A Fate Redone
Summary: What if Obi-Wan got a vision on Qui-Gon's death even before they were sent to Naboo? Follow the race against time as Obi-Wan tries to find a way to stop the future from happening.
Timeline: During TPM
Spoilers: If you haven't seen The Phantom Menance, I do not recommend you to read this fic. See the movie first unless you want to know things before you've seen it.
Ratings: T just in case. Lots of angst and lots of cuddly Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan moments. Not as lovers, can't imagine that, but as a father and son.
I do not own Star Wars. I make no profit for writing this stuff; I do because I want to.
Just so you know, I haven't read many Star Wars books, only heard about them. I have a little background about Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon but expect I'll leave most of that stuff in the shadows so to speak. I may make some things up, so don't be angry on me for that. It follows the movie, mostly, but I will change some things.
Enjoy this fic. Centred on Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, mostly. Anakin is important as well.
"Talking"
'Thinking'
/Speaking through bond/
Visions
2: Arrival on Tatooine and the Pod race
Obi-Wan hauled himself up from the craft and looked around. They could hear the droids in the background and Jar Jar jumped from one foot to the other.
"Are you sure we will be alright?"
"Stay near me or Obi-Wan and you will be fine", Qui-Gon said.
"Me feels worried", Jar Jar complained.
"So do we", the Jedi master said. "This is not a good situation; lets be careful."
Obi-Wan nodded to his master and they started a light running towards the palace in the city.
-
Droids were everywhere and the two Jedis and the Gungan had a hard time go unnoticed. More than once Jar Jar had almost exposed them, all of the times being quiet down by a quick Padawan. They made their way along a deserted alley and made a stop to rest a bit. Obi-Wan looked around before allowing himself to sink down on the ground. Jar Jar did something similar. The Jedi master looked at the creature he had saved and his apprentice with a small smile.
Despite their differences, they both seemed to get along pretty good. Jar Jar listened to every soft order Obi-Wan said about being careful and not make too much noise while moving in a city controlled by mean droids. Qui-Gon had almost laughed as Obi-Wan had explained about the situation and the 'mean droids'.
Obi-Wan got up, having restored himself, and Jar Jar got up as well. Qui-Gon nodded and they continued their run to reach queen Amidala.
-
The two Jedis jumped down and in front of the droids that escorted the queen. Obi-Wan made immediate a jump in the air and did a double kick, sending two droids to the ground. Qui-Gon destroyed two droids and sent three others into the wall with a Force hit. Obi-Wan executed the rest with his lightsaber.
"We should leave the street, your highness", Qui-Gon said.
"Take their weapons", the leader of the security, captain Panaka, said.
"Wow, you guys are just awesome", Jar Jar said and some of the Naboo people looked at him and were surprised at Obi-Wan's light chuckle and even more when he spoke:
"Come on now, Jar Jar. You don't want to be caught up in a battle, now want you?"
"No, no! Me will follow you, you lead the way!" Jar Jar said and stuck close to the apprentice.
They were walking quickly away from the street, and Obi-Wan could vaguely hear Qui-Gon argue with some of them. He wanted to bring the queen to Coruscant. The queen herself wanted to stay with her people. In the end, Qui-Gon won and they walked to the hanger.
They walked in, the two Jedis first. Panaka pointed against a group of people and said:
"We need to free those pilots."
"I'll deal with that", Obi-Wan said and lowered the gun Panaka had raised as he separated himself from the group, waiting for his master to take the first step.
"Hold it right there", the captain droid said.
"I'm the chancellor's ambassador and I'm here to take these people to Coruscant", Qui-Gon blurted out and Obi-Wan rolled his eyes.
"Where did you say?"
"To Coruscant."
"Something's not right. Wait, Coruscant… Um, you're under arrest!"
In the next second the droid's head was separated from its body, and Obi-Wan saw that as the first step. He drew his lightsaber and attacked. When he managed getting most of them he called out to the people:
"Go!"
The pilots got up and ran, some into a Naboo star ship were the queen had been escorted into, and some ran from the hanger.
"Let's go!" Qui-Gon called and Obi-Wan got onboard.
The ship flew out and quickly reached space.
