought of, 'if I'm dreaming, please don't awaken me' once more crossing his mind.
The bed near Obi-Wan's hips creaked and sank, and he opened his eyes once more, to find Mace Windu staring at him compassionately. The older Jedi said softly, "I can't imagine how confused you must be. From what Anakin and Asajj told us, it seems likely you were given mind-altering drugs. Anakin also mentioned that a device of some kind was attached to your head, likely interfering with your brain waves." Interfering with his brain waves? Obi-Wan shuddered, resisting the temptation to reach for that possibility, and allow himself to believe this was actually happening.
"Is any of this real? Is the Jedi Temple still standing? Are you alive? Is Anakin still Anakin?" Obi-Wan rasped out, all but begging the Korun Master for. . . something. Did he want reassurance, or did he want to believe this was a wonderful dream? It couldn't be that easy, not after all the mistakes he made. Not after how badly he failed Anakin, Asajj, the Jedi, Padme. . .everyone. He was ashamed of how he was struggling to maintain his control, his composure, but right now, that seemed out of his hands. Especially when Mace was staring at him with such compassion.
"Qui-Gon Jinn used to say that one's focus determined his or her reality. That always seemed too easy to me, and I know that Yan has always felt the same way. Obi-Wan, I think I know what frightens you, but unfortunately, I cannot give you the answer. Because no matter what I say, until you're ready to believe it, all the assurances in the universe will not ease your mind. I can answer your questions: yes, the Temple is still standing, with thousands of escape routes, if things go badly. Yes, I am very much alive," Mace replied, reaching out to take Obi-Wan's hand, his warm fingers curling around Obi-Wan's cold skin. He felt real. . .so real. So alive.
A memory seemed to flit through the young man's mind, of Mace cradling him protectively, his arms warm and secure, , but the memory vanished before he could examine it further. And in any case, Mace wasn't finished. The Master continued, still holding Obi-Wan's hand, "And above all, yes. . .Anakin is still Anakin. Is there a chance he might become a Sith? Of course. We all have that chance, we all have that capacity. But I don't think it's going to happen. At least, not any more. And that's really what you want to know, I think. . .much to the relief of us all."
Obi-Wan smiled weakly at that statement, and Mace smiled with him, adding, "I can tell you're still exhausted, so get some sleep. Yan and Asajj will want to see you, but you know they'll insist that you sleep. Someone will be here to watch over you and guard your dreams." Obi-Wan was on the verge of protesting, of telling Mace that he needed to stay awake, but the jaw-cracking yawn immediately proved that to be a lie. Mace just grinned, patting his thigh, and said, "Sleep now. There will be time for answers later." He hadn't even finished his sentence before Obi-Wan's eyes slid shut more and sweet sleep claimed him once more.
SWSWSWSWSW
Long after the young Knight drifted off to sleep, Mace remained at his side, watching over him. . .at least until Anakin returned with Asajj and Yan. Obi-Wan's questions weighed on his mind, and it occurred to him that his dream was caused by what was happening to his friend. But. . .no. No, the Force allowed him to see what Obi-Wan saw, but one was not caused by the other directly. Rather, he suspected, he was allowed to see it to help his friend when he was returned to them and regained consciousness.
In the twenty-four hours since Anakin and Asajj returned on the Queen of Naboo, there had been meetings and debriefings galore as Anakin and Asajj repeated their story for the allies of the Jedi. Not just Xanatos, who had more than a slight interest in the operation, but also for the young Senator from Chandrila, Mon Mothma, and Bail Organa from Alderaan. And while they handled the Senate and their allies, Yan and Bant took care of Obi-Wan in obvious and not so obvious ways. . .such as exercising his lax muscles, trimming his hair and beard, cleaning him up in whatever ways they could.
Before he allowed Bail and Mon to speak with the two young Jedi, Mace briefed the two Senators on his own dream. It was important for them to know these things, in order to understand what would come next. While the pair were not Jedi, they respected the connection all Force-sensitives had. Bail was especially horrified at the prospect facing Alderaan if even the first Death Star was built, and swore to do what he could to avert it. The galaxy was already so different from that future. . .in part because of the changes in the Jedi Order, but also because Xanatos married the young queen of Naboo.
