A Fate Ruled By Force

 

            After landing on Coruscant Anakin and Jar-Jar went with Queen Amidala and her handmaidens while Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn headed straight to the Temple. After much debate, the Council agreed to test the boy. Obi-Wan stayed at the Temple with Master Yoda while Qui-Gon went to fetch him, “Of your vision, Qui-Gon has told me. Deep meditation, I have had on it. Will of the Force, you saw.”

            “I don’t understand, Master Yoda.”

            “As we grow in the Force, Force must grow within us. Force shifts itself to surround us and work through us better. You grow in the Force, young Obi-Wan. Force shifts itself around you. Usually Jedi see their own death.”

            “I most certainly did not see that,” he said.

            “Tied with Padme, your future is. Sense it, you surely do.”

            “Yes I have, Master,” Obi-Wan bowed his head.

            “Shame, you should not feel. The Force wills it. Important future, you both will have.”

            “Master, I have been sensing a foreboding as of late. Like a dark cloud on the horizon. When I meditate, I can sense it at its strongest.”

            “Sensed it, I have as well. Dark times ahead, there are.” Obi-Wan lowered his head. If Yoda could sense dark times…the galaxy might very well be in deep peril. “Meditate on your relationship with Padme, you should. Get guidance from the Force, you must.”

            “Yes Master,” Obi-Wan bowed to the small green Jedi and Yoda hovered out of the room on his scooter. Obi-Wan sat down in meditation.

            Qui-Gon returned with the boy shortly. He and Obi-Wan waited outside the Council while he was tested, “Did Master Yoda shine any light on your vision with Padme?”

            “He said that it was connected to my growing in the Force and that my future is tied with Padme’s.”

            “That does not mean romantically involved, Obi-Wan.”

            “I know, Master. But…I think he meant romantically involved. He told me to meditate on my relationship with her.”

            “Did you?”

            “Yes. The Force seemed to be not only supportive, but encouraging.”

            “Your futures are truly entwined. Are you prepared to be both with her and a Jedi? It will involve long absences and few times alone.”

            “We will survive. I do care for her, Master. I think she cares for me.”

            “You should talk about it.”

            “We sort-of did. I promised her that after I become a Knight and she is a little older I would return to her.”

            “That’s very wise, my Padawan. Few could wait so long to be with someone they were attracted to. I am impressed.”

 

            Obi-Wan waited onboard the ship for his master. He was embarrassed. He had given attitude to his Master, and he had not meant to. Qui-Gon boarded with Anakin and told them both to go to the cockpit. Obi-Wan stayed, “Master, I wish to apologize for what I said to you. It is not my place to question your judgment. And I am honored that you think I am ready for the trials.”

            “I encourage thinking for yourself, Obi-Wan. You voiced your opinion, I appreciate that. You will be a great Jedi Master one day, Obi-Wan. I am certain of that,” he smiled at his padawan, “Would you like to update the queen or shall I?”

            “If you don’t mind, Master, I would like to see her,” Obi-Wan felt his ears tinge pink.

            Qui-Gon smirked, “Very well. I will go talk to the pilot.”

            Obi-Wan disembarked the ship and waited until Padme and her entourage arrived. She was in full headdress now and he fought a grin. She really was beautiful. All that makeup could not hide her beauty. She smiled at him and stopped in front of him, “Jedi Kenobi. It is a pleasure to see you again.”

            “The feeling is mutual, your majesty. We will be joining you and continuing to protect you until you no longer need our services.”

            “I feel safer already,” she said, a smirk playing on her lips.

            “Good,” he said, walking with her into the ship. She retired with her handmaidens and he waited. Soon handmaiden Padme had emerged from the Queen’s room, “a pleasure to see you again, Padme.”

            “Indeed, my Jedi protector,” she reached for his hand and he let her hold it, “how was your time at the Temple?”

            “Master Yoda says that the Force has intertwined our fates, Padme. That we are connected.”

            “That’s not surprising,” she said, leading him to the large bay, “we presumed the same, didn’t we?”

            He nodded and pulled her against him, kissing her, “There is more to it than that,” he finally said, “I care for you, Padme. Deeply.”

            “And I you,” she leaned up and kissed him again, “I think my feelings are growing much deeper.”

            “Good,” he whispered, “one day I will ask you to be my wife, Padme.”

