Incognito12 – I think Xan is definitely more willing to offend the Council or anyone else for Anakin's sake. He knows he is not the proper Jedi so doesn't feel the need to fit the mold.
Lillafiore – It took Xan a moment to get over the initial shock and panic, but he is already becoming quite attached to Anakin.
Jedi Master Misty Sman-Esay – Suffice to say that Xanatos is not on Palpy's favorite person list right now.
Valairy Scot – Thanks for checking in. As you know, Palpy is going to take this as more of a challenge than a hint.
beauty0102 – Thanks for reading.
Chapter 5
"I still don't believe you said that." Obi-Wan shook his head as he walked at Xanatos' side.
"I was very polite. Believe me, I could have said far worse."
"He is the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic, Xanatos."
"Ah, but he is just a man." Xanatos lifted a hand to hold off any protest. "A man with power granted, but still just a man. He should not have upset Anakin or questioned my motives, unless he has decided Jedi matters now fall under his jurisdiction. I do think even the Council would protest that."
"You do know he spoke with Master Yoda and Master Windu about your appalling behavior."
Xanatos stopped abruptly, whirling around. Obi-Wan could see his jaw clenched tightly. "If the Council wishes to speak to me, I don't want them using you as a go-between from now on. I watched you wedged between Master Qui-Gon and the Council for too long. It stops now."
"They mean well Xanatos."
"It's not fair to you."
They continued on in silence finally arriving at the door to their destination. Xanatos placed a comforting hand on Obi-Wan's shoulder.
"I still can take care of this, if you would like."
A slight smile stretched across pale lips. "Thanks. But, I want to do this. I need to do this."
"I feel like Anakin and I are booting you out of your home."
"This change was coming soon anyhow," the newly minted knight murmured.
Obi-Wan opened the door and stepped in – the first time back to his quarters since leaving for Naboo, the first time coming home without Qui-Gon. He stopped, frozen for a moment.
"Remember – take your time. We have as long as we need."
The common area of the quarters was plainly furnished with minimal personal effects. There wasn't much to sort or pack.
"You just can keep what is in the kitchen cupboards. It isn't well stocked anyhow."
"I know." Xanatos smirked. "What about the bookcase?"
Obi-Wan ran his fingers across the binders of the small collection of antique books. "You would probably be interested in some of them." Xanatos joined him at the bookcase and began looking over various titles as Obi-Wan removed a few books, packing them into a box. "I'll take these."
Xanatos arranged the remainder neatly to fill in the gaps. "The rest can stay."
"I suggest my room next."
Obi-Wan's room was easy; nearly everything was quickly packed. Obi-Wan found one last box in the top of his closet. He removed the lid and carefully picked up one of the model starfighters inside, rotating it in his fingers. "Do you think Anakin would like these? I'm a little old for them, but I didn't want to just get rid of them."
"You can leave them there and I'll ask later."
Obi-Wan replaced the lid, keeping the starfighter he had in his hand. Xanatos gave him a questioning look. "I thought you said you were too old."
"This one was a gift from Bant. It has certain sentimental value."
Obi-Wan walked to the door, giving the now empty room one last glance before placing the small fighter in the top of a box. "I guess it's time now." Both approached the door to Qui-Gon's room and hesitated. Xanatos was the first to enter.
The room was dim, filled with calm and peace that Obi-Wan always associated with his mentor. He looked around at the simple furnishings. There were a few holos sitting on shelves, but the most defining aspect of the tiny room was the plants Qui-Gon had collected on various missions. Some were quite exotic.
"I can't keep these here," Xanatos said. "They'll be brown and dead within a week, maybe less."
"I doubt I would do any better," Obi-Wan said chuckling. "Master Xu has always cared for them while we were away. I was going to ask her about transplanting them into one of the gardens."
"That's a good idea. Master would like for everyone to enjoy them."
They started with what was easy - packing away spare clothing and the sparse possessions in the room before turning their attention to the three boxes remaining in the closet. The first box had various keepsakes from Qui-Gon's apprenticeship – holos of him and Master Dooku and an impressive collection of awards from lightsaber tournaments, as befitting one of the Order's most accomplished swordsmen. There was a small pouch containing his padawan braid. They found a bundle of handwritten letters from Tahl and chose to not open them, they were personal.
"I think this box should go with you," Xanatos said as he placed the lid back on the box and handed it to Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan nodded thankfully as he accepted the box and placed it beside him. Xanatos pulled the lid off the second box. They began sorting through an assortment of holos from various missions Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan had gone on over his apprenticeship, Obi-Wan telling the story behind each image, sometimes laughing, sometimes thoughtful and sad. Obi-Wan too had a modest collection of awards from saber tournaments. They also came across several holos of Qui-Gon, Xanatos, and Obi-Wan together.
"Do you remember this trip?"
"How could I forget?" Xanatos said, looking at the image of him and Obi-Wan. The thirteen year old boy was pale and pasty except for the flush in his cheeks. The young dark-haired man next to him had a very obvious rash across his skin. "I can't believe he kept that holo."
Rain pelted outside the cave in which the three Jedi had sought shelter, the occasional strong gusts of wind causing the fire to crackle.
"Both of you look this way."
Xanatos and Obi-Wan grudgingly looked up at Qui-Gon, allowing him to capture the image.
"You're enjoying this too much," Xanatos grumbled as he tucked blankets closer around Obi-Wan.