Mace still didn't know who came up with the idea of joining the planets of Telos and Naboo through marriage. The Jedi Order stayed out of such politicking, though there were Jedi who strongly agreed with the offer Xanatos made. . .Asajj Ventress among them. The padawan made no secret of her contempt for Queen Amidala, based on her assertion that she would agree to no course that would lead them to war. . .never mind that they already were at war. Xanatos of Telos was willing to fight for Telos and for Naboo, even if the second planet wasn't willing to fight for itself.
It was an excellent solution, though not without difficulties. . .especially when the governor's bride attacked Obi-Wan Kenobi for Xan's departure from the Order. Mace knew the Council did poorly by Xanatos, but that was the fault of the Council. . .no one else. An infuriated Yan Dooku responded with a blistering dissertation on how Padme Amidala failed her people as a queen. Not surprisingly, it left her in tears. Also not surprisingly, Yan really was unconcerned with her reaction. As he bitterly informed Xanatos when the young governor protested, no one spoke that way of his padawan, much less the likes of Padme Amidala.
His padawan. In Mace's dreams, Obi-Wan had been Yan Dooku's grandpadawan, the padawan of Qui-Gon Jinn, and became a much different Obi-Wan. For that matter, Mace was much different. Nearly everything was different. . .and not in a good way. Once more, he mentally thanked whatever nudge demanded that he listen to the Force, thirty-five years earlier. In his mind's eye, he could see himself at thirteen, cradling a six-month-old baby boy to his chest as he carried him from the crèche to the Healer's Wing. He was alone (except for the infant he carried) and utterly terrified (what if he got in trouble? Master would be sodisappointed in him), but his legs continued to move.
Just one simple action. . .taking a little baby to a badly injured Master who had grown despondent. And it completely transformed the Order. How incredible, that an infant could change the Order. Simply by being. The change didn't come quickly. . .depending on your perspective. For the people living through the change, it happened very slowly. To someone such as Master Yoda, who was nearly nine hundred years old, it was breathtakingly fast. The Force was demanding that the Jedi change and adapt, and they did. . .because of two children.
It never occurred to Mace to be proud of his part in the transformation. He simply did what the Force told him to do. He was terrified of the consequences, but he released his fear into the Force and did as he was told. There were unexpected consequences (such as the twins who would probably accompany their mother and 'Uncle Ani' into their father's room), but all in all, it was worth it. Every moment of quaking with terror and trying to comfort the frightened child who understood none of what was happening. . .it was all worth it. And he knew most Jedi would agree with him. Perhaps not all, such as the self-called Dark Woman, but most of them.
Including the trio that burst into the room only seconds later. Mace held his finger to his lips to silence them, and tried not to smile at the abject disappointment on Anakin's face when he realized Obi-Wan was asleep. But that was the key. . .he was asleep, rather than unconscious. Asajj looked only slightly disappointed, placing Luke in Yan's arms as she approached the bed. She reached her hand out to him, as if she meant to touch his face or hair, but pulled it back when Mace said softly, "Before any of you wake him up, there's something you need to know."
"None of us are going to wake him, Mace. He needs to rest in order to heal. But tell us what we need to know," Yan said quietly. That would not be as easy as it sounded. How, exactly, did he tell them about what he had seen. . .what Obi-Wan had seen? Yan, showing the perceptiveness that sometimes worried non-Jedi (and even certain Jedi themselves, on occasion), asked, "This has something to do with your question, Mace. . . does it not? The question you asked when the children returned, your concern that Obi-Wan had the support he needed while he was raising Anakin."
"Yes," Mace said simply. That provided the lead-in he needed, and quickly outlined his dream. It took but a few minutes, and once he finished, Asajj and Anakin both were as pale as Asajj was when she first arrived at the Temple, while a muscle was jumping in Yan's jaw. Mace concluded, "Understandably, he's quite confused. My dream. . .either he dreamed the same thing, or something even worse. He may actually believe that's real. I tell you this because we must be careful with him."
