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 Menace, 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.
A/N: I'm sooo sorry for not getting this chapter ready earlier!!! Please forgive me! The reason why I didn't write as soon as possible was because I had a bit of a bad time and I had no inspiration to write anything, but now I'm feeling a lot better!
-
"Talking"
'Thinking'
"Talking into someone's mind"
/Speaking through bond/
Flashback
Visions
Chapter 4: Coruscant
Previously on chapter 3:
"So, we're in big trouble?"
-
The two Jedis looked over at Anakin and Obi-Wan finally said:
"Most likely."
"Ani!"
Shmi came running and Anakin ran to meet his mother as the ship left Tatooine. Qui-Gon helped his Padawan up and said:
"We will take this up as soon as possible with the council with your encounter with a possible Sith, and about your abnormal visions."
"Do we have to speak about my visions?"
"Yes", the older Jedi said. "You can speak with master Yoda alone if that is what you wish, but you must speak about them."
The apprentice nodded and Qui-Gon turned his attention to the Skywalkers:
"How about we arrange our sleeping space? Me and Obi-Wan had one room, but we can ask for some mattresses so that we can all sleep in there."
Anakin lit up and even Shmi looked a little happier. The youngest Skywalker took Obi-Wan's hand and ran off, dragging the young man behind him.
"Your son makes miracles", Qui-Gon pointed out.
"I've been told that a lot", Shmi said as she picked up her belongings from the floor. "But I must say your apprentice makes miracles as well."
"How come?"
"He made Ani happy, and that is not an easy task these days", Shmi admitted. "And he helped my son to win a dangerous race without even a smallest scratch on him."
"My Padawan is one of a kind I guess", Qui-Gon said. "As is your son. I feel that Anakin will grow up to be a great man."
"Obi-Wan did something rather interesting at home", Shmi said and the older Jedi looked at her. "He made things float in the air."
"The Force", Qui-Gon said and started to explain when he saw Shmi's puzzled expression. "We Jedi use the Force to make things float or fly. The Force is strong and exists all around us. Jedis feels it better than normal humans, but you noticed it back on Tatooine when Obi-Wan lost control. If you are destined to be a Jedi you will be able to do that with the right training."
Shmi looked at Qui-Gon and said:
"How did Obi-Wan end up being a Jedi?"
"There is a Temple at Coruscant, where grown Jedis teach children with a strong Force. If Tatooine had laid closer, we would have noticed Anakin earlier. Obi-Wan came to the Temple when he was barely one year old, much younger than others."
"Was he strong in the Force?"
"When he was four, I witnessed as he held a star ship in the air by sheer Force. A star ship like this one. Not many children under 13 can do that, so yes he was incredible strong in the Force."
Shmi stared at Qui-Gon. He looked ahead and said:
"Obi-Wan is stronger than me. He just doesn't know that yet."
"Why not?" the woman asked.
"Obi-Wan said once he never wanted to become a full Jedi", the older Jedi said. "He wanted to be with me. In the Force, he is ready to become a Jedi but in his mind he is not. This may sound selfish, but I'm not ready to let him go."
"Like me", Shmi said and Qui-Gon looked at her. "I always knew that Ani would be trained, in some kind of way, and that he would go on with his life. I knew I had to let him go someday, but it's hard."
Qui-Gon nodded as they walked along the corridor to their room. They found the Padawan and Anakin sitting on one of the beds, the young boy speaking about something with a big grin on his face. Two mattresses and loads of pillows and blankets were scattered all over them. Obi-Wan noticed them and said:
"Hello master, Shmi."
"Mom!" Anakin almost yelled while jumping down from the bed and running to his mother. "Look, we got these soft mattresses to sleep on! Isn't that amazing?!"
Shmi touched the soft pillows and blankets with a curious glance, as neither her nor Anakin had ever slept with that kind of material. Qui-Gon moved to the bed and sat down behind Obi-Wan.
"How are you feeling child?" he said quietly.
"Tired, master", the apprentice answered.
