Master Apprentice Archive Serenity Quick search:

Serenity

by Padawan Luna

Author: Padawan Luna

Archive: MA, personal site

Category: Obi/Other, Alternate Universe, Angst

Rating: PG for now.

Disclaimer: StarWars belongs to Master Lucas. Burck, Garen and Bant belong to Jude. I may play in their sandbox but i don't steal their sand.

Warnings: none. This chapter is clean.

Spoilers: JA books. Post- TPM- so... if you haven't seen it by now.. why are you here? :p

Summary: Master Jinn is gone and I've got a boy I have no idea what to do with, and in walks my enemy, to set it all to rights?

Feedback: jedi.luna@microsith.com offlist if possible.

Part One: Divergence

Drained. That's how I felt as I dragged myself across the port decking towards the entrance to the Temple. Anakin trailed behind me, several paces, struggling to keep up with his new master's longer stride. "Master Obi-Wan, please, wait."

I stopped short, and mustered the best smile I could, waiting for the boy to catch up. I had a feeling he'd be 'the boy' for a while to come. "I'm sorry, Anakin. I'm just-"

"You're not used to it yet. I know. And you miss him."

The boy's ability to perceive the emotions and thoughts of those around him amazed me. I'd have to work on my own shields. "Yes, that's it exactly, Anakin. Come along, we have a lot to do."

"Like what?"

I shorted my stride and we resumed heading for the inner Temple. "Well, first we must register you at the Temple, then formalize your position as my padawan, and then find you a bed, some uniforms, a pair of boots too, most likely. I have a feeling those probably aren't the best fit."

"They're okay."

"Very well." I knew he'd start to feel homesick and hope for the familiar before he knew it. Having something familiar would be good for him. Maybe his boots would serve him well until he absolutely needed new ones. I knew that I would not be moving from the quarters I shared with Qui-Gon for some time, if I had anything to say about it.

Most of his personal belongings, would be shared between myself and Kleer. She'd been his first padawan. Xanatos had - he was gone in any case, and that left me. Maybe Mace, and some of his friends would like some of his books. If not, I'd move my scant few things, the stone he'd given me for my birthday, some clothing, into my Master's room, and Anakin could have mine.

We were halfway to the Administrative floors when I heard Anakin gasp. I turned around and almost jumped when I saw a shadow emerge from the darkened nook between two columns. "I'm sorry, little one, I didn't mean to startle you."

My brain stopped for just a second as I took in the figure that stood before me. Bruck. He and his master had been sent to the Corellian Temple when he was fifteen, after everything that had happened at the waterfalls. He'd nearly died that day. I'd caught him, just nearly, with a cushion of the Force energy.

"It's okay. I just didn't expect someone to be in there," Anakin said, oblivious to the shock that was trickling around in Obi-Wan's mind.

"I was just meditating. It's a very quiet spot."

"I bet!" Anakin was chattering. "I'm Anakin Skywalker,"He put a hand out and Bruck smiled, shook it.

"I'm Knight Chun."

"Do you know my Master?"

Bruck's shock white eyebrows raised. "Your Master?"

"Uh huh-" he started to expound on the details when I recovered and cleared my throat behind the boy that I had once considered a rival.

Bruck spun around on his heel. "Obi-Wan!"

"Good Evening Bruck. How are you?"

"Very well. Yourself?"

"I'm all right. Just back from a mission."

"With your padawan, here?"

I shook my head. "No, with Master Jinn."

Bruck tilted his head. "I'm afraid I don't understand."

I sighed. I didn't want to stand in a sunny corridor and talk about Sith, and my default knighting, and the way I'd lost my best friend. Not today. Probably not ever. "You'll find out soon enough. Let it go. Come along, Ani. We still have much to do."

"Oh! Right. It was nice to meet you Knight Chun." He gave a little bow and then scrambled after me.

Our chores passed quickly, and arrangements were made for someone to be in contact with Qui-Gon's remaining family, and Kleer. I'd speak with Mace, and Master Yoda myself about any of his things they might want to have, save, or archive. "Well, this is my home."

"What about me?"

"I'm going to let you have my room, and I'll sleep in Qui-Gon's room. We'll move my things out in the next few days and get you some things to make your room, your own. A work bench maybe so you can tinker."

"Really?"

"I don't see why not." I palmed the door lock and made a note to add Anakin's handprint to the locking mechanism. Anakin followed me inside and looked around.

"It's very clean."

"Yes. Are you hungry, Ani?"

"Uh huh."

I nodded. I was just starting to get a little hungry, but this little one was probably starving. "I'll make a small snack that will hold until we can make it to the mess, all right?"

"The what?"

"The mess hall, I'm sorry."

"Where should I put my clothing?"

I walked back out of the kitchen, thinking perhaps I was dimwitted, or a horrible master for forgetting my padawan's full arms. "Let's empty some closet space for you, hmm?" I walked into my room and pulled most of the clothing off its hangers, stacking them on the desk. I helped him sort the sashes, belts, and various tunics and hang them all. "There, you go."

I picked up my stack of clothing and tossed them on the couch. Glancing at the clock, I smiled. "Come on, it's almost time for evening meal and we have a ways to walk."

"Okay." We walked down the halls, slowly, matching paces to each other.