"It's our first Master, Padawan trip with Obi-Wan. Why shouldn't I want to remember it?"
"Let's see. Maybe because it is raining and we can't hike back to our transport, or because Obi-Wan is burning up with fever, or because I have hives."
"I have taught you several time times how to identify Ghermant leaves, Xanatos. You should pay better attention. You know had allergic you are," Qui-Gon said, trying to hide the smirk creeping up on his face.
"At least I found dry firewood," he shot back sarcastically as he reached up and rubbed at the swollen red whelps on his face.
"Xanatos, stop scratching – you'll only make it worse. I will tie your hands behind your back if I have to."
"I would love to see you try," Xanatos said chuckling.
"Do you two always argue this much?" came a weak, hesitant voice as Obi-Wan glanced worriedly between the two older Jedi.
Both Qui-Gon and Xanatos looked down at the pale face peeking out from a bundle of blankets and broke out into laughter.
"Only when we're together," Qui-Gon said.
"Welcome to the family," Xanatos tagged on to the end.
"I think you should take this box also, but I'm keeping this," Xanatos said, slipping the holo into the pocket of his robe.
Xanatos paused over the third box before lifting the lid. He removed the first holo and activated it.
"That's a nice shot of your back," Obi-Wan teased. "Why are you kneeling in front of the Council … oh, that's your Knighting Ceremony, isn't it?"
"Yes." Xanatos nodded. "I thought Master didn't attend …"
Xanatos knelt on the floor in front of the Jedi Council alone. He was sure Master Yoda had informed Qui-Gon of the ceremony, but wasn't surprised that he was absent. The ache of his own failure didn't do much to relieve his loneliness on what should be a joyful occasion. He pulled his thoughts back to the present as Master Yoda approached.
"Recognizing that you have passed you trials, confer on you the level of Jedi Knight this Council does. Rise you may … Knight Marojni."
"Thank you Masters," Xanatos said rising to a standing position. He thought he sensed a flicker of a familiar presence and emotion, but didn't dare turn or hope. His attention belonged to the Council. He was soon excused and turned to see the heavy doors of the Council chambers swish shut.
It wasn't until a few days later that he happened upon Qui-Gon in one of the corridors of the Temple. They said nothing at first, just stared at each other.
"Master."
Qui-Gon clenched his jaw against a surge of conflicting, strong emotions. "Xanatos."
He had thought long and hard of what to say to Qui-Gon if he saw him. "I have no right to ask this, I know, but please forgive me Master." He dropped down to his knees, head bowed and waited.
Qui-Gon watched for a moment in awkward silence before reaching out with a trembling hand to touch his former apprentice's shoulder. He stopped with fingers mere inches away before withdrawing his hand. "I am glad you found your way home Xanatos, but … I need more time. I'm sorry."
Xanatos looked up, catching a swish of robes as Qui-Gon briskly walked away.
"Xanatos, are you okay?"
"He was there." Xanatos leaned his head back, running a hand through his hair. "I had hoped, even thought I had sensed his presence, and he was actually there." He rubbed his eyes, fighting against the stinging sensation welling up inside.
"What's this?"
Xanatos took the velvet bag from Obi-Wan and untied the golden cord holding it closed. He removed a scroll from within and began to unroll the heavy parchment.
Xanatos took a deep breath as the door slid open and Qui-Gon filled the doorframe. He hadn't exactly given the Jedi Master the time he had asked for, but this was important.
"Master Jinn." He bowed deeply and formally. "I don't mean to intrude. I wanted to give this to you."
Xanatos handed Qui-Gon a deep blue velvet pouch before starting to quickly leave.
"Wait. What is this Xanatos?"
"Open it," Xanatos said turning back to face his former mentor.
Qui-Gon slid the cloth-like paper from the pouch, unrolling it to reveal intricately written words.
"It is something that would not have happened without your influence in my life."
Qui-Gon poured over the words in silence. He was hesitant, but Xanatos was an open book, opting not to shield and all the Jedi Master could sense was sincerity and humility. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths before seeming to come to a decision. "Can you come in for tea perhaps?"
"I'm sorry. I'm leaving on a mission and have a transport to catch. I just wanted you to have that before I go."
Qui-Gon nodded. "If the Council hasn't sent me on another mission by the time you get back, we should talk – we need to talk. And, I would like to hear how this goes."
"I would like that too."
"That is one of two original copies of the Telosian Constitution, signed by the delegates and the two overseeing Jedi. It was the only thing I asked for as former ruler of Telos."
He quickly pulled more items from the box. "I know we made peace and had a pleasant enough relationship at times, but I didn't think he had kept all of this."
"You might just have to accept the fact that he was proud of you. He talked about you more than you allow yourself to believe. He always seemed to know what you were doing, even if the Council was trying to keep it a secret and he worried about your dangerous taste in missions."
"Excuse me." Xanatos chuckled. "My track record in coming home in one piece is much better than that of a certain master and padaw … I didn't mean to."
"I know."
Xanatos carefully placed the contents back in the box and pushed it back into what he realized was now his closet.
"Then, I guess we are done here," Xanatos said, almost whispering.
"I guess we are," Obi-Wan said rubbing his arms as though warding off a sudden chill.
Xanatos clapped an arm around his shoulders as much for his own comfort as Obi-Wan's. "I
miss him too."