"Lean back and take a nap", the older Jedi said.
The two Jedis moved around until Obi-Wan was curled up in Qui-Gon's arms, the youngster already falling asleep. When the two Skywalkers looked up a little while later, they saw Obi-Wan curled up in Qui-Gon's gentle embrace, sound asleep. Qui-Gon was stroking his apprentice's cheek with a faint smile. He looked up and said:
"Maybe you should seek out Padme, Anakin. I bet you two are hungry."
"What about you and Obi?"
"I'll wake him up in a few hours", the elder replied. "He deserves his rest."
Anakin nodded and the two Skywalkers left to find the queen's maid. Qui-Gon wriggled a bit so that he was lying down with Obi-Wan in his arms and decided to take a nap.
-
He was woken up by Obi-Wan's feverish forehead pushing against his neck. He opened his eyes in alarm and saw how pale his Padawan was. Cold sweat was running down the youngster's face.
/Little one, wake up./
Obi-Wan moaned and Qui-Gon shook his body a little, urging him to wake up. Suddenly images flashed past him, images from Obi-Wan's dream, or vision, for all the elder knew:
Obi-Wan was running, fast. Qui-Gon was distressed seeing the haunted look on his Padawan's face before realizing something; his Padawan's hair was long, longer than his own and he had no braid. That meant… Qui-Gon was pulled out of his thoughts as Obi-Wan was thrown down on the ground. Mace had grabbed the man and was now holding the younger man's head down as an assassin droid went past them. Obi-Wan's eyes were tired and old, not innocent and playful as Qui-Gon knew them.
The scenery changed abruptly. Obi-Wan was sitting on a rock, looking over the lake in the late afternoon. The sun was going down and Qui-Gon inched closer. The apprentice was humming softly. This time he had short hair, almost like in reality but no braid. Qui-Gon then noticed what Obi-Wan held in his hands. The braid. The elder Jedi sucked in a breath. Obi-Wan looked down at it and said softly much to Qui-Gon's horror:
"This is goodbye forever, master."
With that, the braid caught fire and went up in the air. Tears seeped down Obi-Wan's cheeks and Qui-Gon wanted to comfort him as the younger man fell on his knees trying to hold in his sadness but was yet again pulled away.
Now Obi-Wan was sitting in a meditation room in the Temple. He had long hair again. His legs were drawn up to his chest and his arms wrapped around them. Qui-Gon remembered that Obi-Wan only did that if he was afraid. Suddenly master Yoda entered the room.
"Another nightmare you had?" Yoda said.
Obi-Wan mutely nodded. The creature sat down next to the younger man and continued:
"Saw Qui-Gon you did."
Another nod.
"Accepting his death, you do not."
Now Qui-Gon was terrified. Obi-Wan refused to meet Yoda's eyes. After a while the younger whispered:
"I didn't even accept it as he died in my arms."
Qui-Gon had enough. He gathered all the Force he could handle and banished the visions from both of them.
/Little one?/ he spoke softly to his Padawan.
/M-master?/
Obi-Wan's voice was small and he was whimpering slightly. Qui-Gon tightened his hold on the younger man and said:
"Please, don't tell me those were visions."
"I didn't want you to see them", Obi-Wan whimpered. "Didn't want you to think I was weak."
"You are not weak", Qui-Gon said. "You're stronger in your mind than me. Most people would have gone insane. You use your visions to save us."
Obi-Wan started sobbing, and the older Jedi held on tighter.
/Don't ever leave me master!/ Desperation was heard clearly in the Padawan's voice and Qui-Gon spoke out aloud:
"I will never leave you little one. You are my child, and I will never leave you so sad."
Obi-Wan nodded against his chest and tried to control his breathing. Qui-Gon kissed his forehead and then his temples before murmuring softly into his ear, soothing nonsense that Obi-Wan had not heard for years. The apprentice curled up once again and snaked his arms around Qui-Gon to hold on tightly. They did not notice when Anakin slipped into the room. He looked with wide eyes at the sobbing young man. Finally he moved closer and climbed into the bed. The two Jedis noticed him now and the older made a move to let go. Anakin saw desperation in Obi-Wan's eyes and said:
"I think Obi needs you more than me, master Qui-Gon."