"Knight Chun was very nice, Master."

I nodded. "He was very kind, indeed. I haven't seen him in many years."

"Really?"

"Not since I was 14. He and his master were sent to Corellia."

"Wow. That was a long time ago."

I ignored the fact that my padawan didn't realize that I was only 24, though at the young age, 24 might seem ancient either way. "It was. He's changed quite a lot."

"He looks old- his hair."

"He's always had white hair, Ani."

"Why?"

"I believe it's a native trait to his subspecies, just as sometimes certain sub-species have blue hair."

"I understand."

"You'll see a lot of children your age, Anakin, that are too young to be taken as padawans just yet. They may stare a little bit."

"Why?"

"Most aren't taken as a padawan until they're eleven. Some are as old as thirteen."

"And I'm too young?"

"Technically. I'm going to have to train you in everything they're learning. We'll turn you into a Jedi, don't worry, young one."

"Okay." We got our meals and settled together in a remote table. I hoped to slip in and out, but that wasn't to be allowed. "Obi-Wan, how come I haven't seen your face yet? You've been home all day, and-"

I loved Bant. She was my sister, for all intents and purposes. She stopped short seeing the young boy across from me. "Aren't you just the cutest thing. What's your name?"

"Anakin Skywalker."

"Welcome to the Temple, Anakin Skywalker. I am Padawan Bant."

"Nice to meet you."

She turned her attention back to me, and started to talk for a few minutes before noticing my braid was gone. I had tucked it into Qui-Gon's pocket before his funeral pyre. It was with my master. That was what mattered. "Obi-Wan, do you have something you want to tell me?"

"I've had a really horrible week."

Her amphibious features, softened and she pulled me into a hug. "Oh, Obi. Congratulations. I thought you were on a mission, not taking your trials."

"I-" I started to explain when I felt tears start to prick behind my eyes, and a huge lump rise in my throat. I shook my head. "Bant-"

She nodded. "We'll talk later, Friend."

We had a somber meal before I remembered to ask her about Bruck. "I ran into Bruck this morning. When did he return?"

"Last week. He's very different."

"I had noticed that. Quiet."

"Exactly. I haven't seen him here yet. He might not have adjusted to the Temple just yet. He hasn't been home in many years."

"I'm entirely sure to him this is not home. He was never happy here, regardless," He looked over and saw Anakin had finished. "Are you still hungry?"

"Just a little bit."

"How about you wait a half an hour or so, and we'll have dessert later?"

That seemed to be accepted with rave reviews. I smiled. He was still a little boy at heart. Those I knew how to deal with. "I'll show you where to put the dirty dishes."

"Okay." He jumped up, grabbed his plates. "It was nice to meet you Padawan Bant."

"And you too, Anakin."

"My quarters- twentysecond hour. If you see Bruck, ask him to come too, okay?"

She nodded. "Sure."

I helped Anakin with the dishes, and then we headed up to their suite. We shared dessert- berries and cream, and then they settled in for some basic meditations. Anakin had no trouble at all understanding. Maybe training an adept like Anakin wouldn't be so difficult. At least right away.

"Come on, let's run you a bath and then we'll get some sleep."

"Bath?"

"Yeah."

"Water bath?"

"Yes."

"Uhm-" Anakin started wringing his hands, shifting his feet.

"Something wrong, Padawan?"

"When we were on Naboo they put me in a huge tub of water, and it was so hot. Master Qui-Gon had something else- on the ship."

"Sonics?"

Anakin shrugged. "It wasn't a sand scrub, but it wasn't water."

"I'll get you in a sonic shower, no problem. You should learn to adjust to the water, though, padawan. We'll go slow, but in many cases it will be the only option for being clean."

"Okay."

I made adjustments to the shower, and then let him scrub away. I wasn't needed there. Anakin came out looking happier and clean, twenty minutes later, in the sleep clothing we'd gotten from the quartermaster. I helped him into bed, and he snuggled in, drifting off in no time at all.

Bruck and Bant appeared some time later. They walked into the room and felt the bereft, sad feeling that lingered through the entire room. You couldn't help but notice. "Where's Master Jinn?" Bant finally asked.

"Gone. He was killed."

"I'm so sorry," Bruck reached over and squeezed my hand. "They advanced you anyway?"

"Yes. They said the entire thing was enough of a trial, and advanced me."

"And the boy?" Bruck asked, not letting go.

"Qui-Gon found him- a slave in the outer rim. He's too strong to leave untrained. He's nearly beyond on the abilities of an adept. He's very talented already, and has had no instruction beyond the mediations we did together this evening."

"He's too old, Obi."

"I know, Bant, but I did promise, and the Council agreed. He's my padawan now, for better or for worse. He's just a tiny little boy. He knows almost nothing besides how to tinker, and race pods. He won't harm anyone."

"He was a slave, Obi-Wan."

"A slave that had a loving mother, and a home, as well. He had play and work, and friends. He'll be fine."

"Will you be fine?" Bruck asked, still holding my hand. I found it very calming. It was support, and not the same attack that Council had handed me, that Bant had just returned as well.

"Eventually."

Bruck nodded. "You've always been strong. You'll pull through. It's late, and you need rest. Leave me a message if you need something." He walked out the door, having finally dropped my hand back to my lap. He was- very different. A picture of serenity.