"We can't overwhelm him. . .we have him back, but he's still been taken from us," Asajj said quietly, bitterly. It surprised Mace not at all that she realized so quickly what this meant. She shook her head, muttering, "When I get my hands on Sidious, he'll wish that his death was as quick as Qui-Gon Jinn's." Mace raised his eyebrows, but said nothing. She had said 'quick,' not 'painless,' and she was correct. Qui-Gon's death was not instantaneous, but he did not linger for days. . .unlike some Jedi killed in this war.
"Take a number, sister dear," Anakin growled. Obi-Wan moaned in his sleep, and all four conscious Jedi turned to him anxiously. He was shaking, obviously in the throes of a terrible nightmare. Contrite, Anakin sank to his knees beside his trembling master and put his hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder, whispering, "Shhh. . .it's all right, Master, it's all right. I'm sorry. . .I didn't mean to upset you. Shhh. . .just rest." He continued to whisper soothing nonsense and eventually, Obi-Wan's breathing began to even out once more. Long after he relaxed, however, Anakin's hand remained on his Master's shoulder. He looked at the other Jedi, anguish clear in his eyes, but his voice remained steady, gentle even, as he stated, "Whoever Sidious is. . .when we find him, and we will find him, there will be a reckoning. That I promise you."
SWSWSWSWSWSW
He sat at his Master's bedside, gripping his shoulder. . .partly to comfort Obi-Wan, and partly to reassure himself that Obi-Wan was truly there, and truly all right. The last six months of his life had been among the worst he could remember. And while Asajj was correct when she said that Obi-wan wasn't entirely back, at least he was here, in the Jedi Temple, where they could take care of him. Anakin, his grandmaster, and Asajj could protect him here, with help from Master Mace and others, like Bant.
Asajj and his grandmaster left the room, comforting the twins, who had been looking forward to hugging their father within an inch of his life. Anakin remained behind, kneeling beside his master's bed. As he did in those early days, when so many Jedi (who should have known better!) believed his master was lost to them forever, Anakin comforted himself by thinking about his first meeting with Obi-Wan Kenobi, more than ten years earlier. And, as ever, the memory made him smile.
He was in Watto's shop when the strangers entered. . .two men and a young girl, along with a creature nine year old Anakin had never seen before. One man, he realized, was older. . .older than Anakin's mom, the boy decided, while the other was much younger. Maybe twenty-five standard years old, though it was hard to tell with the beard he wore. His eyes came to rest on Anakin, and the young man smiled. He couldn't help himself. . .he smiled back. Even before he noticed the lightsaber each man wore, the young slave could sense something. . .different. . .about the men.
He soon learned that the two men were named 'Qui-Gon Jinn' and 'Obi-Wan Kenobi,' and the beautiful girl's name was Padme. Anakin was immediately enchanted with her, asking her if she was an angel. She had smiled, observing that he was a funny little boy. Later, she was stunned to discover that he was a slave. Anakin had become angry and fired back, 'My name is Anakin and I'm a person!' The girl started to stammer out an apology, but the young Jedi put his hand on her shoulder, quietly stating, 'She was not making a judgment about you, child. . .she was merely shocked that such a barbaric practice still exists. You should apologize to her.' And from that moment on, Anakin Skywalker's future was written. He was meant to meet this man, in particular. . . perhaps all four of them, including Jar Jar Binks.
When Watto wouldn't sell the necessary parts to the Jedi, Anakin came up with a new plan. . .he would race in the Boonta Classic, and if he won, his prize money would pay for the parts. It was a plan to which Master Jinn agreed. . .a plan neither Padme nor Obi-Wan liked. Padme feared it was too dangerous, and Obi-Wan. . . Anakin was supposed to be asleep, but heard Obi-Wan telling his mother that the future was cloudy and he had reservations about a nine year old child doing this. Anakin's mother listened to the young Jedi's concerns and thanked him for caring for his welfare. But they were slaves, and had the freedom to choose precious few things in their lives. Anakin had chosen to do this, and he would see it done. Obi-Wan was silent for several moments, before finally answering quietly, 'Then I will protect him to the best of my ability.'
