Master Apprentice
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Chapter VII: Point Deception
It's been two months since I seen Obi-Wan last. And while I've managed to keep him updated on how Erion and I are doing, it just doesn't compensate for the loneliness I feel inside. And lately, my cravings have reflected this. Who would have guessed a Jedi Master like him to be one of the best omelet makers in all of Coruscant? I should quit talking about it now - just the thought of it makes my mouth water for one. Not only do I yearn for one of his omelets, but I also yearn for him. I crave him, every second of the day and night. I miss his company and our late-night talks. I crave the taste of his flesh against my tongue, and innocent touches upon my body. It makes me hard just thinking about it. I miss him very much.
Obi-Wan will happy when I tell him in my next message that everything is running perfectly smooth. Erion has been quite active lately, and if my ribs could talk, they would surely voice their discomfort. But it's just another surefire way of me knowing that nothing is wrong and he's getting stronger. I've been talking to him often. And singing. I laugh every time I try to guess what he thinks of my singing voice. I wish you were here to enjoy this with me, Obi. But you are not. Your busy protecting that evil Sith-spawned woman. It's all her fault I'm suffering, we're suffering. I feel as though something isn't right here. All of this isn't piecing together like it should, as if the pieces of this puzzle are so jagged that it is impossible to even try and solve it.
Please, Obi...come back to me soon.
Anakin had returned to his bed, feeling too sad and broken to even face the day on two feet. His bouts of crying had all but drained him, and made his muscles ache. Lately, he had been seeing Yvonne quite often, even if it was just for her wonderful support and company. She would often times try to motivate him into getting out of bed, saying that she would take a nice long walk with him. And while it worked a few times, Yvonne could tell just by looking at Anakin's pained and broken eyes that the young man was slipping deeper into his loneliness. It pained her to look at him, and feel the pain - his pain, Erion's pain - from Obi-Wan's lengthy absence. He had been gone for far too long; Yvonne had estimated a total of sixty days and counting since Obi-Wan had left. It had clearly, and deeply, taken its toll on Anakin. And the worried Healer Yvonne could only hope, and pray - for both Anakin's sake as well as his baby's - that nothing bad had happened to Obi-Wan.
Yvonne allowed herself in to their quarters; she had been given the right to do so by Anakin himself; and found her way into Anakin's all but disheveled room. Tunics and robes, boots and other items lay scattered everywhere. Toolboxes were knocked over, tools scattered about. His little mechanical crafts were all broken, the pieces were everywhere. Yvonne couldn't believe the site. It was worse than she thought, and seemed to happen so fast. He had slipped quickly in the days since she last visited him. Yvonne swallowed hard and carefully made her way toward Anakin's bed. He looked to be awake from what she could tell, shirtless, with a pillow supporting his pregnant stomach. Blankets were wrapped around his legs, bed covers lay messed and wrinkled beneath his weight. Yvonne rested her hand on Anakin's shoulder, breathed the stank smell of his unwashed body, and leaned in close.
"Anakin... Oh...Ani. You poor thing. I...had no idea-"
"That I was so bad off." Anakin finished in a shattered voice, hugging his pillow.
"Come here Anakin. Please, let me hold you." Yvonne held her arms out in invitation. Anakin entered them without a second thought, and burst into tears.
"I can't stand it anymore - I miss him, and he's been gone for far too long Yvonne. It...it hurts; I don't know how much more I can take."
With Anakin's tears falling on her shoulder, Yvonne gently rocked the upset teenager back and forth in her arms. His words, his pain, had cut her deeply and after witnessing that poor Anakin was in so much pain, she now wished to have never answered the door those two months ago. But she did not blame herself, even though she seriously wanted to. She had been around this merry-go-round known as life long enough to know that life and its events were just as uncertain as the future. And the only way to cope with the uncertainty was to deal with it, to roll with the punches.
"I know you miss him, Ani. I know having to wait for him hurts. Believe me, I've been in your shoes before. I know what your going through. But it's important that you continue to live your life and grow with its many changes. You cannot stop living, doing the things you enjoy. You have formed a symbioses with your son, Anakin - how you feel...that's how he will feel. Please Ani, don't let yourself fall deeper into this."
"It's all her fault. She's the reason I'm like this. It's all her fucking fault!" Anakin lashed out in a fit of tears.