Somewhere around third hour, it occurred to me that sleep wasn't courting me at all. I gave up tossing and turning and walked into the common room of the apartment. I dug out my meditation mat and settled in on the floor. I'd feel better if I were centered.

I never quite found that place before I was pulled back by Anakin's awakening presence.

Bruck found me the next morning at first meal. He was looking sleepy, hair in a unkempt array of white. He looked exactly how I felt. "May I join you?" he asked politely, motioning to the empty seat across from me, next to Anakin.

"Of course."

"Good morning, Knight Chun."

"Good morning to you too, Padawan Skywalker." The little boy's face flushed with pleasure before going back to his bowl of cereal. "And, you Obi-Wan."

I smiled. "Thank you, Bruck."

"What's your schedule look like today?"

"Anakin and I have some work to do, but I have several hours this afternoon to spare." Anakin had an entrance medical exam scheduled for that afternoon, as well as some lessons with the teachers in the creche.

"Excellent. I'll think of a quiet spot and I'll comm you later. Meet me at 14:30, okay?"

"Sure." He smiled, and dug into his own food.

Bruck met me on the observation deck of the central tower. The wind was whipping around us as we stood there in the dull roar of rushing wind. "Obi-Wan, I know when we were younger that I was less than civil to you. I was downright cruel most of the time. I did things that I'll regret for the rest of my life. My actions affected many people, and nearly killed Bant. It took me some time to see what I had done, but I have seen. And I have changed. I've grown into what they have wanted for me since the beginning. I walk the path of the Light."

"You've changed so much. It's wonderful and amazing."

"It wasn't as sudden as it seems, since you saw- only the drastic difference, but thank you. I appreciate your support." He shifted, leaning against the edges of the tower, staring out into the busy sky surrounding them. He took a deep breath and spoke. "You're hurting. I can see it rolling off you. You're angry with Master Jinn for leaving you."

Obi-Wan shook his head. "No-"

"Yes. Obi-Wan, you needn't lie about your anger. I'm not the Council. The Corellian Jedi have a paradox they like to apply to fear."

"What's that?"

"In fearing to walk the path of fear, you fear, and defeat yourself before the cards are dealt. Don't worry about anger and fear, just live, Obi- Wan Kenobi. You're only as humanoid as the rest of us. We all have fear, its your actions and intent and not your emotions that matter. You're angry with Master Jinn. You're scared for Anakin. That's okay, Obi-Wan."

"No one else would think so, Bruck. You walk dangerous paths with thoughts like those."

"Do I act like I'm graying at the edges, Kenobi?"

"No, you're as serene as the highest master."

"Exactly. I have nothing to worry about. Serenity is simple when you have no need to worry. We make it so hard on ourselves to survive. We teach our young to not be angry when they're changing daily- their surroundings are ever-changing, and they're starting to worry about not being chosen, just like we did. And worry will increase their fear, and unchecked that would be a problem. You see?" "I suppose so."

"It's like the wind. You can't stop it from blowing, but you can re-direct it, with the proper training. We try and stop it from forming, but its just another force of nature, Friend."

I sighed. How had Bruck become so wise? Maybe the Council needed a trip to Corellia. I couldn't resist the smile that tried to sprout on my face. That'd be interesting, yes. Mace Windu shook to the core by words such as this. I'd pay a lot of credits to see that.

"Looking better already, Kenobi. See that?"

I nodded. "I don't know how to train this boy. I don't feel ready to be a Knight, let alone a master. I don't want to hurt him, turn him into something he doesn't need to be. You remember Xanatos. He was a late entrance, too. He turned into a monster. I desperately want to fulfill my wish of my master, but something about this boy's future-"

"It's a possibility, but not a certainty. He's a pure soul, even I could see that yesterday in the corridor."

"You train him then. He deserves a good and proper master. One much wiser than I am." In the back of my mind, I heard the reverberating echo of my master's words, still almost fresh. "You're a wiser man than I am, Obi-Wan. I foresee you shall become a great Jedi knight."

"Obi-Wan, I can't do that."

"Neither can I!" I stopped, composed himself. "He's a precious little boy, yes, but I just don't have the skills to help him. He's so far behind, and I can't even find my center right now. He needs to start as soon as possible."

Bruck took his friend's hand. "Come, we'll meditate together and find your center. Then we'll go from there."

I sat down, settling myself into a meditative pose, overlapping hands with Bruck. How could this boy who had been the bane of my existence have turned into such a man? It was almost beyond comprehension.

Healer Asywen was humming as she worked. She had just turned away from Anakin when he let out a whimper. She turned around. "What's wrong, Anakin?"

He started to cry for no reason. "It hurts."

"What hurts?"

"My head."

She turned around, placed her hands on his forehead, forcing her shields over his. "Better?"

He panted, nodding. "What was that?"

"There's a lot of Force-activity in the Temple. I'm not entirely sure exactly what you were picking up, but I think I'll be talking to Knight Kenobi before the evening is out. We need to help you learn to shield from things like that."

"Thank you."

"But otherwise, you're a very healthy little boy. I'm going to walk with you to the classes that Obi-Wan would like you to sit in on this afternoon, and make sure someone can maintain some basic shields for you."