And that was exactly what he did, over the next several days. Qui-Gon was fascinated with what he saw as Anakin's incredible power. . .but Obi-Wan simply sat quietly beside him, handing him whatever tools he needed for his speeder or shielding him with his own body if something went wrong. Most of the time he listened, but if Anakin asked him, the young knight would tell him about the Jedi Temple, where he grew up. He was actually a 'brother' to Master Jinn, though he was more than thirty years younger. Master Yan Dooku, Obi-Wan's Jedi Master, was also Master Jinn's master. Anakin asked what that meant, if it was the same thing as a slave's master. Obi-Wan answered it was more like a teacher or a father. And here, Obi-Wan smiled softly.
Master Dooku now had a new padawan, a fifteen year old girl named Asajj. That was only six years older than Anakin was, something he eagerly shared with his new friend. Obi-Wan had smiled and nodded, his smile growing all the more mysterious when Anakin told him that he hoped he would meet Asajj. That led to more stories, about when Obi-Wan and his master first met Asajj, two years earlier. Obi-Wan had just been knighted when he accompanied Master Dooku to a planet called Rattarak, which was where Asajj was born and where she grew up. He spoke very little about the mission itself, only of finding a heartbroken thirteen year old girl whom he carried onto the ship.
In the present, Anakin said softly, his hand still on Obi-Wan's shoulder, "You know, that's when I knew who you really were, Master. Oh, I knew you were a Jedi, but I almost wanted to cry, hearing the compassion in your voice when you told me about Asajj. I could hear it. . .how much you hurt for her. I could hear the affection in your voice, too. I could hear how much you cared for her. Imagine my surprise when I met Asajj herself, and realized that you had no idea that she was in love with you! I mean, c'mon, Master! I could tell, and I was nine!"
He heard Mace Windu's soft chuckle behind him and Anakin smiled briefly. However, he continued, "It's odd, but even though it was Master Jinn who actually got me off Tatooine, there was never any doubt in my mind. If I had to have another master, this time a Jedi master, then you were the only one I wanted. Even as the Council tested me, and I was afraid I wouldn't be taken into the Jedi Order, I could feel you waiting in the shadows, and I could feel your warmth. I was so surprised when I found out that Master Jinn wanted to be my master. I was grateful to him, of course, but. . ."
But the nine year old Anakin had found a sanctuary in the quiet, gentle but firm young knight. He realized very quickly that if Obi-Wan gave him instructions, they were to be obeyed. Before he was officially made Obi-Wan's padawan, there was but one time when Anakin didn't follow the instructions he was given. And the look of disappointment in Obi-Wan's eyes hurt him far more than any beating ever had.
Something he told his master now, murmuring, "That was the one thing that never failed to knock me down a few pegs, that 'I really expected better of you, Anakin.' Everyone thought I was the Chosen One, some mystical being, but you treated me no differently than any other child. You were careful with me, because I had been a slave, but. . . I have never ever wanted another master. You need to know that, Master. I don't know about this other reality you saw, but you gotta know. . .if I ever broke your heart like that, I think I would die inside." As he spoke, another memory surfaced. . .his second time in the Jedi Council Chambers, the second time he had seen Mace Windu and Master Yoda.
He stood in the middle of the Jedi High Council, more than a little nervous. . .yet excited too, as Master Yoda announced in his mangled syntax that Anakin would be trained. Master Jinn had asked if he would train the boy. Anakin had looked up, startled and a little worried. Master Jinn was nice and all, but he wanted Obi-Wan to be his master! The dark Master, who seemed so scary at first, responded, "No. Obi-Wan will be the boy's Master. It's obvious that a bond has been created between the two. . .and we will not deny the will of the Force."
Master Jinn had blanched, repeating, "Obi-Wan? But he's just a child himself! Anakin would do far better with another, more seasoned Master. He. .." Mace Windu merely leveled that dark gaze upon him, and Anakin swallowed hard. Obi-Wan's gentle grasp on his shoulders tightened just a bit. . .and Anakin sensed through their fledgling bond that Obi-Wan was trying to reassure him. The youngster wasn't afraid for himself. It was more a case of being afraid for Master Jinn. Anakin wanted Obi-Wan as his Master, but that didn't mean he wanted Master Jinn to get into trouble.