"Who Anakin? Whose fault?"
"Padme, that promiscuous cunt of a senator from Naboo. It's all her fault. Ever since she came here with the claim that someone was after her, she's been out to cause me pain - always trying to win me over. That bitch. She thinks I'm still a child, still that same little boy she met on Tatooine. She thinks I'm so innocently stupid - I know this whole assassin story is nothing but contrived bullshit. Her life is boring so she tries to make it interesting by making this whole thing up. Damn her, that bitch."
"How can you be so sure, Anakin? You never know, somebody might actually be after her."
An angry aura filled Anakin's eyes. "My gut instinct tells me so. Me and Obi-Wan were happy before she came here. I had no desire to see her - and the only reason I want to now is so I can kill her; leave me and Obi-Wan alone, leave me and Erion alone."
Yvonne could detect the bitter hatred for Padme in Anakin's voice. This was a side of him she hadn't seen before - a darker, more angry side. Her heart quickened for a moment. This would come to pass in time. "Please don't talk that way Ani. Your just making yourself worse. What you need is some fresh air young man. It's a gorgeous day out, and it would be good for the little Jedi. He needs his dose of sunshine too." she managed to smile upon rubbing the side of his stomach.
Anakin groaned for a moment before sitting up on his bed, next to Yvonne. He had just started to slump over until the wise woman quickly corrected his posture. He looked at her for a minute, and felt his lips curve into a much-needed smile of amusement. "Ok, you talked me into it. Besides, I could use a good walk... but, what about..." Anakin fell silent, his finger gesturing to the rounded bulge. Yvonne just giggled. "Oh, don't be silly Anakin. You should enjoy your pregnancy, not try and hide it. Besides, you shouldn't feel so embarrassed, living in such a diverse planet like Coruscant. Nobody will notice you hon."
With that, Anakin headed for the shower.
Qui-Gon always told me how much patience I had when I was his Padawan. Do forgive me, Master, but I am anything but patient right now. Probably because everything has been going wrong down here since day one. We were lucky enough to land in some disgusting mud pool, at which point Padme nearly died because she got her clothes dirty. Such a trivial concern for such a strong woman like her. Then she scolded me for not helping her. Then, a few weeks later, I wake up one morning to find that our ship has been destroyed - someone must have had a lot of thermal detonators on them. The whole thing seemed suspicious, considering this planet is strictly pacifist.
I miss Anakin terribly. Though, I often find comfort in the holo messages he sends me every couple of weeks. At least he's all right. I should be getting another message from him today as a matter of fact. Good. Maybe hearing his voice again will take my mind off of this damned debacle I'm in. I can only hope I get out of here soon - Anakin is going to give birth soon and if I miss it because of something like being stranded, I'll never be able to forgive myself, ever. Oh Ani...please, hang on.
A nice, long walk was just the thing Anakin needed. He returned, with Yvonne, feeling a bit better and refreshed. He naturally had to stop often due to his never ending back aches and sore ankles. But other than his achy back and ankles, he felt surprisingly good for being a little on the rotund side. After they returned from their lengthy walk, Yvonne took Anakin to the Infirmary to give him a quick look-over. And so, here he laid, in this all-too-familiar position, the brilliant image of his baby being displayed in front of him in perfect clarity. His little one looked as though he was sucking his thumb. It brought a bittersweet smile to Anakin's face. He wanted Obi- Wan here with him, watching and enjoying this moment with him. Anakin swallowed hard. Another fever of tears burned in his eyes.
"Aww, Anakin. Sweety...I know. You miss him, don't you?" Yvonne asked while moving the transducer around his belly.
Anakin could only manage to nod and try to wipe the tears from his eyes. His body grew hot with the augmentation of his tears and pain - he nearly thought he'd rip in two at any given moment. At least then he would no longer suffer through this hell. "Yvonne...I'd like you to do me a favor." he asked.
"Anything dear." she replied.
"Call an emergency meeting with the Council. I must speak with them."
Yvonne headed for the comm terminal at her desk. "Do forgive me for interrupting Master Windu but, Padawan Skywalker needs to talk to you - or anyone else from the Council - immediately. He says it's urgent."
"Is he all right, healer?"
"Yes, perfectly. In fact, I was just examining him; everything is fine. It concerns the mission you gave to Master Kenobi two months ago."
