Author's Note: Okay my friends this is where I really start adding new ideas and characters to the story, I started writing in 2002 and there is one major spoiler for The Clone Wars going forward so read on with caution and I have to admit I've only just finished season six so I don't even know all the answers yet. Hope you enjoy and I hope I can get Satine's character as well as I do the others when I actually bring her in.
Chapter 6
Obi-Wan smiled as Pooja started playing with his hair as he carried her to bed. He truly loved children and couldn't wait for Anakin's twins to come so that he could spoil them and teach them all the tricks Anakin had pulled on him over the years.
"Master Obi-Wan, will you tell us a story?" Pooja asked as the knight tucked her in.
Kenobi smiled and looked over at where Sola and Darred were getting Pooja's older sister to bed, "Would that be all right?" He asked.
"It's up to you Master Kenobi," Sola said with a smile while she and her husband helped Pooja into bed. "We do usually tell them a story before they go to bed."
"It would be my honor," Obi-Wan replied with a small smile.
"Thank you, Master," Darred said before kissing Pooja good night and moving for Ryoo while his wife repeated the routine. "One story girls, then lights out." The children settled down as their parents walked towards the door and the Jedi Knight found a chair to place between the beds. "And no playing during the story or Master Kenobi won't finish."
"Yes, daddy." Came the answer in unison once the ground rules were laid.
"Good night." Sola and Darred said, giving their daughters each a smile before they left the room.
"What kinds of stories do you two like?" Kenobi asked as he used the Force to dim the lights so that the walls were bathed in a calming glow.
"Happy stories," Pooja said as she hugged her Wookiee doll close to her chest.
"Funny stories," Ryoo answered while she grabbed her own Wookiee doll from its nest of pillows.
Obi-Wan smiled funny and happy stories he could do, "Would you like me to tell you about Master Jinn's home world?"
His answer came in the form of two bright smiles…
(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)(*)
As soon as his audience was fast asleep Obi-Wan slipped out of their room and into his own. He had enjoyed telling the children his memories of his father's home world. He had always felt more at home on Nir'duin than Coruscant and had always counted the days till Qui-Gon would take them home twice a year when he was a boy.
He groaned and stifled a cough as he grabbed his cloak and wrapped it about himself as he knelt in a circle of unlit candles. Normally he wouldn't meditate with candles but the fever he was beginning to run was making his mind a little fuzzy. Kenobi lit the candles with a wave of his hand and relaxed into the Force and the Jedi Meditation Trance as he reached out to contact his twin. Christian. He sent it to his brother. Can you hear me?
It only took a few moments before the knight felt a familiar presence in the back of his mind. Obi-Wan?
Obi-Wan felt like jumping for joy. Yes, Christian, it's me.
Oh, thank the Lady. Christian sent back with a sigh of relief. Are you all right? Ashoka and I feared the worst when we heard about our Temples. Were you, Da, or our little brother hurt?
No, we're fine. His brother said before sending a mental shrug. At least we're as fine as we were seven months ago.
Obi-Wan! The other said; his annoyance bled through their bond. You never could lie to me when we were children, so don't start now. What happened?
Obi-Wan sighed and ran a hand over his face. Anakin was wounded two weeks ago on the planet we were hiding; he'll be fine in a few days. I have him in a Healing Trance.
Has Padme had her twins yet? Christian asked happily. I got Anakin's letter right before we left Corellia; I can't believe I'm going to be an uncle!
The older Kenobi twin smiled before answering. No, she's not due for another two months. Where are you? He asked. You feel so close.
We've been on Naboo for the past two months. Ashoka and I were sent to Mandalore to help Duchess Satine against Darth Maul and after we captured him, we were with her on our way to Coruscant when Order 66 went out. Captain Rex and Satine are two of the reasons we're alive. The other answered.
That and the mention of the Duchess Satine Kryze of Mandalore caused Obi-Wan to open his eyes and almost lose the connection. He had loved Satine since he spent several months guarding her as a Padawan while Qui-Gon and his brother tracked down her assassins. You're on Naboo! So am I!
Really, where are you? Christian asked a little shocked himself.
The Lake Country, in a home called Verykino. That was the answer.