Anakin shrugged. "Okay."

She smiled, mussed his hair. "Don't worry, kiddo. You'll be just fine."

Bruck and I surfaced from our shared meditation with a gasp. "What was that?" he asked, his body shivering.

I realized with a start that I was too. It was freezing cold up here. The sun had set! "Let's get inside. It's freezing." Walking inside, Bruck waited just long enough for the door to shut before he started again. "What was that, Kenobi?"

I didn't know. In the middle of meditating I'd had a vision- two paths one clearer more precise at the start, the other a fuzzy beginning, and watching both diverge I saw death, inevitable destruction, genocide, and chaos, and in the other I saw hardship, but nothing quite as devastating as the first. "A choice. We should pick a path."

"I don't understand the question."

"You have to train Anakin."

Part Two: Clearing the Way

Bruck sat next to me on the beat up old couch, Anakin had come home earlier with a headache, and a healer explaining what had happened. Ayswen shifted in her seat, careful to wake the little boy, napping with head in her lap. Her paws gently pet his hair. "He has no shields at this point, and is hyper sensitive to the activity around him. He picked up something extreme and it gave him a headache. The only person that he would be so attuned to is you, Knight Kenobi. It's possible that he might affected by Master Yoda- someone of that strength, but unlikely."

"Bruck and I were meditating earlier, that might have bothered him."

"Meditation?"

"We had a shared vision. It was powerful," Bruck said, speaking up. "If he's as strong as you all say he is, he might have picked up on that."

"He's got the potential to become stronger than Master Yoda. No problems after, Obi-Wan?"

I knew this question all too well. I'd started showing signs of having prescient abilities around fifteen years old. They generally lasted only seconds that felt like hours, but on occasion they were similar to those on the roof- hours that felt like moments. When they had first started I had often had physiological problems. "No. It was very cold on the roof, but otherwise, it was fine. Shivering."

Her ears, much like a domestic felinoid flattened against her head. "You know that can be an after effect. You should have come downstairs."

"Wen, I've been dealing with this for years. I know when I need to visit. I did not."

"If it was enough to bother Anakin it was most likely enough to warrant a visit. Were you affected Bruck?"

"Shivering, light headedness."

She shook her head, her black mane shifting over her shoulders. "Damn fool knights, think they can handle everything." She lifted Anakin's upper body off her lap, and snuggled him in the throw blanket that was settled over the back of the uncomfortable old chair and a half. She squeezed in between them. "Might I examine you both?"

I couldn't help but let my eyes roll. "You're already well underway."

Bruck nodded. "Go ahead."

She took a hand from both of us and started to poke and prod around, looking for signs of damage or shock. She apparently didn't find any, she made no comments, though I could clearly feel her touch where the bond with my master should have been.

I watched, as if through a mirror as she prodded in Bruck's mind. A dead bond, a thriving bond with someone else, I quietly wondered who, and a fledgling connection.

After a time she stepped back, and smiled at us both. "Dare I offer congratulations for the Temple's newest bonded knights?"

Bruck's contrasting eyebrows shot up before he passed out next to me.

I watched from the bedside chair as he started to come to. "Water?" I asked, quietly.

He shook his head. "M'okay. Was she serious?"

"Ayswen is many things, but she doesn't tell bad jokes."

"Damn."

I shrugged. I barely knew this man and now I was bonded to him. I wasn't entirely sure how that had happened to start with, but I supposed I could live with it. The question was what I had kept asking myself while his was asleep: Could he live with it? "Are you all right?"

"I wish I could talk to Master Anatazi. She'd know what to do, how to- calm me down."

"I thought Talan was your master."

"He was, but he was killed when I was 17. They were getting ready to ship me back to the Temple and she filed an order to take me on instead. She was the one that started to put me on the right path. That's why they wanted to send me back- Talaney was a good Knight, a good inspector general, but not very good teacher. I never learned what a center was until 'Tazi started to straighten me out."

"I think we have much to thank her for, in that case. Why don't you go down to the comm center and call her?"

Bruck stopped, drew some figures in the air. "Perfect! That's a good idea. Would you like to come?"

I nodded. I'd keep track of Anakin, if he woke I'd do what I could about calming him. The chances of the tired boy waking were however slim. We headed down to the comm center, and he filled out the proper papers and typed in the codes from memory. A young boy answered the comm. "Knight Chun! Hello!"

Bruck's face broke into a smile. "Greetings, Kieran. I need to speak with Tazi."

"Sure. I'll forward the call. It's nice to see you."

"It's wonderful to see you too, little one." He waited a moment for Tazi to key the comm-unit. "Anatazi." She turned around. "Bruck!"

"Greetings. It's good to speak to you."

"With you as well. I hope you're doing well."

"Well, that's what I wanted to speak with you about."

"Are you ill? Do you need help?" She was instantly on guard, and in mother-mode.

"No, no. Nothing like that. I'm just- I needed someone to talk to."

"Well, of course. You know I'll listen."

Bruck nodded, and then turned to look at me. I was outside the range of the transmission. "Can I have a few minutes with her and then you can come back?"

"Sure." I gave him the best smile I could muster and then headed back out to the main waiting room.