There was a brief, disturbing silence for a few seconds. "I beg your pardon? What mission?" Mace questioned.
"The mission of protecting Senator Amidala of Naboo of course. Master Kenobi was to escort her to Ralkesh and was required to go into hiding."
Another few seconds of disturbing and eerie silence. Yvonne put her hand on her heart for it began to quicken with concern. "Master Windu?"
"Yes, I'm here. The Council never gave Master Kenobi such a mission."
The healer felt her mouth drop wide open. "Your certain, Master Windu? The young lady did seem rather distraught when she came to Master Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker's room."
"She is not authorized to enter the Dormitory Hall. Only students and their Masters, and healers, are allowed there."
"So utterly strange, Master. What are we going to do?"
"Clearly, this is an act of deception committed by the senator. She may very well be prosecuted for such an act. Healer Yvonne, listen to me carefully. Padawan Skywalker is growing more fragile, you must keep him safe until Master Obi-Wan returns. A fellow member of the Council will accompany me to Ralkesh. We'll contact you as soon as we've landed. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master. And please, hurry...Padawan Skywalker, he...needs Master Kenobi."
"The Council feels his pain. He has been in it much since Master Kenobi departed for this so-called mission. Healer, tell the Padawan that his Master will return soon. It is important that he is not put through too much stress."
Yvonne glanced over at Anakin lying down on the exam table. "I will Master. May the Force be with you."
"As with you, Yvonne. And Padawan Skywalker."
Yvonne returned to Anakin's side, with a concerned and worried look in her green eyes. She was careful in cleaning the gel from Anakin's belly, and helped him into a comfortable sitting position. He pulled his shirt down and adjusted it. "So what's going on Yvonne?" he questioned, hands on his knees.
"Well Anakin...it seems that Master Obi-Wan was never given a mission to Ralkesh. It seems as though Padme had an ulterior motive..."
Anakin lurched forward in an angry rage- Yvonne caught him before he was able to jump off the exam table in a fit of unbottled anger. She laid him down on the exam table and encouraged him to relax. "Easy there, Anakin. Easy. You must be calm."
Anakin closed his eye. Counted backwards as he breathed his anger away. Deep, slow, calming breaths. It was all he could do to keep from losing himself in the madness. "Ok. I'm...sorry. I'm good now. So what is the Council going to do about this?"
The taciturn healer brushed her hand against Anakin's forehead soothingly. "Master Windu and a fellow Council member are going to Ralkesh as we speak. He advised me to keep you safe until Obi-Wan comes back. Mace will get in contact with us as soon as he lands; don't you worry about a thing Anakin. Obi-Wan will be back before you know it and everything will be all right."
Later, that afternoon, as Anakin was taking a nap on the couch in the common room, Yvonne was startled by the sudden noise of a blinking red light flickering at Obi-Wan's desk. Coming from the small holo-projector. Yvonne quietly made her way to Kenobi's desk and turned the projector on. She began to listen intently, and with interest.
"Healer Yvonne, this is Mace Windu. Master Tiin and I have landed safely on Ralkesh. I can sense Master Kenobi near. This will not take long; we should return by evening."
Her eyes seemed to light up with a sudden burst of hope and relief - Mace and Master Tiin had arrived on Ralkesh safely, and Obi-Wan would be returning soon. She smiled. "Thank goodness Master Windu. Please, hurry. Anakin has grown restless and has started to complain about abdominal pains. He's taking a nap at the moment. I should be examining him shortly."
The faded blue, lucent image of the Jedi Master twisted and faded out for a minute. Static. Must have been a bad connection...or something was wrong. But Yvonne's fears were quickly eased when Mace's frame returned. "We can feel Master Obi-Wan's presence. He is quite near. But, I sense he is troubled. Over his Padawan. Healer, do all in your power to keep the boy at ease until we return with his Master. Mace, out."
Yvonne turned off the holo-projector and hurried back to an awakened and pained Anakin Skywalker lying on the couch, curled up into a tight ball. Painful, tortured groaning, deep and labored breathing; Anakin could do nothing but lie there, rendered defenseless, and bite down on his lower lip, the sleeve of his tunic, the nearby pillow. Anything to dull the unseen pain apparently running through him. The healer rushed to his side, knelt, and began to try and soothe the suffering young man. "Something hurts." he choked, voice drowned out by the couch cushions. Yvonne stroked his forehead tenderly. "Ani. Ani, what hurts? Where is this pain your feeling?" Yvonne asked. Anakin pointed to the side of his belly, just a few inches below his rib cage. "There. Sharp." he replied. It was a good thing she had came prepared; Yvonne prepared an ultrasound.