Qui-Gon looked down on his Padawan and returned to his former position. He gently stroke the short hair and smiled at the young boy.
"Did you and your mother have a good meal?"
"It was great; I've never seen so many different kinds of foods!"
Obi-Wan fell asleep to the voices off his master and young Skywalker with a small smile on his lips.
-
The next time he woke up it was silent. He guessed it was night. The Padawan snuggled deeper into Qui-Gon's chest, not wanting to wake up fully. The older Jedi suddenly murmured:
"You awake child?"
Child. How Obi-Wan loved it when he was called child by Qui-Gon. He tilted his head up and stared into Qui-Gon's eyes.
"Apparently", he said with a teasing smile.
"Brat."
"Old man."
Qui-Gon chuckled at their antics and kissed his apprentice's forehead. The younger man more felt than heard the words Qui-Gon said:
"Go back to sleep Obi-Wan. I'll keep you safe."
Knowing Qui-Gon did not lie, Obi-Wan fell asleep again.
-
Anakin woke up early in the morning and looked over at the Jedis. Qui-Gon was sitting in a meditation position with eyes closed and relaxed face. Anakin looked at the younger one, still asleep on the bed. The Padawan's face looked so much younger in sleep. The man was curled up in a cosy nest of blankets and seemed quite content to sleep all day.
Qui-Gon opened his eyes and said:
"Good morning, Anakin."
"Morning", he answered.
They spoke quietly, so that they would not wake up Shmi and Obi-Wan. After ten minutes, the young Padawan started to stir. He blinked sleepily a few times and Qui-Gon smiled at him. Anakin rose up and said:
"I'll get breakfast for us."
"Thank you", the older Jedi said while moving up from his position from the floor to sit on the bed. Anakin disappeared through the door and Qui-Gon turned to his apprentice. Sleepy eyes met him. Obi-Wan sat up and yawned.
"How are you feeling?" the older Jedi said.
"Okay", the Padawan whispered.
"No dreams or visions?"
Obi-Wan shook his head and stretched. Qui-Gon looked at him and the Padawan stopped what he was doing to look back at his master. Qui-Gon had a smile on his face.
"Something wrong master?" the apprentice said quietly.
"Nothing", Qui-Gon said. "I just realized you still stretch like a cat."
"I do?"
The older Jedi chuckled and Obi-Wan glared. The chuckle turned into laughter and the Padawan just sat on the bed, confused.
"It's nothing", Qui-Gon said after a while. "Your expression, that's all."
"I'm glad to hear that you're having fun on my expensive", Obi-Wan said with amusement shining in his eyes.
Shmi woke up and gently sat up from the mattress just as Anakin came in. He had a tray with food on and set it down on a small table.
"Breakfast is served!" he said with a mocking salute and promptly dug in.
Shmi was not too far after; eating new things was apparently exiting for the older Skywalker. Obi-Wan yawned and got up form the bed. Qui-Gon took a moment to finish his meditation before joining them.
-
The rest of the day was rather quiet. Anakin and Obi-Wan had found some parts no one had bothered to throw and was currently building something. Qui-Gon was not far away, reading a datapad about something. Shmi was with Padme; both of them had found a liking of each other. Padme treated the former slave as a mother, and Shmi treated the handmaiden as a daughter. Anakin was not a bit jealous about that; he still knew his mother loved him as well.
Obi-Wan was watching over Jar Jar at the same time; the creature was nice and did not destroy anything though. He was apparently determined to not disappoint the young Jedi. Something Qui-Gon appreciated. He did like Jar Jar, but the poor creature had a bad habit of getting himself in trouble.
Anakin made his final touch and then put it down to watch Obi-Wan only to stare. The air was full of parts and tools. Qui-Gon looked up and said calmly:
"Obi-Wan."