"There is the blockade", the pilot mumbled as the two Jedis emerged in the cockpit.
The ship suddenly lurched and a warning sign came up.
"The shield-generator has been hit!" the pilot almost screamed and the repair droids were activated.
When the only remaining droid had fixed the shield-generator and they had escaped the pilot spoke to the Jedis:
"We can't get to Coruscant, the hyperdrive is leaking."
"We need somewhere to fix it", Panaka and Qui-Gon said.
"Here master", Obi-Wan said as he had installed himself by a computer. "Tatooine. It lies far away and the Federation can't reach us there."
"How do we know it's safe?" Panaka demanded.
"It's controlled by the Hutts", Qui-Gon softly said.
"What? The Hutts are gangsters, if they discover the queen…"
"The same thing would happen on a planet controlled by the Federation. The Hutts aren't looking for the queen, therefore giving us an advantage", Qui-Gon said as he leaned over his Padawan to read some more.
-
The night onboard the Nubian ship was quiet. Lonely footsteps could be heard and whispered conversations but beyond that, quiet.
Qui-Gon made his way down the hall to the maintainer room for droids and was not surprised seeing his apprentice there. Obi-Wan loved to build things and were a good mechanic. Currently, the twenty-five year old sat cross-legged while putting together something that looked like a droid arm. Qui-Gon sat down on a bench just behind Obi-Wan and his Padawan looked up with a small smile.
"Are you alright?" Qui-Gon said.
"Yes, why do you ask master?"
"Because your shields got stronger and broke our bond for a moment."
"Oh", Obi-Wan said, frowning. "Sorry about that, master. I fell asleep and had a bad dream."
"Again?" Qui-Gon raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, they seem to happen a lot lately", Obi-Wan whined, making his master chuckle despite his worries. "It's staring to annoy me to no end. Luckily I found something to do."
Qui-Gon let his hand thread through Obi-Wan's hair and the young man put away the tools and the current project. Qui-Gon started a light massage and said:
"You need your sleep. We will arrive at Tatooine tomorrow, and they need some help checking the damages."
"Let me guess; you recommended me?"
"You are quite good at that stuff. Somehow, you always know which button to press and what part to remove."
Obi-Wan nodded absently. Qui-Gon put some light pressure on the youngster's temples, and the man groaned.
"A headache we have?" Qui-Gon said while imitating Yoda.
"And hurt it does", Obi-Wan replied, sounding very much like the old Jedi.
"You can imitate master Yoda much better than me", Qui-Gon complained. "Not fair."
Obi-Wan was already dosing off, so Qui-Gon lifted the young man up and made his way to their cabin. He met one of the queen's handmaidens and she said:
"Is your apprentice alright, master Jedi?"
"He's just fine, young one. Lack of sleep is common for a Jedi; Obi-Wan are no exception."
"I hope he finds his rest."
"I'm sure he will, miss--?"
"Padme", the woman answered with a bow.
"Well then, Padme, I hope you have a good night as well", Qui-Gon said and with a nod he walked off.
Padme looked after the two for a while, then returned to the queen's room.
-
Obi-Wan shook his head and spoke:
"It's useless. We need a new hyperdrive."
"We can't fix it?" Qui-Gon said.
"It's too damaged", the young man said and looked at the pilot who nodded.
"The kid's right", the pilot said. "Maybe you can find some in the town over there."
They had landed the ship outside a town, far enough to not been seen easily but not too far away to walk. Qui-Gon thought for a moment and then said:
"Me, Obi-Wan and A2-D2 will go."
They all nodded and they went inside. Qui-Gon found a gray cloak that he decided to wear. Obi-Wan wrapped his robe tightly around himself before saying to Jar Jar:
"Now, be nice and don't make any trouble for the crew."
"Me will be nice!" Jar Jar said, happy to make Obi-Wan happy.
The Padawan nodded and walked after his master. As they had come a bit they heard Panaka behind them:
"Wait!"
They turned around to see the captain and a handmaiden dressed much like a farmer.
"The queen demands to take one of her handmaidens. She is curious about the planet."
"I don't like the idea very much, but fine. Be sure to stick close to me or Obi-Wan."
He had recognized Padme and smiled a bit to her. She smiled back.