"Master, I- I can't stay balanced like this! It's too much."

She shook her head. "What?"

"You remember when I told you about Obi-Wan, and Qui-Gon?"

"Of course. What happened?"

"Master Jinn was killed. Obi-Wan was left with a young padawan- he's got the strength of an adept, and he's just a little boy. Nine or so."

"Okay…"

"Obi-Wan and I had run into each other in the corridor and started talking. We ended up meditating together on the central tower roof, and now we're bonded? And Anakin, that's the little boy, is going to be turned over to me. I can't quite get my bearings."

Anatazi sighed. "Bruck Chun, take one deep breath, okay?"

He did so. "Okay."

"Why does it bother you so? Is it because he's a male?"

"No, I mean, I never had a man before, but that doesn't particularly bother me. Master, I don't love him. I-"

"Bruck Chun, stop and breath again, and then think on Obi-Wan. What do you think?"

He took several deep breaths. "He's discerning."

"And?"

"Sad."

"And?"

"Brave."

"And?"

"What do you want me to say, Master?"

"Describe his outsides."

"My height, sturdy- not skinny, but certainly not fat. Pretty green eyes, reddish blonde hair. He's just starting to grow it out. Master, its not that he's unattractive, he's always been good looking."

"Then what is the problem?"

"How can a bond develop between near strangers?"

"You act like this is a sudden thing."

"It is a SUDDEN THING."

"Control your temper, Padawan Chun!"

"Sorry, Master."

"It's not a sudden thing, Bruck. You've had a basic bond with someone for years and years. Who it was, I'm not sure, I never wanted to pry that much. I thought perhaps it was Vox, or your mother. Maybe a friend on Coruscant."

"You mean to tell me that I've been preliminarily bonded to him since I was a little kid?"

"It would seem so. It's not so preposterous, either. You drove each other crazy as children, you said, competed. Maybe it was like a little boy pulling a girl's hair to get attention. And it might explain how he summoned the energy to stop you from falling off the waterfall's edge. The Force often tries to protect those it requires to live."

"I'm not handling this well, Master."

"I can see that. Do I have to come there and help?"

Bruck shook his head. "No, Master. I'm a knight now, I can take care of myself."

"I'm not asking as your master. I'm asking as your mother and friend."

"I don't know."

"Can I speak with Obi-Wan?"

"Sure. Let me fetch him." Bruck left the booth. "She wants to meet you."

I smiled and jumped up. Anatazi seemed like the kind of person I'd want to get to know- even if just by holocom. She was waiting, arms crossed over her chest. "Hello!"

"Greetings Master."

"Bah! No need for these formalities with me. Is Bruck with you?"

I turned around, surprised he hadn't followed me back inside. I thought it was going to be a meeting similar to meeting the parents of the bride. Apparently not. "No, he's out in the waiting room."

"He's not dealing with this very well. He's very confused."

"I could tell. I thought maybe he might gain something by speaking with you."

"He will if he thinks about what I said to him. He will- eventually if it doesn't dawn on him right away. He'll be fine either way. He's learned to deal with it."

Obi-Wan nodded. "He's very changed."

"Yes he is. But not as much as he would have everyone think. Serenity is an easy mask to wear over chaos at times. Don't let him, Obi-Wan."

"All right."

"What do you think of your bondmate?"

"He's a puzzle, currently."

"That is all?"

"No, he is wise- even if he might not think so."

"You aren't upset?"

I tried to think of how to explain all of this to her. "I feel as if he is the answer to the question that I have been asked, the new world that I have been throw into, ready or not. And I am not ready, but now I have a companion can help me through it all. I'm grateful the Force brought us together."

"Especially as you start your life alone?"

"It has been very difficult to deal with the death of my master. It was sudden- literally only seconds and he was gone. I wasn't ready to say goodbye- didn't get a chance in the end. He was very persistent that Padawan Anakin be trained, and I promised."

"Do you care for Bruck- as Bruck?"

I looked up from my wandering thoughts. "I haven't had much time with him since he returned. This has happened so incredibly quickly. I returned with Anakin the day before yesterday. We were not friends as children. However what I have seen since he returned, his wisdom, friendship, genuine kindness, serenity- that's certainly something that is in his favor. Do I love him? No. Not right now. Could I? Yes."

"A very honest answer."

"I assumed that a master deserved no less."

"You're a good man, Obi-Wan. Take good care of my friend."

"I will."

"Bring him in here, please."

I waved him in, after tapping the glass between us. He nodded and walked in, drawing his hair out of his face. He stood next to me, jumping inside the range of the transmitter. She smiled. "My two boys, now. Take good care of each other. May the Force be with you both."

"Yes Master." We both gave a small bow and ducked away out of range, and cut the transmission.

Anakin woke up first. Unaware of where he might find food for his little stomach. He shook my shoulder until I woke up. "Uh?"

"I'm hungry."

I held up a hand. "One second, okay? Lemme hit the 'fresher and I'll make morning meal, okay?"

"Okay." After I got up he settled in the warm little hole I'd been sleeping in.

I managed to put together a simple breakfast of warm cereal, juice and sliced Aphra fruit. "Is it all right?"

Anakin nodded. "Very. We didn't have anything like this at home."