The Padawan looked up and noticed what he was doing.
"Oh", he said and lowered them to the ground. "I guess I was distracted."
"Just don't lift me as last time", the older Jedi warned and Anakin knew they talked about things that had happened even before this mission.
"I said I was sorry", Obi-Wan whined and Anakin giggled. "I thought you had forgiven me!"
"Well, dropping me onto a cold stone floor did hurt a bit."
Obi-Wan huffed and continued building. Jar Jar had listened to the whole ordeal and had like Anakin, giggled. Qui-Gon slide down from the bench and sat down next to his apprentice. The older Jedi winked the young Skywalker closer and Anakin crept to him. Qui-Gon smiled and put an arm around Obi-Wan. The younger man looked up at his master and then looked back at his building. Anakin sat down next to them and continued building, leaning against Qui-Gon's side.
-
Obi-Wan was running, fighting droids as he went. He got blood in his face, and furiously wiped it off. Anakin was coming in form behind. The younger man got a hold of his master's arm and helped Obi-Wan to their ship. The older man shot out one last Force wave, and then ran inside. Anakin was already starting the ship as the last Jedis came onboard. Obi-Wan took the second-pilot seat and the Padawan hit controls at a fast speed. Seconds later, they lifted and speed out into the space.
Obi-Wan leaned back and sighed. He let his body relax and closed his tired eyes. He felt a cool hand on his forehead and opened his eyes to look into Mace's worried face.
"Thought we lost you there for a while", the older man said.
"I'm safe thanks to Ani", Obi-Wan responded. "Quick thinking, Ani, that's what I like."
Anakin turned to him and grinned. A thick scar adored his face and the eyes were hard and cold.
Obi-Wan sat up and took a few breaths. He ran a hand over his sweaty face and stood up on shaky legs. As he was about to fall, he was caught in gentle arms.
"Another one?" Qui-Gon's deep voice murmured.
"Not so bad", Obi-Wan said. "Need water, that's all."
Qui-Gon led his Padawan to the fresher where Obi-Wan quickly gulped down some water. He washed his face, knowing that the vision hid something. That cold look in Anakin's eyes… The forced compliments coming from his own mouth. What was that?
Without a warning, Obi-Wan leaned down over the fresher and vomited. Qui-Gon took a firmer hold as Obi-Wan suddenly lost consciousness. He cleaned Obi-Wan's face, rinsed his mouth and then placed one arm around his shoulders, while the other one behind his knee and lifted him up. He tucked his apprentice into the bed and sat down on his own in deep thought.
-
Obi-Wan felt like dying. Visions were tearing him apart. The emperor, Darth Vader, Deathstar, Luke Skywalker… So many different visions, so many people. Not even the Force could help him. He was soaring through a life that could happen, and found he did not wish that at all. He did not want it. He wanted to have Qui-Gon alive, thank you very much. With one last, desperate push he got out.
-
Obi-Wan bolted up, screaming. The Force was ripping through the thin frame and Qui-Gon rushed forward. His scream woke up the two Skywalkers and they looked horrified on as Obi-Wan struggled to get free. Qui-Gon seized the trembling body and lifted him up like a small child. The scream had died out and was replaced by whimpers and tears.
The door opened and Padme came in, looking shocked.
"It's alright", Qui-Gon said while running a hand over his Padawan's back to ease the trembling. "Obi-Wan just had a nightmare."
"It sounded like someone was murdering him", Padme said and sat shakily down on a seat.
"He suffers from nightmares", Qui-Gon said, "or this could be a severe vision."
"Vision?" Padme said.
"Obi-Wan has sometimes visions worse than death", Qui-Gon said as he rubbed his Padawan's temples. "He just can't block them out."
Obi-Wan opened his eyes, and Padme and Shmi got to their senses and pushed Anakin out of the room before following. Qui-Gon looked into Obi-Wan's eyes and said:
"What happened?"