When they arrived, they took a look around. People of all kind were walking on the streets. Obi-Wan had to close his eyes for a moment as he feared another vision would come. Luckily it did not and he succeeded not to alarm his master. He quickly followed as Qui-Gon said:
"We ask in one of the smaller shops."
They walked in and were met by Watto. Obi-Wan kept himself behind Qui-Gon, hood still up and therefore hiding his face. Watto said something on Huttish, and it sounded like he was calling for someone, and soon a boy ran inside while answering the flying creature. Watto said:
"Let's go and check the back if we find anything you need."
Qui-Gon nodded and the droid followed him. Obi-Wan walked around, not really looking at anything when he suddenly heard the boy say:
"Are you an angel?"
He looked at Padme, who seemed shocked. He listened as the boy told Padme his dreams about being a pilot and getting off the planet.
"I'm Anakin Skywalker", the boy said and looked at them both.
"Padme", the handmaiden said.
"Obi-Wan Kenobi", Obi-Wan said with a slight bow as he had trained to do when saying his name.
Now it was Anakin's turn to look shocked; he turned to Padme and whispered:
"Did he just bow to me?"
"Yes", she said and he stared.
"I'm a slave; why would he bow to me?" the boy said.
"It's polite", Obi-Wan said, scaring both of them since he was far away from them. "And I don't see you as a slave but a human and I respect humans along with other kinds."
"I've never seen a man bow to a slave", Anakin said.
"Then this is your first time", Obi-Wan said and finally took off his hood to look closer on a repair droid.
"You like droids?" Anakin said.
"Like them? I love them, specially fixing them", Ob-Wan said with a smile. "I've always been told I'm a good mechanic."
Anakin looked a bit happy, but the smile was replaced with a frown as Qui-Gon and Watto returned. Qui-Gon said shortly:
"We're leaving."
Obi-Wan bowed again, and Anakin got curious. The young man quickly followed Qui-Gon with a 'goodbye' to the child. Padme followed as well.
"Strangers, think they can fool me!" Watto swore on Huttish. "Idiots!"
Anakin did not dare to defend them but was surprised when Obi-Wan stopped and let Padme walk pass him. Then he turned around and said on Huttish:
"It's not polite insulting people while they still can hear you."
With that, the man left leaving Watto gaping after him. Anakin was near breaking down in laughter but succeeded keeping his face straight. Finally Watto snapped:
"Clean up the shelves. Then you can go home."
"Yippy!" Anakin exclaimed and ran to clean.
-
"So they don't accept Republic money?" Obi-Wan said.
"No", Qui-Gon. "And I couldn't persuade him either."
The three of them was thinking hard as they walked down the street. They noticed how the wind picked up and the sand was flying around their feet.
"Padme! Obi-Wan!"
They turned around and saw Anakin run towards them.
"Hi", he panted. "Do you guys have any shelter?"
"We have out ship in the outskirts of the town", Qui-Gon said.
"Far away?"
"Maybe a 20 minutes walk", Obi-Wan said, "why?"
"A sandstorm is coming", Anakin said. "There is no way you will make it; the storm will be here in around 10 minutes."
"What should we do, master?" Obi-Wan asked Qui-Gon.
"How about you come with me? My house is not far away", Anakin said and wondered why Obi-Wan had called the older man 'master'. Was Obi-Wan a slave as well?
"Let's go", Qui-Gon said. "It seems like the storm is getting worse fast."
They let Anakin lead the way and were fighting against the storm by the time they had reached the house. They got in and Anakin called out:
"Mom, I'm home!"
Shmi Skywalker came inside and looked surprised at the company.
"This is my new friends mom", Anakin quickly said. "Padme, Obi-Wan and…"
"Qui-Gon Jinn", the Jedi master said. "Your son was kind enough and gave us a shelter for the storm."
"Obi-Wan, you liked droids right?" Anakin said and the young man nodded. "I'll show you mine!"
He took the man's hand and dragged him off. Padme was curious and followed. Qui-Gon looked back at them and Shmi smiled and said:
"It's been a long time since he had friends interested in what he does."
"So has it been for Obi-Wan as well", the Jedi master said.
"I'm going to cook dinner. Would you like to help me or…?"