"It would be very difficult to grow something like this in a desert. The grain itself would require fields. The fruit an orchard."

Anakin nodded. "Like the areas they had on Naboo?"

I smiled. "Just like."

"I miss Padme. I mean Amidala."

I nodded. "I'll talk to Knight Chun and see what he says about recording a message and sending it on."

"I could do that?"

The excitement was palpable. "You might. It's up to your master."

"What is?" a voice asked from behind where we sat.

I turned around. Bruck was leaning against the door jamb, hair a complete mess, bare-chested, sleep pants rumpled. He looked beautiful. "Whether or not he could record a message for a friend he made on Naboo."

"I don't see why not?" Bruck leaned over and snatched a few slices of the aphra fruit. He walked over to the teapot and fixed a cup for himself before sitting down at the table.

"I'll give you the rest of the details later. She's a little bit more than just another little girl."

"What? Is she a princess or something?"

Anakin, not quite yet having grasped the idea of sarcasm spoke up. "Nope! She's the queen already. Sometimes. She's got a bodyguard that poses as her. When I met her she was just the handmaiden. She came to the shop and we talked while Master Qui-Gon tried to by a hyperdrive from Watto. She's really fun, and pretty."

I was listening, but most of my mind was focused on his hands. They were rough, dark skin against a white ceramic cup. He had a scar across the back of his hand, several centimeters long. "I'll think it over. I don't see why not, currently. How about you compose what you want to say on a datapad and then we'll have a look and if its not too horribly rude we'll get you some time in the comm center to record and send your message."

Anakin jumped up, ran around the other side of the table and hugged Bruck so tight he most likely cut off his air supply for a moment. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"You're welcome, Padawan. It's an hour until you have your first class. Why don't you clean up, change, okay?"

He looked over at Obi-Wan. "Is it all set or should I try and figure out how to figure it?"

"Figure out how to figure it?" Bruck asked me, his face confused.

"Why don't you give it a try, and if you can't get it come get me. Don't wait an hour to come though, okay?"

He nodded. "Okay!"

"What's he got to do?"

"He grew up on Tatooine. You know of it?"

"No."

"It's a desert planet. The idea of bathing in water is a bit much for him just yet."

"He'll have to be broken of that. Swimming is an important thing to be able to do."

"I know. It might be a tough habit to get into. Right now he's just trying to figure out how to set it to sonic," I said giving his hand a squeeze across the table, thumb tracing the scar. The skin was much softer than it looked.

"Ah."

"We're going to see the Council later, correct?"

"We have an appointment at twelfth hour."

"Excellent." He gave my hand a brief squeeze and put his cup in the drain, and left me sitting there watching his retreating back. Gods, he looked good enough to eat.

And why was I thinking about him like this?

Part Three: Heart to Hearts

Bruck Chun rubbed the heels of his hands into his eyes. "I'm nervous."

"Why?" I had to ask. We were seated on an uncomfortable bench in the Council anteroom.

"I haven't been before the council since the trial we had after the waterfalls. Before they sent me to Corellia." He took a deep breath, let it out and I could feel the anxiety seeping out of him, released. He knew so well how to deal with his fear. He'd be wonderful for Anakin who seemed so afraid, and so innocent at the same time.

"You're much more disciplined now. You're a Knight. You demand respect if nothing else. There's nothing to worry about from them." I wanted to touch him, reassure him, but his shields were closed off, sealed as tight as an airlock. I had no rights to fight them. It wasn't very welcoming. It was driving me insane with want. I wanted in, I wanted close, I wanted to touch him. Oh Force….

Knight Voli and his padawan Aben left the Council chambers, nodded to us, and we were beckoned inside by the council aide. I had a report by Ayswen- the status of our bond, which neither Bruck, nor I had read. Anakin was in a basic shielding class in the initiate wards.

"What brings you before us today?"

Bruck looked at me. I nodded. "When I returned to the Temple with Padawan Anakin we headed for the Healer's wards for his entrance exams, initial physicals and tests. On the way we ran into Knight Chun. Given the recent events Knight Chun and myself felt it might be good to catch up, and in his compassion he became a support. We were meditating together on the central tower roof when we started, or started the completion of a bond. We're not sure which. His master, Anatazi has suggested that it was a long-standing unfinished soul bond. Regardless, it's now there. Healer Ayswen wrote a status report." I handed it to Master Windu.

He thumbed through the information. "Unfinished, unstable soul bond. Recommend Temple stay, no other limitations. Recommended watch on Obi-Wan for residual psychic shock created by the sudden death of his master. Also a watch on the fledgling bond between Bruck Chun and Anakin Skywalker."

"Obi-Wan's padawan Anakin is."

"I wish to turn over Anakin to Bruck's apprenticeship."

"Reason for this is what?"

"Bruck and I shared a vision and agree that this is the best path for Anakin. Bruck struggled with anger and fear as a child- we all know this, and he has conquered it. Anakin is full of both as well."

"Talan always said that experience was always the best teacher. I can help Anakin see past his fears. I can keep him from walking the path that I did before you sent me away."

"Sent away you were not. Best for you it was to go, Knight Chun. Knight you are, at peace, not angry or fearful. Needed there you were. Best it was for you to be on Corellia. Learned what you needed, did you? Hmm? Yes. Save Anakin from his own destruction you can. Your padawan he will be."