Anakin suddenly yelped at the top of his lungs. "Relax. Just relax Ani. Everything is all right; it's okay." said the healer soothingly as she squeezed Anakin's hand.
"Wh...What's going on?" Anakin asked as another surge of pain cut through his body.
"I think I found the problem. Anakin, put your hand here and gently rub at it. Don't forget to breathe. I think you just have a little knot in this muscle group here... That's it Ani. Your doing fine. Keep it up - it's almost gone. Take one more deep breath for me and - there, that's it. How do you feel now?"
Yvonne's gentle smile brought one to Anakin's face. He sighed heavily and closed his eyes. Peace and calm had returned to his facial features. "Ah. I feel better now. Much better. You know it's a good thing you're here, otherwise I don't know what I would have done. I got scared there for a moment." Anakin sat up and held his belly.
The healer took a seat next to Anakin and gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "It's quite alright my dear. You will be surprised to know that the type of pain you had experienced is in fact quite common and is often times mistaken for something we call premature labor - before I committed myself to serving the Jedi and I worked at the local hospital, I don't know how many women came to me screaming that they were in labor and were really quite surprised when I told them it was something like indigestion or something like that. But, keep in mind Anakin, this is a natural concern for any first-timer."
The weight seemed to gradually slide off of Anakin's shoulders. He was far more comfortable now that he knew just what exactly was going on and shifted into a more comfortable, slumped, position on the couch. "I could imagine how that must have looked. Probably hysterical. Let's hope I don't come to that. But...how will I know it's time if I'm not exactly 'equipped' for this?" Anakin turned bright red, embarrassed, and feeling like he shouldn't be asking a question like that. Yvonne shot him a sideways glance and stroked his cheek. "Oh, trust me darling...you'll know it when you feel it. I don't mean to scare you but, it is a feeling unlike any other. How about I tell you more funny stories about me and my adventures over dinner?"
Anakin perked up instantly. "Sure, ok!"
A million city lights twinkled across the planet-wide metropolis that was Coruscant as night successfully dropped the curtain on the day of past. Anakin stood outside, on the balcony, simply watching, and counting, the seemingly endless array of lights both above and below him. The stars above were shining especially bright tonight. And the moon had an especially lucid tone to it as it hung there in the clear sky. Anakin closed his eyes, breathed the cool, crisp air. Despite being some seven months pregnant with a healthy child, Anakin still couldn't help but feel empty and alone, the spot next to him vacant. It was coming around again, that heartache, as the faucet that was his mind began to drip droplets of memories into his conscious pool. He and Obi-Wan had spent many a night out here on the terrace, simply standing and existing, and holding each other close to ward off the brief gusts of wind common for an elevation of this height. They would talk, occasionally. But, most of the time, they found the gesture of kissing to be the best form of communication. They would simply drift there, like leaves on water, and exist as one.
Anakin tilted his head up towards the sky, his Padawan braid danced in the soft breeze. Tears burned in his eyes, the only warmth in his body beside that of his son's existence. "Master... if only you could feel how much I miss you. I..." His head tilted down, chin tucked tightly against the base of his neck. "I miss you...so much. Without you, I'm nothing. Stagnate. Just...pitifully existing." The tears seemed to fall right on cue, dripping down his face and blurring out his vision to a watery smudge. His back was starting to hurt again, and now his sides were. It was as if the pain of Obi- Wan's absence was literally causing him to feel its wrath. Feeling ashamed of this gut-wrenching, uncontrollable pain, Anakin took to sitting in a balled-up position in the corner, away from the door, away from the watchful eyes of his healer. He would let his pain, and Padme's curse, kill him and eat him from the inside out. He had grown tired of running.