I'm staying at a hotel in Theed called The Republic. The blind man replied while trying to hide the guilt that he felt for his situation. The owners are hiding me, Ashoka, Rex, and Duchess Satine who had to flee Mandalore after Order 66.
Satine… Obi-Wan let his mental and emotional shields slip a little when he thought of the woman he loved.
It's okay Obi-Wan. Christian sent a knowing hug through the bond he had with his twin brother. She loves you too. Da, Anakin, and I have always known she was the one for you when the time was right.
Tell her I'm sorry I couldn't be there. Obi-Wan said as he finally let his feelings out into the Force. Anakin…
She understands that you and our father needed to be there for our brother and that you were not physically capable of being there due to your back injury. Dark Side Manipulation and the other things that Sidious did… Christian went quiet for a few moments as he collected himself. Is Ani all right? I am so proud of him for not only resisting Sidious' attempts as well as he did for so long but also for doing what he did before Order 66 went out and just afterward.
He still feels tainted and unworthy of any praise, love, or understanding. Obi-Wan said before admitting. Da and I are struggling to help him.
Perhaps, Lady-willing I can help him. The younger Kenobi twin said before admitting. There are times when I feel the same way considering my blindness.
Oh, Christian… Obi-Wan said while sending love and comfort through their bond for a few moments before remembering part of why he had tried contacting him. Padme is arranging for you and Ashoka to stay with us but I'm sure Rex and Satine will be welcome as well once she and her family hears. You'll be safe here.
Christian hesitated, are you sure?
Yes! His brother shouted.
Oh, Obi-Wan. The younger twin sent with a laugh. Don't shout; I'm blind, not deaf. I'll come but it'll have to be tomorrow.
I'll come to get you. Obi-Wan told him.
No Obi, it's too dangerous and you're sick and in pain. I can feel it; your back still hasn't healed yet, has it? Christian asked concerned.
No. His brother answered and hissed in pain as his back flared up as he thought about it. But please don't tell Da about how bad I feel. He is already worried about Ani and you. He shouldn't be worrying about me on top of that.
He's sick Obi. It wasn't a question. I've been feeling things from him the past few months, and everything has been telling me he hasn't been well.
Obi-Wan winced when he remembered that one of his brother's gifts included being able to read slight changes in a person's Force Signature. He's dying Christian; he has Asacalare's disease.
Which is another reason you need to stay at Verykino. Christian stated. Go now, get some rest and we'll be together soon. Come what may Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan smiled at the way he and his family had always said 'I love you', come what may Christian, until tomorrow. He said before coming out of the meditation trance.
Kenobi then stood and stretched his throbbing back, before using the Force to extinguish the candles. He quietly placed the candles back in their box and returned them to the hall closet before proceeding to join his father.
Obi-Wan allowed himself a small smile as he walked silently down the hall toward Anakin's room and turned when he felt a presence behind him. Ryoo and Pooja were standing behind him, each clutching their stuffed Wookiee dolls, "Hello there." He said walking over to them and kneeling with difficulty. "Isn't it a little late for you two to be out of bed?"
"We wanted to check on Uncle Ani and Master Qui-Gon was there," Pooja told him.
"Yes, he's making sure your uncle is comfortable," Obi-Wan said with a smile. "But what are you two still doing up?"
"Master Qui-Gon asked us to bring him this," Ryoo said holding up a medium-sized black bag.
Kenobi recognized it as the bag holding Qui-Gon's medication and swallowed hard, "Thank you little ones." He said while somehow keeping a straight face as he took the bag from Ryoo. "I'll take this to Master Qui-Gon. Why don't you two get back to bed now; I will take you to visit your uncle first thing tomorrow morning."
Both girls nodded happily and turned back to their room, "Good night, Master Obi-Wan." Pooja whispered, turning her head, and waving at him.
The young knight smiled and waved back as he stood, "Good night, Pooja." He called back before watching the two children walk down the hall and turn for their room. Obi-Wan sighed and smiled sadly as he continued toward the room where his wounded brother lay. Kenobi went into the room quietly and knelt by his father's side. "Da, are you all right?" He asked in Nir'duinain as he placed a hand on the other man's arm.