I felt the most relaxing peace settle over my body. Everything would be okay.

The Council stopped to confer a moment. They all held a level of ability to converse telepathically. Depa spoke for them. "All three of you are restricted to the Temple grounds. You will submit to regular updates on all bonds. We request a report on Anakin's training every two months until we feel yearly would be sufficient."

"Yes Master."

"And, Knights-"

We both looked up. "Yes Masters?"

"Congratulations, and good fortune to you both in your bonding," Adi said, a smile turning up her lips.

"A formal ceremony, you should schedule. Good party we have not had in too long." Obi-Wan smiled. Yoda was full of surprises.

"May the Force be with you."

We bowed, left the chamber and Bruck slumped into the bench outside the chamber doors. I sat on my heels in front of him. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah. I'm just- surprised? They were watching all along, Obi. I wasn't just sent away- dismissed and discarded."

My heart turned in my chest. "I know. Has that always been up there?" I asked, a hand came up to thread into his mid-length white hair. "Nagging, making you wonder?"

He nodded, perfect white stands sliding against my hands. "Yeah."

"I'm sorry that you had to wonder that. And from now on you'll never have to wonder. I'll always want you. My bondmate."

"That might take some getting used to, Oafy."

I laughed, straightened his hair and stood. "Always the tease. Come on, Chun. We're making a scene, here."

Anakin returned to our quarters a half an hour after we had. We'd cleaned out Bruck's quarters- storing some things, packing some to move here. The crates lined the bedroom walls. Tomorrow we had several hours free to start packing a few things. I had sent several messages inquiring to any items of Qui-Gon's. I missed him, yes. I always would, but - I could feel him, lingering, smiling over my shoulder, one with the Living Force.

"I'm home!"

I looked up from the datapad I was composing. "Did you have a good time?"

"It was so easy! I didn't think it would be, but I figured it out right away. I got to help!"

I smiled. "That's great, Kid. Come have a seat with me." He rushed over, jumping up on the worn out couch, snuggling up. He was craving touches, I could see. He missed his mother- her hugs. I snuggled him. "I'm glad you're learning."

"Me too. I kinda wish Master Qui-Gon could see."

"He's watching you, Anakin. He's with the Force."

"Is this one of those things I'll understand later?"

I smiled. "That's it exactly." I helped him get his boots off. "So, Knight Chun and I had a meeting with the Council today."

"Uh huh," he was working the buckles on the left boot still.

"We discussed your training."

He looked up. "They didn't change their minds, did they?"

I shook my head. "No, they didn't. They did decide something else, though. I'm not going to be your master, Ani."

"What? Why not?"

"Because Knight Chun is going to. He can train you better than I can, and I'm not going to leave you. He's moving his things here. He and I are bonded."

"Like married?"

"I suppose that comparison would work, yes."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Yeah. I think that'd be okay."

I smiled, mussed his hair. "I'm glad you're okay with this. I know you didn't expect any of this."

"I didn't know what to expect. I think I'm gonna go write to Amidala."

I helped him off the couch. "Pass along my greetings, okay?"

He was already composing in his head, I knew. "Kay."

I walked into the bedroom that looked like a thermal detonator had gone off. "Wow, you're so organized."

"Oh, shut it, Kenobi. I know where everything is. It's hard packing and unpacking at the same time. I don't want to pack anything I shouldn't."

"Don't pack his terminal, junk, or books. How about clothing and linens for now, and later after the rest has been sifted through we'll add to it." I fingered through the numerous folds of Qui-Gon's tunics and chose one. "This I want to keep."

"You miss him?"

I nodded. "I wish I had had more time to say goodbye. It was so fast. It was several minutes after is injury before I could get to him." Bruck sat on the edge of the bed. "I know you said some of this has been classified, and so I won't pry, but... Qui-Gon was a legend. Legends don't just die."

"It was a vicious fight. There was nothing but a clashing of dark and light. We were separated- I was kicked to a lower platform and couldn't catch up. We were separated by the cycling of energy barriers outside the power reactor and he fought didn't back up when they fell- he tried to take the monster on alone. And it killed him, and I was just fifteen feet away, trapped behind the last barrier. I was almost killed too. He disarmed me, had me dangling over the pit. I got lucky. But only after did I get to Qui-Gon. He was wasting his breath- 'train Anakin, promise me.' No goodbyes before he was gone."

"I'm sorry that happened, Obi."

"Me too. And the really horrible thing is, I think he knew it was coming. The entire mission- I don't know. Maybe not." I wanted a touch- a hug, an anything. Bruck stayed still as a carbonized statue.

"I'm sorry, Obi-Wan."

I sighed, pressed my hands into my thighs and force myself to stand. "Me too." I picked up the cloak I had discarded while speaking. "I'm going to meditate in the gardens. I'll be home soon."

"All right."

Anakin poked his nose around the door frame, watching Bruck move through the packing crates, packing things in, around the items he was unpacking. "Knight Chun?"

He spun around. "Oh. Hello Anakin. Did you need something?"

"Well, I needed you to approve my message for Padme?"

"Sure thing, kiddo. You can write?"

"Sure. My mom taught me."