"Too much", the Padawan whispered. "It was too much, all the visions blended together. Too many name, enemy in Coruscant, near the queen, queen in danger…"
He was rambling, both knew that, but when he repeated that the queen was in danger for the fifth time, Qui-Gon got a bit worried. He took a gentle hold on Obi-Wan's head and said:
"Who threatens the queen? Answer that, and I'll let you rest, just please answer."
"S… Senator P-palatine", Obi-Wan said and Qui-Gon froze. "He is t-the emperor. He is the one who will destroy the galaxy."
Qui-Gon hugged the younger man and said:
"You will show them to Yoda and Mace, okay? Just for the two of them, and then they decide what to do. But for now, just sleep."
The Padawan found a nice spot just where Qui-Gon's shoulder and neck met and closed his eyes.
-
Luckily no one except for Padme, Shmi and Anakin had heard Obi-Wan scream, and the three of them did not mention it. The Padawan looked exhausted in the morning, and had no energy to even eat properly. Qui-Gon took his apprentice back to their room for meditation. When the Skywalkers and Padme came in they were met by something strange; Qui-Gon was meditating with Obi-Wan's hands in his. The younger one just sat with bowed head and closed eyes. The older man opened his eyes and seemed to relax when he saw Obi-Wan. The three dumbly realized Qui-Gon had put his Padawan to sleep when the older Jedi carefully lifted up Obi-Wan's limp body and put him on the bed. The three decided that the Padawan should not be disturbed and left.
This went on for the next few days. Obi-Wan got rest and was soon feeling a lot better than before. He and Anakin could be found building on the last day before they would reach Coruscant. The younger one was proud when he had to help the older one, meaning he was good at something. Obi-Wan was happy for the help, since his brain was still a bit foggy.
-
The two Jedis were walking towards the Jedi council. Shmi and Anakin were in their apartment at the moment; later they would be showed around by the two of them. Obi-Wan was nervous; this would be the first time he would share all the visions he had carried on since the beginning of the mission. Qui-Gon walked calmly beside him, thinking on the Sith, Obi-Wan and Anakin.
They entered the room where the council was gathered. Qui-Gon gave his report, his suspicions on the Sith and the unusual boy they had found on Tatooine. That took around thirty minutes and then they were done. Yoda and Mace remained as the others walked out, saying their goodbyes to the two Jedis. Yoda got up and said to the Padawan:
"Visions you have had, young Padawan."
"Yes, master Yoda", Obi-Wan answered.
"Shaken you up they have", Yoda said. "Giving room to despair?"
"I'm not sure", Obi-Wan said. "I can't think clearly."
"Share them with us and let us handle it", Mace said with a smile. "Qui, you think you can wait outside?"
"Of course", Qui-Gon said.
He gave Obi-Wan a smile and left. The Padawan turned to the two older Jedis and walked towards them.
-
Qui-Gon was invited in after three hours. Obi-Wan leaned heavily on Mace, and immediately latched onto Qui-Gon. The older Jedi hugged his Padawan and looked at the two others. Yoda looked back and said with a serious tone:
"Watched a future filled with despair we have. Allowing it to happen we will not. Catch Palatine we will. Your problem now is queen Amidala; take care of her you must."
"Yes master Yoda", Qui-Gon said as he stroke Obi-Wan's trembling back. "What about Anakin?"
"Train him I will", Yoda said. "Allowing him to go with you for the time being I do."
Qui-Gon smiled and thanked the old Jedi. Mace looked at Qui-Gon and said:
"Get your Padawan home, and make him get some rest. He has suffered enough for today."
Qui-Gon nodded and carefully they made their way out.
-
Anakin looked up when the door opened and leapt up as Qui-Gon came carrying Obi-Wan.
"It's alright", Qui-Gon reassured. "He just needs a lot of rest."
The boy nodded and then said nervously:
"Um, what did you tell them about me?"
"You're one lucky boy", Qui-Gon said and stopped for a second. "Master Yoda said that he will take you as an apprentice."
"You mean the troll?" Anakin said.
"If you call him that, your shins will suffer", the older Jedi huffed and the boy laughed.