Qui-Gon looked from the book he was reading and gave the young man a tired smile, "I'm fine Obi-Wan, I see you intercepted my little messengers." He said in the same language, indicating the bag in Kenobi's hand.
"Yes, I sent them back to bed," Obi-Wan told him with a sigh.
"Were you able to contact Christian?" Jinn asked while giving his oldest son a hopeful look.
Kenobi smiled widely, "Yes, he's safe. He and Ashoka have been here, on Naboo for the past two months with Captain Rex and Duchess Satine of Mandalore. A couple has been hiding them in their hotel in Theed and he said that he could come tomorrow if we could arrange it."
"Thank The Lady," Qui-Gon said glancing skyward in thanks to the main Nir'duinain Deity. "Although I won't be able to take a deep breath until I see him." He then cocked his head, taken by surprise but then smiled softly the more he thought about it. "Captain Rex and the Duchess Satine? We owe them a debt I think considering I felt an old adversary of ours resurface just before Order 66 was given."
"Maul," Obi-Wan said softly before dropping his head as he started crying. "I'm sorry Da…"
"Oh Ben…" Jinn used the Force to close the door before getting up and getting on the floor as he gathered his son into his arms. "I'm right here my brave little firedragon." He whispered in Nir'duinain. "Anakin is here and so is Padme and little Luke and Leia and soon we will have Christian and little Ashoka and you can finally begin your life with Satine. You have always given every bit of yourself to others and that is what makes you such an honorable man. It's time you take something for yourself and be happy. Like Ani."
"Do I have your blessing Da? If she'll have me?" Kenobi asked in Nir'duinain as he looked up at his father.
"Of course, you do," Qui-Gon said with a smile before kissing the side of Obi-Wan's head.
Obi-Wan then remembered his father's medication bag and held it up as he used his other hand to dry the remnants of his tears, "Do you need any help with this?"
The Jedi Master gave the other a tired sigh "No I just need to take my evening dose of medication." He said before wincing as he got up off the floor and then steadied himself against his chair when a wave of dizziness came over him.
"Da." Kenobi quickly got to his feet and helped his father sit down before getting him a little bit of water.
"I'm all right," Jinn said with another small smile as he squeezed his oldest son's hand before accepting the water. "Thank you." He said before looking at Anakin who had been trying to reach out along their bonds when he felt his father and brother's distress. "Tell your brother the good news while I take what I need to."
Obi-Wan nodded and smiled a little as he went over to the Padawan's side. The knight exhaled and took a deep breath before placing a hand on the wounded man's forehead. Ani? He sent through the Force.
Obi-Wan. Came the worried reply. Are you and Da all right?
We're fine little brother. Kenobi said before admitting. We were just working through a painful memory.
Darth Maul? Skywalker asked sadly. I'm sorry… I remember just enough…
Peace little one. Obi-Wan said in Nir'duinain as he ran a hand through his brother's short sandy blond hair. We're all right.
Did you find Christian and Snips? Anakin asked softly in the same language.
Yes. Kenobi sent back. They've been hiding in Theed with Captain Rex and the Duchess Satine of Mandalore for the past two months.
Wow… The Padawan said at the mention of Rex and Satine. But leave it to them to hide right under our noses.
Both Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon laughed at Anakin's response. I agree little one. Jinn said with an amused smile.
I'm going to try and sleep now. The Padawan said.
Good night, Ani. Obi-Wan sent as he ran a hand through the young man's short hair again.
Good night my son. Qui-Gon said as he stood and went over to stand next to Kenobi. He leaned over and gently planted a kiss on Skywalker's forehead. May the light of the first-born fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night.
May the light of the firstborn fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night Da. Anakin said as he responded to the traditional Nir'duinain prayer. May the light of the firstborn fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night Ben.
May the light of the firstborn fill your dreams with peace and may The Lady guard you through the night Anakin. Obi-Wan said with a smile before allowing the connection to fade off.
Qui-Gon sighed and moved to sit down again while Obi-Wan watched and fidgeted. The tired Jedi Master was oblivious to it for a few moments until he glanced in Kenobi's direction, "What is it Obi-Wan?" He asked before raising an eyebrow.