The Councilor replied quietly, "He would do well with someone who sees him not as a prophecy come to life, but as a human child with terrible scars. And as I said, he has formed a bond with Obi-Wan. Yes, Knight Kenobi is very young, but so was your Master when he took you as his own padawan learner. But that may wait until the completion of your mission. Anakin, I hope you can forgive me. . .under normal circumstances, a child of your age would remain at the Temple. But the Force is quite clear. . .you are to accompany Knight Kenobi and Master Jinn to Naboo. When you return to Coruscant, you will become Knight Kenobi's padawan officially. In the meantime, I want you to listen to him very carefully. Do exactly what he tells you to do." Anakin nodded, awed by the man, and Mace Windu smiled at him gently, adding, "After you come back, you will meet your grandmaster. Go now. Until it's time to leave for Naboo, you should at least meet the other children of the Order."
"And that's what I did. I didn't realize until much later that you had already realized that Padme and Queen Amidala were one and the same. You know, I still don't know if you figured it out or if Asajj told you. I suppose it doesn't matter. I was sad when I found out that Master Jinn was dead, but I was really scared when they told me that you were hurt. I thought I would lose you before our time together really started. Then I became a teenager and something of a brat, and every time I would start to lose sight of what you meant to me, to us, we came close to losing you. I promise, Master. I won't let anything happen to you. . .ever again. So you just rest. . .we'll take care of everything," Anakin said softly in the present. He squeezed Obi-Wan's shoulder again, rose to his feet to kiss his Master's forehead lightly, then left the room. He had a lot to think about. . .and there was no doubt in his mind that Master Mace would look after Master Obi-Wan.
SWSWSWSWSWSWSWSW
She had gone to her favorite place to think after the twins were asleep in their respective beds, with Master Dooku watching over them both. Of course, for Asajj, 'thinking' also involved kicks, punches, and anything else that would have inflicted serious pain on a sentient being. However, right now, she truly wanted to destroy something, so the training salle it was. She set it as high as she could do so safely, then muttered, "You want to destroy my husband, Sidious? Then you'll have to come through me!"
With those words, Asajj began her practice. She had done it so many times, she probably could have done it without thinking, but that was why she programmed the droids to the minimum safety rating. She didn't want to do it without thinking, she wanted to be aware of the danger. As ever, Asajj danced along the edge of a knife, both reckless and careful. She needed this. . .but she couldn't afford to be too reckless. Not with an injured husband and two small children. At the forefront of her mind, always, were her twins. From the moment Luke, and then Leia, were placed in her arms eighteen months earlier, Asajj's world shifted. It was the most clichéd thing she ever heard, but it was true. When she became a mother, her life changed. . .she changed. The enraged, nearly feral child whom Obi-Wan and Master Dooku rescued years earlier gave way to a venomously protective woman. There was .absolutely nothing she wouldn't do for her twins. And that was why she had to go to Rattarak with Anakin.
She had to bring their father home to them, and. . .and she had to face her demons, as she did when she killed the monster who caused her such grief. He had recognized her, strangely enough. . .twelve years older, a grown woman instead of a child. . .and he had taunted her, first with the murders of her parents, then with the brutal murder of her first Master, then finally with a rather graphic description of the beatings he inflicted upon her husband. It was how she knew to check Obi-Wan for old injuries.
Yet, despite her fury toward this animal for what he had done to the people whom she had loved, Asajj hadn't killed him in anger or in hate. She couldn't afford to be that person any more. Her children deserved better from her than that. Instead, she killed him because he impeded their rescue of Obi-Wan, and to ensure he could never hurt another living being. . .for any reason. Looking back now, Asajj realized she felt no satisfaction with the kill. Only exhaustion and a relief that he could never lay a hand on Obi-Wan, or any other woman's husband again.