"It would be my pleasure to help", Qui-Gon said and Shmi was surprised over his happiness of helping a slave woman.
As on cue, he continued:
"Slave or not, you're a kind woman and we must repair you of some kind. I wouldn't let Obi-Wan get close to the food if I were you though; he even knows how to burn water."
Shmi's laughter echoed trough the house and Obi-Wan called out:
"Master, that was mean!"
"But so true!" Qui-Gon called back.
Obi-Wan huffed and Anakin giggled. Padme tried to hide her behind her palm. Anakin's droid, C-3PO just looked at them confused.
-
They ate during a lot of talk. Qui-Gon could not help but laugh as Anakin described Watto in rather colour-full words that made even Shmi gape at her son. Obi-Wan looked on; pondering at the vision he had not long ago:
Hot. It was hot. Obi-Wan ran along the small bridge, careful not to fall into the lava. He was calling for someone, but the name was often drowned in the other sounds. Once he could hear his older self call out 'Ani, listen to me!' and the laughter that a younger man gave him. Ani? It is Anakin he was chasing? Why? And the dark Force surrounding the younger man made Obi-Wan shiver in fear. What was going on? When was this?
The apprentice got back to reality as the subject had gotten into pod racing. Anakin was busy telling that Watto loved to make bets, and that Qui-Gon should make a bet to win the parts they needed. Obi-Wan shut the voices out as he started feeling dizzy. The vision came back with full force and the Force increased so that even Shmi, Anakin and Padme could feel its intensity.
"What's going on?" Shmi said with difficulty.
"I can't breathe", Anakin choked out.
"Obi-Wan!"
The apprentice fell off the chair while clutching his head. Qui-Gon rushed to his side and gripped the young mans' shoulders. The Force was screaming with the Padawan, an agonised scream that the others seemed to hear. Shmi took a hold on her son while he covered his ears and Padme stumbled to the two of them. Artoo quickly made his retreat to Anakin's room and Threepio.
/Obi-Wan!/ the Jedi master called out through their bond, trying to break some of the shields so that the younger man could hear him.
The distressed Padawan flung his arms out and gripped his master, hard. Qui-Gon held his apprentice tightly and tried to calm him down.
/Master, make it stop! MAKE IT STOP!/
Obi-Wan's panicked voice through their bond was hysterical and Qui-Gon summoned so much calming Force he could and sent it in gigantic waves. Finally Obi-Wan calmed down and Qui-Gon forced him to sleep.
"What happened?" Anakin said. "Is he alright?"
"I made him go to sleep", Qui-Gon said. "I don't know what happened but I do have a hint."
"What kind of hint?" the boy asked.
"You told me that you can see things right before they happen", the Jedi master said and Anakin nodded. "Obi-Wan is similar, except he can see things that may occur in 10 years. Every Jedi has that gift, just Obi-Wan is stronger in that. It's normal for him to have four visions of the future in one day, whilst other Jedi-masters, such as me, can have four of those in one week. Lately, those visions have left him pretty upset and emotional vulnerable."
"But he'll be fine?" The worry in the boy's eyes was clear.
"I believe so", he said. "Do you have somewhere where he can rest?"
"The couch in the living room", Shmi said.
Qui-Gon lifted up his apprentice and carried him towards the couch. He laid down the young man and put a hand on his forehead. He leaned over and closed his eyes.
/Obi-Wan?/
/M-master? Master, I'm so sorry!/
/It's alright Padawan. Just rest now./
Obi-Wan's eyes fluttered open and Qui-Gon spoke:
"Go to sleep, Padawan. Rest now, it was only a vision. Remember what master Yoda said."
"Visions can not be trusted", Obi-Wan choked out and Anakin came closer. "In movement, the future always is."
"Yes", Qui-Gon said, smiling a bit since Obi-Wan talked just like Yoda did. "And whatever you saw, I will not allow happening to you."
Obi-Wan clutched his master's hand and nodded. He closed his eyes and Shmi came into the room and said:
"Ani, maybe you should leave the two Jedis alone."
"It's alright", Qui-Gon said. "He can stay."
Anakin inched closer until he sat by Obi-Wan's head.
"What kind of vision could make him like this?" the boy said.
