Star Wars: What if?

by thetwinsunsoftatooine

In the blink of an eye, in the changing of a moment things can unravel. Change. Let us go back to the moments that led to the Republic's fall, the Empires rapid entry and sudden collapse and more in this series. What...If?

5. Where you go I must follow: Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Departing

The process had been easier than he thought. A few disparaging words from Mace, a question by Yoda and a look of exasperation from Sharrif Ti, he was no longer a Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan thought that the process might sting or even be a relief but inside he just felt empty.

Qui-Gon, I hope you're right.

In the years that would follow, Obi-Wan would look at this moment with fondness. He had done what he didn't think he could do. He trained the boy. While Anakin will always struggle with balance, Obi-Wan knew that away from the prying eyes of Coruscant, Anakin had a better chance of staying in the light. As an added bonus of not being part of the order Obi-Wan let himself slowly embrace his feelings for Satine. Soon walks in the parks and hidden kisses in the garden led to a full public relationship and eventually a marriage.

While it took a while for the New Mandalorians to embrace a Jettiti as their leader's spouse, it helped that Obi-Wan and Anakin maintained their usefulness by training the local guards and taking on some diplomatic missions for the system.

When news of a war broke out of a war. Obi-Wan found Anakin packing a bag. By this he was no longer a boy but a man of 19.

"Are you going to Coruscant?" Obi-Wan asked, "The Jedi won't take either of us back."

"I'm not going back for them… Padme was on the news; she's the new senator of Naboo. There's a threat to her life…I need to protect her." Anakin stumbled.

"Do what you must, old friend but please realize that you always have a home here."

"I dol, I'll let you know when I reach the Senator."

Despite the distance, Obi-Wan and Anakin kept in touch. Even if Anakin wouldn't admit out loud his former master was his best friend and closest confidant. When love blossomed between Anakin and Padme, it was Obi-Wan and Satine who had made the dangerous journey to witness the younger pair's wedding. And, when the war was far from its end and Padme could no longer hide her pregnancy and Anakin feared her death it was Obi-Wan who flew back to Coruscant the first time since he had left the order to be with his friends as they relocated.

Obi-Wan looked at his newborn niece and nephew, smiling as they curled into him; he was glad that Anakin left the order. He was glad that he had a family to call his own.