The Padawan wasn't sure how long he had been sitting like this, and crying until his eyes were all but dry and sore, but it had started to finally take its toll on him physically. His sides and back hurt, his eyes and temples hurt, and a feeling of being sapped of all energy lingered throughout his body. But he continued to sit there in the corner, letting his pain claim its pound of flesh. He could only hope that he went before his son, who still had a chance at living when it was clear to Anakin that he had no such life to live for anymore. And from somewhere between time and space itself came a dark shadow. The Reaper. Its imposing shadow twisted and turned into the nightmare he wanted to embrace. The shadow came to raise its deadly scythe over its head. A melancholy smile tore across Anakin's face. It was time for him to go.
Skywalker opened his eyes in alarm. His pulse was racing, trying to keep up with his rapid breathing. He had been having a nightmare. And, there he was, to the frightened Padawan's surprise, kneeling directly in front of him, Obi-Wan. Sweet, beautiful Obi-Wan. Looking him square in the eyes with his blue orbs of calmness and security. He had a solid, composed look on his face, and as Anakin came to find out soon after, his tunics were cool; had he been secretly spying all along, in the shadows? Anakin could only wonder as he felt the warmth of his partner's body next to him. It doesn't matter... "Master. Obi-Wan... Gods, Obi-Wan, is that you? Or am I dreaming again?" Anakin said aloud, thinking he would come to wake up from this dream too-good-to-be true. Everything else had gone wrong, why should this be any different? Anakin was expecting Obi-Wan to fade away like the phantom he was any minute now and he would come to find himself embracing the floor in embarrassment.
But, nothing of the sort befell the delirious Padawan Learner; he was still here, still in the corner, still in the place he wanted to be, and with the one he wanted to be with. Anakin never thought he'd feel anything so good and comforting like Obi-Wan again. Anakin snuggled against his lover's cloaked shoulder and smelled it. Dirty, but with a hint of a freshly cleaned transport interior. Regardless, it still smelled like he was home, and safe. "Master..." whispered the Padawan, looking Kenobi in the eyes. "Welcome home..." They were quick to exchange a few smiles before embracing each other once more. And kiss, with the beautiful backdrop of Coruscant night against them. They were one again, and simply existing.
"Ani...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I hurt you." The Master's apology came quick and breathless. The tone of his voice, borderline hysterical filled with a need to be forgiven. Obi-Wan's hand cradled the back of Anakin's neck and just drifted there, trying to familiarize itself with the smooth texture of his skin and soft hair. Gently, he took Anakin's braid between his thumb and index finger, traced the digits over each small knot that formed the seal of apprenticeship until coming to the end of it where it branched out in a loose, small tail of rich brownish-blonde hair. Obi-Wan smelled the clean scent of his lover's hair for a moment, trying to suffocate the nightmare he had just arrived from. He cupped Anakin's cheek in his hand - how soft and defined it felt against his fingertips. Deeply, ardently, the Master quenched Anakin's lips and mouth with his own, and immediately remembered his all-too-familiar taste. In that instant, Obi-Wan realized he now, truly, home.
"Don't worry about that. It wasn't your fault Obi-Wan. None of this was your fault. I'm just glad your back; I've missed you like you wouldn't believe." Anakin hushed his Master with a slip of the tongue...into his mouth, his craving for Obi-Wan's touch and taste of his flesh running at a fever pitch; his loins burned and throbbed with need, a need that could no longer be restrained by the bounds of self-control and discipline. Taken aback by the sudden surge of sexual tension, Anakin tilted his head back against the wall and tried with all his power to vanquish the inappropriate thoughts and visualizations running ever so rampant through his mind. But the more he tried to suppress the images, the stronger they grew; and the stronger they grew, the more he felt that aching need, that urge, strain between his legs.
Obi-Wan was on his knees now, and inching closer until the expanded girth of his lover's belly kept him from going any further. The Master could feel him now, trembling beneath him. He could feel his body heat resonate through the collar of his robe. How right he felt pressed dangerously close against his apprentice. It nearly smothered him like no other thing he had ever experienced. His hands came to lock with Anakin's on the concrete floor. Simple, pleasant existence.