"Just making sure. I thought of it after you went off for your bath. Obi-Wan wasn't sure." He followed Anakin out into the main room and they sat at the table. He sat down, tucking his robes around him.

Hi Padme.

I wasn't sure if you'd want to talk to me, but Obi-Wan thought it might be good for me to write you. When I got here they reassigned me to another master. Knight Chun. He looks like Panaka- with fuzzy white hair. Okay, maybe not just like- he's probably much younger. He and Obi-Wan got married the other day. They're walking in a daze. Obi-Wan is still very sad about Master Qui-Gon, and Bruck just got here. He used to live on Corellia for a long time, I guess. I checked the star charts and its not too far from here, but its still in the Inner Rim. He might miss his master, too. Or his friends. They said it's a very different Temple there. Anyway- they're both sad, and gloomy. I kinda wish they would just smile.

I really miss my mom, and Kitster, and Threepio. I really don't miss Watto, though. They don't have a lot of droids and stuff to play with. I don't know if I'm going to like this, but the classes I go to are great fun. The kids are all younger. The Masters say its because I have to catch up.

How's Ric Olie? And Sabe? Tell her I said hello. Obi-Wan says to "pass on his greetings"

You can write me back if you want.
--Anakin

"Did you want to send it as a letter or comm?"

"She's pretty busy- I think it might be easier to just send the message."

"Okay. I'll fix your spelling mistakes, and we'll go down and send it off. Are Obi-Wan and I really walking around under a rain storm?"

"A rainstorm?"

"A gray gloomy cloud?"

"Yes. Obi-Wan needs a hug. He's sad about Master Qui-Gon, but he's more sad about you."

"About me?"

"Yeah. I dunno. That's what it feels like he's thinking."

Bruck shut his eyes. The boy was powerful, and it was easy to forget that as he sat in initiate classes with four-year-olds. "I'll talk to him. Let's go send this off." We headed downstairs to the comm center and after several minutes it was gone.

I was trying to meditate on something other than the pure perfection of Bruck's eyes when I heard a voice clear behind me. I didn't move, stayed stock-still, focusing on my body, and the Force.

"Obi-Wan." I shifted so he knew I was listening. "Are you all right?"

"Could you be so kind as cracking your shields just a little because it's driving me absolutely insane? I can't center myself." I felt my mind's desperation ease up, as little bits seemed to seep out and set fire to my senses.

"See? It's worse. That's why I stopped projecting."

I shook my head. "Bruck, it doesn't matter. It hurts when you shield; at least this sensory overload is pleasant. It's probably part of the bond. We can ask Ayswen tomorrow."

Bruck nodded. "Anakin sent off his letter. He passed along your greetings to the queen."

I nodded. "It feels incredibly strange. He's just… not there. Vacuum in my mind. It might be why my brain is literally gravitating towards you. Just so you know. So please, don't shut me out."

Bruck nodded. "Okay, Obi. I just didn't want to hurt you."

I nodded. "I know I'm being really-"

"Fragile. It's okay. We all have seasons. You just lost your master, and your best friend in one go. It's okay to grieve. And on top of that you get saddled with Anakin, and I. It's a wonder you haven't gone stark raving mad. We can work around you until you're ready to join the team. I can't read your mind, though, so you need to tell me what you need, all right?"

I finally turned to face my new mate, feeling very cared for, strangely loved. "All right."

He smiled. "Good. Okay, now can I ask a few questions- about Anakin?"

I nodded, folding my legs underneath me. Bruck sat down next to me as if he were going to join me in meditation. I had wondered when we'd get around to discussing the boy's more unique qualities. "Sure. Fire away."

"He handed me his letter, and mentioned that he missed mother, and a droid?"

"We need to pick up the workbench we ordered a few days ago. The quartermaster might have found one by now. Anakin has an amazing proclivity for machines. He likes to put them together. When we found them he was working in a junk shop for a Toydarian, I believe."

"Working? He's just a little boy. Seven or eight."

"He was a slave. His mother too. Qui-Gon literally won him in a bet. As I understand it he had built a droid for his mother to use around their house, as well as a podracer."

"Podracer?"

"Hmm."

"He didn't actually race it did he?"

"Won the race."

"Won?" I nodded. Was I missing something? "He's the little boy that beat Sebulba?"

"How do you know about that?"

Bruck laughed. "Are you kidding? I grew up on Corellia, more or less. They love all those sports, and have an unusual penchant for liquor and cards."

"Can I say I'm glad to have been here with Master Jinn?" I thought of the peace that permeated the Temple, thankful for it.

Bruck's face split with a smile. "Not a thrill seeker, eh?"

"Not like that. Though I've been told I'm reckless, and daring. Yoda has a way with these things. 'Too much like your master you are, thick-skinned, reckless, unyielding. Careful you must be!' I don't see myself like that, I guess, but Yoda might know better than I."

Bruck's eyebrows crunched together. "I'm honestly not sure. Perhaps your willfulness in front of the Council should be noted."

I paused- ready to protest, and then started to laugh. "Maybe you're right on that one. That I definitely learned from Qui-Gon."

Bruck smiled, helping me to my feet. "See, friend, he's still with you, no matter what. Come on, its cold out here."

TBC