"Da, would you mind if I took a look at you." The knight asked as the medical side of him kicked in again. "Just so I know how best to help you if something happens."
Jinn sighed and thought for a moment, "All right little one but I'm telling you right now. I am fine."
Obi-Wan smiled and left the room for a few minutes, returning with the light pack of compact medical equipment that was standard for a Jedi Healer to carry while on missions. He again knelt in front of his father, wincing slightly as pain shot down his back and through his chest. All this kneeling is killing me. He thought dryly as he pulled out a small scanner.
Kenobi made notes about Qui-Gon's heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure in a small notebook that he always carried with his Medical Equipment. All of Jinn's vitals were normal, except for some chest congestion. But that didn't surprise him considering Asacalare's disease affected the respiratory system but Obi-Wan knew the biggest change would most likely be in Jinn's blood tests.
"Well?" Qui-Gon asked giving his worried son a warm smile.
"Everything looks fine, except a little chest congestion," Kenobi told him. "But I want to do a blood test."
"Naturally," Jinn said already rolling up his sleeve.
Obi-Wan smiled at his father's faith in his abilities, "How are you feeling?" He asked as he pulled out what he would need for a full blood workup.
"Truthfully, my energy level is not what it used to be." The Jedi Master admitted as Obi-Wan drew some blood.
The Jedi Knight looked up and swallowed hard before speaking, "But you're not coughing up any blood, are you?"
Qui-Gon sighed before shaking his head, "No."
Obi-Wan sent a silent prayer of thanks to the heavens. Now he could ask about the things he already knew, "How has the pain been tonight?"
"Not bad, I'm a little uncomfortable but so far I don't feel like I need to take anything," Jinn said as the eldest of his twins read the results of the tests and tried to hide the worried look on his face. "What is it Obi-Wan?"
"No wonder you're feeling weaker," Kenobi said after taking a breath. "Your red blood cell count is way below normal, which means you have less oxygen traveling through your body."
"The healer told me this would happen." The older man said before running a hand through his hair. "But didn't tell me what I could do about it."
"In our situation, a blood transfusion is the best way to go but the effects would only be temporary," Obi-Wan explained. "I have the equipment needed for transfusions and I've done them on my own before, but we would need to do it about once a week. Depending on how you're feeling and what your blood tests say."
Jinn shook his head sadly, "Obi-Wan I have a rare blood type." He reminded his son.
What's wrong?" Questioned a voice behind them.
Obi-Wan turned to see Padme standing in the doorway with a worried look on her face, "Padme, what are you doing up." He asked as he stood and went over to her. "Are you all right?"
"I needed to go to the Refresher, and I wanted to check on Anakin before I went back to bed." She explained as she came into the room. "Is everything all right?"
"Qui-Gon needs a blood transfusion," Kenobi said before glancing at the floor. "He is extremely anemic."
"Which is why he's so tired all the time?" Padme asked before both Jedi nodded.
"But he has a rare blood type." The Jedi Knight told her sadly.
"What type is he?" The young woman asked worried for her husband's father. Obi-Wan showed her the Data pad and she immediately brightened up. "Paddy Accu, the groundskeeper, and my brother-in-law that's their blood type too. Can they donate?"
"I'll have to run some tests on both of them," Obi-Wan replied before sighing tiredly. "But if they and Qui-Gon are a match yes they can."
"Padme, I don't want to be a problem for you and your family. They're already risking enough just by hiding us here." Qui-Gon said as he got to his feet.
"Qui-Gon you're hardly a problem, I'll talk to Paddy in the morning." Padme went over and the older man and drew him into a hug. "Please; you're like a second father to me and I don't want to lose you like this."
The Jedi Master sighed in contentment as he returned the embrace and smiled as he held his daughter-in-law away from him, "I'm not planning on going anywhere yet Padme. I'm honored that you love me the way you do because you are the daughter I never had." He pressed her close again when she began crying. "It's all right Padme."
"I'm sorry Qui-Gon," Padme said through her tears before she buried her face into the soft material of his tunic. "I'm sorry."
