Author's Note: Hey readers, I'm back. Hope you didn't miss me too much. :) This chapter is loosely based on chapter 6 in the original version, which as far as I know isn't available anywhere online, since I never added it to the Wattpad version of the story. It was in the old version, so if you've read that you might remember it. If you haven't, don't worry. You're not missing much. This version is shorter, sexier and more exciting (as is the whole story, I hope).
Obi-Wan's behaviour in this chapter is seriously inappropriate for anyone in a position of authority, but if you've read this far you probably don't mind that. :) Anakin's conservative prejudices come out towards the end of the chapter. I've always pictured him as sexually conservative because of how quickly he marries Padme in canon and his general authoritarianism, but if that bothers you, feel free to skip those parts.
There's also an OC, but don't worry if you hate her. She won't be a big part of the story. She's just there to mess with Anakin, LOL.
Chapter 5: The Choice
On the morning of his Trials, Anakin took in the Coruscant skyline from one of the Jedi Temple's twelve garden-ringed, outdoor sparring arenas. The rising sun glinted off distinct skyscrapers, giving them a rosy tinge. Speeders trickled towards them, their exhaust gases scenting the cool air. He breathed in, relieved his throat had finally healed.
A month ago, Anakin had stood in this exact spot and gazed at the Senate Apartment Complex, longing to see Padme. Having barely slept in days, thanks to the visions of his mother, he'd looked decades older. His Jedi training had become an afterthought.
Accustomed to relying on his natural abilities, Anakin had never expected to lose to a weaker, yet more experienced, Obi-Wan. When he did, it had devastated him. Worse still, his master had looked into his worn-out eyes and told him that until he overcame his need to prove himself, he'd remain a Padawan.
But these words had likely carried a hidden meaning. Obi-Wan had wanted his student to stop viewing him as a rival, so he'd notice how intensely he cared for him. Anakin's need for victory had indeed blinded him.
But no more. His master had defeated him countless times since they returned to the Temple, but Anakin didn't mind. Each loss had helped him calibrate his synthetic hand. He'd also made it bulkier by covering it in armoured plating, earning many appreciative stares and touches from Obi-Wan.
By their seventh session Anakin had fully optimised the device, yet his skills kept improving. Three days later he was once again outperforming his master, but instead of gloating he thanked his opponent. He could no longer deny the source of his strength.
Soft footsteps echoed behind him. He smiled. He'd been looking forward to Obi-Wan's arrival.
"Hello there," said the approaching Jedi. "You look tense. Let me help." He massaged his Padawan's shoulders with tender squeezes.
Anakin gasped. Was he dreaming? Since returning to Coruscant, he'd dreamed of Padme and his master equally often. Choosing between them would be tougher than he'd expected.
Obi-Wan separated his Padawan's linked hands and held them at his sides. "How does that feel?" he asked.
"Much better," said Anakin. He hadn't noticed he had his arms behind him. The pose made him look more confident and disciplined, but maintaining it was tiring.
"You're finally wearing the glove Padme got you." Obi-Wan tickled the hand that wore it, then resumed rubbing his Padawan's collarbone.
Anakin leaned against the marble pillar beside him to stabilise himself. He wasn't the only one who'd gotten more skilled. "I'd rather not get electrocuted right before my Trials," he said. Before leaving his room, he had, for the first time since receiving R2, instructed him to stay put. Padme was right. Obi-Wan wouldn't stroke him with such reverence if he didn't sense goodness in him. His violent acts must've been an aberration, but he'd tell his master of them — eventually.
"Ah yes," said Obi-Wan, "when the sun sets tonight, you'll no longer be my student." This was true whether Anakin passed the Trails or not. If he failed, he'd be sent to the Jedi Service Core and spend his life apart from his dear mentor. "I'll be reporting to the High Council Chamber at midday. You're to come an hour later."
Anakin's heart sank. "We're not going together? What does the Council want with you?" Obi-Wan had done his best to ensure they were alone before making a move and hadn't done anything that couldn't be excused as masterly affection. But all attachments were forbidden. Could the lovestruck Jedi be in trouble?
"No idea," said Obi-Wan. "Master Windu passed on the instructions while I was walking here but didn't elaborate. He also told me they'd condensed your Trials so they could focus on fighting the Clone War." The brutal conflict between the Republic and the Separatists now had a name. "But they haven't made them any easier."
"It's strange they're not telling you more. Rumour has it they're planning to make you a Jedi Master, once I've passed the Trials."
"They are? But I haven't done much besides training you."
"I'd say that counts for something, seeing as I'm the Chosen One" said Anakin, with a brief chuckle. "And if you hadn't discovered the clones, we'd never have captured Geonosis."
"So, it's the war that'll make me a Master," said Obi-Wan, sighing. He no doubt preferred to be rewarded for his diplomatic talents. "If the Council believes I'm ready to teach the next generation of younglings, I'll yield to their judgement. But it'll mean less time to practise with you."