"Something terrible", Qui-Gon said and shook his head. "Not too long ago, he had a vision that I abandoned him, and he was pretty upset about that."
"Must be hard see the future", Anakin said.
"The future is always in motion", the Jedi master said. "Obi-Wan see one possibility of the future that can be changed five minutes later. You can never be sure what the future holds."
Anakin nodded and Obi-Wan shifted. Qui-Gon rose up and disappeared. A moment later he came back with Obi-Wan's robe. He tucked his apprentice in and Anakin said:
"Are you two close?"
"He has been my apprentice since he was 12 years old", the Jedi master said, "and he is now 25. So we have grown close over the years. I see him as a son."
Anakin stared at Qui-Gon, then at the Padawan. Then his eyes softened and said:
"Must feel great to be free and have such a nice master."
"Well, when I took him as an apprentice he was a few weeks of becoming a slave and farmer for the rest of his life", Qui-Gon said and stared out the window as Anakin whipped his head towards the Jedi master. "When you reach the age of 13 and haven't gotten yourself a master, you're considered too old and are sent to work as a farmer. He showed me what he could do in the last second."
"What did he do?" Anakin said.
"He almost died for me", Qui-Gon whispered and caressed Obi-Wan's cheek. "There was a man that wanted me dead. Obi-Wan took the hit instead of me and nearly died on the spot. The Force saved him."
"How come the Force saved him?"
"He has a very close bond to the Force", Qui-Gon said. "Master Yoda said he would become my Padawan when Obi-Wan was only three years old. For a moment I thought the troll finally got and went senile. Then I saw it with my own eyes."
"Saw what?" Anakin said while chuckling at Qui-Gon's description on Yoda.
"He lifted a star ship with the Force when he was four years old", Qui-Gon said, "and not many children under the age of 13 can do that. I had a Padawan on my own at that time, and that Padawan chose the wrong path. He chose the Dark Side. With the Dark Side you get stronger, but the hate suffocates you and corrupts you. To be a Jedi, you must be able to control your anger. My former Padawan chose anger and hate. I refused to take on Obi-Wan since I was blinded and thought he would end up like my former Padawan. He didn't, luckily, and here we are now."
Anakin listened to every word he said and then sat deep in thoughts. Then he said:
"I don't think I can become a Jedi."
"Why not?"
"I often let anger lead me", Anakin said.
"Obi-Wan would probably be the same if he had been raised like you", the Jedi master said. "He was taken to the Jedi Temple when he was barely a year old. He was trained to control his anger. You are not, and so are many others. You have great potential to become a Jedi; I can feel it in you."
"I can?" Anakin said. "But I'm a slave…"
"I already figured it out what to do", Qui-Gon said. "But that may require sacrifice on your side, if I don't get my will through. Let's hope for the best."
-
Obi-Wan woke up and blinked sleepily.
/Obi-Wan?/
/Master?/
/I'm here, relax. I'm in the kitchen, I'll come soon./
The apprentice sat up slowly and Qui-Gon came in.
"What are you doing?" the Jedi master said. "Obi-Wan Kenobi, lie down right this instant!"
The Padawan shrieked and laid down quickly, hiding under the robe. Qui-Gon set down the tray of food and sat down on the edge of the couch, near Obi-Wan's head. He pulled the robe off and his apprentice said:
"I'm sorry about yesterday! I didn't mean to--"
"Shh" the Jedi master said and stroke Obi-Wan's forehead. "I know you didn't mean to, but I don't want you to hide your pain like that from you."
"Why do I see so many visions?" Obi-Wan nearly sobbed, neither of the Jedis noticing Anakin by the doorway.
"That's your gift young one", Qui-Gon whispered. "It's a hard gift but it has saved us many times."
"But they hurt, they hurt so much", the apprentice said. "It feels so real and I can't make them stop…"
Qui-Gon took his Padawan in his arms and hugged him.
"I know they hurt", Qui-Gon whispered into Obi-Wan's hair. "I know. That's why I want you to share them with me, so that your pain is not so bad."
"I can't…"
"Yes, you can", Qui-Gon said. "You've done it before."
"They are worse this time", the young man cried out. "I can't let you see them, master!"