            She grinned and buried her head in his chest, “I will say yes, Obi-Wan,” she whispered back. “But we must focus on the task at hand.”

            “Of course. Jedi are only allowed to get married if they can separate their emotions from the task at hand. I know that I can,” he caressed her cheek, “I hope that you can as well, Padme.”

            “I don’t know that I can. I will always worry about you, and pray that you’re okay. And if I saw you in harm’s way, I would have to fight to not try and protect you.”

            Obi-Wan smiled and leaned down to kiss her once more, “Do not worry for me, Padme. I will survive. I am a tough, resourceful Jedi.”

            “I know you are, Obi-Wan,” she smiled sadly, “but worrying for you will not stop just because I know that you are strong and capable. I will always worry for you,” she kissed him chastely. “Now let’s go to the cockpit.”

            “Certainly, my queen,” he grinned.

 

            Padme had a sense of dread as she left Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon behind to fight the Sith. She took a deep breath and steeled herself. Obi-Wan was right, she couldn’t worry about him. He would survive. And her plan hinged on getting the viceroy alone. She hurried along the side corridors to get to the throne room, ignoring the knot of fear in her stomach. She trusted Obi-Wan. He would be fine.

 

            Obi-Wan fought defensively while Qui-Gon fought aggressively. Obi-Wan got knocked down and he hung on the ledge, calming and centering himself before dropping down and running to get back to his master. He was caught at the security gates. He watched his master meditate and he closed his eyes, doing the same. He memorized the key pad to deactivate the gate and focused on calming himself. The gates turned off and Obi-Wan sprinted forward, getting caught at the last gate. Qui-Gon and the Sith fought intensely, but the Sith got the upper hand and hit Qui-Gon’s chin with the hilt of his lightsaber, then buried his lightsaber in the Master’s abdomen. “NO!!!!” Obi-Wan yelled out. He turned on his lightsaber and opened the gate with the Force, fighting aggressively.  The Sith just smirked as he fought the young Jedi. Obi-Wan’s eyes flashed with rage but the Sith got the upper hand and knocked him into the trash pit. Obi-Wan held onto a knob that was jutting out of the side and held on. The Sith hit the side of the chute with his lightsaber, sending sparks onto Obi-Wan. Then the Sith kicked Obi-Wan’s lightsaber down the chute. Obi-Wan closed his eyes. He needed to get a hold of himself! He calmed himself; his master needed him to be in control, not react like a small child. He felt the Force flowing strongly through him and he opened his eyes.  A quick glance and Qui-Gon’s lightsaber started to twitch, Obi-Wan summoned the Force within his body and propelled himself upward, leaping over the Sith as Qui-Gon’s lightsaber moved to his hand. Obi-Wan turned it on and fought aggressively. He bumped the Sith with the butt of the lightsaber and then sliced him in half. Obi-Wan watched him fall down the chute. He exhaled and ran to Qui-Gon, “No…Master…”

            “T-train the boy. He will bring balance. He is the chosen one.”

            “You can train him, Master. You will live,” Obi-Wan tried to heal the damage the lightsaber had caused to no avail. He sighed and closed his eyes, “Thank you for all you’ve done for me, Master.”

            “Train Anakin,” he breathed.

            Obi-Wan bowed his head as Qui-Gon Jinn died. He picked up his Master’s body and carried it out of the area.

 

            Padme Amidala met the Jedi Masters, “Welcome, esteemed Jedi. Please, follow me.”

            “How is Obi-Wan?”

            “He is handling it very well, considering the circumstances. We had a very long chat last night. The funeral pyre is tonight,” she led them down the halls of the palace.

            “A private place, I need. Talk to young Kenobi, I must,” Yoda said.

            “I shall arrange for a place,” she said. She led them to a large hall, “we are having dinner before the funeral. Today is our day of mourning. Tomorrow is our celebration of victory. Will you stay for that as well?”

            “Of course,” Mace said.

            “I need to go check on some things. I will tell Obi-Wan that you are here,” she smiled sadly at the Jedi and left.

            “She’s very strong for one so young,” Mace said. Yoda merely nodded.

 

            “Obi-Wan?”

            “Padme?” He stood up and she walked over to him, hugging him. “Thank you for last night.”