A victim of circumstance, Yvonne was lucky enough to catch them heavily occupied with one another at the moment and nearly blushed at the awkward sight. An assorted array of tunics and robes were scattered on the floor and Master and Apprentice, unknowing of Yvonne's presence, passionately made out with each other in the dark corner with their half naked bodies pressed against each other. "Ahem." she cleared her throat. The sound caught Anakin and Obi-Wan's attention. They were both as red as a pair of ripe tomatoes, and made a mad dash for anything they could get their hands on. Anakin laughed nervously and scratched at his head, knowing very well that he could, and wanted to, jump from here and end his embarrassment. "Well, I'm glad I caught you two when I did otherwise you boys would have gotten a cold." joked the healer as she opened the door. Obi-Wan, having gathered his clothes, took Anakin by the hand and led him inside, where they then took a seat on the couch and finished putting their robes on.
Anakin tried to hide the obvious tepee between his legs by shrouding it with his hands. He was still very hard and to the point of pain. He snatched Obi-Wan's cloak from the back of the couch and draped it over his waist in a casual, unsuspicious manner. It would have to do, for now. But his manhood thought differently. It wanted to be straddled now, at this very moment, the pain of waiting gnawing at the teen's remaining shreds of self-discipline. He clenched his teeth together, afraid to move his legs for fear he might come.. He had to think of a plan, and fast. "Obi...I'm...kinda hurting here..." he whispered against Kenobi's ear. His eyes signaled to the concealed, yet still obvious bulge. Obi-Wan averted his eyes in the same direction."Oh! I see. Yes, clearly. Don't worry love." Obi-Wan replied, grinning. "Excuse me for a minute Yvonne but, Anakin here has briefly lost the feeling in his legs. I'm going to carry him into his room so he can rest for a little while."
Yvonne chuckled as she sipped at a cup of tea. "Go on, you two. It's best I leave anyway - I was merely staying here until you returned, Master Kenobi. I think it's time you two had a little privacy."
Obi-Wan had just cradled Anakin in his arms and was preparing to stand. "Okay. Thanks. Yvonne, I know now is an awkward time for this but...thank you for watching over Anakin. It means a lot to me. Thank you. If there's anything I can do to repay you, please let me know - I'll do anything you ask."
The healer was at the door, getting ready to see herself out. With her back to Obi-Wan, she turned her head to give him a sideways glance and smile. "Your quite welcome Master Kenobi. It was my pleasure. Oh, that's quite all right Master Obi-Wan; I was merely doing this out of the kindness of my heart. No reward is necessary - seeing you two together again is rewarding enough for me. Have a good night."
"You too."
Obi-Wan's arms grew heavy with Anakin's weight as he stood with the teenager in his arms, cradling him like the baby he would soon have. Closely tucked against his chest. Anakin traced one finger over Obi- Wan's bearded cheek and smiled rather seductively. "Now, let's get the feeling in your legs back..." Obi-Wan carried Anakin into his room, dimmed the light, closed the door, and picked up where their tryst on the balcony had left off.
Master and Apprentice were called to the Council Chambers the next morning. Master Yoda had specifically requested their presence, saying that they had many important things to discuss. Anakin, still trying to get used to his growing belly, felt rather uneasy and embarrassed about the way he looked. Surely, when they arrived, the Council members would immediately start to stare at him. It was no secret to anybody now - he was extremely pregnant and felt as big and clumsy as he looked. And the fact that he had some larger, dark brown cloaks made him feel only marginally better about himself. He couldn't stop looking at himself in the mirror, and at that rotund stomach in particular. And it looked no better to him from the side; in some instances, he thought it to be worse. One swelled and heavy bulge of the flesh. He noticed his navel - which had naturally been an innie - was now an outie. Anakin sighed if he was disgusted by his appearance.
It was almost a given that people were going to ask him why he was a little on the big side, and the bad part would be trying to explain it. Then would come the laughter and the wisecracks. And his baby would hear every bit of it, every evil word of it. Just the thought of hearing people talk behind his back made Anakin tear up. He was disgusted at his belly and the way it looked, which meant he was disgusted about the baby inside of him, causing his stomach to look the way it did. The tears began to fall. How could he think so harshly of his own child? His baby had done nothing to him, and here he was saying he felt disgusting. Just then, as he started to cry heavily, he felt Obi-Wan's presence in the room.
"Master..." he said between sobs. "Do you think I'm disgusting? Tell me honestly."
Obi-Wan approached his lover and embraced him from behind, making sure his hands were holding Anakin's stomach. "Stars, no. Anakin, what makes you think that I would think you look disgusting? Hm?"