"You'll won't have time either way," said Anakin. "They're expecting you to take on another Padawan." There was talk of a young Togruta that had her eye on his current master.
"Well, there is one solution," said Obi-Wan. He stepped forward to stand beside his Anakin, laid an arm around his waist and gently drummed his fingers against his abdomen.
His pupil turned to face him. "You're referring to your offer."
Obi-Wan nodded. "If we married, I could whisper duelling advice to you each night before we fall asleep. That way, we wouldn't be wasting time we could've spent on our duties or …" He lowered his voice. "... other activities."
"That could work," said Anakin, his blood rushing to his groin. With Obi-Wan's help, he'd soon be stronger than ever and his lingering desire to gain strength through violence would vanish. But he'd be giving up Padme and exploiting his closest friend. Would his master settle for being chosen out of power lust? And well, actual lust.
"In the meantime, shall we get started on your last practice session as my student?"
"We should. The Council's already robbed us of an hour together".
"Don't worry about that. You can use the time to lie down and relax. Meditate for me." Obi-Wan caressed his Anakin's hip as he let go of him.
"For you?" His Padawan blushed. The devious Jedi probably expected him to do something else while alone in his bedroom. "You mean..."
Obi-Wan sniggered. "That's right."
Anakin's eyes lit up. "Yes, Master," he said, but it wasn't an order. It was permission.
In the Temple basement, Anakin sprinted down a sloping passage, his thick robes drawn tight to guard him from the chilly air. Dismembered B1-Series battle droids clattered to the floor behind him, their remains hissing. The dense darkness was broken only by his lightsabre, the countdown displays and the flickering night-vision cameras.
Did the Council have to watch his every move? If they wanted to know how quickly he could destroy the cheap combat units they'd confiscated from the Trade Federation, they could've waited at his destination with a datapad. Their obviously made-up story about Separatists planting primitive explosives under the Temple was also pointless.
But Anakin had no choice but to play along with their silly game. In the south-eastern corner of the basement, a burning rope — Windu had called it a fuse — awaited him. If he cut it before the countdown ran out, he'd be "two or three" steps closer to becoming a Jedi Knight, according to Ki Adi Mundi.
Two bulky B2 super battle droids marched toward Anakin. Though better armoured than their smaller counterparts, they were no match for him. He set his blade to full power, lopped off their arms and sliced through their abdomens. Their spindly legs stumbled and collapsed.
Anakin didn't stop to savour the scent of their smoking remains, though he could've. The droids were useless against him, his target was near and he had ten whole minutes left. Was this the Council's idea of a challenge?
A harsh cry rang through the passage. While darting around in search of its source, Anakin slipped on the smooth floor and fell. He stuck out his arms to stop himself sliding downward and cursed under his breath, hoping the cameras' microphones wouldn't pick up his voice. His Padawan braid, damp from the shower he'd taken after doing as Obi-Wan had instructed, graced his cheek.
Then came a second scream, louder and horribly familiar. Anakin rose to his feet and stalked toward its source — a crack in a wall panel on his left. He peered through the gap into a side chamber packed with patrolling enemies. Most were standard battle droids with several of the larger, more advanced units making up the rear.
Obi-Wan was chained to the wall behind them, twisting in agony. A roaring generator pumped electricity into his shackles.
Was this why his master had been asked to meet the Council an hour before his Trials? Had they knocked him out and imprisoned him? Did they know of Obi-Wan's forbidden attraction? He should've known better than to let their shoulders rub together as they strolled through Temple halls.
But cruelty wasn't the Jedi way and his master was too perceptive to let this happen. He was safe and had stayed hidden, so his Padawan could pass the Trial of Insight by seeing through the Council's deception. That was more likely. The Force was telling Anakin so and to rescue a fake would cost three of the eight minutes he had left, after his wasteful deliberating.
He willed himself to move on, but his legs stiffened at the sight of Obi-Wan's writhing form. His master, or whoever it was, fell silent. His body hung limp, as Anakin's mother's had in the Tuskan hut.
"I know what you're doing," the Jedi Padawan shouted to the cameras. "It's not Obi-Wan in there. You're tricking me so you can find out whether I'd sacrifice my best friend's life for your moronic mission. Well, here's your answer."
Anakin thrust his sabre into the panel, carved out an opening and charged into the chamber. He sliced through the droids like they were made of flimsiplast, his strikes quicker and more precise than ever. Their fiery blasts struck his sides and back, but he gritted his teeth and kept fighting.
It took him only two minutes to wipe out the combat units. He'd somehow underestimated what Obi-Wan's training had done for him, as had the Council.
Anakin stepped over the droids' severed torsos and limbs to reach the generator. He hacked it to pieces, then he turned his attention to the unconscious captive. He rested a hand on the being's chest and couldn't help sighing in relief when he found a faint pulse.