Anakin was so happy. He was going to be a Jedi, just like Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. The older Jedi turned to him and said:
"Until things have calmed down with queen Amidala though, you will be with me and Obi-Wan."
"What about mom?" Anakin said.
"She will be offered a place to stay with a female Jedi until she can get a place on her own", Qui-Gon said as he hoisted Obi-Wan better up in his arms. "You can visit her when you're free, but otherwise you will stay with master Yoda. He will explain everything for you, okay?"
The boy nodded and Shmi came from the kitchen.
"I've made lunch", she announced.
"I'll put Obi-Wan to bed; lunch has to wait for him."
The Jedi moved into his Padawan's room and smiled a bit. Scattered around the whole room was unfinished projects. A bit of a droid was in the corner, and a part of a ship was hooked up in the roof. Qui-Gon laid down Obi-Wan gently on the bed and removed his boots. The younger man moved a bit but did not wake up.
"Sleep tight", Qui-Gon murmured against Obi-Wan's temple before moving out.
-
The Padawan slept through the whole day, while Qui-Gon took out the two Skywalkers for sight-seeing in Coruscant. He awoke when they got back and blinked. He sat up and yawned while stretching. He felt great. Qui-Gon came inside and smiled.
"Should I say 'Good morning' or 'Good evening' to you?" he said.
"I-I slept the whole day?" Obi-Wan stammered.
"It was good for you", the older Jedi said and sat down on the bed. "Are you feeling better now?"
"Great", the apprentice said and fingered on the blanket.
Qui-Gon leaned forward and gave him a quick hug and said:
"Let's go and have some dinner."
Obi-Wan nodded and smiled a bit. Qui-Gon felt like that smile was the most wonderful thing in the whole galaxy at that moment.
-
Anakin had no clear memory of the last five days. Seeing Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon meditate, training sword-fighting or bickering like two children was the fun parts; follow them on meetings were the boring parts. Qui-Gon took them out on another visit in the city, this time with Obi-Wan. The two of them, Obi-Wan and Anakin, had run off to the strangest stores just to see what they sold. The older ones, Qui-Gon and Shmi, just followed after them, sometimes walking and sometimes running.
As they came into the apartment late at night, Anakin was asleep in Shmi's arms. She was strong despite her small form and easily carried the boy to his temporary bed. Qui-Gon and his Padawan put away their boots and the few things they had actually bought. Obi-Wan had surprised his master by buying Qui-Gon's favourite tea, and the older Jedi watched it fondly before putting it away.
Obi-Wan checked their messages in case there had been something important during the day; the queen had been informed about the situation with Palatine, told to her in person by Yoda and Mace. Even with the close relationship she and her people had with Palatine she took it really good. She had changed her plans and unknowingly destroyed Palatine's, but was probably returning to Naboo soon despite the war going on. She was still caring a lot more about her people than her own safety.
"Anything?" Qui-Gon said.
"No", the apprentice answered. "Only that queen Amidala is impatient."
"The senate works really slowly sometimes", the older Jedi said and walked up beside him. "I hope they will reach a solution soon. No people should need to suffer as Naboo's people have."
Obi-Wan nodded and looked out the window. He hid a yawn behind his hand, but Qui-Gon caught the movement.
"Go to sleep Padawan", he advised.
"Think I'm gonna do it", the apprentice said after another yawn.
Qui-Gon watched his Padawan stumble to his bedroom and chuckled before returning to the kitchen. He made some tea and watched as Shmi came in. She sat down by the table and said:
"I never thought Anakin could run that fast."
"I never thought Obi-Wan could either, so that makes two of us", Qui-Gon replied. "We will probably be called to return to Naboo soon, and--"
"I know", Shmi interrupted. "Anakin needs to go with you. Even I know when something is not right despite not being a Jedi."
Qui-Gon looked at her, and then said with a smug expression:
"Are you really sure you aren't a Jedi? You just made a very good impression of me."
Shmi's laughter echoed in the apartment.