Yet, the mental and emotional damage to Obi-Wan remained to be seen, and that was what worried Asajj. She thought again about what Mace Windu told her about what he saw in his dream, and she shuddered. The galaxy that the Korun Master believed Obi-Wan had seen chilled her blood: she herself a near-Sith, driven to near-madness by the murders of her parents and her first Master, and no one there to catch her; Master Dooku unhinged by grief and rage over the loss of his former padawan; Anakin poisoned against those who loved him by Sidious and spending the rest of his life in that black monstrosity (on the other hand, the fact that he married Padme Amidala made her doubt Anakin's judgment. She wouldn't touch the fact that they would have been Luke and Leia's parents. That simply didn't bear thinking about).
She had the feeling that there was a great deal Mace didn't tell them, for whatever reason. There was a haunted look in his eyes when he told them about his dreams, something that went beyond the massacre of the Jedi. No. . .because he didn't tell them who Sidious was in those dreams, that twisted representation of their own reality. And that, in turn, led her to the idea that Mace believed Sidious was the same person in the real universe. He would tell Master Yoda first, before he told her, Master Dooku, or Anakin. . .because he would figure, quite rightly, that she and the other two would find him and kill Sidious. Which meant, Mace was up to something. Fine. Asajj was willing to trust Mace. That didn't help her. . .not with her fear for her husband's safety or with the recovery of his memory. Over the next few weeks, she would have to be careful. With a soft sigh, Asajj extinguished her lightsaber, running her hand through sweat-soaked blonde hair.
She had a sudden clear image in her mind, a memory from before Obi-Wan was taken from them. It was the night of the twins' first birthday, and the excited children were finally asleep in their bed. Anakin had collapsed into his own bed hours earlier, utterly exhausted by playing 'flying baby' with both twins and too many other games to imagine. Asajj sat in front of her mirror, removing each of the braids in her long blonde hair, while Obi-Wan reclined in their bed. He lay on his side, head propped up with one hand, elbow resting on the mattress. And he was smiling.
She loved his smile. Always had. Even when she first arrived at the Temple, even when she would fly into uncontrollable rages, she had loved his smile. Many would have scoffed if she repeated such a sentiment to them, but Obi-Wan's smile made her feel safe. Warm. Protected. Safe. It was one reason she accepted the tentative offer of friendship from Bant Eerin. Because Obi-Wan always smiled when he saw the two of them together, and that was reason enough for Asajj to spend time with the Mon Calamari healer. At least at first. . .later, it was because she genuinely liked Bant.
As she finished unbraiding her hair, then began brushing out the long blonde waves, Obi-Wan shifted to his back, one arm still tucked behind his head. . .but his eyes never left Asajj. She felt a thrill run through her. When she became pregnant with the twins, she found herself weeping for no good reason. It became worse as her body began to change. Asajj feared Obi-Wan would no longer find her attractive as her waist expanded. She should have had more faith in him. To him, she was always beautiful. . .even when she was half-asleep, nursing one or both of the twins.
Strange. She loved him so much, and yet was so terribly insecure in his love for her. At one point during her pregnancy, driven by hormones and her awful insecurity, Asajj had lashed out at Obi-Wan, accusing him of looking too long at a woman, a Jedi, at someone who still had her figure. Many months later, Asajj closed her eyes in shame, remembering how badly she hurt him with that accusation. He hadn't needed to say anything. The pain in his eyes shattered her heart, and she threw herself into his arms, begging his forgiveness. He always gave it, of course. Always. Even when she didn't deserve it. Especially when she didn't deserve it.
Asajj left her mirror and returned to the bed, reaching out to caress his silky hair. He merely smiled up at her, driving that shame and guilt further into her heart. He trusted her. For such a long time, he fought against his growing feelings for her, fearing that they were inappropriate because she was so much younger (a grand total of ten years, how terrible) than he was and then because she was his sister for all intents and purposes. And yet she, who had loved him for so very long. . .trusted him less. And that never failed to drive a vibroblade into her heart. She leaned forward and kissed him very softly on the lips, running both hands through his hair. He moaned against her lips and Asajj sat down on the bed, then swung one knee to the other side of his hips so that she straddled him. She slid both hands through his hair, stroking it back from his forehead as she kissed him again. Obi-Wan's arms went around her waist, pulling her closer to him. . .