"Obi-Wan", the Jedi master said and rocked the apprentice back and forth. "They cause you pain and confusion. I know about your so called 'dreams'. You hide them, you say they are just nasty dreams but I know when you lie. You had a vision on our way to Naboo and you went almost crazy because of it. You refused to listen to me; refused to let me in. Let me in this time."
"Can't… I can't, please don't make me…"
"I won't make you", Qui-Gon said. "I just want you to know that I don't like seeing you in pain."
The young man looked at Qui-Gon and said:
"They hurt so much…"
"Let me see them", Qui-Gon gently urged on, "and I will do everything in my power to protect you from them."
Obi-Wan nuzzled into Qui-Gon's chest and said:
"I… I'll show them… some of them…"
"Obi-Wan…" the Jedi master warned.
"A few of them… I can't show them now."
"Alright", Qui-Gon said and stroke his Padawan's hair. "Show me the others then."
The younger man nodded and seemed to relax. Anakin saw Qui-Gon hitch his breath and widening his eyes. They were still for a few minutes and then Qui-Gon took a breath. He looked on his Padawan, and said:
"Oh my poor child…"
Anakin looked at the two of them with a sudden longing to be with them, to be loved like Obi-Wan. The Jedi master hugged Obi-Wan tightly and said:
"Do you feel better now?"
"A bit", came Obi-Wan's muffled answer.
"Good", Qui-Gon said and seemed to notice Anakin for the first time. "Hello there, Anakin. How is going with you craft?"
"Pretty good", Anakin answered. "Got a bit of a problem and thought I would eat and then try solving it."
"Maybe Obi-Wan can help you in a little while?" Qui-Gon said. "He needs a little time to collect his thoughts, that's all."
Obi-Wan looked up and Anakin reacted on instinct. He reached out and wiped away the Padawan's tears. Obi-Wan blinked and Anakin said:
"It didn't fit you. You know, crying. I don't like seeing you sad, Obi-Wan."
"Oh", he said and reluctantly released his master. "I guess it looks a bit strange."
Qui-Gon retrieved the tray and said:
"Both of you, eat. I'll be back soon."
With that, he was gone. The apprentice stared after his master and then rubbed his eyes before stretching. He started to eat, as did Anakin. Obi-Wan yawned afterwards, and got down on the floor.
"What are you doing?" Anakin said.
"I'm going to meditate a bit", Obi-Wan said. "It's good for the soul."
Anakin watched in fascination as Obi-Wan closed his eyes and seemed to relax. The aura around the young man was warm and comforting and Anakin could not help but inching a bit closer.
Qui-Gon came in twenty minutes later, and stood in the doorway in shock. Anakin laid outstretched on Obi-Wan's robe, asleep. Several items in the room were floating. In the middle his apprentice sat with closed eyes and a small smile. The Jedi master manoeuvred through the items and sat down in front of his Padawan.
/Obi-Wan?/
The young man's smile widened and Obi-Wan opened his eyes and stared into Qui-Gon's. Qui-Gon reached out and caressed on cheek and said:
"Seems like you're better now."
"Much better", the young man said.
The items slowly got down on their places and Anakin woke up by the sounds. He rubbed his eyes and said:
"Was I asleep for long?"
"No, only around twenty minutes", Obi-Wan said.
"Good, I need to work on my pod", the boy said.
The three of them got up and they went outside. It was hot so Obi-Wan left his robe together with his lightsaber inside. His Jedi uniform attracted stares from Anakin's friend Kitster and the boy quickly ran to Anakin and said:
"Who is he?"
"He's a Jedi", Anakin said and Kitster's eyes widened. "Obi-Wan, I got some problems with the engines."
The young man came and hunched down next to Anakin. He looked at the engines and suddenly a tool lifted itself. Anakin and Kitster stared at it. Obi-Wan raised his hand and the tool flew right into it. He got to work and after a while he said:
"Try them now."
"They're working!" Anakin shouted happily. "Now I can be in the pod race!"
Tbc…
Chapter 2 finished. Stupid ending, I know but I did not know how to finish it.
Chapter 3 will be: Fight in the Sand, and will be the pod race itself and first encounter with Darth Maul.
Later,
Tiro