Jinn smiled softly and motioned for his oldest son to join them before he began rubbing her back and shoulders, "You have nothing to be sorry for Padme, just let it all out child."
At that, the young woman began sobbing and held nothing back, "Why did he do it!" She cried. "Why did he destroy everything we both worked so hard for?"
"Palpatine is a Sith Lord Padme." Obi-Wan said as he embraced her from behind. "They feel nothing but hate and lust after nothing but power."
"This is all my fault." She spoke. "I put forward the motion that put that monster in power of the Senate."
"No," Qui-Gon said before lifting her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. "None of this is your fault nor is it Anakin's or the Jedi Order's. The only one who is at fault for Palpatine's actions is Palpatine himself." The Jedi Master smiled softly and ran a hand through the young woman's dark hair. "Do you understand me?"
"Yes," Padme said as she laid her head against his chest. The room was quiet for a few moments before the young woman and the Jedi Master began to laugh softly.
"What?" Obi-Wan asked as he lifted his head to look over his sister-in-law's shoulder.
"One of the twins just kicked me in the stomach," Qui-Gon said before raising an eyebrow when it happened again. "Are they always this active this late at night?"
"Why do you think I had to use the Refresher?" Padme said as she let go of the Jedi Master.
Jinn smiled and shook his head gently as he crossed his arms, "You've been around Christian too much you poor girl."
Padme smiled back and turned to face Obi-Wan after Qui-Gon mentioned the other Kenobi twin, "Were you able to contact your brother Obi-Wan?"
Obi-Wan smiled and nodded, "He's safe and has been here, on Naboo with Ahsoka, Captain Rex, and the Duchess Satine of Mandalore for the past two months. A couple has been hiding them in their hotel in Theed."
The young woman smiled and thanked the Gods for the happy news; "That's wonderful news. My father and brother-in-law must run some errands in Theed tomorrow." She spoke. "They would be more than willing to give them a ride and Captain Rex, and Satine will be more than welcome."
"Thank you, Padme, and thank your father." Said Obi-Wan. "He just took a load off my mind." The Jedi Knight flinched when he remembered an important detail about his twin brother. "Your family doesn't mind animals, do they?"
Padme tilted her head and smiled. "No, my family loves animals, why?" Then she remembered. "Casey isn't a problem. I'll just have to explain to Ryoo and Pooja that the four-legged guest is off-limits when she has her harness on."
"Thank you," Obi-Wan said before remembering that Casey had retired about a month before the Temple on Coruscant fell. "Casey is no longer with us, and I haven't met her successor yet, but it is one of the pups from her last litter."
"Aww." The mother-to-be said at the thought of one of Casey's puppies from that litter, which were born the day before she and Anakin got married. "I can't wait to meet him or her." The young woman turned her attention to her husband. "How is Ani doing?"
Kenobi smiled a little and led Padme over to his younger brother, "He's doing well." Obi-Wan said untying the Padawan's bandages. "See his wounds are already starting to heal." The young woman looked and breathed a sigh of relief. The infection was already gone, and both wounds were starting to close. "Anakin is putting all of his energy into healing, that's why he's healing so fast. He'll be up and around in a few days."
"Thank the Force," Padme said as her brother-in-law tied the bandages around Anakin's chest and abdomen. "I was worried that his fever would start going up again."
Obi-Wan shrugged, "Da and…oh I'm sorry." He said after he had to cover his mouth when he started to yawn. "Da and I are keeping an eye on that. There is still a risk of it going up again but if it stays down over the next twenty-four hours then we won't have a problem."
"When was the last time you slept Obi-Wan?" Jinn asked when the younger man yawned again. The knight looked blank. "Go to bed." The Jedi Master held up his hand when it looked like his son was going to argue. "If you insist on giving me a blood transfusion tomorrow, I need you awake enough to know where you are going with that needle."
Padme couldn't help the smile that crept up onto her face at the sight of the defeated look on Obi-Wan's face, "Come on Obi-Wan." She said before grabbing his arm to drag him from the room. "It's been a long day, and I don't think you want to push your father's buttons the wrong way."
"I heard that," Qui-Gon said as the two left the room.