Six months later, Asajj opened her eyes once more, not surprised at all to find tears sliding down her face. A glance at her chronometer told her that she had been in here for more than an hour. She realized one other thing. She wanted her husband. Yes, she knew that he would likely not recognize her as his wife, but that didn't matter. She wanted to be with her husband right now. And she knew that Anakin would have no problem sharing his time with Obi-Wan with her.
SWSWSWSWSWSW
The final member of the triumvirate was sitting in Obi-Wan and Asajj Kenobi's quarters, the twins nestled against his chest. They woke up earlier in tears, and Yan Dooku sensed that his former padawan (the mother of the twins) was working out her frustration and anger in the training salles. Which was good. It kept her from leaving some oily diplomat in a world of hurt if (when) he put his hands/tentacles/whatever in a place where they didn't belong. That had been known to happen, and usually, the Jedi managed to avoid too much trouble because the same diplomat had been pawing other women all night long. . .so they were more than willing to back up Asajj. The fact that it was a Jedi who finally put Ambassador Whoever in his place made it all the sweeter.
The less pleasant aspect, of course, was that Luke and Leia woke up in tears. They were already miserable because of the muted bond with their father. They really needed their mother right now. . .but Asajj had to get her own rage under control before she could be the mother they needed her to be. Thus, Yan had one twin in each arm. . .but truthfully, he gained as much comfort from the contact as they did. Right now, they were snuffling against his chest as he rubbed their backs soothingly.
He was denied this chance with his own child. In fact, when a blushing Obi-Wan and a radiant Asajj told him about her pregnancy with the twins, that was the second thing he thought, after embracing the pair joyfully. His padawans were giving him yet another gift, the chance to enjoy even the less attractive aspects of parenthood. It was one thing he always regretted. Yes, changing diapers could be unpleasant (to say the least), but Yan also enjoyed the potential it gave him for blackmail down the road. On the other hand, such situations had a nasty tendency to backfire.
As he found out himself the hard way, repeatedly over the last twenty-plus years, since taking Obi-Wan as his padawan. Yan sighed quietly, thinking of those situations. He swore to himself, countless times over the last six months, that he would avoid a situation that resulted in Obi-Wan's embarrassment, humiliation, or pain. Strong words, and sentiments he expressed in the past, but he meant to keep his word this time. Anakin felt guilty about the times he screamed, 'I HATE YOU' at his Master for this reason or that, Asajj felt guilty for the times when she lashed out at him. . .and Yan had his own guilt to shoulder. The only innocents were the children in his arms.
Yan kissed the tops of the twins' heads. Obi-Wan had returned to them. . .not completely whole, perhaps, but he was here. He had awakened. He had no memory of his relationships with Yan or Asajj, and a twisted memory of his relationship with Anakin. Yan whispered to the miserable twins, "Even if he never remembers everything, my little ones, we'll create new memories for him. Perhaps this is a good thing. There are so many memories I wish he didn't have."
One such memory came from the early days of his apprenticeship to Yan. . .in fact, the morning after the Council blessed the bond between Master and Padawan, giving man's approval to what the Force had chosen. His relationship to his new padawan was different than those he shared with padawans and students in the past. He was more affectionate with Obi-Wan, over the bond and in person. He told himself he was turning into a maudlin old man, but he discovered that he enjoyed the warmth that spread through him when Obi-Wan flashed his smile, after Yan squeezed his shoulder or ran his hand over the bristles of his padawan haircut. Not surprisingly, his relationship with his new padawan caused more than a few problems.
His bond with Qui-Gon had been severed at the younger man's Knighting, and whatever warm feelings remained between them were shattered when Yan took Obi-Wan as his padawan. Yan hadn't known that Qui-Gon wanted Obi-Wan as his own apprentice. In truth, since the full story about Telos emerged, his former padawan had been on a probation with the Council, which meant he wasn't allowed to take another apprentice. That didn't stop Qui-Gon from confronting him as soon as he and Obi-Wan stepped out of their apartment on their first full day together.