After putting his weapon away, Anakin tore open the shackles and caught the falling prisoner. He held him close as he staggered back to the main passage. It was now teeming with battle droids. Had the Council programmed them to swarm him if he saved his master? It didn't matter. He could still crush them.
As his attackers raised their blasters, Anakin hoisted the rescued prisoner onto his shoulder and reignited his sabre. The combat units closed in and fired. He spun back and forth deflecting their shots. The closest droids fell in seconds. Maybe the defensive techniques Obi-Wan had spent hours teaching him weren't useless after all.
Anakin jogged onward, his progress slowed by the flood of enemies and his precious load. Soon the floor levelled. He was almost there, but only thirty seconds remained in the countdown. He rounded a bend, spotted a distant flame and pelted toward it, dodging around the advancing droids.
When he reached the rope, its fiery end was snaking toward a hole in the wall. He knelt to the ground and stabbed it moments before it slipped away. The flame fizzled out. The droids powered down and the countdown froze with two seconds to go. He'd done it. Not the way the Council had wanted him to, but they'd only given him one order.
On his right, the doors of a turbo-lift sprung open and Anakin boarded it. As it ascended, he checked its walls and ceiling for cameras, then pulled the prisoner off his shoulder and cradled him tenderly.
Was it really his master? Anakin stroked his cheek with his flesh hand. It was icy and rough. He snorted. "You're not him," he said, yet he didn't regret his decision. It would've been impossible to focus on the mission while there was the slightest possibility Obi-Wan was in danger. "What are you?"
"I'll show you once you let go, creep," the being said, in spiteful tone unworthy of his master's mouth. "I'm not ashamed of who I am, not like those wussy assassins."
While sorely tempted to drop the ungrateful creature, Anakin set him down gently, hoping he'd get answers. Seconds later an olive-green female alien with sunken cheeks and scars on her right arm stood before him. A lashaa silk garment, like those worn by the enslaved dancers on Tatooine, highlighted her curvy figure. "You're a Changeling?" he asked.
"Duh," she said. "How else could I imitate your boyfriend?"
"Obi-Wan's not my boyfriend."
"Then why'd you risk your knighthood to save him?" asked the shapeshifter, "Not to mention the way you held him just now. I can't blame you. He's damn fine but he's no actor, so the Council hired me. They got him to hook me up to the machine — it did nothing but make noise, of course — and give me some pointers on how to convince you I was him. Told me if you saved me, I had to act like I was into you but trying to hide it from the cameras. Figured it be easier to keep pretending I was unconscious."
Anakin laughed. "Didn't think you could hide it, did you?"
The Changeling rolled her eyes. "Just tell your cutie that when he gets sick of you, he can find me in the lower levels of the Uscru District. I'll even give him a free sample."
Anakin shuddered. So that was her regular job. Her shapeshifting abilities no doubt gave her an edge in that field. At least she didn't use them to hunt innocent senators. "He's not interested, no Jedi is." There were those in the Order who satisfied their physical urges without getting attached, but they'd never exploit Coruscant's underclass.
"You kidding, right? I ain't naming names, but half my clients are Jedi. How'd you think I got this gig?"
That couldn't be true. She had to be messing with him. "Guess you're the obvious choice for anyone looking to avoid attachment."
"Damn right," she said, as if it were compliment. "Not that it'll make a difference once your boyfriend's kicked out of the Order."
Anakin's chest constricted. "What?"
"You heard me. After what you did down there, it won't be long 'til the Council realises you two got something going on. And then it's bye-bye Kenobi."
"Why Obi-Wan? I'm the one who chose him over their dumb game."
"But you didn't fall for your Padawan, did you?" she said, "That's way worse than the other way around. At least according to most of the galaxy. I'm not one to judge."
The lift halted. Its doors flung open to reveal the circular entrance hall that led to the High Council Chamber.
In its centre stood the real Obi-Wan. The changeling caught his eye and bit her lip as she pranced past him to collect her payment. Anakin winced as his master returned her wave. He should've stopped the elevator midway up and pushed her out — using the Force obviously.
He greeted his overly friendly master with a tight hug and moaned as their chests pressed together. No matter what the Council thought of his choice, one thing was certain. Obi-Wan wasn't going anywhere.
I'll admit, I find Anakin's sudden jealousy at the end very sexy. Part of me wonders if Obi-Wan asked the Changeling to act that way to improve his chances with Anakin, but I doubt he'd need to. He is gorgeous and his Padawan's already getting enough (well-deserved) attention, so having the Changeling prefer Obi-Wan is an interesting change.
And yes, that first part references the scene from Disney's Kenobi show even though other chapters use Legends stuff like the Crystal Cave on Dantooine. I pick and chose whatever works for my story.
Also, did anyone catch the reference to the Revenge of the Sith novelisation? If you're an Obikin shipper and you haven't read it, I highly recommend it.