-
Anakin had met with his future master, and was at the moment bouncing around in the apartment, telling his mother every detail. The two Jedis watched with amusement on as he ranted on. After 30 minutes the boy finally calmed down. Shmi went to prepare lunch, ignoring Qui-Gon's weak protests and the three of them sat down. Anakin turned to the Padawan and said:
"Master Yoda said that you lifted a space-ship when you were little. Is that true?"
"Well, you can say that", Obi-Wan said and scratched his head.
"Wow", Anakin whispered. "Cool."
Obi-Wan smiled and was inwardly glad that the boy was not jealous. At the moment Anakin said:
"You think you can help me when I'm going to become a Jedi?!"
"Masters are there for a reason", the apprentice said.
"I know, but it would be cool learning from you!" the boy said with a bright smile.
"Let's see what master Yoda says about that", the young man said and Anakin grinned.
Qui-Gon just smiled at them before returning to his datapad, which, at the moment, he wanted to stomp at and blast it away. Amidala was making her move. Returning to Naboo the next day.
The older Jedi sighed and looked at his apprentice and Anakin; he needed to tell them that soon. After lunch maybe…
-
He never got a chance to warn them. Two hours after lunch, Mace suddenly came in and Qui-Gon looked up startled at him.
"What's wrong?" he said.
"You need to go with the queen now", Mace said. "He is going to kill her."
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon leapt up and with the help of the dark-skinned Jedi they were ready in a few minutes. Anakin brought some things and Mace said to Shmi:
"I will take you to a friend, and she will protect you. No one sees you as a threat so you will be fine."
She nodded, nervous, as she packed her last things. The three Jedis moved out first, Anakin quickly following and Shmi last. Mace turned to them and said:
"Platform 3 in 15 minutes. I can't come with you; it isn't safe to leave Shmi alone at this moment."
"What happened?" Obi-Wan said.
"Palatine knows", the oldest Jedi said. "And he wants blood. Obi's blood the most, so you better protect him Qui."
The master paled and suddenly had a tight grip on his Padawan. Obi-Wan said weakly:
"Then we better hurry."
"Good suggestion", Mace said. "May the Force be with you all."
Mace and Shmi hurried down one way, the rest of them the other way. Anakin clutched Obi-Wan's robe and was looking around. People were running through hallways, past them, into them. Qui-Gon had a good grip on his Padawan and Anakin had a good grip on Obi-Wan's robe so they did not get separated.
Finally they came to platform 3 and were relived when they saw the queen waiting. She seemed to release a breath and smiled weakly as they came.
"Are we late?" Qui-Gon said.
"No, a bit early", Amidala answered. "I'm so glad you made it; master Windu said he would try to get you."
"Quite a nasty surprise he came with, but he came nonetheless", the older Jedi said and took a look around. "Are we waiting for someone?"
"Panaka is coming with the pilots", the queen said. "Then we're leaving."
As on cue, the captain showed up. Their pilots quickly made their way to the ship to get it started and Amidala strode up. Qui-Gon looked at his Padawan and Anakin and said:
"Are you two alright?"
"As good as I can be", Obi-Wan said. "Master, what will happen? Palatine--"
"--will be taken care off", Qui-Gon said. "You should not underestimate Yoda and Mace together. And don't forget about the rest of the council. They believe you as well, as they have seen your visions through Yoda's eyes."
Obi-Wan nodded jerkily and Anakin took the young man's hand instead and pulled him gently towards the ship. Qui-Gon followed and the hatch closed after them.
The trip back to Naboo began.
Tbc…
I. Am. Deeply. Sorry. For. The. Delay.
Um, I'll try make the next chapter faster. I've had a long period now where I had no inspiration to write anything, but hopefully it's over. I'm lagging behind with everything I write ;
Next chapter will be about the trip to Naboo, landing and the meeting with the Gungans. Or something like that, dunno yet. No chapter-name yet.
Be patient with me; I'm a slow worker ;
Until next time (hopefully soon),
Ja,
Tiro