The Force warned him that something approached. . .however, he never would have guessed that Qui-Gon would be it. Or that he would confront him in front of his twelve year old apprentice. As soon as he saw the fury in the younger man's eyes, Yan swept Obi-Wan behind him protectively, shielding him despite Obi-Wan's struggles. Qui-Gon railed, heedless of the stares they were attracting in the hall, "You took him from me! He could have saved me, and you took him from me!"
"He is a twelve year old boy, Qui-Gon. . .it's the responsibility of a master to protect and teach his padawan, not to be saved by him," Yan had replied quietly, and felt Obi-Wan trembling through the bond. Angling his body just so, Yan put a comforting arm around the boy's shoulders and drew him close to his body protectively. His padawan responded by wrapping his arms around Yan's waist, peering up at the man who had wished to be his Master. Yan added, "The Force chose him for me, and me for him. I raised you to listen to the Force, padawan, and while I am sorry that you were disappointed, you must let go."
He would have said more, but Mace Windu appeared at that moment. . .supposed to speak with Obi-Wan about his new classes, but Yan would remain eternally convinced that the young Councilor sensed something, and wished to prevent the confrontation from becoming worse. In some respects, it was already too late. . .it was too late the moment Yan put a protective arm around his padawan, showing Obi-Wan more affection than he ever showed Qui-Gon; and it was too late the moment Yan surrendered to the will of the Force and took Obi-Wan as his padawan.
His relationship with Qui-Gon never truly recovered, though his first padawan was civil enough when he asked for Obi-Wan as his partner on the Naboo mission. It wasn't actually necessary, as Obi-Wan was a Knight and the Council had given the mission to him and to Qui-Gon. However, it was Qui-Gon's way of making peace with Yan. The older Master hadn't really wanted Obi-Wan to go. . .he was experiencing one of the young man's infamous 'bad feelings' about the entire mission. However, Mace reminded him that Asajj was undercover on Naboo, trapped there by the Trade Federation. At that point, Yan gave his blessing and told both of his former padawans to be careful.
Less than a week later, he was informed that Qui-Gon was dead. . .Obi-Wan was badly injured. . .Asajj was fine, but worried sick about Obi-Wan's condition. Yan really wasn't told much about how Qui-Gon died or how Obi-Wan was injured. When the pair left the second time for Naboo, Anakin in tow, Yan was still contagious, but Obi-Wan informed him that he would have a grandpadawan before the week was out. With Qui-Gon's death and Obi-Wan's condition, Mace believed Yan should meet Anakin. Obi-Wan would need him, and so would Anakin. And Asajj was beside herself. . .according to Obi-Wan, when he was strong enough to stay awake for more than a few minutes, Qui-Gon's death brought memories back for Yan's padawan, memories of her first Master's death. It would take some time before Asajj could bear to let Obi-Wan out of her sight for more than a week, and the same amount of time before she could bear to let Yan out of her sight for more than an hour if they weren't on a mission.
The beeping of his comlink drew Yan's attention back to the present. Unwilling to move with the twins in his arms, Yan used the Force to draw the comlink to him. The call was coming from Mace. . .Obi-Wan was waking up, and Mace thought it would be a good idea if Yan was there to greet him this time. There was a brief pause, then Mace added, "I think it would be for the best if you told Obi-Wan personally that you're his Master. . .former Master." Yan couldn't help frowning, and though Mace couldn't see him, there was a very good reason he was a Council member. The younger man added, "Remember, nothing is as he remembers it."
Now he understood and told his friend, "I'll be there in five minutes. . .Asajj is still in the training salle and Anakin's probably joined her by now. I hope you don't mind watching the twins." He grinned at the snort that answered him. As Anakin might say, 'yeah, right.' Mace adored both children and the adoration was completely mutual. It was rather disconcerting to see the Councilor usually described as 'dour' making eyes and generally acting silly for a pair of toddlers. . .but it was something he saw on a regular basis. The link was broken and he told the now-wide awake twins, "Shall we go see your father, my little ones? I think we shall!"