            “I enjoyed our talk, even if it was very dark and brooding. Master Yoda wishes to speak with you,” she pulled away from him, “Obi-Wan…”

            “I know, Padme,” he leaned down and kissed her, “I feel the same.” She grinned and buried her head in his tunic.

           

            “The title of Jedi Knight, the Council bestows on you.”

            “Wh-what about the Trials?”

            “Overcame your anger, used your training, focused on the Force. All those things you did,” Yoda said, “The Trials, same purpose they have. Passed perfectly, you did.”

            “What will come of the boy?”

            “Powerful, young Skywalker is. But a Jedi, the boy is not to be,” Yoda closed his eyes and lowered his head, “Qui-Gon’s wish, you need not fulfill. Another padawan, you should take.”

            “He wanted me to train Anakin,” Obi-Wan began.

            “Agree with you, the Council does,” Yoda said, “however, I do not. A mistake, this is. Decision is yours, ultimately. Make a wise one, you will.”

            “Will there be a Knighting ceremony? I wish to undergo it.”

            Yoda smiled, “For Queen Amidala, you wish to undergo it.”

            “I want to give her my braid,” he answered, a slight blush to his cheeks.

            “Undergo ceremony, you will,” Yoda finally said, “talk to Mace, I will. Time to join the feast, it is.”

            “Yes Master,” Obi-Wan bowed and the two exited the room.

 

            After the feast Obi-Wan walked to the funeral pyre and lit it. He stepped back and watched as his master’s body burned. He lowered his head and sighed. Padme sensed his distress and walked over to him, “Are you alright?”

            He just nodded. She squeezed his hand and turned back to the pyre. He was glad she was there with him. Never had he thought that Qui-Gon would be taken from him so forcefully. The young man stared at the pyre and felt his resolve strengthen. He would live. He was now a knight, and the only thing that was now stopping him and Padme from being together was her age. But he could wait. Four years, she had told him last night. When she was 18 they would be together. As it stood, her fifteenth birthday was in three months; so he didn’t even have to wait for four years. Obi-Wan was brought out of his thoughts by Anakin, who tugged on his cloak. Obi-Wan knelt down to be eye level with the young boy, “What’s going to happen to me now?”

            Obi-Wan looked over at the Council Members. He could see the sorrow on their faces. He could see the disapproval in Yoda’s eyes. Obi-Wan took a deep breath, “The Council is still debating that,” he told Anakin. Obi-Wan was sorry to lie, but he did not want to tell the boy that he couldn’t take him. The truth was, Obi-Wan wasn’t ready for a padawan. “Whatever their decision, I will see that you are taken care of, Anakin.”

            Padme stayed with him after the pyre had finished and they were the only two left, “You can leave Anakin here; I’m sure that someone would be eager to take him in and raise him.”

            Obi-Wan managed a smile, “Thank you, Padme. Come, let’s get inside before you get cold.”

            Inside they were met by the council, who asked them to join them in a room. There Padme watched as the Jedi performed the knighting ceremony. Mace clipped the braid off of Obi-Wan’s head and handed it to him, “Congratulations, Obi-Wan.”

            “Thank you,” he bowed, “I cannot take Skywalker as my apprentice. I am not yet ready for one.”

            “Very wise of you, Obi-Wan. But what shall become of him?”

            “He could stay here on Naboo,” Padme said, “there are many people here who would be delighted to give him a home.”

            “Very well. I’m glad that is decided. Good night, Obi-Wan, your majesty,” The Jedi filed out. Yoda stayed behind.

            “Wise decision, you made. Powerful Jedi, you will become.”

            “Thank you, Master.” He turned to Padme, “The cutting off of the braid is a very important symbolic moment for the Jedi. It is presented to the person that meant the most to them throughout their journey. I want to give it to you, Padme. Not just to thank you for entering my life as you have, but as a promise for our future. You might not see me for some time but I promise you, on your eighteenth birthday, I will be here to take you to the ball. And I will dance with you all night long, if that is what you wish.”

            Padme felt tears coming to her eyes, “Oh Obi-Wan,” she took the braid and slipped it into her pocket, “thank you,” she kissed his cheek. “I look forward to my eighteenth birthday already.”

            He could only grin as she hugged him. Finally they parted. She would see him off tomorrow morning.