Chapter 23

Obi-Wan took a moment to give the small crowd gathered a passing glance, truly humbled that so many had taken the time to come. All the faces were familiar, though some stood out more than others. He quickly picked out Bant. Who could miss those large smiling silver eyes? She was standing next to Reeft, who Obi-Wan assumed was probably already pondering dinner. They somehow seemed incomplete without Garen. Although away on a mission, the knight had contacted him earlier in the day to offer his congratulations. With schedules full of conflicting missions, it was a wonder the four had been able to remain close, and Obi-Wan hoped that Ben would be able to do the same with his friends from the crèche.

He next found Xanatos standing next to Anakin. The Jedi master had his hand resting on his padawan's shoulder as was usual for him. There was nothing awkward or forced about the gesture, both seeming comfortable and relaxed. It was a welcome reminder that their relationship was healing, and Obi-Wan hoped that their bond would be stronger than ever. The amused, admonishing expression on Xanatos' face reminded Obi-Wan that he was supposed to be paying attention to Master Yoda and he returned his focus to the moment at hand.

He was kneeling on the ground in one of the smaller gardens in the Temple with Ben beside him while Yoda spoke concerning the master and padawan relationship. Ben had his head bowed as though solemnly contemplating, but Obi-Wan could sense his bustling, jittery excitement and wondered how the boy was managing to stay so still. It was certainly been something he had struggled with as an apprentice.

Though it had only been a matter of weeks since they had met, Ben already looked older to Obi-Wan. He had been through a lot and learned a lot in that short time, but perhaps it was also the change in appearance. The thick, curly mane that had seemed such a defining part of him had been shaved to soft padawan spikes. Only the part that hung, pulled back and bound behind his head remained. But it was the lock that fell from behind the boy's ear that currently captured Obi-Wan's attention. At Master Yoda's prompting, he began to braid the short strand, choking back an unexpected lump in his throat as he tied it off with the band that would mark the beginning of apprenticeship. He gave it one last glance, running his fingers down the length of it before he looked back to Master Yoda and nodded, listening once again as aged master who had seen so many Jedi come through the Temple began to offer charges to them both concerning obedience, mutual respect, and duty.

The pair stood at the close of the ceremony and was soon rushed by a flood of well-wishers each offering their brief words of wisdom to the new minted team. Obi-Wan could sense his apprentice's thinly veiled impatience and then noticed the two boys waiting for him near the door.

/You can go with them in a moment, Padawan./

Obi-Wan shook his head as Ben bit down on his lip, a slight burst of embarrassment at being caught in his impatience funneling though their bond. Had he been as shy and eager to please at Qui-Gon's side? He knew he didn't have to answer that question.

The small gathering dwindled and Xanatos finally approached, grabbing Obi-Wan into a strong embrace before completely catching Ben off guard with the same action.

"You can go now, Padawan," Obi-Wan said. "Just remember that we have dinner plans."

"Yes, Master." Ben turned and took two steps before pausing to look back at Anakin. "Do you want to come? It's just Jared, Borhan, and I. I don't know what we're going to do yet, but you can join us, whatever it is."

Anakin looked up at Xanatos. The Jedi master nodded and a bright smile spread across Anakin's face as the two boys quickly left without another word.

"That was unexpected … for both of them," Obi-Wan said.

"Actually not," Xanatos commented. "I figure it will only be a matter of time, especially after our upcoming trip, before Anakin is getting your padawan into trouble."

"Don't be such a pessimist," Obi-Wan chided teasingly. "Maybe Ben will be a good influence on him."

"I can only hope …"

The sound of someone clearing his throat caused the two to stop and look around before following the sound down to where Master Yoda stood watching them.

"Sorry to interrupt I am." Yoda looked up at Xanatos with frustration clearly evident in large green eyes. "Know I do that today is a time to celebrate, but speak with you the Council must Xanatos. Leaving tomorrow you are and another chance there is not."

"Of course, Master. I'll be there shortly." He let out a deep sigh. "I'm fairly certain I know what this about." As he walked away with the small master, Xanatos turned back shaking his head as he rolled his eyes at Obi-Wan.