Anakin slumped forward, his back now hunched over. "Your only saying that to make me feel better; take a good look at me and tell me that I'm not repulsive."
Obi-Wan turned Anakin to face the mirror and looked over his shoulder. A moment of heavy examination. "Anakin Skywalker, I do not think you look even remotely repulsive - what kind of talk is that love? What's wrong?"
"I guess I'm just afraid of what the other Padawans will say about me - the fact that I'm pregnant, and seven months at that, is completely obvious to anybody now. This cloak only mildly softens the inevitable criticism I'll get." The apprentice tugged at the fine and soft dark brown article of clothing.
Obi-Wan met his apprentice at his side, placing an arm around him. "Anakin. Okay, think of it this way. You've been blessed with the honor of experiencing something - that something being this pregnancy - they could only dream of. Anakin, come here for a minute..."
A lecture on reflection, the same one Obi-Wan had taught his apprentice some months ago. "Now, concentrate. What do you see in front of you?" Obi-Wan asked.
Anakin took a long, good look at himself. "Me...I see me." he dead panned. He wasn't in the mood for another lecture.
"Remember what I taught you, Padawan - look beyond the facade. Look inside yourself. Try again."
Anakin tried again. "I see somebody whose loyal, determined, and compassionate. Someone who cares, wants to impress, a competitor. I see a person who can be very loving, but a little depressed and angry at himself, and others, too."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Good, Padawan. What else do you see? Don't be shy Anakin; open yourself to me."
"I...suppose - no, I'm positive - I see inner beauty and strength in myself as well."
"Yes! That's it Anakin. You see yourself for who you are in the inside. And as long as you can see that, that's all that matters, Padawan. You are not obligated to please others, young one. There's no need for you to be ashamed of what is inside here," Obi-Wan placed both his hand and Anakin's on the teen's stomach. "Embrace this life, Anakin. This life inside of you, do not feel disgusted or ashamed by it. You cannot stop the change, Padawan. You can only embrace it for what it is and will become, and adjust. Do you understand, my young Padawan?"
"I understand....Master." A look of newly-found confidence made Anakin's face aglow. Obi-Wan shared his expression, while patting him on the shoulder warmly. "Excellent. Now, we are ready to face the Council, and your fellow Padawans."
"Master Kenobi, Padawan Skywalker, welcome you both the Council does."
The Master/Padawan pair bowed in such a way that they appeared to be linked, and moving in exact time with each other.
Master Windu stood up to address the pair before him. "Master Kenobi, it is unfortunate that you were deceived by the senator in such a way that it caused your Padawan harm. Since it is not in our mandate, the senator's punishment is being overseen by Chancellor Palpatine. But we must be mindful...I sense a disturbance in the Force."
"Yes Master. I have felt it as well. It grows strong, and concentrated. Master Windu, if I may, what is to become of the on- going investigation of and search for Senator Amidala's assassin?"
Master Windu seated himself, his hand gesturing towards Master Yoda.
"A hoax, that bounty hunter was."
"A hoax? You mean, this bounty hunter named Zan does not exist? But...the Archives..."
"Fooled us, another has. More than one, there is. Master Kenobi, decided the Council has, to cease this investigation. Resume it we will, after Padawan Skywalker has given birth. Need you, he does. Padawan Skywalker, come forth."
Anakin watched as the tiny, green Jedi Master reached out and touched his stomach and closed his eyes as if searching, trying to connect with the life inside of the apprentice. "Stronger the child becomes. Proud you and Master Kenobi should be. How feel you, Padawan?"
"Anxious, Master. But content."
"Be not anxious, young Padawan. Natural it is. Conquer it you must. Content, you say? Hm, yes...that I feel in you. Glad to have Master Kenobi back, you are."
Anakin rejoined his Master and couldn't help but smile at him. "Quite, Master Yoda."
"Good to hear, this is. Stronger your bond has become. Master Obi- Wan, free from all missions - trivial or otherwise - you are. Continue to protect your child and Padawan you must. May the Force be with you both."
"As with you, Master Yoda, and fellow members of the Council. Thank you for your time. Come, Padawan."
"Young Skywalker...he is getting closer. Soon, his child will be born. I count the days... Until then, my servant, we shall continue to wait in the wings and wait...wait for the time to strike... Yes...soon it will come together..."
Laughter could be heard some seconds later, filling the dark room.
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