Finding he was now left alone, Obi-Wan settled to his knees on the soft grass covering the ground. They had chosen this particular garden for the ceremony because it was special to Obi-Wan. He and Qui-Gon had often meditated here together, and he had brought his new padawan to this spot almost immediately. At times, most often when he was alone, Obi-Wan almost felt he could sense Qui-Gon's gentle and touch on his mind as though there was something uniquely Qui-Gon that still existed in this place. He knew it was absurd and never spoke to Xanatos of it, but still he chose to hold on to it. It was the closest he would ever have to actually having his master here with him. He closed his eyes, seeking out the familiar whisper in the Force as he settled into meditation.

"I received the holos you sent. I can't believe how much he is growing."

"I know. I can't keep up with him, and am beginning to worry that he might actually surpass me in height one of these days." Xanatos laughed out loud. It was the type of laugh one shared with an old, comfortable friend. "It seems I am requisitioning new clothing for him all the time."

Obi-Wan crept from his room following the dull glow of the hologram that illuminated the room. Although he wasn't exactly sure of the hour, he knew it was significantly late. Hearing the pleasant feminine voice in his quarters had surprised him the first time, but he had grown used to waking up to the light-hearted chat between Xanatos and Shmi as they discussed the one thing they had in common – Anakin.

"I should let you go," Xanatos said. "I did not mean to keep you so long." A slight glance backwards let Obi-Wan know the elder Jedi had sensed him.

"You worry far too much. I look forward to speaking with you, yet you act like it is a burden." Her voice was full of loving encouragement, and Obi-Wan could pick out the longing to see her son that always colored her words. "Have a good trip and may the Force be with you."

The holographic image dissipated and Xanatos sat thoughtfully for a moment while Obi-Wan took a seat near him. "I told her everything," he finally said.

"Everything?"

"That I contracted to have her son kidnapped … the Sith … the prophecy … my past … everything."

"You seem to be in a confessing mood lately," Obi-Wan said, his words laced with a slight amount of humor. "I doubt you had to tell her everything. That's a lot to take in."

"I have tried to be honest with her from the beginning, only sparing her what might make her worry. But, I decided I would rather have her hear everything from me now over finding out from Anakin next year."

"How did she respond?"

"I don't know why that woman has so much faith in me," he said, shaking his head. "She thanked me again for my honesty and said that I was good man." The slight chuckle that slipped out of his lips expressed his bemusement.

"I don't know why that should come as a shock. You are a good man." Obi-Wan watched as Xanatos leaned back, taking a deep tired breath. It had seemed like the heavy weight clinging to him had started to fade now that Anakin was safe and they were adjusting to the new developments in their relationship. But, today he looked as bothered as ever. "You're troubled," Obi-Wan proposed. "Would this have anything to do with the Council?"

Xanatos arched his eyebrow at the question. "Some things never change."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I'll bet you've been itching all day to find out what the Council wanted." Xanatos smiled as Obi-Wan averted his gaze. "Anakin received a package yesterday. It's the third year in a row that Chancellor Palpatine has sent Anakin a life day gift … and the third year in a row we had to send it back."

"It's a little early for his birthday."

"His Excellency heard of the tragic kidnapping and felt he should send it early," Xanatos said, and Obi-Wan chuckled at the melodramatic sarcasm dripping from the words. "So Anakin and I sent the usual very polite note expressing our apologies and explaining that Jedi don't have possessions or accept gifts." He sighed in frustration. "It gets old being called before the Council for offending the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic."

"Would a simple gift really hurt?"

"It's not a matter of a gift," Xanatos said, settling into a lecturing tone Obi-Wan knew very well, and was sure Anakin knew even better. "We have all accepted gifts before, even though we technically aren't supposed to do so. I don't want Anakin to be in a situation where Palpatine can call on him for favors. I don't trust our dear leader." He furrowed his brows in concentration. "Besides, power corrupts. That's a lesson I learned the hard way. Palpatine is in about as powerful of a position as they come. Anakin is not ready to have connections that high up."

"I see." Obi-Wan brought his hand up in an unsuccessful attempt to cover his mouth as he let out a wide yawn. "Sounds like you could use a break."

"Yes. Speaking of a break … it's late and we have to leave early. I should let you get back to sleep."